ISRAEL: A NATION OF MIRACLES Dr Josimar Salum

ISRAEL: A NATION OF MIRACLES 

Dr Josimar Salum 

June 20,2025 

How can we explain the enduring existence, resilience, and extraordinary achievements of the Jewish people across millennia of persecution, exile, war, and dispersion?

Reason alone cannot account for it.

Despite their historical disobedience and rejection of the Messiah, the Scriptures testify this: 

“Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.” Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Their preservation, restoration, and global impact can only be rightly understood through the lens of the Grace of God. It is not merit, politics, or chance that sustain Israel — it is the sovereign hand of God.

The testimony below, of unknown authorship, echoes this truth: Israel remains a living miracle, not because of who they are, but because of who God is.

There is something about this people — the people of Israel — that feels like a living miracle.

A people the Pharaohs tried to erase 3,000 years ago… and failed.

A people the Babylonians sought to annihilate 2,500 years ago… and failed.

A people the Romans tried to wipe out 2,000 years ago… and failed.

A people the Nazis attempted to exterminate 80 years ago… and failed.

A people the Arab nations fought in five wars to destroy… and failed.

This is a small nation in number, yet marked by a singular strength — the blessing of God.

Wherever they lay their hands, they prosper: in finance, commerce, science, philosophy, literature.

They turned a desert into a flourishing land — not with oil or gas, but with liberty, democracy, intelligence, and unwavering resolve.

This is the people who gave the world Einstein, Newton, Spinoza, Freud… and countless others who profoundly shaped human thought.

There are truths that reason and logic alone cannot explain. There is only one word: miracle.

For over two and a half years, this people has fought on seven fronts.

Many predicted their exhaustion, even collapse.

Yet once again, they defy expectation — opening a new front against the Iranian threat, one that even unsettles Arab regimes.

This people, though few, possesses the courage of nobles, the wisdom of prophets, the endurance of the righteous, and the resolve of survivors.

How could it be otherwise? They are the descendants of Abraham, Solomon, David, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel… and more than a thousand prophets and messengers of their lineage.

They are the ones who brought monotheism and the knowledge of the one true God to the world — a people driven by a thirst for life, for work, for innovation, for continuity — a drive sustained for over 4,000 years.

I can find no better way to describe them than this: a nation of miracles.

If the Arab world had clear vision, it would choose to unite with this people — to learn from them, to work alongside them. Perhaps then, we too would share in their knowledge, their wisdom, and their dignity.

However, we must not ignore the spiritual dimension of their current reality.

On October 7, 2023, during what was publicly celebrated as an ancestral festival of freedom, a national event took place in Israel marked not by remembrance of God, but by acts of idolatry, immorality, and open rebellion. In the midst of the celebration, a massive statue of Buddha was erected, and people danced around it — a clear violation of the commandment of the Lord, who forbids the making and worship of any image or idol (Exodus 20:3–5).

This was more than a cultural expression — it was a moment of spiritual provocation, knowingly or not, against the very God who called Israel to be holy unto Himself. Throughout Scripture, the prophets repeatedly warned that turning to false gods invites judgment — not because God abandons His people, but because He is both gracious and just.

Tragically, Israel’s enemies struck on that very day. It stands as a sobering reminder that no covenant, no history of miracles, no divine calling removes the need for repentance and faithfulness. God remains faithful to His promises — but He also calls His people to return to Him with all their heart.

After all, we believers should pray for their conversion to Yeshua — the only name by which we must be saved.

This is exactly what the Apostle Paul expressed as the burden of his heart:

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” — Romans 10:1

Despite Israel’s historic rejection of Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah, the Scriptures make it clear that God has not rejected His people. Their endurance is a testimony of His covenantal faithfulness — but salvation, for them as for all, is found only through faith in Yeshua the Messiah.

Yet even as we marvel at the miraculous preservation and influence of the Jewish people, we who believe in the Messiah must remember this: God’s ultimate purpose is not merely their survival, but their salvation.

