Shalom Dear Friends and Valued Partners

I wanted to know what the Bible has to say on the topic of:  “Black Lives Matter”. Thankfully we are beloved creations of the Holy One of Israel, The Mighty God.

Guess what? He loves us, because, “ALL LIVES MATTER”

He loves all of His creation and everyone in it. He has no favourites, every life matters, everyone is special to Him. That includes you and your family. The Bible says, God is no respecter of persons. He shows no partiality. See Acts 10:34

The truth is that we were ALL created for a purpose. Let each one ask our Creator, “What is Your intent for my life? He will tell you. In my opinion I think this is what God calls us to.
       
            * To be born of His Spirit
            * To love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength
            * To worship and praise Him
            * To honour His eternal covenants
            * To Obey His instructions
            * To further His Will or purposes on earth
            * To be fruitful and multiply

Summer 2020 is unlike any summer we have ever experienced. These words are particularly chilling today in light of the current upheaval in the US and worldwide. “Already we know almost nothing about the Revolution and the years before the Revolution. Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book has been rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street and building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And that process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists, except an endless present in which the Party is always right.” From George Orwell’s iconic book, “1984” published in Great Britain four years after the end of WW2.

I’m sure that you are confused and pained by the total upheaval in US. Never before have we witnessed such utter lawlessness and anarchy. The fruit of hatred and rebellion is exploding across the earth. Jesus told us to recognize such signs as an indication of His soon return. The following is a father’s tearful statement recorded on “Hannity”  Fox News, July 1, 2020.

I didn’t know how to teach my kid to die! I hugged and kissed him every day and said, ‘I love you.’ You can’t kiss a photograph.” Horace Anderson, father of youth killed in CHOP, Seattle, USA. June 2020

“Where is God in all of this,” you wonder? Could He be saying, “Where are you?”

We have allowed “Truth to fall in the streets because it does not exist in our homes, schools and universities.” When Israel went into Babylonian captivity, clear directives  were given by the Prophet Jeremiah.

“For he has sent us to Babylon saying, 'Build houses and dwell in them and plant gardens and eat their fruit. Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away. Captivity is long; and pray to the LORD for it; (Babylon) for in its peace you will have peace.’” ...Jeremiah 29:28,7.

The word education in Latin means: “to bring forth from within.” Let us all pray today for peace to prosper through us, right where we are. The voice of the silent majority is not heard. Their silence is stunning. May people everywhere be fortified and encouraged by God’s Holy Spirit. We believe they will stand tall in the midst of insurrection and take back what is being lost. Let “Salvation” spring forth across the globe. We have been brought to the kingdom for such a time as this!

The Big Picture

Business as usual belongs to yesterday. Today each one of us is looking into a mirror whether we like it or not. What do you see? What are you focused on? Who are you focused on? Our long term goals and plans are on hold. Today is the only day we will ever live.

Here in Israel, we are in a state of extreme caution due to the COVID-19 resurgence. Travel remains restricted. We thank you for your prayers and love. Yesterday we had a call from loved ones in Canada and it was strengthening. We were happy to pray for their healing needs.

The Rawling’s Good News!

We close with exceptionally good news: 

Daniel has found the love of his life. 

He and Shelly Bandel are engaged to be married. They were friends in high school.

 
Shelly went to Canada and became a businesswoman in the fashion industry.








When the pandemic was looming she  returned home to be close to her parents and elderly grandparents.



 May we all be thankful for the lives around us and tell them, “I love you” as often as we can.





REMEMBER~YOUR LIFE MATTERS! Jesus promises: “He who overcomes and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations”...Revelation 2:26

“Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them”...Matthew 18:20

Jay and I wrote this letter in concert. Can you tell who wrote what?

We pray love and strength for your journey.

Jay and Meridel

Dear Special Friends and Valued Partners,

Photo Credit: Janine Robinson on Unsplash

We are glad to report that Israel is still a leading nation worldwide in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Israeli government is NOW warning us to prepare for a resurgence of the pest. What does that mean?

What is God saying through all this as we watch the absolute chaos gripping the nations in addition to the effect of the virus. Is there a glimmer of hope?  I believe there is? In spite of the signs around us being very grave.

We, at Jerusalem Vistas are in a financial crisis since giving during the last months of the pandemic has sharply fallen off. We have urgent back bills and it is very humbling to tell you that we have had to lay off our faithful bookkeeper of sixteen years. Legally we have to pay her by July 31st the back salary that she has not received totaling CDN$ 35,000. Your help to meet this need will be an answer to all our prayers. Thank you for doing your part.

