Latest Posts

Still Small Voice – Passover 5782/April 2022

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom Hag Samach: 

This salutation is how we greet everyone in our local supermarkets, on the streets, on local trains, buses, in the markets and shops. The atmosphere is hectic but joyful. It’s the season of miracles, and anything could happen, even Elijah could turn up at our door. It’s that annual time of frantic cleaning, buying, cooking and preparing for the great ‘seder’ or Passover Feast. It begins on Friday evening, April 15th. Fifty-one years ago I gave birth to our second son James Christian in Hong Kong at this time. His was a glorious entry. I was ‘singing in the Spirit’ during and upon his arrival to the amazement of 8 doctors who came to watch. It was faith in action: no drugs, no pain and a perfect birth!

Passover and Pain:

Just as it was at the beginning of this holiday of deliverance; so it is today. “Why is tonight different from all other nights?” For millennia, this ancient question has been asked by the youngest child at the Passover table.

“How many are coming to your seder?” Daniel asked Ya’akov our postman.

“Too many, I’ve lost count!” was his terse reply. ” 

When Jay asked Zion his barber, “Where are you and the family going for the holidays? He replied; “We are not leaving the house, there are terrorists everywhere, it’s far too dangerous!” Unfortunately, he speaks the truth. 

War on the Inside: 

On the Temple Mount, which is home to the Al Aska golden dome mosque in Jerusalem, thousands of Muslims gather daily. Over blaring loudspeakers they are led in singing, chanting and rejoicing for Allah’s goodness over the slaughter of 14 Israelis in the past few days. Yes, this is tragic for them and for us! 

Meanwhile, on the other side of this scale, which weighs madness: is an ultra-orthodox Jewish group scheming how to get their living sacrifice up to the area of the Al Aska in order to perform the ‘perfect sacrifice’. Someone is offering them 800 NIS (New Israeli Shekels) if they are successful in slaughtering and offering up a goat. They understand something of the need for a ‘perfect sacrifice’ all right but are completely misguided in this. See Isaiah 53. Join us in prayer for the revelation of Biblical truth. Any kind of zeal without knowledge and wisdom can be dangerous. We are in the midst of living out the awful reality of both cultures infused by radical belief systems clashing within this tiny land. Pray for the Presence of Messiah’s love to grace the P.A. and Israel this Ramadan, Passover and Easter season. 

Dreams and Visitations:

The reality of thy “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven …” is coming closer with every passing day. In the night I visited with the adult son of an outstanding Rabbi. I just answered his searching questions. Then I visited a very brave but tired woman who leads a global Jewish ministry. She was waiting for me with many questions as well. I was in a third home with a very pregnant mother who was also waiting for me. I hugged her and immediately sensed a debilitating sickness in her body. Of course, I  prayed for her healing. There was a complete acceptance of the messages I brought in these miraculous encounters last night. I was so joyful and privileged upon waking and paused to worship before getting out of bed. I have been praying to move out into new realms of the blessed Holy Spirit without fear. This is all in the realm of the Spirit and is as real as me sitting here and typing at my computer. 

In 1971 Jay and I took our first trip into Soviet Russia. Supernaturally I was shown where the worst prisons were located and in the Holy Spirit, visited many known Jewish inmates. Also, the Holy Spirit gave me the Russian language as I rode on the subways. Again TODAY is the day of the supernatural. Believe it!  

Take a lamb:

“Take a lamb or young goat for each household. It is to be slaughtered at twilight on the 14th of Nissan … take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; when I see the blood I shall pass over you, and no affliction shall happen to you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.”  

See Exodus12 v:3,7,13.

To me, this is the most essential part of Passover. “When I see the blood I shall pass over you.” Today we pray this prayer as we take Communion daily and give thanks for continued protection. With the ‘great escape’ through the desert and the Red Sea following this, the Hebrew slaves were born into a nation. The LORD God Almighty came down and His voice shook the mountain. Every democracy on earth used to follow the Mosaic code of law in governing their nations. (The ten commandments.) I don’t believe this is true any longer in our world.

A Must Read:

A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, published in 2021. It is an informative book you could read during the holidays to get some idea of what Israel is and is not.

Our good news:

The Sea of Galilee is full and will overflow when the snow on Mount Hermon melts. Everywhere the trees and crops are bursting forth into colour and fragrance. The blossoms of plum, cherry, apricot and olive trees are replaced by embryonic fruit. Israel expects a bumper harvest this spring and again in the fall because of the prolonged rainy season.

Did you know?

Mr Putin has placed a man in charge of his military campaign in Ukraine? Here he is known locally as ‘The Butcher of Syria’. During Syria’s Civil War, this man ordered the torture and killing of untold numbers of his own people. Four million Syrians fled. Hundreds of thousands remain locked away and forgotten in prison. Please let us not forget the victims, refugees and imprisoned in and outside of Russia, the Ukraine and Syria. Israel has taken in thousands of Ukrainian Jews and also given thousands of non-Jews work permits for a year and a half.

Congo and Tesla:

‘Blood batteries’ are what electric cars are being called by those in the ‘know’. Why? Congo supplies the cobalt needed for the batteries in these cars and children are the slaves who mine this mineral. These children never had the luxury of going to school. Most often they are barefoot, using their own hands to dislodge the rock. It is then hammered into small pieces and put into sacks. Stronger youths carry the sacks to the local markets for quick cheap sales. Children are given 75 cents to $1.00 a day for their life’s blood. It is a modern-day travesty. 

The monetary value of children:

The greatest pandemic in the Western world today IS child trafficking. Please friends, buy my book Stain Remover.  Share it. Tell your friends, your church, teachers and others working with children. It is an expose of the infrastructure, the finely spun web of familiar child sexual abuse. It details the road to freedom. It is most important for teachers, pastors, social workers, and anyone working with children in the public arena. One woman wrote that it was pornography. Sadly, this only reveals how IGNORANT she is. Stain Remover is available on Amazon and Book Deposit in the U.K. IF you have read this book, KINDLY send your ‘review’ back to these companies to help boost sales. Help us make a difference and speak into this darkness. See: Matthew 16:19, 18:6.

“Listen to the agony of Asia …”

“… I who am fed who never yet went hungry for want of bread. I see and try to pray?”

– Dr Tom Dooley

Out of Shanghai’s 29 million inhabitants, 13 million were diagnosed with COVID and locked away in special places. However, every normal and healthy citizen is locked down. The entire megacity is in lockdown. People are starving, rioting and looting. The torment of the people of Shanghai can be heard at night from the windows of their high-rise apartments. They are screaming for relief; all prisoners with no escape. Their cries make one think of modern hell. The sound is eerie and very unsettling. Please pray.

Another prisoner has written:

“I am writing to you who are beloved of God … in Rome …” Paul writes. “… for in regard to this sect (Christianity), we are fully aware that it is denounced everywhere.”  

Acts 28:22

So what has changed in our world for Christians, who are no longer a sect? The Body is called to become a global force for change. Our calling is to be salt and light countering the growing darkness by dynamic powerful prayer. Persecution comes with the territory. 

