8 Gifts of Chanukah - Day 8

This post is part of the series 8 Gifts of Chanukah.

Tonight the eighth candle is lit.

Gift #8 of Chanukah -YESHUA'S PRESENCE

It may surprise you to know that Yeshua observed Chanukah.  We know this from John 10:22: "Then came Chanukah in Yerushalayim. It was winter, and Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo’s Colonnade (Solomon's Porch).  

He also said this of Himself:  “I am the LIGHT of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the LIGHT which gives life.” (John 8:12)

Yeshua is the LIGHT.  He is the Holy One of Israel, Elohim, Adonai.  He is also the One who gave us the Torah, which is our road map for life here on Earth.  Look at this comparable verse :  

Adonai is my LIGHT and my salvation: whom should I fear?

(Psalm 27:1)

Let's don't miss the application of this.  Yeshua is the same LIGHT in the New Testament as in the Old Testament.  When we say we have decided to follow Yeshua, we are committing to follow the Torah.  Remember this verse:

Yeshua the Messiah is the same yesterday, today and forever.

(Hebrews 13:8) 

If you believe, as I do, that Yeshua was G-d in the flesh, then He is the same G-d in both Testaments.  He has never changed.  

Recently I have read through the gospels, observing where Yeshua went, what he did and didn't do as a Jewish man.  He said to follow Him, and He left us an example to follow. I encourage you, Gail-Friends to do this, too.  He said this of His followers:

“You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven."

 (Matthew 5:14-16)

Each week, our Sabbath prayers remind us that Yeshua is the LIGHT of the world, and we are to take that LIGHT to the world around us. I pray that I, my family and all followers of Yeshua will follow the LIGHT of the World.

Be blessed, and I hope you'll enjoy this song:





You can learn more about Chanukah in this series from last year:  8 Days of Chanukah
This is how we combine Chanukah with a celebration of Yeshua's birth:  Christmas Unplugged

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I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 
Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

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 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life 

Friendship Friday 

8 Gifts of Chanukah - Day 7

This post is part of the series 8 Gifts of Chanukah.

Tonight the seventh candle is lit.

Gift #7 of Chanukah -LIGHT

Imagine the magnificent sight of the giant menorah blazing from Mount Zion.  That light had been out for a long time, but now it could be seen for miles and miles.  It was a testament to the presence of the G-d of the Universe. 

The Temple of ADONAI sat on top of a big hill in the city of Jerusalem.  This is why Bible passages speak of going "up" to that place.  I've been to the Temple mount twice, and it is a unique experience.

photo from commons.wikipedia.com

The photo above is a current-day version of the Old City in Jerusalem at night. I like to imagine what it must have looked like back then, especially if seen from the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley. It must have been an inspiring sight to see that blazing menorah.

The Scriptures show us that the LIGHT in the Temple was to burn continually, not just at night. You can read this in Exodus 27:20-21 and Leviticus 24:1-4.  If ADONAI says something twice, it must be very important, right?  The LIGHT had to be maintained both morning and at night, with oil refilled and the wicks trimmed.  Plus, the holy oil had to be in production continually.  Maintaining the LIGHT in the Temple was an important responsibility.

Have you ever thought of what a gift LIGHT is?  In the first chapter of B'resheet (Genesis), we read that LIGHT was one of ADONAI's first creations.  Think about what life is like when your LIGHTS go out.  Everything stops, right? 
 

In the story of Chanukah, we are reminded that LIGHT is important to G-d.  He doesn't want us to live in darkness, physically or spiritually.  When the Temple was restored, He provided the LIGHT because it is central to worship of Him.  LIGHT drives out darkness.  LIGHT enables us to see clearly.   

LIGHT is a symbol, or type, of the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit).  Yeshua (Jesus) celebrated Chanukah, and while attending that celebration at the Temple in Jerusalem, declared Himself to be the LIGHT of the World.  I'll talk about that tomorrow and how this relates to Chanukah today, as well as the spiritual lessons of LIGHT in our lives.


