Matthew Miller (better known as Chasidic/reggae beatboxer/rapster Matisyahu) released an April 2008 recording called ‘One Day.’ Speaking about this monster hit Matisyahu said that “it is an anthem of hope with a big beat, the kind of song that makes you bob your head and open your heart at the same time.” The song expresses a confidence that God has put us on this earth for a reason and …Read More
Syria – ancient promises, ancient curses
As the Passover season of deliverance approaches, the world focuses on the Middle East. Chemical warfare near Idlib targeted civilians, causing the gruesome death of nearly 100 (including lots of children) and the injury of more than 500. The cruelty and carnage shake the souls of all who see video footage of the casualties. Syrian fighter-bombers involved in that incident (and operating under a protective Russian military umbrella) were destroyed …Read More
The writing’s on the wall
The kingdom of Babylon had seen better days. Up to quite recently it had been feared and respected by all the nations of the world. Isaiah the son of Amoz declared, “Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride” (Isaiah 13:1, 19). Jeremiah the prophet waxed eloquent, “Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of YHVH, intoxicating all the earth. The nations have drunk of her wine” (Jeremiah …Read More
Jewish suffering and anti-Semitism – A hot-button issue in the U.S. elections?
Over the past few weeks Israeli newspapers have been focusing on Mike Bickle’s endorsement of Ted Cruz in his campaign to become U.S. President. Bickle is the Founder and Director of the Kansas City based International House of Prayer. The Times of Israel, YNET, the Jerusalem Post and Ha’aretz all referred to sermons from 2005 and 2011 where Bickle referenced Adolf Hitler as being a hunter of the Jewish people …Read More
God’s burning heart for Israel sifts the hearts of the nation
The Bible is an unusual book. One can read a million volumes, but this is the only book that actually reads the person who peruses its pages. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). In …Read More
Bringing greater balance in understanding the sabbatical year
In recent years among some Christians there has been a revived interest in the Hebrew calendar, which Moses described in his Five Books as also being God’s calendar: “YHVH spoke again to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, “YHVH’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations/gatherings – these are My appointed times” (Leviticus 23:1-2). As believers around the world are rediscovering the Jewish roots of …Read More