Bearing Fruit through Abiding 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing.” 

––John 15:5 

Jewish families often decorate the sukkah in their yard with a harvest theme, representing God’s bountiful provision. Traditional adornments include hanging fruit from the ceiling. This is a fitting illustration of God’s harvest gifts and also of the effects that abiding in God’s presence has on our lives. 

Dwelling with God produces fruit. The fruit of His Spirit grows in us, revealing that we are abiding in God (Galatians 5:22–23). These fruits – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – show the world around us who God is. People see God in us when we bear His fruit. 

This fruit leads to actions that bless others with encouragement, help, wisdom, hope and more. The Bible instructs us to lift one another up, look out for others’ needs and strengthen the weak. God ministers to people through the fruit and gifts of His Spirit given to each of us who believes in Jesus.  

This fruit emerges from abiding in – dwelling with – God. Spend some time reflecting on the joy that comes from making a difference in someone’s life. Consider the privilege of God using you to reflect His goodness and love through the fruit He bears in you. Ask Him how He wants to use you today, and rejoice that His presence with and in you bears beautiful fruit. 

“For he will be like a tree planted by the waters, spreading out its roots by a stream. It has no fear when heat comes, but its leaves will be green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor depart from yielding fruit.” 

––Jeremiah 17:8 

“…bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” 

––Colossians 1:10b 

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good deeds.” 

––Hebrews 10:24 

Dwelling with God amid COVID-19 

Many of us are working from home during COVID-19’s ongoing concerns. Cities have various restrictions in place, social distancing guidelines and other conditions that are just not normal for us. It can mean that we have less face to face interaction with people outside our homes and families, and maybe fewer opportunities to bear fruit for the Lord in ways we’re used to. But thanks to technology, we can stay connected and continue to lift one another up. COVID inconveniences don’t interfere with one of the most important ways to bless others: through our prayers. So, stay in the Word, keep abiding in God’s presence, and let His fruit flourish in you. 

Abiding in God’s Love 

“Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you. Abide in My love!” 

––John 15:9 

Imagine if you could live in a structure that is made of love itself. It sounds cozy and safe, doesn’t it?  Well, God invites us to take up residence in His love. He wants us to dwell with Him each day within the secure abode of His overflowing love. His love surrounds and shelters us like the walls and roof of a home. 

For we who believe in Jesus the Messiah, our home is with God, and He has made His home in our hearts through His Holy Spirit. We know this is true, yet in our daily experience, we’re still learning to abide in God’s love, to remain and rest in it. We tend to float in and out of it according to how we feel or how faithful we are at walking in His ways. 

However, God’s love is unchanging, and He doesn’t lock us out of the house when we fail. On our worst days, His love and welcome are the same. The truth is, even on our best days, we don’t deserve His love. It is pure grace. He loves us because He is love (1 John 4:8).  

It takes practice to spiritually abide in God’s love as we live in this tangible world that so often accepts or rejects us based on how well we perform. It takes faith – believing and remembering that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35–39) and that He wants us to dwell continuously in that awareness. 

As we make every effort to meditate on, believe and receive God’s love, we learn to make it our dwelling place so that even as we go about the business of daily life, we are abiding at home in His love. During Sukkot, let’s rejoice in His marvelous love and seek to grasp its fullness. 

“Since Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You.” 

––Psalm 63:4 

“So that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to grasp with all the kedoshim [holy ones] what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Messiah which surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled up with all the fullness of God.” 

––Ephesians 3:17–19 

Dwelling with God amid COVID-19 

During this season, when we’re not spending as much time with others as we used to, we have the opportunity for “stay-cations” with God. Plan some intentional time to focus on God’s love for you. Explore Scriptures about His love, and catalog them as you come across them in your regular Bible reading. Collect them to review often and be encouraged to remain consciously abiding in His love.

“I will bless those who bless you…”

––Genesis 12:3 NKJV

Israel and the Jewish people remain precious to God. Bless Israel Sunday is a special day to engage with God’s heart for His Chosen People. This year, it’s October 25, 2020.

Bless Israel Sunday is an opportunity to encourage your congregation or small group with a deeper understanding of the important place Israel holds in God’s heart while at the same time inspiring a passion for seeing all Israel saved.

Why Bless Israel?

God loves the Jewish people. In the Old Testament, God said they are precious in His sight and the apple of His eye (Isaiah 43:4, Zechariah 2:12). Jesus Himself said that He longed to gather His people to Himself (Matthew 23:37).