Canada is not what it used to be:

Action 4 Canada supplied this timely information. “On Feb. 8, 2022, Pastor Arthur Pawlowski, an evangelical clergyman, was arrested for standing up against unreasonable demands by the police. Why? He opened his church for worship services during endless months of lockdown. He was taken to the Calgary Remand Center in (Alberta Canada) and held in solitary confinement for 7 weeks. Meanwhile, the mosques were open during this time. I was shocked at this fact! The persecution of Canadian pastors has become so serious. Legislators in the Ohio House of Representatives, USA, have introduced a resolution urging the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to add Canada to its Religious Persecution Watch List. The USCIRF is a focus group dedicated to the identification of worldwide religious persecution. An element of their mandate is to identify governments guilty of persecuting Christian communities. Including countries of particular concern as China, North Korea, Iran, Pakistan and India. An extra ‘special watch list’ includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, and Indonesia. Pastor Pawlowski is at the top of the long list of persecuted Canadian pastors, and he has not only been fined, arrested and imprisoned but also tortured for his faith. The following list of pastors has been either arrested and/or issued fines. This is by no means a complete list: Pastor Artur Pawlowski, ABPastor David Pawlowski, ABPastor Tim Stephens, ABPastor James Coates, AB    Pastor Aaron Rock, ONPastor Michael Thiessen, ONPastor Henry Hildebrandt, ONPastor Jason Reaume, ONStreet Pastor Michael Ojinma, BC  Pastor Grant, BCPastor Jim, BC Pastor Tobias Thissen, MBPastor Phil, NBAssociate Pastor Cody Butler, NBAccording to Section 176 (1-3) of the Criminal Code, it is an indictable offense to interfere with clergy or obstruct them from performing any function in connection with their calling. However, this has not stopped our tyrannical and spiteful leaders from issuing illegal warrants and fines and arresting pastors, in an effort to stop Christians from gathering.”  

Alberta Mosques Remained Open Without Consequence!

In closing; dear friends, how do we pray? 

One line in Canada’s national anthem is taken from the Bible: “And His dominion shall be from sea to sea …” Zech 9:10b. 

“ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure. In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words.”    

Romans 8:25, 26

Believe it dear friends and pray.

Meridel Rawlings.

Still Small Voice – April 10th, 2022

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom dear friends:

“So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and slander and hateful speech.”

1 Peter 2:1

I am sorry to begin in sadness, but Israel is where I live. Thank you for sharing my thoughts, dear caring friends.

Thursday night on Dizengoff street in Tel Aviv two childhood friends Tomar Morad and Eytam Magini were shot in cold blood, 16 bystanders were wounded and hours later Barak Lufan, 35, succumbed to his wounds from the shooting. The country is sobered by all of these attacks, including the 13 deaths last week.

Israel is a family, nothing is impersonal here, nothing! When under attack that sense of brotherhood is undeniable. All grieve and pray. Tomar and Eytam had arrived only moments earlier to celebrate Eytam’s recent engagement. Barak, the third victim, was an Olympian athlete in the 2009 Olympics. The Palestinian from Jenin, Ra’ad Hazem, opened fire, spraying bullets far and wide. He escaped to a mosque in Jaffa and nine hours later was tracked down and died in a shootout. 

Captured by Religion:

  • What kind of religion do you practice?
  • Do you embrace the teaching of the ‘brotherhood of man’ or are you separate?
  • Does your devotion make you part of an exclusive group, just a step or two or twenty above the madding crowd, most of whom to you are unbelievers?
  • What are your customs when it comes to pleasing the god you worship?
  • What does ‘devotion’ to this god require of you?
  • What has this faith cost your leaders, heroes, prophets and your god?
  • What is the fruit of their legacy?

Sadly, there are those among us on this earth, who are convinced their god requires the mutilation of their fellow man and themselves. They exist to murder any Jew. Israelis are the biggest target: to ram with a car, stab, or shoot. Their supreme sacrifice requires lots of blood. Often any human sacrifice will do.  But it never satisfies their LUST for more blood. Their belief grants the reward of a brothel in “paradise complete with 72 dark-eyed virgins each” and banqueting tables filled with luscious foods.

“How ludicrous!” we respond. “How primitive!”

Yet in the leading nations of the world unborn babies are sacrificed to the same insatiable demon, whose LUST for human blood is never satisfied. What nation is not compliant? Thank goodness, Jesus declared, “My Kingdom is not of this world [nor does it have its origin in this world].” -John 18:36

I began my letter with 1 Peter 2:1 for a reason. Jerusalem was levelled by the Babylonians in 586 BC and by the Roman in 70 A.D. because of ‘lashon harah’ or evil speaking. According to the Rabbis, the wars began with gossip among the Jews themselves. We read about the controversies and accusations Jesus encountered with the authorities, which filtered down to the common crowd which called for His death. We read about the same spirit that eventually murdered Paul in Rome. The story grows. How many millions of Jews and Believers in Messiah Yeshua have been slaughtered down through the annals of history?  It all began with ‘evil speaking – slander’ for want of a better definition. It is our biggest problem today I believe, among Jews and Palestinians.

My mother always said, “I love gossip! When I hear it, I squelch it right where I am. It will go no further!”

The Power of Gossip:

–  Gossip and lies are bosom buddies.

–  Gossip always begins with one voice before it is picked up and repeated.

–  When you tear someone apart and come out looking good, it is worse, not better.

  • People gossip for status. Knowledge is status. Sharing it improves one’s status.
  • No matter what we say, the motivation for gossip is, almost always titillation and status arise, NOT JUSTICE.
  • In a court of law, everyone is permitted his or her testimony and is HEARD.

– The death of one’s character begins with gossip.

The sacred NO! :

  • Is it socially uncomfortable to back off and say, “I don’t wish to hear the latest.”
  • IF you must complain about your family or friend, only do so with someone who loves them as you do. IF you love them, you will NOT threaten or harm them.
  • Don’t gossip to someone who will remember and use the information against them or against you later.
  • Guard your ears – this discipline is as sacred as guarding your tongue. There is often nobility in not listening.
  • Words spoken or written can not be erased from memory. “Delete” is a fiction both online and in the world of discussion.
  • Bad words stick, even if they are disproved later.
  • Use your faculties of hearing and speech wisely. Especially in the days of this COVID pandemic. Of course, you have experienced how division confronts one on every level. All of mankind has been swept into a so-called ‘new reality’ that thrives on division. Beware!

“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.”


1 Peter 5:8 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge in it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”

Proverbs. 18:21

“But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak.”

Matthew 12:36

Friends, let us pray for one another and forgive one another quickly.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may they prosper who love her.” 

Psalm 122:6

The days of spring cleaning are upon us, is it just an analogy for the greater work needed in each of our lives?

Sincerely, 

Meridel Rawlings

Meridel Rawlings, Box 84156, Mevasseret Zion, 9079097 Israel

Pieni Hiljainen Ääni – Huhtikuun 3. päivä, 2022

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom kallisarvoiset ystävät! 

”Ei väellä eikä voimalla, vaan minun Hengelläni, sanoo HERRA Sebaot.”

RK Sakarja 4:6 

”Sinä päivänä mieleesi tulee eräitä asioita ja sinä mietit pahan juonen. Sinä sanot: Minä  hyökkään suojattomaan maahan, käyn rauhallisten, luottavaisina asuvien ihmisten kimppuun…  Sinä aiot saada saalista, ryöstää ryöstettävää… [käyt] kansaa kohti, joka on koottu kansojen  keskeltä… ja asuu keskellä maata.”

[Englanninkielinen käännös ilmaisee loppuosan näin: joka  asuu keskellä maailmaa, (siis Israel).] RK Hesekiel 38:10-12 

Maan sisäisiä vaikeuksia 

”Älä mene ulos tänä iltana, Hesekiel.”

