Showing posts with label Listen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Listen. Show all posts

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Wisdom Wednesday - Loss of Religious Freedom #1





The news just came out about County Clerk, Kim Davis, of Ashville, Kentucky being arrested.  She has repeatedly refused to issue marriage licenses to homosexual couples.  You can read the story at the link below:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/09/03/rowan-county-ky-court-clerk-marriage-licenses-gays/71635794/

I never thought I'd see G-d fearing people persecuted this way in my country. I never thought I'd see the day when G-d's Word was trampled in the streets, but that day is here.  LISTEN to what He says:

Thus says Adonai, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Isra’el: “I am Adonai, your God, who teaches you for your own good, who guides you on the path you should take.  (Isaiah 48:17) CJB

The "Change" that we were promised 6 1/2 years ago has come upon us.  We have seen:
  • loss of religious freedom and attacks on companies and individuals who practice Biblical principles
  • legalization of marijuana (a drug) in several states
  • homosexual marriage supported by the Supreme Court
  • persecution of those who don't believe in homosexual marriage
  • abortion in the third trimester
  • killing and dismemberment of babies for profit by Planned Parenthood
  • lawless criminals rioting and looting in the streets of major cities
  • attacks on police officers
  • reckless spending leading to dangerous levels of debt amassed by our government
  • lack of respect for, and attempts to destroy, the U. S Constitution
  • an Iran nuclear deal that threatens Israel
  • the promotion and advance of Islam into our military, local and national governments, public education system and textbooks, and entertainment media
I could go on for pages and pages, but I won't. 

As much as I am grieved over this happening, I know in my heart we Americans have reaped what we've sown. We have been silent, we haven't taken the action required of a citizen, and most of all, we have turned our backs on G-d's Word (individually and collectively), so we have the leader we deserve.

You can't plant beans and expect to reap corn. We've sown the wind -- now we'll reap the whirlwind. 

On the evening of September 13, we will observe Rosh Hashanah, and the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe.  Those days begin with the sounds of the shofar, and are a call to examine ourselves and repent of sin.
Blowing the shofar

How appropriate that this appointed time is happening when there is so much upheaval in our country.  This is a very serous time in our world.  We are watching the destruction of society, and those who believe and follow Hashem were born for such a time as this, to share G-d's Word, obey it, and warn people of the wrath to come.  

G-d is holy, and He will not withhold His wrath forever.  It is important to know Yeshua's parable of the ten virgins.  (Matthew 25:1-13)We must be prepared and watching for His coming.  Listen...He will come with a shout and the blast of the shofar.  Be ready.

 My word for 2015 is LISTEN, and I have been listening to Hashem.  His Word to me is "be ready, get prepared." We will not be the first people to suffer for our faith.  It is happening all over the world.
I still have hope, and ask you to join me in praying for this brave woman, Kim Davis, and the other County Clerks across America who are standing for religious freedom.  Pray also for our leaders.  Pray for repentance in America.  Most of all, examine your heart and life.  G-d is love and G-d is holy.  He will not tolerate sin.  There is a price to pay and consequences will come...for each person, and every nation that turns their back on Him.

 We can do more than pray.  These are things we can do to put feet to our prayers:  

  • We can support people like Kim, and businesses like Hobby Lobby by writing letters of encouragement and thanks to let them know we appreciate their stand for righteousness. 
    Kim Davis is a courageous woman.  Please pray for her and her family, and encourage her with a letter or card.  The address is:

    The Courageous Mrs. Kim Davis
    c/o County Jail
    121 Lee Ave.
    Morehead, KY  40351
  • We can write letters and e-mails to our elected officials protesting the erosion of our religious liberty, and the other issues that impact our faith and practice as believers.  
  • We can support organizations that work to change legislation and work to defend believers.  I trust Liberty Counsel, which is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. I also trust Concerned Women for America, the American Center for Law and Justice, Focus on the Family, and the American Family Association.  
  • We can vet the candidates running for office.  We can ask questions about their faith and practice of G-d's Word. We can support and vote for men and women who will live out their faith in public office.
  • We can dialog in person, and in social media, to voice our beliefs and share G-d's Word.  This is important "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)  We also have this promise:  "So shall my word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
  • We can preach the same gospel John the Baptist, Yeshua, and the disciples preached -- "Repent and turn to Torah."   True repentance and obedience to Hashem changes lives, and righteousness exalts a nation.  A revival can still happen in America.
  • Please read my second post on this subject HERE
I'd like to post light, entertaining posts, but I have no passion for that these days. My heart has been so very heavy over the past few months as I've watched evil take over our country.  I identify with the prophet Jeremiah, and the calling of a prophet is not easy.  My passion is to call for repentance (teshuvah).  My ear is toward Him...and this song says it all.



