Defeating Depression Part I [Charismatic Devotional Thread]

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” Proverbs 12:25

Low spirits, gloominess, dejection, sadness, a decrease in force, or activity, or amount, a decrease in functional activity. An emotional condition either normal or pathological characterized by discouragement, a feeling of inadequacy, the act of humbling abasement as a depression of pride. Abasement, reduction, sinking, fall, humiliation, dejection, melancholy.

Major Depression Facts Major depression is the No.1 psychological disorder in the western world.(1) It is growing in all age groups, in virtually every community, and the growth is seen most in the young, especially teens. At the rate of increase, it will be the 2nd most disabling condition in the world by 2020, behind heart disease. http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/Depression_Information/facts.htm Shalom dearly beloved:

I am taking the opportunity this Shabbat to touch on a subject that is plaguing many people, that is DEPRESSION. Nearly everywhere that we go to minister, The Lord gives me a Word of Knowledge concerning depression and suicide. Many people have been miraculously set free from depression and hopelessness as we bring forth The MAP Revolution Message to the nations. Some times people that have suffered from over 50 years of chronic depression are able to smile and rejoice for the FIRST time in their lives!

One such case happened to us in Ecuador. As we were leaving from the Guayaquil airport after and intense time of ministry in Ecuador, some people came to bid us good-bye and among them there was a middle age toothless lady. She was smiling from ear to ear and had no front teeth at all!!! She made a considerable effort to come to the airport from a remote village and without any private transport. Her purpose for coming was to show us her “toothless smile” as a sign of appreciation for our ministry. She told us that she had suffered from chronic depression for over 50 years and that she was healed under our ministry and could now genuinely smile and be happy for the FIRST time in 50 years!!! Needless to say we were overjoyed and tears ran down our cheeks as we received this marvelous testimony as a gift from heaven and as full reward for our time spent in Ecuador. What a privilege it is to make people SMILE and rejoice from their hearts after so many years of suffering!

In one of our meetings in Mexico, as I was asking for people to give their testimonies of healing, a young man came to answer the altar call for salvation, tears streaming down his face as The Lord had healed him from depression right there on the spot. His testimony caused around 100 people to answer the altar call for salvation on that day! The lady that brought him to our meeting was HIS OWN CHRISTIAN THERAPIST that in desperation hoped for a miracle for her own patient! What medicine could not do, The Holy Spirit did it in a split second! To Him is all the glory forever!

I am not disclaiming in this article the use of drugs and medications in certain cases. Psychiatric help can be as a ¨life boat¨ to a drowning person. Many of my loved ones have been greatly helped by medication, however if you know the root cause of depression you can live a life of freedom from this plague that is a major attack on modern day man.

My own testimony It is in my weakness that YAH (The Lord) uses me in the area of depression as nearly every member of my immediate family has been plagued from depression and one even committed suicide due to it. I have suffered the deep distress of catering to people in serious, critical depressions and mental disease all my life. As I am writing these very lines my own son who is a soldier in the Israeli Army is suffering from depression that has been caused by pressure and anxiety. As a mother I am going through a very painful time, yet in the midst of my own pain I feel compelled to write this letter so that all those that are suffering from depression can receive HOPE and a WAY OUT!

A family curse that is repeated throughout the generations due to witchcraft, involvement in the occult, Kabbala and the active membership in secret lodges such as the Free Masons, Odd Fellows, etc…It can also manifest as a “genetical chemical imbalance” (Deuteronomy 5:8, 28:28,29) A root of bitterness, hidden anger and unforgiveness. (Matthew 18:34,35) Fear, anxiety and stress. (Proverbs 12:25, 1 John 4:18) A serious disappointment in life such as broken promises, divorce or a broken relationship, the death of a loved one or any frustrated expectation. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12) Unresolved grief. (Genesis 37:34-36) Vitamin and nutritional deficiency

TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION 1. Repentance: In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we have the antidote for all sickness, be it spiritual, emotional or physical,

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

*Turn from our wicked ways of mistrust, and fear rather than faith, disobedience to God’s Commandments and any unforgiveness and hidden anger. Forgiveness is a KEY issue, forgive yourself, others and even God!

