Shabbat Shalom

 

This is my favorite time of the week. Beginning at 6 pm I enter into the rest of Shabbat with my Jewish brothers and sisters and Gentiles, like me, who love the nation of Israel and observe God's appointed time. Growing up going to church on Sunday has always been a welcomed time of rest away from the cares of this world, putting aside works only to focus on the love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. So now, as I have for many years, Saturday, the 7th day of creation when God rested from His work and was refreshed according to Genesis, is a day I also observe. 

Learning more about my Hebraic roots has given me a greater appreciation of gathering at appointed times, Moedim, as scripture teaches. When God created the heavens and the earth, and He saw that it was good, then He sat down and rested and was refreshed. Throughout scripture we are exhorted by God to observe the Sabbath Day and to keep it holy. Now this is not condemnation for those who worship on Sunday or any other day because of our upbringing and belief, or for those who have to work on this day. I am simply sharing scriptures, and what I am learning and applying to my life.

This period of time known as Teshuva, beginning this year on September 3rd, marks the 40 days before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is the only time during the year when priests were allowed to enter into the Holy of Holies where the presence of God rested. To enter unworthily meant death, so before entering, the priest had to first make atonement for his sins. In fact a rope was tied to him just in case he had entered God's presence unclean, so that his body could be removed. God is a holy God who cannot be in the presence of sin. This makes me wonder if it ever happened, as scripture does not say, to my knowledge. Aaron's two sons, Nadab and Abihu, died for offering unholy fire, as mentioned in Leviticus 10:1-2. Another time when David was bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem after it had been taken by the Philistines (2 Samuel 6:7), Uzzah was killed for attempting to steady the Ark when the oxen stumbled. God specified in Exodus 25:15 how the Ark was to be carried, and although Uzzah meant well and by impulse tried to steady the cart, he died for his disobedience. David had not consulted with God, and a high cost was paid. God is serious about His word, and although there are times in the scriptures when God seems harsh in His punishment,  but we must remember that God is a holy God. 

Teshuvah, as I noted previously, is a time of repentance and return, a time of examining our lives, repenting, and returning or aligning our lives to grow closer to God, to know Him better, to hear His voice, and truly know Him, abide with Him, which has been His desire since before creation. Repentance should be a regular part of our walk with the LORD, because we sin every day. Most of the time it is unintentional as in thinking bad thoughts, saying unkind words to another, putting everything else first rather than focusing on Him, or any of many ways we do not discern the presence of God and walk accordingly. Many find this lifestyle restrictive, but when you have been in the presence of our Living God, your life changes, and you understand the sweetness of abiding in Christ. 

Being part of this difficult time in the history of Israel, standing in prayer as one of many watchmen on the wall, called into service by God for Zion's sake, awaiting the return of our LORD, has been a privilege and a joy. It is deeply humbling knowing that apart from Christ, I am unworthy to approach a holy God, but because I accepted God's free gift of grace, I can stand in intercession on behalf of another. The cost of discipleship is extremely high, as many of us are finding out. Our CEO at ICEJ has been going through a painful time of physical healing, but I know that these times can be the best times to rest in His presence and listen to His voice. I believe when he returns he will be overflowing with fresh wisdom, manna from above, to share with all of us. As we surrender our lives in obedience to Christ, we can learn so much. Each day is a fresh word from the LORD, and I am awed by His glory.

So, as I enter into Shabbat in a few short hours, I want to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening intently, choosing the better thing, as Jesus shared with Martha regarding her sister Mary of Bethany when Mary chose to sit and listen, rather than rush around and "do." God calls us to "be." It is my prayer that this Shabbat during my time of rest that I am truly refreshed, as He promises. God never breaks His promises or His covenants. He longs to abide with all of us. My God, my joy! Take this time to put aside the weights that so easily outweigh us, and enter into the sweetness of knowing Him better and be refreshed.

 

 

Rosh Chodesh Elul

    

It's been a busy day, not particularly in actions, but in thoughts, cluttered with "to dos." So much happens so quickly that I find I am requiring more time just to process my thoughts. Too many distractions, not necessarily bad, but untimely. My focus needs to be turned to one thing. Like Mary of Bethany, I need to sit at the feet of Jesus, choosing to do the better thing. Only one thing that is necessary, Jesus told Martha, and He would not take it from her. Sitting at His feet, gazing intently into His face, soaking in every word. Worshiping.

Today, Tuesday, 9.3.2024 is the first day of the month of Elul on the Hebrew calendar (year 5784). It is a time of introspection, personal and corporate, leading up to the High Holy Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, which is followed by the feast days, the most notably the Feast of Tabernacles. During this time we enter days of fasting and repentance, finding comfort in drawing close to the Lord, examining ourselves on every level. The month of Av that preceded was a time of mourning. As I write these words all of Israel mourns the past year of heart-wrenching horror and the helplessness many feel. There is no peace in the waiting, and for many the pain and insidious evil grows as the enemy taunts. Six precious souls executed as the enemy fled.

The events of October 7, 2023, changed everything. It's been such a difficult time for people waiting for the release of their loved ones, trying to find a sense of "normal" as daily the sirens are going off somewhere, many displaced from their homes because of the impending danger. Media has given the wrong impression of Israel and her response to this terror. It is without regard for the feelings of others or for the decisions that weigh so heavily on Prime Minister Netanyahu. Bearing false witness against a neighbor is something God hates. It seems much easier to pick up the chant of paid trouble-makers or ignorant naysayers than to seek truth and follow it. This includes the ones who profess to follow Jesus. For the most part the silence of the church has been deafening. A token prayer goes up for Israel, a brief comment to show sympathy without truly mourning or understanding, too busy to stand in support of our closest ally, a friend.

I'm weary, but it not in well doing. What frustrates me is waiting for the church to arise. The hour is late. I find it difficult to articulate what I am feeling. Years ago I asked God to break my heart for what broke His. I was newer to intercession in those days, but He heard my prayer, and He answered me. From that time forward He has led me to "see" more clearly and to listen for His direction in prayer. When I learn something new, I find that I hardly know anything at all. Praying His prayers are not for the weak kneed or faint of heart. This year alone has made me question so many things about myself. I've been privileged to attend daily prayer meetings with the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Getting to know leaders who support Israel, many Gentile believers like myself, has been such a blessing. God told me He would set me, the solitary, in families, and He has. In October 2021 He instructed me to move back to Virginia after spending 35 years in Northern New Mexico. It has not been an easy move, and I have encountered more change than I thought. I have experienced much heartache over the loss of loved ones here and in New Mexico. Two strong supporters, one in each State, both died unexpectedly. It seems as if it is not permitted for me to get too close. I don't understand, but God does, so I follow, and I trust Him. It's all He wants, my obedience, my trust, and my love. Dwelling in His presence. The best place to be. The only place for me.

The hour is extremely late, and a new day has begun. Time for sleep, a time to dream.Shalom.

The Battle Belongs to the LORD - Part 1

 

 It is not uncommon for me to wake up with a song in my heart. For the past two days, once I opened my eyes, my gaze toward heaven, I sang the words "the LORD God is a strong tower; the righteous run into it, and they are safe. The LORD God is a strong tower; the righteous run into it, and they are safe." On our prayer call this morning, day 251 of the war in Israel, the worship leader spoke these same words from the scripture on which this song is based (Proverbs 18:10). This brought so much joy to my soul! Adonai often provides such confirmations to what He is showing me or speaking to me through His word and dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and in this instance, through worship. This dear one was leading worship from Fiji in the wee hours of the morning. Such dedication to the LORD is obvious for all who have remained constant on these important calls. My cup runs over.

As we discussed the situation in Israel and surrounding countries ruled or greatly influenced by evil, more and more I saw clearly the battle being waged in the heavens. In prayer and intercession, combined with fasting, God responds with His counsel, wisdom, and might. As we were praying, I remembered things in my life and the lives of others that have been overcome or are in the process. More than ever, no matter what the situation, we cannot lower our shields. This battle is the LORD's and He fights for us, yet as in 2 Chronicles 20, He expects us to suit up and be present, sometimes to engage with Him, but other times, to watch Him do what only HE can do. So many times we feel that "we" have done something. Well, if you are one of those who is of that persuasion, kindly open your eyes and look at the mess in our present age all over the world. Leaders thought they could "help" God, and just like with Abraham and Sarah, God has His timing, and His ways which are perfect. Had Abraham and Sarah waited, perhaps we would not be in such a mess in Israel today. Only God knows. And that is the key, God has known our every move since BEFORE He created the world, and YET, He still created man. Why? Because He wanted fellowship with us. That is a huge mystery to me. God is the three in one, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is complete in Himself, but He wanted relationship with us. Go figure?! One thing I do know, when all is said and done, the message will be, "the LORD did it!"

Scripture says, God's ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9), but He has a plan for each of us to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). The Word of God is full of promises, and whatever He promises, He does. This can be traced through all the scriptures. Today, we were encouraged not to grow weary in our prayers, especially when we do not see the fruit of the labor being manifested in real time. Hostages are still being held and tortured, used as pawns, the war continues, people are dying, and rulers are playing games when they should be consulting the LORD. Regardless, of what is not being said and results not happening, He is in control. Sometimes I wish God would open the eyes of His people all over this world whose faces are set in faithful intercession day and night, so they could see His glory. In 2 Kings 6:17-20, the prophet Elisha asked God to open his servant's eyes to see that although the enemy surrounded them in great numbers, Heaven's Army was greater. I know the vision of this army, and it is indeed vast. I wish that all could see how great is our God who fights for us, and our Savior, who sits in heaven beside the right side of God, where He continuously makes intercession for us (Ephesians 1 & 2;  Romans 8:34). The verses in Ephesians describes our position in Christ and in prayer in the heavenly place. The book of Ephesians is a great study of spiritual warfare and living the righteous lifestyle, and I recommend it be read as a reminder of God's great work and power through us as believers. If you have never read the entire Bible through, you should. Trust me, you'd be greatly encouraged, plus you'd see today's events playing out prophetically in real time. Study to show yourself approved.

I'm trying to keep this shorter today, but my hope is to do what God told me to do some years ago and speak out. If you are sincerely desirous of a personal and close relationship with Our Father, I hope encouragement has been received.

Shalom.

Sharing a Thought

 

 

 

Today is a beautiful sunny day, thus far, that is. Yesterday, it rained and stormed for a time, but it had periods of refreshing. The rains are always refreshing to me, and I even like thunder and lightning. It reminds me of the invisible war in the heavenlies that most people are not aware of going on for the sake of God's beloved ones here on earth, especially in Israel.

I was listening to Give Him 15 this morning, and Dutch said something about a controversy over the Appeal to Heaven flag. I used to have one outside my home, until the rains finally did it in. I tried to wash it, and it disintegrated. I haven't replaced it, honestly because it costs $40, and the money was better served elsewhere at this time. God knows that my allegiance is to Him. I wasn't aware that it held many meanings for individual owners, some adding their own hack of it or observers adding their own evil intention to it. The flag originated with General George Washington when he knelt in prayer asking for God's assistance during wartime. For me, when I began flying it when I lived in New Mexico, it portrayed my appeal to the only One who can help our nation and our world that has so desperately turned their backs on Him. Now it would symbolize even more of an appeal as all the nations are turning their backs on Israel. But I don't need a flag. God sees and knows my heart. 

 

Our nation and world leaders need to fall down on their faces and seek God's face and beg His forgiveness.  As an individual, I pray daily for repentance, first examining my own heart, as God is correct when He said in scripture that the heart is desperately wicked. He made us, He knows us! It has been such a blessings these past eight months to be part of the ICEJ prayer calls each morning, as each of us repents, first asking Holy Spirit to examine our own hearts, and then, only then, can we stand in the gap for our nations and the world. Our focus is Israel, whom scripture says has already suffered double for all her sins, but it is humbling to see great leaders, men and women of God who hold high positions in the ministry, humbly ask His pardon.

Few Pastors will speak up for righteousness from the pulpit or in public these days. I don't understand it, but I have noticed more and more that the full counsel of God is not being preached in church. The churches do not appear unified either. I remember a time when there was weekly or at least monthly meetings of the churches in the small town where I was living in New Mexico. Imagine the impact that would have on our country and on the world if pastors and leaders from each denomination would meet together regularly to pray.

But this is not the only difference I have found among Christians that I have observed since my return to Virginia after 35 years of being in New Mexico. Sadly, not only is the Bible not being taught as written, without apology, but there are compromises being made that are contrary to the word of God. We need to have our toes stepped on in church weekly, if not more, and we need to repent, search our hearts and remove anything that is contrary to the written Word, our covenant with God. I have failed God so much in my lifetime, and I implore you to live your lives sold out to Jesus. He is the only way, and if we continue to nail Him to the cross through disobedience what does that really say of our commitment to Him. I was saved at the age of 8, baptized, and I spent all my time in church and in activities, and I knew that I was called from childhood to do certain things. YET, I fell badly. God told me I'd go through fires, but not be burned, and I'd go through floods, but not be drowned. He also told me satan wanted to sift me like wheat. Everything that God told me, everything, has happened. But, like Peter, I was restored. Not that man reached out to me, but I was so close to Jesus that I recognized my stupidity quickly. I never wanted to hurt anyone, especially not myself, by my decisions in life, but I did. But God, in His infinite mercy and grace, stayed with me, and pursued me. He will never let us go. Once, as I was scribbling rapidly in my journal, seeking Him for direction, feeling so lost, He told me that I belonged to Him. And I do. And just like John 15 says, we are woven together in the vine, connected, and He won't let me go.

What He has done for me, and what He continues to do for me, you can also experience if you surrender your wills to Him, trusting Him for your needs whether they be spiritual, physical, mental, financial, or emotional. He supplies your every need.

 

I hope that this day brings revelation light to whoever may need to hear this word today. My cup overflows with joy today for Who my Abba is and who my wonderful Yeshua is to me. I want to shout from the rooftops that He Lives!! Because He does.

Spend some time in Ephesians today and be built up.

 

Shalom!