Heaven Bound

First of all, I would like to say a collective thank you to all of you who took the time to write so many encouraging comments in the comments section the past few days; you have blessed me more than you know!

2014 – A Year for Prophetic Fulfillment

I don’t know about you, but, I am excited to see what God has for us this coming year. Already the year has started out with a bang and I don’t mean New Year’s eve firecrackers!  As I was looking for a 2014 photo to post to today’s blog, I came across the one above with the horse leaping through the O and thought it seemed fitting given the state of current events and what we may likely expect in the coming months.

Going back to our Ariel Sharon discussion. I still feel certain that his passing (and the coma he endured for 8 years) was a sign – whether for the Messiah, the anti-Messiah or both, we shall soon see. One thing I feel is certain – and, this more than the Kaduri prophecy may be exactly what the passing of Sharon signified – the end of a generation. This came to me as I read a very well-written tribute to Mr. Sharon posted on Drudge today titled – Ariel Sharon, the last lion of Judea.  Of course that is just a title. The last lion of Judah, as we know will be Messiah, King Jesus but, what I want to point out to you is not the title of the article but, one very important paragraph within. One that I think sums up the importance of Mr. Sharon’s passing more than anything else I have read thus far.

“The end of Ariel Sharon is the end of a symbolic generation. A generation of men and women who knew a world without a Jewish state, and fought on the battle field and in the political arena to establish it; who in its service endured the love and the hatred of many; and are now passing, as they must, from the world. A generation of lions for a people who had for so long been lambs.”

And that may be just the point – the end of a generation.

Remember when Jesus said,  “this generation shall not pass away until all these things are fulfilled” – speaking, I believe of the sign of the fig tree – the re-birth of the state of Israel. The generation that saw the regathering of the Jews to the land of Israel ( and, not just saw – but, actively participated in its prophetic fulfillment) is now passing away and I think the author of the article has inadvertently nailed the real reason the passing of Mr. Sharon is a sign – a sign that the time for prophetic fulfillment in regard to the second coming of Messiah Jesus is now!  Everything else after, I believe is going to happen in rapid successsion. To read this great article in its entirety, click here.  http://www.thetower.org/article/ariel-sharon-last-lion-judaea/

I don’t want to overwhelm you, but I have two more things on my mind to share today. The first is the coming tetrads.

We’ve all read a lot about this and some are convinced more than others of their importance. In my opinion they are of extreme importance. Having studied and taught on the 7 feasts of Leviticus 23 for over 25 years, I feel certain that the blood moons occurring on feast days are unmistakable signs intended by the almighty to show us where we are at on the prophetic calendar and what he intends to do in the very near future. If I wasn’t convinced enough already, the article (or study, I should say), posted by  Luis Vega on Five Doves yesterday sealed it for me. It’s a little long but if you have any interest in the tetrads at all, I recommend that you read it. It is excellent and really confirms in my mind the purpose for the tetrads.  Here’s the link. http://www.sonoma.edu/users/v/vegalu/eschatology_files/Olivet-a.pdf

The last thing I want to bring up is the discovery of King David’s palace or “castle” discovered in East Jerusalem. Apparently, this is not new information but for some reason has been suppressed until now – it’s exact location (according to the article) to be revealed on January 17.  The discovery (also, according to the article) is deemed to be “sensitive information”  –  which makes me wonder what it is that makes it so sensitive?  Is it because it is located in East Jerusalem – a discovery which could potentially cause a rift in the present peace negotiations –  or is it possible that it could have some bearing on the rebuilding of the third temple – something Mr. Vega believes is indicated before the end of 2015 according to the tetrads. Which if that be true – we should be seeing some very important news developing in that regard very, very soon.

Here’s a link to the story about the castle. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/176020#.UtFIt55dXKf

Yes, it’s a New Year and so much is happening that we could not have even began to understand or anticipate just a year or so ago.  I’m so happy that we are on this journey together. It’s such a blessing for me as I hope it is  for you.  Looking forward to seeing you all very, very soon!

