Knowing God’s Ways

by Merrill Bolender

“He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.”
– Psalm 103:7 NKJV

When we understand God’s ways, we won’t fear or complain like the children of Israel did in the wilderness. God wants us—His people in these last days—to know His ways so we can be involved in what He is doing.

As Christians, during these times of “shaking of everything that can be shaken,” we need to understand God’s ways. The difference between knowing God’s works and knowing His ways is like the difference between peace and panic, involvement and passivity.

“…The sons of Issachar understood the times, they also knew what they should do…” 1 Chronicles 12:32 (paraphrased).

Now, as God is shaking every facet of society worldwide, He is orchestrating His purposes and fulfilling prophecies of the restoration of all things, as spoken by all the prophets. Israel’s restoration is taking place in our lifetime.

2020 proved to be a year of earth-shaking times. If we don’t understand God’s ways, it can be a time when, “Men’s hearts are failing them from fear and the expectation of those things, which are coming on the earth…” Luke 21:26a NKJV.

I believe the Lord God wants His people to understand the times and know what He wants to accomplish during this worldwide shaking. Each of us lives for a time, with a very limited perspective, but God sees the completed picture.

To know God’s will, we must know God’s ways. It takes “revelation.” “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” Proverbs 29:18a. If God’s people have no revelation of what God is doing, they don’t know what to do, don’t do anything, or just do as they wish. Paul told the Gentile Roman believers, “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery (of Israel), brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited…” Romans 11:25a NIV. Ignorance leads to pride, which is spiritual blindness.

God is looking for laborers with whom He can share His purposes. Have we caught the vision? If we have the vision and begin to feel God’s heart, no sacrifice is too great for our involvement.

Dear Lord, open my understanding of the mystery of Israel’s restoration. In these last days, as You are planting Your people back in the Land with all Your heart and soul, help us to feel that love and desire to partner with You in this miraculous, holy work of Aliyah.

Article originally published in “The Season of the Lord’s Roar is Upon Us”, OEUSA Newsletter Issue 1/2021

The Deep Roar of Compassion

by Quay Messner

“My heart is torn within me and my compassion overflows.”
– Hosea 11:8b NLT

In prayer we connect with the heart of the LORD. Hosea 11:8 reveals the extraordinary depths of His love for His people in exile. In verse 10 we are shown His motivation for the roar: compassion. His people have been unfaithful to Him, disobedient, rebellious, and unwilling to repent, yet His compassion overflows.

The Tree of Life Version expresses another facet of His love and compassion: “My heart is turning over within Me. My compassions are kindled.” The love in His heart causes compassion that flows like water but also burns like holy fire, eliciting His roar from an unfathomably deep place in His heart. It is an awesome honor to be filled with—and flow in—His compassion as it fuels our prayers.

In context, His people had been unfaithful to Him—comparable in human terms to an adulterous wife. Any human heart would have given up on them and given them over to their deserved consequences. But He says, “No, I will not unleash my fierce anger…for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you…” Hosea 11:9 NLT.

Combine this deep eternal love and holy compassion with royal authority and power, and the result is: “For someday the people will follow me. I the LORD, will roar like a lion.” Hosea 11:10a NLT. The LORD who is roaring is the Lion of Judah! Jacob prophesied, “Judah, my son, is a young lion…The scepter will not depart from Judah…” Genesis 49:9-10 NLT. The book of Revelation confirms: “…Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has won the victory.” Revelation 5:5 NLT.

This roar is compassionate beyond human comprehension; it is also authoritative above all human authority. It is a royal roar that will not fail in its purpose. “And when I roar, my people will come trembling from the west.” Hosea 11:10b NLT. He is simultaneously calling His people out of exile from the west with compassion and authority, plus confusing and paralyzing every enemy attempt to stop the Aliyah.

Why are His people trembling as they return? Perhaps the answer is as deep as the roar itself and beyond human comprehension. The Jewish people are responding to a call that is inexplicable. Although the days are dark and very compatible with ungodly fear, we perceive His people are responding to something else—to the roar of The Holy One of Israel (Hosea 11:9)—an unmistakable signal in the depths of their hearts and a powerful release to return to Him from exile.

We invite you to join us as we join the LORD in compassionate, authoritative intercession for the Aliyah.
Please visit our Get Involved page or call 716.681.6300 to find out how you can help today.