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14,15

2. Confess your sins to someone you trust that has a holy walk with God and have that person pray for you.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

“He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions.” Psalms 107:20

“My son give attention to My word, incline your ear to my sayings do not let them depart from your eyes, keep them in the midst of your heart, for they are life to those who find them, and health to ALL their flesh” Proverbs 4:20-22

Make for yourself a Word Prayer of at least 5-7 scripture promises, declare and meditate on those scripture promises day and night and at least 3 times a day! Record this scripture prayer and listen to it while you are driving, speaking it out loud and also silently to yourself all day long.

“The work of righteousness will be peace and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever” Isaiah 32:17

“The actions of those that are made just by doing what is right in the eyes of God will be shalom, wellbeing and wholeness in every way; And those who worship Him according to His Commandments (Holy Worship!) will be quietness and absolute confidence forever.”

Right in wise manner, upright, virtuous, acting in a just way, morally right, good, excellent, satisfying, pleasant, authentic, Godly, just, upright, virtuous.

Our righteousness comes from having been made right with YAH (God) through Y’shua’s blood sacrifice and it is to be followed by obedience to His Commandments and by a right walk with Him. When we are made right with Elohim through Y’shua, in a forgiven state we then begin a personal walk with Him, a walk of loving obedience to His Commandments as written in our hearts by The Holy Spirit. (Jeremiah 31:31-33)

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. John 15:10

Walking in love, obedience and forgiveness is an antidote for fear and thus fights and defeats the torment of depression.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

5. Total trust in Elohim-God, His Word, His Plan and His Character. Trust is the antidote against anxiety, one of the major root causes of depression in the 21st century. Trust develops through continual prayer and meditation of the Word of God.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through the Messiah Y’shua. Philippians 4:6,7

This is actually a commandment- “Be anxious for NOTHING” and the way to achieve it is by,

Most people are anxious because they lead a prayer-less and unthankful life, so they are always revolving around themselves and their own problems.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Yahveh my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psalm 30:11-12

7. Inner Healing is the key for inner soul and heart pain. Inner healing happens when we acknowledge the pain and let the Spirit of Truth and the Word of God bring light to the most hidden corners of our soul.

Then Y’shua said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31,32,

“The Spirit of Yahveh GOD is upon Me, Because Yahveh has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of Yahveh, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of Yahveh, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3.

Inner healing can happen when someone else prays for you or when you pray and let YAH work on your soul to bring truth and light to your deepest painful emotions.

8. Conventional treatment- In some cases there is a need to receive conventional medication and drug treatment before a person can be settled enough to allow for God’s word and spirit to work. In these cases by all means receive treatment and then apply all the rest.

9. Deliverance from demons- is an important part in defeating depression as in many cases there is demonic activity involved in depression, however depression is not only caused by evils spirits and it is important to treat spirit, soul and body!

Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Matthew 4:24

10. Nutritional supplements are very important in order to treat depression and most particularly vitamin B complex and Vitamin C, however for a more thorough list consult with a professional nutritionist and health consultant. There are also some herbs that can be helpful such as St. John’s Wort, Chamomille, Valerian Root, etc…It is also important to change your nutritional habits to healthy habits decreasing white sugar, processed foods, chemicals such as nitrates and MSG.

For thus says Yahveh GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “ In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15A

On the next issue we will talk about fear and anxiety as a root cause of depression, meanwhile have a Shabbat Shalom, full of wellbeing and DO NOT GIVE UP! Remember that we love you and care for you.

Rabbi Baruch, Bishop Dominiquae Bierman and the Kad-Esh MAP Team © Bishop Dr Dominiquae Bierman 2006

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 8:1-2 Romans 8:17 Philippians 4:19

From Rags to Riches

Esther 8:1-2

"On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman."

From Rags to Riches

During the 1995 Christmas holidays, a passing motorist spotted a limousine stranded with a flat tire on a busy stretch of New Jersey highway. The man graciously stopped and offered to help the chauffeur change the tire. Just as the task was finished, the darkened window rolled down and the man inside asked what he and his wife could do to repay the favor. "Just send my wife a big bouquet of flowers," said the guy and handed him his card. Two weeks later a gargantuan bouquet of orchids arrived with a card reading, "We paid off your home mortgage. Marla and Donald Trump." Informers say the Trumps forked over more than $100,000 for the gesture.

