Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Wisdom Wednesday #23 - National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 1 is the National Day of Prayer.  People will gather together to pray for our country.  Even if you cannot attend a gathering, you can pray at home.  The time for prayer is between 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm.

All over the country, the following verse will be quoted :

If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

I will join in agreement with that prayer. I have prayed it for many years.  Over the past few years, I have come to see it differently from many people.

The verse tells us to repent and turn back to G-d.  We know that; but I believe we are being asked to return to G-d's ways and commandments according to the Torah (the first five books of the Bible).  I believe we are to observe and obey Him as completely as possible.  Read the whole chapter, and you will see my point.

This includes observing His Sabbath, not the Sunday observance taught by the Christian church.  I observed Sunday until I began to seek wisdom.  I could not find any place in the New Testament that said to observe Sunday as the Sabbath.

I believe G-d wants us to observe and obey His other Feasts and Festivals outlined in Leviticus 23.  

If you will read the four gospels, you will see that Yeshua was a Torah-observant Jew. He observed the Sabbath, and the Feasts and Festivals.  He was angry with the religious leaders who had replaced the Torah with their own ways and laws.  He said, "I have not come to do away with the Law (Torah), but to fulfill it." Please keep in mind that Yeshua (Jesus) Himself said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."  Also, keep in mind that Yeshua is the same G-d who gave the commandments to Moses in the Torah.


This will be hard to read for some of you.  You will say, "We aren't under the Law.  We are under Grace."  I grew up under this philosophy, too.

Think about this:  we are under both.  He gave us His Law and His Grace in both the Old and New Testaments.  

In the Old Testament, He outlined His commandments, which we call Law.  He set up a system of sacrifice (blood) to cover and pay for sins committed.  That was Grace.

In the New Testament, He (Yeshua) said, "Keep my commandments" and set the example by obeying them while on the earth.  That is His Law.

He shed His blood for sin, once for all, so that no more animals would have to be sacrificed.  That was and is Grace. 

This message is heavy on my heart.  I believe ADONAI wants us to return to His ways outlined in His Torah.  If you will study them, you will see that they were observed in the New Testament passages.

I challenge anyone reading this post to do your own study.  Seek G-d's face and His wisdom.  Repent and turn to His ways.  Return to Torah.

I hope you will listen to this video about repentance:




Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Israel Trip #7 - Sailing on the Galilee


Remember the story of the disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee when a storm came up?   The storm raged, but Yeshua slept through it.  The disciples woke Him up and said, "Master, don't you care that we are about to die?"(See Mark 4:37-40)  I had a similar experience when we took our boat trip. 

The day dawned a cloudy, heavy grey.  When we arrived at the boat dock, the winds were around thirty miles per hour, and the water was quite choppy.



This is our crew.  The sign says "worship boats".  I don't remember any worship or singing, but I do remember the captain  assuring us that we would make it to the other side.  

That's Shelby, with her arms raised.  She's comparing it to a ride on a roller coaster.  Up....down....wheeeeeee!!! She's a brave girl, compared to me:
Yes, I am hanging on for dear life.

I don't remember much about the ride across, except praying we wouldn't die and that I wouldn't throw up.  

What stands out in my mind is when we reached the other side. Imagine the boat rising and falling in the waves.  We'd go up about three feet, and down about three feet.  Now imagine this when you have to step off the boat and onto the dock.  The crew had to help each person and give directions about when to jump....at just the right moment, so you wouldn't get smashed between the boat and the dock.  I was scared, mostly because I have a hip replacement, and have to be very careful not to make certain moves.  

I prayed and felt Abba's assurance that He was with me, just as He'd been with the frightened disciples.  With His help, and the assistance of the crew, I was able to jump off at just the right time, and didn't throw anything out of place.  (big sigh of relief)

As we left the boat, we were met by a large group of Nigerians headed toward the dock.  How do I know they were from Nigeria?  Because Rose, one of our tour group members was from Nigeria, and immediately recognized the signs of her fellow country men and women.  The group was laughing, dancing, singing about Jesus, and high-fiving us as we passed.  What a joyful end to our stressful boat ride.  



My next post will be about the Jesus Boat, an archeological find uncovered on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
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I'm linking up today with:
 Spiritual Sunday
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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Thankful Thursday #6 - Psalm 27


Thankful Thursday is my weekly discipline - to express my gratitude to Hashem for His over-flowing, abundant blessings. 

Today, I am so thankful for Psalm 27.  This psalm has ministered to me many, many times over the years.
 
