Do Not Be Afraid

Strengthen ye the week hands, encourage the feeble knees. Isaiah 35:8

This has been the scripture that has been my motivation for two years. The Lord gave Isaiah 35, the entire chapter, to read and meditate on in December 2004. This verse jumped out at me. It became the confirmation for my ministry to Israel, Uganda and to then nations from here. There are so many people in the body of believers who need solid encouragement. I began an intense time of crying out to God for the right words, His Words, to speak to every person and situation I encounter.

I began my own journey toward being encouraged by trying to follow in King David's example. He was so close to God, that he could encourage himself in the Lord, when all 400 of his friends were trying to stone him! (1 Kings Chapter 30) In 2004, I was successful in a job that was very consuming and stressful. I had learned the ability to juggle it all and still have a rewarding ministry, and even felt good about my Christian witness to a corporate world. I had a good balance of personal time and ministry through my congregation. But I knew there was not the freshness which David had, of spending quality time with the Lord. When we go through really difficult times, we have to find the scriptures to stand on to pull us through--they become alive to us. I lived through many of those times, but my life was now comfortable. Time to light a fire under myself, and find ways to bless and encourage others! But the words have to be fresh, alive and anointed by God.

So I jumped into His Word and spending more time with Him.

Of course my conclusion was to encourage everyone to read the scriptures for themselves. You know, teach a man to fish, don't just give him a fish. But there are times when anyone can become so distraught, that if they haven't hidden the Word in their heart ahead of time--and sometimes even if they have--they just can't get past the situation in their face, to reach God. Those are the ones, I want to reach.

I agree with Spurgeon, who delivered a sermon on this verse back in 1859, that week hands and feeble knees are a sign of one shaking with fear. The Bible tells us that the enemy of our souls comes to steal, kill and destroy our faith, hope and joy. One of his best tactics is through fear. It takes a great amount of fear to make you shake and tremble. I met some people here in Israel that were literally shaking, worrying about the war with Lebanon last summer, and fearing escalation. Jerusalem is a safe distance from the fighting, but the entire country was filled with people displaced from their homes bringing their fear to the atmosphere of the entire country. In those kinds of times we all must remember God's faithfulness. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us. And He has given us words like those in Psalm 91, which we can read again, and again, and again until they penetrate our darkest fears. The Bible tells us the the Lord Himself watches over His Word to perform it, the Word never returns void--but always accomplishes that which He intends.

So to the dear ones the Lord has placed in my path, and to those reading these words. I speak peace.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, don't lean on your own reasoning, acknowledge Him in everything, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35

Spurgeon's sermon on Isaiah 35: http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0243.htm

Shalom!

Beloved Israel

Jesus himself knew this land intimately. He walked many a mile through the deserts and the city and village streets. He came to Jerusalem many times. He was an observant Jew who knew the Torah and celebrated all the feasts, even the feast of dedication, which we now often call Channukah (John 10). And Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

The conflicts surrounding religion are numerous. Not only Jews, Arabs and Christians consider Jerusalem holy. There are the Kabbalists and even Freemasons, among others, who revere this place as being very special indeed. Under the streets, in both the old city and the new, lie piles of ruin and rubble which cover the ground several feet above the level where Jesus would have walked. People are told this, but it doesn't seem to matter. It is the atmosphere of the Holy Land which captures one's heart. A sense of nearness to heaven, yet still touching the earth, like being a part of a glorious sunset or sunrise where it is easy to imagine heaven's choirs singing and rejoicing.

So when you are here, your focus can be either on the heavenly or the earthly. Both have a wealth of experience to fill your senses, and some seem to go into overload even when only visiting for a short while. Some who live here seem beaten down by the daily pressure, others have full hearts to serve and can get over-used after some time, if they don't wisely pace themselves. Israelis who live here simply go about the business of their lives, for the most part. They are not really thinking about all the history and significance of their surroundings.

But all have been touched deep in their hearts by this place. Israel's jewel is Jerusalem. It's not the prettiest place, and certainly not the most serene. There is a constant clash of cultures. There are people from all over the world who reside here. Residents are accustomed to the dangers close by and with the unusually high level of daily hassles. All joke about how difficult it is to live here, yet they wouldn't willingly move.

What is the drawing inside for those who love this place? It can only be described as something beyond ourselves. It cannot be defined in scientific terms as a physical or even tangible desiring. It is more to be compared to the tugging of heart strings. Like a place where you have your fondest memories of your favorite seasons of life. Yet it you may have never been here before. It could be described as in a family of fishermen who love fishing, it is in their "bones" to get up at 4am to go out in the cold mist after those fish. It doesn't matter that they usually let them go, and spend many hours and money on their equipment and the preparation for their few hours on the lake. It is like a genetic thing passed on from generation to generation, sometimes caught by friends and others that get close enough to check it out.

Obviously if you were born in Israel, or you are Jewish, it is easy to explain the longing for this land. Then there are those like myself who have spent enough time in the Bible to have been captured in their hearts to long for the place which the Lord longs for Himself. From the Tanach (Old Testament) to the New Testament- the pages contain God's love for this land and its people, and all those who would have a heart after God's.

