IN THE QUEST FOR PEACE IN A GOD REJECTED WORLD (ISA.9:6)

COMPASSION WAS CHRIST JESUS' GREATEST WEAPON FOR EVANGELISM, AND SHOULD REMAIN REMAIN OURS TODAY ALSO! [PART THREE]

It remains so painful that being our "brother's keeper," has been reduced to the level of familiarity, race, ethnic bigotry and the rest. THE STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE A REFERENCE POINT IN THIS REGARD.

I believe we yet remember how we ended part two;
that In Matthew 9:36, Christ Jesus wasn’t really referring to actual physical fainting; His words had a deeper meaning! He was moved with COMPASSION because these people were lost under a burdensome load of sin.

Notice the sins of the world. We are surrounded by men and women who are capable of doing absolutely anything you can imagine. These depraved people need to be reached by a compassionate Christian soul-winner! NOT THE ONE WHOSE MESSAGE IS TO THREATEN THEM WITH HELL, WITHOUT FIRST SHOWING THEM THE LOVE OF CHRIST JESUS.

CHRIST JESUS AND THE FOUR ELEMENTS THAT GAVE BIRTH TO HIS COMPASSION.

We discussed the first element yesterday. Christ Jesus saw a world lost in sin.

JESUS SAW THEIR DESTINY

A. Christ Jesus knew that apart from Him, these people would be lost. No wonder He was MOVED with COMPASSION! Christ Jesus doesn’t want anyone to be lost!

This brings to my remembrance the writings of Ellen G. White , In the apostasy, man alienated himself from God; earth was cut off from heaven. Across the gulf that lay between, there could be no communion. But through Christ Jesus, earth is again linked with heaven.

With His own merits, Christ Jesus bridged the gulf which sin had made, so that ministering angels can hold communion with man. Christ Jesus connects fallen man in his weakness and helplessness with the Source of infinite power. But in vain are men’s dreams of progress, in vain all efforts for the uplifting of humanity, if they neglect the one Source of hope and help for the fallen race.
"WITHOUT HIS GREAT COMPASSION FOR FALLEN MAN, CHRIST JESUS COULDN'T HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THE GREAT FIT OF REDEMPTION"

B. Christians need the same vision! But the painful reality before our very eyes,is that we lack this compassion, even in the church that's supposed to champion it. If not by personal Faith,many would have left and indeed many have left. Prosperity seeking pastors have continued to make mockery of the less privileged in the church that their sins are responsible for their lack. What a lie from the pit of hell. Controversial as it may seems,riches isn't meant for everyone. Some of the wealthy are raised by God for His Work. But a lot of them lack the empathy to intervene even in the simplest of situations,

C. Look around, church! There are people all around who will die without the knowledge of Christ Jesus (Ezek. 33:8). We must share with them the vision from heaven and act accordingly. These are those who are in church but don't really know not why they are there. Many are there because of promises made to them by those who took them there without telling them how to achieve those promises by keeping God's Word, because they themselves LACK THE COMPASSION THAT MOTIVATED CHRIST JESUS.

JESUS SAW THEIR DESPAIR WITHOUT A SHEPHERD

A. They were without a shepherd!
B. The blessings of the church and of the saved—prayer, companionship, peace, joy, rest, satisfaction, etc.—are things the lost world knows almost nothing about.

C. Our duty as believers is to tell people about Jesus. Our hearts ought to be broken because the world doesn’t know our Saviour! For instance, imagine that scenario when Christ Jesus after ministering to thousands who have been with Him thirsty for the truth in Jn.6;1-14
The apostles wanted Him to send them away,JUST LIKE IN OUR CHURCH PROGRAMS TODAY, WHERE OUR PRIORITY IS HOW MUCH WAS REALIZED , but Christ Jesus would have none of it... can't send away hungry... what was that... GREAT COMPASSION ..He fed them... the result;
Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. (Joh 6: 14)

NOW COMPARE THAT TO THE PROGRAMS THAT TODAY THAT CHURCHES ORGANIZE WITH THOUSANDS HOPING TO REAP MILLIONS, WITH INDIFFERENCE TO HOW MANY SOULS OR NOT WERE SAVED .

CHRIST JESUS SENT HIS DISCIPLES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE (MATT. 9:37, 38)
Jesus places three responsibilities on the shoulders of His people:

A. Visualize. See the harvest! Recognize that not everyone is saved; millions are poised on the edge of everlasting destruction! We also need to see that the harvest is ready and waiting to be gathered! We will never reap until we first enter the field (Mark 16:15).
B. Agonize. “Pray ye therefore” (Matt. 9:38). This is a call to be broken and burdened over the plight of the lost. There are few broken hearts over the lost in our day! We need to attack the devil on their behalf, praying for them constantly and seeking the Lord for the souls of sinners.
C. Evangelize. It isn’t enough to see the need, nor is it enough to pray for the lost and be concerned for their souls. Christ Jesus desires that each of us does the work of an evangelist (Acts 1:8). Andrew portrays the role of a burdened Christian (John 1:40-42; 6:8, 9; 12:20-22); he fulfilled the call to be a fisher of men (Matt. 4:18, 19).

CONCLUSION
What are you doing? Are you having any success (Prov. 11:30)? God’s plan is that His people share the good news with a dying planet. Our job is the greatest the world has ever known (Ps. 126:5, 6).

Perhaps we need to come before the Lord and confess to Him that we haven’t witnessed as we should have. Time is short, the laborers are few, and the harvest is plentiful and ready. Are you doing your part?
THE DEVIL AND HIS DEMONS ARE NOT RESTING...WHY SHOULD WITH A GREATER THAN THE GREATEST OF ALL POWER (THE HOLY SPIRIT) REST?

FATHER,WE ARE IN A BATTLEFIELD,FATHER DO NOT ALLOW US TO FALL... EMPOWER OH LORD UNTIL WE OVERCOME !

IN THE QUEST FOR PEACE IN A GOD REJECTED WORLD (ISA.9:6)

GOD'S WORK, NOT OURS... THE MESSAGE CAN NEVER BE GREATER THAN THE MESSENGER !
(MAT.4;1-11, 1CHR.21-1 ,MAT.20:19-20) PART TWO


I can't resist shouting it out that most of us (CUSTODIANS OF GOD'S WORD), are under the impression that, because of the WORLDLY WISE teachings we received from THEOLOGY and the earthly wisdom therein,WE NO LONGER THINK WE NEED GOD'S INPUT ON HOW WE GO ABOUT HIS WORK. And that's why the archenemy seems to be having an edge in the world today.

BUT CHRIST JESUS NEVER GAVE ROOM FOR OUR OWN INPUT WHILE DOING HIS WORK.

19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU ;and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Mat 28: 19-20)

I have always said and and continue to say it that WE HAVE A RIGHT TO ACCUSE GOD OF UNFAIRNESS AND INJUSTICE IF AFTER LUCIDLY MAKING IT CLEAR THAT HE HAS REJECTED THIS PRESENT WORLD AND WILL DESTROY IT BY FIRE ACCORDING TO HIS OWN TIMELINE (2PT.3:7-14), WILL YET AGAIN ENCOURAGE US TO INVEST OUR ENTIRE LIFETIME IT THE PURSUIT OF FRIVOLITIES AND MUNDANITIES AS ENCOURAGED BY THE FATHER OF LIES(JN.8:44)

THE CHRIST JESUS' EXAMPLE!


THE ENTIRE LIFETIME OF CHRIST JESUS MINISTRY, while on earth was motivated by one thing, it was a FORCE PROPELLED from HIS VERY INSIDE... AND IT'S CALLED *COMPASSION.*
And that's the EXACT OPPOSITE of many of us with Big Bibles and Long Golden chains of the Cross,with skull caps on our heads. We lack genuine empathy for the souls of men, EXCEPT OF COURSE THOSE WHO ARE ENSURING THE CONTINUANCE OF THEIR FRIVOLOUS AND MUNDANE LIFESTYLES.

I have a lot of physical,visual and audio evidence of these encounters,but bringing these matters up will only do more harm than good. I don't want us to be distracted and digress from our main diet.

The Bible is a book filled with meaning and blessing. However, some passages are very disturbing. For instance, in Psalm 142:4, the Bible says that “no man cared for my soul.” This passage should bother us.

That it looks like there are literally billions of people in our world about whom no one cares for. And saying that millions live in this world with no one to pray for them or tell them about Christ Jesus ,might not entirely be true.

I SAY*MAY NOT ENTIRELY BE TRUE,* because in this our age of internet and social media, I am confident that in one way or another, they have run into the Gospel but despise it. And we have significant numbers of intercessors praying for salvation for the world .

BUT, THERE'S A PROBLEM...SATAN COMES OUT WITH NEW METHODS EVERYDAY TO FRUSTRATE THE GOSPEL. Peter said;
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1Pe 5: 8)

For instance, IN NIGERIA TODAY ,WE(PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS) ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH HOLDING PROGRAMS THAT WILL YIELD MONEY INSTEAD OF SOILS (EVERYTHING IS ABOUT PROSPERITY AND GOD KILLING OR REMOVING ANYONE OR THING THAT'S DENYING THEM THE SO-CALLED PROSPERITY)

The problem here is that we're doing God's Work in our own way. We can't ever succeed. Our determination has more human elements in it than God. It's the pocket FIRST before the HEART. And the devil is taking full advantage of it to lure away many from the fold and preventing those who are to come.

THE PASSION OF CHRIST JESUS!


Sadly, many Christians claim to know Christ Jesus, but do not care ENOUGH to know of HIS CONCERNS about the SOULS of the LOST. What a contrast to the Lord Christ Jesus! His passion for souls brought Him from heaven to earth and motivated His every waking activity (Luke 19:10; Mark 10:45). It was this passion for souls that propelled Him to an old rugged Cross where He gave His LIFE to save us LOST SINNERS from the deadly consequences of leaving this world in sin.(Rom. 5:8).

In Matthew 9:36-38, Christ Jesus looked upon the multitudes that had gathered around Him because of His miracles. As He looked at these helpless, hopeless, hurting people, Jesus saw four elements that CAUSED HIM to be MOVED WITH COMPASSION for these LOST ONES.

