Can we do תפילות prayers for:
Ephraim & Rimona Frank?
So that through them The האור Light, רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?Shalom Fellow Israelite,
At the end of last week’s letter, the scripture quote from Ephesians stated that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in heavenly places. Nevertheless, although YHVH disarmed these powers (see Colossians 2:15), they are still under the impression that they have a right to use and abuse us with their respective characteristics. Most people, however, do not believe, let alone recognize, that there are such spiritual entities (a fact that actually makes it that much easier for them to function). Being disembodied, these creatures look for a home in which to make their abode and through which to express themselves. Yeshua, of course, was very alert as to their presence and cast them out effectively, yet at the same time issued a warning that if one did not take care, these creatures could return with seven even worse than themselves (see Matthew 12:45). He also told His disciples that in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom they were to, "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, [AND] cast out demons.” (Matthew 10:8).
There is no doubt, therefore, as to the validity of the existence of spiritual beings that dwell in a realm of spiritual darkness, and at the same time inhabit or influence human beings.
Moving from boot camp to advanced military training is very important, as here we begin to gain knowledge of our enemy and his tactics. As mentioned above, our foes live in a realm of spiritual darkness and therefore we need military devices with which to ‘see’ them. One of those instruments is a night vision scope. Fortunately the Holy Spirit has just such a tool in His arsenal, it is called the “gift of discerning of spirits” (see 1 Corinthians 12:10). Even though not all will be anointed with the proficient skill of this gift, as YHVH assigns a high level operation only to some of the soldiers in the fighting unit, we are all equipped with a measure of it. As to the more advanced usage of this tool, there has to be a dependency on our comrades-in-battle for more accurate assessments of spiritual activity. Paul makes clear this reality when he stresses “to another He gives…” That, in and of itself, is an indication that our Commander wants us to learn to trust His presence in others, and to be mutually responsible and accountable. In actual warfare, the safety of each soldier depends on how well trained are his buddies.
Let us look at another combat “device,” one that is needed for communication. It is actually the first that is mentioned in the list of
operatives: “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:8 emphases added). Communicating by the Spirit’s “word” is essential so that that the team will know exactly what the Commander is directing them to do and accomplish. Words of wisdom and knowledge are also very important in building up one another, sharing encouragement in the faith, expressing love and assurance, and building trust.
These two spiritual gifts are first given in the wilderness for the purpose of anointing already-bestowed abilities of artisans, for making the garments of the priesthood, and building the tabernacle (see Exodus 28:3; 31:3). Wisdom and knowledge are vital in accomplishing the mission that the Commander assigns to the unit. If they were used in the wilderness in order to make and construct significant articles, how much more in the “making” of effective and efficient combat soldiers! King Solomon also requested, and was granted, these gifts in order to govern the kingdom. James/Yaacov, in his instruction, writes: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of Elohim, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (James 1:5-6). We must also remember that, "The fear of YHVH is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
In any given army, every soldier carries with him a small first-aid kit, which in YHVH’s spiritual army would be prayer. But in addition to that measure, there are paramedics who are trained for binding up wounds and treating sometimes serious injuries inflicted by the enemy. In YHVH’s company there are fighters who are anointed by the Spirit with the “gift of healing” and/or “miracles.” King David was a warrior, and in his Psalms he gives many times thanks to YHVH for turning the enemy against itself: “He [the enemy] made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown” (Psalm 7:15-16). Even though David and his mighty men had to go out to battle, their total dependence upon YHVH was evident before, during and after combat: “I will praise YHVH according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of YHVH Most High” (Verse 17).
There are other gifts that are given for the purpose of advancing YHVH’s kingdom and authority, and when Paul introduces each one he uses, once more, the same wording, “and to another” when referring to: prophecy, tongues and their interpretations. In addition, there are also tongues that are manifested privately, when one is praying or worshiping in the Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 14: 1-33), which can be very effective in defensive maneuvers.
It is sometimes hard to think outside the boxes that we have placed these gifts in, and to view and use them in the context of a ‘military setting.’ Can you see them being used on a daily basis in your confrontations with a very active enemy? If you have further comments on their usage in relationship to our military training, these are always welcome and appreciated.
Have a great week to be launched by a wonderful and restful
Shabbat Shalom,
Ephraim
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