Ten Days of Miracles!

            God is still a God of miracles.  Many people will tell you that miracles don’t happen anymore, but I, for one, would heartily disagree!  Our trip to Israel was amazing.  The very fact that Israel became a state in 1948 is a very real miracle in itself.  We learned much, made wonderful friends and felt the power of our living God, over and over.

            What made the trip even more special was the gift of His miracles he provided.  There were the what I will call the big miracle: the day we were anchored in the middle of the Sea of Galilee when a wonderful storm blew in.  This is significant because it just doesn’t rain in Israel in the middle of May.  Typically it doesn’t rain past the end of February, but a stray shower the early part of March isn’t unheard of.  But it rained in May….the middle of May….while we were on the boat worshiping!  We had just sang the song, “Let It Rain” (spiritual rain to flood the soul) and the Pastor had just finished teaching from Mark 4 where Jesus was in the boat asleep, when the disciples woke him because a storm had blown in suddenly and they were frightened.  The storm was a miracle which we all will forever cherish!

            On the very first day there, Moran, a Messianic Jew, and owner of the tour company gave a message on Jonah asking, “What is God calling you to do?  Are you listening?  Will you be obedient?”  Jonah was an unlikely candidate who did not want to follow God’s call, and tried to run away.  Running didn’t work though, and he found himself in the pit of a whale’s stomach before deciding to obey God and finally being spit out on shore to follow the command to go to the city of Nineveh.   I will tell you God spoke very clearly to me later on the tour, in a clear, unmistakable voice in a way I never expected or have had happen before.  I am very excited and while I won’t go into the details at this time, you can be sure, “I will be obedient!” ….and will share with you later!

            Then there was the night I fell getting into the slippery bathtub and had two very bruised knees and since I hit the side of the tub right on my rib cage, I was certain I’d be sore the next day, even as I asked God to please not let this ruin my trip.  I showed Charles my bruised knees after I showered and went to bed.  The next morning, not only was there no pain in my ribs, my knees had no signs of any bruise or soreness!

            We had two days of a lot of walking up and down stairs, through the Old City of Jerusalem and through narrow tunnels that were more suited for my five foot frame than Charles’ six foot height.  This meant he stooped over and was often twisting as we made our way through the newly excavated tunnel beneath Jerusalem.  Given Charles’ health issues, we weren’t surprised when after the two days, his joints were screaming with pain.  Moran noted Charles’ pain and prayed for healing…..and it came!  Charles moved about for the remaining duration of the trip without further issue.  Even as I write this, while he still has issues, it is nothing like what he anticipated or completely expected given this activity! 

To follow this, God provided an empty seat next to Charles on the plane home to provide much needed space to stretch his legs and move around.  The lady assigned to that seat moved to another, once the plane was in the air.

            Then there was the day when a diabetic in our group found her blood sugar level extremely low after some rigorous hiking.  Yet, God didn’t allow her to crash.  He sustained her until she was able to receive the required food stuffs necessary to stabilize her blood sugar levels.  Everyone rallied around her to see that she had food and water.  Not once did she find herself in any emergency situation, despite the blood sugar count.

            I suspect every person on our tour experienced their own miracles during those ten days, besides the one we all shared on the Sea of Galilee.  God is real and wants us to know him.  What better way, when we are focused on Him, to reveal himself to us?  He is always among us.  We need only to recognize Him and welcome him in our midst.

            Just being in Israel was a miracle, but I want to go back for a moment to Jonah.  Being asked to do something by God often makes people nervous.  As humans, we are just sure we aren’t up to the task that is set before us.  Yet God knows us better than we know ourselves and has chosen us for a reason.  We are the best person for whatever he has called us to do.  What’s more, if he takes us to it, He will get us through it.  We just have to allow Him to work through us so He can be glorified.  When we are obedient and accomplish the task before us, is this not also a miracle?  God is good…..all the time!  

             I hope you will be blessed through my writings as we journey through Jerusalem, via my blog!

            The pictures I have included are those from our first day in Israel.  The first picture was taken at the airport, in mid afternoon on Saturday. 

