Gratefulness

Have you ever thought about the scriptures that tell us to "bless the L-rd?"  Like Psalm 100 or Psalm 103.  How can we bless the L-rd?  We who are nothing without Him?  What have I got to bestow a blessing on the L-rd?

It didn't take long meditating on this question years ago when I was thinking about this to realize the answer.....  the only way we can possibly bless the L-rd is to bless Him with a heart of thanksgiving.  A heart of gratefulness.  That is all we have to give Him. 

And have you ever wondered why Hebrews 13:15 says to offer a "sacrifice" of praise?  Why should praising the L-rd who gave us life be a sacrifice? 

I think the answer to that last question is that our flesh doesn't want to.  Our walk on the narrow road leading to life seems to be a constant battle against the flesh. 

Lately my flesh has been getting me down.  Down into a pit of pity, despondence, depression, and discouragement.   And I know the best cure for those feelings is gratefulness.

There is ALWAYS something to praise G-d for no matter what is going on in my life.  I have learned through my 55 years on this planet, in this skin, that there is definitely ALWAYS, without a doubt, something to praise G-d for even in the direst of circumstances.

Even during the Holocaust in the concentration camps, many jews came to realize that the Germans could not take everything - they could not take away their hope.  The hope that we only have in G-d Almighty.  So even in a circumstance when they were stripped of everything material and even their dignity, they had hope.  And scripture tells us that hope does NOT disappoint.  Romans 5:5

My circumstances are certainly nothing to compare to a holocaust so it should be easy for me to praise the L-rd and get my eyes off of my circumstances and my flesh.  Oh L-rd, please forgive me.

As I've been meditating on these thoughts I realized that though I feel like I have been running from G-d, He has not gone anywhere.  In fact, I realized that I cannot run from Him.  He is attached to me; I cannot go anywhere that He is not there.  I instantly thought of this Psalm and the truth of these words penetrated my sin-crusted heart.

Psalm 139:7
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

So today I stand up against my flesh who wants to destroy me.  I choose to prasie and bless my L-rd with a grateful heart and rest in His arms instead of running from them.

Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, G-d and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Amen.......

Dressing in Character

Colossians 3:12-17 - Therefore, as the elect of G-d, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Messiah forgave you, so you also must do.
Colossians 3 goes on to say that Love is "the bond of perfection." 

I thought of this today as a non-believing acquaintance at work was sharing a family tragedy with me.  My heart went out to her.  I wanted to tell her to have faith and pray.  I wanted to tell her to stand on G-d's promises for her family but I couldn't bring myself to share that since she does not believe.  I also started to tell her I would pray for her but I knew it would sound hollow to her ears.  An empty promise to one feeling destitute and hopeless.

But I know the power of prayer and so I purpose in my heart to intercede for her and her family before my Father in Heaven. 

When I came back to my office I re-read these verses from Colossians 3 and I was encouraged to remember that I am called by G-d and have chosen to follow Him.  I have His blessed hope to stand on and I am so grateful that Yeshua did not leave us alone but He left His own Spirit to guide us.

Sometimes when I get up in the morning, I feel sluggish and slightly depressed because I don't want to go to work.  But then I remember all I have to be grateful for and it helps spur me on and shrug off those feelings.  The verses and topic in this post remind me that I need to not only put on my work clothes for the day I need to also put on the garments befitting an elect child of a Risen King.  The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Is 61:3) and also the garment of mercy (Col 3:12). 

Then I will be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within me (1 Peter 3:15) and be able to offer encouragement to someone else.

Shalom

Perseverance

Sometimes life seems like it is all up hill..... The constant climbing becomes tiresome and seems like it will never end.  This thought has been on my mind for the last week or so.  I've been meditating on the difficulties of life and trying to summon up the strength to go on and realized that I just have to "keep on keeping on" to get where I am going. Shaul (Paul) said to run the race in such a way that you may win (1 Cor 9:24).  And I love the encouragement to do that very thing and to know where our help comes from:

Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?  My help comes from the L-rd, who made heaven and earth.

I've read this verse so many times but never has it spoken to me the way it has this morning.  Life many times is like climbing and climbing - but as we climb let us also look up to the top of the mountain (hill) because there comes our help. 

And the L-rd is well acquainted with our struggles and trials.  He did not create the world and all that is in it in one day..... but He kept at it for 6 days before He rested.  And He has set up His moadim for us to do the same thing.  We climb for 6 days through the trials of life and then have a blessed rest on the seventh day to sit in His lap and contemplate His goodness. 