Israel remains God’s Chosen People. God made a covenant with Israel, and He is faithful to keep it (Deuteronomy 4:31).

God commands us to pray for Israel.  The Psalms tell us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6). He also told Abraham that He would bless those who bless him. That’s not why we are to bless Israel – to receive a blessing in return – but this crucial verse reveals how pleasing it is to God when individuals bless His Chosen People (Genesis 12:3).

The most significant blessing a Jewish person can receive is salvation through the prophesied Messiah, Jesus. Jewish people need Jesus just like you. There is no other way to salvation (Acts 4:12) for any of us, Jew or Gentile. And the Gospel is not merely “also” for Jewish people. The Gospel is for all people, but, according to Paul, it’s first for the Jewish people (Romans 1:16).

Israel is central to the return of Jesus – and you have a vital role (Mathews 23:39, Romans 11:11).

Why Participate in Bless Israel Sunday

Participating in Bless Israel Sunday will help bring greater awareness to Believers about God’s faithfulness and love for Israel, and that He still has a plan and purpose for Israel. By focusing on this scriptural message, your fellowship will help nurture a love for the Jewish people in the hearts of Believers and the Church as a whole. It may deepen an existing love; for others, it may inspire it for the first time.

It all boils down to this: What matters to God should matter to all of us who belong to Him. As we’ve seen, our blessing Israel with our prayers, support, love and energy is important to God.

How to Participate in Bless Israel Sunday

So, the next big question is how you go about participating in Bless Israel Sunday. Here’s a step-by-step idea for you.

• Pray about talking with your pastor or small group leader about making October 25 your fellowship’s Bless Israel Sunday
• Prepare for the discussion by printing out samples of the free resources available on the Bless Israel Sunday webpage,[JC1] and leave them with your leader
• Plan your Sunday! Your congregation may want to include some or all of the following in your Bless Israel Sunday: sermon related to Israel and the Jewish people, small group lesson, playing (or learning and singing) some Messianic Jewish worship songs, Scripture readings and discussions, praying together for Israel and the Jewish people, organizing a display table for the free resources listed below
• Print copies of the FREE RESOURCES available on the Bless Israel Sunday webpage
  • Scriptures about God’s heart for Israel
  • Bookmarks
  • Ways to Pray for Israel
• Promote Bless Israel Sunday with even MORE FREE RESOURCES. Help spread the word to get others involved in learning about, focusing on and blessing Israel on this special Sunday.
  • Graphics for bulletins and sharing on social media
  • Printable church bulletin inserts
  • Printable posters

More Ways to Bless Israel

Here are some additional ways you can bless Israel.

• Equip. Equip yourself, your church or small group with a growing knowledge of God’s heart for Israel and the Jewish people by spending time in His Word regarding His love and faithfulness toward them
• Pray. Pray for Israel and the Jewish people, for their protection and that they would come to know their Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus)
• Give. Your donation to Jewish Voice Ministries International helps Jewish people in Israel and around the world who are living in need. Through Jewish Voice ministry partners and JVMI Outreaches, your gift will meet physical, medical and spiritual needs
• Go. Join Jewish Voice on an upcoming Outreach where you will be the hands and feet of Yeshua (Jesus) bringing comfort, healing and the Good News to Jewish people and their neighbors

Join us for our weekly blog series, “Pray for Israel on Bless Israel Sunday,” where you’ll find information, ideas and prayers for Israel.

As a friend of Jewish Voice, you know how precious Israel is to God. That’s why we’re excited to invite you and your church to take part in the second annual Bless Israel Sunday this fall.

Bless Israel Sunday

October 25, 2020

Bless Israel Sunday is a special day to engage with God’s heart for His Chosen People. It’s an opportunity to enrich your church with a deeper understanding of the important place Israel holds in God’s heart while at the same time, inspiring a passion for seeing all Israel saved.

Visit our website for free resources to encourage you, your small group, church or congregation. You’ll find:

• Scriptures revealing God’s faithfulness and commitment to Israel
• Ways to pray for Israel
• Printable bookmarks for yourself or to share with family and friends
• Information about how you can bless Israel
• Graphics to share on your social media accounts
• Bulletin inserts and other printable items for your congregation

Check out all the available materials on the Bless Israel Sunday webpage today. Share them with your pastor or leader, and see how you and your fellowship can participate to inspire the Church and bless Israel. YOU will be blessed!