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Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays

Janis with Sunday Stillness

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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Wisdom Wednesdays - Be Still and LISTEN






My soul was crushed on Friday when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that gay marriage was the law of the land.  I felt the same grief and evil foreboding I felt when our current president was elected. I felt it again when he was re-elected.  The grief was the same, but the burden of that grief was much heavier.  My very soul was bowed down.  I am still grieving for our country. 

This president has ushered in changes so rapidly that it astounds me, and these changes are destroying the very fabric of our nation.  The decision about gay marriage is America's final slap in G-d's face, and will have far-reaching implications in the days ahead.  I wrote about those effects in my previous post HERE. 

I spent Shabbat pouring out my heart to Him and seeking His face.  This is the poem I wrote that morning:

 You've allowed it...You let it be.
Evil reigns...people die...sickness cripples...You let it be.
It makes no sense to me...
My soul is crushed...my heart cries...You let it be.
And yet, my hand still clings to THEE.

I sat still on my porch to LISTEN to His voice.  

Adonai  said, "I AM with you.  I will guide you and provide for you in the days ahead, just as I led Israel through the desert.  Just LISTEN."

 Oh, how His voice comforts and calms my heart.  I opened my Bible and He led me to these verses:

 I have sent strength for you. (Psalm 68:28)

Put your hope in Adonai from now on and forever. (Psalm 131:3)

Lift your hands toward the sanctuary and bless Adonai. (Psalm 134:2)

Adonai does whatever pleases Him. (Psalm 134:8)

I wait longingly for Adonai.  
I put my hope in His Word.
Everything in me waits for Adonai
More than guards on watch for morning.
More than guards on watch for morning. (Psalm 130:7-8)

And then I painted the picture at the beginning of this post.  It reminds me that as surely as the sun rises each morning, Adonai will work in this situation.  All is well.  He is in control.  Blessed be His Name forever.

LISTEN is my word for 2015.  I believe something big is coming.    A great sifting has already begun.  The sheep are being separated from the goats.  Those who hold to G-d's Word will be called to suffer.  The apostate church will go on as before, without pause.

This decision will affect churches and synagogues because it will require rabbis and ministers to perform same-sex marriages.  There are some who will go along with this, and some who will not.  We will stand on the side of G-d's Word.  Legislators have already begun to work on laws to protect our religious freedom.  G-d bless those people.

We were born for such a time as this.  Those who cling to Him and His Word are the "remnant".  I pray for my faith to fail not.  I pray that for you, too, my Gail-friends.


I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :


Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
Janis with Sunday Stillness
 




Growing Homemakers Link-Up
  The Gathering Spot Link-Up 
Titus 2 Tuesday 
Share Your Stuff Tuesday 
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
Thursday  Favorite Things

Friendship Friday 
  Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women
 Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger
 My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew
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Monday, June 1, 2015

Wisdom Wednesday -LISTEN: A Warning to America


Continuing my theme of "LISTEN".

G-d has been telling me that our country is in grave danger and we are reaping what we have sown.    I have listened to this message over and over again and want to share it with my readers:




 This message, by Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, was given on April 29, 2015.  I pray you will listen to and heed this message.  Please share it with your friends. 
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I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :
Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday
Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story
A Little R & R Wednesday
Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life
Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party
Laura on Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women
Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger
Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew

Growing Homemakers Link-Up
Titus 2 Tuesday 
Share Your Stuff Tuesday 
Teaching What Is Good Link-Up
A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up 
  Wordless Wednesdays 
Raising Homemakers Wednesday

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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Wisdom Wednesday - Listening To My Husband


On our wedding day

This post is part of series about my word for 2015, which is


Listen
As I wrote before, G-d told me to listen to His Word, His Voice, my husband, my spirit, my body, and to others.  In this post, I'll be talking about listening to my husband.