”Outoa”, hän ajatteli sulkiessaan puhelimen. Varoitus tuli  hänen vanhemmalta veljeltään. Täällä Israelissa takana jo viikko kauheuksia. Viisi ihmistä on  kylmäverisesti ammuttu ja yksi rabbi surmattu auton tahallisella törmäyksellä. Hesekiel värähti  kauhusta ja työnsi ajatuksen mielestään. Hän oli uupunut ja tauon tarpeessa, sillä oli vaimonsa  kanssa hoivannut pientä lastaan koko päivän. Hesekiel teki pikaisen päätöksen. Hän laittoi  taaperonsa lastenrattaisiin ja päätti lähteä kävelylle, jotta lapsi nukahtaisi. 

Hän ajoi nopsasti asunnon hissillä alas kadulle. Vain muutamaa hetkeä myöhemmin hän joutui  kasvokkain terroristin kanssa. Vaistomaisesti hän suojasi lastaan. Israelissa asuva arabi ampui  Hesekielin lähietäisyydeltä. Hezzie, kuten perhe miestä kutsui, jätti jälkeensä kahdeksannella kuulla raskaana olevan lesken ja pojan, joka selvisi hyökkäyksestä vahingoittumattomana. 

Viime viikolla ihmisiä surmattiin ampumalla Israelin etelä-, keski- ja pohjoisosissa. Ampujina olivat Israelissa asuvat arabit. Kuolleiden joukossa isiä, äitejä, lapsia, arabipoliisi, kaksi 19-vuotiasta  rajavartijaa, mies ja nainen. Juutalaisia, arabeja, druuseja, muslimeja, kristittyjä ja ukrainalaisia  menehtyi näissä islamistifanaatikkojen vihantäyteisissä riehunnoissa. Yksi uhreista oli arabikristitty  Israelin poliisi. 

Juutalainen pääsiäinen eli pesach, ramadan ja pääsiäinen 

Islamilainen [paastokuukausi] ramadan [1. – 30.4.] alkoi juuri, juutalainen pääsiäinen osuu päiville  15. – 23. huhtikuuta, ja kristittyjen pääsiäistä vietetään 15. – 18. huhtikuuta. Ne osuvat osittain  samoihin päiviin. Islamilaiset, nationalistiset toiveet islamilaisesta Lähi-idästä kuohuvat. Uusia  oppeja kulkeutuu palestiinalaisten hallitsemista moskeijoista ja arabikaupungeista Israelissa. Opit  ovat peräisin iranilaisilta uskonoppineilta, ja niiden mukaan: ”Israelin olemassaolo lakkaa  heinäkuun 8. päivänä 2022.” Tämän väärän profetian ovat muutamat nielaisseet totuutena ja  pitäneet sitä yllykkeenä viime aikoina tapahtuneille murhille. Israel ei usko ISIS-järjestön olevan  innoituksen takana, vaan jokin vielä uhkaavampi paha on vallannut muslimikiihkoilijoiden mielet.  

Missä ikinä tätä luettekaan, uskon teidän käsittävän, että turvallisuustilanne Israelissa on jännittynyt näiden eri puolilla maata tapahtuneiden terrorihyökkäysten jälkeen. Ymmärrättehän, ettei kukaan  tunne oloaan turvalliseksi. Viime viikolla myös suurella, keskeisellä Mahane Jehudan torilla  Jerusalemin sydämessä saatiin estettyä terroriteko. Tiedämme kovin vähän ympärillämme  riehuvasta jatkuvasta taistelusta. Israelin täytyy ottaa huomioon riski, että vahvasti aseistautunut  arabiväestö aloittaa täysimittaisen ponnistuksen Israelin valtion tuhoamiseksi.  

Oslon sopimusten täytäntöönpanon aikana maailma kehotti Israelia kouluttamaan ja aseistamaan  palestiinalaispoliisit. En kahdehdi palestiinalaisia, mutta katsellessani täällä Jerusalemissa noita  vaiheita televisiouutisista, minä itkin. Jay on tehnyt filmejä tästä muutoksesta. Me kaikki tiesimme  tuon menettelyn olleen hyvin vakava erehdys. Koko mennyt historiamme todistaa sen. Siltikin  maailma huusi ”Rauha, rauha!” Ei unohdeta, että on olemassa hyvin, hyvin hienoja palestiinalaisia.  Ettehän ymmärrä minua väärin. Mutta eri puolilla palestiinalaisviranomaisten eli Palestinian  Authorityn hallintoaluetta poliisilaitoksille on tehty yllätysiskuja, joissa aseita ja ampumatarvikkeita on varastettu tai myyty kansannousun tekijöille. Rynnäkkökivääri on 15 000 dollarin arvoinen. Eipä ole vaikeaa oivaltaa, miksi mädännäisyys ja korruptio ovat vallalla. 

Sotakäynti mielen ja sydämen alueesta 

Eläkkeelle jäänyt Israelin puolustusvoimien prikaatinkenraali ja entinen asutusministeri Effi Eitam  varoitti: ”Israel on parhaillaan vastatusten israelinarabien, [maan] kansalaisten väkivaltaisen  kansannousun kanssa. Heidän lopullinen päämääränsä on riisua juutalaisvaltio aseista.” 

Israelin puolustusvoimien esikuntapäällikkö Aviv Kochavi varoitti: ”Tämä uusi terroriaalto voi  levitä maailmanlaajuiseksi erityisenä kohteenaan juutalaiset. Meidän on kerrottava itsellemme  totuus: ”Olemme keskellä arabien kapinaa, islamisti-nationalistista kapinaa, joka kohdistuu ajatukseen Israelista juutalaiskansan valtiona.”  

Pelokkaat kristityt yhteisöt 

Hiljattain tapahtuneet murhat ovat saaneet myös Israelin arabikristittyjen yhteisön varuilleen.  Arabikristityt lähettivät oman kansalaisjärjestönsä kautta kirjeen Israelin hallitukselle pyytäen  lisäsuojelua ISIS-järjestöä vastaan pääsiäisjuhlan aikaan. Silloinhan Israel on täynnä ulkomailta  tulleita pyhiinvaeltajia. Kirjeessä todettiin: ”ISISin hyökkäykset muslimivaltioiden kristittyjä  kohtaan jatkuivat laantumattomina, kunnes heidän saatanalliset hyökkäyksensä saavuttivat  massamurhan mittasuhteet, kuten EU myönsi.” Kirjeessä kehotettiin Israelin viranomaisia  ”suhtautumaan näihin uhkiin vakavasti” ja ”tarjoamaan maksimaalista turvaa kristityille”,  uskonnollisille rakennuksille, kirkoille, kristityille ylistystaloille ja symboleille” ennen tulevaa  pääsiäisjuhlaa.  

”… jäsenet pitäisivät yhtäläistä huolta toisistaan. Jos yksi jäsen kärsii, kärsivät kaikki jäsenet sen kanssa. Jos yksi jäsen saa kunniaa, iloitsevat kaikki jäsenet sen kanssa.”

RK 1. kirje  korinttilaisille 12: 25-26 

On aika rukoilla ja olla uupumatta 

Jay ja minä vetoamme kaikkia tätä kirjettä lukevia pysähtymään hetkeksi, ajattelemaan ja  toimimaan nyt. Kertokaa näistä seikoista rukousryhmissänne ja seurakunnissanne. Lähetättehän tätä viestiä joka puolelle eteenpäin. Tarvitsemme rukousta ja tukea. Anokaa ja rukoiltaa Taivasta  KAIKKIEN Israelin kansalaisten puolesta. Useimmilla on vain vähäinen idea siitä, mitä tässä  maassa eläminen kaikkineen maksaa. Hinta on korkea hengellisesti, emotionaalisesti, fyysisesti ja  taloudellisesti – uskonnolliseen tai kulttuuriseen viiteryhmään katsomatta. Viattomat kaikkialla  TARVITSEVAT varmuutta turvasta ja suojelusta. Se on Pyhän Hengen työtä, ja me kyllä tiedämme,  ettemme ole yksin. Rukoilettahan johtajiemme puolesta ja kaikkien tällä hetkellä Israelissa asuvien  yhteisöjen puolesta. Tilanne on hyvin, hyvin vaikea eritoten kaikille arabeille. 

