Nimrod, The Mighty Hunter Is Hunting for You

Cush became the father of Nimrod. He began to be a mighty one in the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before YHWH. Therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before YHWH. 10 ” The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Bereshit (Genesis) 10:8-10 (emphases added)

Who is Nimrod? What significance does he have to do with you as a believer in Y'shua today? I hope the Ruach will enable me to demonstrate to you that Nimrod's spirit is alive and well and hunting for you today. Are you on your guard? Do you know his motives and his goals to capture you?

Nimrod, Who Is He?

Verse 9 above says that Nimrod was a mighty hunter before YHWH. The translated English word “before” is the Hebrew word “panim” which means face. Here “panim” can also mean “against”. As we read further we will understand this to be the meaning because Nimrod was against YHWH in every way. Nimrod comes from the Hebrew word “marad” which means “to rebel”. If you add an “n” before the “m” it becomes a verb that functions as the noun Nimrod (Nun, Mem, Raysh, Dalet). (also BDB 1962: 597).

Jeff Benner from the Ancient Hebrew Research Center says something interesting about the name Nimrod. Here is his research on the name direct from this website url http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/emagazine/022.html.

Name of the Month - Nimrod

By: Jeff A. Benner

The name nimrod is not Hebrew but it is a Semitic name and is therefore closely related to Hebrew. The name comes from the Semitic root מרד (MRD) meaning "to rebel". In the Ancient Hebrew/Semitic cultures a person’s name was closely related to their character and therefore Nimrod's name fits well with his personality. The name is formed by placing the letter נ (N) before the root. A common means of forming words and names out of a root in Hebrew is by placing the letter מ (M) before the root while other Semitic languages use the letter נ (N). Because of this we know that Nimrod is of a non-Hebrew Semitic origin.

The person Nimrod is only mentioned in Genesis 10:8,9 but these two passages speak volumes about the character of Nimrod. The standard translation for verse 9 is something like "He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, "Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD". It would appear that there is nothing out of the ordinary about Nimrod. So, why is he so often seen as such an evil person?

Only two persons in the Bible are identified as "hunters", Nimrod and Esav, the twin brother of Ya'acov. From the story of Esav and Ya'acov we know that Esav was not the most respectful person. Not only did he despise his birthright but to spite his parents married foreign women. From this we can conclude that from an Hebraic perspective hunters are seen in a negative light. In verse 8 it states "he was the first on earth to be a mighty man". The Hebrew phrase may also be translated as "He made a profaning by being a mighty one in the land". To add to this verse 9 states that he was a "mighty hunter 'before' Yahweh". The word for "before" in Hebrew is "liph'ney" and literally means "to the face of" and in this case "to the face of Yahweh" and can mean that he was a mighty hunter in place of Yahweh implying that he, rather than Yahweh is the provider of the people.

One final clue into the character into the personality of Nimrod is how the Semitic root MRD has been used even into our own time. The Ancient Semitic root MRD (marad) is the origin of our words MaRauDer and MuRDer. (End Jeff Benner research)

So Nimrod was a murderer who stood opposed to YHWH Himself. What else can we find out about him? The writer Josephus has some interesting things to say about Nimrod.

The Antiquities of the Jews/Book 1/Chapter 4/Section 2:

Now it was Nimrod who excited them to such an affront and contempt of God. He was the grandson of Ham, the son of Noah, a bold man, and of great strength of hand. He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, as if it was through his means they were happy, but to believe that it was their own courage which procured that happiness. He also gradually changed the government into tyranny, seeing no other way of turning men from the fear of God, but to bring them into a constant dependence on his power. He also said he would be revenged on God, if he should have a mind to drown the world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach! and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers! (emphases added)

According to Josephus, Nimrod, through the incident of the Tower of Babel, brought people into a constant dependence on him. We are formulating an understanding of just who this man is and what he was about.

When researching Nimrod you will find a connection to Baal. The idol Baal was connected to Ashtoreth (the Queen of Heaven). These two idols are none other than a deification of Nimrod and Semiramis (Nimrod's wife).