And, as  always – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122: 6

Cindy

With most of the nation in the grip of a deep freeze it seems a good time to at least imagine our selves in a warm and sunny place – beachside with gentle waves lapping at our feet.  The stress of our hectic lives melting away like icicles in June.

I don’t know about you but 2014 has been a rough start for me. Acclimating to a new and colder climate, adjusting to hearing loss and looking for work. All of which seem overwhelming at times. So much so that at times I just want to get in bed and pull the covers over my head hoping it will all go away!  Have you ever felt like that?  I’ll bet you have –  so, you know what I am talking about.

What keeps me going is (of course) the Lord – and one of the great things he has given me has been the opportunity to share with you through this blog. For me it has been a tremendous blessing and one I enjoy very much  – and, I thank all of you for what you contribute. Your comments (both negative and positive) encourage me and challenge me to a higher degree of excellence. And for that I am greatful.

I’ll admit to you something you already know – I am neither a great researcher nor a theologian.  Just someone who loves to write in the hope that what I have to share (agreed with or not) will stir conversation, dialogue and thought. And, because Bible prophecy and current events  are often the topic of this blog, I would like to say that in spite of what some may think – no one has a corner on prophetic understanding. Therefore, let us approach one another with kindness and understanding in expressing our various view points.   And, I thank you, my readers, for most of you are champions in this area – your comments always gracious and encouraging – even in critique.

You know it really all comes down to this  – what the apostle Paul has already expressed so succinctly :

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

And that is something I think we can all agree on – right?

As I was studying this week I came across these verses from Isaiah chapter 30.  What I have termed spiritual R & R.

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”  Isaiah 30:15

These verses have come to mean a lot to me in the last few days. Verses which I believe will also be important for the coming year. For without a doubt this world is becoming (by the day) a more difficult place in which to live.  The prospect of persecution for our faith (for most of us) greater than ever before.  The challenges of living in a world fast becoming a moral and spiritual cesspool more than we could have ever imagined.

How important it is then that in the midst of the battle, we find a place of rest and peace in the Lord. For every great warrior (as we all know) needs some time for R & R. For me, these verses help me to focus on just that. When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I remind my self of two things  – R & R (repentance and rest) and QT (quietness and trust).  And, in these things, I believe, God will accomplish what he has already promised – to replenish, to renew and to refresh us in these last days.

So, kick back and take some time to enjoy the “son”.  Make time for some spiritual R & R.  The Lord  is ready and willing to meet us there – bare feet and all – and, I guarantee you, you’ll be glad you did!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has triumphed! He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

It made headlines on the first day of the New Year, the worsening condition of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon who has been in a vegetative coma since January 4, 2006.  With all major organs reportedly in failure the Prime Minister (according to an article in The Times of Israel on Jan 1) may have as little as four days to live. Interesting time frame considering four days would be January 4, 2014 – an even 8 years from the day he suffered his massive stroke.

Most of us are familiar with prophecy of Rabbi Kaduri who linked the death of Prime Minister Sharon with the soon coming of the Messiah, who he revealed posthumously to be none other than Jesus of Nazareth.  He also said, that the Messiah (Jesus) would return shortly after the death of Ariel Sharon which, if his words are true could be very, very soon.

I’ve been thinking about this the past couple of days and have found myself wondering why, (if the above is true) would God move to reveal his soon coming in this particular way. After all, we have all the information we need in the scripture, don’t we? What more do we need?

PARABLES

Jesus, as we know often spoke in parables and sometimes God has even used people as living illustrations of his word to make a point. In the book of Hosea, we see God make the strange request for Hosea to take to himself an adulterous wife as a symbol of the unfaithfulness of Israel and in Ezekiel chapter 4, the prophet Ezekiel (for whom the book is named) is instructed to lie for 390 days on his left side and then again 40 days on his right as a sign unto Israel of their iniquity. I think therefore that it is just possible that Mr. Sharon is himself a living illustration of what God has already revealed through his word. Let’s take a look.