Mordecai experienced a similar windfall. With the death of his enemy, Haman, he came into the possession of all Haman's wealth, one of Persia's highest officials. From the position of a minor bureaucrat, Mordecai suddenly became second only to the king.

Every Christian is graced with this same fortune. As unbelievers, we were spiritually impoverished. We owed a debt to God we could never repay. But when we trusted Jesus as Savior, we received the promise of His provision for our entire lifetime (Phil. 4:19). Even better, we were made spiritual billionaires when we became joint-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17).

Perhaps you are experiencing lean times. In spite of your efforts to be a good steward, too much month is left at the end of the paycheck. Don't despair. Trust God to meet your needs. These times of testing will someday give way to an abundance that is beyond your comprehension. You have God's word on it!

He is a poor man who can only measure his wealth in dollars.

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 9:26-28

Just a Reminder

Esther 9:26-28

"So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them, the Jews established and imposed it upon themselves and their descendants and all who would join them, that without fail they should celebrate these two days every year, according to the written instructions and according to the prescribed time, . . . that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants."

Just a Reminder

Do you know what these words have in common: Tishri, Kislev, Nisan, Sivan and Ab? They are months in the Jewish calendar. For the devout Jew, the calendar is more than a way of marking time--it provides a convenient method of recalling God's dealings in their life. Nisan marks Passover, the time of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Sivan brings the Feast of Pentecost, the celebration of a bountiful harvest from God. Tishri reminds the people of their wilderness wanderings through the Feast of the Tabernacles. Each holiday becomes a holy day, a time of recalling, repenting and renewing old commitments to follow the God of Israel.

During the days of Esther, yet another special time of remembrance was added to the Jewish calendar. Each year, on the 14th and 15th day of the month of Adar, the people celebrate God's victory over evil Haman's attempt to exterminate the Jews. It is called the Feast of Purim.

As Christians we have our own special times of remembrance. At Christmas we remember Christ's birth, and on Easter we remember His death and resurrection. More frequently, we celebrate together the memory of His sacrifice at Calvary. We call it the Lord's Supper or Communion.

It's good to take advantage of every opportunity you have to remember what God has done for you. Enjoy Christmas, Easter, Sunday and every Lord's Supper celebration. Be sensitive to the spiritual truths behind these occasions. None of us have such good memories that we don't need reminders.

When God does it, we do more than remember it--we celebrate it.

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 10:3

Dedicated to Service

Esther 10:3

"For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his kindred."

Dedicated to Service

John Brodie, former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was once asked why a million-dollar player such as he should have to hold the ball for field goals and extra-points attempts. "Well," said Brodie, "if I didn't, it would fall over." There is something appealing about this kind of humility in service. We see in it a reflection of true greatness.

Mordecai had this kind of appeal as well. He became great among his people, but not because he held a position second only to the king. He was well received by the multitude, but not because he was rich or related to the queen. Mordecai's true greatness came because he had a heart dedicated to service. The wicked Haman had used his office to promote himself; Mordecai used his position to bring good to his people.

Throughout history, greatness has been associated with unselfish service. When H. M. Stanley went to Africa in 1871 to find David Livingstone, he found Livingstone engaged in untiring service for those whom he had no reason to love except for Christ's sake. Stanley wrote in his journal, "When I saw that unwearied patience, that unflagging zeal and those enlightened sons of Africa, I became a Christian at his side, though he never spoke to me one word."

While the world may never classify you as a John Brodie the quarterback, a Mordecai the Jew or a David Livingstone the missionary, you can still be great with God. Find the place He would have you serve, and serve Him until you die.

It's not important how many people you lead, but how many you serve.

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 8:1 Joshua 7:24-25 Joshua 7:5-7

It Only Hurts Me

Joshua 7:11-12

"Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you."

It Only Hurts Me

We never sin alone. A study of 8,415 adults revealed that those exposed to secondhand smoke experienced a 10 percent increase in the thickening of their carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Thickening of the carotid arteries is a major cause of strokes. Other statistics indicate that drug and alcohol abuse is costing businesses more than $60 billion a year in absenteeism, workplace accidents, higher insurance costs, waste and low productivity. This cost is passed on to consumers in the prices of goods and services.

