“For the word of God is living and active and full of power. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person] and both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
I have always loved this scripture, and took great comfort in the knowledge that the medical world is still unable to find the dividing line between one’s bone and bone marrow. Yet, nothing is hidden from the eyes of our great Creator. When He sees us, He does not turn away but has purposed to LOVE us. It’s hard to take in.
A historical misnomer:
Palestinians have suggested for years now that Jesus was a Palestinian but it is incorrect. Jesus was born in Judea and was identified as a Jew. Indeed, the cross upon which He was crucified was inscribed with INRI – Lesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm – which means, Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews. Anti-Israel propaganda is deadly, and getting more so with each passing day. See above.
Warfare:
Israel World News reports: Sunday night a 26 year old from East Jerusalem sprayed 7 Israelis with bullets. The injured were at a bus s top, in a car and on a bus near the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. Souls lay between life and death on life support as a result of the deadly fruit of hatred.
“Let all those who wish us evil know that they will pay a price for any harming of civilians,” Prime Minister Yair Lapid said shortly after the attack.
In a statement, the Gaza-based terror group Hamas praised Sidawi’s attack on unarmed Jewish civilians, calling his actions “heroic” and an “appropriate response to the crimes of the occupation in Gaza and Nablus.”
Anti-Semitism will not end until Messiah-Yeshua comes. This is the fruit of a media war, being waged against Jews globally on every front. Some say we will see another Holocaust. “If people knew what was coming the altars would be filled.” Barry Wunsch August 2022.
What is a Remnant?
– a part or quantity that is left after the greater part has been used, removed, or destroyed.
- a small minority of people who will remain faithful to God and so be saved (alluding to biblical prophecies concerning Israel).
“After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and will restore it, so that the rest of mankind may see the LORD, and all the Gentiles upon whom My Name has been invoked [Christians] says the LORD, Who has been making the things known from long ago.”
Acts 15:16-18, Isaiah 45:21, Jeremiah 12:15, Amos 9:11,12.
Sadly, today, most churches only use the Bible to teach moral lessons, seldom teaching about Christianity’s roots or the value of the modern nation of Israel today. Most Christians are not taught WHY it is vital that the church stand with the people of Israel. When was the last time your church prayed for the Jews AND Palestinian peoples together? When was the last time they took an offering for someone in modern Israel or Palestine? When Israelis and Palestinians worship together heaven comes down in waves of glory. Our God is at work!
A Boy and His Dog by Meridel Rawlings
I wrote the following story for my family and we decided to share it with you:
There is nothing typical about Israel. Trouble sits in the atmosphere on stifling hot summer days, when not a leaf moves. On one such day, my two pedigree American bulldogs, mother and pup died in surgery. Excuses don’t fly, especially with emotional loss. Dark revenge filled my exhausted mind and heart, taking me down. I sucked in more nicotine but nothing soothed.
Amir, a good buddy of mine called a couple of weeks later. He is a chef, working in a major Jerusalem hotel. “Dan,” he was excited, “I heard two Arabs talking in the kitchen. A prize fighter Pit Bull is going to be put down. He’s a champ.”
“No man, not interested in that scene; can’t think of anything worse and it’s just 6 miles away. What kind of people bet on dogs fighting to the death? Disgusting! Just like the other filth that comes out of Ramallah in the P.A. … why should I care?“Well, you like Pit-Bulls, and this boy needs a home.”
“But, he has been a killer, no way?”
“Think about it pal, take your time.” His voice registered surprise.
Hot monotonous days wore on. My family was out of the land. Israel had a skirmish with our difficult neighbors, which in the heat of summer is not unusual. Everything compounded, and I felt terribly alone. It was harder without my dogs to feed, groom and walk. My thoughts turned back to Amir’s challenging offer, yet I held back. I called my Mom. “What do you think about my getting a Pit Bull?”
She surprised me, “Go for it Dan, he will bring you joy.” She was so encouraging.
I pondered, unsure. Would I dare to save an animal from man’s cruelty? The little voice spoke right up, “You can do that!”.
I found I was grinning, and said aloud to no one, “Yes I can!”
