Watchmen Wednesday: Watching Over Your Household

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:27

Usually when I do a Watchmen Wednesday, I post about Israel, as we are called to be "watchmen on the walls" for Israel.  However, today I was reading a transcript of the Revive Our Hearts radio program, and realized something else: We, as women, are called to the be the "watchwomen" of our homes. 

So many people have asked me the question: "Why in a Jewish wedding does the bride circle the groom?"  And honestly, it's easy to explain if that person understands the basic concepts of the Jewish family, that the wife is considered the "bayis", the home.  However, most of the time, that question comes from someone that isn't familiar with that line of thinking, and I've found myself at a loss for the correct verbage.  But today as I was reading Nancy Leigh DeMoss's teaching, I suddenly exclaimed (in my head, because the baby was napping), "What a perfect explanation of the Jewish wedding ceremony!  She explained it perfectly!"

So here is an excerpt of that teaching:

We’ve been camping out in Proverbs 31, and particularly on verse 27, where we’re told that the virtuous woman is a woman who watches over the ways of her household. We’ve talked about watching, in practical ways, to make sure that the needs of our families are met. But there’s another very important way that you watch over the ways of your household—that’s in prayer.

In the New Testament, we often find watching and praying linked together. Jesus said, “Watch and pray, so that you don’t fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38). It’s a protection for you to watch and pray over the ways of your household, but it’s also a wonderful means that you provide a protection for your husband.

Your husbands, if they are in almost any work environment that you can think of, are being faced with temptations and with pressures. The enemy, Satan himself, is working to pull them down, especially if your husband is a believer and wanting to walk with God. There are lots and lots and lots of opportunities for him to fail spiritually, morally, and in other ways.


What a blessing it is for a man to know that back home there’s a wife who’s watching and praying on his behalf, and praying that as he goes out into that world, God will protect him and God will keep his heart pure.


Ladies, if you’re not going to pray that for your husband, who do you think is going to pray that for him? Who’s going to watch and pray for his soul? You can protect him in that way, and you protect your children as you watch and pray. Ask the Lord to show you things that you need to be alert to, in their lives.

Yes, this is exactly what she is doing when the bride circles the groom. Usually when I say, "She is building a protection around him", people look at me funny and say, "Isn't HE supposed to protect HER?" And I think in many ways, yes, of course the husband protects the wife, definitely physcially. But as a wife, it is her high calling to protect him spiritually, by praying for him and watching over the affairs of their household.

I can't tell you how much I am learning from Nancy Leigh DeMoss as I've signed up for the True Woman Makeover to read Proverbs 31 every day for 30 days.  I highly recommend it for ANY woman, single, married, children, no children, whatever your current status.  
 
So ladies, I'd like to hear from you!  In what ways are you a watchwoman over your household?  Anything specific you want to share?
 
Photo available at AllPosters.com.

Watchmen Wednesday: Pray for Gilad Shalit!

On June 25, 2006, a 19 year old Israeli soldier was captured by Hamas and is currently still held captive. Today is the second anniversary of his abduction according to the Hebrew calendar (29 Sivan), and people all over the world are banding together to pray for his release. Hamas says that Gilad is alive and well, but this is still a war crime according to international humanitarian law.

Will you join with me and thousands of other "watchmen" as we pray for Gilad's release? According to Aish.com, we are praying Psalm 121 at certain times, depending on your time zone. On the East coast in the US, we are to pray at 11 am; the West coast is then 8 am this morning.

Thank you for joining with your brothers and sisters around the globe that care about Israel!

Interesting Facts About This Tiny Country

In continuation of the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Modern State of Israel, here are a few amazing facts:

-Israel spends the most per capita of any country in the world on protecting herself.
- Israel has the most university degrees per capita than any other country.

And finally, my favorite:

- These modern conveniences were all invented in Israel: the CELL PHONE, INSTANT MESSAGING, the FIREWALL, and VOICEMAIL.

If you would like to see a short funny video about other things that were invented in Israel, go here.

Thanks to Mapofworld.com for the picture!

Watchmen Wednesday: Practical Ways to Stand with Israel

Today on my lunch break I listened to Jay Sekulow, from the American Center for Law and Justice. He gave three practical ways to stand with Israel, and I wanted to share:

1) Sign the ACLJ petition to show the Israelis that there are Americans who love and care about God's Holy Land.
2) Vote for an Israel-supporting candidate when you vote. I don't want to mention any names as I don't like to get "too" political on here, but one candidate was asked about his stance on Israel recently. He said something to the effect that Israel is a "constant wound, a constant sore" that "infects" American foreign policy. Also, Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group, came out and said this week, "We hope [he] wins the election." Do you really want someone that is endorsed by Hamas to be your President???
3) Stand with Israel...IN Israel! The ACLJ is leaving in about a month to go on an amazing journey to Israel, and you can go with them. Not only will they visit the holy religious sites, but they will take the group participants to the Knesset (Israeli Congress) to meet with Israeli politicians and show our support. If you are interested, you have to sign up this week!

