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Prayer Points: Are you at a loss for words?

November 08, 2023

Israel is at war.

The world became a different place after 9/11 and again after COVID-19. Now — Israel is at war, and the world is in tumult. And there is no going back to how we were before.

What remains the same, WHO remains the same, is the Lord. So, we set our hearts and focus on Him, and to Him, we direct our prayers.

Over the past month, there has been a multitude of things to pray for, and it remains true. Even so, we have all likely felt at a loss for words at times.

At Jewish Voice Ministries, we have a stockpile of spiritual weapons of the Word and prayer for times like these — prayer resources we have developed that resonate with the faithfulness and power of God. Verses and prayers to lift to the Lord on behalf of Israel, the Jewish people and all that is going on in the world.

Please take advantage of these resources as you pray. Even when I am in intercession for a need so deep that I don’t know if I can bear it, my spirit is lifted, and my prayers are strengthened when I pray by His Spirit and by His truth — praying not just the need, but the glorious promises of our good and powerful God. May this be true for you as well.

Your prayers matter. You matter — to us and to the Lord. Allow these Scripture prayer resources to bring faith and fire to your spirit as you pray, knowing that the God who loves you, also loves His people and their neighbors and hears your cries.

Let's pray!

Lord, regardless of how we feel at any moment, we are in this together, with one another, and most importantly, with You. Thank You for the constant supply of hope, encouragement, comfort and strength of Your indwelling Spirit in times like these. Thank You for giving us great and powerful promises to stand on as we intercede and declare Your Word in prayer over Israel, the Jewish people, and the world. Even when we don’t know what to do or how to pray, our hope is in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Help Israel Today

We’ve set up a special fund to help Israelis in the ongoing aftermath of the October 7 attack on Israel. 100% of your gift will go directly to serving hurting Israelis.

No One Felt Safe

November 06, 2023

It’s hard to imagine the fear and anguish of Israelis in the communities bordering Gaza when 2,000-some terrorists invaded Israel on October 7. The people in these communities took the brunt of the attack and suffered beyond comprehension, but as news spread about the invasion, Israelis throughout the country feared for their lives. Information came in bit by bit, and in a country about the size of New Jersey, no one felt safe. One of our ministry partners told us about their experience escaping harm that morning.

A harrowing Shabbat (Sabbath) day

Shabbat is a day of rest, and for 40 men, women and children from one fellowship around Jerusalem, October 7 was supposed to be part of a fun beachside weekend at a sports camp in a Caesarea kibbutz, a communal settlement or small village.

Living in Israel, he explained, they are accustomed to rockets coming from Gaza, so they weren’t all that troubled when they first heard the news during breakfast. “Residents of the south know how to deal with this; unfortunately, it is a weekly routine,” he said. But when he heard the extraordinary number of rockets that Hamas was launching, he grew worried, and the group “started moving.” After only a few minutes, they learned Hamas had also invaded by ground, and active terrorists were inside Israel. That’s when the inner panic set in.

They had no idea how many terrorists had infiltrated Israel, who their targets were or where they were headed. On top of that, as is often the case in emergencies, they were hearing conflicting news about the events.

Defenseless

As the group assessed their situation, they realized that though four of their men typically carry weapons with them, each one had left his firearm at home for what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend away. The group was defenseless.

“By motorcycle,” they calculated, “the terrorists could reach us in less than an hour if the army and police could not stop their advance.” The group needed to act immediately if they were going to have a chance of getting everyone home. With little to go on, a ministry leader “defined a simple and quick plan to get all 40 people safely to their homes and families, where they have bomb shelters and could be better protected.”

“By the grace of God,” he said, “one of our students, who works for the Red Cross, received news that the road would be [clear] in the next hour for us to return towards Jerusalem” as Israel began a counter-offensive, “giving us time to get home.”

Before they left, they heard another frightening piece of information: Hamas terrorists had stolen police and military vehicles and were wearing Israeli military uniforms. Would the caravan of innocent civilians encounter terrorists along their route home? Terrorists pretending to be Israeli authorities, asking them to pull over? How would they know? Were they driving into an ambush?