So here I am, a gentile (non-Jewish), and a Christian, who loves the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I love being here, and yet it is so very difficult a place to live. I miss family and friends, the culture of upstate New York--not the stressful jobs or the heavy responsibilities of that life, rather the lack of daily hassles. It is difficult to learn the language and takes time and money which I do not have, so my progress is slow. But it is a beautiful place, with beautiful people--all of them--Jew, Arab and the mixed multitude. Each day is a blessing which God has bestowed for me to embrace and bless, bringing His love into it a little more by just being here.

I hope these few pictures will tug on your heart enough to read God's Word, the Bible, so that you can get His heart for this place and these people. (You can never get an accurate picture from the media.) We need to seek to see and hear from God's perspective, gained from a solid foundation of time spent with Him, reading His Word and prayerfully seeking Him.

"SHOULD CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?"

In these days when the Lord Himself is praying for unity in the body of Christ throughout the world, we find ourselves faced with answering these kinds of questions. Patricia King has a good answer, reminding us of Apostle Paul who said, To the pure all things are pure. (TITUS 1:15) Let us embrace and bless our brothers and sisters in Christ, encouraging one another and praying for one another- for the days are evil.
Love in Messiah, Ruth

From Patricia King, posted on the Elijah List Ministries www.elijahlist.com

"When you remember His extravagant gift, how can you not reach out to bless others?"

The other day, I visited a museum in the Old City of Jerusalem. This museum featured some artifacts and remains of a priest's home that was burned in the fire of the second tabernacle--approximately 70 years after Jesus died. Inscribed on the wall of the museum were the words of a Jewish Historian:

"The first tabernacle was destroyed because of idolatry, illicit relationships, and bloodshed. The second was destroyed because of pure hatred."

The Jews were divided in their perspectives at that time, and these differences in beliefs ended up in severe political and religious tensions. The factions became so volatile, that each group literally despised the other. In the midst of their quarrelling and divisive actions, the Romans came through the gates and burned the temple, killing men, women, and children. There were few survivors. Their houses were left desolate. The temple was burned to the ground. They were so focused on their differences that they failed to see the bigger battle.

Factions in the Church Today

I think of the church today with all our factions (divisions). One group stands against another due to differences in doctrinal and theological interpretations. We sometimes refuse to have anything to do with another due to differences of beliefs, and yet, we all believe that Jesus is Lord. We judge and condemn each other refusing to fellowship or labor together. Let's beware--a house divided against itself will fall.

December is the month where the Christian world celebrates the birth of Christ. The traditional belief of the date of Christ's conception was March 25 (around the spring equinox), and December 25th was nine months later. It is this date that we celebrate as the birth of Christ. Many have refuted this date as being accurate, and it is possible and even probable that it is not. Should this make a difference in our heart's focus though?

Wars are arising in the Church even concerning the celebration of Christmas. Some challenge the celebration saying that it has pagan roots. They challenge the accuracy of the date, they claim that Christmas trees are evil because they were an object of pagan worship, and they say that caroling also has its foundation in paganism.

Some say, we should honor the Jewish feasts (Bible feasts) instead. Others in the body believe that to do so would be an expression of legalism and religion, and so the factions begin--the war rages.

Purity of the Heart is Important

"Man looks to the outward appearance but God looks to the heart."

Let us be careful not to get our focus off of what is important. Man looks to the outward appearance but God looks to the heart. If our desire is to celebrate the birth of Jesus at this time of the year, then let that be done according to the purity of the heart and with integrity of conviction before Him. The attention of the whole world is called to acknowledge the birth of the Savior at this time of year, even if they don't believe.

Let's pray during this time that the revelation of Christ will fill the earth. Would this not be a better way to spend our time, rather than being at war with each other over how we celebrate Him?

The Jewish Celebration of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that is celebrated in the month of December. This year, it is celebrated from sundown on December 15 through sundown December 23. Hanukkah means "dedication," and so this celebration has great significance.

History of Hanukkah

The holiday commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews 165 B.C. victory over the Hellenist Syrians. Antiochus, the Greek King of Syria, outlawed Jewish rituals and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods.

In 168 B.C., the Jews holy Temple was seized and dedicated to the worship of Zeus. Some Jews were afraid of the Greek soldiers and obeyed them, but most Jews were angry and decided to fight back.

The fighting began in Modiin, a village not far from Jerusalem. A Greek officer and soldiers assembled the villagers, asking them to bow to an idol and eat the flesh of a pig, which are activities forbidden to Jews.

The Greek officer asked Mattathias, a Jewish High Priest, to take part in the ceremony. He refused, and another villager stepped forward and offered to do it instead. Mattathias became outraged, took out his sword, and killed this villager, then killed the officer. His five sons and the other villagers then attacked and killed the soldiers. Mattathias' family went into hiding in the nearby mountains, where many other Jews who wanted to fight the Greeks joined them. They attacked the Greek soldiers whenever possible.