You can learn more about Chanukah in this series from last year:  8 Days of Chanukah
This is how we combine Chanukah with a celebration of Yeshua's birth:  Christmas Unplugged

******** 
I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 
Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up

A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things 

 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life 

Friendship Friday 

Sabbath Music - Dance With Me

This is a worship song about the love between Adonai and His Bride, based on the Song of Solomon.  Every time I hear this song, it makes me cry because the beautiful love I feel for Him is so sweet and precious, and my heart overflows with love and joy in knowing Him.

I pray you will close your eyes and listen.  Know that He loves you like that -- with sweet, tender love.

He wants your life to be a dance of JOY, and it can be when you surrender and let let Him lead.

Enjoy a dance with your Beloved on this, His set-aside day, the Sabbath.  Dance With Me by Paul Wilbur.

Shabbat Shalom, Gail-Friends, and I hope you dance!

***********

I sometimes share my posts with these friends:

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Friendship Friday 

8 Gifts of Chanukah - Day 6

This post is part of the series 8 Gifts of Chanukah.

Tonight the sixth candle is lit.

Gift #6 of Chanukah - DEDICATION

For eight days, ADONAI performed the miracle of the oil.  Even though there was only enough oil for one day, it burned for a full eight days.  While it was burning, the Jews were preparing and consecrating a new supply of oil.  When that oil was ready, the Temple was DEDICATED to ADONAI.

Stop and think about this:  what if they had decided to just continue to let the oil burn and decided not to prepare and consecrate more?  But they did not.  They knew that ADONAI had instructed them to do things a certain way, and they obeyed without hesitation.  They also set an example for us to follow.

Each year at Chanukah, I'm reminded that ADONAI demands, and well deserves, holiness. He has certain ways of doing things that often don't make sense to us.  For instance this "strange fire" incident in Leviticus 10:


"But Nadav and Avihu, sons of Aharon, each took his censer, put fire in it, laid incense on it, and offered unauthorized fire before ADONAI, something he had not ordered them to do.

 At this, fire came forth from the presence of Adonai and consumed them, so that they died in the presence of Adonai. Moshe said to Aharon, “This is what Adonai said:

‘Through those who are near me I will be consecrated,
and before all the people I will be glorified.’

Yes, Aharon's sons had their own idea about how to do the Temple service, and it ended in their deaths.   Why?  Because ADONAI had told them how to do it, and He was serious.

Today, ADONAI has somehow become disassociated from the belief and worship of many people.  His holiness righteousness have been replaced with a "feel-good, anything- goes" message.  This message is all about "you" and your success and future and destiny.  This message is fleshly, self-centered and deadly. Like the strange fire incident, it is not ADONAI'S way of doing things.

ADONAI is full love love, mercy and grace.  He also full of holiness, righteousness and truth.  This verse is important to remember:
 

Mercy and truth are met together; 

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

(Proverb 85:10)

Chanukah reminds us that the oil was prepared and consecrated according to ADONAI'S instructions, and our lives are to be the same.  We are to live our lives according to His laws, which He has so lovingly recorded for our good.  It is from this concept that we say, "L-Chaim" which means "His Ways are Life!".

As the Jews RE-DEDICATED the Temple, Chanukah is our reminder to RE-DEDICATE our lives, our homes, and our service to Him in accordance with His holy, loving will and ways.


You can learn more about Chanukah in this series from last year:  8 Days of Chanukah
This is how we combine Chanukah with a celebration of Yeshua's birth:  Christmas Unplugged

******** 
I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 
Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up

A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things 

 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life 

Friendship Friday 

8 Gifts of Chanukah - Day 5

This post is a part of the series 8 Gifts of Chanukah.

Tonight the fifth candle is lit.

Gift #5 of Chanukah is -VICTORY

 

The battles fought by the Maccabees were long and difficult.  It wasn't an easy over- night VICTORY, but they won in the end.  Many Jews were tortured and killed in the struggle to regain Israel and the Temple. 