”Rauhan minä jätän teille: minun [täydellisen] rauhani – sen minä annan teille. En minä anna  teille niin kuin maailma antaa. Älköön teidän sydämenne olko levoton älköönkä pelätkö.”

RK Johannes 14:27 

[Antakaa täydellisen rauhani rauhoittaa itsenne kaikissa olosuhteissa ja antaa teille rohkeuden ja  voiman jokaiseen haasteeseen.]

Pidämme Messiaan rauhan hyvin lähellä itseämme tällaisina hirvittävinä aikoina. Kiitos, että olette todellisia ystäviä ja seisotte nyt rinnallamme rukouksessa. 

Avoimin ja vilpittömin terveisin 

Jay ja Meridel Rawlings

Still Small Voice – 3. April, 2022

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Schalom meine lieben Freunde

“nicht durch Macht noch durch Kraft, sondern durch meinen Geist, spricht der Herr”

Sacharja 4:6

“An jenem Tag werden dir Gedanken in den Sinn kommen, und du wirst einen bösen Plan schmieden und sagen: Ich will hinaufziehen gegen die, die ruhig und friedlich sind und sicher leben, … um Beute zu machen… gegen das Volk, das aus den Nationen versammelt ist … das in der Mitte der Welt lebt [Israel]”

Hesekiel 38: 10,11a, 12b

Unruhe tief im Innern:

“Geh heute Abend nicht aus, Hezikia”

“Seltsam”, dachte er, als er sein Telefon zumachte. Die Warnung kam von seinem älteren Bruder. Es war bereits eine Woche des Schreckens hier in Israel gewesen, in der fünf Bürger kaltblütig erschossen und ein Rabbiner von einem Auto gerammt worden war. Er zitterte und verdrängte das Thema aus seinen Gedanken. Einige Zeit später war sein kleiner Sohn unruhig und kämpfte mit dem Schlaf. Er war müde und brauchte eine Pause, denn seine Frau hatte sich den ganzen Tag um den Kleinen gekümmert, und so traf Hezikiah eine schnelle Entscheidung. Er packte sein Kleinkind in den Kinderwagen und beschloss: “Der Spaziergang wird ihn zum Einschlafen bringen!”

Schnell fuhr er mit dem Wohnungsaufzug zur Straße hinunter. Nur wenige Augenblicke später wurde er von einem Terroristen angegriffen. Instinktiv schirmte er sein Kind ab. Er wurde von einem in Israel lebenden Araber aus nächster Nähe erschossen. «Hezzie», wie er von seiner Familie genannt wird, hinterlässt seine Witwe, die im achten Monat schwanger ist, und seinen Sohn, der bei dem Anschlag unverletzt blieb.

In der vergangenen Woche wurden in Süd-, Mittel- und Nordisrael elf Menschen auf offener Straße von arabischen Israelis erschossen. Väter, Mütter, Kinder, ein arabischer Polizist, zwei 19-jährige Grenzschutzbeamte, ein Mann und eine junge Frau. Juden, Araber, Drusen,

Muslime, Christen und Ukrainer kamen bei diesen hasserfüllten Amokläufen islamischer Fanatiker ums Leben. Ein Opfer war ein arabisch-christlicher israelischer Polizist. 

Passah-Fest, Ramadan, Ostern:

Der islamische Fastenmonat Ramadan beginnt nächste Woche genau zur gleichen Zeit wie das Passsah-Fest, Ostern folgt eine Woche später. Die islamischen nationalen Bestrebungen für einen islamischen Nahen Osten laufen auf Hochtouren. In den Moscheen der Palästinensischen Autonomiebehörde und in arabischen Städten Israels kursiert eine neue Doktrin. Sie stammt von einem iranischen Geistlichen und lehrt: “Israel wird am 8. Juli 2022 aufhören zu existieren.” Diese falsche Prophezeiung wurde von einigen als Wahrheit angenommen und soll die Triebkraft für die jüngsten Morde sein. Israel glaubt nicht, dass ISIS dahintersteckt, sondern etwas noch Unheilvolleres, das den Geist des muslimischen Fanatikers erfasst hat.

Wo auch immer Ihr seid und dies liest, ich bin sicher, dass Ihr die Tatsache verstehen könnt, dass die Sicherheitsanspannungen in Israel nach dieser Serie von Terroranschlägen im ganzen Land hoch sind. Versteht Ihr, dass sich niemand “sicher” fühlt. Auch letzte Woche wurde ein Terroranschlag auf dem großen zentralen Mahane Yehudah-Markt im Herzen Jerusalems vereitelt. Wir wissen so wenig über den ständigen Kampf, der um uns herum stattfindet. Israel muss sich des Risikos bewusst sein, dass eine schwer bewaffnete arabische Bevölkerung einen groß angelegten Versuch zur Zerstörung des jüdischen Staates starten könnte.

Während der Umsetzung des Osloer Abkommens wurde Israel von der Welt aufgefordert, die palästinensische Polizei auszubilden und zu bewaffnen. Ich missgönne den Palästinensern nichts, aber als ich die Vorgänge hier in Jerusalem in den Nachrichten verfolgte, musste ich weinen. Jay hat Filme über diese Veränderung gedreht, und wir alle wussten, dass es ein sehr schwerer Fehler war. Wir haben die ganze Geschichte hinter uns, um es zu beweisen. Dennoch rief die Welt: «Frieden, Frieden!» Nicht, dass es keine sehr, sehr guten Palästinenser gäbe. Bitte versteht mich nicht falsch. Aber überall in der Palästinensischen Autonomiebehörde wurden ihre Polizeistationen geplündert und Waffen und Munition gestohlen oder an Aufständische verkauft. Eine M-16 wird für 15.000 US- Dollar verkauft. Es ist nicht schwer herauszufinden, warum hier Bestechung und Korruption herrschen.

Krieg um Herz und Verstand:

Der pensionierte IDF-Brigadegeneral und ehemalige Wohnungsbauminister Effi Eitam warnte: “Israel sieht sich derzeit mit einem gewalttätigen Aufstand unter arabisch- israelischen Bürgern konfrontiert. Ihr ultimatives Ziel ist die Zerschlagung des jüdischen Staates”. 

Der Stabschef der israelischen Verteidigungskräfte, Aviv Kochavi, warnte: “Die neue Terrorwelle könnte sich weltweit ausbreiten und vor allem Juden zum Ziel haben. Wir müssen uns die Wahrheit sagen: Wir befinden uns inmitten einer arabischen Revolte, einer islamisch-nationalistischen Revolte gegen die Idee, dass Israel der Staat des jüdischen Volkes ist”. 

Verängstigte christliche Gemeinschaften:

Die jüngsten Morde beunruhigen auch die arabische christliche Gemeinschaft in Israel. Arabische Christen haben die israelische Regierung über ihre NRO (Nichtregierungs- Organisation) in einem Brief um zusätzlichen Schutz vor ISIS während der Osterfeiertage gebeten, wenn Israel von Pilgern aus dem Ausland überschwemmt wird. In dem Schreiben heißt es: “Die Angriffe der ISIS auf Christen in muslimischen Ländern nahmen unvermindert zu, bis ihre satanischen Terrorakte den Punkt des von der EU anerkannten Völkermordes erreichten”. Der Brief forderte die israelischen Behörden auf, “diese Bedrohungen ernst zu nehmen” und vor dem bevorstehenden Osterfest “maximale Sicherheit für Christen, religiöse Gebäude, Kirchen, christliche Gebetshäuser und Symbole” zu gewährleisten.