Refusing to Bow the Knee to Nimrod

Yet will I leave seven thousand in Yisrael, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal (Nimrod), and every mouth which has not kissed him.” (parenthesis added) 1 Kings 19:18

Religion believes that a man has to be between you and your relationship with Abba YHWH. These institutions of men will convince you that their leaders have to be your covering. This is the spirit of Nimrod who convinced the people of his day to depend upon his power and authority. Y'shua is your only Rabbi. He has put His Ruach in you to lead you into all Truth. I have found that there are very few who travel this road. Most are uncomfortable living their life free of a religious institution or organization. My wife and I have found that the greatest satisfaction comes in networking with other redeemed Yisraelites and discussing Scripture with them. We find that during these times we become “oxen” of the Torah treading out the grain to receive nourishment from the Bread of Life.

Sometimes, I will admit, we feel alone in this walk of being free from the institutions of men. The last time I was thinking about this Abba spoke in His still small voice, “Seven thousand have not bowed their knee to Baal.” This all occurred while thinking of being free from the spirit of Nimrod and his influence. I then knew that Baal and Nimrod were connected. The preceding research about Nimrod verified it.

Recently during one of those “treading out the grain” sessions with a brother, I received a revelation about Yirmeyahu 31:33-34:

33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisrael after those days, says YHWH: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people: 34 and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know YHWH; for they shall all know me, from their least to their greatest, says YHWH: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more. (emphases added)

The Hebrew word for “know” in the verse above is “yada”. According to Strong's Hebrew “yada” means to know through an assortment of the senses. I used to think that this passage was not fulfilled, but I began to see that we are now in the place to where we can all know YHWH. We do not need the pope, a bishop, a rabbi, a pastor, or any other man with a title to help us “know” our Abba. From the least to the greatest can know him in deepest intimacy. Why would we use a man as a mediator if we can know him intimately ourselves? Do you want to know Nimrod or do you want to know YHWH? Will you wait for Eliyahu the prophet to sort you out or will you allow His still small voice to work on you today?

The Fishermen and the Hunters

Therefore behold, the days come, says YHWH, that it shall no more be said, As YHWH lives, who brought up the children of Yisrael out of the land of Egypt; 15 but, As YHWH lives, who brought up the children of Yisrael from the land of the north, and from all the countries where he had driven them. I will bring them again into their land that I gave to their fathers. 16 Behold, I will send for many fishermen, says YHWH, and they shall fish them up; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the clefts of the rocks. 17 For my eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from my face, neither is their iniquity concealed from my eyes. 18 First I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double, because they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable things, and have filled my inheritance with their abominations. 19 Adoni, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, vanity and things in which there is no profit. Yirmeyahu 16:14-19 (emphases added)

The fisherman have already gone out. Abba has sent them out as a witness for Him and His ways. The fisherman waits for the fish to come to him. The hunter goes out to the prey. Nimrod, the mighty hunter, made a building among the people when they were supposed to traverse the earth and fill it. Y'shua seeks fishermen who use no enticements only nets waiting for the Ruach to lead the fish into the net. The hunters of Nimrod have enticed multitudes and have lead Yisrael into iniquity. Nimrodic systems of men are full of vanity and lies. The hunters have gone out to bewitch Yisrael into their lies. Will the spirit of Nimrod seek to hinder Yisrael from hearing the Great Shepherd's whistle during the Exodus (see Conductor of A Symphony – http://chazakyisrael.blogspot.com/2008/05/conductor-of-symphony.html)? Are we too caught up in the religious institutions of Nimrod to leave all behind?

Abba, we only desire your Kingdom Yisrael with Y'shua as its King. Abba, give us discernment to know the wiles of the enemy. Help us to confront the unclean spirits in our lives that attempt to lead us down a path not ordained for us. We thank you and praise you Abba for placing your Son Y'shua as King over us. Amein v' Amein.

Shalom shalom,

Tzefanyah Pappas

--

Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek

Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us

strengthen (encourage) one another!

