Yochanan

Can you tell we're nearing the end of the portion cycle? We're three weeks away from Deuternomy. And if you're reading through the Gospels you'll notice that this week is the start of John, the Beloved. Tom and I are excited to read through this book together since he is currently researching a topic based on a saying of Yeshua as recorded by John. What an interesting account of His life on earth, so mystical and unique compared to the previous Gospels. Is it ok to have a favorite gospel? Which one is your favorite?

Once An Arafat Man

I am reading a book recommended by a friend here in Jerusalem, 'Once an Arafat Man' by Tass Saada. This is the autobiography of the man who runs Cassidy's preschool. Confused? Tass'sjourney from being a soldier in Fatah to a follower of Yeshua is miraculous. From the very beginning, as a child in Gaza, then as a teenager in Qatar, the Hand of G-d protects him. He goes from a rebellious teenager to a hate-filled killer to a repentant, obedient man of G-d.

He spent his early years with Fatah and Arafat (he really was his chauffeur), then he went to the States to get out of trouble. He married an American woman so he could stay in the US and then led an empty life, in a loveless marriage, striving after the "American Dream". But as I said, he's the guy who started a Messianic preschool in Jerusalem. How?!

Well, I'm only halfway through the book, but the L-rd pursued Tass until he gave His heart to the Jewish Messiah. In fact his friend who shared the Good News with him told him he had to love a Jew.

I don't want to tell you too much. Tass's story is filled with testimonies of how the L-rd used the dramatic and the not very dramatic experiences in to bring Him glory. If you're looking for an easy read that will encourage you in your walk and give you some insight into the Middle East, get 'Once an Arafat Man.' You'll have trouble keeping the story to yourself.

Cassidy outside of her Gan, Jacob's Ladder

Sunday in Jerusalem

After I dropped Cassidy off at school this morning (the work week starts on Sunday here) I encountered these two giant animals at the crosswalk. Thankfully they were headed toward the Damascus gate and not the train. It makes me wonder what's happening in the Arab part of Jerusalem today...

Is it legal to text and ride a horse?

From Saul to Netanyahu

As I rode the train home this morning, after taking Cassidy to school, I read 1 Samuel 15. I can't help but shake my head when I read about Saul not following the orders of G-d when the Israelites defeat Agag and the Amelekites. How quickly his leadership grieves the L-rd because he "has not carried out my instructions" (v.10-11). Samuel spends the whole night crying out to G-d because he is so troubled by this confession of the L-rd.

When I arrived home I sat down at my desk to work and looked out the window. It's a clear day here in HaGiva HaTsarfatit (French Hill) and I can see Samuel's Tomb, located up on the hill. What a job Samuel had, trying to mediate between the King of kings and the king of Israel.

Samuel's Tomb

The leadership of Israel today still needs a lot of help and prayer. Surprisingly, last month Benyamin Netanyahu met with Saul Mofaz. Mofaz is the leader of the Kadima party and they are big opponents to Netanyahu's party, Likud.  In a dramatic turn of events, the two have decided to join together, creating the 3rd largest coalition government in Israel’s history. The two parties combined will now have more power to move ahead on crucial issues, such as the budget, military service requirements for Orthodox Jews, governmental structure and the peace process. Please pray that they will have wisdom from G-d and move forward bravely.

It wasn't so long ago that Netanyahu faced off with the previous leader of Kadima, Tzipi Livni. This occured around the same time as the Obama/McCain election. Our congregation in Kansas spent many hours praying for Israel first, and then for the elections happening in the United States. The results were a surprise for us, but when we pray, "Your will be done", we must trust in His goodness and sovereignty. We know He is at work, and He wants us to partner with Him in every way we can. As you pray for the upcoming US elections, keep Netanyahu and the Knesset in your prayers -- pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

If you don't fully understand this shift, here is a helpful video from Ron Cantor (www.messiahsmandate.org) about what is taking place with this remarkable coalition and why it means so much to Israelis.