God is at Work by J. Smith October is one of my favorite months. For the USA this year it is a countdown to the Presidential elections on Nov. 5. In Israel, it has been historic and full of all three fall feasts. This is a time of change and God is at work. The beginning of the month Israel celebrated the first of their fall feast, as established in the Law in Leviticus 23 – The Feast of Trumpets also known as their New Year – Rosh Hashanah, while running to bunkers from ballistic missiles being sent their way from Iran. And God’s hand is still protecting as not one of those missiles harmed a soul in Israel. The following week Israel celebrated their second fall feast – Yom Kippur or otherwise known as the Day of Atonement where they fast and mourn for their sin and seek God. Then, five days later, the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot begins for 7 days. It was the end of this feast, a time of rejoicing, that the atrocities of last Oct. 7 occurred in Israel. It was a rude awakening for the world and especially Israel. It is numbing to think how quickly the world scene was shocked and appalled only to turn on Israel – by turn, they wouldn’t have them defend or overcome their enemies. And yet such scrutiny is not applied to everyone, only Israel. And, this year just as the Feast of Tabernacles/ Sukkot was to begin, the mastermind behind the Oct. 7 horrors was himself to meet his fate – even to the surprise of Israel, and when confirmed, no doubt, some relief for the moment. The promise of Genesis 12:3 still stands. God told Abraham that, “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.” Has that not been evident in all who have come against Israel this past year? Has it not been evident that those who support Israel have been blessed? Even so, I would have never thought I would see such anti-Semitic talk on US college campuses or in congress as I have in the past year on the news. Even some in the church are ready to disregard the Jewish people of God by replacement theology that states the church has replaced Israel. Such thinking does not hold water biblically or practically. He is not done with Israel. Maybe at one time, I could see how people might think that way as Israel was still exiled and scattered abroad since the rejection of Christ their Messiah. However, God placed them back in the land in 1948. God granted them victory against insurmountable odds in the 6-day war gaining Jerusalem. A dead language was resurrected. Never in the course of human events had a nation returned from the brink as God returned Israel. And now, the promises for Israel are still FOR ISRAEL. God always keeps His promises. The church is separate and will be raptured. Israel’s fall feasts even prophesy of Christ’s second coming and dealings with man. The Feast of Trumpet’s some speculate to be in regard to the rapture of the church and God returning to deal with Israel according to Daniel 9 – this may be. The Feast of Trumpets was also a time of assembly and a victory blast – perhaps it is referring to Israel being assembled from the four corners of the world like is happening today as many Jews return to Israel from around the world. The Day of Atonement is a time of affliction which may foretell of the time Israel will be afflicted during the Tribulation, post rapture, driving them to a national repentance before their Messiah at his second coming. And finally, the Feast of Tabernacles, God will Tabernacle with man during the Millennial Kingdom when Christ is ruling and reigning on earth – and this feast is one we all will partake of during the Millennial Kingdom. So as the autumn weather and leaves change, as politics begin to get down to wire of voting day, and life continues on, these three fall feasts of Israel help me to keep looking up. Jesus is coming again and sooner than most think. Are we praying for the peace and salvation of Israel to know their Messiah? Are we praying for the peace and salvation of those here in the United States? God has set the appointed times; He raises up leaders and puts them down (Daniel 2:21). This is a time of change and God is at work. Business Meeting @ a Glance The October business meeting had... Deacon's Report: New positions as of October Deacon Meeting: Charles G.- Deacon Chairman, Mike W. - Vice Chair, Roland H. - Secretary Pastor's Report: Chip Fox - appreciated being treated to lunch for boss's day; grateful for Sue W. for the witnessing bracelets. She has more and would like all ladies at Olivet to have one; Harvest Dinner - membership pictures that evening will be helpful for newer members and new pastor; Church Town Hall - Nov. 6 @ 6pm. Dr. Jim Waters will give the results so far of the Deep Dive; Attendance analysis - averaging 60 people per Sunday morning services; SRBA Annual Meeting - Shirley P. was impressed in a positive way by the new young pastors. Association has expanded by 2 more churches - both Vietnamese. Also, they said goodby to the retiring Lewis Miller, regional catalyst. Ferris Hill sponsored the founding of Olivet and has recently come through its own Deep Dive and has grow as a result of changes made. Old Business: None New Business: None Being no other business, the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Olivet Town Hall - Nov. 6 at 6pm US Marine Corp Birthday - Nov. 10 Veteran's Day - Nov. 11 Deacon Meeting - Nov. 12, 6pm Business Meeting - Nov. 13, 6pm Ladies Morning Out - Nov. 19, 10:30am Food Pantry Prep - Nov. 21, 9:30am Food Pantry Distribution - Nov. 23, 9-11am Thanksgiving - Office Closed for Holidays - Nov. 27-28th Prayer Needs: * Be in Prayer for the Upcoming Elections : local, state and national.
" James 5: 16 - The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" *Protection and Mercy over Israel and USA *Protection over US Military in the Middle East * God's guidance for Olivet in ministry evaluation and selection of new pastor.
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