These same four elements ought to cause those of us who claim the Name of Christ Jesus as our guidance, to have the same heart for sinners that motivated our Saviour!

CHRIST JESUS AND THE FOUR ELEMENTS THAT GAVE BIRTH TO HIS COMPASSION.


CHRIST JESUS SAW THEIR DEPARTURE FROM GOD AND THEIR DEPRAVITY IN SIN (MATT. 9:36)
They were “scattered abroad” (verse 36).

A. Outside the fold (no company or fellowship)
B. Away from the Shepherd (no guidance or protection)
C. Away from home (no comfort or rest)
D. Apart from where they should have been (Eph. 2:12)
HERE, PASTORS HAVE ABDICATED OUR NATURAL MANDATE OF FEEDING THE BELIEVERS THE RIGHT FOOD. INSTEAD WE GIVE THEM FOOD PASSED OVER FROM THE ENEMY, MEANT TO BOOST THEIR PERSONAL EGO, AND KEEP THEM CHAINED TO THE DEVIL;
And they shall bear their punishment--the punishment of the prophet and the punishment of the inquirer shall be alike-- (Eze 14: 10)

In Matthew 9:36, Christ Jesus wasn’t referring to physical fainting; His words had a deeper meaning! He was moved with COMPASSION because these people were lost under a burdensome load of sin.

God willing,we will continue when we return from the short break. God bless us all with understanding that will cause the devil to flee and keep on fleeing until God's Timeline for him! Amen !

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The Forgotten Souls Among Us: A Reflection on Humanity


As you gaze into the face of this man, it is impossible not to feel a deep pang in your heart—a profound sorrow that ripples through your soul. His worn-out clothes, his tired eyes, and his weathered skin tell a story that too many of us overlook. This is a man who has lived through countless hardships, bearing the weight of life’s cruelties on his frail shoulders. And yet, there is a glimmer of resilience in his eyes, a faint but undeniable spark that defies the circumstances that have shaped his existence.

He sits alone on a cold street, his feet bare, his body curled into itself as if seeking protection from a world that has long abandoned him. This man, who could be anyone’s father, brother, or friend, is one of the many invisible people who move through the shadows of our society—unnoticed, unacknowledged, and far too often forgotten.

What led him here? What dreams did he once hold? Was he a child who ran through fields, laughing without a care in the world? Did he have a family who loved him, a home where he felt safe? The pain and the untold story behind his smile are overwhelming. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that this man’s reality is not an anomaly, but the tragic fate of millions who have been cast aside by a world that values material wealth over humanity.

This image is not just a portrait; it is a call to action. It urges us to look beyond the surface, beyond the stereotype of homelessness, and to see the human being who exists within. It reminds us that behind every weathered face is a story, a life filled with both joys and sorrows, dreams and disappointments. It implores us to ask ourselves—what are we doing to help? How can we, as a society, be so disconnected from the suffering of others?

For those of us who are lucky enough to have a roof over our heads, a warm bed to sleep in, and loved ones to rely on, it is easy to look away. But we must not. We must remember that every life is valuable, and every person, no matter how broken their circumstances, deserves dignity and compassion.

Take a moment to reflect on this image. Let it break your heart, let it bring you to tears—because through our shared humanity, we can find the strength to make a difference. No one should have to live forgotten and alone, like the man in this photograph. Let us be the light that reaches into the darkest corners of society. Let us not forget him. Let us never forget any of them.

IN THE QUEST FOR PEACE IN A GOD REJECTED WORLD (ISA.9:6)

RELATING THE RADICAL FAITH OF ABRAHAM TO OUR TIMES. (GEN. 12:1-2)

Every community of people living together worldwide, all have their separate and distinct CULTURE AND CUSTOMS. Only one COMMUNITY GLOBALLY HAS A DISTINCTIVE FEATURE OF CULTURE THAT'S EASILY IDENTIFIABLE WITHOUT ANY FORM OF INTRODUCTION .

That community is Christianity and the distinctive culture is*FAITH.* Many of course would debate or argue it ,but I won't, because it's my absolute belief and life.

INDEED, I AM QUESTIONING MYSELF IF I AM WORTHY OF TALKING OR TEACHING ABOUT THIS, CONSIDERING MY EMOTIONAL MOMENTS WHEN IT SEEMS IT'S OVER WITH ME! YET GOD REMAINS GOD.

But the truth can't be denied that we SERIOUSLY NEED THIS KIND OF EXPERIENCE NOW MORE THAN EVER. Since I ran into it by His leading, (Abraham's kind of faith),I had to share with us.

RADICAL FAITH isn’t a term you’ll find explicitly in Scripture, but it’s a powerful concept woven throughout the Bible’s narrative. From Abraham stepping into the unknown to David facing giants with unwavering trust, the stories of radical faith inspire and challenge us.

In a world where faith often takes a backseat, the biblical accounts of those who dared to believe God wholeheartedly stand out. They didn’t just have faith; they had radical faith that changed their lives and the course of history. And if you see and feel what is happening in the world today, you will understand how these experiences of Biblical characters who FAITHED IT OUT can teach us about living a faith-filled life today.

Radical faith in the Bible illustrates a profound trust in God’s plan, exemplified by figures like Abraham, who left everything behind based on God’s promise, showing complete reliance beyond human understanding.
Courage to act on belief despite fear or uncertainty is a common thread among these Biblical narratives, with stories like David facing Goliath, embodying faith that defies logic and emphasizes action grounded in trust in God.

Remember Genesis 22:1-2;

Perhaps you’ve grown too comfortable with the idea that God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son. If we come to the story fresh it is incomprehensible. There is no category for this other than psychopathy—what would you say about someone who told you God spoke to them and told them to kill their children?

Abraham didn't have the heart to tell Sarah... they're going for a routine sacrifice. But what his men?

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. (Gen 22: 5)

You know why? If the men followed him, they WILL INSTEAD TIE THEIR MASTER UP THAT AN EVIL SPIRIT HAS POSSESSED HIM...trust me.

And then the New Testament continues to highlight examples of radical faith, such as the woman with the issue of blood, who believed in healing through merely touching Christ Jesus’ garment, (a once wealthy lady who for twelve years spent her entire fortune seeking medical help to no avail... became poor and probably smelling,but somehow knew by what she had heard about this Man, Christ Jesus,that her problem had come to an end if she could only but touch the helm of His Garment. But who will allow her, especially with her smelly frailty.. but she hung on and got her not only , but the most precious of all gifts*SALVATION*

And then the Roman centurion’s faith in Christ Jesus’ word alone to heal, demonstrating faith’s power to transcend societal and cultural barriers.

Radical faith is characterized not just by believing in God but by taking bold actions based on that belief, shown through both Old and New Testament examples where actions, driven by faith, led to divine interventions and miracles.

True faith, as showcased in these biblical accounts, is living, breathing, and actively urging believers today to not only trust in God’s promises but also to act on them, even when the path ahead seems unclear or impossible.

Jumping into the Scriptures, stories of RADICAL FAITH leap off the pages. Let’s explore some remarkable examples.

Abraham’s journey is iconic. Imagine just packing up, leaving everything familiar behind, based solely on God’s promise. His story in Hebrews 11:8 (NKJV) is a profound testament to radical faith: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

This shows a complete trust in God’s plan, beyond human understanding.

Then, there’s Caleb. In Joshua 14:8 (NKJV), Caleb boldly proclaims, “But I wholly followed the Lord my God.” Even though the fear and doubt among his peers, Caleb’s faith did not waver. He stood firm, convinced of God’s promise.

David, the shepherd boy turned king, had faith that defies logic. Facing Goliath, he declared in 1 Samuel 17:45 (NKJV), “I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts.” His reliance on God in the face of certain death encapsulates radical faith.

Finally, but not the least is, Isaiah’s call in Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV) is a moment of radical surrender. When God asked, “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I! Send me.” His readiness to serve, without knowing the full extent of his mission, underscores a deep trust in God.

Radical faith isn’t just about believing in God. It’s about acting on that belief, even when the path ahead is unclear. These Biblical figures didn’t have a roadmap or a backup plan. They had something far more powerful – TRUST IN GOD'S WORD.

Abraham’s Faith in God’s Promise
I’ve always been struck by Abraham’s story. The guy really took faith to another level. Imagine leaving everything you know because God told you to. That’s exactly what Abraham did. He didn’t even know where he was going. But he went anyway. That’s faith.

God promised Abraham a son. And not just any son, but a son through whom nations would come. Now, Abraham was old. Really old. But he didn’t let doubt win. He believed God’s promise, no matter how impossible it seemed.

“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” (Romans 4:20-21 NKJV)

THAT IS THE KIND OF FAITH WE NOT ONLY WANT,BUT CLEARLY NEED AS BELIEVERS IN THESE TIMES. THE KIND THAT STICKS WITH GOD'S PROMISE, NO MATTER WHAT.

Moses’ Faith to Lead the Israelites is another reference point in the RADICAL FAITH COVETING.
Yes, he is another giant in the faith game. The guy had a pretty comfy and quiet life with his father in law, Jethro, but then God asked him to go back to Egypt. Back to the place where he was wanted for murder. And for what? To demand the release of God’s people.

Imagine the scene. Moses, standing in front of Pharaoh, with nothing but a staff. Yet, he was bold. He trusted God to deliver His people. And God did. In big, epic ways. Plagues, parting seas, you name it.

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.” (Hebrews 11:23 NKJV)

Moses’ faith didn’t just start when he was an adult. It was part of his story from the beginning, thanks to his parents’ faith. They hid him away, defying the king’s order. That’s radical faith – the kind that acts, even though fear.

In each of these stories, I see a pattern. FAITH IN GOD'S PROMISE LEADS TO ACTION.
Abraham left his home. And Moses faced Pharaoh.