Article originally published in “The Season of the Lord’s Roar is Upon Us”, OEUSA Newsletter Issue 1/2021

Revelation of Aliyah

The Revelation of Aliyah

by Matthew Grim

Before I stepped into Operation Exodus USA’s national office for the first time, I didn’t know much about the work done here. I was aware of the promises that God made the Jewish people thousands of years ago. Still, I had never given much thought to what those promises could mean today. I didn’t even know what the term “Aliyah” meant. As I imagine in the case of most Gentiles (Christians) in America, I saw myself as outside the original covenant made with Israel, so I never thought it would be important in my walk with Christ. I can confidently say now that I was wrong about that.

That first visit catalyzed a spiritual journey that I am still traveling as I seek to better understand God’s heart for Israel in this day and age. I realized that God is still working in His chosen people and that His promises are still being fulfilled today. I was encouraged by this revelation of Aliyah and decided I wanted to learn all I could about Operation Exodus USA’s calling to fulfill God’s promises by helping the Jewish people and Aliyah.

So what exactly is Aliyah?

Aliyah is a Hebrew word used to refer to the act of moving to Israel. It was used for generations even before Israel was reformed after WWII but wasn’t a formal legal term until 1948. In 1948, Israel passed the Law of Return, which gives any Jewish person worldwide the right to settle in Israel and become an Israeli citizen. On paper, it seems like that’s the end of the story, but I learned very quickly that it certainly was not. To the Jewish people, Aliyah isn’t just a legal term and a right – it gives them hope.

Aliyah is the hope that our God keeps His word and that He will fulfill His promises. Throughout scripture, the Lord promises to “gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them” (Jeremiah 23:3 ESV) back to the Promised Land, to Israel, and in my time here, it’s become quite evident that He still is fulfilling those promises to this day. I’ve learned that to the Jewish people, the hope of Aliyah brings with it the hope that all of God’s promises will be fulfilled, and those hopes are realized when His people are brought home.

In my time here I have also realized that Aliyah is the heart of the story of God and His people. From the beginning of time to the modern-day, the story of our existence has always been about God’s longing to be with His people. Time and time again, the Jewish people have been torn from their land only to be brought back because of God’s love for them. While there were times that God punished Israel for their disobedience, He always made it clear that “I will not remove from him [Israel] my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips” (Psalm 89: 33-34 ESV). The story of the Lord and His people is a beautiful picture of reunion and reconciliation; I see it as a reminder of God’s love for all of His creation.

Why is this work important?

As I learned more about Aliyah and the Jewish people’s desire to return to the land of Israel, I became more unsure of what to do with this information. As a Gentile I couldn’t see at the time what my role could even be in God’s plan for the Jewish people. I was aware of God’s promises to Israel in the past, and I believed God still had plans for the Jewish people. Still, I had never considered that those plans were in motion today. I decided to accept that God wanted me to serve His people through Operation Exodus USA and to answer a vital question I know many others have asked: Why, as a Gentile, should I spend my days helping the Jewish people?

The answer was simple – I serve the God of Israel.

The God that I worship, praise, and seek to serve is the same God that brought the Jewish people out of Egypt and the same God who said He would gather His people from across the world back to the Promised Land. Through the prophet Isaiah the Lord has called upon the Gentiles to “prepare the way for the people…” (Isaiah 62:10 ESV) so that His chosen people might return to the land He promised them. I have spent my life pursuing God and wanting to serve Him wherever He would have me, and I believe He is calling me to help the Jewish people return home.

Ultimately, I choose to help the Jewish people to bring glory to our God. Time and time again, when the Lord has brought His people back to the Promised Land, it was done for His glory. Making the way for the Jewish people to return to Israel will reveal the glory of God, and as a result of this great Aliyah, “…the nations will know that I am the Lord…” (Ezekiel 36:23 ESV). I want to serve the Lord and His chosen people to that end, for His name’s sake.

The journey of discovery and understanding I started at the end of last year has not ended. I am still praying and seeking the Lord to understand His purposes and His eternal plan better. Still, I am confident that this great regathering of the Jewish people is a part of God’s will. I praise God for this revelation and for allowing me to contribute towards fulfilling the promises He made to His people. If you’re new to all of this like I am, I encourage you to pray and seek God for understanding and revelation. The further you travel on this journey, the deeper your understanding of God’s heart will become.

Let all glory and honor and praise be to our Lord! He is a faithful and loving God who will not abandon His people!

Purim – Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

February 25 – February 26, 2021

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

Psalm 126:2 NIV

From Thursday evening at Sunset until Friday evening at sunset, Purim will be celebrated.