Judah Maccabee (the second leader of the Judean revolt against the Greek-Syrians), and his soldiers went to the Holy Temple, and were saddened that many things were missing or broken, including the golden menorah. They cleaned and repaired the Temple, and when they were finished, they decided to have a big dedication ceremony.

For the celebration, the Maccabees wanted to light the menorah. They looked everywhere for oil, and found a small flask that contained only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. This gave them enough time to obtain new oil to keep the menorah lit.

Today, Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting candles in a menorah every night, thus commemorating the eight-day miracle.

What a wonderful celebration! At this time, we can remember to worship God as a God of Miracles. At this time, we can remember Jesus, who is the true Light of the world.

Some dear friends of ours, David and Stephanie Herzog introduced us to the Hanukkah celebration. The Herzogs and their children, celebrate Hanukkah in a wonderful way. They light the menorah every night and have gifts for the children to open each day. They celebrate by opening their home to family and friends, as they serve special meals, and enjoy times of visiting, prayer, worship, and showing hospitality. We as a family, were so touched last year through the Herzog's family celebration, that this year, we are going to celebrate Hanukkah. I love it.

What About Christmas?

"Christmas to us is a wonderful celebration and remembrance of the birth of our Savior."

Do we need to abandon our tradition of celebrating Christmas in exchange for Hanukkah? What if December 25th is not really the actual birthday of Jesus? What if the origin of the Christmas tree is a pagan practice?

As a family, we celebrate Christmas. The Bible says, "to the pure all things are pure." Christmas to us is a wonderful celebration and remembrance of the birth of our Savior. I love reflecting on the extravagant gift of our Heavenly Father's wonderful love at this time, even though we are called to remember Him at all times, not just in this season.

Our tradition is to give gifts to others at this time in the same way, our Father has blessed us. It is a holiday filled with love, kindness, joy, and blessing. As a ministry, we are busy preparing boxes of gifts and turkey dinners, complete with all the trimmings to give to the poor. We have special projects to care for single parents and orphans.

When you remember His extravagant gift, how can you not reach out to bless others? Caring for the poor blesses His heart, and so this is our gift back to Him. We do this all throughout the year, but during this season, we have special added touches that we really enjoy.

In our tradition, we do have a tree. I have never thought of this as a pagan ritual. For us, it has a different meaning. An evergreen tree to me is a symbol of life. Jesus is the Tree of Life and as we abide in Him, we have life. If we mediate on His Word day and night, we will be like a tree planted by rivers of water. Isaiah says that we are like trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He might be glorified. The lights on the tree remind us that He is the Light of the World and that we reflect His light and beauty in the earth.

Our tradition includes filling our home with family and friends. We host special meals and celebrations with our team and those we love. We light the fire, burn specially scented candles, bake cookies, and decorate our home and center with beautiful reminders of His love, joy, and peace.

A Special Season to Be Enjoyed

"Let us not walk with judgment towards each other as to how we are going to celebrate the season."

December is a special time of year. For some, it is a celebration of Hanukkah remembering Christ, the miracle working God and the Light of the world. To some, it is a celebration of Christmas remembering that Christ came into the world to save sinners. And to some, like ourselves, it is a celebration of both. To me, it all sounds wonderful. It is all about Him. Let's celebrate in as many ways as we can with a heart full of passion. He is worthy!

Let us not walk with judgment towards each other as to how we are going to celebrate the season. Let us simply walk in our own convictions, and then, go love everyone with extravagant love!!! Enjoy and embrace your conviction to the fullest, but don't judge another.

So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain Holy days, or new moon ceremonies, or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ Himself is that reality. Colossians 2:16-17

In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day, do so to honor Him. For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord.

So why do we condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let's stop condemning each other. Romans 14:5, 6a, 7, 8, 10, 12

Have a wonderful time this season, enjoying reflections of His goodness and expressing it to others. May your home be filled with the essence of His glorious presence.

Happy Holidays

--Love Him and love each other.
--Make the season special!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King!
Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace and
Good Will towards men.

Be Blessed!

Patricia King

www.extremeprophetic.com
patricia@extremeprophetic.com

What does the Lord require of us?

It hath been told thee, O man, what is good, and what the LORD doth require of thee: only to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. Micah 6:8

So what does this mean? Clearly God is Holy, and we are to be holy like He is-the Bible tells us this (Leviticus 11, 19, 20; confirmed in 1 Peter 1:16). But does this mean we have to be perfect, forgiving everyone who wrongs us, loving even the most unlovable, never getting angry, never making mistakes, etc., etc.? I have asked God many times how do I walk through life with imperfect people hurting me, and me being so imperfect myself- How can I ever be worthy to follow God?