Reflect on this devotional I received if you are feeling like you can't keep climbing: 

This is no time to get stuck in circumstances that seem to be overwhelming.  When something seems to be beyond your ability to deal with, trust Me for the help that you need, says the Lord.  I will give you direction, wisdom and strength in all things. 

Romans 5:1-5  - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with G-d through our L-rd Yeshua Messiah, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of G-d.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of G-d has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

Praise Hashem with a grateful heart - and have a great day.

How Many Kings?

How many Kings step down from their thrones?
How many L-rds have abandoned their homes?
How many Greats have become the least for me?
And how many G-d's have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their Sons for me?

I've heard this song from "Downhere" so many times but this morning the reality of what the chorus words are saying went through my heart and soul like a knife!  All of a sudden I actually saw myself as ROYALTY! 

In the 70's there was a popular saying among christians:  "I'm the child of a king."  Which we are but it sort of became an overused quote and lost a lot of its emphasis.  I was reminded of that truth again this morning during my epiphany.

The truth that I serve the G-d of all g-d's..... the L-rd of all l-rd's..... a RISEN Savior who cares about little ole' me.....  that truth made me feel 10 feet tall.  The reality of who I am gave me the confidence and belief and understanding that I CAN DO ALL THINGS because the Creator of heaven and earth is on my side.  He is my Father.  He cares for me and has plans for me - plans to make me prosper.  He has sent His Holy Spirit to comfort me, guide me, and keep my feet on the narrow path leading to everlasting life.  Whom shall I fear?  No one!  Nada!  Zilch!  There is no one who is bigger than my G-d.

And because I trust in HIM, even in draught I will NOT be thirsty because my roots are grafted into the Mayim Chayim (Yeshua HaMashiach) who is the river of life that flows from the throne of G-d and NEVER will run dry!

Don't believe me?  Read these verses and gird your loins with the truth and fasten on the armor of the Living G-d who gives to all men/women generously and is not a respector of persons.  Put your trust in the everlasting King, the Prince of Peace, your Provider, Protector, Lover of your Soul .... - His river never will run dry and the Praises of Him fill the temple to overflowing. 

L'Chayim - Choose Life

1. Jeremiah 17:5-8
2. John 4:10
3. Philippians 2:6-8
4. Matthew 28:7
5. Job 42:2
6. Philippians 4:13
7. Hebr3ews 4:15
8. Daniel 4:32
9. Psalm 37
10. Psalm 77
11. Deuteronomy 30
12. 1 Peter 5:7
13. Ephesians 6:10-17
14. Jeremiah 29:11

I encourage you to read your scriptures.  Start with the Psalms.  Even if you can only read a verse or two each morning, I promise you that the Holy Spirit will bring that word to you throughout the day and will encourage and lift your soul

Shalom

David and Yeshua

There is a show that comes on TV called Reflections.  The show is so peaceful and calm.  All it really is are gorgeous video clips of nature scenes with beautiful calming music playing in the background and scripture periodically pasted on the screen.  I love to sit and just let the Word of G-d portrayed this way minister to all my spiritual aches and pains.  It truly is like medicine for the soul.

This morning as I was meditating with help from these visions, I came across a verse from 1 Samuel that really spoke to me as if Yeshua Himself spoke it to me.  In chapter 22 David has fled to the cave of Adullam and placed his father and mother in the care of the king of Moab.  Saul slaughtered the priest of Nob because of their betrayal to him.  One of Ahimelech's sons escapes and found David.  After he relayed to David what Saul did, David said this in verse 23:  "Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me." 

That verse is what Yeshua spoke to my heart this morning.  I realized that Yeshua had spoken very similar words in John 15.  In verse 18 Yeshua begins to explain the talmidim's relation to the world.  He told them that if the world hated Him (Yeshua) then it would also hate any of His students (or followers).  He also cautioned them to not be astonished at this.  But Yeshua did not leave them in a destitute state without a helper or guardian to watch over them.  It had already been established beforehand that G-d would send the Holy Spirit.  In the following verses, Yeshua did not say that the Helper would protect them from persecution but He promised them that the Holy Spirit would do several things:

1. Convict the world concerning sin (because they do not believe)
2. Convict the world concerning righteousness (because Yeshua goes to the Father and we no longer see Him)
3. Convict the world because of judgment (because the ruler of this world has been judged)
4. Guide us into all truth
5. Take of the Father (Yeshua) and disclose it to us

The words David spoke in 1 Samuel 22:23 and the words Yeshua spoke in John 15 are so comforting and reassuring.  I believe that it was really Yeshua speaking through David in 1 Samuel and because Yeshua is of the lineage of David this is genetically true.  Our ancestors represent us just as we represent them.  That is why in Psalm 22, David could prophecy what Yeshua would endure as He hung and died for the world. 