“…sondern dass die Glieder des Leibes die gleiche Sorge füreinander haben. Und wenn ein Glied leidet, so leiden alle Glieder mit; wenn ein Glied geehrt wird, so freuen sich alle mit ihm.”

1 Korinther 12: 25b. 26

Zeit zu beten und nicht ohnmächtig zu werden:

Jay und ich appellieren an alle, die diesen Brief lesen, jetzt innezuhalten, nachzudenken und zu handeln. Erzählt es euren Gebetsgruppen und Kirchen. Schickt ihn bitte überall hin. Wir brauchen Gebet und Unterstützung. Bittet den Himmel für ALLE Völker Israels. Die meisten von uns haben kaum eine Vorstellung von den Kosten, die ein Leben in diesem Land mit sich bringt. Der Preis ist hoch, geistig und geistlich, emotional, körperlich und finanziell, unabhängig von unserer religiösen oder kulturellen Zugehörigkeit. Die Unschuldigen BENÖTIGEN überall die Zusicherung von Deckung und Schutz. Dies ist das Werk des Heiligen Geistes, und wir wissen, dass wir nicht allein sind. Bitte betet für unsere Führer und für alle Gemeinschaften, die in dieser Zeit in Israel leben. Diese Situation macht es vor allem für alle Araber sehr schwer.

“Frieden hinterlasse ich euch, meinen [vollkommenen] Frieden gebe ich euch; nicht wie die Welt gibt, gebe ich euch. Euer Herz erschrecke nicht, und verzage nicht. [Mein vollkommener Friede soll euch in allen Lebenslagen beruhigen und euch Mut und Kraft für jede Herausforderung geben.]”

Johannes 14: 27

Wir behalten den Frieden des Messias in diesen schrecklichen Zeiten besonders nahe am Herz. Danke, dass Ihr wahre Freunde seid und uns jetzt im Gebet beisteht.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

Jay und Meridel Rawlings

Still Small Voice – April 3rd, 2022

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom, my dear friends:

“… Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the LORD,” 

Zechariah 4:6

“It will come about on that day that thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil plan, and you will say, I will go up against those who are at rest and peaceful, who live securely … to take a spoil … against the people who are gathered from the nations … who live at the center of the world. [Israel]” 

Ezekiel 38: 10,11a, 12b.

Trouble Deep Within:

“Don’t go out tonight, Hezikiah.”

“Strange?”, he thought, as he closed his phone. The warning came from his elder brother. It had already been a week of horror here in Israel with 5 citizens shot in cold blood and a Rabbi killed by a car-ramming. He shivered and put it out of his mind. Sometime later, his little son was fussy and fought sleep. Weary and needing a break, as his wife had cared for the little one all day, Hezikiah made a quick decision. Bundling his toddler up in his stroller, he decided, “the walk will put him to sleep!” 

Quickly he took the apartment elevator down to the street. Just moments later he was confronted by a terrorist. Instinctively, he shielded his child. He was shot at point-blank range by an Arab who lives in Israel. ‘Hezzie’ as he is called by family, is survived by his widow, who is eight months pregnant, and his son, who was unharmed in the attack.

Last week eleven people were gunned down on the streets in the south, central and northern Israel by Arab Israelis. Fathers, mothers, children, an Arab policeman, two 19-year-old border police guards, one a male and a young woman.  Jews, Arabs, Druze, Muslims, Christians and Ukrainians were lost in these hate-filled rampages by Islamic fanatics. One victim was an Arab Christian Israeli policeman. 

Passover, Ramadan, Easter:

The Islamic month of Ramadan begins next week at exactly the same time as Passover while Easter follows a week later. Islamic national aspirations for an Islamic Middle East run high. A new doctrine is circling through the mosques in the Palestinian Authority and Arab towns in Israel. It comes from an Iranian cleric and teaches: “Israel will cease to exist on July 8th 2022.” This false prophecy has been swallowed as the truth by some and is thought to be the impetus for these recent murders. Israel does not believe it is ISIS-inspired, but something even more sinister that has gripped the mind of the Muslim fanatic.

Where ever you are, reading this, I am sure that you can appreciate the fact that, security tensions in Israel are high after this series of terror attacks across the country. Understand, that no one feels ‘safe’. A terror attack was thwarted last week as well in the large central Mahane Yehudah market in the heart of Jerusalem. We know so little of the continual battle that is going on all around us. Israel must acknowledge the risk of a heavily armed Arab population launching a full-scale effort to destroy the Jewish state. 

During the implementation of the Oslo Accords, Israel was called upon by the world to train and arm the Palestinian police. I begrudge the Palestinians nothing, but as I watched the proceedings on the news here in Jerusalem I cried. Jay made movies about this change, and we all knew it was a very grave mistake. We have all of history behind us to prove it.  Yet, the world cried, “Peace, Peace!”. Not that there aren’t very very fine Palestinians. Do not misunderstand me, please. But, all across the Palestinian Authority, their police stations have been raided and weapons and munitions stolen or sold to insurrectionists.  An M-16 sells for US$15,000. It’s not hard to figure out why graft and corruption reign.

Warring for Mind and Heart:

Retired IDF brigadier-general and former housing minister Effi Eitam warned: “Israel is currently facing a violent uprising among Arab-Israeli citizens. Their ultimate goal being to dismantle the Jewish state.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Aviv Kochavi warned: “The new wave of terror could spread globally, particularly targeting Jews. We need to tell ourselves the truth: We are in the midst of an Arab revolt, an Islamic-nationalist revolt against the idea of Israel as the state of the Jewish people.” 

Fearful Christian Communities:

These recent murders have the Israeli Arab Christian Community on edge as well. Arab Christians sent a letter through their NGO asking the Israeli government for added protection from ISIS during the Easter holiday when Israel will be flooded with pilgrims from abroad. The letter stated, “ISIS attacks against Christians in Muslim nations went unabated until their Satanic acts of terrorism reached the point of mass genocide, as recognized by the EU”. The letter urged the Israeli authorities to “take these threats seriously” and “provide maximum security for Christians, religious buildings, churches, Christian houses of worship and symbols” ahead of the upcoming Easter holiday.

” …but that the parts of the body may have the same concern for one another. And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering: if one member is honoured, all rejoice with it.”  

1 Corinthians 12: 25b. 26

Time to Pray and not Faint:

Jay and I are appealing to all who read this letter to pause, think and act now. Tell it to your prayer groups and churches. Send it far and wide, please. We need prayer and support. Beseech heaven for ALL of the peoples of Israel. Most of us have little idea what the cost of living in this land entails. The price is steep spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially, no matter our religious or cultural affiliation. The innocent everywhere NEED the assurance of covering and protection. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, and we know we are not alone. Please pray for our leaders, and for all communities living in Israel at this time. This situation makes it very very difficult especially for all Arabs.

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

John 14: 27 

We hold Messiah’s Peace very close in such dreadful times. Thank you for being a true friend and standing with us in prayer now.

Sincerely,

Jay and Meridel Rawlings

Still Small Voice – March 27th, 2022

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom shalom:

Those two simple words mean, “perfect peace” and are the kind of invisible peace promised to bring internal quietness to one’s soul, mind and body. 

“My peace I leave with you.”