It seems many people are contemplating these questions today. Islam is suddenly challenging the complacency of Christianity in America and many nations. This religion, based on strict rules and earning your way to heaven, appeals to many today that are tired of the loose interpretation of scripture in churches and moral relativism that has pervaded in our society. The Koran calls for all to convert to Islam or die. The Bible speaks of God's wrath and plan of salvation for the Jews in the Old Testament and Jesus' love and forgiveness for Jew and gentile(all non-Jews) in the New Testament. Though the Koran is inconsistent, calling for Jews to be honored for being the keepers of the Book and then later calling for their destruction, it always depicts Allah as a harsh god to be obeyed. The Bible is an amazing book, not written by a single man, but by some 40 men over a long period of time, beginning with Moses. Yet when examined as a single work, inspired as it claims to be, by God himself, it becomes an amazing work that allows anyone to get to know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His is a holy and righteous, yet loving and merciful personality. A God who wishes to become man's friend (as King David was) is seen through the entire book. This is a religion, and a God, of faithfulness and love.

I am not a Biblical scholar, but I have read the Bible at least 50 times. When you read a book so much, you do get to know the author. So as I have walked with God over these now, many years, I ask questions and He answers. Not in an audible voice, like my husband, but in many subtle ways. Lately I have been contemplating these questions as I have seen them voiced in the world media as well as by individuals. The verse I quoted at the beginning is the main answer to the question posed in the title of this article. God expects us to be faithful to our vows, as He is to His vows to us. Beginning in Genesis you see these characteristics of God, yes, He is righteous and holy and demanding as much from us, but He is also El Shaddai-the Provider. His grace and mercy, combined with His faithfulness, are the foundation and sign posts of our faith. He has given us righteousness and holiness through providing the Blood of His sacrifice, His son Jesus. In the New Testament, Gospel of John chapter 1, it says the Word of God is God, became flesh and dwelt among us-speaking of Jesus.

How awesome! So as I read the Bible, the Word of God, I really can see His face and get to know His character. This is what the scripture in Hosea is speaking of. It is not what we do, or don't do. It isn't that we never make mistakes or selfish choices. It is our attitude. We are to "be" like Him-not "act" like Him. Though our actions will follow, and are in fact, evidence of what is inside of us. If we trust in the faithfulness of God and His promises of grace and mercy, we will trust Him to bring justice, peace and good out of the chaos and brokenness of our lives. Do you trust Him to orchestrate your life in truth and righteousness, desiring to please Him and be His representative to this broken and hurting world? If you seek these things as your goal- truly to become more like Him, see from His perspective and carry out your life with His motivations, seeking no glory or attention for ourselves, He promises to direct our paths and walk with us each and every step. This is more than my mind can comprehend! Yet as I look at the last 30 years of my life, I see the hand print of God in all that I have done.

Be merciful and gracious to me, oh God, according to your great mercies, may Your mercy and grace be shown to all I encounter. Thank you Lord, for You are faithful!

Reflections

The More I Seek You

Jerusalem Springtime

© horizon minitries

The More I Seek You

Zach Neese

The more I seek You
The more I find You

The more I find You
The more I love You

I wanna sit at Your feet
Drink from the cup in Your hand
Lay back against You and breathe
Feel Your heartbeat

This love is so deep
it's more than I can stand
I melt in Your peace
It's overwhelming.

©1999 CFN Music All rights reserved.

International copyright secured.

CCLI song #4447991

This page was printed from: http://www.pwarchive.com/song.aspx?SongID=2502

God is Awesome

© 2006 horizon ministries

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, "How awe-inspiring are Your works! Your enemies will cringe before You because of Your great strength. All the earth will worship You and sing praise to You. They will sing praise to Your name." Selah

Come and see the works of God; His acts toward mankind are awe-inspiring. He turned the sea into dry land, and they crossed the river on foot. There we rejoiced in Him. He rules forever by His might; He keeps His eye on the nations. The rebellious should not exalt themselves. Selah

Praise our God, you peoples; let the sound of His praise be heard. He keeps us alive and does not allow our feet to slip.

For You, God, tested us; You refined us as silver is refined. You lured us into a trap; You placed burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us out to abundance. I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke during my distress....

Come and listen, all who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for me. I cried out to Him with my mouth, and praise was on my tongue. If I had been aware of malice in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. However, God has listened; He has paid attention to the sound of my prayer. May God be praised! He has not turned away my prayer or turned His faithful love from me.

Psalm 66

For Mom and Dad

Your browser doesn't support EMBED, but you can still listen to the background sound of this page by<a href="http://horizonministries.alivefaith.com/sound/Iwanttoseeyouthere.mp3"> clicking here.</a>

































































[to listen to the Sally Klein O'Connor song playing in the background or learn more about Sally: CLICK HERE]

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

Your browser doesn't support EMBED, but you can still listen to the background sound of this page by<a href="http://horizonministries.alivefaith.com/sound/fatherslove.mp3"> clicking here.</a> written by: Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

© 1995
Kingsway's Thankyou Music
CCLI# 1558110

A Holy God

The Lord often uses me as an encourager to the body of Christ. In fact, 2 years ago in December, I was seeking God for a scripture for the coming year for my life-as have have done for many years. He gave me Isaiah 35, especially verses 3 and 4.