First of all, the name Ariel.  Besides being the first name of Mr. Sharon, it is also an alternate name for Jerusalem and means “lion of God.” In Isaiah 29:1, we see the city of Jerusalem referred to as Ariel.

” Woe to you Ariel, Ariel, the city where David settled!”

Interesting how the name Ariel is repeated twice – note the similarity, if you will to Matthew 23:37 where Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem uses the name twice as well.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you …..”

The double use of the word is undoubtedly significant – perhaps lending impact not only to the words being spoken but, to the severity of the judgment being leveled against them as well.

But, what has that to do with Mr. Sharon? Well, let’s take a look.

On Jan 4, 2006 after suffering a massive stroke Mr. Sharon slipped into a deep vegetative coma. Just five months earlier he had been instrumental in moving Jewish settlers out of Gaza, an action I believe that led to his current condition.  In Isaiah 29:10 it is prophesied that a deep sleep will fall over Israel for their rejection of God, a condition in which they will remain until God reverses it.

“The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep. He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers)”.

And, though they are in deep slumber Jesus made it plain in Matthew 23 that because of their rejection they would not see him again until they say:

“Blessed  is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. 

A strange request for someone deaf, blind and deeply asleep. And, yet this is what Jesus has said.

THE OPENING OF THE SCROLL

Incredibly, their ability to hear and see has to do with the opening of a scroll that has been sealed; a scroll which no one can either open or read.

“For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read and say to him, ‘Read this please’, he will answer ‘I can’t, it is sealed.” Or if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read and say ‘Read this please’, he will answer, I don’t know how to read …. Isaiah 29:11-12

Do you see the similarity here to the Revelation 5 passage? A sealed scroll in which no one is found who can open or read it? Take a look.

“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’  But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.” Revelation 5:1-4

But amazingly just as John was about to give up hope someone is found who can.

Then one of the elders said to me , ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”  Revelation 5:1-5

Yes, the Lion of the tribe of Judah is able to open the sealed scroll and on that day according to Isaiah 29 – Israel will both see and hear!

“… in that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll and out of gloom and  darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 29:11-19.

A PROPHETIC TIMETABLE

 Because of the similarity of these passages I feel there is a strong connection between the verses of Isaiah 29, Revelation chapter 5 and current events as they relate to Mr. Sharon. It is entirely possible that God may be using Mr. Sharon as an indication of where we (and, particularly Israel) are at on the prophetic timetable. If these verses indicate what I think they do – the scroll in heaven may be opening very, very soon!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy

“…. for we have seen his star in the East and come to worship him”  Matthew 2:2

Aren’t those majestic words!  Who could not be stirred by the gospel account of his humble but majestic birth!  His story – unlike any other; new with every telling. And, speaking of telling –

I got a report from Jews for Jesus on my e-mail tonight reporting that hundreds of people in Israel (in the Negev) had requested more information about Jesus from their summer witnessing campaign. I was blown away by that news!  Incredible what is happening among the people of Israel today. Please, keep them in prayer.  http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/realtime/december-2013/over-850-jews-in-the-negev-want-to-know-about-jesus

It’s been an incredible year and it’s not over yet!  Much more on the prophetic horizon. Thank you for letting me share with you!  Its been a real joy and blessing for me. I will be traveling to spend Christmas with my daughter and her family and will not return until the first week of January. It is unlikely that I will be able to post again until my return.  Until then, have a joyful and blessing filled Christmas!  Much love to you all in Yeshua, our soon coming Prince of Peace!  Cindy

   Kalaupapa, Hawaii

I woke up early this morning to the news that Loretta Fuddy, Health Services Director for the state of Hawaii had perished in a plane crash one half mile off Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai. The only fatality among nine passengers, the small plane suffered massive engine failure at 3:15 p.m. yesterday just minutes after departing the island; the cause of death not immediately clear as Ms. Fuddy had been helped into her life jacket after the plane had crashed but, was found a short time later by responders to be unresponsive.

As everyone knows by now, this is the second  time in less than two years that Ms. Fuddy’s name has been in the news – the first coming April 2011, when she gave permission for President Obama’s birth certificate to be made public –  a decision that had  Obama supporters crowing but, leaving as many or more others as yet unconvinced.