I have to say I always enjoy Mr. Sekulow's program, but these last few days have been even more of a blessing. I have been in tears both yesterday and today as I hear his passion and concern for "the apple of God's eye." Thank you ACLJ for all of the good work that you do!

Graphic from Allposters.com.

Do we really support Israel?

A Diaspora 'Supporter of Israel'
by Mark Gold

But what does "supporting Israel" really mean?

Israel has no shortage of avowed detractors. It also has many genuine avid supporters. Even more people and institutions claim to "support Israel." But what does "supporting Israel" really mean?
Sadly, and insidiously, in many cases, it means very little. It is the proverbial "talking the talk" without the willingness to "walk the walk." Certainly, the climate in some circles, notably academia and the media, is apt to make the malleable fall on the denigrate-Israel team. But given the circles in which some others travel, it evidently is more comfortable to claim status as a supporter of Israel, rather than not.
A recent poll commissioned by the Israel Project illustrates that point. Eighty-two percent of the American Jews who took part in the survey said they support Israel, with most of them characterizing themselves as "strong supporters." Yet, when asked if they engage in conversation about Israel or defend Israel while talking to non-Jews, most of the participants replied negatively. Thus, it appears that the majority of American Jews claim they "support Israel," yet they are not even willing to "talk the talk," much less "walk the walk."
In life generally, it is important to know who your real allies are, and who are on the team or are friends in name only -- whom you can count on and who will dilute the effort; who will help and who will not. And you want to know whether your contributions to an ostensibly pro-Israel organization are likely to help Israel’s cause or be used in the service of another agenda.
While recognizing there are many ways to support Israel, here are some guidelines to judge whether one is a genuine supporter:
Action
What does the individual or organization actually do to support Israel, beyond claiming to be a supporter? If the answer is little or nothing, the verdict is self-evident. A discussion of specific types of activities follows.
Speech
What does the individual or organization actually say beyond that he "supports Israel"? Something like, "I support Israel but not its government," or "I support Israel but not the occupation," or "I support Israel but I want it to change"?
That is not support. It is in the realm of the double-standard applied to Israel. These "supporters" insist on virtual perfection for Israel (and, of course, only Israel). In this mindset, Israel and only Israel can be considered supported with a reservation, if not downright opposition appended in the same sentence. It makes as much sense as "I love that restaurant, but the food is terrible."
"I support Israel but not its policies" is a common refrain, but most of these "supporters" have been repeating this mantra of every Israeli government for decades.
Contributions and Membership
What organizations does the individual support with contributions and membership? Any pro-Israel organizations - groups that actually work on behalf of Israel? A few that come to mind include AIPAC, CAMERA, Zionist Organization of America and Friends of the IDF. Or are these groups disdained and scorned as "extremist" or otherwise just considered unworthy of support?
And certainly, support of Israeli organizations that don’t seek to "change" or tear down the state is also a mark of a true "supporter of Israel." There are, of course, innumerable such organizations, such as Magen David Adom, One Family Fund and Palestinian Media Watch.
Or does the "supporter" find that non-Israel causes always have a higher priority? Or, even worse, is the individual more comfortable with, and thus a contributor to, organizations with an anti-Israel agenda, such as Oxfam, Human Rights Watch, and too many others of a similar bent?
Many organizations that do promote themselves as "supporters of Israel" or "Israel advocates" in fact operate more as neutral forums for Israel-related programs. They apparently feel compelled to provide a balance of speakers providing some obligatory bashing of Israel to offset pro-Israel aspects of their programs. Apparently, for these groups, it is too politically incorrect to include only pro-Israel voices. What does the individual or organization actually say beyond that he "supports Israel"?
Somehow, contrasted to these "Israel advocacy" organizations, "advocates" of other entities are not as often compelled to gratuitously invite speakers to bash the subject of their advocacy. Do other "advocates," perhaps your college's alumni association or chamber of commerce, invite even lukewarm speakers? Not likely.
Then there is the case of America's largest synagogue movement, the Union for Reform Judaism. It criticized Congress "for passing one-sided pro-Israel resolutions." Maybe the Union for Reform Judaism (erroneously) thinks that it supports Israel and that action is an example of doing so. But, probably, most of the Union’s members did not even know of that action. And while undoubtedly some would have approved, others would not have. Did any ostensibly pro-Israel member congregations that were aware of the Union’s action repudiate it (much less withdraw from the Union)? Did any congregants press their congregations to do so?
In fact, many non-Orthodox Jewish congregations appear to have a minimal concern for Israel, at most. That logically mirrors their congregants’ attitudes as revealed by the Israel Project’s poll. Action to support Israel just doesn’t cut it along with feel-good activities such as "nights" and other more "liberal" social action projects.
It goes without saying that "ethnic cleansing" in Darfur is protested, but "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza is one of the few areas where these congregations did "support Israel."
A number of congregations offer Israel token support, yet consider that support as generous. They may keep their Israeli flag in the sanctuary along with the US flag, but this is often a holdover from years past when supporting Israel was less controversial.
Media
Where does the "supporter of Israel" get his news? The mainstream media, such as most major newspapers, the BBC or CNN? It is very hard to be a true supporter of Israel while relying on these sources, as they relentlessly vilify and inculcate a subliminal or overt "Israel is bad" message.
A true supporter of Israel is apt to rely on niche sources of news and commentary that are more likely to present Israel in a fair, or even favorable, light.
Politics
Does the "supporter of Israel" accept or demonize Israel’s friends, such as are often found among conservatives and conservative Christians? Does the "supporter of Israel" support the war against Islamofascism? Or does the "supporter of Israel" cast his lot with anti-war groups laden with Israel-vilification and anti-Semitism?
Shopping
Does the "supporter of Israel" seek Israeli products when shopping? For example, many supermarkets in areas with a significant Jewish population carry a number of products made in Israel that supporters may purchase. In contrast, I recall an instance of a Jewish Federation distributing giveaways made in China. When queried about the possibility of sourcing trinkets from Israel rather than China, Federation headquarters personnel reacted as if the question were from an alien.
Travel
Does the traveling "supporter of Israel" ever go to Israel or is everywhere else a higher priority?
Investing
Is the "supporter of Israel" financially invested in Israel?
Investing in Israel could not be easier. Beyond the well-known Israel Bonds, which are available in denominations as low as $100, there are many Israeli companies traded on US markets, with readily available information. American mutual funds of Israeli securities are also available.
In Sum
These are some factors that tend to indicate whether an individual or organization actually "supports Israel" or just pays it lip service. If their consideration spurs anyone to realize that he can do more to genuinely support Israel, all the better.