PS: Here is some good news. Our sons are stepping in to eventually take over from Meridel and myself. Our Israeli accountant/auditor is reducing his costs to us and strongly recommends that “Jerusalem Vistas continues on as you are doing a very important work for Israel.” He said we stand in a unique place blessing the nation as media pioneers.

 

Let’s remember that Yeshua~Jesus spoke about the events going on all around us, TODAY!  When asked by His closest friends and followers, “When will you return, and what will be the sign of your coming?” He told them to watch for specific signs. I see them as PHYSICAL SIGNS, SPIRITUAL SIGNS AND MIXED SPIRITUAL / PHYSICAL SIGNS. See if you can categorise them below from His list.

1] First He said, “Let no one deceive you.  Many will come in My name saying ‘I am the Messiah.” Some will be deceived.” But do not believe them.”
2] Next He said, “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but don’t be worried. For all these things will come to pass but the end is not yet.”
3] Then He said, “Nation will rise up against nation and kingdom against kingdom.”
4] Next He said “that there will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes all over the earth.”
5] This, He said,” is the beginning of sorrows.”
6] Next, He said, “They will deliver you up to ridicule and even kill you. You will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake and then,
7] Many will be offended, will hate one another and betray one another.”
8] Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive multitudes; and,
9] Because lawlessness will abound the love of many will grow cold.”
10] But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
11] “And this Gospel shall be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations and then the end will come”...Matthew 24:4-9

During this epidemic we all applauded the outstanding dedication of the first line health care workers and all those in society who reached out, often at their peril, to preserve the lives of the victims and continued doing jobs keeping the rest of us alive. That to me is a clear way of preaching the Good News showing man’s humanity to man and “loving your neighbour as yourself.”

But how soon were our eyes turned to see the rioting, looting, and violence of those who became lawless. Yes, we are all disgusted and sickened at the unjust and unnecessary death of George Floyd. While his brother, at his memorial asked, pleaded and almost begged for the looting, rioting, maiming and killing to stop lest the memory of his brother be defiled. Lawlessness ruled and still does. How sad. How tragic. Where is humility in all of this?

This very difficult yet needed quality of humbling ourselves was placed before us all during the course of the virus in our nations. Here is what an anonymous writer posted on Facebook in Hebrew that was rendered like a song of humility or a lament.

“ We have taken nature for granted; and now we are not allowed to leave the house.
  We have disrespected our parents; now we cannot see them in person.
  We have treated our teachers with content; and now educational institutions are closed.
  We have squandered our money on things we don’t need; and now shopping malls have shut down.
  We have more cars than we need; and now the roads are empty.
  We have ceased to really connect with others; and now are in isolation.
  We have placed an importance on external beauty; and now our faces are covered with masks.
  We can’t keep on as if there is no tomorrow; because if we do tomorrow will not come.
  We all need to pause and take account of our lives; because the gift of this virus is, that we have received a second chance.”

In closing, during the lockdown here in our home, Meridel heard the Still Small Voice ask her, “can you not watch with Me one hour?” In response she fasted on water for twelve days.
To me this was a very sincere and challenging way to humble one’s self and since that time we have received some very powerful answers to prayer.  I say this to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

Finally, we see a breakthrough with the average Palestinian citizens who are defying the PLO/Fatah leadership of President Abbas.  He has rejected the Israeli annexation of the Jordan Valley, but 90% of his citizens are saying, “Yes” we want  to live under Israeli sovereignty in place of our corrupt leadership. This is a HUGE glimmer of hope never seen before. Please keep praying for the “Peace of Jerusalem.”  He is answering prayer.

We send you our love and prayers and very best wishes,
Jay, Meridel and sons and team.

The Secret of Israel’s Military Revealed

It is The Spirit, Passion and Love of the IDF Soldiers for Israel and the Israeli People... 

In Honour of Israel's 72nd Independence Day

Nineteen Cantors From Around the World Created this Online Performance~Avinu Shebashamayim

The Power of Words

Jay Shares Scriptures From His Bible Study (See Below Video)

                        

Scripture List:

* Proverbs 18:21

* Proverbs  18:7

* Proverbs 21:23

* James  3:6     

Coming Soon! A New Book by Jay Rawlings!

Volume III of the Trilogy~"Timeless Secrets" Will Soon Be Available~Do Listen

Fear Not For I Am With YOU!

An Uplifting Message From Jay and Meridel During This Time of Seclusion

A Message of Faith From Jay and Meridel Rawlings:

We bring the “Good News from Israel” to advance the understanding of the Jewish and Christian faiths worldwide through teaching, education and study of the Holy Scriptures as they relate to the peoples of the land of Israel. This is accomplished via media productions, including films, TV programs and other recordings that that we produce and broadcast worldwide via internet and TV.