John 14:27

Well, this was the week that was. Without going into detail, we are left extremely weary and deeply fatigued in mind and spirit. I know, the warfare is intense everywhere. This is when the Still Small Voice comes by God’s miraculous Spirit. We pray in our native languages with knowledge but just as profound we pray in other languages we have never learned in school. They flow out, pleading the deeply profound mysteries of God. We become vessels interceding for impossible situations in the nations, and for souls everywhere. And yes, for ourselves also to be built up in our most holy faith. This is where I have been in the Spirit of God. He searches for those through whom He can intercede and weep in the tender mother-heart of the Almighty; speak mysteries of the unfolding supernatural power, speak out the wisdom of the Ages, and the mercy and promises that are written in the WORD of God that will never pass away! No demon can cross the bloodline of Yeshua Messiah, to many He is known as, Jesus Christ.

Earlier today the SMV whispered, ‘Read Psalm 62.’:

“Truly my soul waits quietly for God; 

my deliverance comes from Him. 

Truly He is my rock and deliverance, 

my haven; I shall never be shaken.

How long will all of you attack a man,

to crush him, as though he were

a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

They lay plans to topple him from his rank; 

they delight in falsehood,

they bless with their mouths,

while inwardly they curse.

Truly, wait quietly for God, O my soul,

for my hope comes from Him.

He is my rock and deliverance,

my haven; I shall not be shaken.

I rely on God, my deliverance and glory,

my rock of strength;

in God is my refuge.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

Pour out your hearts before Him;

God is our refuge.

Men are mere breath;

mortals, illusion; 

placed on a scale all together, 

they weigh even less than a breath.

Do not trust in violence, 

or put false hopes in robbery;

if force bears fruit pay it no mind.

One thing God has spoken;

two things have I heard;

that might belongs to God,

and faithfulness is Yours, O Lord, 

To reward each man according to his deeds.”

The Jerusalem Publication Society from the traditional Hebrew text

Remember: prayer is communication. No thought is too small or insignificant to lift up to heaven, where they are heard and recorded. The Biblical prophet’s prayed prayers that are still in the process of being fulfilled. Jesus gave us the LORD’S Prayer. In so many words HE was reminding us that it is a day by day walk, just one step at a time. 

“Give us this day our daily bread,  And forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors, Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [the evil one]

Matthew 6:11-13

One friend wrote, “How late is it?”

My response: “Late.”  

Dennis Prager founder of Prager University is my favourite educator. This program is insightful and thought-provoking.  Enjoy and be encouraged!

Every blessing from Meridel Rawlings in Jerusalem Israel. 

We thank you for your prayers.

Still Small Voice – Purim!

Published by Meridel Rawlings

14-15. Adar 5782/18. März 2022

Schalom liebe Freunde, 

Warum wurde der Pharao dazu getrieben, alle männlichen hebräischen Babys zu vernichten? Warum befahl der mächtige Xerxes, alle Juden in seinen 127 Provinzen [Nationen] abzuschlachten? Warum ermordete Herodes in Bethlehem nach dem Besuch der Weisen alle hebräischen Jungen, die zwei Jahre alt oder jünger waren? Und warum war Hitler wild entschlossen, jeden Juden in Europa zu töten? Diese hässliche historische Tatsache ist unsere lebendige Geschichte, und viele von uns leben noch, die den 2. Weltkrieg überlebt haben. WARUM?

«Mordechai aber schrieb diese Ereignisse auf und sandte Briefe an alle Juden… und forderte sie auf, ein FEST zu feiern … als die Tage, an denen die Juden von ihren Feinden zur Ruhe gekommen waren, und als den Monat, in welchem ihr Kummer in Freude und ihre Trauer in einen Feiertag verwandelt wurde, dass sie diese feiern sollten als Tage des Gastmahls und der Freude, an denen sie einander Geschenke machen und die Armen beschenken sollten.»

Esther 9:20a,21a,22

Vielleicht ist das der Grund, warum die Juden mit dem Rest der Welt nicht mehr Schritt halten können? Wir haben unseren eigenen Kalender, unsere eigene Sprache und unser Land mit seinem biblischen Erbe, seinen Traditionen, Speisen, Liedern und Tänzen. «Anders» zu sein war NICHT unsere Idee! «Hervorgehoben» zu sein war NICHT unsere Idee. Es war NICHT unsere Idee, als Beispiel herausgegriffen zu werden. Alles begann mit dem Schöpfer, der beschloss, dass er ein Volk für sich selbst haben wollte … vor langer Zeit. Ja, wir waren stur und eigenwillig und sind es immer noch. Aber trotz all unserer Versäumnisse, die von den Propheten im Heiligen Buch aufgezeichnet wurden, ist es allein der Gnade des Allmächtigen zu verdanken, dass wir weiterhin existieren und sogar gedeihen. Ich entscheide mich dafür, IHM ALLE EHRE zu erweisen, denn er allein ist es wert, gepriesen zu werden!

Daniel, Jay, Meridel und Ryan

Als Jay und ich und unsere Söhne im April 1976 “Aliyah” machten, um Israel zu unserer Heimat zu machen, gab uns der HERR dieses seltsame Wort. “Wenn ihr fastet, werden andere feiern, wenn ihr weint, werden andere sich freuen”. Nein, wir haben es damals nicht verstanden, aber jetzt sind wir den Weg weitergegangen, und jetzt verstehen wir es wirklich. 

Israel tanzt nach einem anderen Rhythmus. Alle Seelen aus den Nationen, die es wagen, dem König Messias zu folgen, werden das Gleiche tun. Sie werden anders sein und die Konsequenzen durch ihre Umgebung tragen müssen. Gott segne alle Christen, die heute dem Buch der Bücher folgen, auch wenn es sie viel kostet, und so ist es seit eh und je gewesen. Freut Euch mit uns an diesem Purim. Wir erinnern uns daran, woher wir kamen und wohin wir gehen. Wir sind ein Volk des Schicksals, des Segens und des großen Glücks, denn unser Gott ist ein ‘Gott der Hausgemeinschaft’. Er lebt in der Nachbarschaft und ist täglich zu sehen und zu spüren. Das Wort für Herrlichkeit oder Gegenwart Gottes = scheenah und das Wort für Nachbarschaft ist shahen. Beide stammen von der gleichen hebräischen Wurzel. «Der Allmächtige IST also der “Nachbarschaftsgott”», der inmitten seines Volkes lebt und wohnt.

Die Geschichte ist wichtig für uns. Nur 100 bis 120 Jahre, nachdem Nehemia und Esra etwa 65 000 Juden aus Babylon nach Israel zurückgeführt hatten, regierte der mächtige Ahasveros oder 1. König Xerxes, der Enkel von Kyros dem Großen, von 485 bis 465 v. Chr. Dieser König kommt in der Geschichte von Esther und auch im Buch Esra und Daniel vor. Das persische Reich reichte von Indien über Äthiopien und bis in den Sudan. Dr. Yigal Bloch vom Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem sagte: “Die Geschichte von Esther spielt im dritten Jahr der Herrschaft von Xerxes, 483 v. Chr. Xerxes besaß mehrere Hauptstädte, darunter Susa, in der Bibel als Schuschan bekannt. Sie war seine Verwaltungshauptstadt. Am berühmtesten ist er für den Bau von Persepolis. Hier fand während der Frühlings-Tagundnachtgleiche das jährliche persische Neujahrsfest statt, das mit Pracht und Prunk erfüllt war. Die ganze Pracht des königlichen Hofes [wie im Buch Esther beschrieben] ist wahr. Ein Kalksteinrelief aus dieser Zeit (im Museum) zeigt zwei Höflinge, die Geschenke für ein Festmahl bringen und dabei die Kostüme ihrer Nationen tragen. Es war üblich, dass Menschen aus dem Reich als Höflinge am königlichen Hof dienten, so dass auch Juden leicht zu dieser Gruppe gehören konnten, wie Mordechai in der Purimgeschichte beschrieben wird.”