Ted (Obed) Barnett of Blessed Memory: 9/23/1947 to 5/26/2010

When Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Yirmeyahu into the cistern—the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate— 8 Ebed-melech went from the king's house and said to the king, 9 “My master the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Yirmeyahu the prophet by casting him into the cistern, and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city.” 10 Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, “Take three men with you from here, and lift Yirmeyahu the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.” 11 So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Yirmeyahu in the cistern by ropes. 12 Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Yirmeyahu, “Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Yirmeyahu did so. 13 Then they drew Yirmeyahu up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Yirmeyahu remained in the court of the guard. Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 38:7-13

Ted was a precious brother. Many folks will truly miss him. I know I will. If I can think of one defining character quality of Ted, it was that of being a servant. The Hebrew name he chose for himself was Obed which means servant. If Ted knew that you were about the Father's business, it would not take long for him to express his desire to help in whatever way he can. Ted was one of the best men at our wedding. He blew the shofar (biblical ram or antelope horn) and held the chuppah (canopy) up during the wedding. Ted was not afraid to express his enthusiasm for something that touched him. I can hear his voice now. His jubilant jumping, his loud laugh, and praises to YHWH saying, “Blessed be the name of YHWH!! Blessed be the name of YHWH!!” He brought that same enthusiasm to our wedding.

I cannot remember a time when I needed help that he wasn't there to come and assist me. Quite a few times he either let me borrow his truck or he would come over and help me if I was moving or needed a truck for something else.

The verse at the beginning, I believe, is a very appropriate description of Ted. Here, Ebed-melech (which means servant to the king) wants to help the man of YHWH who is in a hole and could die. That was how our brother was. If you were in distress he wanted to be there. Being a trucker was really hard on him because he realized how much he was missing. He commented on it several times to me. Yet, at the same time YHWH used Ted to witness to other truckers about Israel and its importance to our understanding of Scripture. Without this, you would never know that Scripture is totally Hebraic.

When the resurrection takes place and we are able to stand on solid ground in Israel, I know I will see Ted standing on the Golan Heights! He loved that place and adopted (in his heart) an Israeli fighting unit called the Golani brigade.

Finally, I want to share an incident with you that describes how warm Ted's heart was for other people. When we were living at his home and were preparing for Passover, I connected with a friend, Israel, who owns a kosher deli/market in the South Miami area. Reyyna and I went to purchase lamb and Israel offered to deliver it to the house. This gesture really blessed us. Before the delivery, I had a conversation with Israel on the phone, he said, “Tzefanyah if we only knew how important shevet achim gam yachad is. It is everything.” Shevet achim gam yachad is a Hebrew expression meaning brothers dwelling together in unity. I shared this conversation with Ted. It so moved Ted that when Israel came to deliver our lamb order, Ted gave him a huge Hebrew hug! It was funny. Israel said, “Oh yes, I like hugs!” That evening the 3 of us all embraced in the warm reality of “shevet achim gam yachad.” (see blog chazakyisrael.blogspot.com "A Prophetic Friendship" on Sunday, May 24, 2009 about Israel and Ted's hug)

That Passover of 2009 was the first Passover that Ted ever led. It was a special seder (the Passover service). Everyone was blessed. And Ted knew how significant it was for him to have the opportunity to lead one in his home.

My brother Ted, I love you, Reyyna loves you. We feel privileged and honored that you were a part of our lives. Let the people of Israel live!! Am Yisrael Chai!

Picture of Golan Heights mountain range.  We thought of Ted 

when taking this picture while in Israel

Tzefanyah Pappas

--
Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!

You Are Not A Dry Tree

1 Thus says YHWH, “Keep justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation [yeshuah-ti] is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”3 Neither let the foreigner, who has joined himself to YHWH, speak, saying, “YHWH will surely separate me from his people”; neither let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” 4 For thus says YHWH, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant: 5 to them I will give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the foreigners who join themselves to YHWH, to minister to him, and to love the name of YHWH, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant; 7 even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” 8 YHWH Elohim, who gathers the outcasts of Yisrael, says, “Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own who are gathered.” 9 All you animals of the field, come to devour, all you animals in the forest. 10 His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they can’t bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. 11 Yes, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds who can’t understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter. 12 “Come,” say they, “I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, great beyond measure.” Yeshayahu 56 (emphases added)