There have been times in my life when I have been assaulted by my enemies - real people.  Most of the times, though, my enemies have been the works of "the" enemy, satan.  The enemy whispers thoughts of worry, fear, stress,  and vain imaginations to me in order to steal my joy and peace.  

Psalm 27 is my answer.

When unsettling thoughts assail me, I choose to remember ADONAI  is with me, and I open my Bible.  I read these fourteen verses slowly and meditate on each one.  


Verse six says: " I will offer...sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the L-rd."  That's my cue to put on some praise music like this and sing (out loud).  

Ahhhhh, I take a deep breath.  Yes, Father, I know You are with me.  You will ease my mind and heart.  You will give me Your strength...wisdom...discernment...whatever I need.  Thank You, Father, for your sweet peace. Thank You for Your JOY!


Psalm 27

King James Version (KJV)
27 The L-rd is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the L-rd is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the L-rd, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the L-rd all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the L-rd, and to inquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the L-rd.
Hear, O L-rd, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, L-rd, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O G-d of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the L-rd will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O L-rd, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the L-rd in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the L-rd: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the L-rd.
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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Wisdom Wednesday #22 - Passover Seder


Passover ended Monday at sundown.  Our seder was wonderful, as always.  Here are some photos from our precious time with mishpocha (family).  Learn more about Passover by clicking on the link on the left side of this blog. 












For Elijah
Lighting the candles to begin


The men sang "Pharoah-Pharoah"
He found the affikomen



And Rabbi Jem had to pay up!


Looking for Elijah - who wasn't there



frogs! frogs! frogs!






If you ever attend a seder, you'll know why this game is so appropriate.  Hint:  Read Exodus 8:1-3
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 I'm sharing this post at:
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Modest Mom Monday Link-up 

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Hearts for Home
Favorite Things 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Israel Trip - The Galilee


We arrived at our hotel in Tiberius in the late afternoon.  I enjoyed seeing the Chanukah menorahs lit in the lobby.  The prayers for the lighting were provided for us, too.  What a joy to be in Israel for this wonderful holiday.  As you can see from the menorah, we arrived on the fifth day of Chanukah. 

I always notice art work and loved these two pieces on the wall behind the menorahs


The hotel restaurant had avery nice horseshoe-shaped patio with a beautiful view the Sea of Galilee, aka Lake Kineret. As the sun set over the water and colored the sky with hues of pink and lavender, I rejoiced to be in the place where Yeshua did much of His ministry. Shelby and looked forward to the next day when we would take a boat ride across the lake.

The patio area was planted with beautiful flowering plants and citrus trees. (It gave me ideas for my back yard) The lemons, oranges, grapefruit and kumquats were huge, and we indulged in a delicious orange picked from one of the loaded branches.  The fruit in Israel is gorgeous and abundant. 





We ate a fabulous dinner at the restaurant buffet.  Once again, the food was outstanding, especially the fresh vegetables and fruit.  We went to bed early, and slept well.  

The next morning dawned foggy, windy and cold.  (Very different from the last time I visited the Galilee.) Below are a few photos of what the streets and shops look like in this waterfront town.  I enjoyed trying to read the Hebrew signs, but was not too good at it. 

Many of the buildings and streets in Tiberius are built or decorated with  black stones called basalt.  You'll see more of this in my next post.






When we arrived at the dock for our boat trip, we were met with wind and choppy waves.  (Not good.)
Here is our tour group.  Can you tell this is not good weather for sailing? 

And here comes our boat!  



My next post will be about our boat trip. I learned a whole new appreciation of the disciples when they went through a storm on the Sea of Galilee.  

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 I'm sharing this post at:
Spiritual Sunday
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Modest Mom Monday Link-up 

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Whole Hearted Wednesday 
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Whimsical Wednesday

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Favorite Things 


Thursday, April 17, 2014

Thankful Thursday #5 - The Beach

This is a watercolor I did - I love to paint plein air
Thankful Thursday is my weekly discipline - to express my gratitude to Hashem for His over-flowing, abundant blessings.  

I am grateful to live near the ocean.  When I feel stressed or just need to be refreshed, a trip to the water is just the ticket.  The waves, the breeze, the birds, the shells...all are medicine to heal my soul.  If I have the time to paint, that is even more joy!  When I paint, the world stops and I am in a little bit of heaven.