Both actions seemed crazy. But they did it because they trusted God’s word. Their faith wasn’t just a feeling. It was living. Breathing. Active. That’s the kind of faith I’m talking about, THAT WE NEED TO CONFRONT THE DEVIL HIMSELF, WHO IS NO LONGER HIDING HIMSELF AGAIN, BUT OPERATING THROUGH MANY PASTORS WHO HAVE EXCHANGED THIER ETERNAL SECURITY FOR EXOTIC LIFE IN A WORLD ALREADY MARKED FOR ENTIRE DESTRUCTION BY GOD'S FURY, OPERATING THROUGH SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS IN PRODUCING WONDERS TO LURE GOD'S CHILDREN FROM THE ANCIENT PATH OF HOLINESS... THROUGH THE INTERNET, SOCIAL MEDIA IN PARTICULAR WHERE YOU SEE THEOLOGY PROFESSORS DEBATING WHAT'S RIGHT OR WRONG, TRYING TO EXERT INTELLECTUAL SUPERIORITY, AND IN THE PROCESS DISTRACTING MANY A MAN FROM WHAT TO BELIEVE.

WITH RADICAL FAITH WE CAN TAKE OVER THE SOCIAL MEDIA FROM LUCIFERS HATCHET MEN.

With the stories of true faith, that jump at our face from the Scriptures,even the seemingly impossible becomes possible.

What does it mean to be radical in the Bible?
In Biblical terms, being RADICAL involves seeking a profound relationship with the Lord, obeying His directives, assuming the authority given by Christ Jesus, and prioritizing spiritual growth and devotion above all else.

Does trust only mean to have faith in God?
No, trust is a broader concept that plays a vital role in relationships, encompassing faith in God as well as confidence in people and circumstances. Faith and trust intertwine, especially in spiritual contexts.
Radical faith manifests as perseverance regardless of emotions. It transcends mood or feelings, focusing on steadfastly doing what is right according to faith, even when it doesn’t align with one’s immediate desires or sentiments.

MY VERY DEAR BRETHREN, IT'S THIS KIND OF FAITH WE SHOULD SEEK FOR , AND HOLD UNTO, IF WE MUST DISMANTLE LUCIFER'S NETWORK.

IT'S NOT AS IF, WE CAN GET EVERYONE ON OUR SIDE(GOD'S KINGDOM), BUT WE MUST MAKE A DESPERATE EFFORT TO DEPOPULATE THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS.

Actually, God doesn't want any of us to perish with the world. Hence, He has been tolerant giving us time for those of us who haven't repented to repent;
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2Pe 3: 9)
And those saved to go all out to the unsaved and make them realize what awaits them.
AND IT'S ONLY THIS RADICAL FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS THAT FIRSTLY, SAVE US FROM THE WORLDLY TRAPS OF SATAN, AND SECONDLY, GO ALL OUT IN A BATTLE MOOD(COMPASSION REALLY) FOR THOSE YET UNDER THE ENEMY'S DECEPTION.
MAY CHRIST JESUS EMPOWER US HIMSELF, AMEN !

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IN THE QUEST FOR PEACE IN A GOD REJECTED WORLD (2Sam.7:1)

MY BIBLICAL PERCEPTION OF PREDESTINATION( ROM. 9:27:11-29)!
==================================
I am quite aware that, many(in my orbit),will be sceptical on seeing this, because they know me as very reserved, when it comes to flaunting of scriptural knowledge, myself,being a greenhorn in the quest for intellectual superiority. Moreso, when God's Word is involved.

In all, for anything that distracts from the SIMPLE GOSPEL MESSAGE OF SALVATION, my interest isn't piqued.

However, the debates and counter debates about PREDESTINATION has really stirred me, as I see the adversary at work again. THE VERSION OF PREDESTINATION BEING MOSTLY PUSHED FORWARD, MAKES A HORRID MESS OF THE DILIGENT STEPS TO SALVATION LAID DOWN BY THE OWNER AND GIVER OF SALVATION. ONCE SAVED , ALWAYS SAVED (OSAS) DOCTRINE HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY TIED TO PREDESTINATION. OUR HOLY BIBLE DOESN'T SUPPORT THIS.

By request, we will take this step by step. But before then, I want to CONFIDENTLY declare by HIS GRACE and MERCY, that PREDESTINATION IS A BIBLICAL TRUTH... IT'S NOT WRONG, FOR OUR LORD GOD ALMIGHTY CAN NEVER EVER BE WRONG!!! WHAT'S WRONG IS MAN'S INTERPRETATION AND REASONING.

Predestination is a combination of two words.. pre-meaning *before* and destination.. point of arrival. Thus, if I tell a person* on Thursday, go to Mr Oxford's shop and buy me coffee*! On that day, that person knows, he has to go to Oxford.. but it's also possible that the coffee may not be found at Oxford's, and destination may eventually changed. OF COURSE, THIS IS MORTAL WISDOM AT WORK, NOT GOD, WHO IS OMNISCIENT (ALL KNOWING)! I only made a point, that man can FAIL, but GOD WON'T AND CAN'T EVER FAIL (ISA. 55:11)!

Okay, as God can't fail, ever, and predestination is God's Word (Rom. 9:11-29), how can we then reconcile the *freewill given to us by GOD*?

And the LORD God said, Behold, the MAN is become as ONE OF US, to know GOOD and EVIL: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: (Gen 3: 22)

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: (Deu 30: 19)

Following predestination holistically means,we are reduced to mere robots..thus, there's no need for the Gospel,no need for evangelism, infact no need for Christ Jesus' sufferings on the Cross and earth,since judgement has been passed via predestination!!! THERE'S A LOT TO SAY,BUT WE WILL TAKE IT BIT BY BIT.

Going back to apostle Paul's epistles to the Ephesians and Romans,you need to take a humane approach.

Firstly,Paul is a human,(take note of that) before becoming a carrier of the fullness of the GODHEAD. Thus he has his weaknesses and strengths like everyone of us;

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (Rom 7: 15)

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (Rom 7: 19)

22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Rom 7: 22-24)

Do we not face this similar problem? I congratulate you if you don't. But the truth is,it's peculiar to all of mankind...this is why we have GRACE!

Relating this to the Romans 9, you can perceive Paul was in distress,seeing his kinsmen on the verge of ending up in hell(which by the way,many of us don't even believe in, nor its duration.)

SPECIFICALLY, APOSTLE PAUL WAS PITIFUL,THAT PREDESTINATION WILL NOT SAVE PRESUMPTUOUS SINNERS FROM GOD'S PUNISHMENT.

THAT'S WHY HE WAS EMPHASIZING THAT,GOD IS NEVER UNFAIR IN ANY DECISION HE MAKES,THAT HE,* ONLY* HAS THE PREROGATIVE AND CRITERIA TO ADOPT OR SET ASIDE HIS LAW. THE VETO POWER BELONGS TO ONLY HIM ALONE, HE MADE THE LAW AND CAN UNMAKE IT WITHOUT HAVING TO CONSULT WITH ANYONE!

HEAR PAUL;

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. (Rom 8: 33)

11. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
12. It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
13. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
15. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
17. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
19. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
20. Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? (Rom 9: 11-20)

IF YOU CANNOT FEEL PAUL'S DISTRESS IN THE VERSES ABOVE,I WONDER WHERE ELSE YOU WILL FEEL IT.

HE WAS RESPECTFULLY AND FAITHFULLY EXONERATING GOD, FROM WHAT SEEMS PLAIN INJUSTICE IN THE EYES OF MAN.
WHAT WAS ESAU'S OFFENCE IN THE WOMB?
OKAY,LOOK AT PHARAOH;

And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. (Exo 8: 32)

THROUGHOUT HIS ORDEAL, WHENEVER PHARAOH WANTS TO BUCKLE DOWN,WE SEE THE ABOVE VERSE, AGAIN AND AGAIN.
AND WE ARE GIVEN THE REASON WHY GOD DID IT BY PAUL;

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. (Rom 9: 17)
(Don't forget that in some verses therein,we read,and God hardened Pharaoh's heart)

God's purpose for Pharaoh was to use him to demonstrate HIS POWER. Yet,if HE chose to,HE could also had saved him.

We shall continue,but know this that though PREDESTINATION is FACTUAL,no voluntary sinner is predestined for Heaven nor Eternal life. EVEN IF,WE ARE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE PREDESTINED, I ASSURE US,GOD CAN CHANGE HIS MIND IF WE PRESUMPTUOUSLY WALK OUT OF HIS WAY, OR WALKED OUT OF HIS PRESENCE. YES,GOD IS IMMUTABLE..HE NEVER CHANGES, BUT IN SITUATION WHEN MAN VOLITIONALLY SUCCUMBS TO THE DEVIL, HE CHANGES METHODS.

For instance, consider this;

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, SHOULD WALK BEFORE ME FOR EVER: but now the LORD saith, BE IT FAR FROM ME; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. (1Sa 2: 30)

Again;
8. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
9. Therefore HAVE I ALSO MADE YOU CONTEMPTIBLE AND BASE BEFORE ALL THE PEOPLE, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. (Mal 2: 8-9)

Certainly, God had a Plan,but Man's default nature of sin interfered, so He changed methods.

Now, Old Testament critics will say,all that took place in the Old Testament.

Was Moses destined for Heaven? The answer is a BIG YES. But again, the flesh made Moses died in sin. He couldn't make it to Canaan , meaning he wasn't forgiven, for he blamed the Israelites for his sin.
*PLEASE,I WANT US TO TAKE NOTE OF THIS, DON'T EVER ARGUE THE REASON FOR YOUR SIN... YOU HAVE SINNED,YOU HAVE SINNED....THIS WAS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOSES AND DAVID. INSTEAD OF REPENTANCE,MOSES BEGGED GOD TO BE ALLOWED TO ENTER CANAAN, IN ESSENCE, IT WASN'T EXACTLY HIS FAULT THAT HE OFFENDED GOD, AND MADE IT CLEAR IN DEUTERONOMY. AND GOD WOULD HAVE NONE OF THAT. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW GREAT YOU HAVE WORKED FOR HIM. THUS, MOSES WAS ON THE PATH TO HELL FIRE, BUT THANK GOD FOR HIS MERCIES THAT ARCHANGEL MICHAEL INTERVENED*

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. (Jud 1: 9)

Archangel Michael is the commander of Heaven's Army... infact, he it was who booted the devil out of heaven when he rebelled against God. Now another confrontation was imminent,and wise Michael knows he doesn't have God's backing, because God doesn't fight a fight of blame. The devil has the right to Moses body having died unforgiven by God, because he passed the buck like Adam.