I don't usually do this, but I think it is important that we speak the truth to ourselves. So repeat after me - Ready? - 1 – 2 – 3 “I am not a dry tree. I am not a dry tree. I am not a dry tree!” Do you feel better? The truth will set you free. There are principalities in wicked realms that have sent their messengers out to convince you that you are a dry tree. These are the same spirits that have killed the prophets and they will kill you if you let them. It's time for the people of Yisrael to stand up against these enemies! The people of Ephrayim have a history of committing idolatry on every high hill and under every green tree. We have spent a life time allowing unclean spirits to seduce us away from our heritage, our inheritance, and our beloved Land. And now as we are returning we have forgotten that we are in a spiritual battle. We have failed to address the unclean fruit manifesting from the hidden enemy within. Ephrayim has one big problem. You want to be validated by man. If you believe you are a dry tree this will be one manifestation.

When I think of a well watered tree, I think of the following passage:

1 Blessed is the man who shall not walk in the counsel of the wrong, and shall not stand in the path of sinners, and shall not sit in the seat of scoffers, 2 But his delight is in the Torah of YHWH, and he meditates in His Torah day and night. 3 For he shall be as a tree planted by the rivers of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither, and whatever he does prospers. 4 The wrong are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wrong shall not rise in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For YHWH knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wrong comes to naught. Tehillim 1 (emphases added)

The principalities and powers of wickedness have been our counselors.  They keep saying, “You don't measure up! Look at how the Greeks and Assyrians don't accept you. Join the idolators.”

The Spirit of Cain

1 The man knew Havah his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man with YHWH’s help.” 2 Again she gave birth, to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 As time passed, it happened that Cain brought an offering to YHWH from the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. YHWH respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell. 6 YHWH said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.” 8 Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” It happened when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him.  Bereshit (Genesis) 4:1-8 (emphases added)

There is a spirit of Cain in the camp. This spirit will seek to destroy individuals who seek to desire the commands of their Father. Instead of adjusting and correcting their own wrongs, these individuals have a strong spirit of Cain in them that rises up to kill their brother. I have met these spirits face to face. The person on the surface may appear as one of you. But, if they see you attempting to walk in a way that is pleasing to your Father, the spirit rises up within them to kill and discredit you. The spirit of Cain will turn you over to the persecutors. The spirit of Cain was present that attempted to usurp Moshe's leadership among the children of Yisrael (see Bamidbar (Numbers) Ch. 16). The spirit of Cain was present when those citizens in the Northern Kingdom of Yisrael wanted to go up to Yerushalayim to celebrate the pilgrimage feasts. Yeroboam ordered them to return to worship 2 golden calves, thus killing the peoples desire to please their Abba (see 1 Kings 12:25 and following verses). The Yisraelites who returned to Yeroboam had another spirit – the spirit of the fear of man. The operating of the spirit of Cain through Yisrael would make a very thick history book! I only gave 2 examples, but you will see it rearing its ugly head through the history of our people.

The purpose and driving force behind the murdering spirit of Cain is the denial of access to the Torah which is life. Remember, this spirit manifests through one who is your brother.

92 If Your Torah had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 Let me never forget Your orders, For by them You have given me life. 94 I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your orders. 95 The wrong have waited for me to destroy me; I understand Your witnesses. Tehillim 119:92-95 (emphases added)

23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life.....Proverbs 6:23

There is the blessing and the curse. The spirit of Cain will attempt to keep you in the curse and the curse may kill you. (See Devarim 23) A curse does not come without a cause (see Prov. 26:2). If we stand against the spirit of Cain, life surrounds us.

What Shall We Do?

11 And have no fellowship with the fruitless works of darkness, but rather reprove or expose them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of what is done by them in secret.  13 But all matters being reproved or exposed aremanifested by the light, for whatever is manifested is light. 14 That is why He says, “Wake up, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Messiah shall shine on you.” 15 See then that you walk exactly, not as unwise, but as wise, 16 redeeming the time,because the days are wicked.     (Ephesians 5:11 -16 emphases added)

We may, unknowingly, have these spirits, in ourselves. First we must expose them. Once we expose them in our own members, we can then begin to have no fellowship with them. Do not entertain their thoughts or ideas. Send those spirits back to their dry places to roam (see Mtthw 12:43-45). A good cleaning on the inside will allow us to see and discern these spiritual manifestations around us. Once we deal with the enemy within, we will be able to handle attacks from without.