Reposted from Israel National News.

Watchmen Wednesday

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,

And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet,

Until her righteousness goes forth like brightness,

And her salvation like a torch that is burning.

The nations will see your righteousness,

And all kings your glory;

And you will be called by a new name

Which the mouth of the LORD will designate.

You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,

And a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,”

Nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”;

But you will be called, “My delight is in her,”

And your land, “Married”;

For the LORD delights in you,

And to Him your land will be married.

For as a young man marries a virgin,

So your sons will marry you;

And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,

So your God will rejoice over you.

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen;

All day and all night they will never keep silent.

You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves;

And give Him no rest until He establishes

And makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

(Isaiah 62:1-7, NASB)

Watchmen Wednesday: The Fast of Esther

As I said in Friday's post, the Fast of Esther is observed tomorrow, March 20th, this year. This lines up perfectly with Watchmen on the Walls Wednesday, as Hadassah (Esther's Hebrew name) was the epitome of a Biblical watchman (or woman!). The above picture is from the movie One Night with the King, particularly the part where Hadassah is having her second dinner with King Ahashuerus and Haman, pleading with the king to spare her and her people's lives.

This is exactly what we are called to do, plead with our King on behalf of our people. As I prayed this morning, I prayed that God would give me such dedication, such fervent commitment to the people of Israel that I, as Hadassah did, would be able to say concerning the people of God, "...and if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16)

If you decide to fast along with many of the world's Jewish people, here are some suggestions:

1. Read the book of Esther sometime during the day.

This is kind of obvious, but really important. It will remind us not only of the past, but the importance of being a woman of faith in turbulent times such the ones in which we live. As I refreshed myself on this book last night, I saw that Hadassah actually had all of the Jewish people fast along with her for three days before she went before the king.

2. Take extra time to pray on behalf of God's people in every part of the world, and especially Israel.

As I stated in earlier posts, we know that "praying for the peace of Jerusalem" is not a special calling, but something that God desires of all of His people. If you work outside the home, maybe you could take your lunch time as a time to pray. Traditionally this fast is from sunrise to sunset and includes no eating or drinking, but if you want to fast a certain thing that's fine too. The idea is to get into the spirit of the day; it is a somber day of remembering the past Hamans of history (those that seek to destroy Israel) and pleading with God for the future.

