So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. (Matt. 28:8, English Standard Version)
Trembling but ecstatic they went out and fled from the tomb. (Mark. 16:8, New Living Translation)
…and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. (Luke 24:9, Complete Jewish Bible)
Can you imagine?
100% of people who breathe oxygen die.
Coincidence? I think not.
Death is something we are all certain of. But not all of us know where we’re going after we die. Because of my salvation through Jesus’s death on the cross…
Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah (Psalm 3:8, ESV).
A question to begin: Where are we now?
We are two years plus into the covid pandemic. Ukrainians are two months plus into the hellish atrocities of war. Deaths, poverty, homelessness, mass shootings, fires, spiraling inflation, stocks plummeting, and more invade our minds and hearts through instant media cycles blasting 24/7 around the world.
Please pray for the newest member of the Apple of His Eye team, Jordan Peiser. Jordan is being called jointly by Zion Lutheran Church in Maywood, NJ and AOHE.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father. (Jn. 10:18, New International Version)
Everyone who has seen the movie Schindler’s List remembers the Germans lining the streets during Kristallnacht1 screaming “Christ Killer! Christ Killer!” at the Jews who were being paraded to the ghettos for confinement. This was not something a screenwriter dreamed up; it was reality. So-called Christians have given this label and other atrocious monikers to Jews since shortly after the death of Jesus.
Each month we receive many encouraging notes, prayer requests, and shared blessings from our readers. We have decided to start publishing some of these so that others may be blessed as we have. Please feel free to write us with what is on your heart.
Read on…
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. (Zeph. 3:17, New International Version)
It is strange to think that we are already in April, when it seems as if we rang in the new year just a few weeks back. The past few months have held several changes for me and Apple of His Eye, including my transition from part-time to full-time itinerary coordinator. The extra work time has allowed me to take on new projects, dig into networking, and exercise my creativity muscles from time to time. You can now find AOHE on Instagram, and I hope you will follow us there.
Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people (Neh. 5:19, ESV).
I grew up playing clarinet in concert bands, marching bands, and jazz bands. The music we played covered a wide repertoire from classical to marching to swing and jazz. One song that has stayed with me over the years was “Thanks for the Memory”. It was the late Bob Hope’s signature song.
Now that there is a greater ability to visit local congregations, meet with fellow believers, and educate believers about God’s heart for the Jewish people, Nancy and I have been traveling again to fulfill this imperative. We have had some wonderful visits to churches recently, and we wanted to update you and say “thank you” to those who have hosted us.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14b, New International Version)
Thank you, Mordecai! Your words have resonated through the ages for everyone who reads the book of Esther. We are in a fast-paced world of troubling times. More than ever before in my lifetime, I see the urgency for the Messiah in the lives and hearts of mankind. God hasn’t raised up another Billy Graham. Pulpits are weak and the people of God are meek. But you who have the truth can spread the Gospel.