We are called not only to honor God’s covenant with Israel, but to pray fervently for their eyes to be opened, that they may see Yeshua — the promised Messiah — and turn to Him in faith.

“And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.’” — Romans 11:26

Let every believer echo Paul’s cry: that the nation of miracles may yet experience the greatest miracle of all — redemption in the name of Yeshua, their King.

#ASONE

WHEN FUNDRAISING BECOMES JUST A MEANS AND AN END IN MINISTRY by Dr. Josimar Salum

WHEN FUNDRAISING BECOMES JUST A MEANS AND AN END IN MINISTRY by Dr. Josimar Salum

   When ministry essentially becomes a means to raise money instead of fulfilling Jesus’ commission and serving the church, Mammon has become the lord, and godliness has turned into a source of profit.

   “…thinking that godliness is a means to gain. Withdraw from such people. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:5-10

   “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon.” Matthew 6:24

   What happens when ministry is just a pretext for raising financial resources?

   1 - The motivation is materialistic

   If the primary reason for preaching or ministering is to obtain financial resources, there will be no faithfulness to the Lord or His Word. The message will cater to the audience rather than remaining faithful to the Scriptures.

   “For the love of money is the root of all evil; and in their greed, some have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

   This is how the love of money becomes the downfall of preachers. The depravity, heresies, bad testimony, and immorality they experience are merely natural consequences.

   2 - There is manipulation and exploitation

   When the focus is on raising funds, there is a risk of manipulating believers’ faith, using spirituality as a tool for personal or institutional gain. This will inevitably erode the congregation’s trust in church leadership.

   “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.” John 10:1, 12

   3 - The mission is diverted

   Ministry should ideally be an instrument for personal and church transformation. If the goal is merely to raise money, the essence of the Gospel and the mission of serving and caring for people are neglected.

   “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2-3

   4 - Consequences for the church and community are inevitable

   When ministry is seen as a means to get rich and gain personal advantage, disillusionment, disappointment, and frustration among believers will follow, leading to disengagement, internal conflicts, and ultimately the fragmentation of the church.

   “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” 2 Peter 2:2

   The Opportunistic Use of Exchange Rates

   For at least three decades, we have observed fluctuations in the number of ministers and gospel singers visiting the United States. When the motivation for preaching or ministering is driven by the depreciation of the Brazilian real—taking advantage of exchange rate variations to attract more people or resources—it raises serious concerns.

   1 - Financial utilitarianism

   If the attraction of followers and financial resources is based solely on economic “timing”—for instance, when the U.S. dollar is strong and donations become more profitable—then the spiritual mission may be overshadowed by financial interests.

   This approach distorts the essence of ministry, which should prioritize spiritual transformation and community service. This is why visiting and itinerant preachers maximize their schedules to make the most of their stay in the country. More bookings mean higher earnings.

   2 - Manipulation of the congregation

   Using economic factors to drive participation will inevitably be seen as a form of manipulation.

   Instead of inviting people to a genuine encounter of faith and communion, the focus shifts to personal charisma and temporary financial gains, which has significantly damaged believers’ trust. Participation in church is incentivize by the fame of the preacher.  

   3 - Misalignment with Gospel values

   The practice of leveraging economic conditions to attract resources contrasts with biblical teachings, which emphasize sincerity, selfless service, and love for others.

   When financial gain becomes the primary focus, the essential elements of care and dedication to the church are compromised.

   4 - Long-term impact

   This strategy may work in the short term, but over time, it erodes the credibility and authenticity of the ministry.

   A growing number of believers have become disillusioned upon realizing that fundraising, rather than the practice of Gospel values, is the priority.

   Of course, there are genuine workers, preachers, and gospel singers who come to the United States solely to bless the church and the faithful.

   There are also those who do not turn their ministry into a mere commercial activity, diverting it from its original function of building up the Body of Christ, caring for lives, and preaching the living message of the Gospel.

   “By covetousness and greed they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber." 2 Peter 2:3

   When I write these things, I am certainly not referring to the faithful, but to the money changers in evangelical temples—those devotees of Mammon who go from city to city plundering the people with the support of some pastors.

