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Ordinary People…in a Not-so-Ordinary Land

When you think of Israel, what comes to mind?

…the birthplace of Jesus
…the disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee
…Temple Mount (and  all the turmoil that occurs there today!)
…Jesus healing people and loving children
…Golgotha and the Garden Tomb from which Jesus arose

It is definitely a unique and out-of-the-ordinary place.  There is nowhere else like it in the entire universe, and in at least 30 place in Scripture, the Bible tells us God put His name in Jerusalem!

But what about the people?  Are the Jewish people any different than you and me?  Are they more holy?  More righteous?  More deserving of God than anyone else?  Absolutely not!  They are people, just like you and me!  Israel suffers the same social ills that plague every other nation on earth.

They are an ordinary people, living in an extraordinary land!  Susan Michaels (ICEJ-USA’s Executive Director) just published an article that helps us understand the imperfections and the needs of Jewish people, even in the extraordinary land of Israel.

Take a few moments to read The People of Israel.

Blessings my friends, and thanks for stopping by!

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Hear Danny Ayalon and Others Address ICEJ’s Summer Conference

Back in May I attended the International Christian Embassy’s Celebrate Jerusalem Conference near Nashville TN.  Christians in support of Israel gathered for fellowship and inspiring teaching from those “in the know” about Israel.

One of the speakers was Danny Ayalon, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel, member of the Knesset, and Israeli Ambassador to the US.  Most recently, he founded The Truth about Israel, dedicated to truthfully educating the public about Israel.  Ayalon is very articulate and certainly knowledgeable when it comes to “all things Israel.”   I highly encourage you to hear his remarks.  (Ayalon’s recent video regarding Jerusalem opens his session.  The actual video can be found here.)

Also featured at that conference was Pastor Umar Mulinde, a Ugandan pastor who was attacked by terrorists who threw acid on his face and back as he was leaving his church one Christmas Eve. Mulinde, a former Muslim, not only tells his story, but also shares his perspective of terrorism in our world today.

Those sessions, as well as all others from that weekend are now available, courtesy of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.  You will find those teachings here.

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It’s Not too Late to Congratulate Jerusalem!

Hi friends!  Do you realize we’re in the midst of a jubilee year for Jerusalem?  If you have no idea what I’m talking about, please see Israel’s Jubilee Years.  Indeed, “liberty is proclaimed throughout the land” on a 50-year schedule, just as the Bible describes in  Leviticus 25:8-11!  Interestingly, on our Gregorian calendar, those years happen to end in “7,” the number of perfection (God’s perfection!).

2017 is the 50th anniversary of the 6-Day War in which Israel re-captured the Old City of Jerusalem, including Temple Mount, and reunited Israel for the very first time since 70 AD when the Romans wiped out the city and drove Jews from Israel.  The victory also ensured freedom of access for all faiths to Jerusalem’s holy sites.  It is an incredibly significant year in Israel’s history.

While the 6-Day War victory was officially celebrated in June (on the actual anniversary of the victory), Israel continues to celebrate the Jubilee Year. As Christians who stand with Israel, it is fitting for us to congratulate Jerusalem in commemoration of her Jubilee celebration.

Did you know you can actually send your own personal congratulations to the people of Israel?  Christians from around the world are sending words of congratulations and encouragement, and all messages are being compiled in a special Jerusalem Jubilee Book that will be presented to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

Be one of millions of Christians who stand with Israel in this very simple and tangible way.  Send your congratulations!

I will bless those who bless you!  (Genesis 12:3)
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good!  (Psalm 122:9)

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How Does Israel Treat Palestinians?

To hear the evening news, one would think the Palestinians are under horrible oppression by Israel.  But, is that really true?  Would you believe that roughly 3/4 of Arabs in East Jerusalem would prefer to live under Israeli rule?

Susan Michael, Director of the US branch of ICEJ (International Christian Embassy Jerusalem), wrote a very informative piece that I highly recommend.  In it, you will read why Arabs prefer to live in Israel, and a bit of what Israel has done to make life much more pleasant for them.  It is well worth the time.  Enjoy!

How Does Israel Treat Palestinians?