Someone told me long ago to take my worries and cares about my loved ones to the sea.  There, I was to pray about my concerns, and then try to stop the waves.  Ridiculous, right?  I have no more control over other people than I do the waves of the sea.  My loved ones, just like the waves are in the mighty hands of ADONAI.  Just as I trust Him to keep the waves from overflowing the land, I must trust HIm to handle the concerns of my loved ones.
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I'm linking up today with:
All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Wisdom Wednesday #21 - Passover

This is a re-post of last year's Passover seder. (I'm very busy with preparations for our seder tomorrow).  I'll post pics of this year's seder later in the week.  Chag Pesach Sameach! (May you have a blessed and joy-full Passover!)

Passover Seder Memories


Our seder turned out to be a great success and a wonderful blessing.  It was our first seder in our new synagogue location.


Altogether, forty people attended the seder.  Most are members of the synagogue, but we had a few visitors.We were blessed to have a family attend with their eight children, and she is expecting another baby.  They are such a beautiful and loving group.

 I love it when a person attends who has never experienced a seder.  Their eyes always light up when they see the Messiah depicted in the matza.  The stripes and holes are pictures of his stripes and piercings on the cross. That realization is awesome. 

The whole seder shows us G-d's provision and protection through the blood.  If not for His blood, we would be faced with eternal death.  But through Him we can have eternal life.  Thank You, Adonai, for Your love.

We sang and danced and rejoiced in the love of our Father.  I love it when we sing Deyanu....It Would Have Been Enough.










The children look outside for Elijah
I love it when the children look for Elijah.  One year, there was actually someone coming toward the door, and they yelled, "He's here!"  Rabbi Jem rushed out to see, but it wasn't Elijah.  Too bad, right?  I am ready for Elijah...and Yeshua to return.

Gideon, our youngest Torah scholar
Gideon, our littlest guest was really cute.  While Rabbi was teaching about the Israelites leaving Egypt, he put his backpack on, picked up a flag and began walking around the room.  He is a very serious little boy and seems to understand so much more than one would think.  I didn't get a picture of it, sadly.

The beauty of the Passover seder never fails to renew my confidence in the loving care of our Heavenly Father.  Every year, we are reminded of the power of Hashem.  We remember His guidance, His provision, and most of all the power of the blood to save.  His blood will never lose it's power.

Learn more about Passover, by clicking on Passover in the subject index on the left of my blog.   
 

Monday, April 14, 2014

Israel Trip - Mount Precipe and Diamonds


After a fine felafel lunch, we traveled north to Mount Precipe.  This view looks out over the city of Nazareth and the hill country of Galilee, where Yeshua (Jesus) grew to manhood (Matthew 2:23). 

This mountain is thought to be the one spoken of in Luke 4:16-30.  Yeshua caused a great furor when he spoke in the local synagogue, and an angry group threatened to throw him off the cliff.  

Our next stop was a jewelry store....a very expensive diamond store.  Israel processes a great many of the diamonds sold internationally.  It was interesting to see how they are mined and processed, but I felt we  we spent too much time there.  I was eager to get to the Galilee.

There were other precious stones available for purchase, and the store offers to set the stones while you wait.   One of the ladies in our group bought a diamond and had it set.  While we waited, I walked around the small museum in the store, and found this interesting:


This is an artist's rendering of the breastplate of the Biblical high priest.  Each precious stone represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel.  It was very beautiful.  The verse on the wall in the photo below tells the story.  The woman was our tour guide in the museum, and she was very funny and entertaining.  


The words in bold are the Aaronic benediction, and this is the passage in Exodus 28 (sorry for the reflection from the flash):

 “Make a breastplate for judging. Have it crafted by a skilled artisan; make it like the work of the ritual vest — make it of gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely woven linen. 16 When folded double it is to be square — a hand-span by a hand-span. 17 Put in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: the first row is to be a carnelian, a topaz and an emerald; 18 the second row a green feldspar, a sapphire and a diamond; 19 the third row an orange zircon, an agate and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx and a jasper. They are to be mounted in their gold settings. 21 The stones will correspond to the names of the twelve sons of Isra’el; they are to be engraved with their names as a seal would be engraved, to represent the twelve tribes." (CJB)


The prices at the store were way too much for my pocketbook, and I had this conversation with Natalie, our tour guide:

"Do you think they would give me a discount if I told them I'm a rabbi's wife?"

She rolled her eye's and said, "In Israel, EVERYONE'S husband is a rabbi."

Who knew?????  

After a long wait, we boarded our bus and headed for Tiberius and the beautiful Sea of Galilee.  I was so excited!  
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 I'm sharing this post at:
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Hearts for Home
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