Therefore, Michael humbled himself to prevent a battle he won't win and instead EXERCISED THE VETO POWER OF GOD (WHO WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM HE CHOOSES), and declared*The Lord rebuked thee,* and at that point, Moses was pardoned and the devil fled. IF NOT MOSES WOULDN'T HAVE APPEARED IN THE TRANSFIGURATION. Isn't this clear enough?

Till we meet again;
Thou art of PURER EYES than to BEHOLD EVIL, and CANST NOT LOOK ON INIQUITY: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he? (Hab 1: 13)

After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, AND YE SHALL KNOW MY BREACH OF PROMISE. (Num 14: 34)

I counsel us to take our salvation seriously like Paul cautioned,so that either way, we won't lose out. IT REMAINS A MATTER OF CHOICE...OUR CHOICE !

THINK YE ON THIS THINGS!!! !

TOWARDS THE PERFECT MAN(JAS.1:4)


GOD'S MANDATE OF STRIVING FOR PEACE WITH ANYONE AND EVERYONE...(PART TWO)

Welcome back, precious brethren.

We were given some steps(pt.one), to follow,if we must find ourselves on the path of holiness.

Now,we continue by studying some PRACTICAL WAYS to make our quest for holiness a reality;

DEVELOP AND PRACTICE COMPASSION, IF YOU HAVEN'T.

One of the most ENDURING LEGACY of our Lord and Saviour,Christ Jesus,while on earth,is COMPASSION.

Compassion is that inward, deeply felt emotional response of pity for a suffering person, coupled with a desire to alleviate that suffering.

Three ingredients of Compassion;
(1) sees the suffering person, (2) feels tender pity in response to the suffering, and
(3) acts to alleviate that suffering when possible.

That sense of tender pity must be distinguished from any self-righteous, condescending, air of superiority that looks down on the sufferer but remains aloof(PRIDE),and unengaged.

I came across this befitting quote for it,*THE CHRISTIAN, THEN, IS TO BE A MAN OF PITY, A MAN WHO CANNOT SEE SUFFERING OR NEED OR DISTRESS WITHOUT A SWORD OF GRIEF AND PITY PIERCING HIS OWN HEART. THERE CAN BE NO MORE COMPLETE OPPOSITES OTHAN CALLOUSNESS AND CHRISTIANITY.*

Godly compassion feels the needs of others and seeks to help.(2 Cor. 1:3–4).

3. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2Co 1: 3-4)

KINDNESS

Kindness means showing mercy and doing good even to people who do not deserve it or who deserve the opposite.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (Tit 3: 4)

Christ Jesus equally desires us to show kindness even toward the ungrateful and rebellious:
*But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful*(Luke 6:35–36).
We do need grace,lots of it....

It is one thing to give ₦300 to a stranger who deserves nothing from you; it’s another thing to give ₦300 to someone who has spit in your face or attacked you and who deserves the opposite of kindness.
Too often our hearts reflect the opposite,eg;

*That’s the last time I will do him a favour*
*Enough is enough. This relationship/friendship is over.

*After all I’ve done, this is the thanks I get!*

Thankfully, this is not the way God treats us, and it is not the way we have to treat others. How is it possible for you and me to show kindness in these situations? The answer is simple but profound: kindness does not depend on the other person’s character; it depends on us. God does not call us to show kindness to the other person because the other person deserves it, but because God deserves it and because He wants His sons and daughters to be like Him.

HUMILITY

Humility means recognizing that all you have comes from God and that you are absolutely dependent on HIM as both your CREATOR and your REDEEMER. Humility was no more valued in Paul’s day than it is in our day.

Both worlds were, and are, populated by prideful people. People swaggered and strutted, like they do today. They admired dominance, self-assertion, and one-upmanship.

Humility in Paul’s Roman culture was an abject, servile quality, yet Paul exalts it as a strength in Colossians 3:12, as does the rest of our Bible.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (Col 3: 12)

This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word. (Isa. 66:2)

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Pet. 5:5; also James 4:6)

What does that look like in our horizontal relationships? Biblical humility involves an utter trust in God that allows others to be honored above me.
Humility means preferring others over me;
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves*(Phil. 2:3).
It means taking the last seat as a guest at someone’s dinner table Since God is in complete control, I don’t have to be first. I can lower myself, let others have the top spot, and know HE will provide for me in HIS way, in HIS time.

GENTLENESS

Popular understandings of gentleness sometimes confuse it with weakness or femininity. This is a mistake. The apostle Paul was not a weak man. Yet he describes himself to the Thessalonians as *gentle among you*(1 Thess. 2:7; cf. 2 Cor. 10:1). Christ Jesus was not a weak MAN. Yet HE said of HIMSELF, *I am gentle and humble in heart*(Matt. 11:28–29).

Someone has observed that this is the only place in the Gospel records where Christ Jesus describes HIS inner character.
As I regularly remind men, if our definition of manhood does not feature humility and gentleness as central, then it is unChristian. That lesson doubles for men who are Christian leaders. At HIS core, the GREATEST LEADER who walked this earth was GENTLE and HUMBLE.

PATIENCE

Colossians 3:12 extols *patience*,as being long-suffering, long-fused, and long-tempered toward those who irritate us. It is the ability to bear with people, not to grow angry or bitter or irritated or annoyed with them, even when they are foolish or ungrateful or even apparently hopeless. . . . It is the ability serenely to take people as they are, with all their faults and all their failings, and with all the ways in which they hurt and wound us, and never stop caring for them and bearing with them.

Others are Self restraint, Forbearance , Christ-like forgiveness and Love...On face value,they seemingly have the same meaning...BUT EACH IS DISTINCT ON ITS OWN.

For instance, let's see how apostle Paul uses *LOVE* to conclusively summarised all the attributes we discussed above;

Colossians 3:14;
*And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.*

KJV13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (Col 3: 13-14)
The apostle prioritizes LOVE,above all else, for with it,the others would naturally fall into place.

SO YOU SEE, TO FOLLOW PEACE WITH ALL MEN IS
—our SELF-SACRIFICIAL GIVING for the OTHER PERSON'S BEST— as the most important virtue, THE SUPREME RELATIONAL GRACE.

Let's wrap this up this way

God’s forgiveness of us is HIS DECISION, DECLARATION, and PROMISE to NOT HOLD OUR SINS AGAINST US BUT TO GRACIOUSLY HOLD THEM AGAINST CHRIST JESUS as OUR SUBSTITUTE.

In fact, God’s forgiveness emerges as a major theme here in Colossians.

In chapter 1 Paul recalls, *For [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins* (Col. 1:13–14).

FOR GOD TO ASK US TO DO SAME TO OTHERS, ISN'T ASKING FOR TOO MUCH.

THANK YOU FATHER ,FOR YOUR UNFATHOMABLE LOVE,AMEN!

Democratic Party’s total disregard for Palestinian lives – Day 320
[email protected] August 23, 2024 creeping annexation, deir al balah, DNC, gaza evacuation, gaza polio, kamala harris, Noa Argamani, tulkarem
DNC attendees cover their ears as the names of dead Palestinian children are read as they leave the convention (photo)
Compilation of news reports by IAK staff

DNC acceptance speech: what did Kamala say about Gaza?

Responsible Statecraft reports: This week’s protests, which saw thousands of antiwar demonstrators take to the streets (lined with scores of Chicago police) in and around the United Center pose a critical question to the Harris/Waltz ticket: Can they bridge the yawning gulf that divides the street and the establishment on the matter of Israel’s war on Palestine?

The answer is, probably not.

On Thursday night during her own showcase speech in which she formally accepted her party’s nomination, Harris appeared full-throated in favor of ending the war in Gaza. Here are her full (brief) remarks on the issue:

With respect to the war in Gaza, President Biden and I are working around the clock, because now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done. …. And let me be clear: I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself, because the people of Israel must never again face the war that a terrorist organization called Hamas caused on October 7, including unspeakable sexual violence* and the massacre of young people at a music festival.**

At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating so many innocent lives lost, desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again, the scale of suffering is heartbreaking. President Biden and I are working to end this war, such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self determination.

*While Israel has made allegations of “systematic sexual violence” against Hamas on October 7th, it has yet to provide forensic evidence or witnesses. The allegations persist apparently because American mainstream media continue to ignore the facts, though numerous websites have reported about the deficiencies in the coverage.

**A number of the Israeli soldiers and civilians killed on October 7 were shown to have been killed by Israeli fire – a fact that is absent from the official Israeli narrative and Western mainstream media.

As antiwar activist and author Norman Solomon has noted, Harris “has toed President Biden’s war line, while at times voicing sympathy for the victims of the Gaza war that’s made possible by policies that she supports. Her words of compassion have yet to translate into opposing the pipeline of weapons and ammunition to the Israeli military as it keeps slaughtering Palestinian civilians.”






Supporters of Joe Biden use signs to cover up a “Stop Arming Israel” banner at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. Photo: Joe Lamberti for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Supporters of Joe Biden use signs to cover up a “Stop Arming Israel” banner at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. Photo: Joe Lamberti for The Washington Post via Getty Images (photo)
Israeli army announces new evacuation order in south

Al Jazeera reports:

The Israeli spokesperson for Arabic language media has announced a new evacuation order for the Gaza Strip.

Residents were warned to evacuate several areas in Khan Younis governorate in southern Gaza, including Bani Suheila, Sheikh Nasser, Barbakh and as-Satr al-Gharbi, Avichay Adraee posted on X.

The order comes after thousands of Palestinians fled parts of Deir el-Balah as the Israeli military issued an evacuation order and its forces advanced deeper into the overcrowded central Gaza city.

The Israeli military has targeted areas it had designated as safe zones on several occasions previously, killing Palestinians taking refuge there.