3. Take some time to read the current events in Israel.

I try to do this at least once a day, but many times I get so wrapped up in my own life and forget to check the news. There are links on my sidebar for some Israeli news sources. Be wary of some of our American ones, as unfortunately there is a lot of anti-Israel reporting in our media. The reason for this suggestion is simple; yet again do we live in a time of increased hatred for Israel, and there are many who call for the Jews to be "pushed into the sea." It's time for believers to stand up and do what we are called to in this hour. For who knows...we may have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

I received this picture in my e-mail yesterday, and thought it was very appropriate for today's post.

Watchmen Wednesday - Jerusalem of Gold

The olive tree that stands in silence

Upon the hills of time

To hear the voices of the city as bells of evening chime

The Shofar sounding from the temple to call the world to prayer

The Shepherd pauses in the valley

And peace is everywhere

Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Forever young, yet forever old

My heart will sing your songs of glory

Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Oh, city with a heart of gold

My heart will sing your songs of glory

Jerusalem

"Pray for the well being of Jerusalem;
may those who love you be at peace.
May there be well being within your ramparts,
peace in yours palaces.
For the sake of my kin and friends,
I pray for your well being;
for the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I seek your good."
(Psalm 112, JPS)

Avinu Malkenu, our Father our King,

Today we pray for the peace of Your people Israel and Your eternal city.

Even now, as katyusha rockets blast into Sderot, Ashkelon, and Ashdod from Gaza,

And there is unrest in the City of Peace,

We pray for You to defend Your people.

Please protect them and surround them as before with Your legions of angels

And show Yourself as HaTikvah, the Hope, of Israel.

I pray that Am Yisrael, the People of Israel, would see that

You alone are their defender and would cry out to You to heal the Land.

We pray for You to swiftly and soon bring Messiah to take up His throne in Your holy city,

And show all nations Your glory.

Am Yisrael Chai! The People of Israel Live!

*I must give credit to my talented husband, who took all these pictures when we were in Israel!

Watchmen on the Walls Wednesday

My hope for my posts on Wednesdays is to be devoted to writing about Israel - the land, the Spirit, and the people. Whether we recognize it or not, both our past and our future is bound up in this land. Not America, though we may enjoy the present situations in which we currently live, not Europe or Africa, though many of our ancestors came from these places; no, the very heart of who we are and where we are going is directly related to this tiny spot of land, barely the size of the state of Rhode Island. Amazing, isn't it?

This weekly post takes its name from Isaiah 62:6-7,

"I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night.

You who call upon the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of all the earth."

I want to point out that this is still in effect. Some might want to say that these verses have "been done away with" or "fulfilled." But look at the context. Reading on to verses 8-9:

"The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His mighty arm: Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled; but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courtyards of My sanctuary."

Yes, He did bring the people back to the Land and establish the modern state of Israel, fulfilling some prophecies in 1948. However, it has not all been completed yet.

As Paul Wilbur on his album The Watchman says, " Soon, and not yet, is the word that the watchman give as he strains his eyes through the night mist..."

Therefore, since this still applies today, are we not all called to be watchmen on the walls? Some people have told me that it is a "special calling", that not all believers are called to this. However, that is not what the Scripture states. It clearly says, "You who call on the LORD..." So basically, everyone that prays is "called" to pray for Jerusalem; actually, it says, "give Him no rest" until He hears you! We should continually be seeking God on behalf of Jerusalem and the whole Land of Israel.

"Why Jerusalem?", you may ask. "What is so special about that place?"

It is interesting to note that in the whole Torah (the Five Books of Moses - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) that the name Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim in Hebrew, is not mentioned, even once; however, it is referred to by another name. And what name is it called by in the Torah? "The place on which I will put my Name" (Deut 12:5, among others). Wow, that's a pretty powerful name for a city, if you ask me. The place where the Holiest of Holies, the King of Kings, the Alef and the Tav (Alpha and Omega), I AM that I AM, would put HIS NAME!

Well, I don't want to write "too much" in this first post, but I will close with a challenge. My challenge to you (and myself) is to remember Jerusalem everytime you pray for the next week. See what God does, and see how your heart will start (or continue) to break for that city, the city (and the whole land) of our past and our future. I will close with the prayer that Daniel prayed for Jerusalem in Daniel 9:15-19:

"Now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for Yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, turn away Your anger and Your wrath from Jerusalem, Your city, Your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and Your people an object of scorn to all those around us. Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, look with favor on Your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your Name."

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim (Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem)!