This holiday is a reminder to our Jewish friends and fellow Christians that no matter how difficult things seem, especially through the uncertainty of these difficult times, that our God is there to carry us through it all.

As we read through the book of Esther, a beautiful tapestry emerges as we see glimpses of God’s everlasting love and faithfulness. Throughout the events taking place, we see how intractably involved God is—although behind the scenes—reversing the murderous plots of the enemy of His people. His desire is always to rescue, deliver, and save His chosen people.

Esther, a young Jewish orphan girl was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. He raised and esteemed her as his own daughter. Under Mordecai’s care, she was well-loved and protected and grew up to be an obedient girl with great beauty. Through a series of events, she became crowned queen (wife) of King Xerxes of Persia. It is clear and evident that the favor of God was upon her life—positioning her at the royal courts for a higher purpose. She was hand-picked by the Providence of Almighty God to rescue her people.

Mordecai had forbidden Esther to reveal her Jewish roots in the king’s courts, and she obeyed his instructions just as she did throughout her childhood. Mordecai set at the king’s gates—uncovering a conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes. He told Queen Esther about the plot, and she in turn reported it to the king. This plot was investigated and found to be true, and it was all recorded in the presence of the king.

As we read on, we learn of Haman the Agagite’s plot to destroy all Jewish people living in every province of the kingdom. Haman held the highest seat of honor over all other royal officials in the courts of the king. As commanded by the king, all other officials and people knelt down and paid honor to him. Haman was told of Mordecai, the Jew, who refused to show him honor. Mordecai’s refusal to kneel before Haman enraged him, filling him with great hatred not only for Mordecai but for all Jewish people. He devised a murderous plot and got permission from the king to issue a decree to destroy all Jews.

When Mordecai learned of Haman’s plot and the king’s decree, he tore his clothes, and went into mourning, crying loudly throughout the city. Queen Esther was informed of what was happening with Mordecai and was greatly distressed. Mordecai instructed her to go to the king and plead for mercy for her people. Queen Esther was very reluctant to go before the king without being summoned by the king first as it was against the law and punishable by death. In the verses below, you will read the exchange of communications between them during a time of extreme danger to them personally and to all the Jewish people of their day.

“…Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.
Esther 4:13-17 NIV

We know how the story ends. God’s reversal of the enemy’s plan was brought about by the actions of two people.

Mordecai lived an honorable life. He was used by God to raise Esther, preparing her to accomplish her Godly purpose and destiny. He exposed the wicked plans to murder the king and would not bow down to Haman, the Hagagite, and the enemy of the Jews.

Esther grew into a beautiful young woman with a humble spirit, kind, obedient, and very courageous! She was loved by all in the courts of the king. She gained the king’s favor and love. She stood ALONE before the king, at great peril to herself, on behalf of her people!

Because of their actions, they were mightily used by the Hand of God to put an end to the enemy’s plan to destroy His people. God’s faithfulness and mercy were displayed in such a magnificent and powerful act of deliverance for His people of the day! The enemy was utterly exposed, humiliated, and destroyed!

The story of Esther—the celebration of Purim is a great reminder to Jew and Gentile that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is faithful. He is a God who keeps His covenant with His ancient people. He is a mighty deliverer!

In 2021, this holiday is an opportunity for all of us to remember and celebrate the faithfulness of our God, especially as we live through these uncertain times. To know that He cares about us, that He is intimately involved in our lives, that He has a plan for us, to teach us, and to help us through every plot of the enemy against us. Our God is with us, especially in the moments when we don’t see or feel Him nearby. What can be more meaningful, bring us more joy and shalom than a reminder that our God is always there? He is a faithful, loving Father!

Purim is also a celebration of God’s protection and promise to deliver His covenant people. God’s faithfulness is with His children, no matter where they are. We witness this as our dear Olim go through the challenging process of preparing to make Aliyah.

Let us pray and ask the LORD to give us boldness and courage to take our posts, to STAND with our Jewish brothers and sisters. May each of us be ready to respond in obedience to our God as He calls us to play our role in bringing about the fulfillment of His purposes for His holy work of Aliyah.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We appreciate and value your prayers and your giving as a blessing to our Jewish friends making Aliyah from our nation.

Prophecy and the End Times

PROPHECY AND THE END TIMES

Israel & the Nations

by Daniel Ioannides
National Coordinator Cyprus, Ebenezer Operation Exodus International

It seems that twenty-first-century man has forgotten what God remembers. God made an ancient promise to the Jewish people that He intends to keep:

“Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that they shall no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them.’ And they shall dwell in their own land.” Jeremiah 23:7-8, NKJV

Many Christians have concluded that the Jewish people and the modern state of Israel play no role in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. God’s dealings with the children of Israel involve His faithfulness more than their faithfulness. We should carefully examine God’s promises concerning the Jewish people on the basis of who made those promises, not on whether or not the recipients deserve them.

No one deserves the mercy and grace of God, but He extends them to His children anyway. God keeps His covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. He remembers His covenant forever. (Deut. 7:9, Ps 105:8). He made many promises to the Jewish people, some of which have yet to come to pass.

The Lord in the Midst of His People as They Return

A year or so ago, I was reading Psalms 114 and 77 when I saw in a deeper way, the Presence and Power of God in His deliverance of the children of Israel.

“When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion. The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back. The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs. What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back? O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of waters.” Ps 114:1-8

“The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; the depths also trembled……Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known.” Ps 77:16-19

The Red Sea trembled and fled, the Jordan turned back, the waters saw the Lord and they were afraid, the depths also trembled! The Lord was in the midst of His people as they came out of Egypt chased by the formidable Egyptian army. Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever”. (Ex. 14:13). The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, in order to journey by day and night.

It is evident from the prophetic scriptures that the last great exodus of the Jewish people from the nations will eclipse the first exodus from Egypt in magnitude and in greater miraculous signs and wonders. Already some 6 million Jewish people have returned from the nations since Israel became a modern state in May 1948. There are still some 8 million in the nations. Aliyah remains a constantly flowing stream and is gaining momentum since the beginning of this year with the onset of COVID-19 and increasing antisemitism in the nations, which is expected to trigger the release of many hunters “… and afterwards I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain and every hill and from the clefts of the rocks” (Jer. 16:16).

As with the first exodus from Egypt, the Lord will be in the midst of His people as they return from the nations in the last great Aliyah. He will go before them and He will be their rear guard. We can confidently expect to see signs, wonders, miracles, and every means of transportation and provision which the Lord will richly supply.

“Therefore behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that it shall no more be said, ‘The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them’. For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers.” Jer. 16:14-15

Understanding the Last Days in the Light of Prophesy

Undoubtedly, we live in the end times and it is vitally important for us as God’s people to know how to order our lives rightly as we see the unfolding of His plan. It is crucial, in understanding the last days, to immerse our lives in God’s purpose. Every revelation we receive must be in alignment with the Word of God. We know that the Holy Spirit is the Author of the Scripture through chosen men who were inspired by God. (2 Tim. 3:16).

The prophets of Israel were people of insight and foresight, by the Holy Spirit. They knew the terms of the Mosaic covenant with Israel, and that violation of that covenant would lead to judgment and Israel’s scattering. The prophets actually lived through periods of devastation and yet, they saw and spoke of Israel’s future restoration to the land of Israel and to God Himself. They looked forward to an age in which the purpose of God would be fulfilled concerning their land. They foresaw a time in which God’s glory would cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. (Isa 11:9).

Isaiah prophesied: “He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isa. 11:12). The prophet foresaw Israel’s restoration to the land, bringing about the establishment of God’s Kingdom, His law, and justice over all the earth.

The heart of God, spoken through the prophets, is that Israel, His firstborn nation was chosen to bring the whole world to the knowledge of God. The veil will be removed from all nations and the Kingdom will come in fullness.

Excerpt from “Prophecy and the End Times – Israel & the Nations” by Daniel Ioannides, L’HITAMEK 7th Edition, 2020

Greetings From Israel- Pastor Bill Clark

Greetings from Israel

by Pastor Bill Clark

Greetings from Israel!

I simply don’t have the words to describe to you how wonderful it is to be back in the Land. My journey to Israel began a year ago almost to the week. In February of 2015 I came to Israel for the very first time. Believe me when I tell you, I had no idea what I was in for!

As a first timer in Israel, I was wide eyed and overwhelmed by everything…and I do mean everything. God sovereignly used nearly every moment to wreck me for His Land and People! By the half way point of the trip I was saying yes to God like I had never said yes before. It was a yes from the very depths of my being. A trip to the Land will do that. Long before the end of the trip I knew one of things that I had to do. I had to bring a group of Pastors back to the Land. I believed that God wanted to wreck others just as He had wrecked me.

So here we are…and God is absolutely speaking clearly to the hearts and minds of His servant leaders. I can’t help but to smile, because I know their journey, just as mine, is just beginning….and It’s all for His Name’s Sake!

Pastor Bill Clark

Impressions From the Land – Pastor Bill Clark

I’m back in the Land again, and it feels like home to me. There are few places or things on this earth like Israel! The moment your feet touch the ground…it touches you back, God Himself touches you.

Out of all the places I’ve visited in Israel, none have impacted me like Caesarea. I’m amazed by the confrontational vision Peter received while on the roof top at Simon the Tanner’s house and his response…after a struggle of course. Then, in obedience to God, Peter walked the 30 miles from Joppa to Caesarea with the three men sent by Cornelius, the Roman Centurion. Peter was being set up and every Gentile who knows Messiah as Savior and Lord should be jumping for joy right about now!

It was at Caesarea that the gospel was first preached to an all Gentile audience and God moved as only He can. You know the story, the Bible says, “while Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” The believers from among the circumcised who were there with Peter were amazed!

That’s what I am when I think about this great salvation that we have…amazed! I’m amazed that God would draw to Himself a Roman Centurion Soldier and prepare the heart of Peter (a Jew), to go and share the gospel message with him and his household. If all of that were not enough, God moved in an unmistakable and undeniable way! Yes, this great salvation is for us all!

Truth is, as much as it was for you and I…”IT IS for His NAME’S SAKE.”

Just an Observation – Pastor Bill Clark

Just An Observation

by Pastor Bill Clark

My first trip to Israel was in many ways a blur. I saw so much and God was showing me so much, it took weeks to unpack it all. There were times when I felt as though it was just God and me…alone in the Land. Almost completely oblivious to those who were there with me. First timers…be forewarned!

As I prepared for this trip, God lead me to a most interesting passage of scripture. “And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” Jer. 18:4 (ESV). I sensed God wanting me to pay attention to those around me, those who would be on the trip with me. As the days progressed here is what I saw.

First, the combination of our tour guide, the pastors and ministry leaders that made up our touring group and the fellowship that continues to grow into true relationships. All make up the “Hand of the Potter working on the outside of the vessel.”

Secondly, there was God’s Word and Spirit working deeply and richly inside each of us, producing changes, “as it seemed good to the potter.” This is the “Hand of the Potter working on the vessel from the inside.”

Every day I observed the Potter doing that which only the Potter can! Reworking men and women as it seemed good to Him. Further, I saw men and women yielding to the strong yet gentle hand of the Potter, as He skillfully reordered our lives for His Name’s Sake!

Pastor Bill Clark

Sarah

Sarah, one of our Olim, shares her story that led up to her making Aliyah.

“Ever since I can remember it has been my dream to live in the Holy Land. I come from a Zionist family with parents and grandparents who fostered love of Israel. I made my first trip when I was in high school and from that moment, when I prayed at the Western Wall, I knew that someday I would return to live…..We want to be together in a place where we can live with other Jews, send our children to religious school, and worship in the land that God gave to our people. While it is a scary thing to pick up and move from the only home we’ve ever known, we believe strongly that we belong in our real Home, the Land of Israel.

We pray that the Almighty will bless us with success in this journey.”

family new york city

Alejandro & Rachelle share

Alejandro & Rachelle

Alejandro & Rachelle share why they want to live in Israel.

“We have been traveling to Israel……and feel a strong pull to be there permanently……My artistic inspiration has been Israel for the past 5 years and I want to paint there and connect with the Israeli artist community.

Israel loves and supports their artists……I also love to teach art and I am sure I can contribute my talents to encourage young talent to grow.”

Knowing God’s Ways

Knowing God’s Ways

by Merrill Bolender

Article originally published in “The Season of the Lord’s Roar is Upon Us”, OEUSA Newsletter Issue 1/2021

The Deep Roar of Compassion

The Deep Roar of Compassion

by Quay Messner

Article originally published in “The Season of the Lord’s Roar is Upon Us”, OEUSA Newsletter Issue 1/2021

Revelation of Aliyah

The Revelation of Aliyah

by Matthew Grim

Purim – Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

Purim – Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

February 25 – February 26, 2021

Prophecy and the End Times

PROPHECY AND THE END TIMES

Israel & the Nations

The Lord in the Midst of His People as They Return

Understanding the Last Days in the Light of Prophesy

Greetings From Israel- Pastor Bill Clark

Greetings from Israel

Impressions From the Land – Pastor Bill Clark

Just an Observation – Pastor Bill Clark

Just An Observation

Sarah

Sarah

Alejandro & Rachelle share

Alejandro & Rachelle

QUICK LINKS

For all inquiries for Aliyah applications, please do not fill out this form. Applications can be found at AliyahUSA.com