Achan may have thought that his sin affected only him. Yet when Joshua went before the Lord to find out why his army had been defeated at Ai, God said, "Israel sinned." Achan's sin caused grief to Joshua (vv. 6-7), to the families of the 36 men struck down at Ai (v. 5) and especially to his own family (vv. 24-25). Achan's sin not only hurt him, but everyone around him.

People still excuse their sin by saying, "It doesn't hurt anyone but me." But the facts prove otherwise. Sin hurts everybody either directly or indirectly. A study claimed that a New York City subway token, which costs $1.25, would cost only $1.19 if no one evaded fares. The cost of a property-casualty policy costs $600, but if no one committed fraud, it would be $540. A spreadsheet software package costs $495, but if no one pirated programs, it would only be $322.

The next time Satan encourages you to sin, just remember that you won't be the only one who gets hurt. Sin hurts all of us.

Satan is the only one who comes out ahead when we sin.

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 9:3-6 Joshua 9:14

Making Godly Decisions

Joshua 9:3-6

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, "We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us."

Making Godly Decisions

Decisions are part of our life every day. We decide what to wear when we get up in the morning. We decide what to eat, what to listen to on the radio or watch on television. We make a multitude of other less-than-earthshaking choices daily. But sometimes we face decisions that have a major impact on our lives. These may affect whom we marry, where we live or what job we hold. But big or small, the choices we make should honor the Lord.

Joshua was faced with an important decision soon after he entered the land of Canaan. God had warned him not to make treaties with any of the neighboring peoples. Yet when a group of people showed up who claimed to live far away, he had to reject or accept their plea for peace. Carefully Joshua and his advisors inspected the moldy food and worn-out clothing. Yet verse 14 says, "but they did not ask counsel of the Lord." Only after they had finalized the agreement did they learn they had been tricked.

Deception and misrepresentations are rampant in our society. Salespeople try to rush us into making immediate decisions. Television promotes an unrealistic view of life. Advertisers imply promises they can't fulfill. In the midst of it all, we need to seek the counsel of the Lord. Only the principles in His Word will enable us to make choices that consistently honor Him.

When you need to make a decision, don't rely on human wisdom alone, but look to God's Word. Ask Him to reveal His truths that will enable you to make wise and godly decisions.

When the right decision is important, the right counsel is imperative.

Maurice Sklar is a young man, a gifted violinist.

To me, he seems to have prophetic giftings.

If anyone has speakers "On" and goes to his homepage, mauricesklar.com, they will hear a sample of his exquisite violin work.

+* +* +*
From his bio page:

Maurice Sklar

Dr. Maurice Sklar was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a Russian-Jewish family with a rich musical heritage. At age four, he began playing the violin. He won numerous awards from the age of nine, and left home to study violin with Fredell Lack in Houston, Texas, when he was only thirteen. He attended Meadowmount Summer Music School, Ivan Galamian’s Strings Camp, for seven consecutive years from the age of thirteen to nineteen. Accepted at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City at the age of fifteen, Maurice subsequently won a scholarship to attend the Curtis Institute of Music at the age of sixteen, where he studied with the great violin teacher, Ivan Galamian.

In 1984 he was accepted as a scholarship student with the renowned violin pedagogue, Dorothy DeLay. While attending the Aspen, Colorado Music Festival from 1984-1986, Miss DeLay invited Maurice to return to Juilliard and conclude his professional studies. From 1985-1989, he worked with her in preparation for a major solo career in classical music.