Closing Thoughts

Since we are in the Messianic Age (time of Y'shua's first appearance up to His second), these verses are pertinent for us today from Luke 11: 46 "He said, ""“Woe to you Torah scholars also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves won’t even lift one finger to help carry those burdens. " 47 "Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. " 48 "So you testify and consent to the works of your fathers. For they killed them, and you build their tombs. " 49 "Therefore also the wisdom of Elohim said, ‘I will send to them prophets and emissaries; and some of them they will kill and persecute, " 50 "that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; " 51 "from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zekaryah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.’ Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. " 52 "Woe to you Torah scholars! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn’t enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered.”" (emphases added)

During these dark times it is vitally important to associate with those who will exhort and encourage you. Ephesians 4 offers us sound advice, 29 “"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. " 30 "Don’t grieve the Ruach Ha Kodesh, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. " 31 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. " 32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as Elohim also in Messiah forgave you.

Also what will proceed out of your mouth? For Yaacov 3 says, 8“"For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind. " 8 "But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. " 9 "With it we bless our Elohim and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of Elohim. " 10 "Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. " (emphases added) For those who are like-minded let us take the time to encourage one another and leave the bitterness and hatred to the enemies of our souls.

Love,

Tzefanyah Pappas
--
Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong,
let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!

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Feeling the Height and Breadth of the Land: Written on November 5, 2009 while in Yisrael

Sorry for the gap between emails, but with limited computer access we must pick our spots.  So in advance I apologize for the length.  If Judah and Ephrayim are to be a weapon in Abba's hands, then there is going to be a whole lot of bending and straightening.

The Shomeron: Yisrael's Heartland

Abba blessed us by giving us the opportunity to visit the Shomeron.   We spent 2 nights in Alfei (pronounced Al-fay) Menashe (meaning thousands of Menasses).  We had a blessed time with our hosts who took us further inside the Shomeron visiting Har Bracha and seeing the Land which is destined for the sons of Ephrayim.  We were able to visit with an old friend who I have not seen in years as he made aliyah from South Africa.  We conversed about Ephrayim's return and what would need to take place for Judah to receive Ephrayim.  Shall Ephrayim truly realize that they are an untrained calf?  Will Judah receive his late arriving brother with joy?

There are unavoidable observations in the Shomeron.  We gained an understanding how the spirit of Islam spreads out and believes wherever they have placed their foot; their god has given it to them.  They attempt to erase evidence of Yisrael's existence here at any opportunity. The enemy steals spiritual truths from the Word to use to spread their religious influence.  The Shomeron is crying out for the sons of Ephrayim to have as great a regard for this land as the rest of Yisrael.   This really is Yisrael's heartland and the enemy is trying to take it away and steal any sign of our heritage.  Abba is destined to use a bow filled with arrows to accomplish a victory over the mountains of Ephrayim.

Back in Yerushalayim

Being away from Yerushalayim for 2 nights was quite an adjustment.   I felt a spiritual oppression or heaviness upon arriving back into the City.  I asked Abba to show me if I was allowing any spirits to have their way with me, but he was quiet on this matter.  The oppression left 3 days before Yom Kippur at the Kotel (Western Wall).  As I was sitting on a chair watching everyone pass by I saw an ultra Orthodox man speaking in American English to 2 other men.  One was referred to as Rav Kook.  He asked the men, "What are they singing over at the Wall?"  They responded that it was a song of grief.   The man responded, "I don't understand, it's Shabbos! Shabbos is joy!"   Abba pierced through the oppression as it began to lift that night.