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. ISAIAH 35:3,4

Little did I know I would be getting married and entering into full-time ministry in Israel and traveling to Uganda, 6 short months later. Last year the Lord told me to keep the same verse. That had never happened before, but given the tremendous need to encourage in this difficult place, it seemed quite logical. The body of believers in Israel, and in Jerusalem especially, gets so burdened and beaten down. Any issues you may find in your local body of believers, in your own church or relationships in other churches and between churches is multiplied many times over here in the spiritual epicenter of this world. My husband, Duane, and I spend the greatest portion of our time and energy counselling and encouraging. It's a rewarding but daunting task as there is constant drain of every ones spiritual energy.

[If you are ever inclined to pray, please remember to pray for the body of believers here in Israel-all of us-Jew, Arab and the many international servants the Lord has planted here- short and long term. I would also challenge you to put your finances behind your prayers as the Lord would lead. Contact me if you would like to direct your funds to a particular type of ministry-we have lots of connections.]

Encouraging people is not always easy. People are dealing with issues caused by despair, poverty or low self esteem; to just seeking God's will in a decision. Here, many live by faith, or on very low wages. Food is reasonably priced, but housing is very high, and many share living spaces. One way the Lord has used us is to see in the Spirit His blessing and anointing on individuals and then we speak the blessings and promises of His Word into their lives. If people just knew the Word of God better, then they could, as King David did, encourage themselves in the Lord.

Isaiah 35 continues with God's blessing and restoration-the fact that we are ministering here in Israel makes all this very real to us. Everyone is looking for the blessings. Some are acquainted with sacrifice and suffering, but we all seem to forget that our loving heavenly Father is a Holy and Righteous God! The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. Numbers 14:18 For too long the body of believers has been seeking intimacy with God, seeking the Glory of God, seeking the signs and miracles, even the "manifest presence" of God. We have forgotten that Our God is a consuming fire! Deuteronomy 4:24, Hebrews 12:29

Until we understand and stand in awe, or rather fall to our faces in holy reverence, we cannot expect God's blanket blessings. We are sinful creatures in desperate need of a saviour. The blood of Jesus covers all-as we appropriate it. It is only the Blood on the mercy seat that allows us to come boldly before the throne of grace. It is the unfathomable love of a holy, righteous God that has sacrificed and provided the one thing that allows us access to God Himself. Even so, the Word of God teaches that when we stand before Him, all the dross in our lives-anything that has no value in the Kingdom of God-will burn up in His presence. What can remain? What have we given or done that is entirely without self-serving or self-gratification? Certainly that bigger house, or second car, or dinner at the fancy restaurant-while our brother and sisters are living in mud houses, drinking rain water from a rusty 55 gallon drum-can't fair too well in God's presence.

But we are to seek His presence. There is fullness of joy and a taste of Zoe-everlasting life-just being in His presence. Read Psalm 119-the Word of God brings the presence of God and the blessings of God into our daily lives. His presence is not to be taken for granted. He is with us not just because we did or did not do something to please Him, but because of our relationship with Him. I love C. S. Lewis' line from the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe allegory; "He's not a tame lion." Such a relationship requires reverence and immediate repentance when we see anything in ourselves that would be displeasing to Him in word, thought, or action. If we look at the world through His eyes, we will value the fatherless and the widows far above those who stand in positions of renown.

The righteous, holy God who created the universe wants to tabernacle-take up His abode-with you and me. Amazing! ♥

Who is in control?

Your browser doesn't support EMBED, but you can still listen to the background sound of this page by<a href="http://horizonministries.org/sound/Thedesperationtoknowyou.wma"> clicking here.</a> A little girl only 2 or 3 years old stands before the big blue glass ornament in the center of her yard. She can see the tears on her own face when she looks at the pretty ball. Her face is distorted in the spherical blue reflection. She automatically looks down and then sees the snapdragons and daisies, other flowers she has no idea what they are called. They are pretty, and it distracts her. She has come many times to sniff the pretty flowers. Some don't have any smell, but today she doesn't care, she is sobbing silently.

Little girls don't understand things like puppy dogs that run under cars and then have to be "put down" in mercy. Little girls who feel all alone in the world don't run to their favorite adult for comfort and explanations that don't make sense at the time. The hugs speak more than words but she doesn't understand. This little girl would refuse any lap in the pain that confronted her knowing her daddy had killed her puppy, Moochie. If she spoke, her words would have been, "Leave me alone."

This little girl grew up but maintained this sentiment for her entire childhood. Alone even when she was at her own birthday party. She felt no one understood or cared. The pain was something to learn to live with. She decided she would grow up enough to take control and not be subject to these feelings. A sad goal, as she could not see that there was One in control all the time. A loving, living Saviour reaching out, watching her, crying with her, saving her tears to redeem each one.

She didn't see the Lord Jesus that day at the garden. He wanted to comfort her, but she would not. So the Lord spoke quietly that He would comfort her in the flowers that she loved and would touch and smell. And that He would always be near. She grew up with a love for growing things. She even loved hoeing the long rows of corn and weeding. Mowing the delicious green grass so that it looked like a luxurious carpet. There weren't any nice flower gardens to enjoy at her house, but she loved to visit any she got a chance to.