* 1986 - Winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions
* 1987 - New York debut in the YCA Series of the 92nd Street "Y"
* 1987 - Kennedy Center debut in the YCA Series in Washington, D.C.
* 1990 - Chosen by MUSICAL AMERICA as one of the top ten "Young Artist of the Year"
* 1990 - Appointed Artist-in-Residence and professor of violin at Oral Roberts University, Tulsa , Oklahoma
* 1990-91 - Associate Concertmaster of the Tulsa Philharmonic
* 1997 - Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Ministry degree from Spirit of Truth Seminary, Huntsville, Alabama, for his pioneering work in re-introducing classical music to the church body as powerful praise and worship to the Father, and for his revival ministry in the Holy Spirit as a prophet, teacher, and psalmist.
* 1992-Present - Ministry involvement with churches across America and around the world as a concert soloist and minister of the Gospel

A difficult childhood, pressure to succeed as a violinist, and demonic attacks on his life led to an emotional and psychological breakdown in the fall of 1986. Maurice was suicidal for almost a year, though he could perform almost perfectly in his concerts. After receiving prayer that broke generational curses of emotional illness and depression in late spring of 1987, he began a process of healing and restoration in which he surrendered his life and his gifts entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ. Maurice received total healing and began to give out what God has given him through many battles and many victories in the Spirit.

Dr. Maurice Sklar has appeared as soloist with many orchestras, including The Little Orchestra Society of New York at Lincoln Center, The Houston Symphony, The New Orleans Philharmonic, The Monmouth, New Jersey Symphony, The Curtis Symphony Orchestra, The University of Mexico City Orchestra, The Tulsa Philharmonic, The Galveston Symphony, The Richardson Symphony, The Bridgeton Symphony, The Baton Rouge Symphony, The Plymouth Symphony, The Memphis Symphony, The Hendersonville Symphony, and The Minneapolis Chamber Symphony. He has performed in concerts across the country and abroad.

Maurice Sklar Ministries . Victorville, CA 92392
http://www.mauricesklar.com

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 10:12-14

The Power of Bent Knees

Joshua 10:12-13

Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: "Sun, stand still over Gibeon; and Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the people had revenge upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.

The Power of Bent Knees

Have you ever wondered how a bird can sleep on its perch and never fall off? The secret is the tendons of the bird's legs. They are constructed in such a way that when the leg is bent at the knee, the claws contract and grip like a steel trap. The claws refuse to let go until the knees are unbent again.

It was the bent knee that gave Joshua his power as well. As the Israelites were pursuing their enemy the Amorites, they were running out of daylight. It was a critical time because, even though the battle had been won, the route was not complete. In the sight of all Israel, Joshua stopped and called upon the Lord, and the sun stood still in the midst of the sky. Joshua 10:14 declares, "And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel." That's the power of the bent knee!

If you want power with God, you need to practice bending your knees. While every prayer will not stop the sun, every prayer that reflects God's will can win your battle. Prayer is God's chosen instrument to release His power in our daily life.

Determine today to practice the power of prayer. Set aside a daily time to bend the knee and seek the Lord. Discover for yourself the life-changing effects that can be brought about through bent knees.

When you need to hang on tight, bend your knees.

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 14:6-7 1 John 3:18 Numbers 14:6-10 Joshua 14:13

Friends in Deed

Joshua 14:6-7

Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: "You know the word which the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart."

Friends in Deed

Dr. Abraham Maslow, famed research analyst, estimated that the average American meets only about 50 percent of his need for love, interpersonal support and intimacy. In the latter stages of his research, Dr. Maslow became even more negative in his summary: "The truth is," he said, "the average American does not have a real friend in the world."

That stands in stark contrast to the friendship we see between Joshua and Caleb. First teamed up by Moses as partners to explore the land of Canaan, they also stood steadfast together when the people rebelled and wanted to stone them (Num. 14:6-10). Joshua was later selected to replace Moses as the leader of Israel, but that seemed to have no effect on their friendship. Forty-five years later we find them fighting shoulder to shoulder as Israel sought to solidify its hold on the Promised Land. And in the midst of the conflict, Joshua fulfilled a promise. Joshua 14:13 says, "And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance."

Joshua and Caleb were friends indeed and friends in deed. It was a friendship tested by time and trials, but a friendship expressed in commitment and deeds. What had been promised in words was fulfilled in deeds.

Perhaps you are blessed with such a friend as Caleb. If so, find a way today not only to say how much you appreciate this friend but to show it as well. Follow the admonition of 1 John 3:18: "Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."

A friend in deed is a friend indeed.

http://www.heartlight.org/

Suffering the Consequences?
Russ Lawson

One of the hardest realities for some of us to learn is that our actions have consequences. Whatever we do either affects us or others, and usually both.