Simcha (Joy) in the Whole House

We were invited to go to a house of an Orthodox rabbi in Yerushalayim.  He opens his house to any one who wants to come and has a love for Yisrael.   As many come, he happily packs them in!  They make sure you feel at home and comfortable.  You definitely feel welcomed there!!  Throughout the night we were eating as he discussed tidbits on Yom Kippur.  Some would break out in song after the discussion.   It was a very joyous experience.   Afterwards, I was speaking with a big, burly Orthodox Jew (I say this out of love)!  We stayed late laughing and talking as he was teaching me Hebrew using a child-like approach.  As he was testing me, others behind him and Reyyna on my right side, would move their lips to give me a clue.  He would comment and say, "Hey no helping!"  It became like a game.  It was hilarious!  There was such a sense of family and acceptance.  They asked no questions, nor did we, regarding beliefs.  We were there together and we were family.  I thought about it later and it brought joyful tears to my eyes. The night was a lesson that people of Ephrayim need to know.  Take the opportunity and just be with your brother and leave your agenda at YHWH's altar.

Joy on Yom Kippur?

About 7 years ago I attended an Orthodox Yom Kippur service in Cape Town, South Africa.  It was a somber occasion.  So going to the Kotel on Erev Yom Kippur, I will have to admit, I came with some preconceived notions that Abba dispelled.  It was not somber in the least.  I prayed at the Wall thanking Abba for bringing me in the midst of my brother Judah.  I genuinely felt a sense of family during that time like at the rabbi's house.

Had we not gone to the Wall, we would have not had the chance to witness to a precious group of Indonesian brethren.  They were curious to know what the day "Yom Kippur" was all about and what everyone was doing at the Wall.  After we shared with them, they asked us to pray for them because they've witnessed an increase in persecution in Indonesia.  Like in Yisrael, the spirit of Islam has been the persecuting force amongst believers there.  In the humbleness of heart, they mentioned that the purpose of their pilgrimage was to pray for the peace of Yerushalayim and the people of Yisrael. 

After speaking with the Indonesian kinsmen, we heard singing behind us!  About 25 young men, sitting in a circle, with others behind them, started singing the songs of Yisrael!!!  The ones we knew, we sang along with them!  The Spirit of shalom emanated through the brisk autumn air.  What a way to start a fast!!!  Full of His Shalom!!!  

Conclusion

Abba has shown us so clearly that we are not here to push an agenda.  Ephrayim's role is to stand with Judah, to love their brother, and through our life demonstrate the life of Messiah.  If you come with the right heart and attitude, you will see Judah bending to receive Ephrayim.  Our experience at the rabbi's house demonstrated alot of bending on Judah's part.   Ephrayim are you ready to do what is necessary to straighten your arrow to fill Judah's bow?

Love,

Tzefanyah and Reyyna
--
Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
www.chazakyisrael.blogspot.com

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Enlisted As A Soldier: Written September 22, 2009 while in Yisrael

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

The past few days in Yerushalayim have been amazing.   One thing that Father impressed upon my heart is that we cannot be a soldier until you step on to the battlefield.  Previously, we wrote that Abba has been speaking to our hearts about being tzofim or scouts and how this words root is tzofa/tzofay (female/male)  meaning watchman.   Before we left for Yisrael we went to say goodbye to a brother who we had been staying at.  They had some mail for us.   There was a package from ebay.  The return address said something like, "Soldier services from the Carolinas."  Inside the package was a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for a Pentium 3 computer.   If I wasn't paying attention,  I wouldn't have noticed.  But, I believe it was a package from YHWH.   If you know computers, the CPU controls the computer. It is the "father" of the computer.  The CPU "instructs" other computer equipment harddrives, printers, mouse and keyboard to do their job.  Reyyna and I have been enlisted, conscripted into His Army.  The USA is basic training.  Yisrael is the battlefield.  There are so many forces contending for Yerushalayim and for this country Yisrael.  Basic training cannot reveal to you the fullness of the battle.  Other soldiers in arms may come and speak to you about the battlefield, but until you actually enter the "fray" do you see it and understand the enemies.  Brothers and sisters, come for a month if you can.  Tours insulate you from the battle.  I was here in 1998 on a tour and I did not see what I have been seeing now.  I am in a much different place now.  I really don't think I was ready for the battlefield.  The same spirits that Y'shua faced are still here.  Spirits of greed, religion, fear, unloving spirits.  Light and darkness collide here.   But, never let the enemy convince you that this is not a good land.  Without a spirit of Yehoshua and Calev, you will see all these spirits as giants.  If you haven't begun to face them in your own life, when you get here they will overwhelm you.  Start your basic training Yisraelites in the diaspora, we need more soldiers.