Gaza polio patient paralyzed, UN to begin vaccination soon

Middle East Eye reports:

The UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) says that it will begin vaccinating Gaza’s children for polio at the end of the month.

The news comes after the besieged enclave recorded its first case of polio last week, and as the WHO confirmed that a a 10-month-old baby was now paralyzed due to the disease.

“It is not enough to bring the vaccines into Gaza [and] protect the cold chain,” Phillippe Lazzarrini, commissioner general of Unrwa, said on X. “To have an impact, the vaccines must end up in the mouths of every child under the age of 10.”

Gaza’s Health Ministry has said that a vaccination campaign alone will not prevent the spread of polio “in the absence of clean water, personal hygiene supplies, the spread of sewage among the tents of the displaced, and the absence of a healthy environment.”

It is not clear whether Israel has allowed WHO polio vaccines to enter Gaza.

The polio virus has been detected in Gaza's sewage, which flows through areas with displaced persons and residential zones due to infrastructure destruction, and “represents a new health crisis.”
The polio virus has been detected in Gaza’s sewage, which flows through areas with displaced persons and residential zones due to infrastructure destruction, and “represents a new health crisis.” (photo)
MSF says Israel’s new evacuation orders are ‘inhumane’

From Doctors Without Borders:

Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, said its staff are among the thousands of people who are having to flee central Gaza after Israel’s military issued new evacuation orders for Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis.

“The continuous forced displacement of people is inhumane,” MSF project coordinator Jacob Granger said in a statement.

“People have no belongings left, nowhere left to go. There is no room to put tents up. The overcrowding, severe lack of water, and minimal sanitation services are fuelling the spread of diseases. We are unable to keep up with the overwhelming needs.”



Israeli army invades ‘most crowded displacement camp in history,’ bombs Palestinians in shelters

Mondoweiss reports:

In a press release last Sunday, the Deir al-Balah municipality said that the waves of evacuation reaching Deir al-Balah were causing an unprecedented number of displaced people to cram into a tiny zone. According to the statement, Deir al-Balah’s total area is 42 square kilometers, and almost a million displaced people are now distributed across 200 displacement centers there.

“This makes Deir al-Balah the most crowded displacement camp in history,” the municipality said.

On Tuesday, the Israeli army bombed the local market in Deir al-Balah, killing 9 civilians. Several hours later, the army bombarded a school in Gaza City sheltering 700 people, killing 10 people, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense.

Civil Defense teams were forced to cut up a martyr’s body to pull him out of the rubble, which had been stuck under three collapsed ceilings inside the school. Survivors say that it was one of the most horrific scenes they have witnessed since the start of the war.

(Read the full article here.)

Palestinians living in the area flee to the Al Mawasi district, the west part of the city with their belongings following the Israeli army’s evacuation warning at Hamad area in Khan Yunis, Gaza on August 11, 2024 [Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency]
Palestinians living in the area flee to the Al Mawasi district, the west part of the city with their belongings following the Israeli army’s evacuation warning at Hamad area in Khan Yunis, Gaza on August 11, 2024 [Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency] (photo)
Netanyahu’s goal is ‘creeping occupation’ of Gaza: Ha’aretz

From Ha’aretz:

Ha’aretz writer Aluf Benn said in an editorial that the Israeli prime minister is “torpedoing” ceasefire negotiations because he ultimately wants a “prolonged occupation of the Gaza Strip”.

“Caravan after caravan, outpost after outpost” Netanyahu is planning a “creeping occupation” of Gaza, Benn said, adding that the Israeli prime minister’s recent insistence on maintaining Israeli control of “defense and strategic assets”, such as the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors illustrates his intentions.

The editorial came as the families of Israeli captives held in Gaza criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the truce talks, saying the “full and direct responsibility for the fate of the negotiations is on the prime minister”.

POTUS tweet, October 18, 2023 "I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the situation on the ground, security assistance and humanitarian needs, and information on unaccounted Americans. I asked tough questions as a friend of Israel. We will continue to deter any actor wanting to widen this conflict."
POTUS tweet, October 18, 2023 “I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the situation on the ground, security assistance and humanitarian needs, and information on unaccounted Americans. I asked tough questions as a friend of Israel. We will continue to deter any actor wanting to widen this conflict.” (photo)
West Bank: Three Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on Tulkarem camp

Al Jazeera reports:

Three Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli air attack on a house in the Tulkarem refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Ministry of Health says.

The aerial attack today came as the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said fighters from its Tulkarem Battalion clashed with Israeli soldiers in the camp and detonated explosive devices targeting military vehicles.

Reporting from Tulkarem, Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim said on Thursday that the raid was ongoing 12 hours later in the congested area, with sounds of explosives and gunfire heard and drones flying above.



Jewish terror is jeopardizing Israel’s existence: Shin Bet chief

Middle East Eye reports:

In a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, government ministers and the attorney general, Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet security service, warned that Jewish terrorism was endangering Israel’s existence.

Bar says that those he calls Jewish terrorists “want to cause the system to lose control, causing indescribable damage to Israel”.

He also said that police incompetence and “perhaps a sense of hidden support” is increasing.

(Read the full article here.)

A group of Jewish settlers under the protection of Israeli soldiers raids the Old City area of Hebron, West Bank on August 17, 2024. [Wisam Hashlamoun – Anadolu Agency]
A group of Jewish settlers under the protection of Israeli soldiers raids the Old City area of Hebron, West Bank on August 17, 2024. [Wisam Hashlamoun – Anadolu Agency] (photo)
‘They Did Not Hit Me’ – Former Prisoner Argamani Challenges Israeli Media over Distorted Claims

Palestine Chronicle reports:

Former Israeli prisoner Noa Argamani has accused the Israeli media of taking her statements out of context and denied claims that she was beaten by members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.

Through her Instagram page, Argamani clarified that the Qassam Brigades did not harm her physically or cut her hair, but she sustained injuries when a wall collapsed during an Israeli airstrike.

“I cannot stay silent about what the Israeli media has done to me over the past 24 hours, taking my words out of context,” she stated, adding: “I am a victim of the October 7 operation, and I refuse to be victimized again by the Israeli media.”

Argamani explained that Al-Qassam members “did not hit me while I was in captivity, nor did they cut my hair.”

“I was injured by the collapse of a wall caused by an Israeli airstrike,” she highlighted.

In June, the Israeli military announced that Argamani and three other Israeli prisoners were rescued during a military operation in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, which resulted in the killing and injuring of hundreds of Palestinian civilians.

Since her return, Argamani has expressed frustration over the distortion of her accounts, particularly concerning her treatment while in Gaza.

(Read the full article here.)

NOTE: In reality, many of the released Israeli captives have been in good health. They described their fear of being bombed by Israel, but did not report torture or rape (for which at least one was harassed). In the case of Noa Argamni, reportedly the worst complaints she had of her captors was that she “had to cook and wash dishes for the family,” and was not able to shower often. She was able to walk outside, but “was forced to dress like a Palestinian woman.”



Released Gaza captive declines Netanyahu ‘PR’ meeting

Al Jazeera reports:

Margalit Moses, a 77-year-old Israeli who was freed from captivity in Gaza in November, has declined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s invitation to meet him today, saying she believes it would be a publicity stunt.

“Thank you for the invitation, but I will not take part in the meeting for photography and public relations purposes while my friends are languishing in the Hamas tunnels in Gaza,” she wrote in a public statement.

“In light of the reports of another [hostage-ceasefire] deal being thwarted on your part to release the abductees, I see no reason to come to a meeting with someone who proves by his actions that releasing the hostages is not top of mind and abandons them to their deaths,” she added.

Moses was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with her ex-husband Gadi Moshe Moses during the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7. Gadi remains in captivity in Gaza.

War will continue, even with a deal: Israeli official

From Times of Israel:

An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that a ceasefire deal would not mean the end of the war in Gaza.

“So long as Hamas doesn’t agree to a deal, we will continue fighting,” the official was quoted as saying. “Even if they do, the war will continue. Of course, if there is a deal, there will be a lull in the fighting in the first stage. But we will continue fighting until we achieve all of our war aims.”

The insistence on the war continuing echoes the words of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has himself insisted that any ceasefire deal still allow the Israelis to continue to attack Gaza, despite the US insistence that a deal would lead to an end to the war.

Hamas has repeatedly stated that any deal to secure the release of captives held in Gaza lead to a lasting ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.


MORE NEWS:


IMEMC Daily Reports.

Electronic Intifada: “The sniper was shooting him for fun”

The Cradle: Israel’s cenbank chief urges PM to make ‘permanent’ budget changes as economy spirals

Common Dreams: If You’re Looking for Democracy in Chicago, You’ll Find It in the Streets

Al Jazeera: Germans protest at hearing on legality of phrase “from the river to the sea”



STATISTICS OCTOBER 7 – AUGUST 22:

Palestinian death toll from October 7, 2023 – August 22, 2024: at least 40,859* (40,265 in Gaza* – 11,445 women (30%), 16,251 children as of July 22. [The Ministry’s figures have been contested by the Israeli authorities, although they have been accepted as accurate by Israeli intelligence services, the UN, and WHO. These data are supported by independent analyses, comparing changes in the number of deaths of UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staff with those reported by the Ministry, which found claims of data fabrication implausible.]
This is expected to be a significant undercount since thousands of those killed have yet to be identified – and at least 637 in the West Bank (~147 children). This does not include an estimated 10,000 more still buried under rubble (4,900 women and children). Euro-Med Monitor reports 46,848 Palestinian deaths.
Lancet: “Applying a conservative estimate of four indirect deaths per one direct death9 to the 37,396 deaths reported, it is not implausible to estimate that up to 186 000 or even more deaths could be attributable to the current conflict in Gaza.
Ralph Nader earlier estimated 200,000 Palestinians may have been killed in Gaza.
At least 45 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons (27 from Gaza, 18 from West Bank).
At least 41 Palestinians have died due to malnutrition**.
About 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million population are currently displaced.
Almost 500,000 Gazans are currently experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
Palestinian injuries from October 7 – August 22: at least 98,401 (including at least 93,144 in Gaza and 5,420 in the West Bank, including 830 children). [It remains unknown how man Americans are among the casualties in Gaza.]
Reported Israeli death toll from October 7, 2023 – August 22, 2024: ~1,457 (~1,139 on October 7, 2023, of which ~32 were Americans, and ~36 were children); 293*** military forces since the ground invasion began in Gaza; 25 military and civilians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel) and~10,000 injured.
NOTE: It is unknown at this time how many of the deaths and injuries of Israelis on October 7 were caused by Israeli soldiers.
*Previously, IAK did not include 471 Gazans killed in the Al Ahli hospital blast since the source of the projectile was being disputed. However, given that much evidence points to Israel as the culprit, Israel had previously bombed the hospital and has attacked many others, Israel is prohibiting outside experts from investigating the scene, and since the UN and other agencies are including the deaths from the attack in their cumulative totals, if Americans knew is now also doing so.
**Euro-Med Monitor reports that Gaza’s elderly are dying at an alarmingly high rate. The majority die at home and are buried either close to their residences or in makeshift graves dispersed across the Strip. There are currently more than 140 such cemeteries. Additionally, according to Euromed, thousands have died from starvation, malnourishment, and inadequate medical care; these are considered indirect victims as they were not registered in hospitals.
***Approximately ten of the deaths listed above were Israeli soldiers killed by Hezbollah in fighting at the Israel-Lebanon border. The figure does not include the reportedly 53 Israeli soldiers – nearly 16% of the total Israeli military deaths – killed due to friendly fire in Gaza and other military-related accidents.
† For most of the conflict, women and children accounted for about 70% of deaths in Gaza, with children making up a little over 40% of those killed, according to official statistics.
Find previous daily casualty figures and daily news updates here.
Hover over each bar for exact numbers.
Source: IsraelPalestineTimeline.org
Human rights reports on Israel-Palestine (regularly updated)
What Harris’s Jewish outreach director said at a private DNC afterparty
‘Strong record of supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship’: a look at Tim Walz’s votes on Palestine as a member of Congress
Nearly Two-Thirds of All Campaign Funds for Cori Bush Challenger Came From AIPAC
Israeli army probe covered up “friendly fire” killings on October 7
Are US officials’ investments of public funds in Israeli bonds ethical? How much is too much?
Honoring the memory of a Gazan Olympic hero: Majed Abu Maraheel
An American was just shot in the West Bank. The American press can’t be bothered.
Understanding what motivates ultra-orthodox Jewish attacks on West Bank Palestinians
Palestinians’ harrowing stories of rape by Israeli soldiers (including female soldiers)
A Palestinian journalist visited Ismail Haniyeh’s home in Gaza to report on his death. Israel assassinated him too.
I reported a piece for the New York Times on antisemitism. I found a major error, but the Times didn’t care.
How Israel plans to whitewash its war crimes in Gaza
Why the West Bank is on the verge of economic collapse
Netanyahu’s plan to involve US in regional war on its behalf
Western media continue to withhold the truth about Israel and Gaza – 4 stories
“Well What SHOULD Israel Have Done After October 7?”
Welcome to Hell
More dead children. More BBC ‘news’ channelling Israeli propaganda as its own
U.S. media downplays and ignores ICJ ruling declaring Israeli occupation illegal
Israeli soldiers tell story of savage cruelty in Gaza – one given blessing by the West
Searching for Gaza’s missing children
What Would You Do With An Extra $320 Million?
Assassination of Haniyeh an intentional, dangerous escalation – Parsi, Macgregor
When Israel Burned Refugees Alive, Establishment Media Called It a ‘Tragic Accident’
Israel has turbocharged West Bank housing demolitions under the cover of war

https://israelpalestinenews.org/democratic-partys-total-disregard-for-palestinian-lives-day-320/

JUST A MINUTE PLEASE !(THE PREACHER'S CORNER)

CHRIST JESUS WASN'T KIDDING ON OUR LOVE GETTING COLD AT THE END TIMES! [REV.2:4]

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Rev 2: 4)

I think a good question will be how we lose our first Love and grow cold in the End Times?

We have spoken a lot on Christ Jesus' return . It has not happened yet; it’s yet to come in the future. When? We don't really don't know (even as people continue to set false dates). But what is certain is that the signs HE GAVE US AS A HINT TO HIS UNPUBLISHED RETURN ARE ALL AROUND US TODAY. EVEN IF WE DENY THEM,WE DO SO AT OUR RISK. AND ONE OF THE MOST COMMON OF THE HINTS IS *OUR LOVE GROWING COLD!* WE WANT TO LOOK AT IT.

Now please remember again,we are all in this together. Whatever I say applies to me too,though I always pray that these don't stand as judgement against me,when I get to meet our FATHER,I think it should be your prayer too...and it can only come about our obedience not as card carrying Christians but as Children of the Most High God.

Now in Matt.24:12, Christ Jesus Himself broach the subject;
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Mat 24: 12)

And our ever serious Paul made a reference to it when admonishing his son in the Lord, Timothy;

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2Ti 3: 1)

Undoubtedly, it's happening around us... perilous times (when there will be no brother's keeper). Then the rules of the jungle takeover "survival of the fittest!"

HOW IT ALL BEGAN.

Christ Jesus had just looked at the temple in Jerusalem and said, “Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2). And then the disciples asked him, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3).

Now,that particular event our Lord referred to has come and gone, when He wept that Jerusalem didn't know the time of its visitation (may it not be our portion) That event took place around 70 AD.

But we missed out something, most of us that think that event is the end times spoken about. There is a phrase there *end of the age* This refers to the phase of history that we are in right now that will culminate in the ending with the coming of Christ Jesus ,not as SAVIOUR anymore but as JUDGE in judgment, separating the sheep and the goats, raising the dead. We know that because of the way the phrase is used in Matthew 13:39–43, where Jesus interprets the parable of the weeds like this:

The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

But the disciples couldn't get the full picture,and so continued to ask for more understanding. And it wasn't permitted to name the year, month,week,day or time. So, Christ Jesus gave another clue;

Many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the END IS NOT YET. (Matthew 24:5–6)

“Hate is the final outcome of hypocritical love — just the shell of love where the warmth has gone out.”
So, Christ Jesus says, “THE END IS NOT YET.”
Christ Jesus has the end in view, but He warns them that there’s going to be SOME TIME LAPSE HERE. It’s not the very end yet. The end is not yet. These things will be happening on the way to the end. This will be your experience leading up to the end. Then Christ Jesus adds, “All these are but the BEGINNING OF THE BIRTH PAINS” (Matthew 24:8), to make clear that there is some time lapse before the end. This is the beginning of the birth pangs. They will last for some unspecified time, and then there will be the END OF THE BIRTH PANGS AS THE NEW ORDER IS BROUGHT TO BIRTH.

THEN TO THE FIRST LOVE GROWING COLD!
Hear Christ Jesus again;

And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because LAWLESSNESS Will BE INCREASED, THE LOVE OF MANY WILL GROW COLD. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, AND THEN THE END WILL COME. (Matthew 24:10–14)

SO HOW DOES LOVE GROW COLD AND THE SIGNS?

Cold love is the opposite of warm familial affection.
For example, in Genesis 43:30, when Joseph was about to reveal his identity to his brothers, it says, “Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep.” We see the same thing in Hosea 11:8. God says to Israel, “How can I give you up, O Ephraim? . . . My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.”

So, cold love is the shell of love that has lost its inner familial warmth.

Cold love betrays.
The effect of this coldness is that brother betrays brother. Matthew 24:10, “Then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.” That hate is the final outcome of hypocritical love — just the shell of love where the warmth has gone out, and ice has come in, and the upshot is no longer just hypocritical love but rather hate that betrays brother to brother.

Cold love results from lawlessness.
Christ Jesus says that the reason for this upsurge of cold, hypocritical love that eventually betrays a brother is owing to the increase of lawlessness. Matthew 24:12, “Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” That’s worth thinking about, because you might want to turn it around like this: “Because love grew cold, there’s a lot of lawlessness.” The root of this growing coldness of love in the church toward each other is a deep hostility to authority. That’s a plausible interpretation of lawlessness: a deep hostility to authority, especially God’s authority. That’s what lawlessness is, at root. “I will not submit to law from outside my sovereign self. I’m not going to yield to authority anymore.”
WHY DO YOU THINK PASTORS ARE FIGHTING ONE ANOTHER FROM THEIR PULPITS AND THE SOCIAL MEDIA? THE FIRST LOVE HAS DIED,NOT ONLY GROWN COLD... IT'S WHY LAWLESSNESS THRIVES IN OUR PULPITS TURNED PODIUMS.

Now, to use the language of Paul, the church becomes infected with “the mind of the flesh” rather than “the mind of the Spirit”:

The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. [That’s lawlessness.] Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:7–8)

The upsurge of lawlessness is the upsurge of self, the mind of the flesh over God, the insubordinate, “I will not submit,” stiff-necked self. And Paul speaks directly to this lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2 in relation to the second coming. He says that a GREAT APOSTASY MUST COME BEFORE THE END, along with “the MAN OF LAWLESSNESS” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Make that connection between Matthew 24 and 2 Thessalonians 2.

ISN'T THIS WHAT'S CURRENTLY HAPPENING IN OUR PULPITS (ESPECIALLY IN NIGERIA CURRENTLY?) HAVE WE NOT NOTICED THE THREADS OF THE APOSTASY PAUL SPOKE OF?

The mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Christ Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8)

So, just when anti-authoritarian lawlessness inside and outside the church seems to be reaching its fevered peak in history, Christ Jesus will step forward and return on the clouds, and there will be a great reversal.

Cold love must be combatted.
How can we prevent coldness of love from taking over our own hearts. Since cold love, Christ Jesus says, comes from the increase of lawlessness, we must fight upstream, so to speak, from the river of love. We’ve got to get up there to the springs. We must fight against arrogance and pride and self-sufficiency — that is, against the spirit of lawlessness in our hearts that says, “I will not submit. I don’t like people telling me what to do, least of all an omnipotent God.”

