Devot. The Powerfulness of Passover in Light of Covid-19

Hi Folks,

I hope you are staying well and having a good week!

This week definitely does not feel like Holy Week.  No good Friday Service, no Resurrection Sunday Am service.  But even though this week does not feel any different than any other week, the meaning and significance of the week is not diminished.   (In addition to this devot., I will be emailing later with some Easter resources for the entire family (kids to adults) and I hope it is helpful.)  

This week, I struggled with what topic to focus on and then the Lord gave me an idea: Passover.  Let me explain. 

Tonight is Passover, which will be celebrated by Jews and Jews who believe in Jesus all across the world.  We see a record of Passover in the Old and New Testament.  In Exodus 12, we see God command Moses how to prepare this first Passover meal.  The Israelites were to prepare a perfect, unblemished lamb a certain way, prepare bitter herbs and to bake unleavened bread.

One of the very major parts of this new celebration was that the blood from the spotless lamb be painted on the doorposts and lintels on their home with hyssop (in the Bible, hyssop was a symbol  of spiritual cleansing) so that the Angel of Death would "pass over" their homes and spare the lives of their first born sons from the pestilence of death that God would send into Egypt.    (This was God's final warning sign to Pharaoh that He better release His people, the people of Israel, from bondage so that they go and freely serve the Lord!).  This was a 'memorial' that the Israelites were to observe and practice at a certain time, every year, forever (Ex. 12:24).

Now to the New Testament.  We see "the passover" In the New Testament in Matthew 26:17-29, Mark 14:12-25, Luke 22:7-38 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 .  Did you know that..."what we call the "Last Supper" is actually the Passover meal celebration.  Because timing is based on Jewish time, the meal would have started just after sunset on Thursday and went late into the evening."  (Quote by Pastor G. Wilt). 

Now, there are two devots. below that share simply and clearly how the Old and New Testament parallel and it is important.

Scripture states that Jesus was a fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture that a 

"Lamb" (symbolic word and meaning) would come and die to cover the sins of the world.    (Sigh)...so much I wish I could go into, but the devots. are below (please look at both through this next week).  

I also have something very unique.   A Messianic friend of mine (A Jewish person who believes that Jesus was Messiah, the Saviour of the world, not just a good teacher or prophet) emailed me two news links regarding Passover.   One showed a correlation between the pink supermoon that will be coming up tonight and shows that it was prophesied in the book of Isaiah!  The 2nd link shows an amazing correlation between Covid-19 happening right now and how it closely parallel the events surrounding the 1st Passover.   Read them and I think you will be amazed.  God is trying to get through to people at this time!

Lastly, I have a link that shows what Passover is about, what it entails, the symbolism of the meal.  One of my favorite Messianic musicians will be going live tonight at 8PM via Facebook and Youtube to host a Passover meal (called a "Seder").  I would encourage you to watch or go back on youtube and watch if you have never seen this done.  Very powerful how the details of the 1st Passover match the Last Supper and what it all means.    

I pray you all have a blessed evening!  (Will email with Easter resources for your families soon!). Blessings!

  

Exodus 12 Passover Passage: 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ex.+12&version=NKJV

Devots. 

Lamb of God:

https://www.icr.org/article/1404

Christ Our Passover:

https://www.icr.org/article/2090

(Devotionals used by permission.  Taken from https://www.icr.org/homepage/)

News Articles: 

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/148446/pink-supermoon-on-passover-eve-was-prophesied-by-isaiah-accompanies-redemption/

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/148438/israelis-notice-eerie-similarities-between-passover-in-2020-and-original-holiday-in-egypt/

Watch Passover Dinner Live:

https://www.martygoetz.com/passover

A Way Tangible to Help During the Crisis!

Hi Folks,

I saw something very neat on Instagram tonight and wanted to pass along in hopes you would consider posting to Facebook or other online platforms as you can.

A church that I follow via Instagram had a online fundraiser started by one of their members who is a mother and an ER dr. at John Hopkins in Baltimore MD.   

She is raising funds via a tee shirt she is dubbing "Essential Worker" (or can be changed to "Essential Homebody") to help Meals on Wheels, The Global Food Bank, and even their own neighbors in their community via their church's benevolence fund who are effected by Covid-19.   100% of what is raised will go to folks in need!

(I have seen how this dr's. church is actively and tangibly helping their community with groceries, toilet paper and even financially just because they want to help and share the love Christ and I am quite impressed!) 