This passage from the Maccabees inspires me:

 "When all his followers saw the host coming against them, they said to Judas, 'How can so few of us fight against so many? Besides, we have had nothing to eat all day, and we are exhausted.' Judas replied: 'Many can easily be overpowered by a few; it makes no difference to Heaven to save by many or by few. VICTORY does not depend on numbers; strength comes from Heaven alone . . . Heaven will crush them before our eyes. You need not be afraid of them'" (1 Maccabees 3:17-21).

This mighty warrior for G-d was absolutely sure they would win the VICTORY because his faith was in the strength of G-d alone.  How did Judas know this?  Because His father, Mattathias, had taught Him the Torah as a child.  When he became a man, he had learned the stories of G-d's mighty power to win VICTORY as he sat in the synagogue each week.  The Maccabee sons had grown up learning about the VICTORIES of heroes like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses.

Unlike believers of today, the people of that time period did not have a Bible in their hands.  The scrolls were kept in the synagogues, and each week men would attend to hear the Scriptures read.  They would then take the teachings home to their wives and children. Daily, they repeated the spiritual anthem of Israel, the Sh'ma:

“Hear, oh Isra’el! Adonai our G-d, Adonai is one; and you are to love Adonai your G-d with all your heart, all your being and all your resources. These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart; and you are to teach them carefully to your children. You are to talk about them when you sit at home, when you are traveling on the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them on your hand as a sign, put them at the front of a headband around your forehead, and write them on the door-frames of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

I'm inspired by the story of Chanukah because of the clear message of VICTORY.  We face battles in our lives, too, Gail-Friends.  We all experience troubles and trials, such as problems with finances, relationships, and careers.  We are even facing battles with the forces of darkness in our country right now.  We can give in to fear, or we can stand and fight in the strength of the L-RD.

I learned this lesson years ago while going through a court battle.  I cried out to the L-RD for help and He gave me this verse to stand on: 

"Some trust in horses, and some trust in chariots. 

But we will trust in the name of our G-d." (Proverbs 20:7)

As I meditated on the verse, G-d showed me to replace horses with "lawyers", and chariots with "judges".  I repeated it over and over and trusted Him to win the victory.  In the end, I won the VICTORY!  Now, when faced with a battle, I turn to G-d and trust Him to fight for me. 

You can learn more about Chanukah in this series from last year:  8 Days of Chanukah


This is how we combine Chanukah with a celebration of Yeshua's birth:  Christmas Unplugged

******** 
I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 
Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up

A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things 

 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life 

Friendship Friday 

8 Gifts of Chanukah - Day 4

This post is part of the series 8 Gifts of Chanukah.

Tonight, we light the fourth candle.

Gift #4 of Chanukah - PROVISION

As I remember the miracle of the oil, I've been meditating on how Hashem met their need for oil.  Plain, old olive oil would not suffice.  The oil for the Temple service was to be HOLY, and had to very specially prepared and consecrated.  The process took eight days.  ADONAI saw the zeal with which the Jews worked to restore the Temple worship.  They were very eager to resume obedience to His will and ways. This was Hashem's desire, too, and He performed a miracle.  He PROVIDED Holy oil that lasted a full eight days until the consecrated supply was ready for use.

One of the Hebrew names of Hashem is ADONAI YIR'EH, which means PROVIDER.  The first reference to this name is in the story of Abraham's preparation of his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice.  (See Genesis 22) 

So Abraham called the place ADONAI YIR'EH will provide.  And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the L-RD it will be PROVIDED'. (Genesis 22:14)

Abraham was on Mount Zion, which is where the Temple was later built.  This is the same place where He performed the miracle of the oil.   He PROVIDED.

The Scriptures say that His eyes are always on that place. I've stood there twice, filled with awe, as I touched those precious stones.  And I will always praise Him that He miraculously PROVIDED the money for both of my trips to Israel.  