Hag Sameyach…Joyous Passover and Blessed Easter

A Special Passover Message From Jay and Meridel

Dear Friends~Blessings to You at This Sacred Season from the Rawlings Family in Jerusalem.

The magnificent menorah that stood in the Tabernacle of Meeting was crafted of pure gold. It was made using the pattern that Moses saw, which first existed in heaven. “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain”…Hebrews 8:5c. Modern Israel’s official national seal was taken from Moses account in the book of Exodus.

Our President Reuben Rivlin, reminded us at this time during the national and global pandemic crisis to remember the good things. In the past year, Israel launched their first orbiting Lunar lander. Also, Israel produced the world's first 3-D printed vascularised heart! As the father of our nation, he emphasized the importance of strengthening all of our relationships. To that we say Amen!

Around the world, every Passover meal begins with asking the children: “Why is this night different from all others?” This year the world has not witnessed any Passover like it. Hopefully more than ever before, our Passover or Easter celebration will be filled with spiritual lessons. Our table will be filled with symbolic foods, the front door will stay open throughout the feast, and a chair will be placed at the table for Elijah, who is always invited. We look for the Messiah, and know that Elijah precedes Him. Why? “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse”…Malachi 4:5,6.

Our dining room table is usually extended to the limit, but this year we are just three. We plan a virtual Passover meal with loved ones via the internet. Our sons are sequestered in their homes, on the other side of Jerusalem, in Finland and Denmark.

Four thousand years ago, the LORD of glory changed history. Moses instructed his enslaved people to slaughter a lamb for each household. Why a lamb? Because it was worshiped as a god by ancient Egypt. The Living God came with a different reality, directly opposed to the status quo. When Jews applied the blood of the Passover lamb to their lentils and doorposts, they first had to overcome fear, knowing that this strange act would be viewed as insurrection against the ruling authorities. Every Jewish family was ordered to stay inside, like a lock down. Did they realize the death angel would be moving through the land to visit every home with no blood covering? I am sure the symbolism is not lost on any of us.

Today, Israel and most nations are in lock down. We choose to seek the LORD, repent, pray and give thanks for our lives and every blessing bestowed upon us. We pray for the multitudes and their families in the valley of decision, with thousands going out into eternity, night by night. I find the Bible is so inspirational as my competent guide book. I am comforted and pray this for all.

I was amazed to see that this weeks Prophetic portion of the Parasha (weekly Bible reading) included:

“For death has come through our windows, has entered our palaces, to kill off the children~no longer to be outside! And the young men~no longer on the streets”…Jeremiah 9:21. The prophet was warning the nation of the coming disaster, but it applies so aptly to all our families, nations and peoples today. And this, “In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem…and the land shall mourn, every family by itself…all the families that remain, every family by itself, and their wives by themselves”...Zechariah 12:11a, 12a,14.

Jesus said: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me,

while it is day, the night is coming when no one can work”…John 9:4

~Only 20% of Israel’s work force is employed presently. Local Rabbi Nir Ben Artzi, has made shockingly accurate predictions in the past. He foresaw the pandemic five years ago. Lately he declared the following;

China will suffer the worst of the diseases; more than 100,000 people will die. (no one knows the actual number of victims in China) This will be a prelude to even greater troubles, endless misfortunes, for China. Even though many financial experts are predicting that China will rule the world economically, China will go bankrupt. China is only rising up in order to fall down. This will show people that the real source of blessing is the LORD God of Israel.

All of Israel needs to come together with one heart as we do in times of war. This pandemic is a type of war. It is not only our country at stake.

The entire world derives divine sustenance [is blessed] through the promises given to Israel and despite God’s anger, He loves His children and wants to show His mercy.

A cure to the corona virus will come from Israel before the end of the upcoming Passover holiday. Miracles and wonders will be seen during the holiday of Passover and the disease will end. God sees all the suffering and fear. He hears our prayers and for that, he will bring great salvation.

We are in the time just before Messiah and God is sweeping (spraying) in between people so that the Messiah will have a clean place to walk. The rabbi said, he was speaking in allegory and concluded with: “The simple message is to repent. The disease is like a keren or [ray of light] that is showing everyone the pathway to repentance.”

“Indeed, my God does nothing without having revealed His purposes

to His servants the Neviim. (prophets)”...Amos 3:7 Israel Bible

May our vision and understanding of the plans and purposes of the LORD God of Israel and His Messiah be enlarged this Passover? Jesus~Yeshua the Messiah left us an example to follow in His footsteps. “Father let this cup pass from me…nevertheless not my will but Yours be done…”This vow speaks into my life along with His final plea: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” The pattern has been set. Let us walk in His ways in these challenging times.