I am not asking that you financially invest in the fundraising (If I could help financially in some way, I would myself), but do the next, powerful thing and spread the word via social platforms to make others aware of how they could help, a creative way of what is being done to help (Or pray!  Our frontline workers could sure use the prayers right now!)

Here is the writeup I saw on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/p/B-iOkNGh3iA/

And here is link for the details:  https://www.customink.com/fundraising/you-are-essential2020?fbclid=IwAR3_bUvzBXyNe2WSFRuVXbtsLgnMLiyy92L6A_Vh3E-MXRVPQXyLnKAS2c4

Many thanks for your consideration of passing along or posting!

Blessings, Grace 

Devot. Spiritual Ponderings

Hi Folks,

I hope you are having a productive week and you and your families are staying healthy and well. I have something different for you today.

I have been reading encouraging stories this week of folks giving away face masks to health workers, health workers being applauded from the balconies of homes in the evenings all around the world, party companies that rent tents giving them away to set up as field hospitals, and churches who are obeying God given authorities and 'sheltering in place,' yet finding creative ways to worship, have encouraging Bible studies online

and also find safe ways to help their neighbors.   

Our county is banding together to support, encourage and help each other, Believers are having the chance to share the love of Jesus and the Gospel that saves, how exciting!   Yet one theme I am hearing among many who have trusted Jesus as their Savior and Lord is the fact that this time at home has given them a chance to look into their souls, to 'take stock' of the spiritual condition of their hearts and see where spiritual 'spring cleaning' needs to be done.

Below are such reflections of a pastor who travels overseas to encourage Believers around the world.  My pastor knows him, sent my church body the below email with permission to share it with you all. 

I hope his email helps you to start looking at the condition of your heart, mind and life in light of our current and in light of eternity.   I have also included a devotional. below on spiritually 'spring cleaning' your soul, an encouraging story for your week and a way to help health workers at this time.     We certainly have more time to think and evaluate how our spiritual walks are with the Lord right now.   Pray you are encouraged!  Lord bless you and yours this week!

From the Pastor; 

"So with all the Covid 19 issues that have put me in a place where I feel incarcerated, it is a good time to post.

In times like these I find it good to do some pondering and reflecting. Adversity and disappointment are always God's way of revealing so much about my heart's motivations and perspectives. What have I seen within my heart in all of this? More than I want to admit for sure. Nevertheless, one thing is more preeminent, I love to have my way. I love to control the direction of my life. I think my ideas are overwhelmingly the best. I like to be sovereign over the details of my life. I like to understand all the "Why's" of what is happening. I struggle with questions regarding why is my ministry on hold. How long will this covid hinder ME from MY plans to do MY ministry. Wow, it is hard to see those words in front of me.

God is teaching me the same lesson over again, in order to find a life of joy, hope, and peace, I must die to my prideful aspirations and live to His glorious aspirations. I need to remind myself that God can be trusted. He is kind, loving, gracious, merciful, sovereign, faithful, all-knowing, impassable, and so much more. How can I even entertain a notion that my ways are better. Adversity is God's way of introducing me, to me. He does so because He loves me so much He does not want me to waste my life but rather give it away out of love for Him and love for others. God calls me to trust and surrender. To raise my white flag!

Another thing God has brought to my mind is what it means to really love with compassion. Providentially, last night I had a call from overseas from my translator who is serving the Lord. Minutes later I had a call from  another overseas contact, who lives in a remote part of his country.   In particular he informed me of the suffering they are facing in the midst of covid 19 entering their state. People there are restricted from work. They work daily for their daily bread. There are no stockpiles of food. In the best of conditions it is a daily struggle to procure what we have in abundance, food. To get to the point, speaking purely for myself, I know little or absolutely nothing of suffering in any real terms like my 2 friends. I am an American, a child of my age. I lack categories of suffering, persecution, and deprivation such as the vast majority of the world holds. They have categories for those things that just don't exist in my frame of reference. James 2:14-17 pierces my heart, "How can I say that I have a genuine working faith as I see a poorly clothed and hungry eternal soul in need, and reply "Go in peace, be warmed and filled without giving them the things NEEDED for the body." (James 2:16). In my pondering, God is really speaking to me about a biblical love that acts with compassion and mercy in order to bring about the greatest possible benefit to another person. Christ has done that me in massive proportion. My greatest sacrifice to bring benefit to another person is microscopic compared to what Christ has done for me.

My pondering and conclusions? God wants me to love and trust Him. He is control. To stop thinking about me, myself, and I. To act as Jesus would towards those suffering persecution and deprivation in order to bring about benefit to them in their need. Daily NEED. Not daily desires but genuine daily need. So in the end, this PAUSE from God is a good thing. No I am wrong. It is totally an essential and necessary for me.

Soli Deo Gloria! (To God be the Glory!)"

Devot.    https://www.dayspring.com/articles/spring-cleaning-for-your-soul?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20200318SevenRefreshersToHelpYouThroughYourDayArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

(Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.dayspring.com)

Encouraging Story:   https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-minnesota-trooper-pulled-over-a-doctor-for-speeding-then-he-gave-her-his-n95-medical-masks/ar-BB11VuF1?li=BBnb7Kz

A Way to Help Health Workers: https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/this-app-lets-you-send-pizza-to-health-care-workers-while-theyre-on-the-job/ar-BB11OpHc?li=BBnb7Kz

Devot. Unity!

Hi Folks,

I hope you are staying healthy and well while still staying productive!

I have a devot. topic below that I think is applicable at this time: Unity

At this time in our world, it is vital that we band together to support, help, look out for others, esp. those who are older.  Political, racial, economic, generational lines need to come down and folks need to work together, we won't make it otherwise.

Remember the expression, "Divided we stand, united we fall"?  It's the truth!  This is most especially true and should be the case among Believers.   Jesus said in  John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.   By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The verse directly applies to Believers and states that others, those in the non-believing world, will know that we are Christians by our Christian love and care for other Believers.   

The other day I was looking at an Instagram feed of a church I follow.   The pastors of the church were talking with their district representative to see how their church could actively help those in their district.   Stories were also being posted of church members taking groceries to elderly members, leaving flowers at their door.  One couple typed up a note and left it in every mailbox on their street stating that if anyone could not get out for groceries or errands, to text them and they would be happy to do it (and not charging of course).  That is what Christ was stating!!!!   

2 Philippians 2:4, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."  

(I think we could apply this to our lives in the areas of obeying whatever self-isolate mandates our states issue and obeying them to the full letter of the law so others, esp. the elderly do not get sick.) 

Now, I am seeing these acts of kindness online from those who are not Christians, and good for them, but we need to most esp. show acts of kindness and Christ's love in some way (for me, it has been calling some of the elderly in our church to say hi and check on them).  As Believers we can show kindness to each other and then let it radiate out to those who desperately need Christ in their life.     Another church Instagram feed I saw shared that someone had trusted Christ and they attributed it to the virus, it was a wakeup call to them that they needed Jesus in their life.    

 So....you never know all the good that could come from this, how God could receive glory through situations such as this and how many folks could come to Christ if we would but share Him verbally and through our actions.  My mom favorite verse in the Bible is Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

I hope you all have a super great week, stay healthy and well!

(Devots. and an article on acts of kindness below to brighten your day!

(P.S. FYI I found an article online that Hydrogen Peroxide is an excellent virus cleaner as an alternative to Clorox etc..as the other cleaners are scarce.  Hope this helps!)

https://healthstartsinthekitchen.com/all-natural-cleaning-and-disinfecting-with-peroxide/https://healthstartsinthekitchen.com/all-natural-cleaning-and-disinfecting-with-peroxide/

Devots: Unity in Christ:

https://www.icr.org/article/loving-unity-Christ

https://www.icr.org/article/1995

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.icr.org/homepage/)

Also some Good Samaritan stories to brighten your day!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/smart-living/these-stories-of-people-helping-the-elderly-amid-coronavirus-will-warm-your-heart/ar-BB11qLXW?li=BBnb7Kz

Devot: Fear Not!

Hi Folks,

What a week it is has been so far!!!!   In the midst of uncertainty and stress, God has shown His compassion, care, grace, mercy, provision and faithfulness to my family in ways that are beautifully amazing!   I hope you could see and say the same thing about our own life today.   

We are encouraged in Scripture to "Fear not", and yet we are also taught to "Fear God," but not man.  Is this contradictory?  No, not at all!  Proverbs 29:25 states, "The fear of man (or virus, plages, wars, the economy) brings a snare,..."

Fear of these sorts of things will bring us into bondage, the ability to not even move,  live, or exist! The verse goes on to say, "But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."   Amen to that!!!

The "Fear of God" is a deep, reverential respect for God, knowing He is sovereign, holy, all powerful.  

The United States and all over the world could use some of this right now....   

The verse above promises that for those who have peronsally trusted the Lord Jesus (have received Him as their Saviour, not just a head knowledge of who He is, but a personal acceptance of Him as Saviour and Lord in their life), will indeed be safe!!!!  Does it mean we avoid problems and difficulty in life?  No, but He promises to go though it specially with those who have trusted Him for salvation.   "For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

"But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.For I am the Lord your God,  The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."  Isaiah 43:1-3

In the context of these verse, the Nation of Israel is being spoken to, but we can apply the comfort to us.

Below I have several things for you to peruse at leisure this weekend. 

I have two devots. on the Bible principle of what not to fear, and the right kind of fear (the fear of God).

This past weekend, our president called for a National Day of Prayer. Now, just for a few minutes set aside your political party and focus on our need for God at this time and all time.   We need His help, grace and mercy right now in abundance!!  We do not deserve it, on a national level or personally due to how we have turned our backs on Him in so many ungodly ways, but this virus is larger than what we can handle in our own human strength.

I have a link that show a history dating back to 1775 that shows the presidents who were humble enough to  admit we needed God's help through a day of prayer to Him.   I think you will find the history interesting. 

I also have a sweet video of 2 siblings and how they are using the Word of God to battle their fears of the virus. 

I have also added below a personal note from my family's pastor.  Many churches are closing their doors due to the virus and he gave a short but neat perspective on why Christians are making that decision.   Hope you will read that closely.

Lord bless, and keep you and yours this weekend!  (Numbers 6:24-26)

Deliverance from Fear:

https://www.icr.org/article/20582

Fear the Right Fear:

https://www.icr.org/article/2001

(2 Devots. Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.icr.org/homepage/)

National Day of Prayer, History: 

http://www.religioustolerance.org/day_pray2.htm

Video: https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values. (The verse the little girl is teaching her brother is 2 Timothy 1:7.)

A Word from My Pastor:

Over the past few days, some religious leaders have implied that church's are canceling services out of "fear" instead of having faith.  Then they imply and use the first part of 2 Timothy 1:7...

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear..."

Rest assured, fear had no bearing in the decisions made by the leadership of our church to cancel services and activities.  Had those religious leaders chose to examine the entire verse in 2 Timothy 1:7, they would have also noticed it states...

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

The phrase "sound mind", describes the idea of sound judgment and wisdom.  If someone asks you about canceling services, you have the opportunity to share two wonderful biblical principles with them to demonstrate the sufficiency of Scripture even in uncertain times like this. 

1. As believers we are to love one another.  What better way to demonstrate love, then to show love and compassion to others by ensuring we are involved in keeping this virus from spreading to those who are vulnerable.  Let those around you know that it is love for others that causes you to do what you do, not fear.
2. As a believer, we hold firmly passages like Romans 13:1-2 where we are instructed to submit (obey) those who God has placed in government authority.  How sad it would be if as a church we would defy and disobey what the government is asking us to do.

Devot. Sin, Christ Took Our Sin, Mercy and Grace

Hi Folks, 

I love these devots. this week!   There is much spiritual substance, truth, encouragement and room for learning something from God's Word.   

Pray you are blessed this week!

Concerning Sin:

https://www.icr.org/article/concerning-sin

Confession and Forgiveness:

https://www.icr.org/article/20951

Christ Our Sin: (Not that He was sinful, but He took OUR SIN on Himself when He died not the cross.)

https://www.icr.org/article/christ-our-sin

(Above devots. used by permission.  Taken from https://www.icr.org/homepage/)

Mercy and Grace:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2020-03-10?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202020-03-10&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

(Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.dayspring.com)

Devot. The Choice is Yours, Shining for Him, Worn Out

HI Folks,

I hope you are having a good day!

I have 3 devots. below, all kind of similar in genre, but yet different. 

The first one is about the choices we make each day.  

Will the choices I make today be God honored in every aspect (thought, word and deed) or be selfless, only thinking of me, not  others, not God, not making a difference for eternity today?

The second devotional is about allowing the Lord to shine though me in a way that reflects Him.

The third devotional is for those days where you feel like you can't keep going on for the Lord and what you can do to keep pressing forward.

I hope you have a super and blessed week!

(Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.dayspring.com)

The Choice is Yours:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2020-02-25?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202020-02-25&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

Shining for Him:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2020-02-20?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202020-02-20&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

Worn Thin:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2020-02-22?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202020-02-22&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion