Category: faith

Two Weeks Ago I Was Waking Up In Israel

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As I sit on my couch enjoying the early morning sunshine in Michigan, I am so grateful that just two weeks ago I was waking up in Israel at beginning of a wonderful trip. It was a great joy and blessing, so I want to share it with all of you. We did so much and my heart is so full that I’ll need to share it in “bite sized” pieces.

Days 1 and 2 were travel days where sleep was hard to come by since we were all so excited to get to Israel. We were at the airport by 8:30 am on Saturday and did not arrive in Israel until Sunday evening.  It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it! First there was a short flight to Chicago, a delay of the flight to Newark, a force in change of planes due to issues with plane 1. We arrived in Newark, NJ and had to collect our bags very quickly, change terminals and then check in at El Al. But 1st we had to go through interviews with El Al/customs that were very rigorous, I had to answer questions for 30 minutes. IsraelDay1-001

The flight left at 11:30 pm and finally, on Sunday evening we arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. We got through customs, collected our bags, met up with the rest of the tour and our four buses headed to The Western Lagoon Hotel in Netanya. We had a lovely dinner and went to bed.

 

The next morning we awoke to a beautiful view of the Mediterranean.

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I’ll share more soon, but for now I leave you with this encouragement from Jeremiah 29:11-12 (Good News Translation)

“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me and i will answer you.”

Oh how He loves us!

A New Perspective

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I watched The Passion of The Christ last weekend, but not because I enjoy it. I felt compelled to remember the price that he paid. This time, I found myself viewing it from a new perspective.

I was struck by the wide range of people in the story, and how they seem to represent all of humanity – the good and the bad, all walks of life – and that for all of these, Jesus was willing to give his life. I saw that it includes:

  • Religious leaders like the High Priest, Elders and their false witnesses – some who were misguided, acting out of fear and/or wanted him dead (they spit on him and beat him). Along with some who believed in him, like Nicodemus.
  • A friend who betrayed him: Judas – Jesus fed him, washed his feet, drank with him, and let him betray him with a kiss (wow!)
  • Military men, hardened soldiers who it seemed had no problem scourging and beating him, mocking and spitting on him, crushing a crown of thorns into his head
  • Political leaders like Herod who was looking for a miracle, when he didn’t get what he wanted, he and his men of war mocked and despised Jesus. And Pilot who really didn’t believe he had done wrong, but he allowed himself to be bent to the “will” of those demanding crucifixion.
  • An insurgent (terrorist) – a  known robber, thief and murderer – he was released instead of Jesus. Isn’t it interesting that the meaning of his name, Barabbas, is “A son of the father”?
  • Followers of Jesus, some faithful and some who fled or denied him out of fear – for example: Peter, John, Mary and Mary Magdalene.
  • The unnamed crowd, some crying crucify him and some who probably cried Hosanna earlier that week, but thought he would be a conqueror, and when he wasn’t what they thought he should be, they turned on him. I suspect this crowd represented most of us —  people who were Jews, Gentiles, young, old, rich, poor, religious and non-religious, free and slave.

Oh what an amazing love. Jesus knew he would die so that we would be be saved. He saw how they acted, how they treated him. How we’ve acted and treated him, but still He willingly gave his life for us.

But Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly. And there is still so much more to say of his unfailing love for us! ~ Romans 5:8-9a TPT

Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered it’s humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2b

Scripture quotations marked TPT are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com.

 

Say what?!?

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So why “Say what?!?‘ as my first written post of 2019? To put it simply, I feel like God has been putting these words in front of me like a billboard – EVERYWHERE! Obviously I need it, so recently I have been doing a lot of thinking about the importance of what I hear, read, say and believe.

In Proverbs 23 it says “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.”  And in Proverbs 18:21 it says “Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life.” (The Passion Translation). Considering this, it is equally important that I not only choose to speak words of life (true, kind, pure, loving, etc.) but that I also choose to think these thoughts about myself and others.  To know and believe the thoughts that God has about me,  and not to buy into the lies of my enemy, Satan.

It’s so easy to hear and think the negative. It takes effort to choose to hear, speak and believe words of life.  I am so incredibly grateful that HE has equipped me (and you) with the truth of the Word to fight against the lies, so that I (we) can live in the light of His love.

Here are a few examples of what I am focusing on, my paraphrase:

2 Corinthians 10:5 I have the power to cast down imaginations and thoughts that don’t line up with what God says. I’m weighing my thoughts more carefully, rejecting what’s not right or true, choosing truth.

2 Peter 1:3 He has given me everything that pertains to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him… Everything I need, I can learn from knowing Him!

Jeremiah 29:11  He has a good plan for my life.  I believe it!

John 14:27 He has given me His peace. i take it and I’m holding on to it!

Isaiah 48:17 He teaches me to profit and leads me in the way that I should go. I expect it, I’m looking for it every day.

Be encouraged, believe that God loves you, HE REALLY DOES LOVE YOU. – John 3:16

Update on my October Gratefulness Challenge

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Back in mid-October I challenged both me and you to be more mindful of the things we have to be grateful for every day.  I don’t know about you, but I haven’t always remembered to do this. However, on the days I do the result is that I am more conscious of my many blessings, and I tend to be more content – perhaps even more patient and kind.

Anyway, I want to share an update on some of the things that I have been considering, which may seem random, but are all worth being grateful for.  Things as simple as warm blankets, soft pillows, socks without holes, working vehicles, good weather for raking leaves, front row parking spots, bills paid, and extra to give to others. Playing games/doing puzzles with my mom, any time spent with my husband, children and grandchildren, a good job, time to relax, Sunday and Wednesday services, insightful Bible teaching, faithful friends, yarn & knitting, and music (both peaceful and victory filled).

Of course I could keep going, but I really hope in some way that you are encouraged as you consider your blessings. I pray that you will also find joy in living a gratefulness-mindful life, and that you both know and experience the love that God has for you.

As the hymn by Johnson Oatman, Jr.  in 1897 says:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

A Challenge to You and Me

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This challenge is as much for me as it is for anyone else. In the busy-ness of daily life, I don’t pause often enough to really be aware of and grateful for all that I have. It’s not just the things, but the people, places, surroundings, and even circumstances.  I mean not just casually, but to really consider those “things’ and how they impact my life, and to take time to really rejoice.

This all started when I was reading Deuteronomy 26, which is a really great scripture on how to present your offerings.  I highly recommend it. My Pastor, George Pearson’s has taught on it’s importance — it’s about being thoughtful, recognizing the goodness of God in providing for us, and presenting our offerings with thankfulness and joy.

Anyway… it “dawned” on me that I should be more mindful not only when giving an offering, but in my every-day life. I think God is pleased and loves it when we think this way because thankful thinking draws us closer to Him. And because by recalling all that He has done, we become more full of faith and receptive to what He wants to do for us now.

So…for the next 6 weeks (or more) I am challenging me and you. Let’s regularly pause to consider the people, relationships, places, surroundings, circumstances and things that we should be grateful for. Pick just a few each day and take a moment to really rejoice over them, and to thank God for them.  Then, follow it up with a quick prayer and ask the Father to minister and provide for someone else who is in need of those things.

For example: Today i am extremely grateful and thankful for words, for the love of God and for being able to share with you. It fills my heart with joy and I am so blessed to share my grateful grace-full life with you. Blessings, dear ones. Oh how He loves you and me!

And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.  Deuteronomy 26:11 KJV

Oh how He loves You and Me

Spending time with the Lord I heard him say this, and I pray it will bless you too:

Draw near, don’t hold back! Oh my child do not fear, I am not the accuser,
I am your father. I love you with a perfect, unfailing, everlasting love.
Who you are is very precious to me.
I call you into my presence to spend time with you.
Not to tell you what you’ve done wrong —
but to remind you of what Jesus did to make it right, to make you right in my sight.
I am longing for intimacy, trust, a conversation with you.
I want to tell you how I love you, and how pleased I am
with the good choices you’ve made, and how I have plans for you.
Plans to fill your future. I want to share myself with you,
to overwhelm you and fill you with my love.
There is nothing about you that surprises me, nothing I won’t forgive.
Do not let the lies of the enemy keep you from me.

Jesus prayed these words for those who will believe in him:

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; …  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
JOHN 17:20 & 23

Faith Sisters

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Faith Sisters – I think all women need them. They are fellow followers of Jesus, women of the Word, of like precious faith – and yet not religious, but very real women! These are women who will answer my call at any time, listen to anything I need to say (without shock or dismay). They will pray, tell me the truth – what the Word says, set me straight when necessary, and encourage me in the faithfulness of God.

I am privileged to have several women like this in my life. Some are like mothers, nurturing me with the love of God. Others are like sisters, we learn and grow together in grace and faith.  No matter time or distance, the Father’s unconditional love has bound our hearts together. I am humbled by the gift of these Faith Sisters, and so grateful for each one and how God has used them to strengthen my faith. My prayer is that all who read this will find and connect with the Faith Sisters (or Brothers) that I know He has for you.

One of my mothers in the faith wrote this beautiful poem and gave me permission to share it with you. Just as Roberta effortlessly radiates the love of Jesus, I pray these words will minister His peace and grace to you.

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 MOST PRECIOUS TREASURE

Be encouraged, little Daughter:
Your God is on your side.
Draw near. Bask in My Presence.
Let My Love abide.

Allow My living waters
To wash away each thought
That counteracts My promises
And the life that Christ has bought.

You are My precious treasure
Purchased at great cost,
The sheep that I came looking for
Who is no longer lost.

Arise and shine right where you are.
Let’s join in harmony.
Your world awaits your entrance.
Through you, they’ll soon find me.

I find in you, great pleasure.
You’re the apple of My eye
I promise: I’ll not leave you.
I’m always standing by.

By Roberta M. Spinney; shared with her permission.

Be Thou My Vision

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Some of the old hymns are so rich, and this is one of my favorites; according to wikipedia it may have originated in Ireland as early as the 6th century. This is an English version  by Eleanor Hull from 1912.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Finding a treasure – His peace

 

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The Bible is such a rich treasury! I am reading Rick Renner’s book titled, Sparkling Gems From The Greek 2 (very good!), but I also enjoy digging into meanings of words in the whole bible. For example, the word Peace. In English, I tended to reduce it to “the absence of conflict.” But oh, it is so much more! In fact, understanding this one word has impacted my life ever since I learned it. Dr. Billye Brim taught me about it and I am so grateful!.

The meaning of peace in Hebrew includes: safety, security, prosperity, abundance, health, welfare, to be well, to have favor, wholeness and completeness. Or to put it simply, to have nothing missing, lacking or broken in my life.

I continue to dig in the Word and learn more about this peace. I  believe God’s will is revealed in His Word (and He means what He says). As a result, I choose to believe the Word, expect to receive it, trust Him, hold it close to my heart, and I refuse to let go of His peace.  Here are a few examples:

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.  Numbers 6:24-26

 

Rest or Worry – I get to choose.

I cannot both rest and worry at the same time. If I am worrying, I am not resting.  I might be able to relax… but at the back of my mind there would always that “what if,” so that’s not real rest. The great thing is that every moment of every day, I get to choose. Will I worry? Or, will I trust Him and rest in His care.

A lesson on rest. A few years ago, we went through an unsettled time. We sold our home and hadn’t been able to find a new one yet – and then my husband became ill and needed surgery, complications…and still no new home. As he recovered, we moved everything into storage and lived in a borrowed home for a while (Thank God he provided a temporary home!).

During these months, the Holy Spirit sweetly led me into peace using Psalm 23. Every night as I lay down to sleep, negative thoughts would come, but He taught me to refuse and refute them one word at a time using Psalm 23. I began to meditate (choose intentionally to think about and expand upon, roll over in my mind, and even speak to myself) what a word meant until I fell asleep.  I started with…

The Lord – yes Jesus is My Lord, my Father is the Most High God, the King of Kings, the creator, the source of blessing. He is the one who calls me beloved, and He has promised to meet all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus…  

My – yes that means belonging to me. He is my Lord. He said to cast all my cares on Him and expect Him to care for me…. He also cares for my husband, we both belong to Him.

Shepherd – He is responsible to care for me and my husband. He is our shepherd, we hear His voice and we follow his leading, he rescues us when we need it, just like he rescued the one sheep in His Word. He provides for us, He leads us and shows us what to do. He provides for our needs, gives us rest, heals us, and  delivers us.

Often I would fall asleep while meditating on these few words. But if I woke up in the night, I would start at the next word and continue on, thinking about green pastures, still waters, how He restores my soul. Sometimes I still meditate this Psalm while falling asleep, it brings me into a place of rest.

He has been teaching me about rest for years, and thankfully He still is. I have found true rest comes from knowing God and His character and in learning to trust in His love.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23 (KJV)

Check out this great commentary and all the versions of Psalm 23 on blueletterbible.org.