Visitor Extraordinaire

I have been remiss in posting to this site. It has been nearly four months! Shame on me!

At the end of my last post I mentioned two visitors from Jerusalem. These two men have made a huge impact on their brief tour in the United States this July to drive home to Americans the message of Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you. And I will curse them who curse you.”

This verse refers not only to Abraham - known as Abram at the time - but his descendants, the Jewish people and their promised land, Israel.

One of the men is Don Cobble. Pastor and his family have known Donnie since they lived and ministered in Latvia, the formerly Communist Baltic country. Donnie ministers in Israel part of the year. In October he went to Jerusalem with his new wife, Pastor and others from our church, and thousands of foreigners - Jew and Gentile - to celebrate the Feast of the Tabernacles.

Donnie is the senior pastor of Kaleo Christian Center in Woburn, MA near Boston. He has taught at our church several times over the years. A flamboyant speaker, he comes with warnings to expect the unexpected.

Donnie doesn’t mind telling people how he spent over $60,000 in defending his biblically-ordained mandate to discipline his son with “the rod.” Actually he used the leather end of a belt over the boy’s clothes on the place God deems best - the most cushioned part of the human body. Donnie won his case in the Supreme Court of Massachusetts in 1999.

I brought that up only to show that Don Cobble is a man of conviction and is willing to stand on the teachings of the Bible. He teaches the Bible and its prophecies with conviction as well.

The most dramatic thing he said while he was teaching at our church about a year ago got us all thinking about the threat of Islam as a force trying to take dominion over the world.

We know that won’t happen, but Christian - and Jew - beware, because we are already seeing the signs and may be here to see much more. We need to be strong and knowledgeable in order to fight this enemy. We must be ready to give our lives.

Donnie made the shocking statement, to let us know that terrorists are really very devout Muslims following their founder Mohammed who in fact had his enemies beheaded. See Did Mohammed Practice Beheading?

Donnie said (you see I have been approaching this carefully) “If Jesus beheaded people, I would be out there beheading people too!” That’s the kind of preacher he is. That is the kind of person our Pastor does not hesitate to bring to our church. Our church is the kind of people who can take this kind of message and run with it. That is what I am doing here.

I have not been able to get onto http://www/doncobble.org. But if you “Google” Don Cobble you will get info about his court case, his teachings, and references from his friend, the other visitor to our church in July, Stan Goodenough.

I cannot say enough good about Stan, and he says everything so much better on his site called Jerusalem Watchman. I urge you to go there and be prepared to be enlightened.

Christians among Muslims

Prayer saw our church revival through six services and beyond.
Prayer for six weeks at two gatherings every Friday night preceded this revival.
Prayer continued through our team’s trip to Middle Eastern nation - to which country and for which purpose I cannot tell. (Enough people will be persecuted and martyred without my help.) Emails to and from there have to be in code.

It is the country where Christianity began, where many cities mentioned in the New Testament exist, some with modern day names; where little isles of Christians now meet under close scrutiny amidst a sea of Muslims.

One of our team there had an awful scare - the thing anyone would fear the most while traveling in a foreign, hostile country - not having a valid passport! Our brother’s passport - the most valuable item, more precious than gold, his ticket home to wife and child - was apparently ruined. It went through the wash - some forty minutes of soaking in a rudimentary washing contraption.

The pass port swelled to ten times its original thickness . Could it still be identifiable? Acceptable to the next official demanding its presentation?

But prayers and fasting were going on thousands of miles away, and our brother had been in spiritual prayer himself. He was tuned-in for the voice of God.

God told him to put the passport in his journal and sleep on it. He did so on his belly arising with the imprint of the notebook on his stomach.

Lo and behold - his passport unrecognizable as the swollen mass upon which he had lain. It was as good as need be to pass through all the inspections thereafter. God’s will be done. God’s name be praised ! !

What’s happening in your church? ? I have yet to tell you of our two visitors from Jerusalem.

Azusa Revisited

This blog has not been active for nearly two months! I apologize to my regular readers and those who signed up on Posts (Atom) - at the bottom of this blog - to receive notices of each new post.
I have been overwhelmed by happenings at our church and waiting for God’s direction.

We had a revival - a true reVIVEal a few short weeks ago.
The visiting evangelist, who shall remain nameless and faceless to protect his entry to every tribe and nation and tongue,
compared this capsule of time and place to the Azusa Street phenonoma of the last turn of the century.
That was just a few years from just a certain spot.
This - this move of God - is happening from all little spots in the world on the earth.
People saying “We are a light. We shine from here” - but it will reach all over the globe.

On the second night the preacher’s beautiful, vibrant wife proclaimed - “Prayers are going up from all around the earth. Prayers rising to the heavens, collecting like vapor, like clouds. Clouds of praise that will brim over in rain - the latter rain that whole earth has been waiting and groaning for.” It was awakening. . .enlightening. . . .

Is your church one of the little spots of light reaching around the world?

Please share your church news - the good news - here.

Children of the World

I knew I had to go see The Children of the World Choir when I saw they were performing at the First Baptist Church in the next little town called Paden City (not to be confused with Peyton Place, although they sound alike).

The flyer I saw, then of course chose to write up as a Coming Event in the newspaper where I work, said the group consisted of 15 children from Uganda, India and the Philippines, most of whom were orphaned by AIDS.

As anticipated, the children were all truly beautiful. They sang and danced their hearts and souls out and let the spirit flow. The children sang all the songs in rhythmically articulated English and spoke scriptures posted on the video screen behind them.

One of the songs that they sang I had not heard before. The lyrics included:

I put my hope in You,
I will never be afraid.
I put my hope in You,
I will never be ashamed.

When the battle rages
I will not be phased.
I will put my faith, hope and trust in You.

It made me think about what these precious ones have been through and what rescuers the people of World Help Ministries are. They bring the love of Jesus to these children.

In the free book they distributed is the statement “Most children of AIDS suffer from every one of these adverse conditions” which, according to the U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare cause children to be emotionally stunted:

* Abandonment - left to fend for themselves for a long period of time.
* Inadequate supervision or being left alone.
* Involved in activities that are harmful.
* Inadequate medical and dental care.
* Inadequate education.
* Inadequate nutrition.
* Inadequate shelter

The children of AIDS - 90 percent of whom live in Africa - have gone through all of the above. And yet the children I saw singing and praising God were joyful.

The staff and volunteers of World Help - very much as the people of The Sparrow’s Nest - take these children under their wings, feed, clothe and love them; and teach them about Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

They know they sleep in the arms of God - I know, because they sang about it.

Let each of us Children of God do something to help our littlest siblings.
Elizabeth

Yoga for Christians

In the introduction for “Yoga for Christians” Susan Bordenkircher wrote, “This book is another step toward helping Christians understand that God is using yoga as one of many creative approaches to get outside the chaos of this world and move into the rhythm of God’s Spirit. In turn, I pray that it leads readers on a path to developing an intimate, real relationship with Him. Because no matter what the world tells us, that is what is ultimately about: finding God, hearing His voice, and illuminating the world with the love of Jesus.” (p. xi).

I’ve been taking yoga class for 5-6 weeks now, wondering why I keep coming back for more, although some of the postures, called “asanas” were challenging - uncomfortable and downright painful at times. Within the first few pages of Bordenkircher’s book, I realized that I am, as she is, experiencing the psychological and spiritual benefits of yoga.

Bordenkircher wrote, “. . .The quiet stillness that I was learning was creating a heightened attitude of worship and alert listening to deepen my relationship with my Savior. My contentment allowed me to experience God’s joy in the midst of any circumstances, and my increased focus enabled me to get my mind off myself and onto something - Someone - so much bigger.”

Yoga began in India, thousands of years ago. Hindus and other Eastern religions adapted yoga. recognizing the spiritual as well as physical benefits. But that is no reason for Christians to not tap into God’s design for our bodies. We are so “wonderfully and fearfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

I am intrigued by the names of the asanas. The ancient people were inspired by the works of God in developing the postures. I like to think of The Mountain pose - used to align and stabilize the body - as The Rock, so I can think on Jesus.

As Bordenkircher explained, the early yoga teachers “imitated the way some animals moved and found that the movements created strength, power, and agility.” Hence the names like, cobra camel, cat, downward-facing dog (a dreaded challenge for me) and even human animal poses like Child’s Pose and Happy Baby.

Prolific Christian writer Max Lucado said of “Yoga for Christians,” “I’ve done enough ‘downward dogs’ to believe in the physical benefits of yoga. Now we have a chance to improve the soul and the body. May this project stretch us all.”

I’ll be writing more soon about breathing the Holy Spirit into your yoga sessions. In the meantime, I recommend buying "Yoga for Christians." It comes with a one-hour DVD of a Christ-centered yoga session with Bordenkircher.
In Christ,
Elizabeth

Let's travel to Riga, Latvia

Some may wonder - why would we need to spread the gospel in Europe? Aren't they all Christian - Protestant or Catholic - over there? Why would we need to rescue orphans from the streets?
These photos depict Riga's historic sites: the interior of St. Patrick's, which was bombed by Russia and restored; the lady on the top of the Freedom Monument reminded me of our Statue of Liberty; the round brick building once stored Russian armaments. Yet darkness still exists. Read on and learn what is happening.

Latvia's: 2008 or 1941?
By Micah Halpern

MicahHalpern.com | Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Riga is the capital city of Latvia. Located on the Baltic Sea, Latvia, a scenically beautiful country to behold, is one of the former Soviet states. Riga is a city rich in culture in history and even in human and natural resources.
On Sunday, in Riga, three thousand Latvians came out to join a parade. It was a parade to honor those Latvians who belonged to and fought in and defended the honor of a notorious SS Unit known as the Latvian Legion.
Three thousand people came out and joined that parade. Did I make myself clear? Three thousand Latvians flocked to the city of Riga to participate in a pro-Nazi rally.
It happened this Sunday - in the year 2008, in a European capital.
As Americans, we think that most people think the way we do. We think that not to think the way we do is bad, or wrong, thinking. We think that our understanding of right versus wrong is universal. We think that the reason others do not think the way we think is because they have not heard the power of our argument, that they would be convinced if they had As Westerners, we think that our belief system is the correct system, the most evolved system, the most popular system. In actuality, we are deluding ourselves. Our view of the world is insular, it is short sighted and it is narrow-minded.
Look no further than Riga, March 2008.
Latvia, along with the rest of the USSR, was invaded by the Germans in 1941. Then, as now, Riga was the capital of Latvia. According to a census taken in 1935 there were 43,672 Jews living in Riga. After the war there were 150 Jews, survivors from Riga.
Most of Riga's Jews were murdered in a place called Rumbla, a "killing fields" located only seven miles outside the city. There, on two separate days, first on November 30th and then on December 8th, 1941 the Nazis - with the help of the local Latvians, mowed down 25,000 Jews.
The Jewish Ghetto in Riga, like most Jewish ghettos created during World War II, was situated in the most densely populated area of the Jewish community. In Riga that area was called Maskava. In Riga, like in every other city under their control, in order for the Nazi massacre of the Jews to succeed the Germans needed local assistance. The assistance that the Latvian community of Riga gave to Nazi Command came in the form of the Latvian Legion, proud members of the German SS.
We now know, the proof is in the numbers, that local Latvians today, are still proud of their members of the Latvian Legion.
Was there a counter demonstration? There was - and we should be thankful that there was, but their well intended shouts of "disgrace" and "Hitler is Dead" and their few numbers pale in comparison to the pomp and glory of the Pro Nazi parade.
The lessons of the mass murder of the Jews at the hands of Nazis have not sunken in very well in Europe - even in those places where the lessons are most needed. Mass murder is still celebrated. Local mass murderers are encouraged to strut their stuff in style.
The most important lesson we can draw from the citizenry of Riga is not to be deceived. Realize that the values and issues that we hold dear are unique to us. We can try to influence others to adopt our values, we can even bribe them to behave in ways that we deem appropriate, but in their hearts seldom do they truly adopt our values and our sense of right and wrong.
We are who we are because we think that what the Nazis did was wrong. Some of the world still does not agree.

Micah D. Halpern is a columnist and a social and political commentator.
Read his latest book THUGS.
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595550739
He maintains The Micah Report http://www.micahhalpern.com

Back to Idols

(Pre-requisite for reading this is to read post of April 22, 2008)

Can our modern-day idols really do anything for us? Anything that that amounts to anything good?

Our jobs, I suppose, do some good - we provide for our families. But then, are we not putting family before God if all what we mostly think about is making a living?

(Folks, this line of thought is surprising me too. It is not coming from my own wisdom.)

Ephesians 4:28 says “Let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.” You see, the purpose of work is to give.

God’s written Word is our guide. We need to read it - not go by what we think it says.

Back to idols - God sounds a lot like a lawyer in Isaiah 41:21-22:

“Present you case,” says the Lord
“Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob.
“Let them [idols] bring forth and show us what will happen;
Let them show the former things, what they were,
That we may consider them
And know the latter end of them;
Or declare to us things to come.

Let’s stop there and consider what God is saying.

He is saying that idols - man-made things and ideas - cannot come close to giving us the insight and wisdom that the living Word of God can.

They cannot tell us why things happened in the past and what the outcome will be. They cannot tell what is to come as the Spirit of truth can:

“He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak to you of his own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." John 16:13

Idols cannot prophesy. (Maybe, "prophe-lie" as Pastor is fond of saying.)

These age-old thoughts certainly sound contrary to some new-age philosophies. such as the "The Power of Now." I have not read any of Tolle Eckhart so I am admittedly pre-judging.

Just beware, reader, that one man’s packaged deal does not become your idol.

Beware that one woman - such as Oprah, first with "The Secret" and now with "A New Earth" - does not replace God, or even coexist with Him, as your source of wisdom, worthy of your praise and worship.

Remember, God said, “For I the Lord your God am a jealous God.”
Is God jealous of Oprah?! (More about God’s jealousy another time.)

Continuing with Isaiah speaking and writing for God, He challenges idols:

Show the things to come hereafter
That we may know you are gods
Yes do good or do evil, [Do something, anything!]
That we may be dismayed and see it together*
Indeed you are nothing,
He who chooses you is an abomination.
Isaiah 41:23-24
* - That makes us stare, amazed. (The Living Bible)

Sorry, Oprah, but God is pretty clear about not wanting to share the stage.

These things need to be said, people. It's not all about: Be nice to your neighbor. Let's put the First Commandment first.

Click on "# comments" below to give your input,good, bad or ugly.

Yours truly,
Elizabeth