So when I feel lonely on this Torah observant path I'm on or I feel persecuted and out-numbered by world views, I will remember David and Yeshua's words and will hide myself in the Rock of Salvation

For the grace of G-d has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great G-d and Savior Messiah Yeshua, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.  Titus 2:11-14

Rendezvous

The time is approaching fast for the annual River Alafia Rendezvous.  My husband has been several times - this will be my second year going and I can't wait.  It is a reenactment of a time in history when the mountain men would rendezvous at a pre-planned point and they would trade their animal hides/skins for much needed supplies before they headed out again.  It was also a time of relaxation and getting with others. 

At the Alafia Rendezvous, attendees select their personna and dress accordingly.  Much effort goes into making sure that things inside the camp are kept "period-appropriate."  Generally newcomers will start out "poor" because it takes awhile to accumulate the right outfits, supplies, etc. and because most of the time newcomers are not sure how they will fit in or want to fit in.  I find it very interesting how our natural personalities and societal placement seem to overflow into the personna we are trying to portray.

I love all forms of needlecrafts so this is a nice outflow for my normal interests.  I've made almost all of my and my husband's clothes.  What's really neat too is that you can have a blanket of items to sell while you are at camp and there is also a "marketplace" where vendors sell their wares.  They sell anything from home-baked bread to elaborate clothing, antique items, and buffalo hides.  My son-in-law is really into the Indian personna and has got a wonderful talent for leather-working and beadwork.  Here is a picture of a purse my husband made me out of hand-tanned leather with a beaded medallion my son-in-law made me. 

Last year I crocheted several watchcaps from fishermans wool and they were a big hit.  I was able to get the wool very cheap and then was able to sell the caps at a lot lower price than people could order them from suppliers.

My husband made beautiful wooden toys but they did not sell very well.  I am not sure why as if my children were little I would have loved to have them.  Maybe he will have to display them several years in a row for them to "catch on."  I will try and post pictures of them soon.

My son-in-law did additional beadwork medallions for my husband which my husband then applied to them a sort of "necklace" he wears at camp and a knife pouch he made. 

I will be off two weeks during the christmas break and plan on finishing my sewing for the Rendezvous then.  I am finishing a new Missouri Boatman's shirt for my husband out of some gorgeous Egyptian cotton I bought at 60% off!  I am also making myself another skirt, chemise, and bonnet.  If time permits I will try and make myself a "bed jacket" which was not necessarily worn to bed but was a coat or blazer type garment women wore over their shirtwaist. 

Pictures will follow as items are accumulated for packing.  I will also post pictures of the newly sewn garments and of our time there.  Check out this link for more information:

River Alafia Rendezvous

His Witnesses

This morning I've been pensive about the witness I portray to the world.  Or more specifically, "my" world.  My specific sphere of influence.  I am chastened to the core when I recall certain events where I did not display G-dly character or missed an opportunity to bring glory to the L-rd.  I can't undo those things or re-live those times and correct my mistakes.  I can only confess and pray for G-d's grace to cover those times and help me change.

Psalm 69:6 NASB - May those who wait for You not be ashamed through me, O L-rd G-d of Hosts; may those who seek You not be dishonored through me O G-d of Israel.

It appears from this verse that King David prayed the same prayer.  The words in this Psalm echo the cry of my heart and I'm so grateful once again for G-d's Word preserved through time.  I am so amazed at how alive G-d's Word really is.  As recorded in Deut 30:14 - His Word is nigh thee, in my mouth and in my heart that I may observe it. 

The L-rd desires truth in the innermost part of our being.  Psalm 51:6  One way we can have this truth is to spend time in the Word so that it soaks into us.  Even if you do not purposely set out to memorize portions of scripture, G-d's Word will get down into your spirit as you read it, drink from it, be nourished from it and allow it to answer the cries of your heart.  He will answer your cries by bringing portions of His Word to your remembrance.

Jeremiah 31:33 - The L-rd says that He will put His law within us and will write it upon our hearts. 

Allow Him to do that today.  I encourage you to get into His Word daily - even if it is just a few verses every morning.

There are times I just don't know what to read or where to find an answer.  One way I have found to combat this is to read the Psalms and Proverbs and this is how I do it.

If today is Kislev 9 I would read, Psalm 9, Psalm 39, Psalm 69, Psalm 99, and Psalm 129.  I would also read Proverbs 9.....

Get the picture?  And sometimes I commit to reading Psalm 119 all by itself because there is so much meat there.