She met the Lord as a teenager and the Lord began to heal the wounds and redeem that fragile life even as she lived through ensuing difficulties and tragedies. She didn't think she was suffering, she grew in her trust for Jesus until one day in her 40's the Lord brought her back to that day, just to let her know He had ALWAYS been there for her. He even provided a wonderful sister in the Lord to take her in her arms and just hug her and hug her. Forty years of tears and refusing to be comforted melted away in this woman's embrace. What a gift the Lord has given people like her!

The little girl was me. She is an image that is so faint to me, it's as if it was someone else.

I love flowers! To this day when I see flowers, it always reminds me of God's unfailing love for us. He loves us where we are at, as we are able to receive Him and His love. I now realize that it was the Lord who was always in control, not my situation, not my emotions-certainly not me! My expectations that my parents, or a husband, or a pastor- someone should fix things- have all now fallen to the side. This realization allows me to be free to blossom and grow much like a beautiful flower.

A garden is my favorite place to pray because God feels so close. I pray that you will know God as your protector and friend as well as your Heavenly Father through all of life's challenges and joys. The closer we live to Him, the more comfort we are able to receive. My favorite picture of Father God is me cuddled up on His lap, as if I was His favorite little girl.

Victoria Boyson: "THE POWER OF BLESSING--WILL PUT OUT THE FIRES OF HELL"

(This was received through the Elijah List on Nov. 1- It is the best I have encountered written on the subject of the power of the tongue to bless or curse.)

"A part of giving birth to your destiny is bringing life to the destiny of others."

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11).

A Story of the Power of Our Tongues

I once knew a young girl who seemed to have much going for her, but consistently failed in many areas of her life. I could not understand why--she seemed to choose failure over a successful, happy life. She was beautiful, talented, and intelligent, but it was obvious that she did not esteem herself. And she continually made bad choices.

For years, I could not understand why she did not see her true value as a person--until I met her mother. Her mother saw her as the biggest failure ever born and told her so. She would vomit out her many objections about her daughter to anyone who would listen to her. With her daughter present, she would declare to a roomful of people what a failure she was. It did not take great discernment to see why the girl struggled so. Why should she like herself when the woman who gave birth to her did not see any good in her?

As soon as she was old enough, this young girl ran away from her mother and began living with an older man. Unfortunately, her life was poisoned by the many seeds of destruction and self-hatred her mother had been planting in her since birth.

I believe this is what Proverbs 14:1 is talking about when it says, "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." The physical house of the girl's mother was in excellent condition, but the heritage she passed down to her child was devastating and led to her daughter living a very destructive lifestyle.

I have counseled with many people over the years who have struggled with terrible feelings of self-hatred. Usually, in the course of speaking with them, I discover that these feelings began when they were a child, and many times originated with words spoken over them by a parent or other people in authority in their life.

The Tongue of the Wise

Years ago, my husband and I attended a church where the pastor thought he could help his people by continually telling them what was wrong with them. He found fault with us, and of course, found fault with his entire congregation. It was no surprise to anyone that membership dwindled down to just a few people, and eventually he had to close the doors of his church entirely.

When we left that church, we were left with an ominous, oppressive sense of failure. It felt like a dagger had pierced our hearts. We struggled through life for a few years afterward, enduring one failure after another. We felt as if we were living under a curse--and, indeed, we were. The words of that pastor sowed seeds of destruction that acted as a curse over our lives.

Words are very powerful, especially when they are spoken by someone in authority over you. They can either be words of praise that breathe life into your life, or words of criticism and judgment that erode away your sense of well being. "The tongue has the power of life and death...." (Proverbs 18:21).

Once we realized that the effect of this pastor's words over our lives was acting as a curse against us, we sought out ways to release ourselves from its grip. We prayed many prayers, but still this feeling of failure hung on.

It was only when we were led to another man of God who was a true shepherd that the curse was at last broken. Without knowing any of the words that had been spoken over us, he spoke the exact opposite of what had been said. He made us believe in our destiny again. He spoke life into our spirits. And through the anointing that he carried, he broke off the words of failure and planted seeds of life and destiny in their place.

The power of blessing brought life to our dreams, setting us free from the power of death and destruction. Satan could no longer keep us from our destiny in God. The power of blessing blasted the power of cursing.

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18).

When We Choose to Curse

God has a strange way of working the curses of others to our advantage. He uses them to refine us and shape us, and then He heals us through the power of His blessing.

Many people in the Bible lived what some would consider cursed lives for a period of time. David, for instance, was chased by King Saul, Joseph lived for fifteen years in prison for something he did not do, and Moses was chased into the desert by Pharaoh after living a life of luxury and ease. These are only a few examples.

Actually, God used this destructive period in their lives to shape and refine them. He promised them great blessings, but allowed them to go through the process of refining to prepare them for their destiny.