I picked up the phone and gave Amir the go-ahead. He made arrangements. Later I discovered, he anticipated my decision but knew I wouldn’t pay the price. Weeks ago he put down half the cost of the dog to keep him alive until I ‘got with it’.
We couldn’t tell anyone what we were up to. On a Friday afternoon we drove on back roads towards the Palestinian Authority. I knew we were taking a chance. First I had to dig into my savings. I tucked the shekels carefully into the front pocket of my genes. As if that wasn’t enough, even being out here like this was nuts. Common sense left me at this moment and I began to second guess. “Don’t worry”. Amir read my thoughts. “These guys are okay, I work with them 6 days a week.”
I said nothing as we rattled on deeper into the sun-scorched dusty landscape. Abruptly, he pulled over to the side of the dirt trail and turned off the engine. He jumped out, and lifted the hood, explaining “It looks like we have engine trouble inches Security shows up.” The tension was palpable, the silence, nerve wracking.
We waited in silence.
Twenty minutes later we heard it before we saw it. A battered pick up came into view. The piece of junk, missing front fenders, slowly approached, pulling to an abrupt stop twenty meters ahead. Two men got out. One released a large golden Pit Bull from its chains. It strained on the leash. The tawny creature had a beautiful muscled body, but my attention was drawn to his large head, wide smiling mouth, long tongue and sharp teeth.
Cautiously, we began to approach. The hair stood up on the back of my neck. Fear made me shiver and snickered, “Fool, so … you love animals.”
Listening, I was tempted to believe I was heading for trouble with a capital T.
In spite of the wrestling match going on in my head, I had to fight in order to proceed. Suddenly, without thinking, I knelt down in the powdery dust, opening my arms wide. Surprised, the men and dog came to an abrupt standstill. The handler unclipped the leash, releasing the animal.
This is a killer Pit … the words roared into my mind. “Get a grip man! Get up and get out NOW while you still can!
Again, I had to fight the war in my head, to remain kneeling in the dirt.
“He’s a great dog, Dan.” Amir ’s reassuring voice spoke into the terror from his safe place several meters behind me.
The Pit came bounding towards me, whimpering and wiggling all over. He crashed into my chest. His enormous pink tongue covered my face, neck and arms with sloppy wet licks. “Well, hello to you too buddy.” I said, rubbing his strong neck.
Immediately I noticed the many scars that covered his face. I too carried scars and knew in that instant, we would understand each other!
The handlers approached, grinning. I extended the envelope with the money.
One of the men quickly ripped it open, counting the cash.
“What does he eat?” I asked in Hebrew.
“Pita.”
“Where does he sleep?”
“He lived in a cage in a cement compound.”
“What is his name?”
“Joy!”
“What?” Incredulity edged my voice.
“Joy!”
“Yes, he is a very loyal animal, I don’t have the heart to put him down.”
”Thanks!” I said, looking up into his smiling face. “Shalom.”
“Shalom.” He nodded and quickly retreated back to the pick up.
No sooner had I opened our car door and “Joy” leapt in. His body language said, Come on, let’s get going!
You have just met my most faithful and loyal dog who thrived for years on the love of our extended family. I renamed him Jojo more in keeping with his massive physique. Jojo was the most gentle and loving creature I have ever had the privilege of caring for. He was so buff. When we walked, local dogs were afraid and instantly went into attack mode. We learned immediately to always walk on the other side of the trail or road. He hurt no one. My infant son grew up with Jojo. He lovingly put his tiny hands into that cavernous mouth feeding him treats or holding up a cup of water. When Jojo was ailing in his bed, my son crawled in and stretched out on top of him. His hugs and kisses were generous. The truth is, Jojo was a gift to us all and leaves a great empty place.
Author’s Note: Jojo was the most loving creature ever to enter our home. It was our privilege to enjoy him for too few years. We felt that he appreciated the fact that he had been ‘saved’. Some say our pets go to heaven. I sure hope so. Scripture gives us these comforting words.
“And not a creature exists that is concealed from his sight … but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account.”
Hebrews 4:13
“Are not two little sparrows sold for a copper coin? And yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”
Matthew 10:29
I always look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings from,