 

 From the air port we visited Old Joppa.  It was here Jonah boarded a ship, and then tried to flee from God, fearful of what God wanted him to do. 

Note the whale statues commemorating Jonah's departure from this city on his way to Ninevah before being swallowed by the whale....

 Jonah 1:2-3 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai:  "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."  But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

 The next two pictures are of ruins of The Lion Temple where ritualistic sacrifices were held during the time of the Canaanites.  A lioness skull and part of a statue of Aphrodite was also found here which were indications of the ceremonies held in this place.  

  

 

 The last three are views of the modern city of Tel Aviv, the cultural, financial and entertainment city of Israel.  It is often called, "The city that never sleeps," due to the nightlife offered in the area.

           

Next week I will share "Day 2" of our incredible visit to Israel!  I hope you'll join me!

You Lose, Satan!

I had the misfortune this week of being bit on my index finger by a frightened young kitten.   He was terribly upset, and undoubtedly meant no great harm when he sank his razor sharp teeth into my finger (well, maybe a little at the time!) since he began purring as soon as the deed was done!  The bite was deep and caused a good deal of pain for a short while.  I took the necessary steps of cleaning and peroxiding the area and felt confident all was good, but agreed when we went into town the next morning, which was already a planned shopping day, to stop by the Base hospital and get a tetanus shot since I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had one.   In just an hour or so, I began to see swelling, so I iced it and still wasn’t terribly concerned. 

The next morning, as planned, we stopped by the Base to get the tetanus shot.  When the tech looked at my hand, he immediately said that perhaps this needed further attention so he went to get someone with more authority.  After questions about the cat and us being unable to prove the little guy had any shots, the next tech looked at my hand and said, “I think you might need rabies shots.” 

Surprised, I hesitated, but responded, “Well, okay.”  They then proceeded to explain the process:  One today, another on the third day, the 7^th day and 14^th day.  The only problem with that is I would be in Israel when it came time for the last shot!  My response:  “I will not forego Israel for rabies shots!  I will start them all over again, if necessary!”  I was adamant with every doctor I saw that day!

As it turned out, I ended up with six shots for the day, plus an IV of extra antibiotics since by afternoon the hand was clearly infected with some type of bacteria!  Phone calls were made and it was decided that I could get the last shot in Israel and if worse came to worse, the rabies hotline the doctor called, assured me I could have the last one done here if  I got it the day I returned home.

As we finally made our way home in late afternoon, I couldn’t help but chuckle at my husband, Charles’ comment:  “Well, I’ll bet Satan is mad and saying ‘Oh great!  Now she’s on the mend!”

It’s true, when we hold our ground with Christ against whatever Satan throws at us, we do make him mad.  But we overcome!  I have no doubt Satan was pleased as punch at the very thought of deterring us from this trip.  He knows we will never be the same again.  To walk where Jesus walked, to see the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, Carmel Mountain, Armageddon, Caesarea Philippi and so much more, will change the way we view God’s word.  It will become more personal, more real, tangible and powerful.  I am looking forward to this trip, because I know it will be a once in a lifetime blessing.  Let Satan be mad!  We aim to make this trip to Israel and with God’s grace, we will overcome!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."   John 16:33

(The picture included above is of our own sweet "Little Bear" not the little one that bit me!)

Honoring God

            As my quiet time came to a close, I stopped thinking and just tried listening, hoping to hear God’s voice.  The scripture from Proverbs 31 came to mind, so I reached for my Bible and read the chapter.  At the conclusion I was left with this feeling of total incompetence.  I simply was not doing enough.  I surely don’t come close to matching the woman described as a “wife of noble character” in this chapter.  I would have to make changes!  I would begin rising earlier and working later, doing less of “nothing” and concentrating on using my time wisely and being more productive!                                                                                        

            Then I read the commentary below the scripture.  It pointed out that women, like me, often compare themselves to this passage and like me, feel inadequate!  Yet, no woman can be perfect or completely measure up to these standards.  Frustration and despair would set in if we believed we needed to be this person!  Further, God accepts us just like we are and we should allow God to change us into the image he wants us to be.  If God can accept us, we should be able to accept ourselves.  As we grow, we will begin to reveal the characteristics that demonstrate the unmatched perfect wife.

            Accepting myself, can be a struggle, however.  I am far from who I would like to be!  I am a procrastinator in some areas and tend to put off what needs to be done.  This happens primarily in my writing when I have a large daunting assignment ahead of me.   This may be perhaps out of fear of failure or again from the feeling of inadequacy.  I find when I break a project down into sections, I do much better, because I can look at the small tasks without the great fear of the massive undertaking.  This is a good thing considering I want my writing to be fruitful and to always honor God.

            So I find myself changing my prayer, somewhat!  Instead of “Lord give me motivation to study more, to write more, to be a better wife….” which are all about me, I want to pray that he would give me a heart to keep striving to become the woman he wants me to be.  I need to pray that more than anything I would love him first and more than anything else.  Then pray for his direction, guidance, and that his kindness be reflected in all I do.

            When I do this, I am honoring Him and making my life about Him, not me!         

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Obedience and Meeting A Need

During our visit in Pigeon Forge, TN we listened to an Acapella group from Zambia, a country found in Africa.  These five young men were ministered to when they were just boys by missionaries who saw a need, trusted and followed the call of the Lord to preach to all nations.  Their obedience laid the groundwork for another round of obedience.  Because the boys accepted Christ as their Savior, they also found the desire to meet a need.  In their country nearly half the population is age sixteen and younger.  Disease and poverty steal the lives of parents, leaving countless children homeless, and uneducated.

Zambian parents are required to pay for their children’s education which is completely opposite here in the United States.  American children receive an education as a right; a gift if you will.  Our government requires an education for each child until at least age sixteen.  The Zambian Vocal Group believe an education of the young people in their country would be the beginning of a life of change; of good change.  Otherwise, the children will continue the life of poverty and delinquency that plagues  areas with this problem.  They have, therefore grouped together to sing for audiences in this country of plenty, to provide an education for children in their country.  Their music is a ministry to pay for expenses of an education for the homeless children in Zambia.  Currently they have 250 children within the school/mission, providing education for grades K-8.  They have begun a new scholarship program which for $150 a year,  provides the means for one student to complete one year of high school.

My point of all this information merely demonstrates how trust and obedience can change lives.  First the missionaries responded, and then the subsequent mission of the vocal band.  Not one of these young men can read music, but the music they share, and the personal witness they give further spreads the greatest story ever told: the story of Jesus Christ.

Do you know Jesus like these young men from a small village in Africa?  Have you trusted in Him?  Can you imagine the desires of your heart being fulfilled, like theirs: the desire to see others come to the Christ they have come to know and worship?

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVtaHLh4-jo   (This is a link from You Tube posted by southerngospelsinger·so you can hear them sing!)  Listen and be blessed!

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.  Psalm 37:3-5

An Effective Prayer Life

I am learning so much in my different Bible studies.  On a recent day the object of prayer was discussed.  As people in a very busy society, we are likely to feel rushed and pushed on all sides to get as much done in as little time as possible.  This thought process affects every aspect of our lives, from the way we drive a car to the way we eat our meals!  Everything is rush, rush, rush; hurry up and get it done!

We have appliances that fill our homes.  They might include, but are certainly not limited to a microwave, toaster, blender, food processor, coffee, sandwich, waffle and bread makers, tea brewers along with the required vacuum cleaner, sewing machine or other specialty items we choose!  Now, I’m the first to admit that I like my appliances and use most of them. (Most being the operative word!)  They are each designed to perform a particular task and supposedly, in the most effective, efficient and economical way.  In a nutshell, they are designed to save time.  But do they?  

Oh, and please don’t forget our computers!  I admit I would be lost without mine!  But that being said, while it is much more efficient than paper and pen and the trusty typewriter, because I can “do” so much more on the computer, I find that “just writing” doesn’t happen!  I get sidetracked checking my mail, or face book; doing searches (and honestly often it is for writing), checking the weather and on and on!  But the truth is I’m just busy and it isn’t always productive!

When you add obligations to clubs or organizations in which we participate, sports activities, business meetings, even church and Christian responsibilities along with our day to day commitments we find ourselves feeling frazzled by the time we get everything finished! 

So how does all this affect our prayer life?  We are so caught up in all the busy-ness of day to day business, we find it difficult to stop and be quiet long enough to foster a productive prayer life.  According to the study I am in, praying for others can change other people’s lives.  That had never occurred to me!  Yet, I can honestly say I do pray for others and I expect results, but not in the sense that it could change their life, at least not in the day to day perspective! We are instructed to pray with a believing heart, but I didn’t process it further than that!  Prayer does make a difference!  It is a privilege to come to the throne of Grace on someone else’s behalf.  It is also a responsibility!  (Galatians 6:2-5)

Satan and his band of demons are becoming more and more aggressive every day in our world.  We need to remember that Christians are under constant attack from the dark side.  Marriages are failing, people are turning to chemical substances for escape, while immoral and shameful behaviors permeate advertising and are flaunted all about us.  Degradation of the human race is becoming rampant.  We need prayer; specific prayers, if we intend to stand up to this evil.  Our prayers need to be Spirit led, thoughtful and caring for each person we lift up.

But praying effectively takes time.  It takes a quiet mind and still, loving heart in tune with God.  Rushing through a practiced prayer or “one thought covers all” kind of prayer, leaves our prayer life weak and vulnerable.  We need to bow before God with a humble heart and childlike innocence.  I will admit this is an area in my life where I really need to improve.  So I ask you, how is your prayer life?  Is your relationship with the Father a time consuming, tedious task you feel like you must accomplish as your Christian duty?  Or do you cherish with all your heart the time you spend with the Lord?  I hope you’ll give it some thought, search your heart and make the relationship and prayer life with Jesus the most important part of your day.

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come…..”  Luke 11:1-2

Promises Fulfilled

As I watch our country spiral out of control economically, financially, morally and spiritually, I wonder how much longer the Lord will tarry.  There are news bulletins after bulletins decrying the depravity of our world.  It seems daily, individual state governments are making choices and decisions that further cripple an already critical situation.  As devastating as the news is, however, I can’t say I am surprised.  The situation was foretold hundreds of years ago and clearly described in God’s Word.

Not only is our country in this awful state, but the problem is worldwide!  The Word tells us nation will rise against nation and we can see this in the Middle East; Central and Southern Asia; Eastern Europe; Africa; East Asia and on the American continent.  All these countries are having some kind of raging conflict. 

Earthquakes are promised. The Philippians, Japan, Haiti, Chile, the United States and other places have had earthquakes that just seem to continue and seemingly get more frequent and with more intensity.  There is scientific reasoning for such occurrences, and while the science may be accurate, that doesn’t change the prophesy!

Famines and pestilence are predicted.  North Korea, Sudan, Somalia, the Congo, and Ethiopia are all in this category and we are now nearing historic drought levels in America with some predicting a famine in the “land of plenty!”  Follow this with the threats of pestilence which may not only be in the form of insects or mosquitoes, but modern, designer infections and human engineered viruses that have become superbugs and increasingly resistant to antibiotics.  Add germ warfare for diseases like smallpox or anthrax and suddenly we are living in an altogether frightening world!

Now, I am not normally a doom and gloom kind of person, but I can’t help but wonder where that leaves us!  On the one hand, if you know you are going to spend eternity with the Lord, dealing with these issues that encircle us becomes a bit more doable!  On the other hand, if you don’t know you are going to spend eternity within the realm of God, it might be a bit unnerving. 

We just celebrated Easter.  Jesus Christ hung on a cruel cross, dying for the sins of the world.  He was buried and on the third day, rose again.  He lives!  He will return to take his children home.  All these “things” were promised in the last days.  We are witnesses to the prophesies being fulfilled.  Do you know Christ as your Savior?  Can you say with confident assurance, despite what happens in this world, I know my eternity is secured in heaven?

These are not rhetorical questions, but real and urgent.  If you haven’t made a decision to follow Christ, I hope you’ll do that today.

When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."   Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven."  Luke 21:9-11