In order for Christ to fulfill His destiny, He had to suffer betrayal and be given over into the hands of His enemies. But He said in Luke 22:22, "The Son of man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays Him." We may have to endure a period of cursing for a time, but woe to the people who curse us.

In Psalm 109, David speaks about the man who cursed his life. "He loved to pronounce a curse--may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing--may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil" (verses 17-18).

When we choose to curse others and speak negatively of them, we are really only hurting ourselves. A part of birthing our own destiny is bringing life to the destiny of others. God wants to use us, but He wants to use us to bless others. Any jealousy we harbor towards the destiny of others will actually sabotage our own destiny in God.

Speaking Life

Our mouth is a very powerful weapon, and we can either use it to bring a blessing or a curse onto others. When we speak negative words about people, those words act as a curse over them. Even if people never actually hear the words we speak about them, our words still have power and can cause them to experience oppressive heaviness. However, words of blessing can lift them up spiritually.

One day I was feeling exceptionally low. All of a sudden I had this wonderful feeling shoot through me. I felt a tremendous surge of pleasure, and I knew everything would be all right. Later that day, a friend of mine called and said that she and her husband were talking about our family. She went on to tell me all the wonderful things they said about us. I asked her what time it was when they had this conversation and it coincided perfectly with the time I had experienced the surge of pleasure. That, my friends, is the power of blessing!

The Blessings of Heaven

One of our greatest weapons against the enemy is the words we speak. There is no question, then, as to why the enemy seeks to gain access to our words. He wants to use our mouths to destroy our own lives and the lives of others.

"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell" (James 3:6). We can either use our mouths as a passageway for the fires of hell to gain access to earth, or use them to put out the fires of hell the enemy has lit in the hearts and minds of others.

You can be God's fire extinguisher. You can put out the flames of hell with the blessings of Heaven. And wherever you go, you will be like a fountain of blessing that brings healing and life to the nations.

Instead of giving hell's fires access to the earth, you will bring to earth the very river of life that flows from the throne of God. People will be drawn to you like magnets because of the great power of grace and mercy that radiates from your spirit. And with only a few words, you will destroy the curses of generations.

This is the power of blessing. This is your destiny in God.

Please pray this with me:

Dear Father,
"I repent of speaking negative words against others, and I ask You to stamp out those words and cause them to be ineffective. I receive Your forgiveness and mercy for my sin. Make me a fire extinguisher with power from Heaven to destroy the seeds of destruction in the lives of those You love. Help me to walk in my own destiny...by blessing the destiny of others."

Victoria Boyson

Speaking Life Ministrieswww.speakinglife.net

Email: victoria@boyson.org

Visit The Elijah List Home Page: http://www.elijahlist.com/

The First Rains

Your browser doesn't support EMBED, but you can still listen to the background sound of this page by<a href="http://music.alivefaith.com/music/letitrain.mp3"> clicking here.</a>It began to rain Thursday. Today is the grayist
day I can recall here in Jerusalem this year. That's probably because I spent last January/February in Rochester, NY. We missed the worst of the Jerusalem winter weather. Rochester had a record breaking, warm, virtually snow-less winter. It wasn't even as gray as usual. Here the rain is a blessing. The last time it rained was in April. There were a few sprinkles a couple times this month, but this rain brought real cleansing, drenching, refreshing rain. It is almost like the ground sighs in relief.


Several of our friends left the country late on Thursday night after a wonderful, yet exhausting tour with Eagles' Wings Watchman on the Wall tour of Israel. Apparently it rained in sheets delaying flights. So some of our friends missed connecting flights from JFK. But God has a plan in all of it, directing our steps and bringing multiplied blessings. I'm sure we will hear the heart warming stories later of divine connections due to the delays. They saw lots of our beautiful blue skys, which greet us most mornings, during their stay. I am not a morning person, but it makes it easy to praise God and thank Him for the day when you get up and look out at that awesome azure blue.

Here the orthodox sometimes dance in the streets on the first rains. The rains are a blessing in so many ways to this parched land. I wanted to take some pictures but I have been hit with a bit of a cold during this change of season. My husband went out, as he always does, for his daily walk, rain or shine and so I took some of his pictures to share with you. I can look out our window to the mirpeset and see my plants so happy to have clean leaves and breathing cool air again. When the blue sky appears again, everything will look refreshed and renewed.

Israel celebrates this season of first rains and harvest in their Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles holiday. It is the most joyous time of year. It is especially refreshing this year after a summer of war and it's following political accusations. Israelis have been faced with new realities of their vulnerabilities. Our prayer is that the Lord will use all of it to draw them closer to Him, both as individuals and as a nation. There will never be peace in the middle east until Messiah returns, but there can be peace in the hearts of individuals through any war or storm if Jesus, or as they know Him, Yeshua, is the One in whom they trust. Lord open eyes that they may see You. Lord open hearts that they might respond to Your love toward them. Bless all who reside in this your Holy Land, Jew, Arab and those from the nations that are here to serve You or just to earn a living. Pour out your Spirit on all of us, as promised in the book of Joel. Lord, let it RAIN!!!