In this busy, work-a-day time in which we live, we sometimes forget that everything we have is PROVIDED by ADONAI YIR'EH - our PROVIDER.  Every cell of our bodies was created and functions by His PROVISION.  The moon, sun, stars and the air we breathe all function because of His PROVISION.  

I used to think that my job was the source of my income.  That is, until the day I lost that job, my health, and much more.  A single woman at that time, with no money in my bank account, I lay flat on my back, unable to work.  I learned the wonderful lesson that ADONAI YIR'EH was my source.  Money was given to me  for eight weeks through His miraculous PROVISION.  After He restored my health, He immediately PROVIDED  a new job.  I've never forgotten that lesson, and I praise Him and thank Him daily for the smallest things, because I know they all come from His loving hand.
 
I pray that I, my family, and all believers will always remember that ADONAI-YIR'EH is our PROVIDER.

You can learn more about Chanukah in this series from last year:  8 Days of Chanukah
This is how we combine Chanukah with a celebration of Yeshua's birth:  Christmas Unplugged

******** 
I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 

Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     

Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up      

 A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party

 Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things 

 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life

Friendship Friday 

8 Gifts of Chanukah - Day 3

This post is a part of the series 8 Gifts of Chanukah.

Tonight, the third candle is lit on the menorah and we continue to remember the story of the Maccabees.

GIFT #3 OF CHANUKAH - FAITHFULNESS

After the armies of the enemy were defeated, the Jews returned to Jerusalem and reclaimed it in the name of ADONAI.  Their holy Temple lay in ruins, with burned walls and waist-high weeds.  The worst part was the idol that bore the face of Antiochus  They mourned, wept, ripped their clothes, and threw dust on their heads when they saw these sights.

That picture of passion for ADONAI'S house touches my heart.  Even though their task was difficult, these people showed their FAITHFULNESS to ADONAI'S Word and His Ways.

Even though their grief was heavy, they immediately set about cleansing and restoring the Temple.  The pagan alter and idol were removed. (1 Maccabees 4:44-46). They were FAITHFUL to ADONAI's instructions in the Torah about how things were to be done.  A new, holy alter was built and preparations were made to rededicate it to the L-rd.

They found one container of oil  in the Temple that was unpolluted.  This was evidenced by the priest's unbroken seal.  Unfortunately, the cruise  held only one day's supply of oil.  They poured the holy oil into the lamp stand, lit the flame, and went about their Temple business.  Imagine their amazement and JOY when the oil did not run out!  The holy oil lasted for eight days until a new supply of oil could be consecrated.   This is why we say about Chanukah, "A great miracle happened here." 

Each year as we read through the Torah, I am struck by the detailed instructions G-d left for us to follow, not only for His Temple, but also for our lives, which is where He lives now.  His laws had been recorded and studied and obeyed by men who were FAITHFUL.  These FAITHFUL ones believed G-d, and they obeyed no matter how time consuming and difficult those instructions were.

The actions  of the Jews who rebuilt and consecrated the Temple are an example to follow.   What ADONAI asks of believers today is minuscule compared to what was required of those who've gone before us.  The New Testament book of Hebrews talks about their FAITHFULNESS, and did you know that Yeshua (Jesus) celebrated Chanukah?  I'll be talking about that in future posts in this series.

I pray that I, my family, and all believers will remember to follow G-d's instructions (not a man's, a religion's, or a denomination's), and that He will commend us for FAITHFULNESS when we stand before Him.

You can learn more about Chanukah in this series from last year:  8 Days of Chanukah
This is how we combine Chanukah with a celebration of Yeshua's birth:  Christmas Unplugged

******** 
I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 

Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     

Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up      

 A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party

 Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things 

 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life

Friendship Friday 

8 Gifts of Chanukah - Day 2

GIFT #2 OF CHANUKAH - COURAGE

The actions of the Maccabees left us an example of great COURAGE in action. When the officials came to Modein, the home of the Maccabee family, and demanded worship of, as well as a sacrifice to, the pagan gods, everyone around them bowed their knees in submission. Not the Maccabees!