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Rev 2: 4)

“The root of growing coldness of love in the church toward each other is a deep hostility to authority.”
Lawlessness means we want to be our own law. We don’t want anybody — especially an Infallible, Omnipotent God — telling us what to do. We want to create our own meaning, create our own identity, create our own rules. And when this happens, we have cut ourselves off from Christ Jesus and from the Holy Spirit — and therefore from love.

Let me end with the way Hebrews 10:24–25 exhorts us in view of the second coming:

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and do good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
May these words minister to our hearts in Christ Jesus' Name Amen! ,!

Home

Watch the Trailer
The film is subtitled in Arabic, Czech, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Synopsis

Where Olive Trees Weep offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.

We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We also witness Dr. Gabor Maté offer trauma-healing work to a group of women who were tortured in Israeli prisons.

Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having witnessed the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of basic human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.

This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its own cruelty?

Watched the movie. Amazing work. I now know, and I cannot unknow.

Ariel L.

Thank you for filming, for journaling, for exposing the truth… as difficult as it is to swallow. Bravery, courage… to all who fight against injustice and oppression!

Avril

I cannot remember when a film has moved me this way. I wept throughout. No one is free until we all are free.

Sue B.

I would like to extend my eternal gratitude for your work. The film is beautiful, and all the contributors are such authentic, refreshing, impassioned voices. In the midst of all the ongoing global horrors and escalation of violence, I was enormously uplifted upon discovering your website, the film and talks on Palestine.

Leila S.

Left weeping… Devastated to think about each of these beautiful little girls and boys, women and men, animals, buildings and trees now. It’s hard to find words. Thank you for taking the risk of making this powerful, esthetical, real and tender film. May it be a vehicle to stir the hearts and souls of many of us into action. Deep bow.

Ellen E.

I was finally able to watch your film, and have to congratulate you on such a moving documentary that sheds light on what life is like for Palestinians living under occupation, with many different aspects and viewpoints. I hope your film will awaken many people around the world and open their eyes.

Farah S.

Wow, the movie is really a piece of art!!! What about subtitles in Hebrew? It is really necessary.

Ella

Thank you for your courage. Just like oil that doesn’t mix with water, Truth doesn’t dissolve in lies and, sooner or later, it comes up to the surface.

O.

Your film is brilliant, moving, epic. It contains history and it bears witness.

Indran

After watching it, my heart remained open. I was filled with love and compassion… It was just unconditional love.

Amelia R.

This film is educational and incredibly moving. I bawled like a child while watching, but what I learned inspires my actions now every day.

Norma J.

Words are inadequate but the soul of the people — all those involved — and the soul of the film itself will never leave me. Thank you all for making it in this deeply troubled world.

Carol C.

I can hardly find words. It’s powerful and the woman, the main person, especially at the end — she was piercing. Soul piercing. This film needs very wide circulation.

Therese

Thank you for this powerful film. The world needs it now, more than ever!

Tom H.

Beautifully done. Drastic humanity. Made me shiver.

D.

I’m currently visiting my very elderly ex-British Army/ expat colonial parents in the UK, and we sat down together to watch your film. You not only changed their minds about Palestine (which my ancestors were a part of bringing about) but also their view of Muslims and Palestinians generally. Thank you.

Bruce

So moving, terrible and also beautiful. This is a great blessing.

joAnne K.

It’s impossible to adequately convey how beautiful, powerful and profoundly empathetic your film is. You have accomplished something art often strives for but rarely achieves – to create a work of beauty that also moves the viewer to action. This film is going to have an actual effect. You’re going to help change things. It’s remarkable.

Michael B.

Stunning pictures, evocative music, and poignant portraits of people. It truly felt as though these people were right in my living room. Your documentary moved me to tears from beginning to end.

Maria

I know I will not sleep tonight. So many tears. This is so heart-breaking and so educational and so important to be seen NOW!

Joan N.

Thank you, so unsettling and informative which is exactly what is needed.

M.

I cried and felt so ashamed of the world we are living in. My greatest peace wishes, love and light and courage are for all people who are suffering now. I carry them with me in my heart.

Elizabeth

I will never be the same after watching the movie.

Claudie S.

Brilliant, extraordinarily moving, tragic, and hopeful, at the same time. It opened up a new understanding for me.

Liz M.

One of the most powerful films I’ve ever seen. Thank you for your immeasurable courage and your talent. It’s a very important film.

Martha R.

Thank you for this incredible film/documentary — it broke my heart.

Alvina E.

It had me in tears. It broke my heart… It’s a really great film and it’s going to open hearts and minds all over the world.

Rae M.

It was riveting and devastating, poignant and beautiful. I cannot find words to express my gratitude for the film Where Olive Trees Weep.

Margaret R.

I wept uncontrollably for an hour, am still affected by it … What a beautiful, challenging, gut wrenching movie you have made. It was not an easy watch, there were parts i couldn’t bear, and i had to stop in the middle after the stories of torture. Bless you for your brave work, what incredible timing for a world gone mad. May it travel the world shifting minds and opening hearts everywhere, and most of all may all involved in its making be protected.

Karen W.

I thought I was informed but this took it to a new level. Brilliant movie, amazing women.

Matt

My heart swells with love for the gift of the movie. My hope is that people’s hearts will open when the truth is spoken.

G.

So powerful and heartbreaking and moving…

Haneen S.

I have watched many documentaries over the years on this context and this one is the most authentic and raw I have seen. It is also very beautiful.

Robin J.

We saw it yesterday and it’s the most heartbreaking film I have ever seen. It’s simple, educational, and so real that we were shocked and hurt. It’s an eye-opener.

Abhisek

Thank you for listening to your heart and for bringing Where Olive Trees Weep to the world. It has been so purposeful and loving.

Angela

Brilliant, heartbreaking, infuriating and informative. Thank you for making such an excellent film

Mariom S.

the complete collection

Conversations on Palestine

We created a program with leading historians, spiritual teachers, trauma therapists, poets and performers to complement the themes explored in the film and provide a larger historical, cultural and social context to the plight of the Palestinian people.


The collection includes

~ THE SPEAKERS ~

Ashira Darwish

Dr. Gabor Maté

Angela Davis, PhD

V

Tara Brach, PhD

Haneen Sabbah

Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb

Zaya Benazzo

Maurizio Benazzo

Laila El-Haddad

Dr. Rupa Marya

Mariam Barghouti

Sami Awad

Farah El-Sharif, PhD

Haidar Eid

Rana Nazzal Hamadeh

Daniel Foor, PhD

Sherene Seikaly, PhD

Tareq Hajjaj

Mohammad Bakri

Ayesha Kajee

Shahd Abusalama, PhD

Farah Siraj

Faith Gay

Clara Khoury

Ussama Makdisi, PhD

Jonathan Brenneman

Rev. Michael Yoshii

Iyad Abu Ruk

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Umaymah Mohammad

Nancy Mansour

Farah Chamma

Lara Elborno

Rev. Deborah Lee

Nathan Thrall

Michael McBride

Rae Abileah

Baha Hilo

Omar Dajani

Dr. Mohammed Tahir

Shadi Zaqtan

Norman Finkelstein, PhD

Daniel Maté

meital yaniv

Huwaida Arraf

Gail Brenner, PhD

Mays Imad, PhD

Robert Inlakesh

Neta Golan

Ilan Pappé, PhD

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart

Adel Iskandar

Pir Zia Inayat Khan, PhD

Maysa Daw

Seemi Bushra Ghazi

Omar Haramy

Dareen Tatour

Adéyínká Mendes

Bayo Akomolafe, PhD

Your contribution supports planting olive trees in Palestine, humanitarian aid in Gaza and trauma healing in Palestinian communities. It also helps us bring the movie to larger audiences and broaden the understanding of the situation in Palestine, along with the cycles of trauma that perpetuate it.




https://whereolivetreesweep.com/

Where Olive Trees Weep: Official Trailer (2024)

Home

Watch the Trailer
The film is subtitled in Arabic, Czech, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Synopsis

Where Olive Trees Weep offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.

We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We also witness Dr. Gabor Maté offer trauma-healing work to a group of women who were tortured in Israeli prisons.

Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having witnessed the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of basic human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.

This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its own cruelty?

Brilliant, extraordinarily moving, tragic, and hopeful, at the same time. It opened up a new understanding for me.

Liz M.

Watched the movie. Amazing work. I now know, and I cannot unknow.

Ariel L.

I cannot remember when a film has moved me this way. I wept throughout. No one is free until we all are free.

Sue B.

I wept uncontrollably for an hour, am still affected by it … What a beautiful, challenging, gut wrenching movie you have made. It was not an easy watch, there were parts i couldn’t bear, and i had to stop in the middle after the stories of torture. Bless you for your brave work, what incredible timing for a world gone mad. May it travel the world shifting minds and opening hearts everywhere, and most of all may all involved in its making be protected.

Karen W.

We saw it yesterday and it’s the most heartbreaking film I have ever seen. It’s simple, educational, and so real that we were shocked and hurt. It’s an eye-opener.

Abhisek

Left weeping… Devastated to think about each of these beautiful little girls and boys, women and men, animals, buildings and trees now. It’s hard to find words. Thank you for taking the risk of making this powerful, esthetical, real and tender film. May it be a vehicle to stir the hearts and souls of many of us into action. Deep bow.

Ellen E.

It was riveting and devastating, poignant and beautiful. I cannot find words to express my gratitude for the film Where Olive Trees Weep.

Margaret R.

I was finally able to watch your film, and have to congratulate you on such a moving documentary that sheds light on what life is like for Palestinians living under occupation, with many different aspects and viewpoints. I hope your film will awaken many people around the world and open their eyes.

Farah S.

So powerful and heartbreaking and moving…

Haneen S.

I would like to extend my eternal gratitude for your work. The film is beautiful, and all the contributors are such authentic, refreshing, impassioned voices. In the midst of all the ongoing global horrors and escalation of violence, I was enormously uplifted upon discovering your website, the film and talks on Palestine.

Leila S.

Your film is brilliant, moving, epic. It contains history and it bears witness.