[to listen to the song playing in the background of this initial post click here]

Dancing with the Lord

Shalom Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I’ve had several ideas of late for sending out little nuggets of revelation the Lord has been blessing me with--but the timing hasn’t been right until now. So, today, I’d like to share a few thoughts with you on the subject of dancing (with the Lord).

Many people come to us asking prayer for the guidance of the Lord. Some ask, “How do I hear from God myself? How can I be sure it’s Him?” Well, that age-old question has yet to be answered by anyone but the Lord Himself. My experience has been: start with the Word of God, trust Him, and you will know that you know when the Lord speaks. Like some of you, I have heard from the Lord on many different types of occasions. There is no formula. And I don’t believe there is anyone who hasn’t had a misstep, thinking the Lord was speaking, when, later, it became evident He was not, or the timing wasn't right.

Does this mean we didn’t have faith to hear the Lord speak to us...that we were too fleshly, too sinful, too easily deceived? NO! This is all part of learning to trust the Lord. If we continue to trust Him, He will take our mistakes and make them beautiful, as if things were supposed to have been that way from the beginning. We must believe that He does, indeed, wish to speak to us, lead us, and “guide our footsteps.” But sometimes--often, when we most desire an audible voice from the Lord--He guides almost imperceptibly. He gives us choices so that we can learn our own hearts.

Also, like a father, He sometimes wants us to make choices by ourselves, just so He can bless us. Picture a dad asking his 8-year-old son, “Do you want the red bicycle or the blue one?” They are not exactly identical and his son has no clue about which will be of better quality. Dad just wants to give him the one he wants. I have encountered many Christians who are so concerned about missing God’s will that they are like a little boy who refuses to choose, and just says, “You know best, Father.” But the father’s joy a nd excitement over the little boy getting his heart’s desire is gone. These same people sometimes speak of “not putting God in a box,” or “quenching the Spirit,” voicing their fear of limiting Him--yet they are keeping Him from doing His heart’s desire. Well, what if the desire of His heart is to bless you by giving you the desire of your heart?

So what does all this have to do with dancing? I had a conversation with a couple of friends about how we are all learning to live by faith in new dimensions. The Lord directs our steps a day at a time, even one tiny step at a time. Comments like, “It would be nice to know where I will sleep in a few days,” are not uncommon in Jerusalem. God’s provision is quite often just in time, and not a moment sooner. What is the Lord trying to teach us? Or train us all for?

I shared with those friends that as a former successful and creative project planner, I have had experience with incorporating contingency plan s into a schedule, so that when just about everything that could go wrong does, the schedule can still be used with only minor adjustments. Good project plans always incorporate a list of risk assessments anticipated while making the plan, and are presented along with the plan to management, the customer and the workers. Any deviations affect the entire schedule. For many years, I have thought of the Lord as the ultimate project planner. He just doesn’t let us see the entire schedule, showing only a few of the details. His master schedule has it all. But today, I heard myself say, “He isn’t executing a project plan--He is dancing with us!” Wow, what a different perspective! He is dancing a new dance never done before, and He wants us as His partner.

Many years ago, before I had learned to dance, a friend of my husband asked me to dance at a wedding and I was petrified. I was self-conscious, quite clumsy and embarrassed, knowing I would step on his toes. He dragg ed me to the dance floor, and because he was such a good dancer, he led without any effort to follow on my part and we floated around the room. To this day, I cannot dance well, but for that short time, I felt like a graceful ballerina--all because the man could lead so well. Father God knows how to lead. He holds us close to Himself and we fall in step as we look into His face and flow with His movements.

I am one who has always fought low self-esteem. From the time I was a little girl, I have looked at my feet a lot instead of looking up. I have good peripheral vision (praise God!) so I don’t bump into things too often. This has affected me spiritually, as well, and God has spent many years building up my spirit through His Word. I have memorized many scriptures about God blessing our feet.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 34:23, 24.

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. Habakkuk 3:19.

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me that my feet did not slip. Psalm 18:36.

I have always been looking at my feet...but when you dance, you must not do that. Can you imagine what it would be like if those ballroom dancers were always looking at their feet? First off, you have to push away from your partner to see your feet. That makes it difficult for him to lead.

I see many in the body of believers keeping arm’s length from the Lord in order to tell where their feet might land, always worried about making a mistake. They are seeking God to show them what to do next instead of tr usting Him and just flowing with His Spirit. This is a great lesson to me and gives me perspective as I minister with the Lord and my husband, and live my daily personal life.

Thank you, Lord, that you are such a patient and loving Abba, our Daddy.

If you are seeking the Lord to direct you and help you make decisions, picture yourself as a little one in Daddy’s arms as he carries you across the dance floor. Then, see yourself a few years older, standing on Daddy’s feet as he dances with you, teaching you to move with Him. Finally, see yourself mature, as He takes you by the hand and you let Him lead you across the dance floor, leaning into Him and flowing with Him. And even when you misstep, as you lean into Him, see how He continues the flow. This has to be a lot easier than studying the plan to see where your feet ought to land next. Hallelujah!

Blessings!