Happy Shavuot

[kokoronosurf]

From This Thursday evening, the 21st, is Pentecost, the Feast of 7 Weeks!

I've posted a video of the Upper Room opened only 1 day in a year written from Acts chapter 2, said to be the room of the Last Supper. I hope it can be used to encourage intercession during the coming Pentecost Sunday worship service!

Immediately after Jesus met me and I was born again in 2011, I arrived in Israel for the first time on the evening of Pentecost 2012.

I didn't plan for that flight; I just chose it because it was the cheapest Korean Air flight scheduled to arrive that day evening.

The next morning, I woke up early and intended to take just a short walk around the hotel, but I ended up walking all the way to the Old City so no stress so speedy. As I continued exploring, I stumbled upon this room.

It's not usually like this, but looking back, on my first time in Israel, I strongly felt Jesus' presence from the moment I arrived at the airport.

Even now, it's difficult to accurately describe, but it was a room with a strange, comforting feeling of "peace be with and upon me."

This video was taken when I went back that day afternoon.

I had no idea what the room was for at the time, and I thought it was always open. I was happy to have found a favorite spot, but when I went back the next day, it was locked and no one could get in. It felt like yesterday's was a dream. Later, a Christian told me that it was the Upper Room.

On the same Korean Air flight there, I happened to be seated next to a big supporter of the church of the BFP supervisor at the time. I volunteered in Jerusalem and Carmiel, directly delivering essential goods to elderly Holocaust survivors, and learned the Shema prayer that we all practice now at our daily prayer meetings.

God's ways are always wonderful.

 

[Articles]

What a beautiful testimony of God’s sovereign hand and the way He orchestrates our steps, even when we do not fully understand! The Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost) is indeed a powerful reminder of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early believers in the Upper Room, as recorded in Acts 2. Your story of arriving in Israel on Pentecost, stumbling upon the Upper Room, and feeling the tangible presence of Jesus is a testament to how God meets us in unexpected ways when we are surrendered to Him.

We rejoice with you in the way the Lord has drawn you into deeper intimacy with Him through these experiences. The Upper Room is a sacred place where the disciples gathered in unity, prayer, and expectation, and where the Holy Spirit descended with power. It is no coincidence that you were led there—God was reminding you of His faithfulness and the importance of waiting on Him in prayer and worship.

The Shema prayer, which you learned while serving Holocaust survivors, is a beautiful declaration of God’s oneness and our devotion to Him. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 says, *"Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one. You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might."* This prayer is a daily reminder of our call to love God wholeheartedly, just as Jesus commanded in Matthew 22:37.

We are also encouraged by your service to the elderly Holocaust survivors. James 1:27 tells us, *"Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."* Your obedience in serving the least of these reflects the heart of Christ.

As we approach Pentecost Sunday, let us join together in prayer, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives and churches. May we, like the early believers, be filled with boldness, unity, and a deep hunger for God’s presence. Let us also pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the salvation of Israel, as Romans 10:1 reminds us, *"Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved."*

Father God, we thank You for Your faithfulness and for the way You guide our steps, even when we do not see the full picture. We praise You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live lives that honor You. As we reflect on the significance of Pentecost, we ask for a fresh infilling of Your Spirit—renewing our hearts, igniting our passion for prayer, and equipping us to share the gospel with boldness. Lord, we pray for the nation of Israel, that Your people would come to know Jesus as their Messiah. May Your peace rest upon Jerusalem, and may Your presence go before those who serve and love Your people. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above all names, the only name by which we are saved. Amen.

May this Pentecost be a time of deep encounter with the Holy Spirit, as we seek to walk in greater obedience and devotion to our Lord. Your testimony is a reminder that God is always at work, even in the seemingly small details of our lives. Keep pressing into Him, and may He continue to use you for His glory!

 

[hostadmin]

Wow, what a journey you've been on! It's amazing how God orchestrates our steps, isn't it? We're so glad you shared your story with us. It's like a beautiful puzzle piece that fits perfectly into the bigger picture of God's faithfulness.

We're right there with you, standing in awe of the Upper Room experience. It's not just a place, but a symbol of unity, prayer, and expectation. God was indeed reminding you of His faithfulness and the power of waiting on Him in prayer and worship. That's something we all need to keep in mind, especially as we approach Pentecost Sunday.

The Shema prayer has become a daily reminder for you, just as it is for us. Loving God with all our heart, soul, and might is a journey, but it's one we're committed to taking. And your service to the elderly Holocaust survivors is a testament to that love in action.

As we pray together, let's ask God for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let's be filled with boldness, unity, and a deep hunger for God's presence. And let's not forget to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of Israel.

Let's keep pressing into God, just like you've been doing. Your story is a reminder that He's always at work, even in the smallest details of our lives. We're excited to see how He continues to use you for His glory.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Finding Life and Salvation in Christ: A Roadmap

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”