We begin teaching our children at an early age "Do not hit!" and "Do not bite!" and a host of other "Do not's!" because our actions can hurt other people. We are teaching them that there are consequences to others because of our actions.

We teach them to avoid fires and hot surfaces and playing in the street, because the consequences of these can be extremely hurtful to ourselves.

Some, however, are slow to learn those lessons. Many, it seems, "have to learn the hard way" through suffering the consequences of their actions.

I read a story the other day, which at first seemed cute, but as the message sinks in, it teaches a much deeper lesson"

Little Emily, the minister's daughter, ran into the house, crying as though her heart would break.

"What's wrong, dear?" asked her father.

"My dolly, my dolly! Billy broke it!" she sobbed.

"How did he break it, Emily?" her father asked.

To which she replied, "I hit him over the head with it."

Consequences. Far too often, just like that little girl, we tend to blame someone else for something that is a direct result of our decisions or actions. Job said many years ago, "My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same" (Job 4:8 NLT, 1st Ed.).

Hosea told us all years ago about a crucial principle of consequence:

I said, "Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you." (Hosea 10:12)

Why did God do this to me?

We deal with consequences daily in our lives. The consequence occurs either because of our actions, or because of the actions of others. The real question is this: How do we react when our "dolly" is broken?

On whom do we place the blame for her being broken?

We often have to face difficult problems in our lives and ask, "Why did God do this to me?" In reality, we are facing consequences that are the result of our own choices and actions, the choices and actions of others, or maybe even the choices we make with our life style.

God will never desert you in times of trouble. The Psalmist writes the following:

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. (Psalms 62:6-7)

God reminded his servant Jeremiah and his friends about his presence among them:

So now the LORD says, "Stop right where you are! Look for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16)

Do you want to keep from suffering the consequences of the decisions you make?

If you don't want that, then run from sin and cling to the Rock, and walk on his paths following his word and being led by his Spirit.

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 22:4

Rest for the Weary

Joshua 22:4

And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brethren, as He promised them; now therefore, return and go to your tents and to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan.

Rest for the Weary

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, received a letter from his wife while he was on a long trip. She wrote in part, "Your Tuesday's notes arrived safe, and I was rejoiced to hear of the continued prosperity of the work, though sorry you were so worn out. I fear the effect of all this excitement and exertion upon your health, and though I would not hinder your usefulness,

I would caution you against an injudicious prodigality of your strength. Remember a long life of steady, consistent, holy labor will produce twice as much fruit as one shortened and destroyed by spasmodic and extravagant exertions; be careful and sparing of your strength when and where exertion is unnecessary."

God also is aware of this truth. After five years of battles, Joshua declared, "God has given rest." It was not that the land had been completely conquered, but it was time for the people to rest anyway.

Some Christians are quick to remind us that "Satan never takes a vacation." That may be true, but Satan is not the example we want to follow. One scholar who studied the Gospels claims that during the three years of Jesus' ministry, ten periods of resting are mentioned.

If Jesus felt it necessary to punctuate His ministry with seasons of rest, how much more so should we.

Being alone and resting for a while is not selfish; it's Christlike. Taking a vacation is not fleshly; it's spiritual.

God's kingdom is not advanced by those who work themselves into a coronary or nervous breakdown. God gives rest to the weary, so don't be too proud to take it.

Come apart for rest or you may come apart forever.

THE KEY OF ABRAHAM

IN THE PHILIPPINES

Shabbat shalom dearly beloved:

I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

We are writing you from the Philippines , a nation that YAH (God) used to cast a determining vote for the establishing of the reborn nation of Israel in 1948. Now 58 years later we have come to ask mercy for this nation at a time of great turmoil.

Being Jews and Israelis, YAH has given us the mandate to stand in the gap for entire nations and to find somewhere in the history of the nation some good act that has been done towards Israel so we can remind Him of that. You see all the nations are entering now into the valley of Jehoshaphat, the Valley of Judgment because of opposing God’s Eternal Covenant with Israel due to the pressure put on Israel to divide its God-given land and the establishing of a Palestinian Terror State.