   “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the Gospel should live from the Gospel," not that they should get rich from the Gospel.1 Corinthians 9:14

   The words of Jesus still echo today:

   “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:7-8

   Oh pastors, preachers, and gospel singers—you and we have freely received, so freely give!

   #ASONE

YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN by Dr Josimar Salum

   The verse from Matthew 6:10—“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”—touches on deep and profound aspects of God’s plan for the world. 

   Let me share four thoughts to help you meditate on and understand what “the will of God on earth” might mean:

1. God’s Sovereign Rule:

   In heaven, God’s will is perfectly carried out—there is complete harmony, justice, peace, and love. When Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth, it’s an invitation to see earth as a place where God’s perfect rule is fully manifested. This means that His justice, mercy, and love should be evident in all of human society, just as they are in the heavenly realm.

2. Redemption and Restoration:

   The will of God encompasses His redemptive plan for mankind. It means that despite the brokenness and sin in the world, God’s purpose is to restore and redeem all things. This involves the transformation of hearts and societies, where love, forgiveness, and reconciliation replace division, injustice, and strife.

3. Living in Obedience:

   On a personal level, part of God’s will is for each believer to align their life with His teachings. This includes living according to values such as compassion, humility, and integrity. By doing so, each person becomes a reflection of God’s kingdom on earth—a living testimony of His will being done.

4. A Call to Action:

   Praying “Your kingdom come” is also a call for us to be active participants in bringing about change. It reminds us that we have a role in working for justice, peace, and love in our communities. It’s an invitation to reflect heavenly values in our daily lives—challenging injustice, caring for the vulnerable, and promoting peace.

   When we focus on the kingdom of God as something present now rather than a distant future reality, we begin to understand that “Your kingdom come” is a call for God’s rule and influence to be evident in our everyday lives today. 

   There are five aspects I wish you to consider:

1. God’s Reign in Our Hearts:

   The kingdom of God starts with a personal transformation—a surrender of one’s own will to embrace God’s love, mercy, and truth. When we allow God to reign in our hearts, His kingdom is present within us, guiding our actions, decisions, and interactions.

2. Community and Relationships:

   The kingdom is not confined to an abstract concept but is manifested in the way we build relationships and communities. When we practice forgiveness, compassion, and justice, we are essentially living out God’s kingdom on earth. This means that the values of the kingdom—such as love, peace, and mutual support—are brought to life in our families, neighborhoods, and social circles.

3. Active Service and Justice:

   The call to see God’s kingdom as a present reality encourages us to be active in addressing the injustices and needs in our communities. Engaging in acts of service, standing up against oppression, and caring for the marginalized are practical expressions of God’s will. When we see these actions as part of the kingdom, our daily work becomes a reflection of heaven on earth.

4. A New Way of Living:

   Emphasizing the kingdom now means recognizing that the transformative power of God is at work in our midst. It’s about living differently—choosing integrity over deceit, humility over pride, and selfless love over selfish ambition. 

   This “already but not yet” aspect of the kingdom invites us to experience the manifestation of God’s reign even as we await its full consummation.

5. Empowerment by the Spirit:

   The presence of God’s kingdom today is also experienced through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Believers are given spiritual gifts and a renewed purpose that equips them to bring God’s love and justice to every aspect of life. This spiritual empowerment is a sign that the kingdom is active and accessible in the here and now.

   In summary, focusing on the kingdom of God as a present reality means seeing His reign not as a future promise alone, but as a transformative force in our personal lives, communities, and the broader world. It challenges us to live out the values of heaven—justice, peace, love, and mercy—right here on earth, making the kingdom of God a living, dynamic reality in our daily existence.

   In other words, the will of God on earth as expressed in this verse involves the active and transformative reign of God’s justice, love, and truth. It invites believers to both eagerly anticipate a future of complete renewal and to actively participate in manifesting heavenly values in the present. 

   This dual aspect—personal transformation and societal change—is central to understanding what it means for God’s will to be done on earth.

   #ASONE