Beholding God’s Beauty 

“One thing have I asked of Adonai, that will I seek: to dwell in the House of Adonai all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Adonai, and to meditate in His Temple.” 

––Psalm 27:4 

How many times has a fantastic sunset made you stop what you were doing to stand and watch it for a moment? Have you ever seen a nature photograph that made you linger over it? Maybe you’ve driven around a curve to discover a spectacular landscape in front of you. 

How do you feel and react when you see something extraordinarily beautiful? Does your breath catch, your jaw drop, your eyes tear? Does it leave you momentarily speechless and stunned with awe? Beauty can do this to us. We want to more than see it; we want to behold it – to remain in its presence, taking in as much of it as we can. 

Part of David’s longing to dwell in God’s presence was about beholding His beauty. We may not often think of God as beautiful. All-powerful, loving, good and pure, of course, but beautiful? David thought so. And when you think about it, certainly all the world’s beauty sprang forth from the beautiful nature of our Creator God. 

Beauty is the love that spurred God to make a way for us to be with Him. Beauty is the grace and mercy that draws us near. Beauty is the God of the universe hearing our prayers, bending down to answer, strengthening and helping us in His great kindness.  

How do we behold the beauty of God? By lingering in our praise of Him and meditating on who He reveals Himself to be. Like in the presence of a striking sunset or magnificent view, we let our jaws drop at the overwhelming, beautiful nature of our God. 

As we consider what it means to dwell with God during this Sukkot, let’s remember that we live in the presence of His spectacular beauty. One day, however, we will fully see Him – and we won’t be able to contain ourselves at His glorious loveliness. In the meantime, as we wait for that day, let’s behold as much of Him as possible. Let’s fix our gaze on Him, linger long over His beauty and rejoice because of the stunning gift that He has given us – Himself. 

“Splendor and majesty are before Him. Strength and beauty are in His Sanctuary.” 

––Psalm 96:6 

Dwelling with God amid COVID-19 

It’s hard to believe that so much of the world is still undergoing the changes and restrictions inflicted by COVID-19. As we live in varying degrees of diminished activity and limited social interaction, we may miss some of the things that fill us up and feed our souls. But we can make the most of this unusual time by intentionally looking for beauty, particularly God’s beauty. Look for creative ways to take in more beauty. Browse the internet for beautiful nature photography. Look up the wonders of the world. Gaze out your windows with fresh eyes to spot extraordinary beauty hiding within your everyday view. Go on a hike to breathe in His beauty. Take time to read the Bible and note the qualities of God that are beautiful and lovely.  Spend time thanking Him for the beautiful ways He has loved you.

The first Sunday of every October is the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. The Bible calls us to pray for Israel, and in Psalm 122, it specifically talks about praying for Jerusalem. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem— “May those who love you be at peace!” 

––Psalm 122:6 

In Isaiah, we are urged to pray fervently and give God no rest in our prayers for Jerusalem. 

On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set watchmen. All day and all night, they will never hold their peace. “You who remind Adonai, take no rest for yourselves, and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 

––Isaiah 62:6–7 

Here are five ways to pray for Jerusalem’s peace, along with some Scriptures to inspire your prayers for peace in Jerusalem. 

Peace at and within her borders 

Israel is surrounded by several nations who deny her right to exist and want to destroy her. Israelis living near the Gaza border know that emergency sirens could sound at any moment, meaning a Hamas or Islamic Jihad rocket is coming their way. Within Israel’s borders, and in Jerusalem, there are Palestinian areas that are home to many people who wish harm to Israelis. Pray for peace both at and within Israel’s borders. 

No more will violence be heard in your land, devastation nor destruction within your borders. But you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. 

––Isaiah 60:18 

He puts shalom within your borders. He satisfies you with the finest wheat. 

––Psalm 147:14 

Let the mountains bring shalom to the people, and the hills righteousness. 

––Psalm 72:3 

Peace in Homes 

Our homes are our sanctuaries, our places of shelter from stresses of the noisy outside world. We all want peace in our homes – security and peaceful relationships where each family member can flourish in a safe, nurturing, restful environment. Pray for peace within Jerusalem’s homes. 

All your children will be taught by Adonai. Your children will have great shalom. 

––Isaiah 54:13 

Thus you will say: ‘Long life! And shalom to you, shalom to your house and shalom to all that is yours. 

––1 Samuel 25:6 

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. 

––Psalm 4:8 NIV 

May there be shalom within your walls— quietness within your palaces. 