In a growing list of oddities surrounding the current President, Ms, Fuddy’s death came with in just hours of the schizophrenic man who was hallucinating while signing for the deaf at the Mandela Memorial while standing just a few short feet from the President.

As Health Director for the state of Hawaii it was Ms Fuddy’s job to visit all of the islands and particularly the island of Molokai as the Health Director also serves in the capacity of Mayor. With five flights daily by Makani Kai Air- which by the way means “Wind of the Sea” – a crash of one of their planes by one of their experienced pilots is almost unthinkable. I looked at the name of Kalaupapa and found that it means – flat leaf or level plain. And, as you can see from the photo above it is an appropriate name.

As per my custom, when I read news stories like these, I like to see what God has to say from his word and this morning I opened my Bible to Isaiah 26, where I read these words:

“He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low, he levels it to the ground, and casts it down to the dust …. the path of the righteous is level; …. Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and regard not the majesty of the Lord. O Lord, your mighty hand is lifted high, but they do not see it.”  Isaiah 26: 5-10

They do not see it!  Nor do they want to – even when it is standing right in front of them!  And, while the Bible is clear that God shows grace to the wicked, it is not without expiration. 960 days exactly for Ms. Fuddy – the number of days from the release of the birth certificate to her passing on December 12.  Interesting that eight people survived the plane crash relatively unharmed but, one did not. Eight, the number of those who survived the great flood – Nine, the number of judgment.

*For more on the “fake” signer at the Mandela Memorial see todays post at Running from Babylon titled Winter Storm Laodicea – (about half way down the post). http://runningfrombabylon.blogspot.com/

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy

This year shoppers had more incentive than ever to leave their Thanksgiving tables to hit the malls for early Christmas shopping and bargains. Before the bird was even cold or in some cases even carved, people were lined up (often outdoors and in the cold) for the chance to be first at the promised bargains. Brown Thursday they called it. Merchants eager to get a jump on black Friday opening their doors to hordes of people on what was once one of the most meaningful and sacred days of the year.

It wasn’t always this way. For I remember a time, when nary a store was open on Thanksgiving or Sunday either for that matter. Everyone had the opportunity to be at home with friends and family for a special day of giving thanks. But, over the years that has changed and we have become increasingly less interested in giving thanks than we are in getting stuff.  And, no doubt stores previously closed on Christmas day will now be open early so that the gifts unwrapped in the morning can be exchanged in the afternoon for the stuff that we really wanted but, didn’t get.

There’s a reason Lot’s wife was turned to salt. You remember her – Lot’s wife?  The woman who was turned to salt for looking back  as Sodom and Gomorrah were being destroyed.  A woman, who though instructed otherwise could not help herself for looking back as everything she owned was being incinerated in a fiery cascade of sulfur and brimstone.  A look that cost her dearly – her life – and left her with the dubious distinction of being known from that day forward as the woman who was turned to salt.

But, why salt?  Good question! There is a reason Lot’s wife was changed to salt and not chocolate or marshmallow or some other crazy kind of thing –  for salt, as we know is a mineral essential to life and therefore has been a very precious commodity from ancient times until this present day. And, while cheap and in abundance now, it was once bartered, traded and even used for currency; it’s where the term “salary” comes from and the expression “worth his salt”. In other words, salt was the equivalent of money – stuff – the material things of life. And, while the scripture does not tell us why Lot’s wife looked back; what she was turned in to (salt) does – Lot’s wife was turned in to what she valued most – money! Something, I never realized until my daughter “Seven Stars” pointed this out to me in a recent conversation.

The Bible warns us against materialism and the love of money and the example of Lot’s wife is just one way in which we are shown the folly of those who do. It’s admittedly difficult being cut off from the comforts, the luxuries and the material things of life that we have become so accustomed to. I found this out first hand as I had to sell almost everything I owned to leave Hawaii. And, when I was in Israel and was cut off for the better part of three weeks from junk food, soda and sweets. A simple but, healthy diet that I enjoyed for a while but, would have been very unhappy with much longer.  Causing me to admit my own dependence on these kinds of things and my own lack of ability for letting go.