Indran

I thought I was informed but this took it to a new level. Brilliant movie, amazing women.

Matt

Thank you, so unsettling and informative which is exactly what is needed.

M.

Thank you for listening to your heart and for bringing Where Olive Trees Weep to the world. It has been so purposeful and loving.

Angela

It had me in tears. It broke my heart… It’s a really great film and it’s going to open hearts and minds all over the world.

Rae M.

I’m currently visiting my very elderly ex-British Army/ expat colonial parents in the UK, and we sat down together to watch your film. You not only changed their minds about Palestine (which my ancestors were a part of bringing about) but also their view of Muslims and Palestinians generally. Thank you.

Bruce

Thank you for this incredible film/documentary — it broke my heart.

Alvina E.

This film is educational and incredibly moving. I bawled like a child while watching, but what I learned inspires my actions now every day.

Norma J.

My heart swells with love for the gift of the movie. My hope is that people’s hearts will open when the truth is spoken.

G.

It’s impossible to adequately convey how beautiful, powerful and profoundly empathetic your film is. You have accomplished something art often strives for but rarely achieves – to create a work of beauty that also moves the viewer to action. This film is going to have an actual effect. You’re going to help change things. It’s remarkable.

Michael B.

I have watched many documentaries over the years on this context and this one is the most authentic and raw I have seen. It is also very beautiful.

Robin J.

I can hardly find words. It’s powerful and the woman, the main person, especially at the end — she was piercing. Soul piercing. This film needs very wide circulation.

Therese

Thank you for your courage. Just like oil that doesn’t mix with water, Truth doesn’t dissolve in lies and, sooner or later, it comes up to the surface.

O.

Brilliant, heartbreaking, infuriating and informative. Thank you for making such an excellent film

Mariom S.

Wow, the movie is really a piece of art!!! What about subtitles in Hebrew? It is really necessary.

Ella

I cried and felt so ashamed of the world we are living in. My greatest peace wishes, love and light and courage are for all people who are suffering now. I carry them with me in my heart.

Elizabeth

Stunning pictures, evocative music, and poignant portraits of people. It truly felt as though these people were right in my living room. Your documentary moved me to tears from beginning to end.

Maria

I will never be the same after watching the movie.

Claudie S.

Beautifully done. Drastic humanity. Made me shiver.

D.

After watching it, my heart remained open. I was filled with love and compassion… It was just unconditional love.

Amelia R.

Thank you for filming, for journaling, for exposing the truth… as difficult as it is to swallow. Bravery, courage… to all who fight against injustice and oppression!

Avril

I know I will not sleep tonight. So many tears. This is so heart-breaking and so educational and so important to be seen NOW!

Joan N.

One of the most powerful films I’ve ever seen. Thank you for your immeasurable courage and your talent. It’s a very important film.

Martha R.

Words are inadequate but the soul of the people — all those involved — and the soul of the film itself will never leave me. Thank you all for making it in this deeply troubled world.

Carol C.

Thank you for this powerful film. The world needs it now, more than ever!

Tom H.

So moving, terrible and also beautiful. This is a great blessing.

joAnne K.

the complete collection

Conversations on Palestine

We created a program with leading historians, spiritual teachers, trauma therapists, poets and performers to complement the themes explored in the film and provide a larger historical, cultural and social context to the plight of the Palestinian people.


The collection includes

~ THE SPEAKERS ~

Ashira Darwish

Dr. Gabor Maté

Angela Davis, PhD

V

Tara Brach, PhD

Haneen Sabbah

Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb

Zaya Benazzo

Maurizio Benazzo

Laila El-Haddad

Dr. Rupa Marya

Mariam Barghouti

Sami Awad

Farah El-Sharif, PhD

Haidar Eid

Rana Nazzal Hamadeh

Daniel Foor, PhD

Sherene Seikaly, PhD

Tareq Hajjaj

Mohammad Bakri

Ayesha Kajee

Shahd Abusalama, PhD

Farah Siraj

Faith Gay

Clara Khoury

Ussama Makdisi, PhD

Jonathan Brenneman

Rev. Michael Yoshii

Iyad Abu Ruk

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Umaymah Mohammad

Nancy Mansour

Farah Chamma

Lara Elborno

Rev. Deborah Lee

Nathan Thrall

Michael McBride

Rae Abileah

Baha Hilo

Omar Dajani

Dr. Mohammed Tahir

Shadi Zaqtan

Norman Finkelstein, PhD

Daniel Maté

meital yaniv

Huwaida Arraf

Gail Brenner, PhD

Mays Imad, PhD

Robert Inlakesh

Neta Golan

Ilan Pappé, PhD

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart

Adel Iskandar

Pir Zia Inayat Khan, PhD

Maysa Daw

Seemi Bushra Ghazi

Omar Haramy

Dareen Tatour

Adéyínká Mendes

Bayo Akomolafe, PhD

Your contribution supports planting olive trees in Palestine, humanitarian aid in Gaza and trauma healing in Palestinian communities. It also helps us bring the movie to larger audiences and broaden the understanding of the situation in Palestine, along with the cycles of trauma that perpetuate it.



https://youtu.be/-VectWsWc1Q

Best Healthcare Clinic: Find Local Therapists in Dartmouth, MA | Brighter Side Wellness
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Why you may have been eating insects your whole life
Helen Soteriou and Will Smale
Business reporters, BBC News

Helen Soteriou Food products that include carmineHelen Soteriou
All these products contain the natural food colouring carmine, which is made from an insect called cochineal
If you are horrified by the thought of eating insects, the bad news is that you have probably done so many, many times.

This is because one of the most widely used red food colourings - carmine - is made from crushed up bugs.
The insects used to make carmine are called cochineal, and are native to Latin America where they live on cacti.
Now farmed mainly in Peru, millions of the tiny insects are harvested every year to produce the colouring.
A staple of the global food industry, carmine is added to everything from yoghurts and ice creams, to fruit pies, soft drinks, cupcakes and donuts.
It is also used extensively in the cosmetics industry and is found in many lipsticks.
MARK WILLIAMSON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Cochineal on a cactusMARK WILLIAMSON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cochineal insects, the white dots on this cactus, are found across Latin America
Carmine continues to be widely used because it is such a stable, safe and long-lasting additive whose colour is little affected by heat or light.
Supporters also point out that it is a natural product first discovered and used by the Maya and then the Aztecs more than five centuries ago. They claim that it is far healthier than artificial alternatives such as food colourings made from coal or petroleum by-products.
But even fans of carmine agree that it should be more clearly labelled, and there are a growing number of natural red colouring alternatives that don't come from insects.
Look for the word "carmine" on a food product that contains it, and you might not actually see it written in the list of ingredients.
Instead it might say "natural red four", "crimson lake" or just E120, to give carmine its European Union food additive classification number.
Getty Images Carmine in powder formGetty Images
Carmine was first used by the Maya and Aztecs
Amy Butler Greenfield, author of A Perfect Red, a book about carmine and its history, says that while she "feels strongly" that it should always be labelled, it is a natural product that has stood the test of time.
"Carmine is an incredibly stable and reliable natural food dye that can be used to create a wide range of colours - pinks, oranges, purples, as well as reds.
"A few people have serious allergic reactions to it, but overall it has a great, long-term safety record."
Peru now leads the way in production of carmine, and according to the Peruvian Embassy to the UK, the country has a 95% share of the international market.
This creates work for no less than 32,600 farmers, the embassy adds.
JIM WEST/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY A man holding a bowl of cochineal, one of which he has crushed in the palm of his handJIM WEST/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
The insects are dried and then crushed to produce the red colouring
The bugs, which are about 5mm or 0.2 inches long, are brushed off the pads of prickly pear cacti. It is the wingless females that are harvested, rather than the flying males.
The red colour comes from carminic acid, which makes up almost a quarter of the bugs' weight, and deters predation by other insects.
Ms Butler Greenfield says: "Generally the bugs are dried first... nowadays food-grade cochineal dye is put through many filters to remove insect parts."
Last year Peru exported 647 tonnes of carmine for a total value of $46.4m (£33m).
Getty Images A woman applying lipstickGetty Images
Many lipsticks contain carmine
Given what the dye is made from, you might think it would be a declining industry.
However, demand is rising and because the supply is finite - it is difficult for Peruvian farmers to substantially boost supplies - the price has soared in recent years.
Back in 2013 Peru's exports of carmine totalled 531 tonnes, which was worth $22m. So over the past four years, the price per tonne has risen by 73%.
UK-based Premier Foods, which owns brands including Mr Kipling cakes and Bachelor soups, continues to use carmine, but does consider switching to alternative colourings.
"We use carmine in some of our products, because it is natural and uniquely provides a particularly stable range of red and pink colours that do not fade," says a Premier Foods spokesman.
"[But] we continue to look for alternatives, which in addition to being natural, would also be suitable for vegetarians."
Animal rights group Peta would ideally like the use of carmine to be phased out all together.
"It reportedly takes up to 70,000 individual insects to produce just 500g of dye, so naturally, it's a product that compassionate consumers will want to avoid.
Carmine was originally used to dye materials
"Fortunately, the rapid growth in the number of people following a vegan lifestyle is encouraging more and more companies to develop animal-friendly products, so it's never been easier to choose vegan items for which no animal of any size has suffered."
One company that in recent years has moved away from carmine is US coffee shop giant Starbucks.
Back in 2012 customers complained after it was revealed that Starbucks used carmine in some of its iced coffees, smoothies and cakes. Starbucks responded by saying it would switch from carmine to lycopene, a natural, tomato-based extract.
Other natural food colouring alternatives include extracts from berries and beetroot. Yet none are as long-lasting and easy to use as carmine.
Beetroots are used to produce a food colouring called betanin
For example, betanin, the food colouring obtained from beetroots, degrades when exposed to light, heat and oxygen. It therefore typically only used in foodstuffs that have a short shelf life, or are frozen.
Ms Butler Greenfield says it is important to remember that carmine is a natural product that it is a vital source of income for poor farmers in Peru.
"People, mostly Peruvian, and mostly very poor, depend on carmine for their livelihood," she says.


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