Die Aufforderung an alle und jeden, die zuerst durch Mose gegeben wurde: “Der Herr, euer Gott, wird euch einen Propheten wie mich [Mose] aus eurer Mitte, aus euren Landsleuten (Brüdern, Geschwistern), erwecken. Auf ihn sollt ihr hören.” Deuteronomium/5. Mose 18,15. Siehe auch Matthäus 21,11, Johannes 1,21 und Apostelgeschichte 3,22.

Mit Herzen voller Liebe im Namen der Rawlings Familien;

Meridel Rawlings.

Dr. Meridel Rawlings Ph.D Box 84156, Mevasseret Zion, 9079097, Israel.

Pieni hiljainen ääni – Purim!

Published by Meridel Rawlings

14. – 15. Adar-kuuta / 18. maaliskuuta 2022

Shalom kallisarvoiset ystävät!

Mikä ajoi faaraon tuhoamaan kaikki heprealaiset poikalapset? Miksi mahtava Kserkses määräsi vallassaan olevien 127 maakunnan (kansanheimon) kaikki juutalaiset teurastettaviksi? Miksi Herodes murhautti kaikki alle kaksivuotiaat heprealaiset poikalapset Betlehemissä Itämaan tietäjien vierailun jälkeen? Entä miksi Hitler pyrki hintaan mihin tahansa tappamaan jokaisen Euroopan juutalaisen? Nämä häijyt historialliset tosiasiat ovat omaa elävää historiaamme. Monet meistä II maailmansodan läpi eläneistä olemme yhä elossa. MIKSI?

”Mordokai kirjoitti nämä tapaukset muistiin ja lähetti kirjeet kaikille niin lähellä kuin kaukana asuville juutalaisille … Hän sääti heille, että heidän tuli VIETTÄÄ … [mainittuja päiviä] JUHLAPÄIVINÄ … koska juutalaiset niinä päivinä olivat päässeet rauhaan vihollisiltaan. Siinä kuussa murhe oli kääntynyt heille iloksi ja suru juhlan vietoksi. Siksi heidän tuli viettää niitä päiviä pitojen ja ilon päivinä ja lähettää toisilleen maistiaisia ja köyhille lahjoja.”

Esterin kirja 9:20-22

Ehkäpä tässä on syy siihen, että juutalaiset näyttävät kulkevan eri tahtiin muuhun maailman verrattuna? Meillä on oma kalenterimme ja kielemme sekä maamme niihin kuuluvine raamatullisine perintöoikeuksineen, perinteineen, ruokineen, lauluineen ja tansseineen. Olla erilaisia EI ollut meidän ideamme! Erilleen asettaminen EI ollut meidän ideamme. Oleminen valittuina, esimerkiksi asetettuina EI ollut meidän ideamme. Kaikki oli lähtöisin Luojasta, joka päätti haluta itselleen oman kansan… silloin muinoin. Kyllä, me olimme uppiniskaisia ja omapäisiä; yhäkin olemme. Ja huolimatta kaikista meidän ”näytä ja kerro” -epäonnistumisistamme, jotka profeetat ovat kirjoittaneet Pyhään Kirjaan, on ainoastaan Kaikkivaltiaan armon ansiota, että me jatkuvasti olemme olemassa ja vieläpä menestymme. Valintani on antaa HÄNELLE KAIKKI KUNNIA, sillä yksin Hän on ylistyksen arvoinen!

Meridel, Jay, Ryan ja Daniel Purim -asuissaan

Kun Jay ja minä sekä poikamme teimme alijan Israeliin, kotiin, huhtikuussa 1976, HERRA antoi meille nämä oudot sanat. ”Kun te paastoatte, toiset viettävät juhlaa, kun te itkette, toiset riemuitsevat.” Ei, emme tajunneet silloin, mutta olemme vaeltaneet hyvän matkaa, ja nyt todellakin ymmärrämme.

Israel marssii eri rummuttajan tahtiin. Jokainen tähän kansakuntaan kuuluva sielu, joka uskaltaa seurata Messias-kuningasta, tekee samoin. He ovat erilaisia ja maksavat seuraamuksista, joita ympärillä olevat aiheuttavat. Jumala siunatkoon kaikkia kristittyjä, jotka noudattavat Kirjojen Kirjaa nykypäivinä maksaen kalliin hinnan. Niin on ollut ikiajoista asti. Iloitkaa kanssamme tämän Purim- juhlan aikaan. Muistamme, mistä tulimme ja minne olemme menossa. Me olemme kohtalon kansaa, siunausta ja suurta hyvää vaurautta, koska meidän Jumalamme on ”kotijumala”. Hän elää naapurustossa ja Hän on nähtävissä ja aistittavissa päivittäin. Heprean kielen gloriaa, [kirkkauden] läsnäoloa merkitsevä sana on shekinah, ja naapurustoa merkitsevä sana on shahen. Molemmat juontuvat samasta heprean kielen sanajuuresta. Jotenka, Kaikkivaltias ON naapurustojumala, joka elää oman kansansa keskuudessa.

Historia on meille tärkeää. Vain 100 – 120 vuotta sen jälkeen, kun Nehemia ja Esra olivat johdattaneet noin 65 000 juutalaista kotiin Babyloniasta, mahtava kuningas Ahasveros eli Kserkses I, Kyyros Suuren pojanpoika, hallitsi vuosina 485 – 465 eKr. Tuo kuningas esiintyy Esterin tarinassa sekä Esran ja Danielin kirjassa. Persian valtakunta ulottui Intiasta Etiopiaan ja Sudaniin asti. Tri Yigal Bloch, Jerusalemin Bible Land -museosta totesi: ”Esterin tarina lienee tapahtunut Kserkseksen kolmantena hallintovuonna 483 eKr. Kserkseksellä oli useita pääkaupunkeja, mm. Susa, joka Raamatussa tunnetaan nimellä Suusan. Se oli hallinnollinen pääkaupunki. Kserkses tunnetaan etenkin Persepoliksen rakennuttamisesta. Siellä vietettiin vuosittainen persialaisen uuden vuoden juhlaa loistokkain ja pakanallisin menoin kevätpäiväntasauksen aikaan. Kaikki Esterin kirjassa kuvailtu kuninkaallisen hovin loisto on totta. Museossa oleva kalkkikivireliefi tuolta aikakaudelta esittää kahta hoviväkeen kuulunutta, oman kansanheimonsa vaatetukseen pukeutunutta tuon valtakunnan kansalaista tuomassa lahjoja kyseiseen juhlaan. Oli tavallista, että valtakunnan eri puolilta tulleita kansalaisia palveli kuninkaan hoviväkenä, jotenka on hyvin mahdollista, että juutalaisetkin olivat osa tuota ryhmää. Niinhän Mordokai kuvasi puurimin tarinassa.”

Jokaista ja kaikkia koskeva haaste, joka ensin annettiin Mooseksen kautta:

”HERRA, sinun Jumalasi, antaa nousta sinulle profeetan, minun kaltaiseni, sinun kansasi keskeltä, veljiesi joukosta. Kuunnelkaa häntä.”

V Mooseksen kirja 18:15 (Verratkaa myös kohtiin Matteus 21:11, Johannes 1:21 ja Apostolien teot 3:22).

Rakastavin ja sydämellisin terveisin Rawlingsien perheen puolesta

Meridel Rawlings

Dr. Meridel Rawlings Ph.D Box 84156, Mevasseret Zion, 9079097, Israel.

