Hi and shalom this Season that means different things to many folks,
On Thanksgiving our family went to the parade in Detroit to see my daughter march in her high school band. I think the Holiday song this year may be Joy To The World, as quite a few bands were heard to play this standby. Our world could certainly use some joy that would come by asking our Messiah to come seek us out where we
are lost!
Over the weekend, we read the title to this post, Christmas in Harmony, an 88 page novelette by Philip Gulley describing the Christmas tradition in a small Indiana town called Harmony. One set of sentences that appears 2 or 3 times in this novel is something to ponder. I hope you will via your comments.
"In this unsettled world, it is good to have this steadiness, The Christmas Eve service, the peel of the bell." "There is a holiness to memory. A sense of God's presence in these mangers of the mind which might explain why it is that the occasions that change the least, are often the very occasions that change us the most."
I ponder that last phrase as a part of me is considering adopting a more Messianic expression in my life by starting to observe the biblical feasts in Leviticus chapter 23, God's appointed times, as they are often known. At the same time, realizing what I grew up to know of December is to help assure me God is with us, God is present, God is longing to be near, God is longing for my and our communication with him, to comfort us, to teach us, to make us like Himself through the good the bad and the ugly of life.
As I rested last evening I thought about Emmanuel and how he had been with me in recent days. Through some of you who comment, through a friend named Chris, through a former co-worker and still a friend named Mindy, through my wife and kids who suggested they could do a bake sale to help raise funds for a small group study I want to do next year, through my wife who once in a while tells me I am amazing, through a song whose lyric catches my attention when necessary to consider something or a verse of Scripture that does the same. Emmanuel is with us!!!!!
So, on one hand this annual occasion that changes the least (experiencially) can be that which changes you and I the most. It's an interesting postulate to consider, hope you may do so with me.
We will get back to Bound for Freedom in the very near future. Oh for you movie fans out here consider seeing the new release, Blind Side, very good about a family who literally takes in one who is down and out. Their working together literally transforms this gentleman and you leave the theater feeling inspired to know that in some small corners of the world people are doing things quietly to make a difference. They are truly exemplifying Torah observance.
His presence accompany us today and always.
David
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Great Is Your Faithfulness Lord Unto Me - Hymn
Shalom and Thanksgiving regards to US readers,
On monday, IRNUSAnews.com reported a story about decreased prices this year for the USA traditional Thanksgiving meal compared to previous.
An article from The Voice Of Agriculture, November 12, farmbureau.org cites,
"Milk, at $2.86 per gallon dropped $0.92 and was the largest contributor to the overall decrease in the cost of the 2009 Thanksgiving dinner."
As we have been considering God using miracles and natural phenomenon to provide for the Israelis during their wilderness years, Exodus, Goran Larsson in his book,
Bound For Freedom, mentions 3 lessons that were in the daily provision of manna to the sojourners.
(1) Temperance in one's life. Enough was provided for a given day, not to be hoarded or stored for later. (2) Solidarity with one's neighbor, (all were fed), and above all else (3) Confidence in the Lord.
As we embark on a Holiday season in recession times, how is your/our confidence factor in the Lord?
Are we relying on the Messiah to strengthen us, or do it ourselves?
Personally, gentle nudges of late from my extended family at Set Apart Ministries have reminded me that it is God indeed who works all things together for His good to those who trust Him. Romans 8.
Reminder, what a privillege to carry, everything to God in prayer."
His presence accompany us today, comments always welcomed even hellos.
David
On monday, IRNUSAnews.com reported a story about decreased prices this year for the USA traditional Thanksgiving meal compared to previous.
An article from The Voice Of Agriculture, November 12, farmbureau.org cites,
"Milk, at $2.86 per gallon dropped $0.92 and was the largest contributor to the overall decrease in the cost of the 2009 Thanksgiving dinner."
As we have been considering God using miracles and natural phenomenon to provide for the Israelis during their wilderness years, Exodus, Goran Larsson in his book,
Bound For Freedom, mentions 3 lessons that were in the daily provision of manna to the sojourners.
(1) Temperance in one's life. Enough was provided for a given day, not to be hoarded or stored for later. (2) Solidarity with one's neighbor, (all were fed), and above all else (3) Confidence in the Lord.
As we embark on a Holiday season in recession times, how is your/our confidence factor in the Lord?
Are we relying on the Messiah to strengthen us, or do it ourselves?
Personally, gentle nudges of late from my extended family at Set Apart Ministries have reminded me that it is God indeed who works all things together for His good to those who trust Him. Romans 8.
Reminder, what a privillege to carry, everything to God in prayer."
His presence accompany us today, comments always welcomed even hellos.
David
Friday, November 20, 2009
Live Like A Refugee part 2
Hi and Shalom,
Yours truly is not a professor, far from it, but am thinking of college days when teachers would write words and terms on the board before beginning their
class lecture. Well, I am going to borrow that practice for this post still reflecting on the book Bound for Freedom by Goran Larsson.
Anyone else reading this title?
Need your feedback- folks.
The buzz words are: Manna, quail, Word, enough.
Larsson describes God using natural phenonemon to make food provision for the Israelis while in the wilderness, manna, quail which are small birds, and told them enough would be provided for each day and was to be consumed each day. On Fridays to use our calendar format, a double portion provided for the next day which is Shabbat, Sabbath.
A couple things the Almighty wanted to impress on them was: He provides enough for each day, His Word is like bread, and when it truly seaps in to us we will naturally respond with behavior that reflects his changing us.
Obedience is out of love not out of, I must and then I can do as I
"damn well please."
Also the notion of temperance is here, providing just enough for the day's intake.
That speaks loud and clear to me about keeping my wants and desires in check.
I"d love the latest greatest laptop, a sattelite dish, 50 or so followers of my blog, major league baseball to be occurring year round on Saturday or Sunday, on and on and on and on.
As believers though we are urged to ask for our daily, it's enough, not hoard or covet. I suppose as long as most of this stays in the brain and doesn't get executed behaviorally we are as it were okay. Like someone I know says, take every thought captive..
Couple things in closing.
Visit www.hebrewroots.com. It's a UK based web site with teaching, blogs, and an Ask The Rabbi feature all of which are informative and interesting to this believer.
Hope to hear a couple peeps from you soon, may His presence accompany us today!
Warmest regards,
David
Yours truly is not a professor, far from it, but am thinking of college days when teachers would write words and terms on the board before beginning their
class lecture. Well, I am going to borrow that practice for this post still reflecting on the book Bound for Freedom by Goran Larsson.
Anyone else reading this title?
Need your feedback- folks.
The buzz words are: Manna, quail, Word, enough.
Larsson describes God using natural phenonemon to make food provision for the Israelis while in the wilderness, manna, quail which are small birds, and told them enough would be provided for each day and was to be consumed each day. On Fridays to use our calendar format, a double portion provided for the next day which is Shabbat, Sabbath.
A couple things the Almighty wanted to impress on them was: He provides enough for each day, His Word is like bread, and when it truly seaps in to us we will naturally respond with behavior that reflects his changing us.
Obedience is out of love not out of, I must and then I can do as I
"damn well please."
Also the notion of temperance is here, providing just enough for the day's intake.
That speaks loud and clear to me about keeping my wants and desires in check.
I"d love the latest greatest laptop, a sattelite dish, 50 or so followers of my blog, major league baseball to be occurring year round on Saturday or Sunday, on and on and on and on.
As believers though we are urged to ask for our daily, it's enough, not hoard or covet. I suppose as long as most of this stays in the brain and doesn't get executed behaviorally we are as it were okay. Like someone I know says, take every thought captive..
Couple things in closing.
Visit www.hebrewroots.com. It's a UK based web site with teaching, blogs, and an Ask The Rabbi feature all of which are informative and interesting to this believer.
Hope to hear a couple peeps from you soon, may His presence accompany us today!
Warmest regards,
David
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Live Like A Refugee - Bound For Freedom
Hi and Shalom!
Last post I mentioned that for a while, I was going to spend time posting about personal gleanings from the book title, Bound for Freedom, by Goran Larsson.
Yes, I erroneously spelled his last name and apologize for not catching the
error sooner.
The miracle of the sea parting, and the Israelis being able to cross successfully (all God's doing) was the gist of my last post.
Now begins the long trek through the wilderness, or some have called them the wilderness years. It should be noted, the Haggadah, the Passover recollection liturgy if you will, refers to this miracle giving God all the praise which would satisfy many an Evangelical today. Interestingly is the perspective to look back, to look at the present, and to look forward as the Jewish folks observe annual Passover. Something we could learn in my opinion.
Quoting the Haggadah referenced by author Larsson
"The Lord brought us forth not by the hand of angels or messengers, but He Himself in His own glory."
"The song of praise has hardly died away before a totally new reality presents itself as the people looked in vain for water. "A new and difficult lesson must be learned. There is no shortcut to freedom. The short period of liberation is followed by a long period of watering.
The newborn people will have to learn to walk. This is a long process.
Freedom is not a once-for-all event. Freedom has to be learned again and again, then freedom has to be nourished and the boundaries of freedom defended not only physically but mentally in the effort."
"It's easier to take Israel out of Egypt than Egypt out of israel."
So true Dr. Larsson, thank you!
Before closing, I want to inform you of some pending changes that may be occurring.
Soon, you may see ads after posts, as I signed up for Ad-sense which the providers of this blog community offer for those interested in having a sponsor for small pay. I have some personal projects forthcoming that will need small monitary boosts from somewhere, and thought this would be one possibility to help that along. Also working an extra hour or 2 to help expedite these goals.
What that means is small group studies with materials provided to participants. More about that later, as we are all bound for freedom.
Meantime, His presence accompany us today and look forward to your comments. Shyness not necessary here.
David
Last post I mentioned that for a while, I was going to spend time posting about personal gleanings from the book title, Bound for Freedom, by Goran Larsson.
Yes, I erroneously spelled his last name and apologize for not catching the
error sooner.
The miracle of the sea parting, and the Israelis being able to cross successfully (all God's doing) was the gist of my last post.
Now begins the long trek through the wilderness, or some have called them the wilderness years. It should be noted, the Haggadah, the Passover recollection liturgy if you will, refers to this miracle giving God all the praise which would satisfy many an Evangelical today. Interestingly is the perspective to look back, to look at the present, and to look forward as the Jewish folks observe annual Passover. Something we could learn in my opinion.
Quoting the Haggadah referenced by author Larsson
"The Lord brought us forth not by the hand of angels or messengers, but He Himself in His own glory."
"The song of praise has hardly died away before a totally new reality presents itself as the people looked in vain for water. "A new and difficult lesson must be learned. There is no shortcut to freedom. The short period of liberation is followed by a long period of watering.
The newborn people will have to learn to walk. This is a long process.
Freedom is not a once-for-all event. Freedom has to be learned again and again, then freedom has to be nourished and the boundaries of freedom defended not only physically but mentally in the effort."
"It's easier to take Israel out of Egypt than Egypt out of israel."
So true Dr. Larsson, thank you!
Before closing, I want to inform you of some pending changes that may be occurring.
Soon, you may see ads after posts, as I signed up for Ad-sense which the providers of this blog community offer for those interested in having a sponsor for small pay. I have some personal projects forthcoming that will need small monitary boosts from somewhere, and thought this would be one possibility to help that along. Also working an extra hour or 2 to help expedite these goals.
What that means is small group studies with materials provided to participants. More about that later, as we are all bound for freedom.
Meantime, His presence accompany us today and look forward to your comments. Shyness not necessary here.
David
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Bound For Freedom - song of the sea
Hi and shalom,
I am hoping to have the next few posts reflect thoughts gleaned from reading the book, Bound for Freedom by Goran Larson. This is a commentary on the book of Exodus, and recommend in the same manner as it was recommended to me for it could enrich your appreciation for our Jewish heritage.
The chapter this post focuses on is Exodus chapter 15, where the armies of Egypt are in pursuit of the Israelis, and at the sea, the LORD invokes elements of creation to perhaps express Divine excoriation for the power structure whose aim is to forceably conquer the hand of God.
The ensuing song that occurs, Giving the LORD all the credit for this miracle while also recognizing His steadfastness to do likewise in parlous situations is here recorded. It is termed, The song of the sea.
As I read this author's accounting, I thought of Jeff and Denise Benner,
Ancient Hebrew Research Center, who on their web site describe the Israelis as nomadic people, and J K McKee and Mark Huey, in their publication, Introduction to things Messianic, describe an Israeli as one who has "crossed over" starting with Abraham leaving his land and culture to embark on a course of freedom; also likening believers today as those who have "crossed over."
To be sure there are moments of renewal along the way for most of us, but to consider this miracle and setting for a couple moments can be faith-enhancing.
On a very simplistic level, I liken it to listening to a work of boroque or classical music full of expression and utilizing a broad range such as the
C sharp Minor Prelude by Russian composer Rachmananov, or a symphonic work by the German or French composers of the 17th through 19th centuries per se.
Much of that music to the human ear, is but a glimpse to that very extraordinary moment!
The miracle and proceeding song, caused that people to recognize that the LORD did care, was concerned, and does provide. Today, let's hang on that thought as we go about our business.
Thank you for those of you who comment regularly, I would like to hear from others!
His presence be with us today at our respective scenes of living.
David
I am hoping to have the next few posts reflect thoughts gleaned from reading the book, Bound for Freedom by Goran Larson. This is a commentary on the book of Exodus, and recommend in the same manner as it was recommended to me for it could enrich your appreciation for our Jewish heritage.
The chapter this post focuses on is Exodus chapter 15, where the armies of Egypt are in pursuit of the Israelis, and at the sea, the LORD invokes elements of creation to perhaps express Divine excoriation for the power structure whose aim is to forceably conquer the hand of God.
The ensuing song that occurs, Giving the LORD all the credit for this miracle while also recognizing His steadfastness to do likewise in parlous situations is here recorded. It is termed, The song of the sea.
As I read this author's accounting, I thought of Jeff and Denise Benner,
Ancient Hebrew Research Center, who on their web site describe the Israelis as nomadic people, and J K McKee and Mark Huey, in their publication, Introduction to things Messianic, describe an Israeli as one who has "crossed over" starting with Abraham leaving his land and culture to embark on a course of freedom; also likening believers today as those who have "crossed over."
To be sure there are moments of renewal along the way for most of us, but to consider this miracle and setting for a couple moments can be faith-enhancing.
On a very simplistic level, I liken it to listening to a work of boroque or classical music full of expression and utilizing a broad range such as the
C sharp Minor Prelude by Russian composer Rachmananov, or a symphonic work by the German or French composers of the 17th through 19th centuries per se.
Much of that music to the human ear, is but a glimpse to that very extraordinary moment!
The miracle and proceeding song, caused that people to recognize that the LORD did care, was concerned, and does provide. Today, let's hang on that thought as we go about our business.
Thank you for those of you who comment regularly, I would like to hear from others!
His presence be with us today at our respective scenes of living.
David
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
I Like Coffee -- standard
Hi and shalom,
I was not going to post this day, but after reading my weekly educational stuff from emedicine.com, the Medscape Newsletter which contained an article referencing a study that indicates people who drink an average of 3 cups of coffee daily, lower their risk for acquiring hepatitis C virus. A smile came across my face as I read that, and sort of said, Thank you LORD that observing Torah is working in my life, i.e. not so much the coffee consumption but endeavoring to present this body as something useful for Him.. Romans 12:1-2.
I had Public Radio International on yesterday, and have any of you heard the third remake of the Kinks song, Girl I want to be with you all of the time,
this version with a choral backing.. Arrangement by Kinks member Ray Daveys.
Check out the story at www.theworld.com or is it org?
Well, another work day is at hand so need to close, but would love to hear from more of you when so moved.
His Presence accompany us today!
David
ps. Coffee anyone? I like mine black..
I was not going to post this day, but after reading my weekly educational stuff from emedicine.com, the Medscape Newsletter which contained an article referencing a study that indicates people who drink an average of 3 cups of coffee daily, lower their risk for acquiring hepatitis C virus. A smile came across my face as I read that, and sort of said, Thank you LORD that observing Torah is working in my life, i.e. not so much the coffee consumption but endeavoring to present this body as something useful for Him.. Romans 12:1-2.
I had Public Radio International on yesterday, and have any of you heard the third remake of the Kinks song, Girl I want to be with you all of the time,
this version with a choral backing.. Arrangement by Kinks member Ray Daveys.
Check out the story at www.theworld.com or is it org?
Well, another work day is at hand so need to close, but would love to hear from more of you when so moved.
His Presence accompany us today!
David
ps. Coffee anyone? I like mine black..
Friday, November 6, 2009
Hungry Heart - Springsteen
Hi and shalom,
Each Friday, I receive the Israel Current News and Prayer Focus from the web site Bridges for Peace.
The current issue, November 6, features an article from ynetnews.com, discussing the poverty level in that nation.
As you observe the Sabbath be it Saturday or Sunday, or as you commemorate Thanksgiving, think of others who are without.
"The beginning of the financial crisis did not affect the figures of poverty in Israel, according to the National Insurance Institute Poverty Report for 2008.
Nonetheless, the data published Monday (November 2) point to an extremely grim picture:
*There are 1,651,300 needy people living in Israel, including 753,000 children.
One in four Israelis is defined as needy, and the poverty rate among elderly people remains at about 22.5%.
Prayer Focus: Pray that the LORD will bless the economy of Israel, providing employment for Israelis to emerge from poverty.
His Presence be with you and with all today!
David
Each Friday, I receive the Israel Current News and Prayer Focus from the web site Bridges for Peace.
The current issue, November 6, features an article from ynetnews.com, discussing the poverty level in that nation.
As you observe the Sabbath be it Saturday or Sunday, or as you commemorate Thanksgiving, think of others who are without.
"The beginning of the financial crisis did not affect the figures of poverty in Israel, according to the National Insurance Institute Poverty Report for 2008.
Nonetheless, the data published Monday (November 2) point to an extremely grim picture:
*There are 1,651,300 needy people living in Israel, including 753,000 children.
One in four Israelis is defined as needy, and the poverty rate among elderly people remains at about 22.5%.
Prayer Focus: Pray that the LORD will bless the economy of Israel, providing employment for Israelis to emerge from poverty.
His Presence be with you and with all today!
David
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