It’s easy to fault Lot’s wife and the “brown Thursday”shoppers but, we all have our own struggle with materialism, don’t we?  Which leaves me wondering – how will we cope when these things are stripped away?  Something to think about, isn’t it?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

“For all of human history –at least a million years, according to NASA –this comet (Ison) has been heading towards the sun.”  http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/comet-ison-if-it-survives-trip-around-the-sun-could-bring-spectacular-sky-show/2013/11/24/f544103a-53b6-11e3-a7f0-b790929232e1_story.html

Wow! Imagine that!  From the farthest reaches of time and space – while, the human story was unfolding here on planet earth – Comet Ison has been making a steady trek across the universe arriving just in time for the very rare convergence of Thanksgiving and Chanukah.  Something, which has happened only once before in the year 1888 and will not happen again ( so, we are told) for another 70,000 plus years or more. So, as you can see – this is an extremely rare event.

The history of comets is an interesting one. Long considered to be harbingers of doom and gloom, science has been working hard to restore their (comets) reputation. “Nothing to be concerned about”, they say. “Just another pretty light in the sky.”  A photo-op for astronomy buffs and something to study for astronomers.  But, like any other ancient tale – there is often a grain of truth (or more) hidden within these long-held myths and mythologies. For the ancients, (we are learning) were smarter – much smarter – than we often give them credit for particularly, when it comes to the Bible. Which begs the question – why now  – and why these particular holidays?

Today November 27, in an image captured by NASA Comet Ison can be seen closing in on the sun. You can see its image on the lower right hand side of a photo captured in this article from CBS news. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/comet-ison-races-toward-thanksgiving-day-solar-flyby/

I find this to be particularly interesting because November 27 is also Kislev 24 on the Hebrew calendar. The same date mentioned as the ninth month and 24th day in the second chapter of Haggai; an obvious reference to end time events as noted below.

“The word of the Lord came to Haggai a second time on the 24th day of the (ninth) month. Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will over turn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will over throw chariots and their drivers, horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother.”  Haggai 2:20-22.

Yes, as Comet Ison prepares to round the sun on November 28, God (according to his word) is preparing to shake the heavens and the earth – and, to shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms.

But, how do we know that the 24th day of the ninth month refers to this particular year?  Good question! We may not have – except for the appearance of Ison and the events surrounding this date.

Think of it this way. Chanukah and Thanksgiving; two holidays representing two specific groups of people – Americans and Jews (Israel to be specific) – converging on one date – November 28;  this is an important clue and one that should not be dismissed.

For if Ison should survive its brush with the sun, it will emerge to shine brightly for the greater part of December.  Providing in essence, the first candle of Chanukah – this time lit by the Lord himself in the heavens above!  A stunning and sobering thought,  when you consider that just four months later – another sign will appear in the heavens, this time a blood-red moon at Passover. The ominous sign for which Ison may have been sent to prepare us.

Just this past weekend, Secretary of State John Kerry made a deal with Iran that will virtually guarantee that nothing happens to their nuclear program. In fact, they were not only not chastised for their actions, they were rewarded. Money – big bucks – from us!  Ah, Hitler should have had such a deal. A deal which will complete (if carried out) what the funny looking moustached German despot tried to do, but, failed.  A deal, which believe it or not was already in the making on the twenty first day of the seventh month (Tishri 21 or September 25) as mentioned in Haggai chapter 2 verse one.  We just didn’t know it at the time.  From USA Today on September 25 –

Irans President at UN:  New Iranian president Hasan Rouhani addressed the United Nations yesterday, saying his country is ready to engage in discussions over their nuclear program. He reasserted previous statements that the program is only meant for peaceful purposes, but offered to open the process to outside parties. While it was rumored the Rouhani may meet with President Obama, the two did not cross paths.