––Psalm 122:7 

Peace on the Streets 

For decades, Palestinian enemies of Israel have committed acts of violence – terrorism – on Israel’s streets. Random stabbings, car-rammings and other assaults among them. Pray for God’s protection and that He would grant peace on Israel’s streets. 

… Adonai, You will establish shalom for us, for all our works You have done for us. 

––Isaiah 26:12 

The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. 

––Zechariah 8:5 

 [Of wisdom:] Her ways are pleasant ways, and all of her paths are shalom. 

––Proverbs 3:17 

… those promoting shalom have joy. 

––Proverbs 12:20b 

Peace in the Government 

The Bible commands us to pray for those in authority over us so that we can live in peace. King Solomon knew the responsibility on his shoulders. When God invited him to ask whatever he wished of Him, Solomon requested wisdom. And God gave Israel peace in the land because of it throughout Solomon’s reign. Pray for wisdom and peace within Israel’s government. 

Therefore, first of all I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people— for kings and all who are in authority—so we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and respectfulness. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 

––1 Timothy 2:1–3 

…administer the judgment of truth and shalom in your gates. 

––Zechariah 8:16 

Adonai gave Solomon wisdom as He promised him, so there was shalom. 

––1 Kings 5:26 

Peace in Spirit – Knowing Yeshua (Jesus) 

What good is momentary earthly peace if the end is suffering an eternity apart from God, where there is no peace. Jerusalem, Israel and Jewish people worldwide need Yeshua (Jesus). He is the only means God established to reconcile our sin-scarred relationship with Him. Pray for spiritual peace for Jewish people everywhere. 

Indeed, I will bring it health and healing, and I will surely heal them. I will reveal to them an abundance of shalom and truth. 

––Jeremiah 33:6 

Therefore, having been made righteous by trusting, we have shalom with God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. 

––Romans 5:1 

But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our shalom was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 

––Isaiah 53:5 

Shalom I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid. 

––John 14:27 

The Shelter of God’s Presence 

“Let me dwell in Your tent forever. Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.” 

––Psalm 61:5 

For more than 20 years now, Israel has required that all new construction include a safe room to protect people from enemy rocket fire. When a warning siren sounds, people dash into their shelter to hunker down behind a heavy steel door and surrounded by about five inches of concrete. 

In 2012, an Israeli couple emerged unhurt from the safe room of their top-floor apartment and discovered the rocket had made a direct hit on their home. Their apartment was totaled, but, as a soldier later noted, the books hadn’t even fallen out of the safe room’s bookcase. The rocket tore through three of the apartment building’s six floors but caused no serious injuries because everyone was in their safe rooms.* 

God is our safe room. He is our shelter when life’s rockets hurtle our way. 

The psalmist David ran to God’s presence often, seeking shelter from the distresses he faced. In it, he found such peace and safety that He longed to dwell there forever. We have God’s presence with us always, yet we can easily forget to turn our attention to recognize that we can come under the shelter of His wings. Too often, we spend needless moments, hours or even days, chased by anxious thoughts and concerns. When at last we run into the shelter of our ever-present God, we find that either our troubles have bypassed us or God equips us with what we need to face and overcome them. 

On this second day of Sukkot, meditate on some ways God has come to your rescue in the past, how He has kept you safe or strengthened you amid distressing circumstances. Thank Him, and rejoice over the protective, sheltering power of your loving God. 

“For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His sukkah, conceal me in the shelter of His tent, and set me high upon a rock.” 

––Psalm 27:5 

“But let all who take refuge in You rejoice! Let them always shout for joy! You will shelter them and they exult—those who love Your Name.” 

––Psalm 5:12 

Dwelling with God amid COVID-19 

In the height of the pandemic, most of us were ordered to “shelter in place” in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Throughout the re-openings and resurgences, some around the world are experiencing renewed restrictions and lockdowns. You may feel isolated, spending so much time in your home, but know that you can be hunkered down with God. He is your shelter and refuge from the discouragements of life. He is your cheerleader and strength giver for facing the challenges and sometimes wearisome inconveniences of this COVID-era lifestyle. Know that you are not alone. The shelter of His presence is ready to receive you, but you must say yes to His invitation into His presence. His mighty wings will then guard you with His power, love and peace. 

*Sources:  

The Safest Room in the House, Times of Israel, November 28, 2012 

In Rishon and Ashkelon, ‘Safe Rooms’ Save Lives in Two Direct Rocket Strikes, Times of Israel, November 20, 2012