Still Small Voice – Purim!

Published by Meridel Rawlings

14-15th Adar 5782 / March 18th 2022

Shalom Dear Friends:

Why is it Pharaoh was driven to destroy all male Hebrew babies? Why did the mighty Xerxes order All Jews in his 127 provinces [nations] to be slaughtered? Why did Herod murder all Hebrew boys two years old and younger in Bethlehem after the visit of the Wise Men? And why was Hitler hell-bent on killing every Jew in Europe? This nasty historical fact is our living history, and many of us are still alive who lived through WW11. WHY?

“Now Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews …obliging them to CELEBRATE … because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies and as the month which was turned for them from grief to joy and from mourning into a holiday, that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending choice portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.”

Esther 9:20a, 21a, 22

Maybe this is the reason why Jews seem to be out of step with the rest of the world? We have our own calendar and language and land with its Biblical heritage, traditions, foods, songs and dances. Being ‘different’ was NOT our idea! Being ‘set apart’ was NOT our idea. Being ‘singled out” as an example was NOT our idea. It all began with the Creator who decided He would have a people for Himself … way back when. Yes, we were stubborn and self-willed and still are. But in spite of all of our ‘show and tell’ failures written by the prophets in the Holy Book, it is by the Almighty’s mercy alone, that we continue to exist and even prosper. I choose to give HIM ALL the GLORY, for He alone is worthy to be praised!

Meridel, Jay, Ryan, and Daniel in their Purim attire.

When Jay and I and our sons made ‘Aliyah’ in April 1976 to make Israel, home, the LORD gave us this strange word. “When you are fasting, others will be feasting, when you are weeping, others will be rejoicing.” 

No, we didn’t ‘get it at the time, but we are way down the road now and, we certainly do.

Israel marches to a different drummer. Any souls from among the nations who dare to follow King Messiah will do the same. They will be different and pay the consequence by those around them.  God bless all Christians who follow the Book of Books today at great cost, and so it has been since time immemorial. Rejoice with us this Purim. We remember where we came from and where we are going. We are a people of destiny, blessing and great good fortune because our God is a ‘household God’. He lives in the neighbourhood and is seen and felt daily. The word for glory or presence = scheenah and the word for the neighbourhood is shahen. Both come from the same Hebrew root. Hence, The Almighty  IS the ‘neighbourhood God’ who Lives among His people.

History is important to us. Just 100 to 120 years after Nehemiah and Ezra led about 65,000 Jews home to Israel from Babylon, the mighty Ahasuerus, or King Xerxes 1, the grandson of Cyrus the Great ruled from 485 – 465 B.C. This King features in the story of Esther, and also in the book of Ezra and Daniel. The Persian empire reached from India to Ethiopia and into Sudan. Dr Yigal Bloch of the Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem, said, “The story of Esther would have taken place in the 3rd year of Xerxes reign in 483 BCE.  Xerxes held several capital cities, including Susa, known as Shushan in the Bible. It was his administrative capital.  He is most famous for building Persepolis. It was here the annual Persian New Year Festival took place during the spring equinox filled with splendour and pageantry. All the splendour of the royal court [as described in the book of Esther] is true. A limestone relief at this period (in the museum) depicts two courtiers bringing gifts for a banquet, wearing costumes from their nations. It was common for people from the empire to serve as courtiers in the king’s court so Jews could have also easily been a part of that group, as Mordechai is described in the Purim story.”

The challenge for each and everyone was given first through Moses:

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me [Moses] from among you, from your countrymen, (brothers, brethren). You shall listen to him.”

Deuteronomy 18:15  (Also see Matthew 21:11, John 1:21 and Acts 3:22.)

With hearts of love on behalf of the Rawlings family;

Meridel Rawlings.

Dr Meridel Rawlings PhD Box 84156, Mevasseret Zion, 9079097, Israel.

Still Small Voice – March 13th, 2022

Published by Meridel Rawlings

My dear friends:

“My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Psalm 121:1

Thank you for your emails in response to my last post. Reaching out to one another helps to melt that awful sense of isolation. Let’s keep it up! Thank you. One thrilling thought to begin with: “Of all Messianic believers in Israel, 90% of them hail from Ukraine! “ From Michael at FIRM. 

“The prophet is considered a fool; the man of God who is inspired is treated as if demented…”

Hosea 9:7b

Why? Because this is the day of deception.

While all eyes are upon the war in Ukraine, who is paying attention to what is taking place in Syria? Israel is all eyes and ears. Iran is continuously building up an arms supply underground near Damascus. Top Iranian advisors run an underground military facility there. Israel killed two Iranian commanders last week. We do NOT rejoice over our enemies. We are living next to a powder keg. Keep your eyes on Damascus as you pray for the Syrian people and the hundreds of thousands still in military prisons.  

“Listen carefully, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a fallen ruin.”  

Isaiah 17:2a

Israel has begun establishing a regional air defence program in cooperation with a number of Muslim countries in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf to detect and intercept unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles, with one country able to assist the defence of another. Over the weekend, our President visited Turkey, our vice Premier visited Bahrain and our Prime Minister visited the King of Jordan. How true it is, to have good neighbours, one needs good fences!  At exactly the same time AGAIN we see the Palestinian leadership fail their people. Speaking after the recent meeting of the Palestinian National Council (PNC), its Deputy Chairman Ali Faisal clarified that there is a binding Palestinian decision to “renounce… all agreements with Israel.” He added that from the point of view of the Palestinian leadership, “the Palestinians have entered a path of resistance in all its forms” – a term that clearly includes the use of violence and terror. Yes, terror escalates. These are momentous days. Our most amazing news in from World Israel News Staff: On March 7th, for the first time in world history, Israel destroyed two enemy aircraft from Iran with F35 aircraft using air to air missiles. In recent months, Israel has thwarted attempts to launch armed aircraft and drones from Iran, an IDF spokesman revealed. The IDF activity was carried out far from our borders and did not threaten civilians or facilities. The F35 has a radar that can detect both small and slow targets – like the drones – as well as air-to-air missiles that can hit and intercept them, despite their size.

Meanwhile, Israel is receiving Jewish refugees by the thousands and giving work permits to non-Jewish Ukrainians fleeing the war. Israel is preparing to receive 600,000. new immigrants in the next six months. In this tiny land, there is never a dull moment. We all not only feel the pulse of unfolding Biblical history, we live it! Prophecy is unfolding before our very eyes, for those who have eyes to see!

We are keeping a watch for our nation, and I am sure that you are doing the same for yours. Everyone should be on full alert. I know the Finns are, with their 1,200 km. Border with Russia. Oh, we need to pray and encourage one another.

How do we pray for our leaders and our nations?

“For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been kept secret, but that it will come to light [that is, things are hidden only temporarily until the appropriate time comes for them to be known].

Mark 4:22

Israel’s winter is severe this year. On Shabbat, it hailed and has been pouring rain for days. We are always glad for the rain and are not complaining. It’s cold for us, as the houses are not built to the standard of Northern lands.  Daniel built a cheery fire in our old Norwegian fisherman’s stove in the family room and that is where we hung out for the Sabbath. In spite of the heavy rains, our few sunny days have brought forth wildflowers, and blossoms on the almond, apple and apricot trees.

I want to thank my grandson Noam for posting my letters. He is a full-time university student and gives me his spare time for which I am very grateful.

This is my prayer alert for this week. I pray that heaven hears your voice.

I close with a hymn to encourage you by Randall Wallace, author of the screenplay for the film “Brave Heart.”

Dr Meridel Rawlings: Meridel.rawlings@gmail.com