Jem and I will celebrate nine years of marriage in just a few months.  He is an amazing person, an inspiring teacher (my own personal rabbi), my dearest friend, and the best husband in the whole world.  Unless you have lived with someone who lives every one of the virtues listed in I Corinthians 13, you won't know what I mean when I say, "He is the perfect example of LOVE". 

He is patient with me and others, especially small children, the elderly, and animals.

He is kind -- more than anyone I've ever known.

He is not jealous, even when a man flirted with me recently, while Jem was sitting right there with us. (Imagine someone flirting with me, at 60+ years old.)  Jem said later, "The guy has good taste.  You're a beautiful woman."

He is not boastful, especially about G-d.  His favorite saying is, "A rabbi who praises himself has a congregation of one." I've been around a great many people who talk about G-d, but he's the only one I've ever seen who actually lived it out twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

He is not proud.  I've never known anyone so humble.  He is always willing to do the lowliest job.  He has the heart of a servant and is always looking around for someone to help.

He is never rude.  He is a fine, Southern gentleman, and rudeness is frowned upon by their kind.

He is never selfish. He is always looking out for my good.  Always looking for something he can help me with, or do that will make me smile.

He is not easily angered.  This is especially appreciated.  He is always self-controlled.  The only thing that angers him is the perversion of the Torah.  That he cannot abide.  He is like Yeshua in that.

He never keeps a record of my wrongs. This surprised me, as I have known many people who hold grudges.  Not him.  He doesn't punish with silence or aloofness, either.  We discuss things and move on.

He does not gloat over other people’s sins.  He is deeply saddened by them.  Heartbroken, and always willing to forgive and restore.

He takes delight in the truth.  He is happiest when teaching Torah

He always bears up in all things.  With the challenges associated with my mother's illness over the last three years, he has been my rock. I know I can lean on his strength.

He always trusts in G-d, and he always trusts me. 

He always speaks hope to me.  When I am sad or overwhelmed, he leads me through and encourages me.

He always endures.  He always keeps going even when I know he is exhausted.

I have to admit it - I'm bragging.  I'm proud to be his wife.  I'm blessed.  How could I not listen to someone who loves me like that? Here is a recent example:

Last week was difficult with my mother.  Her dementia is advancing and she has become increasingly angry and even combative at times.  We went to visit her at the nursing home, and she was extremely abusive that day.  I've endured this for the last three years, but it has grown worse lately.  I know it's part of the disease, but it's just heartbreaking and takes a toll on me.  I was especially weary this particular day.  As we were leaving the nursing home, I started crying and verbally beating myself up.

My dear sweet husband, who never raises his voice to me, said loudly, "STOP IT RIGHT NOW!"

I can't tell you how shocked I was that he raised his voice.  I know my mouth was standing open in disbelief.  At first, I was angry and I wanted to shout back at him.  I held my tongue and stood still for a minute to compose myself.

He looked in my eyes and said softly, "You are a wonderful woman, a loving, caring daughter, and you have gone above and beyond to love, honor, respect and care for your mother. You are not to talk to yourself that way."

Then, I heard G-d say, "Listen to your husband.  He is your advocate against satan."  And I knew it was true.  Just as I am my mother's advocate at the nursing home,  Jem was watching out for my care.  He could see that I was under attack, and he fought the enemy for me. 

That, my dear Gail-Friends, is love and better than any gift he could ever give me.  I am blessed.  I must say once again, how could I not LISTEN to someone who loves me with a I Corinthians 13 kind of love?


I listen first thing in the morning when he says, "Good Morning, Gorgeous."

I listen when he tells me he loves me several times a day, every day.


I listen when he calls me "My Lady" and tells me how beautiful I am.

I listen when he tells me to rest, because I'm over extending myself.

I listen when he says, "I'll do the dishes."

I listen when he says, "It's Pampered Princess day.  What would you like for breakfast?"

I know how blessed I am, because my past experience with marriage was not like this.  I'm so glad I said "yes" when Jem proposed to me.  Fear could have held me back, but I listened to G-d instead of fear.  




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Sharing this post with:
Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday
Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story
A Little R & R Wednesday
Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life
Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party
Laura on Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women
Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger
Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew
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