 

Enjoy each other dear friends! Hag Sameyach! Happy Holidays!

Jay and Meridel Rawlings and family

Trudeau Closes Canadian Borders to Canadians...

Unfortunately Illegal Immigrants Are Still Allowed in Unchecked!! Who Voted for This Guy?!?

Israel~The Innovation Nation!

Over the years Israel has been under constant attack from her neighbours. In the beginning there was little or no international assistance as they struggled to establish their country.

Agriculture was the first and foremost industry~to feed the people. Of equal importance was the need for defense.

In the short video below we take a look at some of the amazing inventions to come out of this small country. 

Their successes range from Blind Empowerment for the vision impaired to Exo-Skeleton for those unable to walk, to allowing doctors to "see" inside the human body for diagnosis, and a "3D printed heart". Israel has truly excelled in the medical fields.

Out of necessity came a Defense Force with state of the art equipment. To defend her citizens Israel created Iron Dome to thwart rocket attacks and Drone Dome to protect airports against drone attacks. Most recently Israel launched a small craft named Beresheet  into space with the goals of promoting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as landing its magnetometer, digital time capsule, and laser retroreflector on the Moon. 

This tiny country, constantly under attack from Day One has forged ahead with innovations to help and protect the citizens of the world!

Israel has risen from her beginnings as a struggling farming nation to be one of the top entrepreneurial  nations in the world~and shall continue to do so!

There is No Limit to the Inventive and Entrepreneurial Spirit of the Israeli People!

Mounties Are Still Allowing Illegal Migrants Into the Country!!

Why Is Canada Allowing Illegal Entry to Foreigners Without Health Checks??

Who Knew It Would Be So Easy To Stop Rapists?

Do the People Spending Millions on Such Bunk Really Believe This is a Deterrent??

Canada Paid Ten Million Dollars~Now They Protect Him??

How is it That The Police and Press Fall Over Themselves to Protect a Terrorist?

Christmas Greetings from Israel !

*This Post Will Remain at the Top of the Blog Till the New Year!

To All of Our Precious Family,
Friends and Partners,

As the year is drawing to a close we want to remind you how much your ongoing prayers and support mean to us. During these difficult times your help has uplifted us more than we can say.

 
Update on Daniel:

Daniel has been going from strength to strength. His last checkup was good, but the specialists will keep him under observation for the next months. He is feeling very positive and looks terrific! A big thank you to all who have prayed and kept in touch during his illness.

This year we have again posted a number of select Christmas Carols and music for your listening. We try to find the "unusual" as well as the old favourites! Each day you will find a new selection until the New Year. Just click on our Blog and Enjoy!

In addition to our Christmas selections, you can watch our recent report entitled "Hidden Treasure" on the discovery of a natural gas field just off the coast of Israel. It is of key importance to the four hundred million people living in Europe and of course to the one hundred million more living in Egypt, Jordan, Israel and her neighbours. This new energy supply will break the monopoly of Russia on this important fuel market and lay the groundwork for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 37~39. This Program is your Call to Prayer in 2020

In our last blast I indicated that due to financial pressure we have been considering closing Jerusalem Vistas / Israel Vision. But today our Israeli lawyer and accountant have both encouraged me to keep our doors opened. The lawyer said, "your media ministry has done a very valuable work and I foresee that one of your sons will take it over one day. As a lawyer I know it is becoming very difficult to open such entities".

I was personally encouraged by that advice and also today while at the Men in Ministry Prayer Breakfast a young pastor came up to me and said, "Jay, don't think you're getting old. The Lord is giving you new wings with which to fly".

For the last fifty years we have been a Faith Ministry. We have always depended on the grace of God and the good will and support of our faithful partners. So please pray, and if the Lord touches your heart, consider helping us through this difficult financial period. Thank you!

From all of us at Jerusalem Vistas / Israel Vision, we wish you and yours, a most Blessed Christmas, a Happy Chanukah, and a Healthy, Prosperous New Year!!

In His Love,

Jay, Meridel and sons

Happy New Year 2020!

Auld Lang Syne~Beautiful Version Sung by Susan Boyle

Lyrics (Original Words)
written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788

Should old acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind 

Should old acquaintance be forgot And auld lang syne 

Chorus:  For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne 

We'll take a cup of kindness yet For auld lang syne 

And surely you'll be your pint' stoup, And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll drink a right guid-willie waught, For Auld Lang syne

Chorus:  For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne 

We'll take a cup of kindness yet For auld lang syne

We twa hae run about the braes, and pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit, sin' auld lang syne

Chorus:

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn, frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd sin' auld lang syne. 

Chorus:

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere! and gie's a hand o' thine! 
And we'll tak' a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne.