Israel

May 19th – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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1 Thessalonians 5:18

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 the apostle Paul urges us to, “give thanks in all circumstances.” A challenging call when we witness Israel under attack, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and deep divisions within our own country. Divisions between friends, loved ones, and even the church. All that turmoil can make gratitude seem almost impossible. Yet God calls us to live a life of thankfulness just the same. To recognize the blessings we have, and continue to receive, and the hope we hold in Christ. For amidst the chaos, we are blessed with His unwavering presence and the promise of eternal life. Each day we are given is a gift, and an opportunity to acknowledge the Lord’s goodness and grace. By cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving, we align our hearts with His will, finding peace and strength in His sovereignty. So as we eagerly await His return, let our gratitude be a testament to our faith, illuminating the darkness with the light of His love. In every trial and triumph, may we continuously give thanks, trusting in His perfect plan.

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June 13th – 1 Kings 8:34

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1 Kings 8:34

“then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land you gave to their ancestors.”

Many times Israel sinned against God. And just as many times God forgave them. Many too are the sins of our country. Like Israel we have disobeyed God, embraced wickedness, and turned aside from the Lord. Yet thankfully, God’s forgiveness is not limited to only the nation of Israel. It’s available to any country that humbly turns to Him, acknowledges its wrongdoings, and seeks His mercy. And our country is in desperate need of repentance and forgiveness. During the dedication of the temple, King Solomon prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness for the people of Israel when they sinned against Him. We too need to be interceding for our country. Praying our leaders make decisions based on God’s will. That her people will repent from evil, and that God will not remove His hand of blessing from us. Asking God to forgive our transgressions and guide the nation towards righteousness, unity, and peace.

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May 17th – Ezekiel 36:8

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Ezekiel 36:8

The land of Israel was nothing more than a malaria filled swampland. It suffered years of destruction and desolation. Yet God promised to bring His people back home. And in 1900, He did just that. Now today there are over 5 million, and growing, Jews living in their homeland. A homeland that is longer uninhabitable. Instead, God has made it beautiful and bountiful again. Once more a land of milk and honey, God kept His promise to His people. Because God keep His promises to all of His people, including us. So when He pledges a great transformation in our lives when we receive Jesus as our Savior, He means it! Once we too were as desolate as Israel. Full of dead bones and withered branches that produced no fruit. But just like He did with the promised land, God will do for us. No matter how useless, barren, or broken we feel, if we let Him, the Lord can and will turn us into lush, bountiful, abundant fruit trees who produce a surplus of good fruit for His kingdom.

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May 7th – Lamentations 3:22-23

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Lamentations 3:22-23

It’s hard for me to read the book of Lamentations without a lump in my throat. Because its pages are filled with the pain of the prophet Jeremiah. He grieves over the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. Yet even in the midst of desolation and despair, Jeremiah had a heart of gratitude for the goodness of God. Gratitude is a powerful tool in overcoming the feelings that ail us. And knowing God’s compassion and kindness towards us are renewed each morning, helped ease the prophets pain. No matter how bad the circumstances of the day, with each new sunrise comes the opportunity to start fresh. To let go of yesterday and its failures and hurts, and receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Furthermore, when we trust in His unwavering love and faithfulness, and remember God’s faithful goodness, we too will have an overwhelming gratitude that eases our pain. And hearts that look to Him for the strength and hope we need to face each day.

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March 24th – Deuteronomy 4:7

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Deuteronomy 4:7

The people of Israel were God’s special possession, His very own. And He wanted with them, like He does with us, a close personal relationship built on love and obedience. As His chosen people, God offered them not only a land filled with milk and honey, but victory over their enemies. Gloriously and graciously the Lord led them and performed wondrous miracles in their sight. And at any time, for any reason, the people could call on God. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we too receive the blessing of becoming a part of God’s very own. He is near to us and just like the people of Israel, we can call on Him. God wants us to have the very best life possible. There is no one who loves you more, will fight harder on your behalf, or is more worthy of your complete faith and devotion. So draw near to Him, remember Him in all things, believe and obey, and watch the blessings flow!

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Rahab – A Fresh Start Through Faith

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When Rahab came back from the kitchen, she saw that the inn was brimming with patrons. It was a busy night, and between the full moon and the new wine, the crowd was getting rambunctious. But that was to be expected from the clientele that came to Rahab’s. For hers was a house of ill repute, and the men that frequented the inn weren’t exactly looking for a quiet evening.

…

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Rahab – A Fresh Start Through Faith Read More »

July 13th – Romans 9:3

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Romans 9:3

Paul’s heart ached for his fellow Jews and their rejection of Jesus.  So much so, that he was willing to be separated from the Lord if it meant salvation for Israel. The apostle received horrendous treatment from the people. Yet he never stopped hoping he would know the joy of seeing them receive Jesus as their Savior and experiencing the new life awaiting them. Such a selfless love is hard to fathom. After all it’s easy for us to want the best for those whom we love, and who love us in return. But what about those who don’t? Can we have the attitude of a Paul? Can we have hearts so full of love for Jesus that we mourn over His lost and rejoice over His found? Through our own strength such a love is impossible. But if we let Him, God will build in us that same kind of humble, self sacrificing spirit. The kind that joyfully leads others out of the darkness and into the light of Christ.

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A Better Way – Deuteronomy 7

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Deuteronomy 7

Recently while driving to an appointment, I took a wrong turn and ended up in an unfamiliar part of the city. Caught in traffic, and headed the wrong way, as soon as I was able I pulled over. I needed a minute to get my bearings and call my husband. After hearing my plight he asked, “Why didn’t you just follow the route the GPS gave you?” I meekly replied, “Because I thought my way was better.” …

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A Better Way – Deuteronomy 7 Read More »

The Bread Of Life – Mark 8

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Mark 8  

Before when reading the gospels, I would glance over the miracles of Jesus feeding thousands. After all they aren’t as exciting as raising people from the dead, or walking on water.  But they are just as important. Important enough, that twice when Jesus feed the masses, both times were recorded. Why? Because both miracles are perfect examples of why Jesus came. …

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November 19th – Micah 7:18

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Micah 7:18

There’s a quotes which says, “The ones who love you will never leave you. Even if there are a hundred reasons to give up, they will find one reason to hold on.” People, hurt, disappoint, and desert us. But there is One who loves us unconditionally, and no matter what will never leave nor forsake us. And that is God. Even though we fail Him daily, and give Him plenty of reasons to, God will ever give up on us. Never! Israel rebelled repeatedly against God. Yet even now, He hasn’t abandoned His chosen people. The prophet Micah took great hope in God’s forgiveness and grace. Knowing the Father would one day send His Son as Savior to the world, the prophet declares, “Who is a God like You?” Indeed, who is like our God? My heart cries out in thankfulness. For our Father, full of mercy and delighting in unchanging love, soon forgets His anger. And He is always there waiting to welcome us back into His loving arms.

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