Shalom All,
For some time we have been trying to encourage Believers in our movement to open their hearts to the true gifts of the Holy Spirit, to the Ruach HaKodesh. We believe that in this hour we need the guidance and gifts of the Spirit more than ever. In fact, we simply cannot get where Israel needs to go at this time apart from the leading and power of the Holy Spirit.

We also feel we presently see many people being sorely tested in their faith, and we believe these cases could be opportunities for those of the Messianic Movement to begin to see the power of the Holy Spirit in action.

Nonetheless, we also see that some, when they see others being tested, take on a condescending attitude toward the sufferer, rather than being concerned for a fellow Believer. These people often mistakenly feel they are beyond such testing. (It is really easy to fall into this sin, especially when something bad happens to someone who has wronged you in the past.)

It is true that we are called to walk in our Father’s blessings, in true shalom: health, happiness, well being, and prosperity. However, when those around us are suffering, if we take a wrong attitude toward their plight we can be deceived into being placid in the presence of potential opportunity. We can miss a chance to see the hand of the Almighty at work in our lives - as well as in theirs.

Such occasions also allow us to see the truth of what is in our own hearts: are we condemning and condescending, or concerned and compassionate? Do we need to repent and ask forgiveness, or are we ready to ask the Almighty how we might serve His greater purposes?

Scripture repeatedly warns us about having a wrong attitude about suffering. For example, we are told, “Do not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice...in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.” And, “Do not be arrogant” because you only “stand by your faith.” We are warned to not be conceited, but to instead fear, because if YHVH did not spare some, He also might not spare us (Obad 1:12; Rom 11:18-21).

We see an example of this wrong attitude in that some Israelites once felt they were more spiritual than their neighbors. “No harm will come to us,” they said. In response to their haughty claim, YHVH said, “Because the people have spoken these words, I will make my words...a fire, and these people the wood” (Jer 5:12-14). Yeshua told of a similar judgment, saying, “Do you think these Galileans [those killed by Pilate] were worse than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:1-5).

When we look down on those who are suffering, we run the risk of being deemed haughty by the God of Israel and thus incurring His wrath.

We also note that Messiah Yeshua was once asked concerning a blind man, “‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?’ Yeshua answered, ‘It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:2-4).

Notice also that Yeshua did not say that the blind man must work the works, but that “we” must work them. These things do not happen that we might look down our noses at those who are less fortunate than we, but that we might be a humble people who seek direction about how to pray for the people, and then to have opportunity to see the wonders of our God.

James said, “Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15).

If you have ever been ill, you know that you can be worn down by the experience, made weak from the test. When that is the case, you need others to help you, to stand with you in prayer. You need mature people in the faith to come alongside you and pray for you.

I can only speak for myself and say that it has been said more than once that I am “tenacious in my faith.” Like an old Timex watch, in many ways I have taken a licken,’ yet kept on ticken. Yet, I have laid in a hospital bed, so weak and sick, that I actually thought death was near. Thank Heavens for my husband and family, and for the prayers of faithful friends. I truly believe that it was their faith that pulled me through my experience.

And now to the reason for my letter...

In addition to wanting to address this issue for the greater good of the Body, we also have several friends who really need to be pulled through something at this time, so we are asking for those who feel touched by their needs to please join us in prayer.

Before I explain their problems, let me say that concerning prayer, Messiah Yeshua said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner” (John 5:19).

Before we pray, we should always ask the Holy Spirit to show us how and what to pray. We most often do not know how to pray as we should and need to ask for guidance from the Ruach, because He always knows the truth of the matter, He knows what the individual needs and will help us to intercede for the saints according to the will of God (Rom 8:26-27).

We also note that the Word says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16, KJV).

• Effective: He sees the problem.
• Fervent: He cares about solving it.
• Righteous: He is covered by Messiah’s blood.

This verse outlines the attitude we should seek to have when praying about a situation, and we are seeking such people to please join us in prayer for the following friends. We also ask that you would please let us know if you are given any insights about them from the Holy Spirit.

• Bernie Brewster: Bernie and Sarah are dear friends and they are the pastors of World Harvest International Ministries in Brandon Florida. Bernie is scheduled for an operation on Monday and they suspect cancer of the gall bladder. He has had serious colon trouble in the past, and in the natural the prognosis is not good. Bernie is a kind and generous brother in Messiah and we feel he has much to contribute to the Body of Messiah. We have felt led to ask Abba to spare his life, to let him live to be a testimony to the goodness of our God, and to continue in the work the Father has called him to do.
• Mary Hyams: Kip and Mary Hyams also are dear friends and she is in need of prayer. Mary had Polio when she was younger, and they have recently found an as yet undiagnosed mass at the base of her spine. She has been weakened from the constant pain and is now in the hospital. Her problem could be a growth, a collection of fluid, or an inflammation. We are asking that the doctors might find the problem and also reveal its root so Mary never has to deal with it again.
• Penny MacPherson: Penny is a dear Believer and she is legally blind. She has graciously translated Who is Israel? Past, Present and Future into Braille (we will soon be making it available online), and she hopes to be able to translate Mama’s Torah. The problem is that Penny has lost her job and needs one that will be a blessing, both to her and to those with whom she works.

Please know that we truly appreciate being able to come to you for help in time of need.

It is my prayer that our next post will be a wonderful praise report!

Blessings to you and yours, Batya