“For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. Joel 3:1-2

Together with The Body of Messiah in the Philippines we will be crying out to God to have mercy on the Philippines and to restore her to the love of Israel so that this nation can be blessed and salvation can come into it. It is time to wake up all over the nations and understand that The Almighty never lies and He means business when He tied the blessing or the curse for the nations according to the way that the nations have treated Israel .

We need to realize that the restoration of Israel to its land is a Covenant Issue and YAH will not relent until it is fully accomplished. Anyone that will stand on His way will be destroyed and thus we are standing in the gap as Jews in the New Covenant before the God of Israel asking for mercy for the nations.

Come near, you nations, to hear; And heed, you people! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, The world and all things that come forth from it. For the indignation of Yahveh is against all nations, And His fury against all their armies; He has utterly destroyed them, He has given them over to the slaughter. Isaiah 34:1,2

For it is the day of Yahveh’s vengeance, The year of recompense for the cause of Zion . Isaiah 34:8

Elohim, the Creator has already designed a day of vengeance against all nations that have opposed His plan to establish and redeem, His people Israel . Unfortunately nearly all if not all the nations have been fighting God in this and they are in trouble with The Almighty. These are dangerous times because we are on the edge of the return of Messiah to Jerusalem and He will not stop until His plan is fulfilled.

It is only when He builds up Zion (not divides it or tears it apart) that the nations begin to fear His name and they see His Glory. We are certainly hoping for the Philippines to be a God fearing nation and to see His Glory.

You will arise and have mercy on Zion ; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come. For Your servants take pleasure in her stones, And show favor to her dust. So the nations shall fear the name of Yahveh, And all the kings of the earth Your glory. For Yahveh shall build up Zion ; He shall appear in His glory. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, And shall not despise their prayer. Psalm 102:13-17

It is at the time that He builds up Zion , that He favors Zion that He will begin to hear the prayers of the needy in the nations like never before and will pour out His mercy. Favoring and building up Zion is the KEY for the salvation of the nations but how does He pour out His favor and mercy over Zion ? In verse 14 we read the following;

“For Your servants take pleasure in her stones , and show favor to her dust”

The servants of Yahveh in the nations begin to love
Israel, value the Land and the People, releasing honor and mercy; and then the nations fear the name of Yahveh!

This is a call for The Body of Messiah in the nations to wake up to the last confrontation with the enemy before the return of Messiah to Jerusalem , to the Mount of Olives . This is the confrontation between The Sons of Zion and the Sons of Greece! The Sons of Zion will treasure The Jewish People and the Land of Israel and will love her because they are Grafted into the Olive Tree.

They will not usurp her or replace her anymore; neither will they ignore her but fight for her! And just like their God and Messiah Yahveh and Y’shua they will never keep silent until salvation comes to Israel . They will stand watch on the walls of Jerusalem all the way to the end. This will release THE DOUBLE PORTION END TIME ANOINTING.

Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare That I will restore double to you. For I have bent Judah, My bow, Fitted the bow with Ephraim, And raised up your sons, O Zion, Against your sons, O Greece, And made you like the sword of a mighty man.” Zechariah 9:12-13

YAH is calling the True Sons of Zion in the nations, the True Grafted In bride to join forces in order to remove Replacement Theology from The Church world wide and oppose in prayer and practically all Anti Semitism in the nations. It is time to enter into the End Time Battle and it is all about ISRAEL . As we join in this battle with YAH, we will then be anointed for the salvation of the nations!

Please be praying and (fasting if The Spirit leads you) for this important mission in the Philippines that can impact this beautiful nation to enter into its destiny as a lover of Israel and a blessed of Yahveh! Also remember our children in prayer and our son Yuval in the hospital. Do not give God any rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth!

For Zion ’s sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem ’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns. Isaiah 62:1

Your friends in Israel,
Written from The Philippines,
Rabbi Baruch and Bishop Dominiquae Bierman

Join us on the Mountains of Jerusalem for our weekly, LIVE BROADCAST AND PRAISE-PRAYER WATCH “FOR ZION ’S SAKE I WILL NOT KEEP SILENT”

Shabbat 9th September 4 PM Israeli time

(New York 9am; London 2pm; Manila 9pm; Sydney 11pm)

** See special repeats of last Shabbat broadcast on MAP Revolution TV, click on the link from our English web site www.kad-esh.org.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.