Mishpochah in the USA said to us, "You are going for us."  This reminds me of responses to soldiers who go away to war for their country.  Citizens realize they are going to battle for them.

Yerushalayim is not a "magical" city like Disney land; real battle for the hearts and minds of people is going on here.   Before we entered the Old City a few days ago, we were video taping.  I said to the camera that this is the place where light and darkness collide.  Shortly after, the battle was displayed before us as we went to look at the Western Wall.


Here are highlights of that trip:

• After explaining explain about the collision of light and darkness a man approached us and asked us take his picture.  We came to find out that he was from Denmark.  He came from an Orthodox family and now displayed a hatred for his own people.   He was an atheist and fully in the camp with the enemies of Yisrael and believed the people of Yisrael had no right to protect themselves. He went on and on.  Many of you have already heard this story!   We realized that conversation was going nowhere so we allowed him to walk ahead of us and we went in another direction as we proceeded into the old city.

• As were walking through the streets of the Old City investigating on our own a man came up to us and asked us if we knew where we were going and he could show us around.  He said that he was a Moroccan Jew and a believer in Y'shua.  He said his name was David.  He was very nice and cordial and showed us around and did a good job of explaining things.  You will see him on our video.  By the time we reached the end of our journey his fruit was displayed.  He asked for money when he in no what said that he was a tour guide.  The Ruach already asked us to give him something.  But, he demanded more than what we gave.  We firmly said we could not give more.  The man acted insulted.
  

• Before that final incident with David, an Orthodox man came up to me wanting to put a red thread around my wrist.  I, of course, refused his insistence.  He said it was good luck and I said I already had the blessings of HaShem.  Then he asked for a donation for the poor and needy he said.  We gave him a shekels, but he demanded more.  I explained to him that is all I could give - he finally realized I wouldn't budge and accepted what I gave and gladly he left with his red threads.

• Merchants in the Old City would nearly run after you asking you to come to their store.  We ignored them and they all responded like they were insulted.  Abba made clear that we are not hear to buy trinkets, but we are here to pray for this place, know our enemy, and fight as good soldiers.   One thing is clear if the Temple was rebuilt the merchants would converge on it just like in Y'shua's day.   I will say this.  The Jewish quarter had a much more pleasant atmosphere.  Other than the incident with Orthodox man, we enjoyed being there than any other place in the Old City.
  

Yesterday, we went into the Old City.  This time we had a believer who believes in the ingathering of all of Yisrael's exiles.  We had some blessed fellowship with James and his Israeli girlfriend (also a like-minded believer).  He is a gifted musician.   We went to the Jerusalem Archaelogical Park.  We walked on actual steps from the 2nd Temple period.  And touched a stone that Y'shua would have touched when going into the Hulda Gate.  

While at the Archaelogical Park, we found ourselves in the midst of Yisraeli soldiers.  Now what was the Father impressing upon our hearts?   Quite literally Abba put us in the midst of them while we were looking at the golden menorah which is going into the 3rd Temple.  We said to them we appreciate them and were praying for them.  As we went through the Park on numerous occasions we were amongst them as if Abba was saying we truly are being inducted into service for Him as we contend as watchmen and soldiers for the battle of Yerushalayim and this Land.

A Place of Miracles

If you come here with the right heart and mind, this place will be to you a place of great miracles and blessing.  While fellowshipping with fellow believers at a home here in Yerushalayim, I cried out during worship that I have been delivered from a spirit of fear.  After this declaration, I have experienced further physiological miracles in my body related to spirits of fear.  Before this miracle, we felt refreshing rains coming down for 2 days here!!  A major miracle, particularly if you understand how severe the drought is here.  I believe that YHWH is preparing the heavens for prophetic events soon to take place in the Land.

 Chag Sameach from Yerushalayim,

Tzefanyah and Reyyna Pappas


--
Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
www.chazakyisrael.blogspot.com 

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