Mattathias was an old man with five sons.  This tzaddik (righteous man) had reared his sons to obey the Torah, and they all stood together in agreement with their father's bold statement: "My family and I will always keep the promises our ancestors made to G-d.  We will never give up our faith or disobey even one of G-d's laws.  We will not obey Antiochus." (1 Maccabees 2:19-20)

A fellow Jew stepped forward and said he would offer the required sacrifice.  Mattathias immediately killed that man and the spokesman for Antiochus, and then destroyed the sacrificial alter.  He and his sons left their home and all of their possessions to hide in the hills in preparation for war.  This family of brave men fought many battles against their enemy and eventually won complete victory over the pagans.  Jerusalem was re-captured by the Jews, and temple worship to ADONAI was restored. 

What an example these men of COURAGE are for us today.  Instead of giving in to fear, they kept their belief in Hashem and continued to obey Him.  Yes, it cost them a great deal, but they were willing to pay that price.  Victory was not easy, but it came.

I've heard my husband say many times, "There is a very fine line between being a coward and standing up against evil.  COURAGE is a decision."

I pray for myself, my family, and all believers to have the COURAGE of the Maccabees to stand up against all efforts to turn us away from worship and obedience to ADONAI.

This post was originally written in 2015, and is part of the series 8 Gifts of Chanukah.You can learn more about Chanukah in this series from the series  8 Days of Chanukah
This is how we combine Chanukah with a celebration of Yeshua's birth:  Christmas Unplugged

******** 
I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at: 

Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     

Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up      

 A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party

 Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things 

 Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life

Friendship Friday 

STILL SATURDAYS @SANDRAHESKAKING     PLAYDATES @LAURABOGGESS

 

8 Gifts of Chanukkah - Day 1

As we lit the first night of Chanukah, I thought how much life in America has changed since this time last year.  Over the last twelve months, we have seen Christians and Jews attacked, tortured and beheaded by I-SIS over and over again.  Just this past week, we had another terrorist attack in our country. (**Please note that this post was written in 2015, and is being re-posted.)

Each year at Chanukah, we remember how the Maccabees stood up against an ungodly tyrant and turned people back to ADONAI.  They refused to comply with the demands of Antiochus Epiphanes to worship the pagan gods of Greece.

Mattathias shouted, "My family and I will always keep the promises our ancestors made to G-d.  We will never give up our faith or disobey even one of G-d's laws. We will not obey Antiochus!"  (1 Maccabees 2:19-20)

The bravery of the Maccabee family inspired others to fight, and victory was eventually won.  Jerusalem and the temple were once again consecrated to ADONAI.

GIFT #1 OF CHANUKAH - REMEMBRANCE

Like Israel in the days of the Maccabees, America has become more and more pagan.  We've seen a Christian woman put in jail because she refused to marry a homosexual couple.  Pastors are being persecuted for preaching the truth of the Bible.  Abortionists (murderers) are held up as good people, while those who speak out against the murders are called haters.

We have reached the days of strong delusion.  We live in the time of "what's right is wrong, and what's wrong is right."  We will soon have to choose whether we will obey G-d or man.

Therefore, let's use the first gift of Chanukah.  Let's REMEMBER the story of the Maccabees.  Let's REMEMBER their courage and strength.  Let's REMEMBER their faith and follow their example of obedience to ADONAI.

These are dangerous times, but we must not give in to fear.  I pray for myself, my family, and for all believers, to stand strong on the side of ADONAI and to continue to obey HIM.  He is our SHIELD, and our EVER-PRESENT HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE.

Psalm 91is my go-to Psalm in times like these.  I held on to those words while going through four hurricanes in the summer of 2004.  I cling to them now, as I REMEMBER ADONAI'S protection.

** This writing is part of the series 8 Gifts of Hanukkah, and is being re-posted.

You can learn more about Chanukah in this series from last year:  8 Days of Chanukah
 and see how we celebrate the birth of Yeshua combined with Chanukah: Christmas Unplugged

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