Optimism is not hope.  Optimism is a mental positive attitude towards life in general.  Hope is more mysterious and more deep. Hope is like a tether anchored to the rock while your vessel is adrift in the sea of life.  You pull the tether until you reach the shore. It is there that you find stability, rest and peace.

In a troubled world we struggle to find faith as though faith alone scatters the darkness.  Faith, like Holy Writ, is a lamp that guides our steps, one at a time.

Israel is surrounded by enemies who are a real and present danger.  The streets in the Old City of Jerusalem were empty as people fear the uprising of stabbing, ramming cars into crowds of pedestrians, and threats of massive attacks from the Lebanese Syrian, and Gazan borders.

Here in the United States we find instability due to lackluster leadership.  Even Israelis question the direction the US is headed.  Europe, well, is just Europe?

As believers in Christ Jesus – Messiah Yeshua, our vessel is tethered to Him, our Rock.  Our hope bolsters from the reality that as the storms and waves of life crash around us, the lamp of our faith becomes brighter and our journey more secure.

With these truths in mind, let us face each year with certainty.  As Mary clung to Jesus on that Resurrection Sunday, may we hold securely to the “Anchor” the “Rock” who is our “Cornerstone” upon which our lives rests.

Be strong in “hope” in the “One” through whom “we live and move and have our being.”

Pray courageously, struggling, persevering,  not as mere formality.

Help one another sacrificially,  not conveniently.

Give generously, not according to abundance.

Obey God,  not simply with nervous activity, which is often mistaken for spirituality.

Love God,  because He loved you.

Bless Israel,  because you love who the Father loves.

Be faithful to your local assembly,  because Messiah is building His Kingdom.

Forgive,  for you are forgiven.

May God bless you in profound ways as you bless God’s ancient people through Israel Today Ministries!

“Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16).

Shalom and Blessings,

Until He comes, we are

Together Under His Wings,

Dr. Jeff

Time is short, Life is precious, and Jesus is coming soon!