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ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM IN ISRAEL
There are so many words in Hebrew for "slowly" or "patience." There is even a motion you make with putting your two fingers together (of which I have included a picture) which means "wait a minute." It can be in a gesture of irritation to tell someone to wait or a gesture of gentleness to tell someone, "just a moment." Things just take a lot longer here. I have written about it before in other newsletters. We can look at delays from a natural viewpoint and blame man, or we can look at them from God’s perspective and recognize that he has a timeline. His timing is perfect. Dan and I have been waiting, along with many through the ages, for certain things to come together in Israel with regards to unity, holiness and the functioning of rightly operating five-fold ministry and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit with signs and wonders. And, of course, the ultimate return of the Lord. When I think of how long our ancestors waited for the first coming of the Messiah and how Simeon and Anna were faithfully waiting in the Temple … who are we to complain? But, the good news is that we are moving forward! Every time we pray and worship together, every time we meet with leaders and are strengthened through our fellowship, and every time we walk out our obedience in love, we hasten the day of his return. What were Simeon and Anna doing before Yeshua was born and brought up to Jerusalem by his parents? They continued their daily service in the Temple, being faithful, just as many of you are doing right now. And then, after waiting so long, they were so amazed to be finally holding the anticipated promise.
We so love and appreciate your love and faithfulness in serving us where you are by continuing to pray for us, to give financial support, and to stand with us for the restoration of all things. We will all attain to the fullness of the Messiah as we each do our part. May this next month be filled with blessings and great fruitfulness
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