What we did not know until recently is that secret meetings with Iran via Valerie Jarrett, Senior advisor to the President had been taking place all along. And, now they have struck a deal. A very bad deal – for Israel and for the world – particularly America, for God will not fail to hold responsible those who have cunningly plotted to place her head (Israel) within the noose.

Friends, it is just 137 days between the first day of Chanukah and Comet Ison and Passover 2014 and the first of the blood red moons of the coming tetrad on April 14. I cannot say exactly what we can expect during this period of time. But, if Comet Ison makes its way around the sun on Friday intact, I think we had better look and prepare seriously for what’s ahead. The rapture could be very, very close.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee.” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

Jerusalem of Gold – The City of the great King!

Finally, today was the day – Jerusalem!  The excitement level was high as we boarded our bus for one of our last tours.  Yes, we had visited Jerusalem just days before when we toured Yad Vashem, the holocaust museum, but, today, we would be traveling to the heart of the city – to the temple mount.

As we approached the city, I was struck by its beauty as it shone dazzling white in the morning sun through the windows of our bus;  the majority of the buildings (and, across the country) constructed from the beautiful and naturally white Jerusalem stone that is so prevalent across the region.  In the photos below you can see how brightly these stones shine.

I was completely awe struck and even more so, when I spotted the gold domed al-Aqsa Mosque sparkling brightly in the morning sun. And, while the Mosque in and of itself is not meaningful to me, it is impossible to mistake what you are looking at when you see it. In other words, what I had previously only imagined or had seen only in photos was now right in front of me – right before my very eyes.  The temple mount!  The place where Jesus had walked and talked and will return again.

If you look closely at the photo below, you can also see the “Golden” or “Eastern” Gate (as it is known) in the foreground.

*An enlarged version of this same gate below.

Incredible! There is so much history in this gate alone. For one, it’s the oldest of the current gates in Jerusalem’s old city walls and two, (and most importantly) is the one in which Messiah will enter when he comes. (Ezekiel 44:1-3). A belief so widely understood (by just about everyone) that the Ottoman Sultan in 1541 sealed off the gate and planted a large cemetery in front of it in an effort to prevent this very thing – for no kosher Priest or Rabbi (according to Jewish law) would defile himself by entering a cemetery.

There are many things in Jerusalem that I would liked to have seen but, did not get to, such as – the Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, the Via de la Rosa, the garden tomb and more. But, seeing these gates, it almost made up for it. For I could see and feel in my spirit the joy and the triumph of the returning King!

Because we were such a large group (hence the logistics of keeping us all together – not to mention time constraints) our day was focused on the temple mount alone. In fact, it was tricky just getting us from where our bus dropped us off to the temple site. Steep narrow roads (less like a road  and  more like an alley – but, complete with cars) made walking a precarious activity. And, we had to hustle to keep up with our group or be left behind. No time for lolly gagging with the camera.

When we finally reached the Western Wall or Wailing Wall as it is better known – the men were separated from the women. The men would go to the mens court to pray and the women, likewise to the women’s court. But, first our bags had to be scanned and checked for weapons. Without a doubt, the temple mount remains one of the most volatile places on earth – a place, where tensions constantly run high.  In fact, just in today’s news – a vote to allow Jews time and space to pray on the temple mount (not just at the wall) is coming up for approval in Israel. If passed (which, is doubtful), it would almost certainly result in violence. This quote from Muhammed Hussein, Head of the Supreme Muslim Council as reported by Aljazeera –

He (Hussein) added:  “I cannot imagine that Muslims around the world will remain idle as they see Jews desecrating their holy site. This issue transcends politics. It is greater than politics.”  http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/11/jews-muslims-share-al-aqsa-mosque-2013111184111359951.html

*Two views of the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock.

It’s traditional to write a prayer on a slip of paper for placing in to the wall and so I had mine ready as we entered the court of the women. It was very crowded that morning with people from seemingly all over the world as I heard many different languages being spoken.  Fortunately, there were folding chairs set up for those who wanted to sit and pray and for those waiting for an opportunity to approach the wall.  I waited until I could see a space open up and hurried to reach it before it was lost.