A complex situation

“I asked the cars to follow me, and we had two complex situations on the way back: possible bombing coming from Gaza, which we followed on the radio to find out if it was heading our way or not, and the second situation would be a confrontation with terrorists on the way.”

The group faced many uncertainties, but they knew two things: they wanted to get home, and they “couldn't stop along the way,” our partner said.

We can only imagine the overwhelming fear and intensity of their drive back to Jerusalem that awful morning. But, “by the grace of God,” he said, “we managed to get home, and everyone was safe.”

A grief-stricken country

Israel is a small country. At the time of this writing, over 1,400 people have been brutally murdered. More than 5,400 have been injured, 224 are being held captive in Gaza, and some 200,000 are displaced from their homes. There can hardly be a person in Israel not connected to someone directly represented by these statistics. As we see with these ministry partners, many had nerve-wracking journeys to safety on that horrible day. And the whole country is grief-stricken.

You can help

Jewish Voice is partnered with more than 85 ministries right in Israel. Their daily work to serve the people of their communities is needed now more than ever. While they grieve and try to stay safe themselves, they are ministering to the hurting people in their own neighborhoods. They are aid organizations, education-based ministries and Messianic congregations.

We’ve set up a special fund to help Israelis in the ongoing aftermath of the October 7 attack on Israel. 100% of your gift will go directly to serving hurting Israelis.

Help Israel Today

We’ve set up a special fund to help Israelis in the ongoing aftermath of the October 7 attack on Israel. 100% of your gift will go directly to serving hurting Israelis.

Extraordinary and intensified needs

These ministries serve the people of their communities with food, clothing, housing and other essentials. Some help people break the bonds of addiction. Some help women keep their babies rather than abort them. Some minister to new immigrants, assist with employment or legal issues, disciple the next generation of young Messianic leaders, care for the forgotten elderly, bring comfort and aid to Holocaust survivors, and minister to soldiers in the IDF – needs that are intensified during this time of tragedy. And they are stepping up to meet the extraordinary needs of this crisis in small and large-scale ways.

All of our Israeli ministry partners do their work for the sake of showing the love of Yeshua (Jesus) and building relationships that can lead to sharing the Good News of the Messiah – a gift that changes lives not just now but for eternity.

Through your gift to this special fund, you will not only bring comfort, strength and healing to Israelis, but you’ll share the eternal hope of the Gospel with them at a time when they need it most.

Help Israel Today

We’ve set up a special fund to help Israelis in the ongoing aftermath of the October 7 attack on Israel. 100% of your gift will go directly to serving hurting Israelis.

Prayer Points: We're Going to a New Location in Zimbabwe

October 25, 2023

We are headed to a new-to-us community in Zimbabwe for a full-scale Medical Outreach to the Lemba Jewish people and their neighbors. Our Global Outreach Director, Eric Pires, senses that this region is a blank canvas on which we will see the Lord do wonderful things. We are asking you to help us break new ground through your prayers.

Ways to Pray

We invite you to use the daily prayer guide below as you pray. And please commit to a specific time slot to pray from home during the Outreach. SIGN UP on our Prayer Schedule, referring to the dates below.

Here are the ways you can pray for this new Zimbabwe Outreach, November 2–12.

Before the Outreach

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

— Isaiah 40:3 (NKJV)

Now through Wednesday, November 1 | Isaiah 40:3

  • That all preparations are fully in place, such as VISAS, medical supplies, campsite, Clinic readiness, team unity and community relationships
  • For the word to get out in the community regarding the Medical Clinic so that right from the start on Sunday, November 5, we will serve as many as possible each day
  • The Lord to prepare the way through favor with local officials and community leaders
  • Spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory to come with salvation, healing and deliverance as the spiritual atmosphere and the hearts of the people are prepared

Thursday-Friday, November 2–3

  • Protection, health, safety and favor as our team and partners prepare and travel
  • For all their family members back home and all that pertains to them as they serve
  • Smooth travel and all luggage to arrive on time in good condition
  • Safe travels, especially during the six to seven-hour drive to the Clinic location
  • Fellowship and unity to begin and deepen during these first few days, including the Erev Shabbat dinner on Friday night

Saturday, November 4

  • All medical resources to be fully set up and ready for patients in the government clinic we will be using
  • Training and orientations for the medical and dental personnel, as well as Outreach and prayer partners, to be clear and effective
  • The Lord to oversee the weather throughout the week – it is the start of the rainy season and will likely be hot during the day and cool at night

During the Outreach

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”

— Luke 4:18

SPECIAL REQUESTS

  • There is already a small Messianic Jewish congregational plant in the area. Pray for growth as a result of this Outreach
  • We will be digging a well in the community – may it be a hub not only of physical water but also for the Good News of the Living Water, Yeshua (Jesus)

Sunday, November 5

  • For all to be in place and for a smooth “opening day” as we begin to serve the community Sunday, with many being quick to come and receive care so our lines are full all week
  • Local workers, chosen by the Lord, to not only be a blessing as they serve but to be blessed and saved
  • Many from the community to come for care and receive salvation as well
  • The Word to go forth swiftly, accompanied by miracles, signs and wonders

Monday, November 6

  • The Lord to give our team wisdom, favor, discernment, and protection regarding any local or unique factors pertaining to this location, conditions, or time frame, including some darker elements in the local spiritual climate
  • Great unity, love and fellowship among all team members and partners that testifies of Yeshua to all in the community
  • For the Messianic Jewish Believers who will be speaking with and praying for people in the Spiritual Care Tent
  • That the Zehra Kids Program will leave a lasting and eternal impact on the children and families of the community through truth, joy, salvation and love

Tuesday, November 7

  • For the wonderful and weighty presence of the Lord to anoint and refresh our whole team during daily morning prayer times
  • Divine encounters in the community leading to openness to the Good News and many salvations
  • The mighty protection of the Lord to cover the entire Outreach and all involved from any spiritual or natural interference
  • Spiritual strength and stamina for our team and partners, renewed by intimacy with the Lord, the daily prayer times and worship service

Wednesday, November 8

  • Glorious worship times with the Lemba choir, bringing renewal to the team, delighting the Lord, and sending the powers of darkness to flight
  • The Lord to move powerfully through the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Spirit
  • Effective medical and dental care and healing to take place, including supernaturally as a testimony of God’s power and love

Thursday, November 9

  • The ability to treat as many patients as possible on the last day of the Outreach
  • Order and shalom to reign as local workers are paid and the patient lines are closed
  • Safety and efficiency in closing the Clinic and packing up equipment and supplies

Friday, November 10

  • A relaxing day celebrating all the Lord has done and ending the week in fellowship with one another
  • Each one to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
  • A blessed Erev Shabbat dinner with testimonies of the Lord’s goodness

After the Outreach

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of [Messiah] Jesus.

— Philippians 1:4–6

Saturday–November 11–12 and beyond

  • Safe travels home
  • A special outpouring of grace for everyone who served by honoring the Lord and loving the community through this Outreach 
  • The Lord to continue breaking ground for the Good News of Yeshua in the region, bringing a great movement of His Holy Spirit among these dear people
  • Effective and timely follow-up to all who want to hear more about Jesus
  • The Lord to continue establishing His Kingdom in Zimbabwe and developing healthy congregations

Let’s Pray

Lord, it is exciting to know we are taking Your love, in the form of both spiritual and physical care, to this new location in Zimbabwe. May the community be open and eager to receive Yeshua. We pray for the congregational plant's growth and that much lasting fruit will come because of You working through our time there. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Outreach Recap: Your Impact is Transforming lives in Kechene, Ethiopia

October 17, 2023

Kechene, Ethiopia, Medical Outreach

  • 15,825 Patients Received Care
  • 1,509 People Received Dental Care
  • 3,758 Eyeglasses Distributed
  • 84 Received Eye Surgery, reversing or preventing blindness
  • 169 Received Minor Surgery
  • 2 Babies Delivered
  • 7,817 People Heard the Gospel message
  • 97 People Received Yeshua
  • 29 People Requested Congregational Follow-up

Our hearts remain heavy for Israel concerning the overwhelming tragedies from the Hamas attacks that began on October 7. We know your hearts also ache, and your prayers for the people and State of Israel continue, as do ours.

With Israel in the forefront of our hearts, we also want to bring you good news of the Lord’s continuing work around the world, making Yeshua (Jesus) known as the Messiah and Savior of the world – work that you help make possible. In June, we conducted a Medical Outreach in a Jewish community situated in the heart of Ethiopia’s capital. Here’s what you helped make happen there.

Kechene, Ethiopia, was among the first places we held a Medical Outreach many years ago. Like many Jewish communities are forced to do in Ethiopia, it was originally settled well outside city limits. However, over the decades, the capital city of Addis Ababa grew so large that now it entirely surrounds the distinctly Jewish community of Kechene.

Regulations prevented us from having an onsite Spiritual Care Ministry at the local clinic where we held our Kechene Clinic. Instead, 97 local pastors and leaders conducted street evangelism during the Outreach. Three things about this effort stand out as enormous blessings.

  • The Beta Abraham Messianic Congregation (BAMC) initiated, organized and implemented this huge outreach to their community. It’s so encouraging to see the growth, maturity and independence of this congregation that you help support and provide leadership training for. Twelve people from this small congregation participated
  • The enthusiastic response of the evangelical community indicates a growing unity between them and Messianic Believers in the area. Eighty-five people joined the BAMC team to walk the streets of Kechene in pairs, sharing the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus)
  • In total, the group shared the Gospel with 7,817 people in Kechene, planting the seeds of eternal life in each one. Ninety-seven of them have already shared that they accepted Jesus as their Messiah

In addition to the eternal lives you helped change through your support of this Outreach, you also provided desperately needed medical, dental and eye care to thousands of Jewish people and their neighbors living in this struggling community. You also enabled us to improve the local clinic property to provide greater levels of patient care. In just 10 days, our Ethiopian Logistics Manager, Habte, led a team that demolished a small unusable building, excavated a new site by hand and constructed a new building that will be used for storage and office space. This new building frees up several rooms inside the clinic as additional treatment rooms.

Without your gracious gifts, none of this would have been possible. You’ve made a difference in so many ways. 

Pray with us that the Gospel seeds planted will produce the fruit of salvation in every life who heard the Good News. And thank you again for making all of this possible.

Prayer Points: Your prayers can do so much today!

October 11, 2023

Friends, we are reaching out for prayer for our latest Outreach, going on now in Southern Ethiopia. But as we all know – at the same time – Israel is in great conflict right now! Please pray fervently for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Lord of the Angel Armies, to comfort, heal and reveal Himself to the Jewish people and their neighbors in the Land, and to protect them against the schemes of the evil one. Our God is faithful to His promises and keeps watch over his Chosen People as the apple of His eye!

With Israel on our hearts and in our prayers, let’s also pray now for the Jewish people of Ethiopia.


We are in Southern Ethiopia for our third Outreach in this particular location. Previous visits to this community have brought testimonies of growing goodwill for the Jewish people there. Baruch HaShem! – which means, “Blessed be the name!” In other words, “Praise the Lord!” We pray that through this third trip, goodwill continues to increase and will yield many testimonies of salvation, healing and deliverance, all to the glory of the Lord!

You Can Help

  • Please be part of the “prayer force” who will answer this urgent call to pray. This Outreach is starting now!
  • Please commit to a specific time slot to pray for us from home during the Outreach.  SIGN UP HERE on our Prayer Schedule, according to the Outreach dates below

Ways to Pray

Here are the ways you can pray for us day by day during this Southern Ethiopia Medical Outreach, October 12–22, 2023.

Before the Outreach

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

— Isaiah 40:3 (NKJV)

 Now through Saturday, October 14

  • That all preparations are fully in place, such as VISAS, medical supplies, site readiness, team unity and community relationships
  • Protection, health, safety and favor as our team and partners prepare and travel, including for several first-time JVMI Outreach Partners
  • For all their family members back home and all that pertains to them as they serve
  • The Lord to prepare the people’s hearts and cause spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for salvation, healing and deliverance

During the Outreach

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”

— Luke 4:18

SPECIAL REQUESTS

  • The Zehra Kid’s Program will be introducing a new “Nehemiah” curriculum just for teens – pray for its success
  • We’re doing Messianic Leadership Training in Zimbabwe at the same time as this Ethiopia Outreach. Please pray for that as well

Sunday, October 15

  • Everything in place for a smooth “opening day” as we begin to serve the community on Sunday afternoon
  • The Lord’s guidance in hiring local workers to work alongside us during the Clinic – that they will not only be a blessing as they serve but be blessed and saved
  • Many from the community to come, receive care and accept Yeshua (Jesus) as well
  • The Word to go forth swiftly, accompanied by miracles, signs and wonders

Monday, October 16

  • The Lord to give our team wisdom, favor, discernment, and protection regarding any local or unique factors regarding this location, conditions, or time frame
  • Great unity, love and fellowship among all team members and partners that testifies of Yeshua to all in the community
  • The Lord’s blessings on first-time Outreach Partners as they attend a special meeting just for them on Monday night – may they know with confidence that the Lord has called them for such a time as this
  • The Spiritual Care Ministry, Zehra Kids Program, and Living Waters teams to leave a lasting and eternal impact in the community through salvations, love, and provision

Tuesday, October 17

  • The wonderful and weighty presence of the Lord to anoint and refresh our whole team during daily morning prayer times
  • Divine encounters in the community that lead to openness to the Good News and many salvations
  • The Lord’s mighty protection to cover the entire Outreach and all involved from any spiritual or natural interference

Wednesday, October 18

  • A glorious time of worship Wednesday night, bringing renewal to the team, delighting the Lord, and giving testimony to the powers of darkness
  • The Lord to move powerfully through the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Spirit
  • Healing through medical and dental care and also supernaturally, as testimony to the Lord’s power and love

Thursday, October 19

  • The ability to treat as many patients as possible on this last day of the Medical Clinic
  • Order and shalom to reign as we pay local workers and close patient lines
  • Safety and efficiency in closing the Clinic and packing equipment and supplies

Friday, October 20

  • Safe travels back to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city
  • A relaxing day of fellowship with one another and celebration over all the Lord has done this week
  • A blessed Erev Shabbat dinner with testimonies of the Lord’s goodness

After the Outreach

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of [Messiah] Jesus.

— Philippians 1:4-6

Saturday–Sunday, October 21–22 and beyond

  • Safe travels home
  • A special outpouring of grace for the members of our Global Outreach team, who will be rapidly transitioning to our Zimbabwe Outreach, taking place in early November
  • The Lord to continue working in this region of Ethiopia, bringing a great movement of His Holy Spirit among these dear people
  • Effective and timely follow-up to all who want to hear more about Yeshua

Let’s Pray

Lord, in this season, the troubles of Ethiopia, and specifically its Jewish people, are many! Would You stretch out Your hand to heal, deliver and bring salvation? You are faithful and constant in Your love for Your people. Thank You for doing more than we can ask or think through this Outreach! In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Jewish Voice Statement on the Crisis in Israel

October 09, 2023

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, ‘May peace be within you.’” — Psalm 122:6, 9 (NASB)

This past Shabbat, on what was to be one of the most joyous days on the Jewish Calendar (the end of the Feast of Tabernacles and the celebration of Shemini Atzeret – a day when Jewish people celebrate one more day in the Lord’s presence after the seven-day Feast of Sukkot – and ‘Simchat Torah’ – the Joy of the Word of God), the people of Israel endured their darkest day in a generation.

As of this afternoon, only two days after Israeli borders were breached, over 700 Israelis have been confirmed dead, either fighting for their country against those who wish to destroy it, or murdered innocently at parties, in the streets of their towns, and in their own homes and living rooms. And, shockingly, many nations around the world are already responding by vilifying the nation of Israel and the Jewish people – whitewashing the atrocities of militant terrorists!

In the midst of such unprecedented terror on Israeli soil, and as heart-wrenching photos and videos continue to surface on international media, it is hard to know what to do, or how to pray...

Today, it’s important to remember that for all of us who call upon the name of the Lord, the Jewish people and their neighbors suffering and mourning in the Land of Israel and the over 130 Israelis currently being held hostage or tortured in the Gaza Strip are not just headlines or numbers; as David declared, we say that they are “our brothers and our friends.” And so we pray for peace — for shalom. Pray with us:

  • That IDF units and those working with them would quickly and entirely neutralize all remaining terrorists hiding or wreaking further havoc within the borders of Israel, bringing peace to the cities and kibbutzim that have been attacked
  • That Israel would quickly eliminate all Hamas strongholds and neutralize all those attempting to attack Israel from any side right now, thereby restoring peace to the region
  • For comfort and shalom for families mourning the loss of friends and loved ones who paid the ultimate price defending their country or who were murdered in cold blood while going about their daily lives
  • For shalom beyond understanding for those awaiting news about the condition or whereabouts of family members dragged across the borders of Gaza. And pray these hostages are released alive!
  • For peace in the hearts of Jewish Believers throughout Israel – some of whom have already lost children to the war. Pray the Lord would strengthen and comfort them so they can be a light and a comfort to their communities in Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name
  • For Believers currently engaged in active combat and serving in sensitive military operations – there are many. Pray that the Lord would cause His peace to reign in their hearts as they defend the Land God gave to the Jewish people and as they defend those living in it. Pray for strength, wisdom, and protection for these brave men and women in Yeshua’s name
  • For peace between Messianic Jews and Arab Christians – that the unity of the Holy Spirit would enable them to remain in strong relationship with each other during a time when those relationships are tried like never before
  • For our 85+ partner ministries (congregations, para congregational ministries, mercy ministries, emergency response organizations, etc.) throughout Israel – especially those located in southern Israel – that God would give them wisdom, divine strategy, and protection as they begin to respond in the midst of this crisis
  • That many in Israel would, in the midst of this dark hour, encounter and experience the Prince of Peace and come to know their promised Messiah, Yeshua, who binds up the brokenhearted and who gives peace that this world cannot give

We will keep you updated throughout the coming days on ways you can pray, and we’ll do our best to keep you updated on events on the ground as we remain in touch with family, friends, and ministry partners in Israel.

Thank you for your enduring love for Israel and the Jewish people. Now, more than ever, they need your care, your support, your advocacy, and your prayers. And now, more than ever, we ask you to join us in praying for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps 122:6) and for all those dwelling in the Land of Israel.

Jonathan Bernis & Ezra Benjamin

Pray for Israel

Do you want to know how to pray for Israel in greater detail and depth? Jewish Voice Ministries has put together this prayer guide for Israel that provides focused, targeted prayer points to help you pray for the nation of God's People. Download your prayer guide today and pray your support for Israel. 

Exploring the Gift of Rest – The Sabbath

October 02, 2023

By Judi Clarke

As a child, all I wanted to do was stay up later than my bedtime. Going to bed felt like missing out. As the youngest, I didn’t like being pulled away from the activity in the house. Everyone else was still up, but I had to separate myself from them. I had to leave TV shows, activities or projects unfinished, all for the sake of going to sleep while others remained awake. There were so many things I would rather do. But every night, the word came down from Mom, “It’s time for bed.” I never wanted to go – sometimes despite my tiredness.

Have you ever felt that way?

If we’re not in the habit of observing a weekly Sabbath day of rest, that’s how we might perceive the fourth commandment, too. We may see every unfinished project and people out there doing things we could enjoy if not for this weekly word from above, “It’s time for rest.” It may be hard to see the Sabbath, or Shabbat in Hebrew, for what it really is: a gift.

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work... — Exodus 20:8–10

Children can go, go, go until long after they should be napping or in bed for the night. Eventually, they crash right where they are, no matter how inconvenient the time or place. It’s funny that, as adults, we can do the same thing without recognizing it. Our go-go-go just has a grown-up look to it.

Today’s culture lends itself to a non-stop pace. The internet has put a world’s worth of information on our desks, and our smartphones have put it right in our pockets. It’s always within reach, day and night, and we are always available. Work and rest can get muddled into one big blur of accessibility. We may enjoy recreational activities and time with family and friends, but when we return after the weekend, we often feel like we haven’t truly rested.

Many of us don’t even realize how tired we are; we just keep going. We go for weeks and months, even years, without getting the mind, soul and body rest we need. So, our crashes come in grown-up sizes too. Whereas children may get sick, cranky and suddenly fall asleep mid-sentence, adults may get seriously ill, have an emotional breakdown or burn completely out. At that point, incapacitation forces us to rest. Recovery can take months, not just hours — no matter how inconvenient.

Thankfully, God provided a remedy for our non-stop busyness — Shabbat, a weekly rest. Those who practice it know what a gift it is. The word Sabbath means “ceasing,” and on the seventh day of the week, we cease working. What does “work” mean? That might vary, so it’s important to listen to the Lord to know how He wants you to find your rest.

If you’d like to learn more about Shabbat and how to start incorporating it into your life, we have a brand-new resource for you. Shabbat: A Sacred Rhythm of Rest takes you through the biblical origins of the Sabbath, how the Jewish sages defined work and Jewish observance today. You’ll learn about setting the Shabbat table, the candle-lighting ceremony and blessings. You’ll also discover Shabbat’s relevancy for Gentile Believers, see Jesus in its Jewish traditions and find tips for establishing your own Shabbat observance. It also includes a Challah bread recipe and sample blessings you can pray over your Shabbat guests.

The word has come down; you can rest. You should rest. You’re invited to rest. Come explore the gift of Shabbat with us.

Prayer Points: We asked, you to pray, and God answered

September 27, 2023

We asked you to pray, and God answered!

We have an update full of praises! To celebrate, we are singing “Hine ma Tov,” based on Psalm 133.  Let’s jump into the update, and we’ll tell you why.

We asked you to pray for our Messianic Leadership Training trip to Ethiopia, which took place in the second half of August. The training theme was unity, and the song I mentioned above is Hebrew for “Behold how good and pleasing,” referencing the first words of Psalm 133 pertaining to unity between brothers.

The two staff Rabbis who led the teaching times returned with testimony of the wonderful unity they saw develop among the leaders of the five different groups gathered from various regions of Ethiopia. Some didn’t even speak the same language, but by the end of the sessions, they were united in fellowship in the love of Yeshua.

Here are some other praises:

  • Our newest staff Rabbi did an excellent job teaching, learning the history and culture, and connecting personally with leaders. This was a direct answer to your prayers
  • Each teacher had significant connections or experiences during their time there.
  • All the leaders we hoped would be able to attend arrived and returned safely to their home regions in Ethiopia. In fact, we had even more attendees than we had hoped for
  • What was taught was caught! Our Rabbis heard the leaders repeat some of the principles they learned and also saw them put into practice

And here are some requests coming out of this fruitful time. Please pray for:

  • Continued unity and growth among the members and leaders of these congregations in Ethiopia
  • An ongoing receptiveness to further training and counsel among the leaders so that they may be equipped to serve the needs of their members and the larger Jewish community
  • General safety and welfare of these brothers and sisters whom we partner with, especially for the Messianic Jewish leaders and members of the Jewish communities in troubled regions of Ethiopia
  • Particular grace, anointing and protection over leaders the Lord is raising up for key influence and expanding influence – for such a time as this
  • The Lord’s shalom in Ethiopia, in every area and among every people group
  • Ease and freedom in communicating with these leaders on a continuing basis, and that distance will not be an obstacle as we attempt to develop relationships and ongoing discipleship through virtual training

Celebrate with us as we pray!

Lord, it is indeed so good and so pleasant when brothers and sisters, especially those who are one in Yeshua, live together in unity! Even though many of these dear leaders come from different cultures and regions of Ethiopia, You are giving them a vision and desire for Kingdom unity and partnership. May the fruit from this time of teaching, fellowship and impartation spread throughout their regions and beyond, impacting Ethiopia and the entire continent of Africa. You are working wonders among Your people, and we praise You! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

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