What an amazing feeling it was to stand up against the wall; to place my cheek and hands on the cool surface of the massive stones from which it was constructed. I reached up placing my prayer in one of the grooves along with hundreds, maybe even thousands of others. And, as I stood there praying, I was startled to feel someone reach up and place their hand on my left ear. It was a woman from our group who remembered that I had recently lost the hearing in my ear – and, there in this special place, she prayed for God to bring healing to my ear.  What a blessing! I was so touched by her thoughtfulness, it is something I will never forget!

When I had finished praying I returned to the folding chairs to sit and meditate on all I was seeing. It was there that I noticed two doves, who had made their nests high up in the wall.  I was just blown away as it reminded me of one of my favorite Bible passages.

   “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young — a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God” Psalm 84:1

How I loved the sight of those doves!  For me it was a special reminder of how wonderful it will be to someday dwell in the presence of our Lord.

The day was rounded out by shopping on Ben Yehuda Street for souveniers and, an address from one of the Orthodox Rabbis, who spoke to our group about the temple institute and the items being prepared for it. Yes, the reality of the third temple is very close – many (Rabbi’s) believing that it will come within their lifetime.

As I returned to my bunk that night, I could not help but, think what an amazing day it had been. With my own eyes, I had seen Jerusalem, city of the great King, where Jesus spoke, taught, was crucified and will come again!

Friends, I titled this series, “The Harvest is Ripe” – not just for the grapes and olives we would pick but, for the people of the region who are in so desperate need of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. For without him, there will never be any peace – not there, not anywhere.  Please pray for the salvation of souls – Jew and Gentile, Israeli and Palestinian. God loves them all so much – just as he does us!

Watch and see – God is going to do great things – for yes, indeed, the harvest is ripe!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

     Olives

By the start of the third week, we had finished most of the grapes and now had our chance at picking olives. For three days, we worked in an olive grove near Shiloh. It was an interesting process which consisted of picking from the lower branches and shaking or striking the upper branches with long poles in order to coax the olives from the tree. Large nets were placed around the base of the trees in order to capture the olives as they fell. From there they were picked up, poured from the nets in to bins and then loaded on to trucks.  In a way I liked picking olives better than grapes, at least, with olives I was not in danger of losing a finger!

It was at the olive grove there in Shiloh that I found a good-sized piece of pottery similar to those I had seen when we visited the ancient site of the tabernacle.  I had just sat down to have my lunch (PB &J in a pita)  when, I noticed it  –  right there on top of the ground next to where I was sitting.  I was so excited!  Obviously, the camp surrounding the tabernacle extended for miles around and my new-found piece of pottery was evidence of just that. Judging from its look, it most likely dates back to the same period and is similar in size and style to ones in the photo below.

I was doing some research on olive trees and do you know that they can live to be hundreds, if not thousands of years old?  Some of the trees in the garden of Gethsemane are said to date back two, maybe even three thousand years.  Amazing!

I didn’t know (or perhaps had not realized) that there are two types of olives. Table olives for eating (both black and green) and olives used for making oil. The type we were picking would be pressed in to oil. And, olive trees thrive better in shallow rocky soil than they do in rich. Interesting! Has something to do with the structure of their root system, I’m told – perfectly suited to the hot, dry conditions of the middle-East.   The olive tree is also the national tree for the state of Israel and according to the Bible – the symbol for Israel herself.

“The Lord called you (Israel) a thriving olive tree ….”  Jeremiah 11:16

As we are all well aware, Israel (like the olive) is being hard pressed. Pressed by the international community to give up much of the land (Judea and Samaria) on which these good crops of grapes and olives are grown. And, while they greatly need our prayers and support, what the world does not realize (but, soon will)  – it is in the pressing of the olives and the crushing of the grapes that the best wine and oil comes forth.

“The time will come says the Lord, when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with new wine”.  Amos 9:13

Amen and amen!

* Next and final in this series – part 10 – Jerusalem!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee!  Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy