Hi!!
I like your picture. I’m not able to get on my email where we are, but my mom’s phone is working. (:
I’ve decided to write you a letter on paper every day. Then when I get back I’ll type them all out and send them to you. 🙂
How have you been?
I got your email two days ago. I haven’t been able to check today, or yesterday. My email only works on computers for some reason…? Maybe the same reason it doesn’t let me separate sentences and paragraphs anymore??? (:
What happened? Ooh, where to start?
I was supposed to go to a career/Bible week-long class this summer… Then The CCP virus happened. New York state (where the class is) is enforcing a 21 day quarantine from everyone coming from Texas. To get around that I am staying in Michigan for fourteen days with my mother. Which has been fun for the past twenty-two(ish) hours.
But, I feel useless. I forgot my school work, and the people we’re staying with won’t let me clean, rub their feet, or anything that could be considered taxing or helpful. So, I drew them a picture…
Psalm 21 has been good. (I’m not quite finished with it yet).
Long posts..
As long as you don’t mind I’m game. (:
Goodnight!!!
Oh. Boredom is a bad thing… I’m glad you share it with me. Maybe try to convince your hosts to let you help them. If you’ve already done that, or if they don’t accept, so do other useful things. Study your Bible, write, draw, you know. I hope I helped you 🙂
The course sounds great! What is in there?
Thank you for praying for my parents!
How’s Michigan? It’s near the great lakes, right?
Hmm… Usually I wouldn’t critique someone’s work without being asked for it, but since we’re close friends, I feel more comfortable to help you without your request. Everything I say is out of love and care, because I want to help you to serve God with the talents He gave you the best way you can. I ask your forgiveness if I hurt you in any way.
Disclaimer – Maybe I say nonsense, since I didn’t read the actual chapters.
Why would a Jewish woman from the 1 century AD – a woman that lost her family in the hands of the Roman ‘’gentile, uncircumcised, unhuman dogs’’ – marry a Roman officer?
And why would the Jewish society accept her back after betraying her people in the worst way possible? The tax collectors were banished from the Jewish society just for working for the Romans – what would happen to someone who married the Romans and brought Roman children to the world (since back then, Jewishness was traced through the male line)?
Again, I ask your forgiveness if I hurted you in any way, since it seems I ruined your whole premise… I would be more than glad to be corrected 🙂
I finished Psalm 19 yesterday. Thinking about how big the universe is, and how small we are, just show how great God’s love is.
When David describes the word of God in various ways, I noticed that it’s usually organized like ‘’His word is so and so, and because of it, it does so and so to us’’. For example:
The law of God is perfect – it doesn’t lack anything, and the golden principles there are valid in every situation – and because of it, it revives the soul, and restores to us our joy, peace, laughter and thanksgiving, even when the situation is terrible.
The testimony of God is trustworthy – everything there is true and correct, and it teaches us exactly where are we going without Jesus – and therefore, makes wise the fool, who doesn’t honor and obey God.
I believe that the beauty of the world, or more correctly, our ability to appreciate beauty, is an evidence for God’ existence. There’s no way evolution can explain our ability to appreciate the beauty of desert cliffs, dawn, sunset, music, stars, clouds, sea… There’s no ‘’survival advantage’’ in it, after all. It’s an evidence for a wise, mighty, creative God, who desires us to know Him.
Speaking about stars, I’ll probably go soon to a short trip in the southern desert, to see the stars. It’ll be amazing to see them all so clearly… Should I send you photos?
Remember you told me you went to swim with Bethany because I made you thinking about selfishly wasting time? So, thank you for saying it, because today I remembered it and realized I do selfishly waste my time, and not helping enough fellow Christians. So thank you 🙂
I also trying to evangelize here and there in YouTube comments 🙂 Yesterday I returned to the Catholic channel that opened my eyes to see how Catholicism isn’t from God. I posted there a comment about how did this priest opened my eyes, and also showed how Catholicism is blasphemous, idolatrous and unbiblical, with Bible verses quoted to support my case. It’s a pretty extreme channel so maybe I’m throwing pearls to swines, but God can use it to glorify His name, and perhaps even open other people’s eyes. I can only pray 🙂
Oh, and also – I realized how small words from us can make someone’s day. The main (and almost the only) Hebrew speaking ministry posted a video, and they talked, in part, about how they receive hate comments, but also, how encouraged they are from supportive comments they receive. I’ve never thought how much writing ‘’Thank you, great job!’’ to someone can help him!
Last night I got to clean dishes! Which was fun because it was a way to thank our hosts. I have been reading my Bible, and reading another book Mrs. Becky (the woman of the house we’re staying at) is loaning me for our stay. It’s good, and a spin off the book of Hosea in the Bible. (I’ve also been writing) (:
Ah, the course. (: They teach a whole lot of different classes about so many things. (Drawing, acting, writing, voice-acting) I’m taking the classes for voice-acting. (:
Michigan is beautiful! So many trees and bunnies. (Yes, bunnies) They just run around the neighborhood. Down the street is a lake, (not one of the great lakes) and I read to my mom for several hours yesterday. Some of the Great Lakes are against Michigan, just not where we are. 🙂
Thank you for your questions! I take no offense…actually I expected such questions when I sent you that outline. (: (But your apologies beforehand do tend to soften the blow) (:
I would send you the chapters where the whole deciding to marry a Roman happened. But I don’t have the flash drive with the book with me. I tend to make my main characters make the bad choice at first so that the reader can truly see the bad fruit which grows from doing bad, or even unwise stuff. I really hope I portray the agony and emotion that goes into it…
‘Jewishness was traced through the male line’
Cool! (I didn’t know that) 🙂
‘His word is so and so, and because of it, it does so and so to us’.’
Good observation, I really like how that works. It gives a mode of action. (:
‘I believe that the beauty of the world, or more correctly, our ability to appreciate beauty, is an evidence for God’ existence.’
Yes! Isn’t it amazing?! In my Biology textbook there was a section about several animals and plants that look beautiful, or do things just help each other out without gaining anything in return. (There’s no point to these extra things or action except beauty or kindness)
‘I’ll probably go soon to a short trip in the southern desert, to see the stars.’
Oh cool!! I would love some photos of stars. (:
What’s something you can just stare at in wonder? I’ve asked a few people, and water and fire are popular. (: Sunsets also.
‘Yesterday I returned to the Catholic channel that opened my eyes to see how Catholicism isn’t from God.’
Wow. Good idea.
‘perhaps even open other people’s eyes.’
I hope it does. (: And how the priest or whoever answers could also be a witness. Can you let me know what happens?
‘I realized how small words from us can make someone’s day.’
Yes! Simple words can sometimes be the strongest and most encouraging.
I once read something that said that a person who was about to commit suicide once said something like, ‘I was going to do it. Then this random person on the street smiled at me, so I didn’t. Because I knew someone cared.’ Another person (this one I’m almost certain was a girl) who said something like, ‘I was seriously about to commit suicide, when someone came up and said I was beautiful… It, it saved me.’
That made me think for weeks. And (before having to wear masks everywhere) I made a point of meeting people’s eyes on the street and smiling at them. Or when I think someone’s pretty, I tell them.
By!
Love,
Gracie
P.S.
‘it’s almost midnight, I must go to sleep.’
So…(just curious because I know you like going to sleep early) why did you stay up so late that night?(morning?)
(:
Whenever you’re away from home do you sleep less? I usually sleep till around seven-thirty to eight-thirty. Here, I’m waking up around six-thirty Texas time. Actually, not /around/ six-thirty; exactly six-thirty a.m. for the past two mornings. (I sleep wearing my watch.)
This morning the ‘God is my fortress’ came back to me for some reason. (I wrote this in your letter, but will include here.) (:
I don’t exactly know what line of thought caused me think of it this way,..
God is our fortress.
Would we rather die in our Fortress when battle comes, or leave it and die later of old age anyway?
When one falls in battle (in the fortress); If they fight to the end, not giving up, they likely will be remembered and be in lasting glory. (i.e. the Alamo. One of our biggest Texas war stories.) But if you die outside the Fortress, from natural causes, your life is just a black hole in history leading to Sheol.
I’m excellent, thanks for asking! 🙂 Tomorrow we go on a 3 days’ trip in the ”far north” of Israel (2 and half hours of driving 😉 ), so I’ll not be available. I’ll send you photos!
I’ll read your chapter after we finish discussing about the story here 🙂
A spin off the book of Hosea? Sounds strange, but interesting. I’m glad you found things to do! 🙂
The course sounds cool! Do you want to be a voice actress?
In early August I have a 2 weeks’ course in the science center of my town (our robotics lab is there, and the director is one of our mentors, so we are very close) about different subjects – brain science, chemistry, photographing, 3D designing, etc. I’m waiting for it eagerly 😀
Michigan sounds great! We don’t have any bunnies, and not lots of trees 😉 When looking at my town from the desert, it looks like a mix of building and forest, but around us there’re no trees at all.
In Ein Gedi there are lots of trees, including salt cedars. I wanted to check if they’re worthy of their name. They are 😉
I’m glad it softened the blow 🙂
My point was different – how did a Jewish woman, especially Chena, marry a Roman officer – and not only that, return afterwards to the Jewish society without any problem?
Hmm… I can stare at fire, stars, and a falcon flying in the sky. We have lots of falcons in our town, and I can just sit and watch them preying.
Sure! I’ll send you what happens.
I’m usually embarrassed to say that someone is beautiful, but you definitely have a point, I should start smiling more at people, and compliment people more. So, thank you! 🙂
Hmm… I guess it’s just because nothing stops me from doing so, because it’s the summer vacation now. But generally, I shouldn’t do so… I need to control my schedule better.
Hmm, that’s interesting… Even though 6 Texas time is 7-8 Michigan time, isn’t it? I didn’t notice something like that in me.
Hmm. That’s an interesting point I didn’t think about! Thanks for sharing!
”Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” – Revelation 2:11.
I finished Psalm 20 today. It was probably a prayer sung before one of king David’s battles. Few of us will fight other humans in God’s name, but we all have battles to fight. And when we’re pure from sin, give our life, time, talents, thoughts, words and deeds to the LORD, trust in God’s love, faithfulness and power, and coordinate our plans and wishes to God’s – we fight with His power, not with ours, and He’ll give us success in any task He gave us.
It made me think – When is freedom worth fighting for, when isn’t? The Bible includes examples of each situation. The Israelites had to fight a lot against neighboring nations, and God blessed them in their wars, but later – Jesus taught the crowds to obey the Romans, and not to rebel and avenge. Your thoughts?
‘Tomorrow we go on a 3 days’ trip in the ”far north” of Israel’
Fun!
I think it would be good to have something to help pool in money sense being an author isn’t very reliable… I love to make lots of different voices and accents. And I think it would be fun to read audio books, and be in audio dramas for a living. (:
‘In August I have a 2 weeks’ course in the science center of my town’
Cool! It sounds fun! Which subject are you looking forward to the most?
‘Salt cedars./I wanted to check if they’re worthy of their name.’
Worthy of being called trees, or salty trees? (:
‘how did a Jewish woman, especially Chena, marry a Roman officer – and not only that, return afterwards to the Jewish society without any problem?’
Tis a very good question… I did make tension, but it likely is not near serious enough. I will have to work on that.
‘We have lots of falcons in our town, and I can just sit and watch them preying.’
Oh cool. Are they your favorite bird (falcons)? Even thought there are so many types. (:
‘Even though 6 Texas time is 7-8 Michigan time, isn’t it?’
Yes. (: 6 in Texas is 7 in Michigan.
‘Few of us will fight other humans in God’s name, but we all have battles to fight. And when we’re pure from sin, give our life, time, talents, thoughts, words and deeds to the LORD, trust in God’s love, faithfulness and power, and coordinate our plans and wishes to God’s – we fight with His power, not with ours, and He’ll give us success in any task He gave us.’
You are wise Eitan. May God continue to bless you with His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
I believe fighting is alright, when it is not for yourself, or your own future gain. When you are fighting to protect innocents who will go to hell if/when they die.
Say we choose Hitler for an example. To kill him, when he was killing millions… I think that would have been alright. (Not to say Himmler or someone else wouldn’t take over for him. His suicide was actually perfect…they couldn’t make him a martyr.) My mom’s telling me to get off, so I will ponder more and try to come up with a better answer.
I’m still trying to form an answer to your Christians fighting question…
I have some ideas I could say right now…but they might change so I will wait. (It’s not like you’re able to read this right now anyway.) (:
I hope you have fun.
I wanted to say – people in this forum, and you specifically, have been being an inspiration for me. Your love, care and kindness are something I’ve hardly seen, if ever. So, thanks to God for it, and thanks to you for your excellent example 🙂
The trip was fun on one hand, and awful on the other hand…
Thursday: We were in the swamps of Ein Afek – very beautiful – and then, ate one of the best hamburgers I’ve ever eaten. When we came to the hotel I studied my Bible a little, but I was too tired to study a lot, or to be passionate about it. Then my siblings decided to watch TV. Concentrating with a TV in front of you isn’t easy, and I just gave up my battle. I spent too much time watching stupid children and youth shows (though looking back, it gave me a good contrast between true, Christian love, and what the world calls love). I went to pray and tried to repent, but… It wasn’t true, or maybe I just gave up my battle again. Anyway, when we went to sleep (my siblings and I all slept in the same room, my parents slept in another), Karin didn’t let us sleep for a moment, and I failed to control my anger and did some things I’m really ashamed of. I confessed it to God and tried to pray, but… something didn’t work.
Friday: I woke up early, and had time to pray, but I decided to just continue sleeping. I tried to repent again, but… I still have no idea if it was just a deceitful feeling, or a problem in my repentance, but things didn’t work. I had no real passion for God. We hiked in the Kziv stream, that was amazingly beautiful. I tried to be genuinely thankful, and to really rest in God, but… I failed. I thought the problem was lack of prayer (I was partly right), and decided that when we return to the hotel I’ll pray, and I tried, but I… failed. I thought being in a presence of water (like, taking a shower or being in the sea) will help me. I felt better, but it wasn’t resting in God. I felt awful when I realized it. I repented, but then, after dinner, I wasted my time again. I repented again, and went to sleep.
Saturday (Today): I woke up early again, and decided to pray, hoping yesterday’s sins were forgiven when I repented (I was so far from God I practically forgot that they’re forgiven when I repent, no matter what I feel. And I lived in sin for only a day and a half!). I didn’t feel better, and I wasn’t sure I’m actually forgiven, and started wondering if my prayer wasn’t passionate enough. Then we went to a kind of a zoo in the Carmel mountains, that rears animals like deers and vultures (we saw them. Amazing!), and I still felt this ‘’forgiven, but somehow, still far away from God’’, if you get me… Then we started driving back home. My parents were hearing morally disgusting songs, so I decided to hear Nahnu Sahiroun in my earphones. I have no idea what happened, but somehow, I suddenly prayed with passion, I really rested in God, I repented of all my weekend’s sins and really felt the burden falling away… Maybe it’s a miracle. I can definitely understand why did king Saul need David to sing for him! God can use godly music in amazing, mysterious ways.
Looking back – As terrible as it was, it wasn’t a *wasted* weekend. God taught me what surrendering to emotions and giving up the battle against sin can do in a few hours. He taught me the power of praise music. He taught me what lack of prayer and Bible studying can do. And you’re not likely to forget what you’ve learned on your flesh 🙂 Nothing is in vain. God uses even our terrible sins and mistakes to help us growing in His image and likeness. He’s always with us, it’s us that sometimes forget about His love and mercy, and go astray after deceitful feelings and urges.
Wow. I needed to unload it. And God really revealed things to me when looking back. So thank God for it, and thank you for listening – I’m blessed to have a friend like you 🙂
How are you doing?
I made an album for you – it’s a collection of my 15 favorite photos of nature places in Israel. Since you can’t come and see… Maybe it’ll even help you with writing, who knows? https://photos.app.goo.gl/UPgLbV7tDN7T2M7m6
Summer course – Hmm, I love everything… I don’t know what’s my favorite 😀
Making accents is fun! I’m good at accents, though I have problem with vowels.
Should I read and critique chapter 3, or let you time to edit stuff before?
I love birds of prey in general, but we don’t have anything beyond falcons in my town. I saw vultures a few times… And sometimes, when driving, we see birds of prey flying above the fields, but we don’t stop to watch them, of course 😉
‘’You are wise Eitan’’.
Thank you! God blesses each of us with other gifts. No one has everything – that’s why we need each other 🙂
I’ll let you figure out your answer about fighting 🙂
I’ve been thinking about your question about disciples physically fighting… About how God told people to war throughout the Old Testament. Then He told us to turn the other cheek when people tried to start a fight. It seems almost like a contradiction, yea?
I’ve thought about this before several times and have come to shaky solutions that I never have written down and I always seem to forget them when the question comes up again.
7/3/20
So, I’ll just write what I think about what I’ve gathered.
It is a hard mandate, not to defend one’s life; especially if the punishment isn’t just… but it is Christ-like. We should not defend our own lives by hurting others mortally or otherwise.
God is our defender. And unless He is ready for us to come home He will not let the devil destroy us. (I just finished a book called ‘i am n’ from the Voice of The Martyrs. Very good.)
What of fighting for others? One’s children or spouse; parents or siblings mayhap? Are they Christians? Do they know that following Christ will bring certain persecution of some sort and perhaps death? We should not fight and finish other’s journey to hell just to keep our saved loved-ones’ physical bodies alive. One’s family/friends would be with Jesus for eternity after their suffering here.
What about torture? If they don’t plan to immediately kill you? What if they plan to rape your female loved-ones? Jesus is with you/me/them. Yes, try to escape! But do not harm your oppressors, in fact, try to forgive them. Christ is with us in our suffering.
What if someone is stealing from you? Do not kill or wound. Give them more to carry away, and then tell them why you do so.
What if your spouse/children/parents/sibling is not saved? Indeed… Well, I’d assume you’d want their souls in heaven more than your attackers. So, uh, personally,..I’d fight.
What about in war? If the war’s meaning (on your country’s side) is just. If it is to save lives and/or souls from destruction? If more would die if the war was never fought, I would support it. But never lose sight of your purpose.
Don’t fight with vengeance in your heart, or lust for blood. Let everything you do be done in love. Love your enemies. How? Pray for their souls. Do not gloat when you have victory; is bloodshed something to be proud of? By visiting the hospitals of prisoners and showing them you care. By going to the POW camps and showing them Christ’s love.
If God tells you to go to war; go to war. He might.
But, don’t forget our spiritual weapons. The lance of prayer. The belt of truth. The breastplate of righteousness. Shoes of the gospel of peace. The shield of faith. The helmet of salvation. The sword of the spirit. Each of these things are glorious and telling of how we are to fight our battles.
The battle is the Lord’s. Be a willing vessel to obey whatever your General commands. The Commander, King, and God will not lead you astray. And where the battle may be fierce and hard, He is always beside you. Yelling encouragement and fighting beside you. He will not let you be utterly destroyed. Your soul id safe in Him. He is loving and good. He does not will for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
Pray, pray that He will reveal mysteries to you. Righteous anger is real, listen to God. In your anger do not sin. Seek Him; ask Him when you are to fight, and in what way.
and the letter switches to a different topic rather suddenly
I have a whole lot a scripture references I will type out. Just encase you want to look them up. (:
(Romans 8:18, 28)
And to start, thank you/you’re welcome. (: But Jesus knows I have faults. 🙁
‘Karin didn’t let us sleep for a moment, and I failed to control my anger’
Okay; I’ve done stuff late at night when my sister wouldn’t let me sleep to… I say things or /growl/ things I regret seconds later… But usually I have to much pride to tell her so. So I spend a night tossing and turning, feeling icky and disgusting inside and in my brain. In the morning, I usually have come to my senses and apologize to Bethany,.. and God. (Matthew 5:23-24) I see my repentance and promises to change as my offering; praise can also be an offering. But, if I have still not reconciled with the one I wronged, or at least tried to…? I will still feel guilty, like there is an itching inside, business unfinished. At church when worshiping God, He’s revealed to me all the things I need to fix (some weeks had more than others). (: Obedience is better than sacrifice/praises and such. (:
(For now I worship with songs on my own.)
‘I woke up early, and had time to pray, but I decided to just continue sleeping.’
Sadly, I also can empathize with this. My pastor and youth pastor once preached about the same thing in the same week, and didn’t share notes. About getting up early (while it was yet night/sort of) and seeking God. Praising Him, reading His word, meditating, and listening for His voice.
So, I set my alarm for 4 a.m. instead of eight. To say the least I slept till eight. I felt guilty for not doing it, but then I told myself (lied) I’d been a little too zealous. I set my clock for 5, then six. 6 a.m. worked for a while. And I read, and listened. (Most of those mornings were beautiful.) Others I fell asleep while praying. I’m still working on actually getting up and staying that way…
(My pastor wakes at four every morning to do all those things), I guess that’s why he’s the teacher. (: He also goes to bed really early, so, that probably helps. 🙂
‘I had no real passion for God.’
Oooh. Yea… Dry spells are hard… I don’t really have an answer /answer/ for them. But, surprisingly, water does help. I’ve had wake up times in the shower… (:
My youth pastor has said to seek God all the more in the passionless times. To tell Him how you’re feeling. So, that likely will help. Mr. Shaylor said to feel really good and really free, you need to know what really bad and bondage feels like. He gave a whole sermon about being in the desert. Where God removes His presence for a short while, to test your faith. It’s hard, but sand refines diamonds doesn’t it?
Wasting time: Not all doing nothing is a waste of time. Doing nothing and thinking about nothing can be beneficial for health: mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. God even set aside a day for us to rest. (: Don’t feel like every day needs to be discovery after discovery; hard search after hard search. Yes, always press into God. Yes, pray without ceasing. Yes, keep your mind open for His mysteries and glory… Drink in His fountain of life. But, don’t stress about it. It is to be refreshing and life giving, not a chore.
But, I’m not sure if I’m saying what I mean to. I’m not saying to take a break from God and seeking Him, /no/. That would just make your (?mentality) worse. I’m trying to say ‘rest with purpose’ I suppose. Set aside time to just be still and know He is God. If you get my drift?
‘I have no idea what happened, but somehow, I suddenly prayed with passion, I really rested in God, I repented of all my weekend’s sins and really felt the burden falling away’
Amazing! The dark cloud was lifted, and you were breathing air again!
‘God can use godly music in amazing, mysterious ways.’
I know right!!! It’s amazing, and beautiful. Do certain songs pull up different memories for you?
There’s one that reminds me of a dance I went to when I was twelve at a Christian youth conference. It was really fun. But, this guy asked me to dance (he thought I was 16/ish/). There’s a song that we danced to, I don’t know its name, but I shiver every time I hear it. Because, he sort of started stalking me… Anyway, that’s over, and I’ll likely never see him again.
And then there is another song that reminds me of a time I was knelt on the floor weeping in the presence of God! It brings tears to my eyes almost every time I hear it…
And another where a group of us youth were all alone in the church and one of my friends (the one who might be leaving our gathering place) picked up his guitar and started playing. Us (around 8 youth?) all sang, and we all felt God there. We sang and prayed and played together until past midnight when Mr. Shaylor came to pick us up.
Ah, mistakes can be good as long as we don’t die and learn something good from them. (:
I’m blessed to have an amazing friend like you as well. 🙂 ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.’ (James 5:16) To tell the truth this verse has always scared me…at least the first part. Now I get it, and my mind has opened just a bit wider.
I’m doing well. (: My father and sister are driving up to join us starting tomorrow. Oh! And our poodle! (I miss her a lot) I’ll likely not even have my mother’s phone very much for the next week/but I’ll try to get on once a day. (: In two weeks it will be impossible. (Phones aren’t allowed at the Guild I’m going to) But I’ll write you about what I learn every day. (about God that is, unless, of course, you’re interested in voice acting?) (:
‘I made an album for you’
Thanks for doing that!
‘it’s a collection of my 15 favorite photos’
(: I can only see one. But it is pretty! ‘A Late-Winter Morning In The Judean Desert’.
‘Since you can’t come and see’
Oh, I wish! Maybe in a few years? I asked my parents if I could go to Saudi Arabia the year I turn 19 (family coming with). Right now it’s a maybe, I’m sure they’d be more comfortable with Israel. (:
‘Should I read and critique chapter 3, or let you time to edit stuff before?’
Would you mind critiquing? The ‘Chena accepted back to Jewish society’ happens around chapter 60 I think. Then again, no rush. (: I can’t send any new chapters at the moment.
Wow. You really invested time, prayer and brain to answer me. Thank you so much! You’ve definitely given me things to think about… and to pray about. Swallowing the truth is never easy. Anger may be truly righteous and just, but we should control it. God is the judge, not we. He will bring every crime to justice. Our task is to love our enemies, and do all we can so they will not be doomed when judgement comes. Love is greater than justice. Love your enemy, and he may become your friend, so your just anger will fade away. Thank you again, Gracie. God has given you wisdom.
It made me thinking about how God’s love is everywhere, even in His judgement, as contradicting as it sounds. Secularists usually think God send people to Hell because ‘’Death to the infidels!’’, and it makes them viewing God (the biblical one) as a cruel monster. But He doesn’t end people to Hell just because they didn’t believe in Him – He sends them there because they harmed other people, and a truly loving God punishes criminals. In fact, Hell shows God’s love even for His enemies – God so loves them, that He don’t force them to spend eternity with Him against their will. They want to be isolated from Him? God will give them it.
I finished Psalm 21 today. It’s clearly the twin of Psalm 20 – one is trust in God before the battle, and the other is trust in God after it. God gives us joy and peace. He is always with us, giving us strength to fight our battles, even when we feel the complete opposite. And in the end, we will reign with Him, wearing non perishable crowns, in a world that will have no fear, no tears, no death, no pain, forever.
The verse ‘’You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind’’ made me thinking about whether or not children go to Hell. We know that God is just, and so – He’ll not punish someone who wasn’t mentally able to repent, like a baby. I think that young children go automatically to heaven, because they weren’t able to understand their sin and repent, until the age when they’re able to… I have no idea what is it, and maybe it differs between people. I do know that even 5 years old children are able to sin against others deliberately.
‘’But, if I have still not reconciled with the one I wronged, or at least tried to…? I will still feel guilty, like there is an itching inside, business unfinished.’’
Thank you so much for telling me it! I had several times when I hurted other people, but then was too embarrassed to ask their forgiveness, until so much time has passed that it will become pointless to ask it… But this embarrassment is not from God, it’s a self-concentrated emotion. It’s better to be a fool in my own eyes for a few minutes, than to be a fool in God’s eyes.
Hmm… What do you mean in worship? I’ve never been at a church, I only know that there are sermons there and that every month you have the Lord’s supper 😅
Hmm… When changing your sleep schedule, do it gradually. Your body will not be able to fall asleep 4 hours earlier than usual, and you don’t need to feel guilty about it. You won’t be able to pray or study your Bible after 4 hours of sleep anyway… Don’t get me wrong – waking up early *is* an excellent idea, and over-sleeping is a sin. Just don’t do it all at once 🙂
While going to school, I used to wake up at 6 AM or so, and sometimes even earlier. Right now I have no school, so I can wake up at 8 AM and still dedicate time to God in the morning 🙂
‘’Set aside time to just be still and know He is God. If you get my drift?’’
Yes I did. Thank you so much for your advice!
‘’Do certain songs pull up different memories for you?’’
Hmm… Not so much. Nahnu Sahiroun makes me praying to God that He will give me strength to live my life for Him (‘’We are watchful, and our lamps are ready…’’), but also, makes me thinking about resting in God’s love, remembering the great joy He gives us in this world, and the way greater joy we will have when He will take us home.
I think I should translate the other songs in Brothers Sakhnini’s album… I will enjoy their songs way more if I’ll know their meaning 🙂
‘’To tell the truth this verse has always scared me…at least the first part.’’
Hmm… Why?
I’m glad you’re doing well! Keeping praying for your parents and church 🙂
If you want to tell me about voice acting, feel free 🙂
Saudi Arabia… Wow. You’re brave to go there. If it’s God’s calling to you, go for it.
It’s amazing to see how the gospel is spreading around the world, and nothing can stop it. The fastest growing church in the world is in Iran. Through the internet, Israeli evangelists spread the gospel in closed ultra-orthodox communities. Funnily, it makes me thinking about ‘’The lion, the witch and the wardrobe’’, and how Santa Claus has said that ‘’no lock and latch can stop him’’ 🙂
You’re welcome. It was good for me though. To have that all written down and accessible to the future. So, thank you for asking!
‘He doesn’t end people to Hell just because they didn’t believe in Him’
Very true. That was a question I had once. ‘Why would God send someone to hell just because they didn’t believe in Him?’ But it /is indeed/ not that. To copy your wording- ‘He sends them there because they harmed other people, and a truly loving God punishes criminals.’
‘He’ll not punish someone who wasn’t mentally able to repent, like a baby.’
Yes, indeed.
‘maybe it differs between people’
Yes, I believe it does. Say there is someone with autism or down syndrome, or some other condition where they can’t comprehend anything that is said. The age of reason may never come to them. All children are different. Most five year olds probably don’t look that far at the big picture of what their sins cause in the long term. If they truly understood I’d like to think they likely wouldn’t do a lot f the bad/naughty/disobedient things they do.
There was a pastor I listened to online that was talking about how humanity is inerrantly bad, not good. How we have the tendency to sin from birth. And we have to be taught how to do what’s right, and we don’t have to taught how to do what’s wrong.
For example he told a story about his three-year-old son. So, daddy was /supposed/ to be watching Jr. while mommy was shopping or something like that. But, he didn’t. It might have been just a few minutes of leaving the toddler alone, but, when he came back and couldn’t find the kid he started searching…And found him in the kitchen. The boy had gotten out the peanut-butter and had smeared it all over himself and the cabinets. Daddy’s first words were a bit rhetorical (like God’s in the garden of Eden actually) He already knew the answer, but asked it anyway…’Did you get into the peanut-butter?’ What did Jr. do? He stood up straight, and shook his sticky, gooey head, ‘No!’
Sooo, yeah.
‘It’s better to be a fool in my own eyes for a few minutes, than to be a fool in God’s eyes.’
Yes indeed. I’ve had some embarrassing moments apologizing,… It’s definitely not easy,..and so far it doesn’t get easier… But, it /is/ always worth it. (:
‘What do you mean in worship?’
I might not have understood this question correctly. So I will re-answer if I go off on a different track than you were thinking (as you can tell I’m prone to do). (:
Our gathering place’s regular service goes as follows:
7 a.m.: Worship team shows up to practice for that morning’s worship.
Okay. Don’t read to much into what ‘worship’ means right there. There are /so/ many ways to worship God. But what ‘worship team’ means in most churches over here (as far as I know) is a group of people who play instruments and/or sing songs for the first few minutes of the service. (My dad and I are part of it) (:
10 a.m.: ‘Church’ officially starts. People are supposed to show up, and say hi before that. The music starts (mostly) right on the dot at 10 and goes for about 10-15 minutes.
We used to all gather and pray before the service, but, well, we don’t anymore…tis sad…
Then there is about 10-15 minutes of people giving their tithes and offerings/and talking about what’s happening in our particular section of believers/and filling people in on our two missionary families. (My dad does the missionary part)
Then the pastor (my godfather), but I call him Uncle Jamie, comes up and prays before he gives about an hour long sermon. Then he offers to pray for anyone who would like to be prayed for. If someone steps up, the whole congregation (almost) comes down to lay hands on them and pray.
(We’re a pretty small church. Only about 40 people, and only half of that come regularly.)
I’m the only girl my age there. And Caleb (the friend I mentioned) the only boy my age(ish) and he is only there for the music usually. (They then go to a different church.) There is Amelia though. She doesn’t come very often, and when she does she goes to the kid’s church (where my mom teaches on all but one Sunday a month). Amelia has autism, but we’re friends. (:
We don’t have a youth group, so I go to a different church for that (Mr. Shaylor is there). It’s there (on Wednesday nights) that I truly feel like I can praise God (with song and dance) without worrying I’ll hit the wrong note on the piano, or crack my voice on a song (I’m not part of the music team there). I also wouldn’t dance in the Sunday church… My mom wouldn’t like it just because, and my father wouldn’t because he wouldn’t want people to stare. I get it, I guess. In that I tell myself ‘I don’t want people staring at me while I worship God. It is supposed to be a private thing.’ Then of course, there’s King David… Oh, well, a ‘sermon’ for another time. (:
‘When changing your sleep schedule, do it gradually.’
*Grinning in slight shame* To say the least I learned that from trial and error… *now chuckling to myself, /in/ myself.*
*Grinning again…sort of* So, yeah, if I do do that, I’ll have to put more thought into it and give up more of my evenings. Six is working pretty good. (:
‘Hmm… Why?’
I don’t like the /idea/ of sharing my faults with others… I don’t like actually /sharing/ my faults with others even more. I suppose I’m scared people will think differently of me if I share what I’m really thinking, feeling, or what I’ve done…
A group of youth (?Christains mostly I think) all got together around a bonfire, and confessed things and prayed, and offered advice to each other. Everything said at the fire stays at the fire so to speak.
Where I hug, and cry with others, and pray. I’ve never spoken anything about myself, or spoken much at all except in a whisper to someone I felt needed it.
(You know my testimony? This is the first place I’ve ever put it into words and shared it… My parents really don’t even know the depths of what happened in that time, at least, I’ve never shared it with them.)
‘Keeping praying for your parents and church’
Oy, I am…
It works! They are so beautiful!
‘The fastest growing church in the world is in Iran.’
I know, isn’t it awesome!!! (One of the books I have written an outline for is set in Iran…Another is set mostly in Saudi Arabia.
‘’no lock and latch can stop him’’
That is a good resemblance. Which Narnia book is your favorite? (If you’ve read them all) I read them all to my sister a year or two ago. Very good. (:
Hmm… Thinking again about the subject, I think some of your thoughts were too… radical. I think you were totally right about war, but I doubt self-defense (or defense of your loved ones) is unChristlike. Abraham fought the 4 kings to protect Lot, David fought the Amalekites to protect his wives, Paul protected himself peacefully by informing the authorities he’s a Roman citizen.
You definitely had a point about how it’s better to die than to send people to Hell, but I doubt self defense itself is bad. I’ll have to check it myself, I guess 🙂 But I thank you for sharing your thoughts anyway. As I said, you have a few points, and iron sharpens iron and vice versa, right? 😉
Most adults don’t look at the big picture of what their sins cause either. Usually, when we sin, we look only at ourselves… I hope 5 years old children still have ‘’free pass’’ to heaven, but I doubt it. When I was 4, I had to give the seesaw to another kid in my kindergarten, because I used it a lot and he didn’t get a chance yet. I was very angry I had to give it to him, and decided to throw a stone on him. Thankfully, the preschool teacher stopped me before I did it. I see no real difference between it and a maphioneer feud. The second one is just less cute.
Thank you for explaining! It sounds great. One day, I’ll be able to join a church, but until then, God still gives me this amazing opportunity to be in fellowship with other Christians 😀
Missionary families? What is it?
Dancing for God… I do it sometimes, though not often (I guess I’m way too pretentious when calling my strange steps and jumps ‘’dancing’’ 😉 ).
Hmm… I think the problem with people staring at you in church is that you distract other people from God.
‘’Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil’’ (Romans 14:13-15).
The problem with Michal’s objection to David’s dance was that her concern wasn’t that the dance distract other people from God, but that David looks like ‘’a silly idiot’’.
‘’Oy, I am…’’
Hmm? Is everything alright?
I love all of the Narnia books. I didn’t read them for months, and some of them – for years, so I can’t point on one favorite 🙂
Oh, I forgot to tell you, but Happy independence day!! I really admire the USA. Not many countries based their constitution on Christianity 🙂 And you’re definitely blessed, in many ways. What did you mean though? 🙂
I started Psalm 22 today. It’s called by some people ‘’The gospel according to David’’. I’m currently in verse 5… It puts Psalm 20 in a whole new perspective. Psalm 20 is about Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane before his crucifixion. He didn’t pray those amazing words of faith and victory as a glorious king, riding into battle with shining armor and waving banners, but when terrible feelings of isolation and forsakenness filled him, knowing he’s going to be tortured, mocked, and executed in the worst way possible. And still, our Lord was totally confident that the Father will give him the strength to complete his mission, and then raise him from the dead. He is with us even in the darkest hours.
The songs of Sakhnini Brothers were deleted 🙁 Probably copyrights, I guess. I’ll try to find a way to listen to it… Should I inform you if I find? 🙂
I’ll listen to the song you sent me. I heard about it several times, but never listened. Maybe I should? 😉
Our town is going through an adhesion wave, and everything is now closed – swimming pools, bars, and so on. For now it’s not so terrible, but I’m more than sure we’ll soon be locked down (again)…
They were, weren’t they? (: It’s possible to probable I got several things wrong. You make very good and sound points. Thank you for telling me what you think, and for sharpening my iron.
‘Missionary families’
There are two families who are dedicating their lives completly to the spreading of the gospel. Our church sends money and prayer to them regularly. (One family is Jewish and wittnesses to Jews in the United States and Canada)
My dancing isn’t quite dancing either, it’s more of a wierd swaying and small foot movements. (:
‘you distract other people from God’
I believe you are correct about that. (: Thank you for reminding me that reason!
‘Is everything alright?’
Caleb and his family are leaving. That hurts. But God could bring them back.
My mom was almost a perfect lecithin yesterday. To all of us. (Betty, Daddy, and I). The thing is, she doesn’t see herself as having any problem, only all of us. (I’m sure I have problems, and I ask God to show me them so I’ll be able to start fixing them).
‘Happy independence day!’
Thanks! I love how our country was founded as well. The constitution, and most of the founders… It’s amazing. But tis sad that many in our government are trying to change (not in an Amendment) or ignore it. 🙁 Can you pray that we’ll have leaders that will truly seek after God and His will? This is an election year yippee! (Not that I’m against our president mind) 🙂
‘What did you mean though?’
I see how blessed we are in that we’re able to meet and worship God without fines or being arrested (except California). I get to be in contact, hear teachings, and worship with other believers. I can’t wait for you to have that!
‘I started Psalm 22 today.’
I started it yesterday too. (:
‘’The gospel according to David’’.
I can see that. Especially as I think about the individual verses. Do you think David knew it was prophetic? I’m on verse 8 at this time. (:
‘The songs of Sakhnini Brothers were deleted’
Oh no! Are you able to buy their album? I’m pretty sure the place they sell them from is in Israel. Yes, please let me know if you find them. I’ll also do some checking.
‘Maybe I should? ‘
(: I love the chorus of that song! The verses aren’t completely theologically sound (i.e. It was written before it became common knowledge here that the wise men/magi were not there at the stable right after Jesus’ birth.) But is still a good song!!
What is an adhesion wave?
(: Love, Gracie
P.S. I’ve been thinking about the armour of God, would you like me to send you my thoughts?
Is the Jewish family from your church? And is your dad a missionary?
The whole Messianic Jew community in Israel is called by rabbinical Jews ‘’missionaries’’. The word’s connotation in Hebrew is very bad, but actually, it’s something to be proud of, isn’t it? 🙂
What do you want to be when you grow up? (I know you want to be a voice actress, a missionary in Saudi Arabia, and an author, but how do you combine all of them? 😉 )
Sometimes I ponder being an apologist. I love defending my faith with evidence and logic. But when the time will come, if it will come, God will tell me 🙂 Otherwise, I want to work in something investing biology. Maybe a doctor?
‘’Caleb and his family are leaving. That hurts. But God could bring them back.’’
Oh. I’m sad for you. I’ve never experienced a loss of a truly close friend, so I can only imagine how you feel. You can stay in touch through texting… I want to pray for you, but I don’t know what exactly do you need. If you feel comfortable with telling me… Feel free 🙂
A perfect lecithin? Isn’t lecithin something used in the chocolate industry?…
I’ll pray God will give her humility.
I’ll keep the USA in my prayers 🙂
At the first moment I thought California is persecuting Christians, but it seemed way too radical, even for California… Then I remembered the Coronavirus 😅
I can understand why they forbid church. But as long as you keep social distance, wear masks and sterilize your hands frequently, I think it’s okay 🙂
Oh, I used the wrong word 😅 Infection wave. My mom might be infected… We’ll know for sure in 3 days.
Hmm… I do think David knew the Psalm is prophetic. He said ‘’from my mother’s womb you have been my God’’, and it can’t be true for David, who later said ‘’Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me’’ (Psalm 51:5). I do think he experienced something similar to what Jesus felt in his passion, to a limited degree (Jesus was perfectly united with the Father, David wasn’t).
I’m currently in verse 10. It’s amazing to see how Jesus was willing to terribly suffer for us, knowing that while he will carry the punishment we deserve upon himself, we will mock him and spit on him… Christlike love sacrifices even when nobody will appreciate it and thank you for your love, faithfulness and sacrifice. Even when the loved-one will mock you while you are sacrificing for him.
I tried to listen. The English is very archaic, but I can get the point 🙂
If we already talk about archaic English – What’s the difference between thee, thou and ye?
No. But they’ve come a few times. The patriarch of their family knows our pastor. They’re friends.
‘And is your dad a missionary?’
No. He just keeps in contact with the two families and then tells us what’s going on with them and what they need prayer for. The other family are missionaries to the Congo.
‘it’s something to be proud of, isn’t it?’
Yes. (:
Any Christain can be a missionary. (Down the street at the market, or anywhere really. There’s really no need to leave your home, unless God is telling you to that is.) (:
‘What do you want to be when you grow up’
Okiday. (: I want to be a mother most of all and homeschool the kids no matter where we live. Homeachool families gernerally do not have a lot of money. (My mom works two side jobs.) So I thought being an author, and if the books sell could help a bit with finances.
Voice acting pays surprisingly well. I would hopefully get enough jobs to help pay for college if I go. Then if we ever needed money furthur on that experience could be used again. (We would be in a Muslim country, so I’m not sure how plentiful such jobs will be.)
I will (unless told blatantly otherwise) wait until I’m married to go to this country. Then I will witness by serving with food the men he brings home. And speak and just be a friend to the women of the men. It’ll be a sticky business, so we will all have to be constantly in tune with God.
‘I’ve never experienced a loss of a truly close friend’
I hope you never habe to. Tis not a good feeling. I was scared for like a week because I had texted him twice and he never answered. Today I texted him again, and he said we were good. (: So, that’s good., so I can only imagine how you feel.
‘I want to pray for you, but I don’t know what exactly do you need.’
At this point that my throat won’t clog with stagefright like it has done every time I lead a song… I will be the only singer up there now, so, fun. (: It will help me grow.
Can you also pray the adults work out their problem, and don’t get bitter with each other?
I’m sorry. I’m complaining a lot to you… Sorry. (:
‘A perfect lecithin?’
Oops. An autocorrect I missed. Leviathon is what I meant. An ancient drogon-like creature.
‘I’ll pray God will give her humility. I’ll keep the USA in my prayers’
Thank you!
‘Then I remembered the Coronavirus’
They’re confusing. Protests are allowed to meet and shout at the top of their lungs, but Jusus followers aren’t allowed to meet and praise God. Tis sad, but hopefully it will be allowed again soon. (:
‘My mom might be infected…’
Oh no. I’m sorry. Does she have any pre-health problems? I mean, could it be dangerous to her? I will pray.
‘You can listen here:’
Great!! I’m so glad you found it!
’from my mother’s womb you have been my God’’, and it can’t be true for David, who later said ‘’Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me’
I was actually going to ask you what you thought of that verse.(: It made me pause (longer than the rest). ’
I only did one Psalm verse today… I’ll probably do more tonight.
‘The English is very archaic, but I can get the point’
Oh! Oops. I was talking about the song I emailed you (: ‘How Many Kings’
Yes, that song has some old Emglish… Sorry that it was a bit confusing.
‘What’s the difference between thee, thou and ye?’
Thee = you
Thou = you/your
Thine = yours
Ye = you
It is a little confusing. So many words for the same meaning. It probably depends on context… I’ll try to figure some examples. (:
I’’ll also try to send you my thoughts on the armour of God tonight.
Thank you for being my friend Eitan. 🙂
Love,
Gracie
P.S. My family went on a bike ride from around 9 in the morning till around 9 tonight. It was overall fun. Do you like to bike?
/Belt of Truth/
Truth is what’s holding our clothes on. It is where everything good and right rests. The belt the Romans wore held up their (skirt?) and their breastplate. Many things rested on truth.
If the truth was no more, then the breastplate (righteousness), would be unsteady or even fall down.
/Breastplate of Righteousness/
Though people accuse one of things that would cut anyone to the heart, your breastplate is firm. The accusations are wrong and will be known to be wrong because of your life of righteousness. Whether in this earth or the next.
When someone talks bad about you other people will also wander. Your breastplate defends you from slanderous harm. Keep your righteousness in tact. How do you do that? Stay in God. And obey.
___
Mr. Shaylor, (my youth pastor) once was the umpire for professional minor leagues baseball.
He made it a point from when he first started the job to never use course language, and he never did even when it was common among the athletes and referees.
One day Mr. Shaylor said someone was ‘out’ (would have to wait until the next inning to play again because he failed in some way.)
The person, (I don’t remember his name, but we’ll call him Bob), then stomped toward Mr. Shaylor and they began to yell into each other’s faces (inches apart literally: you can see pictures if you type in ‘Shaylor Smith Baseball’) Bob was ejected from the game because of it.
The next day Bob sent a complaint full of lies to Mr. Shaylor’s boss. Bob said that Mr. Shaylor had got ‘all personal’ and had cussed him out.
Boss just laughed and threw the papers aside, ‘That’s a hoot? Shaylor don’t even curse!’
Righteous living can protect you.
____
Righteous living also protects one’s heart spiritually. If one sticks to certain guidelines, God’s guidelines. Your heart/soul will blossom and grow.
If one is loving, faithful, self-controlled, truthful, gentle, patient, kind, and serves God with all their might, heart and soul will be lifted up. And though one will face some form of persecution you will have an amazing joy and peace in God. Never take off your breastplate of righteousness. Even when it feels uncomfortable or is a struggle. It is always better.
1 Corinthians 15:58
1 Peter 3:14-18
How are Christian parents able to work, homeschool children, run a household, and dedicate time to God on top of that?… :O
(Oh, I finished writing the sentence and the answer came to my mind. God, of course! 😀 )
Hmm… Where do you want to serve as a missionary?
Is it your calling for your whole life, or only for a limited time?
Do you go by yourself, or with a some sort of missionary company, like OM?
Voice acting… I’m pretty sure Egypt is the center of the Arabic cinema. In fact, it made the Egyptian dialect a sort of ‘’lingua franca’’ among Arabs around the world, an informal replacement for modern standard Arabic which is usually used in formal occasions.
Oh, I know how it is when you text someone you love or care about, and they don’t answer, so you start fearing…
Keeping the adults in my prayers 🙂
Ah, Leviathan! (Is it good or bad to be a perfect one?). It’s from the book of Job in the Bible, and probably refers to some sort of pre-flood (I’m used to say ‘’prehistorical’’, but this term is obviously not correct) huge marine creature.
Hmm… From what I’ve heard, California is a very leftist state, so they probably view forbidding BLM protests as racist, evil, unforgivable crime…
(The BLM movement has little to do with its slogan. I have no idea what is the connection between this slogan and their marxist, anti-family, anti-heteronormative, insane ideas).
My mom’s okay!! 😀
I made a playlist of all the songs from the Sahiroun album – they’re all known Arabic hymns, and so, have many covers. I tried to avoid images of Christ, but not always was able… Is it okay with you?
I studied the whole Psalm 23 today. Praise God – I was sure I will do only a half, but when I wanted to stop, I realized I’m just lazy, and after all – Blessed is the man who meditates on God’s word day and night… What are 3.5 hours compares to it? 😉
Actually, your meditations helped me understanding the Psalm, so thank you 🙂 Alone I wouldn’t have noticed the fact that God *leads* us through the valley of shadow of death.
The Lord is my shepherd – Sheep are the dumbest animals. Alone, they have no protection from wolves, no guidance to the right pastures, no knowledge how to get back home, no healing if wounded. They depend on the shepherd for everything. Just like that, we’re totally dependant on God for everything – Food, shelter and water; Peace, joy and hope; Time and ability to pray, meditate on His word, and be in fellowship; not to say salvation at first!
God is a shepherd, and a shepherd never leaves a lamb in the wilderness alone, no matter how many times will the lamb run away. We are His flock, and He will never, never forsake us, no matter what we will do. An obedient lamb might break his legs when falling from a cliff, but God will eventually return Him to the pens – limping, but alive.
Being a shepherd wasn’t a prestigious job. Slaves, poor people, and children worked as shepherds. Yet the king of the universe, even though He have got billions of galaxies on His mind, is also your and mine shepherd – He cares about us, tiny, temporal creatures in distant planet.
He is *my* shepherd. Jesus is the shepherd of all the believers, but every Christian knows Him, or at least should know. Personally and intimately. He is our, but also my, and your, shepherd.
He makes me lie down in green pastures – Four Fs prevent sheep from lying down: Famine (they lack food), Fear (danger of predators), Friction (they don’t have enough space, the clock is too pressed together) and Flies (try to sleep with parasites drinking your blood!). God protects us from all of them.
He gives us our daily bread – physically, psychologically and spiritually. He protects us from death – sometimes He still wants us to serve Him on this Earth, but sometimes He wants to take us home – death doesn’t scare us anymore! He gives us love and humility to treat one another the way He treated us, and protects us from unnecessary fights. And the result? No worries and fears consume us!
He guides me along the right paths – I’m pretty sure the correct word is actually ‘’steps’’, not paths. It reminds me of something we did in one of our hikes, in the Judean desert. At some point, the guide divided us to pairs, and one of every pair wore blindfolds. We had to walk together, when the seeing one guides the ‘’blind’’. The ground was full of stones, the path was narrow and twisting, and the topography was hilly. The seeing one had to hold the blind’s hand, and to guide him in every step, so he don’t stumble.
We have no idea what to do alone. We will stumble, we will fall. But God holds our hand, and slowly, step by step, guides us to Christlikeness, to righteousness.
‘’How many kings?’’ was good! I don’t like the music, but definitely the lyrics 🙂
I’m glad you had fun!! I don’t ride bikes, except on the evening of the day of atonement (driving isn’t allowed, so everyone go to ride in the streets). Last day of atonement was my first as a Christian, and I was a believer less than 2 months… The next time, I’ll probably ride with my friends in the evening, and dedicate tomorrow’s day to prayer and Bible studying 🙂
Thank you for sharing your meditations! 🙂
Indeed, without the truth – the true gospel, the true God, the true Bible – you have nothing left. There’s no righteousness if you weren’t made righteous at the first place through the blood of Jesus, or if you have the wrong instruction book to a righteous life.
The breastplate is heavy and uncomfortable, and it may be tempting to leave it and run faster. But then, the arrows of the enemy will wound or even kill you.
People notice your righteousness, even when you don’t feel so. I once heard a sermon of a known Israeli pastor (Menachem ‘’Meno’’ Kalisher) whom I really admire with a story similar to Mr. Shaylor’s. Before becoming a pastor, Meno was a machine engineer. His colleagues cursed every time a machine didn’t work, and from his first day in the job, Meno decided he will not do so – and for a long time, he succeed. After several months, one machine was very stubborn. Since nobody was there, Meno allowed himself to curse the machine – and even not a very serious curse (he cursed her aunt, not her mom). At the moment, his colleagues appeared from nowhere, asking, ‘’Meno!?’’.
I think ‘’poured out like water’’ refers to the sweat, or to the exhaustion, or maybe even both. ‘’All My bones are out of joint’’ probably refers to the dislocation that was caused by the shaking movement of the cross when lifted up. All the horror descriptions are an evidence to the amazing, incredible, unconditional, infinite love of God to us.]\
Hmm… I noticed that many Christians believe that saved people will necessarily grow in Christlikeness and stop sinning (and if they live in a continuous sin, it means they were never really saved). Your thoughts?
‘’Thank you for being my friend Eitan. ‘’
Oh, thank you! Thank you too for being my friend, Gracie. There’re many people I admire, but only a few actually inspired me, and you are one of them 🙂
‘Where do you want to serve as a missionary?’
I don’t know exactly where yet.
‘Is it your calling for your whole life, or only for a limited time?’
I believe it will be my whole life.
‘Do you go by yourself, or with a some sort of missionary company, like OM?’
That is a very good question and I have been considering. I would go with my husband, (unless God tells me otherwise). I will not be going by myself. (Then of course there’s God who would be with me/us.)
If we did use a mission organization, we would be holden not just to God, but them. I’ve read biographies of missionaries who felt God telling them to do something, but the board they were being paid by refused to back them, or threatened to stop the support. I don’t want to have to check with our funder before acting on what God says. Yes, seek godly support and wisdom. But, not exactly that way.
I think we would just talk to family, friends, and our particular church about what we were doing. And ask for offerings. But, I may mature and/or learn more about such in the future. My husband might also have some plans/ideas about how to work.
I admire a man named George Muller a whole lot. He was a missionary to England. He relied completely on God for everything, (food, clothes, home) and God provided. (Not to say Mr. Muller didn’t work. He worked hard every day of his life. Just not in things that make money.)
‘Is it good or bad to be a perfect one?’
Bad, I would have guessed. But, what do I know about extinct creatures? (Very little.) (:
‘My mom’s okay!!’
That’s good!
‘I made a playlist of all the songs from the Sahiroun album’
Great! I’m glad you found them. (:
‘I tried to avoid images of Christ,’
Yeah, I know what you mean there. (: My mom thinks I’m a little weird not wanting pictures/drawings of Jesus. But, it just seems wrong and weird. (Not to mention I have yet to see an accurately drawn Jesus for where He lived and the culture…) Anyway…
‘Is it okay with you?’
Yes it’s fine. (:
‘I’m pretty sure the correct word is actually ‘’steps’’, not paths.’
Hmm. Cool.
‘It reminds me of something we did in one of our hikes’
That’s so cool! Were you blindfolded or leading?
‘dedicate tomorrow’s day to prayer and Bible studying 🙂’
I should do that. (: We’ll be driving almost all day, and aside from Bethany, it will be easy.
‘Thank you for sharing your meditations! 🙂’
You’re welcome. And thank you for sending yours! They make me think, and just admire Him.
I need to spend more time with the Bible, and less reading other books…
‘machine…(he cursed her aunt, not her mom)’
Wait, so the ‘machine’ is a person? I thought it was an engine! (:
‘I noticed that many Christians believe that saved people will necessarily grow in Christlikeness’
Hmm indeed. One /should/ grow in Christ as time goes by of being His disciple. One should search to learn more about Him, and want to become more like Him. Christ alone can help us be more like Him. It takes time and work. I don’t believe anyone has reached complete Christ-likeness. (It’s impossible, though saved we will still sin.) Jesus alone is perfect. But if we truly are trying to serve Him, and just have a day or week where we are lost, I believe we are saved.
There are some however that just use Jesus as an excuse to do bad things. I don’t believe they are truly saved, (but who am I to decide.) It is wrong and Paul talks about trodding Christ’s grace underfoot.
‘and stop sinning’
We will still sin. But we should not be willingly sinning against God as His children. If one disobeys his parents, he is still his parents’ child. Even though their dad/mom will be disappointed and the child will ideally be punished for the offense. The parents still love their child and will want to be reconciled. If the child is sorry, and will try not to do it again, the parents forgive and the offense is wiped off the slate.
A Christian can slip, and do something wrong knowing it’s wrong and displeasing God. (I have.) One doesn’t stop being His child, but, they aren’t doing what He wants. If one renounces God as fake, then it is like disowning Him. I don’t believe one is a Christian anymore if they choose not to believe.
Then again, even the demons believe in God. It’s serving Him that separates us.
‘if they live in a continuous sin, it means they were never really saved’
They could have been saved, and then just fallen back into sin like a sheep that’s run from the flock. Like the lost sheep, it started in the flock and then ran from it and the Shepherd. The Shepherd went after the sheep, but the sheep wasn’t safe at the moment. Wolves could’ve come and torn it to shreds. When one who has accepted the Lord decides to turn from Him, I believe they are no longer in His protection. Though He wants them back and will do everything to bring them back.
Like in the fighting thing I might be wrong on some points. What do you think about it?
Thank you. You inspire me as well Eitan! You sharpen my iron in many ways. I feel more eager to read God’s word, and think about it because I’m not just doing it for my own personal edification and just improving my relationship with God. I feel more pressured to read as well. For your faithfulness inspires me to go deeper. Thank you.
/Shoes of the Gospel of Peace/
Wherever one goes, they are to spread the good news. One is to bring peace everywhere their feet step. At least, they are supposed to speak peace, and act peacefully.
Romans 12:18
But where the good news brings peace for eternity, it will bring division on earth.
Luke 12:50-53
/Shield of Faith/
The young man we’re staying with right now (I wrote this a week ago), Jeremy, and I got into a philosophical conversation. (It didn’t get to yelling, head shaking, heart quickening debate.)
He had several good questions. Ones I’d thought about and found answers for before, and ones I hadn’t. His questions I had no answer to could have filled me with doubt, but my shield was up. Most all of his darts bounced off, and the ones that didn’t have answers. Answers that are for God to answer. (That night I got an email from an apologist where he spoke with a woman who asked the same questions /exactly as Jeremy did. Then that led to another video that answered more of the same questions. Which was cool.)
I have more but have to go now!
/Shield of Faith/ (continued)
Answers that are for God to answer. But, we are to seek the answers believing they are there, and grow in faith.
Proverbs 8:17
Proverbs 25:2
Deuteronomy 4:29
Jeremiah 29:13
Matthew 7:7
Acts 17:24-28
When people revile us for how dumb our faith in Jesus is, the shield of faith defends us. Yes, the words still hurt, but nothing fatal like doubt reaches our heart. We know God is true. We know God is love. We know God is near even when we don’t feel Him. We know He is righteous. We know He is just. We know He is merciful and forgiving. We know God, for we are His children and are close to our Father. As a little child would trust the ideal daddy, so we are to recline fully on the Lord. He is good.
/Helmet of Salvation/
A helmet is to defend your head/mind/brain. The ideal helmet covers you and defends you without destroying yur sight and hearing. Yes, as time goes on it might get a little hot and sweaty inside your helmet. But it is worth it.
If you take it off you will be slain.
For the battle is not over until you are safe home with your Commander.
/Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God)/
‘The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’ (Hebrews 4:12)
We are able to cut to peoples’ hearts and souls with the word of God. We are able to parry the jabs of the enemy with our true and edifying blade given to us by the great Craftsman.
Psalm 19:7
/Javelin^Pike of Prayer/
Our prayers reach further than we ourselves can reach. If there is nothing we can do, or the enemy is far off; We can pray for change. We can throw our pike. God will decide where it lands. For He can reach the unreachable, and teach the unteachable.
Matthew 21:21-22
Revelation 5:8
Psalm 22:4 ‘Our fathers trusted in Thee: they trusted and Thou didst deliver them.’
‘Thee’ in in this context means ‘you’ as does ‘thou’. Why have two different words for the same thing? I don’t have a certain answer. But I do have guesses.
Literary flow is one. ‘Our fathers trusted in Thou’ doesn’t sound as pretty as ‘thee’.
Another is grammar. I have no idea what 1600s (ish) grammar was like. So there might have been rules about when to use the different forms of you.
Psalm 26:8 ‘Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth.’
‘Thy’ here means ‘your’ as does ‘thine’. So, uh basically the same ideas as last time. Though a bit stronger on the grammar idea.
Psalm 27:8 ‘When Thou sadist, ‘Seek ye My face’; my heart said unto Thee, ‘Thy face, LORD, will I seek.’
Thou = you
Ye = you
Thee = you
Thy = your
So, yes. A bit confusing. I’ve been reading this sort of thing cor such a long time so my brain automatically translates the old English into the current. I’ve never actually looked at it like this… (: It is quite mind twitching.
Everyone were blindfolded and leading, we changed roles in the middle 🙂
It was early autumn, and the temperature was probably 86 f, but I felt like it’s cool when was blindfolded, probably because I hiked there 2 years ago in the winter 🙂
The machine was a machine, it’s just so common in Israel to curse one’s mom or aunt, that people curse even machines this way…
(I hope you wasn’t joking, if so – it would be embarrassing 😉 You just didn’t use a winking smiley, so I can’t be sure).
Indeed, every Christian should grow in Christlikeness! But there are people (even Mr. Kalisher, the pastor I mentioned, whom I really admire) that think it’s an inevitable result of salvation. The problem with such a claim is that, as you said, it depends on us (not totally, since you can’t grow without His help, but we have to invest time and work). An inevitable result that depends on us is just another name for ‘’term’’. We are not saved through works.
Hmm… There are many examples of Biblical saints living and even dying in a continuous sin. King Saul, king Solomon, Lot, the Corinthians, and many more. Sinful life is a horrible choice, but it’s not a proof that you’re not saved.
(Not to say every sinner is saved, but – not every believer will necessarily grow. There’s a difference between salvation, which is once and for all and depends on Jesus’ work, and discipleship, which is a continuous process that depends also on us).
‘’I don’t believe one is a Christian anymore if they choose not to believe.’’
It’s a dangerous claim. You say one can loose his salvation?
I have a friend who’s an atheist-agnostic and a former Christian (his father is a former pastor – probably disqualifies due to his son’s sin), and in one of our conversations, he said he ‘’knows from experience what do Christians talk about when they say they’re born again’’. His salvation is between him and God, but I do believe he told the truth – usually, atheists will try to prove Christianity is a nonsense, and thus, are more likely to claim something like, ‘’I was a Christian for years and didn’t feel anything special’’. In fact, it makes me respecting his honesty.
I had a bad day… My ‘’sleep schedule’’ was ruined in the last few days, and yesterday I slept only 5 hours. If it’s not bad enough, yesterday’s evening I somehow stopped thinking before speaking and got into a pointless debate about evolution I knew I shouldn’t enter (as if people are saved by being creationist, not through Jesus). I repented, or at least I thought I did, and maybe I actually did and my heart has just deceived me… But I didn’t feel that way, and while it’s good to know that God is always with us, when the trial actually comes, this knowledge seems too distant to actually comfort you and restore you your joy and peace.
Anyway, I slept more today, but when I woke up at 10 AM – way too late – I was terribly tired. I tried to pray and failed, because I was too tired to think, and I still felt guilty about yesterday. Eventually I succeed, but when I set to study my Bible I wasn’t… excited. I felt like God is not in there. I wasn’t sure if I’m a deceptive feeling or I’m just tired…
Eventually I decided it’s the second answer, and decided not to study my Bible today (and hear a sermon instead), but when I set to do so, I understood – or thought, or felt, I have no idea – that It’s not the right thing to do. I went to pray, and repented of all the sins I committed since yesterday. I felt better, so I set to study my Bible, and actually succeed in it, and then I prayed well (if you understand what I mean).
Then, I had to do something as a captain, and said something without thinking (not something terrible, but I have to say my opinion less), and… Ugh, again, those feelings that don’t disappear even after you fully repented, and you know you’re forgiven, but you just feel you can’t do anything good for God right now… But I found at least a partial comfort in my knowledge, and I was confident in my state enough to write to you. I still feel bad, maybe I just need to sleep.
My main conclusion from the day – When you’re tired, you might do things you wouldn’t do when are fresh. Take Esau as an example. He sold his birthright for a stew, because he was too exhausted to think clearly. So, sleep well, it’s healthy for you emotionally, physically and spiritually 🙂
And thank you so much for being there to listen. I needed to vent it. Thank you 🙂
Indeed. Wherever we go, we should proclaim the gospel. To be honest, it’s way harder for me to share it with people who know me well… It seems to me that I have so much to improve in my behavior before I can share the gospel non-hypocritically… But as I grow more and more in Christlikeness, I’m sure people will see the change is real, and God may open their hearts to the gospel.
Oh, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me! I’m pretty good in apologetics. And you can also search for the videos of people like Ravi Zacharias, Dr. William Lane Craig and Dr. Frank Turek – they answered almost every question an unbeliever ever had 😉
Hmm… I think our faith is divided to two different kinds:
Faith IN the Bible – Before trusting God’s word, we must know for sure it’s actually His word. We can’t have a blind faith. I believe every Christian should know a few good, strong, memorizable and simple arguments for God’s existence and the Bible’s authority, so the arrows of doubt will face a shield forged from the iron of reason and the bronze of logic.
I’m currently studying the subject of creation apologetics, but I still don’t know how to answer every secular objection. When I started, I was sure there’s no evidence against evolution at all – but I still didn’t loose my faith in the Bible, because based on the historically proven fact of the resurrection, I was 100% sure it’s God’s word, and even if I have no way to debate the secularists in the scientifical area, I can still doubtlessly know that my faith isn’t blind.
(I used to think that even though evolution didn’t actually occur, it’s scientifically possible and reasonable, and could’ve theoretically happened. Nope. As I learn more, I see what a nonsense it is. ‘’A fairy tale for grownups’’, as Ray Comfort described it in one of his books’ title).
Faith BASED ON the Bible – When we know the Bible is God’s word, we can fully trust it. We know God is almighty, loving, just, righteous. We can trust Him for our future, for our present. We can know for sure He’s always with us. We’re left with no rational reason to fear! What a blessing!
(Sometimes, I *know* things, but don’t actually *have faith* in them. Please pray God will always remind me He’s always with me and I’m never alone, even when I feel the complete opposite).
Hmm… I don’t think that in this context, ‘’Salvation’’ refers to salvation from Hell. After all, Paul wouldn’t ask *saved believers* to be saved from Hell… I have to study more about the issue. I remember I once watched a good video about the subject, I’ll check it later and send their explanation 🙂
Javelin of prayer – totally true. I have no word to add. Thank you so much for sharing your meditations! 🙂
Thees and thous… So, thank you for checking 🙂 I might try to see what do doctor Google has to say. I love languages! 😀
Hmm… What do you say in English after mentioning a deceased one’s name, if at all? In Hebrew we add ‘’May his memory / remembrance be a blessing’’, a phrase that is actually derived from Proverbs 10:7: ‘’The memory of the righteous is a blessing’’.
(After mentioning terrible people, we usually add ‘’May his name and remembrance be wiped out’’. But, like, really terrible people, like terrorists, Nazis, and so on. Sadly, the acronym of this phrase is used as the common Hebrew name for Jesus…).
(I remembered it because I wrote Ravi Zacharias’ name. It seemed wrong to write RIP, since it’s rooted in the Catholic tradition, and is actually, at least in its Latin origin, a prayer on the behalf of the dead…)
(Thinking about it, I realize that the Hebrew phrase is also unbiblical… Even more, sadly, the names and remembrance of most of the people I know – most of the people on Earth – are going to be wiped out, for all eternity… )
Oh, I have to go to sleep. I must build my sleep schedule again… Good night!
Do you believe king Saul and king Solomon are in Heaven? Abraham’s faith was counted for righteousness…where do you see faith in either of these men later in there lives? There is no mention of repentance for either of them…just more mistakes and/or sins…
(Of course, who am I to decide or judge their hearts when they died?) I was just wondering what made you think they are in Heaven.
‘You say one can loose his salvation?’
Oof. Yes, I believe one can lose their salvation. We call it backsliding, or shipwrecked faith, or at least thoughs are the terms I’ve heard.
One becomes a follower of Christ when they recognize that they have sin and can’t get rid of it on their own, so God came to earth and lived the perfect life without flaw and died unjustly that we might live. Then we must believe He rose from the dead.
If one does not believe those things anymore, and tells other people so… How can they have Christ’s salvation? (I want to be corrected if I’m wrong.)
Matthew 10:33
‘his father is a former pastor – probably disqualifies due to his son’s sin’
I’m not sure I understood this.
‘ In fact, it makes me respecting his honesty.’
Yes indeed. (:
Have you asked your friend if he still believes himself to be Jesus’ disciple? If he still believes the Heaven/Hell base is covered?
(Sorry, I sound really stern don’t I?)
‘I had a bad day’
I’m sorry.
‘(if you understand what I mean)’
Yes. (:
‘And thank you so much for being there to listen. I needed to vent it. Thank you ‘
I feel like I’ve been a prickly pillow to you today, sorry… (:
‘It seems to me that I have so much to improve in my behavior before I can share the gospel non-hypocritically… ‘
I had the same problem a few months ago… I’ll send you what my dad wrote me about it in a week. (:
‘But as I grow more and more in Christlikeness, I’m sure people will see the change is real, and God may open their hearts to the gospel.’
(:
‘if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me!’
Will do!
Yes, Ravi Zacharias is/was…^is^ amazing! (Frank Turek is actually the apologist that emailed the video) He’s cool.
‘I believe every Christian should know a few good, strong, memorizable and simple arguments for God’s existence and the Bible’s authority, so the arrows of doubt will face a shield forged from the iron of reason and the bronze of logic.’
Good point.
”’A fairy tale for grownups’’’
XD
‘(Sometimes, I *know* things, but don’t actually *have faith* in them.’
Yeah, I know what you mean…
‘Please pray God will always remind me He’s always with me and I’m never alone, even when I feel the complete opposite).’
Yes. I will. You are not alone!!!! He will stand before you. He will never leave you!!
(And, yes, you know…but I find it helps to be told again.)
‘I’ll check it later and send their explanation ‘
Thanks!
‘What do you say in English after mentioning a deceased one’s name, if at all?’
I don’t think we say anything… (I have heard people say ‘May he rest in peace’ or ‘May he rest in peices’ before, but not very often.)
We also speak of the person In past tense. So, instead of ‘they have’ it would be ‘they had’. (But you probably already knew that.)
‘In Hebrew we add ‘’May his memory / remembrance be a blessing’’, a phrase that is actually derived from Proverbs 10:7: ‘’The memory of the righteous is a blessing’’.’
That’s cool. (:
‘Sadly, the acronym of this phrase is used as the common Hebrew name for Jesus…).’
That’s sad.
‘it’s rooted in the Catholic tradition’
I didn’t know that’s where that came from.
‘a prayer on the behalf of the dead…)’
Creepy and rather useless actually.
‘ are going to be wiped out, for all eternity… ‘
A sad and ach filling thought… I don’t know them, but a deep heaviness and fire burn in my chest when I think of the lost. (Thoughs living and dead. Though it’s too late for the deceased, it’s not yet for the living.) I need to do /something/, anything. Whether praying, passing out comics, being a friend to people, or actively speaking of the gospel… Just, something! (Learning the God’s word would also be on that list actually.)
What’s the best fun you’ve ever had?
I love you!
Gracie
And the Lord, He it is that does go before you; He will be with you, He will not fail you, neither forsake you: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24
P.S. I will not have my mother’s phone for about a week. By!
Oh, I slept excellently. Almost ten hours. I’m much better today! 😀
We know king Saul is in Heaven, because before the battle in mount Gilboa, Samuel said to Saul – ‘’Tomorrow, you and your sons will be with me’’. We know Samuel is in Heaven, and Saul’s son Jonathan was righteous and most likely saved (and thus, will go to Heaven too). We can clearly see that Saul also was saved, despite his disobedience – he loosed his throne, his peace, and the Lord’s help, but he didn’t loose his salvation.
In the Bible, ‘’works’’ are deeds that grant us reward, that we rightly deserve.
‘’Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.‘’ (Romans 4:4-5)
Salvation is a gift, not a reward. Our faith in Jesus doesn’t make us worthy of salvation, it’s just saying ‘’yes’’ to God’s gift. Righteous life, however, make us worthy of a reward in Heaven, therefore it counts as a work, and thus, isn’t a term for salvation. (Claiming that righteous life is an inevitable result of salvation, when the result depends on us and on our works, is basically saying it’s a term for salvation – and therefore, we know that righteous life isn’t an inevitable result of salvation).
Now, according to the Bible, a persisting faith grants us rewards:
‘’I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing’’ (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Paul (and James, who also wrote about it in James 1:12) refers to the laurel wreath that winning athletes got in the ancient Greek competitions. Paul described the righteous life as a race, so the metaphor is clear – who lives a righteous life, will get a a reward. Since ‘’keeping the faith’’ is parallelized to the righteous life, and is described as a term for the reward (the laurel wreath), so keeping the faith is a work – and thus, not a term for salvation.
All of that, not just to spend time in pointless theological debates, but so we all will know – we have nothing to fear. We may loose our joy and peace there, we may loose our reward in Heaven, we may ruin our life – but we can never loose our salvation, no matter what will happen to us, and how much we will fall. We can rest in God’s hands, because no matter what, we are His.
‘’I’m not sure I understood this.’’
Oh, Sorry… His father served a pastor, but now he doesn’t. I think he was disqualified, since 1 Timothy 3:4 says that a man whose children are disobedient, can’t serve as a pastor. I guess backsliding counts as disobedience.
He is an atheist agnostic – he doesn’t *know* if God exists or not, but he doesn’t *thinks* He exists. He doesn’t hold any Christian belief anymore.
‘’I feel like I’ve been a prickly pillow to you today, sorry… (: ‘’
Ah, you’re okay, it’s all alright 🙂
Thank you so much for praying, and for the verses you sent! 😀
Hmm, you spoke about Ravi Zacharias in present tense… 😉
Sometimes, when I think about Hell, I almost cry. And I don’t cry a lot. Justice is never nice, but it’s necessary.
I try to evangelize as much as I can, mostly through YouTube comments. Nothing has happened with my attempt in the Catholic channel. I’m currently talking with an orthodox Jew. He sent me a huge article named ‘’Debunking the core doctrines of Christianity’’. I almost laughed. It was written by a rabbi who has probably never actually studied what do Christians believe in, and it’s full of demagogic rhetoric, ignorance, and lies.
He even invented a verse that is nowhere in the NT, trying to prove Jesus was a heretic who didn’t keep the Sabbath. Later, he claimed Jesus kept the law of Moses and was a Pharisee… Oh, and when he tried to debunk the resurrection, he claimed that the only eye witnesses were women, and ‘’Women are stupid and irresponsible, so we can’t trust their testimony’’. I knew something like that was written in the Talmud, but I was surprised to find out people still believe this nonsense.
I’m praying for this man I’m talking with… I also want to evangelize more. Yesterday I saw an opportunity to talk with a Hindu woman, but I felt too bad to try. I’ll do it today 🙂
Greatest fun?… Hmm. I rappelled once. I also sailed once in a kayak in the Jordan river. And I was at water parks several times. What’s your greatest fun?
Okay, I checked the video (it’s in Hebrew, but I’m pretty sure it has a version with English subtitles, should I send it to you?). They explain that the meaning of ‘’Wearing the helmet of salvation’’ is – to know that your salvation is firm, sure, eternal, and has nothing to do with your success or failure, so it will keep your head – your mind – from doubts. When we know our salvation is eternal, we obey in love and want to grow in Christ’s likeness, not in fear. We don’t want to be moral because we fear Hell; we want it because we are loved ourselves, and want to show other people Christ’s love. We love Him, and want to serve Him and live for Him.
I finished Psalm 24 today. It’s pretty much a short description of the Christian life – Her are the standards to ‘’gain’’ Heaven, and they’re impossible to reach, so – it’s clear we all need a savior. Once you opened the gates of your everlasting soul to Christ – and He is holy, so you must be washed in His blood (so He’ll make you righteous, thus – saved) in order for the holy spirit to come and dwell in you – grow in His likeness, put Him in the center of your life, desire Him and long for Him. If so, He will bless you.
A verse that stood out for me – ‘’for he founded it on the seas, and established it on the waters’’. Water is a symbol for chaos, and God brought from the chaos order, beauty, reason – a rock we can build our house upon. No matter what crisis are we going through, God will use it for good – to glorify His name, help us to grow more, and to cleanse any sin from our heart.
God has a sense of humor, doesn’t He? (Well, we have, and we’re created in His image). What is the funniest thing God has done in your life, besides our friendship? 😉
Oh, I forgot to write it – A song I highly recommend. It’s in Arabic, but there’s a translation in the description box. Generally, I recommend you to check Brothers Sakhnini’s channel 🙂
I didn’t write to you for days, since I thought it’s kinda pointless when you will read it only weeks after, but now, I think I need to.
This weekend (July 17-18th) we were at my cousins’ home in northern Israel. I opened my Friday with a passionate prayer, but somehow, I quickly realized I stumble again and again, wasting precious time on worthless discussions, and saying things I quickly regretted. When understanding what I’ve done I quickly repented, but then I fell again, and again I repented, and this ‘’jumping’’ between sin and repentance (followed by a ‘’peace’’, or at least, I thought it is – reminds me of the book of Judges) continued almost until today’s afternoon.
Almost like a novel, it came to a low-point, when I understood what was my real problem – lack of prayer, that lead me to ‘’grow cold’’ towards God, if you know what I mean. And I tried to pray, and failed, and tried again, and… Ugh. I felt disgusted, depressed. I feared I will just slip into a lukewarm Christianity and become a useless vessel for God.
Around 5:20 PM, I decided to go to the desert (I usually go there, it’s near and I can speak out loud without anyone hearing) and finally pray. And I did it. It wasn’t easy, but as I almost cried to God, He heard me. I didn’t start jumping and dancing, but… As I continued praying, my heart warmed again towards Him, and strange, uncheery peace came to me. No matter what I feel, I knew, God forgives me when I repent wholeheartedly, and He hears and answers me even when I’m still feel awful for what I’ve done.
I’m now much better, though I still don’t feel that passionate… Tomorrow’s day will be dedicated to prayer and Bible… Like Jacob, I will wrestle with God until He is my only desire, until He blesses me. I will write to afterwards.
I noticed I have a huge problem giving God the time He deserves when my routine is bothered, like in vacations. Do you have any advice for me? Or, can you ask someone you trust to help me? Please?
Thank you so much for listening, even if days after. And thank you for helping me.
So, I write now in July 19th. I opened the day with a long prayer (the longest I’ve ever had – 2 hours), and I asked God again and again to give me a heart that desires Him, that is hungry and thirsty for Him, that is on fire for Him. Though subtly, God responded, as always. I’m continuing to ask Him for it whenever I feel I start to ‘’cool down’’, if you understand me. He will give me all the power I need to be faithful to Him and live for Him, no matter what I feel – I just need to trust.
Eitan, what do you believe your spiritual gifts are? What gifts would you like to have and why?
‘For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.’
1 Corinthians 12:8-11
‘Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.’
Romans 12:6-8
Just wondering…
‘Ugh. I felt disgusted, depressed.’
I’m sorry. Truly.
‘I feared I will just slip into a lukewarm Christianity and become a useless vessel for God.’
Nay, you shall not. Rak Chazak!
You are holy! You are chosen! You are HIS! Keep your heart after Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You are His preciouse child. Lean on Him. He is your rock, your fortress. Your shelter and warmth. Your peace, joy, purpose, and salvation.
Yes, some days will be hard. Your soul and heart will feel dry, and your tongue may slice like a dagger. But He is waiting. He is standing beside you. He uses the desert to try us. To refine us, and purify our faith.
Tis easy to follow God when His presence is palpable, and you can feel His life working through your bones. But the one who endures to the end. Through times of apparent loneliness and isolation, they shall gain a crown.
He is beside you. He will not let the /d/evil put more against you than you can stand! Trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness! The One who has called you and I is faithful. And it is He who will work in us. We are not alone.
‘I decided to go to the desert (I usually go there, it’s near and I can speak out loud without anyone hearing) and finally pray. And I did it. It wasn’t easy, but as I almost cried to God, He heard me.’
It sounds (?amazing). I don’t think we have the right word in English, maybe in Hebrew? A refreshing breath that leaves a ‘clean but drained’ feeling maybe?
‘I noticed I have a huge problem giving God the time He deserves when my routine is bothered, like in vacations.’
Hmm. I realize when my family goes on vacation we are usually going so fast and hard (it’s generally not a time of rest) I forget to speak with God. It isn’t good.
I forget to listen for His leading. I need to follow my own advice I’m about to give,..every day of my life.
‘Do you have any advice for me?’
Ask God every morning to use you. Tell Him you’re willing to do anything. Ask Him to arrange divine appointments. Ask Him to make your ears acute to His words and leading. Ask Him to give you the courage, faith, and eyes to see wherever you can be used. It will likely be hard,…and you may feel like a fool. But He will work in thoughs who wish to be worked in and through. On the street, at school, or in the home. Always be ready to work for His kingdom.
‘can you ask someone you trust to help me?’
I will ask others as well.
‘Please?’
Are you okay?
I love you.
‘And thank you for helping me.’
I hope it was a help. (: I think my parents wish to spend time with me (I have been gone for a while) so typing out letters might not happen tonight… but maybe. (:
‘I opened the day with a long prayer (the longest I’ve ever had – 2 hours)’
Wow. I think an hour or two is the longest I’ve ever done. I admire you for seeking God for so long and so hard. I need to make more time to just seek/praise God in prayer and worship.
‘if you understand me.’
Yes.
‘He will give me all the power I need to be faithful to Him and live for Him, no matter what I feel’
Yes indeed!!
‘Praying for you and for the USA.’
Thank you.
Again, so much I wish to say!! I love you!! I’ve missed you!
‘can you ask someone you trust to help me?’
My father suggests getting up earlier than the rest of your family to set aside time for God if you’re unable to during the days of vacation. I can/will ask a few others.
‘We know king Saul is in Heaven,… ‘’Tomorrow, you and your sons will be with me’’.’
Oh cool! Thanks! I never caught that before, and if I did I guess I thought it just meant they would all be dead…
‘ We know Samuel is in Heaven, and Saul’s son Jonathan was righteous and most likely saved (and thus, will go to Heaven too). We can clearly see that Saul also was saved, despite his disobedience’
Very good points. Thank you.
For another verse on works: (: Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.’
I’ve missed you, like, a lot…
Isn’t it cool that we’ll get crowns? But then, isn’t it even more amazing to think that when we are in the presence of God we will feel such awe and praise for Him that we will cast our crowns at His feet? It, it makes me excited. Really excited to see Him face to face… To finally, constantly be in His glory… To praise Him for eternity…
‘work – and thus, not a term for salvation.’
Indeed.
There’s an old folk tale that goes as such:
‘There was a rich woman with many servants, clothes, and jewels. She was a follower of Christ in word, but not quite deed.
One day a beggar woman came and asked if she could work for food. She was refused, but given a small lump of moldy cheese.
Years later the rich woman died. She sat herself at the highest place at the table in heaven, and was told to move down to one of the lowest. On her plate was a small, moldy lump of cheese.
The moral of the story, ‘Give away that which you would want in Heaven.’’
‘but we can never loose our salvation, no matter what will happen to us, and how much we will fall. We can rest in God’s hands, because no matter what, we are His.’
That is unless one /wants/ to lose their salvation and renounces God, yes? I know nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39)
Matthew 10:33 says- “But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.”
There was a man who accepted Christ and then went from door to door in his neighborhood telling people about Christ. Then after a dry time his faith failed, and he chose to renounce Christ and become an atheist. He then went by every door he witnessed to and told them that he had been wrong. That Christ wasn’t real.
Matthew 25:14-30 “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants comes, and reckons with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew you that you are an hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth: lo, there you have that is yours.
His lord answered and said unto him, You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: You ought therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which has ten talents. For unto every one that has shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that which he had. And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
There’s gold in this passage beside where I’m to point out…and where I point I find sobering. If we are given salvation, then bury it inside, and never do anything with it to profit the Lord’s kingdom out of fear or laziness? That which we have will be taken away, and we will be thrown in hell.
Matthew 25:31-46 “Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and you gave Me no meat: I was thirsty, and you gave Me no drink: I was a stranger, and you took Me not in: naked, and you clothed Me not: sick, and in prison, and you visited Me not.
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we You an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto You?
Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Matthew 7:19-23 “Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. Not every one that says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? and in Your name have cast out devils? and in Your name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity.”
So the relationship with our father is important.
I also (after looking up a scripture just found a different/similar theological question…)
If you’d like me to ask…
‘What’s your greatest fun?’
I love to read a lot, and write. Coloring is also fun. But for a thrill? Roller coasters, airplane takes offs and landings, and sitting on the prow of a motor boat as it speeds along the water.
‘should I send it to you?’
Yes please.
‘ They explain that the meaning of ‘’Wearing the helmet of salvation’’ is – to know that your salvation is firm, sure, eternal, and has nothing to do with your success or failure, so it will keep your head – your mind – from doubts. When we know our salvation is eternal, we obey in love and want to grow in Christ’s likeness, not in fear. We don’t want to be moral because we fear Hell; we want it because we are loved ourselves, and want to show other people Christ’s love. We love Him, and want to serve Him and live for Him.’
Indeed. What does ‘amen’ mean?
‘What is the funniest thing God has done in your life, besides our friendship?’
Hmm… I’ll have to think about it. (:
Oh, I missed you a lot. I was so happy to see you’re back! 😀
Thank you so much for all your love and kindness, both in words and acts.
Did you already finish the course? If so, how was it?
Spiritual gifts… I’ve never really studied the issue, so thank you for asking! I think mine are message of wisdom / knowledge (the ability to understand God’s word) and teaching (the ability to teach other believers). I’m not sure, but I think those are. But what do you think are my gifts?
I think your gifts are encouragement and faith. What do you think they are?
‘’Rak Chazak!’’
You warmed my heart 🙂 ‘’Be strong and very courageous’’ (Joshua 1:7). ‘’Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and your heart shall be encouraged, and wait for the Lord’’ (Psalm 28:14, my translation).
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and wisdom. I have to remember it… God willing, I will.
Indeed, God uses the desert to purify us. It made me thinking about how Israel’s wandering in the wilderness is an allegory for the Christian life. We all are saved from slavery to sin and its punishment by trusting in the blood of the lamb, and we all receive God’s word, covenant, and promises.
But, to inherit the land – to reign with Him in Heaven, and not eating moldy cheese in the last seat – we have to trust in Him through our journey in the desert, in the temptations God allows to occur in our life, to trust and know He is with us, giving us everything we need, and leading us to reign with Him in the kingdom of Heaven.
Those who rebel when temptations come, will not lose their salvation, but they will return home with nothing, and will be ashamed of His face. The medal is for the heroes of the battle, not for those who ran away.
While in the desert, he will give us life, joy and happiness even out of the worst events – water out of stone. He will give us what we need to grow in His likeness – the quail meat. He will give us energy and power to serve and obey – the Manna from Heaven. And those who endure until the end, will reign with Him.
‘’It sounds (?amazing). I don’t think we have the right word in English, maybe in Hebrew? A refreshing breath that leaves a ‘clean but drained’ feeling maybe?’’
A calming breath that leaves a ‘’peaceful but drained’’ feeling, I think 🙂
Thank you SO MUCH for your advices, and for your father’s (say him I thank him!).
‘’Are you okay? I love you.’’
I’m better… I know God hears my prayers, He is with me. I just have to pray, and He will answer, though I might not feel like it. Thank you, Gracie, for your amazing love and care. And I love you too, so much.
‘’Really excited to see Him face to face… To finally, constantly be in His glory… To praise Him for eternity…’’
You have a faith greater than mine. When I think about Heaven, I think mostly about the battle that will finally be over.
‘’I know nothing can separate us from the love of God’’.
Well, nothing means nothing, including us, doesn’t it?
(Next time, please just mention the verses, don’t quote whole passages – it’s confusing…)
Matthew 25 – The parable of the silver talents – No, the silver talents can’t represent salvation, for two reasons:
1) The man’s /slaves/ – those whom he have bought, and are already his – got the talents. When saved, we’re bought, and become God’s slaves (in the good sense of the word!).
2) You can’t get ‘’more’’ salvation or ‘’less’’ salvation, just like you can’t be more or less someone’s child or spouse.
The silver talents are probably abilities to serve, talents, gifts and so on God gives us. If we use them for the kingdom’s profit, God will reward us in Heaven. If we do not, we will ‘’weep, wail and gnash our teeth in the outer darkness’’ – but what does it actually mean?
A good article (in Hebrew) I read about it explains that it just means that the unfaithful believers will not reign with God and enjoy with Him, but will mourn for their wasted life in a true, godly sorrow, metaphorically – in the dark night, outside of the hall of feast. It will be, of course, a temporary punishment, since God will wipe out every tear, and in the new creation there will be nothing left of the sinful past.
Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the sheep and goats – Jesus describes the sheep as righteous, but other passages in the Bible show that believers will not necessarily be righteous. Jesus simply speaks in a generalized speech – believers are (usually) moral. His point is that the believers will be in Heaven, and the unbelievers in Hell. He doesn’t discuss the difference between faithful and unfaithful sheep, because he assumes we already know about them from other parables, and from the OT.
Matthew 7:21-23 – ‘’Depart from me, you evildoers’’ – Notice that the evildoers acknowledged Jesus as a Lord (and only believers can do it, through the holy spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:3), and they’ve done miracles and casted out demons in His name. They’re clearly saved believers. Moreover, Jesus said that to enter the kingdom, we have to do the will of God – what is a work, and thus, not a term for salvation. Entering the kingdom doesn’t mean being in Heaven, but reigning there.
Jesus didn’t try to scare Christians of Hell. He tried to encourage us to live a holy life for Him, so we will be rewarded, and not waste our gifts and life.
‘’If you’d like me to ask…’’
Of course, feel free! 🙂
‘’‘should I send it to you?’ Yes please.’’
Sorry, but I forgot what I was talking about, and I can’t find… What did I want to send? 😅
‘’Amen’’ means ‘’Truth’’. After praying, we say ‘’In Jesus’ name, Amen’’ – we really pray in Jesus’ name, as believers. I’ve never really thought about what it actually means, so thank you for asking 🙂
Jesus used it to emphasize points (‘’Very truly I say to you…’’).
It’s starting to be late, and I want to control my sleep schedule (waking up at 8 AM, if not earlier), so I’ll answer your letters in another day, hopefully tomorrow 🙂
I want to ask you to pray for me that…
* God will give me faith to remember and trust that He’s always with me, hears me and answers me, gives me everything I need for a holy life, even when I don’t feel so, and that the ‘’desert’’ is temporal and for a great purpose, and He is with me all the way along;
* And that He will give me a pure heart that desires Him and only Him, and that rests in His arms and gets from Him all of the joy and peace, and that desires to serve Him and love for Him.
Thank you SO much for praying for me. Whatever you need, I will pray for you. God used you amazingly to help me today, Gracie. Praise God, and thank you!
It was amazing. I learned so much. (You’ll hear more in my letters… once I’ve typed them…)
But our average day over the week went as such:
5:30-6:00 wake up and then a sermon and/or devotion. Then breakfast and then a sermon. Next three hours of classes. Then lunch, and after that another speaker or sermon. Then three more hours of classes before a twenty minute break (My teacher usually taught through the break. He was great.) Then dinner, and after that a sermon. Then three more hours of classes and bed around 11:30. (:
It was busy but fun. The eldest person in my class was a sixty something year old man named Aaron (we became friends), the youngest was a twelve year old girl I don’t remember the name of… The Guild was like a really good book. It can apply to anyone, at any age, if they’re just willing to learn.
Wisdom, yes. Knowledge also… So, I think you were right. (:
What are some other gifts you wish to cultivate more (besides wisdom and knowledge(: )?
(wisdom; word of knowledge; faith; healing; miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits; divers kinds of tongues; interpretation of tongues: ministry; teaching; exhortation: giving; ruling; mercy)
‘I think your gifts are encouragement and faith.’
Thank you. (:
‘What do you think they are?’
I’ve been blessed with the gift of speaking in other tongues. It helps when I’m so overwhelmed with either sorrow or joy that I have no words to say… I am praying for the interpretation of tongues, so that the gift may edify others than myself. 1 Corinthians 14:13
I’ve also prophesied once to a single person for sure, maybe twice… It’s not something I just ‘call up’ or anything. Both times happened after a long time of prayer and worship and seeking God’s face and will. I just knew things about a boy, and then told him what I felt God wanted him to know. I don’t even remember most of what I said… 2 Peter 1:21
Others have prophesied over me. 2 Corinthians 13:1, I’m still waiting for one confirmation… Anyway, there are some nutcases who claim to hear from God, but are just lying. 1 John 4:1. Matthew 7:15.
‘ask others…help’
Mr. Shaylor also suggested praying while driving places.
‘(Next time, please just mention the verses, don’t quote whole passages – it’s confusing…)’
Sorry. (:
‘Jesus said that to enter the kingdom, we have to do the will of God – what is a work, and thus, not a term for salvation.’
Hm, good point.
Ooh! A quote I heard this week- ‘The choices you make now, will affect your eternity.’ I’m not sure who said it.
‘Of course, feel free! 🙂’
(: Sorry, never mind. 🙂
‘What did I want to send? 😅’
‘/Okay, I checked the video (it’s in Hebrew, but I’m pretty sure it has a version with English subtitles, should I send it to you?). They explain that the meaning of ‘’Wearing the helmet of salvation’’ is/’
‘I’ll answer your letters in another day, hopefully tomorrow 🙂’
Sorry, I made that impossible, didn’t I?
‘I want to ask you to pray for me that…’
I am. Something else that I’m starting to do because of the Guild (I’m not sure if I mentioned it in letters?):
I’ve started a testimony journal. Every time God does something amazing in my life, that makes me stop and say ‘That was God!’ (then again, waking up every morning is worthy of entry, but I’ll not be doing that) (: So, whenever I feel depressed, or God is distant, I can flip back through pages of where He came through in my personal life, not just in the Bible. (Though that’s good too.) 🙂
I’ve also started a prayer journal. Instead of just remembering all the people and reasons to pray for, I’m keeping a log. I write down the date I start to pray on one side of the page, and leave the other side blank. (So I can put the date the prayer is answered, and how.) Though some prayers won’t be all the way answered until death and beyond. (Such as asking for more and more wisdom, and growing closer to Jesus.)
How are Karen and Tamir doing? What about robotics?
Dear Eitan,
Hi! This is day one of our (my mother and I’s) trip. (: Have you ever flown? It’s amazing! (To me)
I loved the race down the runway, and the bumpy ascent. Then looking down on the clouds. It was beautiful, and I couldn’t stop smiling. We still have to change flights at another airport before going to our first destination. 🙂
We’re going to stay with some family of friends for a week in Michigan. That should be fun. After a week there my father will drive up with my little sister, dog, and rabbit. We’ll then camp for a week together. And then I’ll be off to a camp for a week. Wow. (:
(All that if the Lord wills.) If I’ve learned one thing in the past 24 hours, it’s that plans can always change. And, where I already /knew/ that. I hadn’t quite yet experienced it with such force before.
By for now.
I am praying for you.
Gracie
6-29-20
Dear Eitan,
Psalm 21 today? I’m liking it quite a bit.
We’ve arrived safely in Michigan!
The people we’re staying with are amazing! I ask to do chores or serve them in any way and they refuse. /Saying we are /their/ guests, and they should serve us./ (I’ll never brag on southern curtesy again. Northerners (at least these) have outdone every place I’ve ever been.)
Not to say we in Texas don’t have courtesy. No, no, no, no. Every man holds doors open for women without question. ‘Please’, ‘thank you’, ‘sir’, and ‘mam’ are prevalent. But here? It’s more like we’re treated like family. (Except family, I’m pretty sure, would have to do chores.)
I called the father ‘sir’, and he asked me never to again because it sounded weird… I’ve slipped once or twice.. But, me calling him ‘sir’ now does not infer honor, but dishonor… Perhaps I’ll fix my tongue in a week. (:
I am thinking about you and praying for you.
Love,
Gracie
6-30-20
Dear Eitan,
I’m still on Psalm 21. It’s slightly confusing (the wording). But while studying it I thought of the fortress again.
God (as you know) is our Fortress:
Would we rather die in our fortress when battle comes; or leave it , joining the regular populace, and die later anyway?
When one falls in battle, one likely will have lasting glory and rememberances… But if you die from natural causes without the Fortress, you life will likely be justa black hole in history which leads to Sheil.
So, yeah.
Yesterday we (my mother and I) went to a lake and I read to her for several hours.
Oh! And I got to do dishes last night!
Bye,
Love,
Gracie
P.S. What are some pet-names your mom, dad, or grandparents call you?
Dear Eitan,
Have I told you about our hosts’ cats yet? I’ll say now I’m more of a dog person, and where I like cats… They just aren’t as fun or loving generally (from my point of view). They can be soft and cuddly, they chase string and specks of flight… They /are/ cute.
Their cats are quite big. The male is 21 or 24 pounds (I can’t remeber which). But he is /big/ and fat. He’s almost all black with splotches of brown and specks of white. He’s cute, lazy, and loves to be pet.
Both cats barely have to be touched and they start to purr. And both are incredibly fluffy.
The other is a girl. She’s about the regular size for a cat and the boy’s sister. She is striped and loves to cuddle. I think she misses Donna (the girl who used to live here), so she follows me around and has been sleeping with me. She sneezes…a lot. She also took over most of my pillow last night/this morning… and I let her… (:
I don’t particularly like the idea of a sneezing, outdoor/indoor cat sleeping and preening on my pillow but… She’s so sweet and nice, I don’t care enough to shoo her away.
What’s one of the craziest things you’ve ever done? What do your parents do for fun?
It sounds really great! Being surrounded by believers a whole week, and learning from them, and learning artistic skills…
You’re tough, Gracie – I wouldn’t have been able to digest 4 sermons a day, or to sleep 6 hours a night… I won’t mess with you 😉
‘’What are some other gifts you wish to cultivate more (besides wisdom and knowledge(: )?’’
Hmm… Faith, I guess. But whatever God gives 🙂
Speaking in other tongues?… I’m pretty sure – though maybe I’m wrong – that its purpose is to spread the gospel in human languages you don’t know – Like what happened in Pentecost. I’m pretty sure it’s not a private ‘’prayer language’’…
Wow. It’s amazing God has done a miracle through you! Like, really amazing.
Something that strengthen my faith in God – a few times, I had terrible dreams, of which I woke up disgusted. They completely stopped when I started to pray before bed that I’ll fall asleep soon, sleep well, wake up early with a fresh heart longing for prayer, and will have good dreams. Since then I also never overslept, and never was tired in tomorrow’s day.
Tell Mr. Shaylor I thank him! 🙂
Sorry, the video doesn’t exist in English… But I can send there the videos that do. I hope you’ll find them helpful 🙂
The journal is a great idea! though I’m not sure if it’ll work for me. I’m excellent in theoretically knowing things, I’m less good in having faith in them.
I also write down my prayers in my Bible-study journal. After I study a verse and get its point, I write down my prayer, so it’ll be easier for me to memorize it.
Karin and Tamir are good! We’ll soon start recruiting new team members for robotics, and training them.
Yesterday wasn’t easy. I wasted my morning, and then repented, but I still felt God hides from me (probably to teach me that sin has consequences). I prayed-through-poetry, and it actually helped me, but I wasn’t able to study my Bible effectively, so after 2 or 3 hours of trying, I went to pray and it made me feel better. Anyway, today I’m excellent.
Maybe sometimes we should rest from intensive Bible reading, and do other things for God? Maybe not. I don’t know any passage that addressed this issue – We should study the Bible and love to do it, but I don’t sure if there’s a passage about what to do when you’re ‘’too dried’’.
Thank you for the letters! It seems you had a huge fun! 😀
Hmm. You read for your mom?
Hmm… My grandmas sometimes call me ‘’Eitanushka’’ or ‘’Eitanush’’.
The craziest thing I’ve ever done is to go to a hike in the desert, after a rainy week and flash floods in whole Israel. Crazy in a bad sense. I did it when I was 12… My father almost sank when he came to rescue me. I’m not quite proud of myself. The only positive point is that I took some beautiful photos…
My mother /loves/ to run. She has two tattoos about it, and she ran a marathon. My father loves to bake sourdough bread and to make beer.
I finished today Psalm 30. It was very calming to see how even David fell in small sins like we do, and then faced God’s ‘’hiding’’, and how eventually his passionate, painful prayers were amazingly answered. I went through a so similar think just a few days ago. And also, despite his sins, God will make him a king over Israel in the millenium. As long as we genuinely repent, seek God and run the race, we don’t need to fear our falls.
Yesterday was Lady’s birthday (she’s 6), today is my father’s birthday (he’s 40), and in 6 days will be my birthday (I’ll be 15). It’s amazing for me to look back and see what God has done in my life this year. In my last birthday, I wasn’t even saved… Praise God. May the next year will be as fruitful as the last. My ‘’second birthday’’ is somewhere in late August.
I’m a little tired of writing… So sorry if I missed something or if my wording is weird.
‘I wouldn’t have been able to digest 4 sermons a day’
I kept a whole lot of notes, and after getting home I asked my mother for a day to just go back over everything. To let it sink in and not just disappear from my mind. (Now it’s back to school.) (:
‘I’m pretty sure…that its purpose is to spread the gospel in human languages you don’t know…Like what happened in Pentecost…I’m pretty sure it’s not a private ‘’prayer language’”
Yes, and no… Well, it can be both to edify oneself, or others… Hmm,
1 Corinthians 14
and, of course Acts 2.
I will have to think on this more.
‘They completely stopped when I started to pray before bed…Since then I also never overslept, and never was tired in tomorrow’s day.’
(: Yey! or… Amazing! It’s amazing what talking with God does.
I am approximately one minute into the video. (:
‘After I study a verse and get its point, I write down my prayer, so it’ll be easier for me to memorize it.’
*nod* That sounds like a good plan. (:
‘Maybe sometimes we should rest from intensive Bible reading, and do other things for God?’
Yes, I believe so. Bible studying can be exhausting and work. (Though fulfilling and lifegiving).
Like a farmer who has worked all day planting crops. It was hard work. He’s soaked through with sweat, dirt covers him like a blanket. Yet he still smiles and runs a grimy arm across his eyes to get a better look.
This field will grow. It will feed himself, his wife, his children, and others. He will have to tend it often, but the work will be worth it.
But he does not live in the field. He goes home for a refreshing dinner with his family. He plays a bit with the children, and may read them a story. Then he may have time with his wife after the children have been shood to bed.
If he did not have this rest between the work? What would the work be worth? He would be too tired to focus. He may miss weeds when weeding. Or whole portions of the soil when watering. He may even grow bitter at the feild if he believes it is the cause of his mind and body’s strain. He needs rest so that he will be refreshed for more work, and be able to do it well.
Ahem,… Well, story-time is over… (:
Matthew 11:29-30
Psalms 46:10
(Though these do not quite help the case… I will look for scripture about the subject.)
I recently found this verse- Ecclesiastes 5:12
‘I don’t sure if there’s a passage about what to do when you’re ‘’too dried’’.’
I will also ask Mr. Shaylor and my father. (:
‘Thank you for the letters!’
You’re welcome. (: There are still more. 🙂
‘It seems you had a huge fun! 😀’
I did!
‘You read for your mom?’
Yes. I usually read about a chapter a day to those in my house. My father works nights, so in the early afternoon I read him a chapter or three as he’s falling asleep of a book. I also read to him a different book whenever we are in a car together without my mother.
I read to Bethany about a chapter a day of a book, unless she’s really interested and we go longer. (: If in a car with both parents I read to her.
I read to my mother about a chapter every-other-day. Or in the car when we’re together without my father. During the first week of vacation, we had so much time I read to her for hours… I liked the story though, (mostly) (: so that was fine.
My father loves reading, but he doesn’t usually have any time to do it. He sleeps from about 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Then goes to work from 11 p.m. until 12:30 the next afternoon. (He’s a semi driver/trucker.) The time he’s not working/sleeping is usually spent with us or work around the house. (He listens to audiobooks while driving though.)
My mother likes reading, but usually does other stuff instead.
Bethany says she can’t stand reading… But loves to be read to. (: She loves books (but likely wouldn’t admit it).
‘The craziest thing I’ve ever done is to go to a hike in the desert, after a rainy week and flash floods in whole Israel…father almost sank’
oooh.
‘beautiful photos…’
(:
‘I finished today Psalm 30’
Wow, am I behind. (: I’m still on Psalm 24…
I just read over Psalm 30 though. 🙂 It was beautiful.
‘It was very calming to see how even David fell in small sins like we do, and then faced God’s ‘’hiding’’, and how eventually his passionate, painful prayers were amazingly answered. I went through a so similar think just a few days ago. And also, despite his sins, God will make him a king over Israel in the millenium. As long as we genuinely repent, seek God and run the race, we don’t need to fear our falls.’
Tis encouraging. (:
‘Yesterday was Lady’s birthday (she’s 6)’
Ahhh
‘today is my father’s birthday’
Can you tell your father happy birthday from me?
Oh, and my grandma said thank you for your happy birthday to her. My father’s birthday was two days ago, he’s 52. We have four (maybe 5?) birthdays in our family in July. (: It’s fun.
‘6 days will be my birthday’
Early happy birthday! (but I intend to wish you the same again.) (:
‘May the next year will be as fruitful as the last.’
Truth.
‘My ‘’second birthday’’ is somewhere in late August.’
I don’t know when mine is… Would I count when I gave my life to Jesus as an eight year old (not that I have the date)? Or after the dark time when I was twelve?
I mean. When I was twelve my outlook on God switched. Instead of Him being, ‘my parents’ God’, He became ‘my God’.
‘So sorry if I missed something or if my wording is weird’
No, you’re good.
I was so tired some nights at the Guild I didn’t write you or my parents…
(Even if I had you’d be fine.) (:
Hi!!
I like your picture. I’m not able to get on my email where we are, but my mom’s phone is working. (:
I’ve decided to write you a letter on paper every day. Then when I get back I’ll type them all out and send them to you. 🙂
How have you been?
Hi!
Thank you very much! It’s from Ein Gedi.
Did you got my mail, or should I send it there?
Thank you so much for doing so! What happened?
I’m excellent! God gives me joy, peace and laughter. How are you?
(I’m not sure if I should write too long, since you can’t write long answers. Or should I? What’s more comfortable for you 🙂 )
Anyway, it’s almost midnight, I must go to sleep. Good night! 🙂
Hi!!
I got your email two days ago. I haven’t been able to check today, or yesterday. My email only works on computers for some reason…? Maybe the same reason it doesn’t let me separate sentences and paragraphs anymore??? (:
What happened? Ooh, where to start?
I was supposed to go to a career/Bible week-long class this summer… Then The CCP virus happened. New York state (where the class is) is enforcing a 21 day quarantine from everyone coming from Texas. To get around that I am staying in Michigan for fourteen days with my mother. Which has been fun for the past twenty-two(ish) hours.
But, I feel useless. I forgot my school work, and the people we’re staying with won’t let me clean, rub their feet, or anything that could be considered taxing or helpful. So, I drew them a picture…
Psalm 21 has been good. (I’m not quite finished with it yet).
Long posts..
As long as you don’t mind I’m game. (:
Goodnight!!!
Hi!
Oh. Boredom is a bad thing… I’m glad you share it with me. Maybe try to convince your hosts to let you help them. If you’ve already done that, or if they don’t accept, so do other useful things. Study your Bible, write, draw, you know. I hope I helped you 🙂
The course sounds great! What is in there?
Thank you for praying for my parents!
How’s Michigan? It’s near the great lakes, right?
Hmm… Usually I wouldn’t critique someone’s work without being asked for it, but since we’re close friends, I feel more comfortable to help you without your request. Everything I say is out of love and care, because I want to help you to serve God with the talents He gave you the best way you can. I ask your forgiveness if I hurt you in any way.
Disclaimer – Maybe I say nonsense, since I didn’t read the actual chapters.
Why would a Jewish woman from the 1 century AD – a woman that lost her family in the hands of the Roman ‘’gentile, uncircumcised, unhuman dogs’’ – marry a Roman officer?
And why would the Jewish society accept her back after betraying her people in the worst way possible? The tax collectors were banished from the Jewish society just for working for the Romans – what would happen to someone who married the Romans and brought Roman children to the world (since back then, Jewishness was traced through the male line)?
Again, I ask your forgiveness if I hurted you in any way, since it seems I ruined your whole premise… I would be more than glad to be corrected 🙂
I finished Psalm 19 yesterday. Thinking about how big the universe is, and how small we are, just show how great God’s love is.
When David describes the word of God in various ways, I noticed that it’s usually organized like ‘’His word is so and so, and because of it, it does so and so to us’’. For example:
The law of God is perfect – it doesn’t lack anything, and the golden principles there are valid in every situation – and because of it, it revives the soul, and restores to us our joy, peace, laughter and thanksgiving, even when the situation is terrible.
The testimony of God is trustworthy – everything there is true and correct, and it teaches us exactly where are we going without Jesus – and therefore, makes wise the fool, who doesn’t honor and obey God.
I believe that the beauty of the world, or more correctly, our ability to appreciate beauty, is an evidence for God’ existence. There’s no way evolution can explain our ability to appreciate the beauty of desert cliffs, dawn, sunset, music, stars, clouds, sea… There’s no ‘’survival advantage’’ in it, after all. It’s an evidence for a wise, mighty, creative God, who desires us to know Him.
Speaking about stars, I’ll probably go soon to a short trip in the southern desert, to see the stars. It’ll be amazing to see them all so clearly… Should I send you photos?
Remember you told me you went to swim with Bethany because I made you thinking about selfishly wasting time? So, thank you for saying it, because today I remembered it and realized I do selfishly waste my time, and not helping enough fellow Christians. So thank you 🙂
I also trying to evangelize here and there in YouTube comments 🙂 Yesterday I returned to the Catholic channel that opened my eyes to see how Catholicism isn’t from God. I posted there a comment about how did this priest opened my eyes, and also showed how Catholicism is blasphemous, idolatrous and unbiblical, with Bible verses quoted to support my case. It’s a pretty extreme channel so maybe I’m throwing pearls to swines, but God can use it to glorify His name, and perhaps even open other people’s eyes. I can only pray 🙂
Oh, and also – I realized how small words from us can make someone’s day. The main (and almost the only) Hebrew speaking ministry posted a video, and they talked, in part, about how they receive hate comments, but also, how encouraged they are from supportive comments they receive. I’ve never thought how much writing ‘’Thank you, great job!’’ to someone can help him!
Your friend and brother,
Eitan 🙂
Hello.
How are you doing?
Last night I got to clean dishes! Which was fun because it was a way to thank our hosts. I have been reading my Bible, and reading another book Mrs. Becky (the woman of the house we’re staying at) is loaning me for our stay. It’s good, and a spin off the book of Hosea in the Bible. (I’ve also been writing) (:
Ah, the course. (: They teach a whole lot of different classes about so many things. (Drawing, acting, writing, voice-acting) I’m taking the classes for voice-acting. (:
Michigan is beautiful! So many trees and bunnies. (Yes, bunnies) They just run around the neighborhood. Down the street is a lake, (not one of the great lakes) and I read to my mom for several hours yesterday. Some of the Great Lakes are against Michigan, just not where we are. 🙂
Thank you for your questions! I take no offense…actually I expected such questions when I sent you that outline. (: (But your apologies beforehand do tend to soften the blow) (:
I would send you the chapters where the whole deciding to marry a Roman happened. But I don’t have the flash drive with the book with me. I tend to make my main characters make the bad choice at first so that the reader can truly see the bad fruit which grows from doing bad, or even unwise stuff. I really hope I portray the agony and emotion that goes into it…
‘Jewishness was traced through the male line’
Cool! (I didn’t know that) 🙂
‘His word is so and so, and because of it, it does so and so to us’.’
Good observation, I really like how that works. It gives a mode of action. (:
‘I believe that the beauty of the world, or more correctly, our ability to appreciate beauty, is an evidence for God’ existence.’
Yes! Isn’t it amazing?! In my Biology textbook there was a section about several animals and plants that look beautiful, or do things just help each other out without gaining anything in return. (There’s no point to these extra things or action except beauty or kindness)
‘I’ll probably go soon to a short trip in the southern desert, to see the stars.’
Oh cool!! I would love some photos of stars. (:
What’s something you can just stare at in wonder? I’ve asked a few people, and water and fire are popular. (: Sunsets also.
‘Yesterday I returned to the Catholic channel that opened my eyes to see how Catholicism isn’t from God.’
Wow. Good idea.
‘perhaps even open other people’s eyes.’
I hope it does. (: And how the priest or whoever answers could also be a witness. Can you let me know what happens?
‘I realized how small words from us can make someone’s day.’
Yes! Simple words can sometimes be the strongest and most encouraging.
I once read something that said that a person who was about to commit suicide once said something like, ‘I was going to do it. Then this random person on the street smiled at me, so I didn’t. Because I knew someone cared.’ Another person (this one I’m almost certain was a girl) who said something like, ‘I was seriously about to commit suicide, when someone came up and said I was beautiful… It, it saved me.’
That made me think for weeks. And (before having to wear masks everywhere) I made a point of meeting people’s eyes on the street and smiling at them. Or when I think someone’s pretty, I tell them.
By!
Love,
Gracie
P.S.
‘it’s almost midnight, I must go to sleep.’
So…(just curious because I know you like going to sleep early) why did you stay up so late that night?(morning?)
(:
Whenever you’re away from home do you sleep less? I usually sleep till around seven-thirty to eight-thirty. Here, I’m waking up around six-thirty Texas time. Actually, not /around/ six-thirty; exactly six-thirty a.m. for the past two mornings. (I sleep wearing my watch.)
Just something funny. (:
This morning the ‘God is my fortress’ came back to me for some reason. (I wrote this in your letter, but will include here.) (:
I don’t exactly know what line of thought caused me think of it this way,..
God is our fortress.
Would we rather die in our Fortress when battle comes, or leave it and die later of old age anyway?
When one falls in battle (in the fortress); If they fight to the end, not giving up, they likely will be remembered and be in lasting glory. (i.e. the Alamo. One of our biggest Texas war stories.) But if you die outside the Fortress, from natural causes, your life is just a black hole in history leading to Sheol.
Sooo… yeah.
Bye!!!
Hello!
I’m excellent, thanks for asking! 🙂 Tomorrow we go on a 3 days’ trip in the ”far north” of Israel (2 and half hours of driving 😉 ), so I’ll not be available. I’ll send you photos!
I’ll read your chapter after we finish discussing about the story here 🙂
A spin off the book of Hosea? Sounds strange, but interesting. I’m glad you found things to do! 🙂
The course sounds cool! Do you want to be a voice actress?
In early August I have a 2 weeks’ course in the science center of my town (our robotics lab is there, and the director is one of our mentors, so we are very close) about different subjects – brain science, chemistry, photographing, 3D designing, etc. I’m waiting for it eagerly 😀
Michigan sounds great! We don’t have any bunnies, and not lots of trees 😉 When looking at my town from the desert, it looks like a mix of building and forest, but around us there’re no trees at all.
In Ein Gedi there are lots of trees, including salt cedars. I wanted to check if they’re worthy of their name. They are 😉
I’m glad it softened the blow 🙂
My point was different – how did a Jewish woman, especially Chena, marry a Roman officer – and not only that, return afterwards to the Jewish society without any problem?
Hmm… I can stare at fire, stars, and a falcon flying in the sky. We have lots of falcons in our town, and I can just sit and watch them preying.
Sure! I’ll send you what happens.
I’m usually embarrassed to say that someone is beautiful, but you definitely have a point, I should start smiling more at people, and compliment people more. So, thank you! 🙂
Hmm… I guess it’s just because nothing stops me from doing so, because it’s the summer vacation now. But generally, I shouldn’t do so… I need to control my schedule better.
Hmm, that’s interesting… Even though 6 Texas time is 7-8 Michigan time, isn’t it? I didn’t notice something like that in me.
Hmm. That’s an interesting point I didn’t think about! Thanks for sharing!
”Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” – Revelation 2:11.
I finished Psalm 20 today. It was probably a prayer sung before one of king David’s battles. Few of us will fight other humans in God’s name, but we all have battles to fight. And when we’re pure from sin, give our life, time, talents, thoughts, words and deeds to the LORD, trust in God’s love, faithfulness and power, and coordinate our plans and wishes to God’s – we fight with His power, not with ours, and He’ll give us success in any task He gave us.
It made me think – When is freedom worth fighting for, when isn’t? The Bible includes examples of each situation. The Israelites had to fight a lot against neighboring nations, and God blessed them in their wars, but later – Jesus taught the crowds to obey the Romans, and not to rebel and avenge. Your thoughts?
Bye!!
Love, Eitan 🙂
‘Tomorrow we go on a 3 days’ trip in the ”far north” of Israel’
Fun!
I think it would be good to have something to help pool in money sense being an author isn’t very reliable… I love to make lots of different voices and accents. And I think it would be fun to read audio books, and be in audio dramas for a living. (:
‘In August I have a 2 weeks’ course in the science center of my town’
Cool! It sounds fun! Which subject are you looking forward to the most?
‘Salt cedars./I wanted to check if they’re worthy of their name.’
Worthy of being called trees, or salty trees? (:
‘how did a Jewish woman, especially Chena, marry a Roman officer – and not only that, return afterwards to the Jewish society without any problem?’
Tis a very good question… I did make tension, but it likely is not near serious enough. I will have to work on that.
‘We have lots of falcons in our town, and I can just sit and watch them preying.’
Oh cool. Are they your favorite bird (falcons)? Even thought there are so many types. (:
‘Even though 6 Texas time is 7-8 Michigan time, isn’t it?’
Yes. (: 6 in Texas is 7 in Michigan.
‘Few of us will fight other humans in God’s name, but we all have battles to fight. And when we’re pure from sin, give our life, time, talents, thoughts, words and deeds to the LORD, trust in God’s love, faithfulness and power, and coordinate our plans and wishes to God’s – we fight with His power, not with ours, and He’ll give us success in any task He gave us.’
You are wise Eitan. May God continue to bless you with His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
I believe fighting is alright, when it is not for yourself, or your own future gain. When you are fighting to protect innocents who will go to hell if/when they die.
Say we choose Hitler for an example. To kill him, when he was killing millions… I think that would have been alright. (Not to say Himmler or someone else wouldn’t take over for him. His suicide was actually perfect…they couldn’t make him a martyr.) My mom’s telling me to get off, so I will ponder more and try to come up with a better answer.
By!!
Have fun!
Love,
Gracie
I’m still trying to form an answer to your Christians fighting question…
I have some ideas I could say right now…but they might change so I will wait. (It’s not like you’re able to read this right now anyway.) (:
I hope you have fun.
I have the start of an answer, not quite done yet. (: It’s been the topic of your letter. Oh! and something else.
Hello!
I wanted to say – people in this forum, and you specifically, have been being an inspiration for me. Your love, care and kindness are something I’ve hardly seen, if ever. So, thanks to God for it, and thanks to you for your excellent example 🙂
The trip was fun on one hand, and awful on the other hand…
Thursday: We were in the swamps of Ein Afek – very beautiful – and then, ate one of the best hamburgers I’ve ever eaten. When we came to the hotel I studied my Bible a little, but I was too tired to study a lot, or to be passionate about it. Then my siblings decided to watch TV. Concentrating with a TV in front of you isn’t easy, and I just gave up my battle. I spent too much time watching stupid children and youth shows (though looking back, it gave me a good contrast between true, Christian love, and what the world calls love). I went to pray and tried to repent, but… It wasn’t true, or maybe I just gave up my battle again. Anyway, when we went to sleep (my siblings and I all slept in the same room, my parents slept in another), Karin didn’t let us sleep for a moment, and I failed to control my anger and did some things I’m really ashamed of. I confessed it to God and tried to pray, but… something didn’t work.
Friday: I woke up early, and had time to pray, but I decided to just continue sleeping. I tried to repent again, but… I still have no idea if it was just a deceitful feeling, or a problem in my repentance, but things didn’t work. I had no real passion for God. We hiked in the Kziv stream, that was amazingly beautiful. I tried to be genuinely thankful, and to really rest in God, but… I failed. I thought the problem was lack of prayer (I was partly right), and decided that when we return to the hotel I’ll pray, and I tried, but I… failed. I thought being in a presence of water (like, taking a shower or being in the sea) will help me. I felt better, but it wasn’t resting in God. I felt awful when I realized it. I repented, but then, after dinner, I wasted my time again. I repented again, and went to sleep.
Saturday (Today): I woke up early again, and decided to pray, hoping yesterday’s sins were forgiven when I repented (I was so far from God I practically forgot that they’re forgiven when I repent, no matter what I feel. And I lived in sin for only a day and a half!). I didn’t feel better, and I wasn’t sure I’m actually forgiven, and started wondering if my prayer wasn’t passionate enough. Then we went to a kind of a zoo in the Carmel mountains, that rears animals like deers and vultures (we saw them. Amazing!), and I still felt this ‘’forgiven, but somehow, still far away from God’’, if you get me… Then we started driving back home. My parents were hearing morally disgusting songs, so I decided to hear Nahnu Sahiroun in my earphones. I have no idea what happened, but somehow, I suddenly prayed with passion, I really rested in God, I repented of all my weekend’s sins and really felt the burden falling away… Maybe it’s a miracle. I can definitely understand why did king Saul need David to sing for him! God can use godly music in amazing, mysterious ways.
Looking back – As terrible as it was, it wasn’t a *wasted* weekend. God taught me what surrendering to emotions and giving up the battle against sin can do in a few hours. He taught me the power of praise music. He taught me what lack of prayer and Bible studying can do. And you’re not likely to forget what you’ve learned on your flesh 🙂 Nothing is in vain. God uses even our terrible sins and mistakes to help us growing in His image and likeness. He’s always with us, it’s us that sometimes forget about His love and mercy, and go astray after deceitful feelings and urges.
Wow. I needed to unload it. And God really revealed things to me when looking back. So thank God for it, and thank you for listening – I’m blessed to have a friend like you 🙂
How are you doing?
I made an album for you – it’s a collection of my 15 favorite photos of nature places in Israel. Since you can’t come and see… Maybe it’ll even help you with writing, who knows?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UPgLbV7tDN7T2M7m6
Summer course – Hmm, I love everything… I don’t know what’s my favorite 😀
Making accents is fun! I’m good at accents, though I have problem with vowels.
Should I read and critique chapter 3, or let you time to edit stuff before?
I love birds of prey in general, but we don’t have anything beyond falcons in my town. I saw vultures a few times… And sometimes, when driving, we see birds of prey flying above the fields, but we don’t stop to watch them, of course 😉
‘’You are wise Eitan’’.
Thank you! God blesses each of us with other gifts. No one has everything – that’s why we need each other 🙂
I’ll let you figure out your answer about fighting 🙂
Goodbye!
Love, Eitan 🙂
7/2/20
Dear Eitan,
I’ve been thinking about your question about disciples physically fighting… About how God told people to war throughout the Old Testament. Then He told us to turn the other cheek when people tried to start a fight. It seems almost like a contradiction, yea?
I’ve thought about this before several times and have come to shaky solutions that I never have written down and I always seem to forget them when the question comes up again.
7/3/20
So, I’ll just write what I think about what I’ve gathered.
It is a hard mandate, not to defend one’s life; especially if the punishment isn’t just… but it is Christ-like. We should not defend our own lives by hurting others mortally or otherwise.
God is our defender. And unless He is ready for us to come home He will not let the devil destroy us. (I just finished a book called ‘i am n’ from the Voice of The Martyrs. Very good.)
What of fighting for others? One’s children or spouse; parents or siblings mayhap? Are they Christians? Do they know that following Christ will bring certain persecution of some sort and perhaps death? We should not fight and finish other’s journey to hell just to keep our saved loved-ones’ physical bodies alive. One’s family/friends would be with Jesus for eternity after their suffering here.
What about torture? If they don’t plan to immediately kill you? What if they plan to rape your female loved-ones? Jesus is with you/me/them. Yes, try to escape! But do not harm your oppressors, in fact, try to forgive them. Christ is with us in our suffering.
What if someone is stealing from you? Do not kill or wound. Give them more to carry away, and then tell them why you do so.
What if your spouse/children/parents/sibling is not saved? Indeed… Well, I’d assume you’d want their souls in heaven more than your attackers. So, uh, personally,..I’d fight.
What about in war? If the war’s meaning (on your country’s side) is just. If it is to save lives and/or souls from destruction? If more would die if the war was never fought, I would support it. But never lose sight of your purpose.
Don’t fight with vengeance in your heart, or lust for blood. Let everything you do be done in love. Love your enemies. How? Pray for their souls. Do not gloat when you have victory; is bloodshed something to be proud of? By visiting the hospitals of prisoners and showing them you care. By going to the POW camps and showing them Christ’s love.
If God tells you to go to war; go to war. He might.
But, don’t forget our spiritual weapons. The lance of prayer. The belt of truth. The breastplate of righteousness. Shoes of the gospel of peace. The shield of faith. The helmet of salvation. The sword of the spirit. Each of these things are glorious and telling of how we are to fight our battles.
The battle is the Lord’s. Be a willing vessel to obey whatever your General commands. The Commander, King, and God will not lead you astray. And where the battle may be fierce and hard, He is always beside you. Yelling encouragement and fighting beside you. He will not let you be utterly destroyed. Your soul id safe in Him. He is loving and good. He does not will for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
Pray, pray that He will reveal mysteries to you. Righteous anger is real, listen to God. In your anger do not sin. Seek Him; ask Him when you are to fight, and in what way.
and the letter switches to a different topic rather suddenly
I have a whole lot a scripture references I will type out. Just encase you want to look them up. (:
(Romans 8:18, 28)
Most of these verses are about suffering. I can find more uplifting ones if you’d like. (:
Joshua 1:9
Daniel 3:16-18
Matthew 5:10-11
Matthew 25:23
Matthew 28:20
Mark 8:35
Luke 9:23
Luke 21:12-15
John 6:35
John 16:33
John 12:24
John 13:35
Romans 8:28-39
Romans 12:1
1 Corinthians 4:10-13
Galatians 6:17
Ephesians 6:10-18
Philippians 1:21, 29
Philippians 3:10
Collosians 3:2-3
Colossians 4:2-4
1 Thessalonians 3:7-8
2 Timothy 1:7
2 Timothy 3:12
Hebrews 10:23-25, 32-34
Hebrews 10:32,34
Hebrews 11:13,16
Hebrews 12:1
1 Peter 1:6-7
1 Peter 2:21-23
1 Peter 5:10
1 John 3:13
Revelation 2:10
Hello. (:
And to start, thank you/you’re welcome. (: But Jesus knows I have faults. 🙁
‘Karin didn’t let us sleep for a moment, and I failed to control my anger’
Okay; I’ve done stuff late at night when my sister wouldn’t let me sleep to… I say things or /growl/ things I regret seconds later… But usually I have to much pride to tell her so. So I spend a night tossing and turning, feeling icky and disgusting inside and in my brain. In the morning, I usually have come to my senses and apologize to Bethany,.. and God. (Matthew 5:23-24) I see my repentance and promises to change as my offering; praise can also be an offering. But, if I have still not reconciled with the one I wronged, or at least tried to…? I will still feel guilty, like there is an itching inside, business unfinished. At church when worshiping God, He’s revealed to me all the things I need to fix (some weeks had more than others). (: Obedience is better than sacrifice/praises and such. (:
(For now I worship with songs on my own.)
‘I woke up early, and had time to pray, but I decided to just continue sleeping.’
Sadly, I also can empathize with this. My pastor and youth pastor once preached about the same thing in the same week, and didn’t share notes. About getting up early (while it was yet night/sort of) and seeking God. Praising Him, reading His word, meditating, and listening for His voice.
So, I set my alarm for 4 a.m. instead of eight. To say the least I slept till eight. I felt guilty for not doing it, but then I told myself (lied) I’d been a little too zealous. I set my clock for 5, then six. 6 a.m. worked for a while. And I read, and listened. (Most of those mornings were beautiful.) Others I fell asleep while praying. I’m still working on actually getting up and staying that way…
(My pastor wakes at four every morning to do all those things), I guess that’s why he’s the teacher. (: He also goes to bed really early, so, that probably helps. 🙂
‘I had no real passion for God.’
Oooh. Yea… Dry spells are hard… I don’t really have an answer /answer/ for them. But, surprisingly, water does help. I’ve had wake up times in the shower… (:
My youth pastor has said to seek God all the more in the passionless times. To tell Him how you’re feeling. So, that likely will help. Mr. Shaylor said to feel really good and really free, you need to know what really bad and bondage feels like. He gave a whole sermon about being in the desert. Where God removes His presence for a short while, to test your faith. It’s hard, but sand refines diamonds doesn’t it?
Wasting time: Not all doing nothing is a waste of time. Doing nothing and thinking about nothing can be beneficial for health: mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. God even set aside a day for us to rest. (: Don’t feel like every day needs to be discovery after discovery; hard search after hard search. Yes, always press into God. Yes, pray without ceasing. Yes, keep your mind open for His mysteries and glory… Drink in His fountain of life. But, don’t stress about it. It is to be refreshing and life giving, not a chore.
But, I’m not sure if I’m saying what I mean to. I’m not saying to take a break from God and seeking Him, /no/. That would just make your (?mentality) worse. I’m trying to say ‘rest with purpose’ I suppose. Set aside time to just be still and know He is God. If you get my drift?
‘I have no idea what happened, but somehow, I suddenly prayed with passion, I really rested in God, I repented of all my weekend’s sins and really felt the burden falling away’
Amazing! The dark cloud was lifted, and you were breathing air again!
‘God can use godly music in amazing, mysterious ways.’
I know right!!! It’s amazing, and beautiful. Do certain songs pull up different memories for you?
There’s one that reminds me of a dance I went to when I was twelve at a Christian youth conference. It was really fun. But, this guy asked me to dance (he thought I was 16/ish/). There’s a song that we danced to, I don’t know its name, but I shiver every time I hear it. Because, he sort of started stalking me… Anyway, that’s over, and I’ll likely never see him again.
And then there is another song that reminds me of a time I was knelt on the floor weeping in the presence of God! It brings tears to my eyes almost every time I hear it…
And another where a group of us youth were all alone in the church and one of my friends (the one who might be leaving our gathering place) picked up his guitar and started playing. Us (around 8 youth?) all sang, and we all felt God there. We sang and prayed and played together until past midnight when Mr. Shaylor came to pick us up.
Ah, mistakes can be good as long as we don’t die and learn something good from them. (:
I’m blessed to have an amazing friend like you as well. 🙂 ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.’ (James 5:16) To tell the truth this verse has always scared me…at least the first part. Now I get it, and my mind has opened just a bit wider.
I’m doing well. (: My father and sister are driving up to join us starting tomorrow. Oh! And our poodle! (I miss her a lot) I’ll likely not even have my mother’s phone very much for the next week/but I’ll try to get on once a day. (: In two weeks it will be impossible. (Phones aren’t allowed at the Guild I’m going to) But I’ll write you about what I learn every day. (about God that is, unless, of course, you’re interested in voice acting?) (:
‘I made an album for you’
Thanks for doing that!
‘it’s a collection of my 15 favorite photos’
(: I can only see one. But it is pretty! ‘A Late-Winter Morning In The Judean Desert’.
‘Since you can’t come and see’
Oh, I wish! Maybe in a few years? I asked my parents if I could go to Saudi Arabia the year I turn 19 (family coming with). Right now it’s a maybe, I’m sure they’d be more comfortable with Israel. (:
‘Should I read and critique chapter 3, or let you time to edit stuff before?’
Would you mind critiquing? The ‘Chena accepted back to Jewish society’ happens around chapter 60 I think. Then again, no rush. (: I can’t send any new chapters at the moment.
By!
Your loving sister Gracie (:
Goodnight, err, morning for you isn’t it? (:
Wow, that was long (:
So, what do you think about fighting?
Hi!
Wow. You really invested time, prayer and brain to answer me. Thank you so much! You’ve definitely given me things to think about… and to pray about. Swallowing the truth is never easy. Anger may be truly righteous and just, but we should control it. God is the judge, not we. He will bring every crime to justice. Our task is to love our enemies, and do all we can so they will not be doomed when judgement comes. Love is greater than justice. Love your enemy, and he may become your friend, so your just anger will fade away. Thank you again, Gracie. God has given you wisdom.
It made me thinking about how God’s love is everywhere, even in His judgement, as contradicting as it sounds. Secularists usually think God send people to Hell because ‘’Death to the infidels!’’, and it makes them viewing God (the biblical one) as a cruel monster. But He doesn’t end people to Hell just because they didn’t believe in Him – He sends them there because they harmed other people, and a truly loving God punishes criminals. In fact, Hell shows God’s love even for His enemies – God so loves them, that He don’t force them to spend eternity with Him against their will. They want to be isolated from Him? God will give them it.
I finished Psalm 21 today. It’s clearly the twin of Psalm 20 – one is trust in God before the battle, and the other is trust in God after it. God gives us joy and peace. He is always with us, giving us strength to fight our battles, even when we feel the complete opposite. And in the end, we will reign with Him, wearing non perishable crowns, in a world that will have no fear, no tears, no death, no pain, forever.
The verse ‘’You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind’’ made me thinking about whether or not children go to Hell. We know that God is just, and so – He’ll not punish someone who wasn’t mentally able to repent, like a baby. I think that young children go automatically to heaven, because they weren’t able to understand their sin and repent, until the age when they’re able to… I have no idea what is it, and maybe it differs between people. I do know that even 5 years old children are able to sin against others deliberately.
‘’But, if I have still not reconciled with the one I wronged, or at least tried to…? I will still feel guilty, like there is an itching inside, business unfinished.’’
Thank you so much for telling me it! I had several times when I hurted other people, but then was too embarrassed to ask their forgiveness, until so much time has passed that it will become pointless to ask it… But this embarrassment is not from God, it’s a self-concentrated emotion. It’s better to be a fool in my own eyes for a few minutes, than to be a fool in God’s eyes.
Hmm… What do you mean in worship? I’ve never been at a church, I only know that there are sermons there and that every month you have the Lord’s supper 😅
Hmm… When changing your sleep schedule, do it gradually. Your body will not be able to fall asleep 4 hours earlier than usual, and you don’t need to feel guilty about it. You won’t be able to pray or study your Bible after 4 hours of sleep anyway… Don’t get me wrong – waking up early *is* an excellent idea, and over-sleeping is a sin. Just don’t do it all at once 🙂
While going to school, I used to wake up at 6 AM or so, and sometimes even earlier. Right now I have no school, so I can wake up at 8 AM and still dedicate time to God in the morning 🙂
‘’Set aside time to just be still and know He is God. If you get my drift?’’
Yes I did. Thank you so much for your advice!
‘’Do certain songs pull up different memories for you?’’
Hmm… Not so much. Nahnu Sahiroun makes me praying to God that He will give me strength to live my life for Him (‘’We are watchful, and our lamps are ready…’’), but also, makes me thinking about resting in God’s love, remembering the great joy He gives us in this world, and the way greater joy we will have when He will take us home.
I think I should translate the other songs in Brothers Sakhnini’s album… I will enjoy their songs way more if I’ll know their meaning 🙂
‘’To tell the truth this verse has always scared me…at least the first part.’’
Hmm… Why?
I’m glad you’re doing well! Keeping praying for your parents and church 🙂
If you want to tell me about voice acting, feel free 🙂
‘’I can only see one.’’
😅 I think it will work now:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ApWHM3cTrh3D6uY56
Saudi Arabia… Wow. You’re brave to go there. If it’s God’s calling to you, go for it.
It’s amazing to see how the gospel is spreading around the world, and nothing can stop it. The fastest growing church in the world is in Iran. Through the internet, Israeli evangelists spread the gospel in closed ultra-orthodox communities. Funnily, it makes me thinking about ‘’The lion, the witch and the wardrobe’’, and how Santa Claus has said that ‘’no lock and latch can stop him’’ 🙂
I’ll find time to read it 🙂
Bye!
Your loving brother, Eitan 🙂
A song I like. (:
Heyo.
You’re welcome. It was good for me though. To have that all written down and accessible to the future. So, thank you for asking!
‘He doesn’t end people to Hell just because they didn’t believe in Him’
Very true. That was a question I had once. ‘Why would God send someone to hell just because they didn’t believe in Him?’ But it /is indeed/ not that. To copy your wording- ‘He sends them there because they harmed other people, and a truly loving God punishes criminals.’
‘He’ll not punish someone who wasn’t mentally able to repent, like a baby.’
Yes, indeed.
‘maybe it differs between people’
Yes, I believe it does. Say there is someone with autism or down syndrome, or some other condition where they can’t comprehend anything that is said. The age of reason may never come to them. All children are different. Most five year olds probably don’t look that far at the big picture of what their sins cause in the long term. If they truly understood I’d like to think they likely wouldn’t do a lot f the bad/naughty/disobedient things they do.
There was a pastor I listened to online that was talking about how humanity is inerrantly bad, not good. How we have the tendency to sin from birth. And we have to be taught how to do what’s right, and we don’t have to taught how to do what’s wrong.
For example he told a story about his three-year-old son. So, daddy was /supposed/ to be watching Jr. while mommy was shopping or something like that. But, he didn’t. It might have been just a few minutes of leaving the toddler alone, but, when he came back and couldn’t find the kid he started searching…And found him in the kitchen. The boy had gotten out the peanut-butter and had smeared it all over himself and the cabinets. Daddy’s first words were a bit rhetorical (like God’s in the garden of Eden actually) He already knew the answer, but asked it anyway…’Did you get into the peanut-butter?’ What did Jr. do? He stood up straight, and shook his sticky, gooey head, ‘No!’
Sooo, yeah.
‘It’s better to be a fool in my own eyes for a few minutes, than to be a fool in God’s eyes.’
Yes indeed. I’ve had some embarrassing moments apologizing,… It’s definitely not easy,..and so far it doesn’t get easier… But, it /is/ always worth it. (:
‘What do you mean in worship?’
I might not have understood this question correctly. So I will re-answer if I go off on a different track than you were thinking (as you can tell I’m prone to do). (:
Our gathering place’s regular service goes as follows:
7 a.m.: Worship team shows up to practice for that morning’s worship.
Okay. Don’t read to much into what ‘worship’ means right there. There are /so/ many ways to worship God. But what ‘worship team’ means in most churches over here (as far as I know) is a group of people who play instruments and/or sing songs for the first few minutes of the service. (My dad and I are part of it) (:
10 a.m.: ‘Church’ officially starts. People are supposed to show up, and say hi before that. The music starts (mostly) right on the dot at 10 and goes for about 10-15 minutes.
We used to all gather and pray before the service, but, well, we don’t anymore…tis sad…
Then there is about 10-15 minutes of people giving their tithes and offerings/and talking about what’s happening in our particular section of believers/and filling people in on our two missionary families. (My dad does the missionary part)
Then the pastor (my godfather), but I call him Uncle Jamie, comes up and prays before he gives about an hour long sermon. Then he offers to pray for anyone who would like to be prayed for. If someone steps up, the whole congregation (almost) comes down to lay hands on them and pray.
(We’re a pretty small church. Only about 40 people, and only half of that come regularly.)
I’m the only girl my age there. And Caleb (the friend I mentioned) the only boy my age(ish) and he is only there for the music usually. (They then go to a different church.) There is Amelia though. She doesn’t come very often, and when she does she goes to the kid’s church (where my mom teaches on all but one Sunday a month). Amelia has autism, but we’re friends. (:
We don’t have a youth group, so I go to a different church for that (Mr. Shaylor is there). It’s there (on Wednesday nights) that I truly feel like I can praise God (with song and dance) without worrying I’ll hit the wrong note on the piano, or crack my voice on a song (I’m not part of the music team there). I also wouldn’t dance in the Sunday church… My mom wouldn’t like it just because, and my father wouldn’t because he wouldn’t want people to stare. I get it, I guess. In that I tell myself ‘I don’t want people staring at me while I worship God. It is supposed to be a private thing.’ Then of course, there’s King David… Oh, well, a ‘sermon’ for another time. (:
‘When changing your sleep schedule, do it gradually.’
*Grinning in slight shame* To say the least I learned that from trial and error… *now chuckling to myself, /in/ myself.*
*Grinning again…sort of* So, yeah, if I do do that, I’ll have to put more thought into it and give up more of my evenings. Six is working pretty good. (:
‘Hmm… Why?’
I don’t like the /idea/ of sharing my faults with others… I don’t like actually /sharing/ my faults with others even more. I suppose I’m scared people will think differently of me if I share what I’m really thinking, feeling, or what I’ve done…
A group of youth (?Christains mostly I think) all got together around a bonfire, and confessed things and prayed, and offered advice to each other. Everything said at the fire stays at the fire so to speak.
Where I hug, and cry with others, and pray. I’ve never spoken anything about myself, or spoken much at all except in a whisper to someone I felt needed it.
(You know my testimony? This is the first place I’ve ever put it into words and shared it… My parents really don’t even know the depths of what happened in that time, at least, I’ve never shared it with them.)
‘Keeping praying for your parents and church’
Oy, I am…
It works! They are so beautiful!
‘The fastest growing church in the world is in Iran.’
I know, isn’t it awesome!!! (One of the books I have written an outline for is set in Iran…Another is set mostly in Saudi Arabia.
‘’no lock and latch can stop him’’
That is a good resemblance. Which Narnia book is your favorite? (If you’ve read them all) I read them all to my sister a year or two ago. Very good. (:
Love,
Gracie
I, we, over here in the USA are truly blessed.
Hi!
Hmm… Thinking again about the subject, I think some of your thoughts were too… radical. I think you were totally right about war, but I doubt self-defense (or defense of your loved ones) is unChristlike. Abraham fought the 4 kings to protect Lot, David fought the Amalekites to protect his wives, Paul protected himself peacefully by informing the authorities he’s a Roman citizen.
You definitely had a point about how it’s better to die than to send people to Hell, but I doubt self defense itself is bad. I’ll have to check it myself, I guess 🙂 But I thank you for sharing your thoughts anyway. As I said, you have a few points, and iron sharpens iron and vice versa, right? 😉
Most adults don’t look at the big picture of what their sins cause either. Usually, when we sin, we look only at ourselves… I hope 5 years old children still have ‘’free pass’’ to heaven, but I doubt it. When I was 4, I had to give the seesaw to another kid in my kindergarten, because I used it a lot and he didn’t get a chance yet. I was very angry I had to give it to him, and decided to throw a stone on him. Thankfully, the preschool teacher stopped me before I did it. I see no real difference between it and a maphioneer feud. The second one is just less cute.
Thank you for explaining! It sounds great. One day, I’ll be able to join a church, but until then, God still gives me this amazing opportunity to be in fellowship with other Christians 😀
Missionary families? What is it?
Dancing for God… I do it sometimes, though not often (I guess I’m way too pretentious when calling my strange steps and jumps ‘’dancing’’ 😉 ).
Hmm… I think the problem with people staring at you in church is that you distract other people from God.
‘’Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil’’ (Romans 14:13-15).
The problem with Michal’s objection to David’s dance was that her concern wasn’t that the dance distract other people from God, but that David looks like ‘’a silly idiot’’.
‘’Oy, I am…’’
Hmm? Is everything alright?
I love all of the Narnia books. I didn’t read them for months, and some of them – for years, so I can’t point on one favorite 🙂
Oh, I forgot to tell you, but Happy independence day!! I really admire the USA. Not many countries based their constitution on Christianity 🙂 And you’re definitely blessed, in many ways. What did you mean though? 🙂
I started Psalm 22 today. It’s called by some people ‘’The gospel according to David’’. I’m currently in verse 5… It puts Psalm 20 in a whole new perspective. Psalm 20 is about Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane before his crucifixion. He didn’t pray those amazing words of faith and victory as a glorious king, riding into battle with shining armor and waving banners, but when terrible feelings of isolation and forsakenness filled him, knowing he’s going to be tortured, mocked, and executed in the worst way possible. And still, our Lord was totally confident that the Father will give him the strength to complete his mission, and then raise him from the dead. He is with us even in the darkest hours.
The songs of Sakhnini Brothers were deleted 🙁 Probably copyrights, I guess. I’ll try to find a way to listen to it… Should I inform you if I find? 🙂
I’ll listen to the song you sent me. I heard about it several times, but never listened. Maybe I should? 😉
Our town is going through an adhesion wave, and everything is now closed – swimming pools, bars, and so on. For now it’s not so terrible, but I’m more than sure we’ll soon be locked down (again)…
Goodbye!
Love, Eitan 🙂
Hi!
‘some of your thoughts were too… radical.’
They were, weren’t they? (: It’s possible to probable I got several things wrong. You make very good and sound points. Thank you for telling me what you think, and for sharpening my iron.
‘Missionary families’
There are two families who are dedicating their lives completly to the spreading of the gospel. Our church sends money and prayer to them regularly. (One family is Jewish and wittnesses to Jews in the United States and Canada)
My dancing isn’t quite dancing either, it’s more of a wierd swaying and small foot movements. (:
‘you distract other people from God’
I believe you are correct about that. (: Thank you for reminding me that reason!
‘Is everything alright?’
Caleb and his family are leaving. That hurts. But God could bring them back.
My mom was almost a perfect lecithin yesterday. To all of us. (Betty, Daddy, and I). The thing is, she doesn’t see herself as having any problem, only all of us. (I’m sure I have problems, and I ask God to show me them so I’ll be able to start fixing them).
‘Happy independence day!’
Thanks! I love how our country was founded as well. The constitution, and most of the founders… It’s amazing. But tis sad that many in our government are trying to change (not in an Amendment) or ignore it. 🙁 Can you pray that we’ll have leaders that will truly seek after God and His will? This is an election year yippee! (Not that I’m against our president mind) 🙂
‘What did you mean though?’
I see how blessed we are in that we’re able to meet and worship God without fines or being arrested (except California). I get to be in contact, hear teachings, and worship with other believers. I can’t wait for you to have that!
‘I started Psalm 22 today.’
I started it yesterday too. (:
‘’The gospel according to David’’.
I can see that. Especially as I think about the individual verses. Do you think David knew it was prophetic? I’m on verse 8 at this time. (:
‘The songs of Sakhnini Brothers were deleted’
Oh no! Are you able to buy their album? I’m pretty sure the place they sell them from is in Israel. Yes, please let me know if you find them. I’ll also do some checking.
‘Maybe I should? ‘
(: I love the chorus of that song! The verses aren’t completely theologically sound (i.e. It was written before it became common knowledge here that the wise men/magi were not there at the stable right after Jesus’ birth.) But is still a good song!!
What is an adhesion wave?
(: Love, Gracie
P.S. I’ve been thinking about the armour of God, would you like me to send you my thoughts?
Hi!
Is the Jewish family from your church? And is your dad a missionary?
The whole Messianic Jew community in Israel is called by rabbinical Jews ‘’missionaries’’. The word’s connotation in Hebrew is very bad, but actually, it’s something to be proud of, isn’t it? 🙂
What do you want to be when you grow up? (I know you want to be a voice actress, a missionary in Saudi Arabia, and an author, but how do you combine all of them? 😉 )
Sometimes I ponder being an apologist. I love defending my faith with evidence and logic. But when the time will come, if it will come, God will tell me 🙂 Otherwise, I want to work in something investing biology. Maybe a doctor?
‘’Caleb and his family are leaving. That hurts. But God could bring them back.’’
Oh. I’m sad for you. I’ve never experienced a loss of a truly close friend, so I can only imagine how you feel. You can stay in touch through texting… I want to pray for you, but I don’t know what exactly do you need. If you feel comfortable with telling me… Feel free 🙂
A perfect lecithin? Isn’t lecithin something used in the chocolate industry?…
I’ll pray God will give her humility.
I’ll keep the USA in my prayers 🙂
At the first moment I thought California is persecuting Christians, but it seemed way too radical, even for California… Then I remembered the Coronavirus 😅
I can understand why they forbid church. But as long as you keep social distance, wear masks and sterilize your hands frequently, I think it’s okay 🙂
Oh, I used the wrong word 😅 Infection wave. My mom might be infected… We’ll know for sure in 3 days.
You can listen here:
https://music.apple.com/il/album/sahiroun/1469402221?app=music&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
‘’I can’t wait for you to have that!’’
Thank you very much 🙂
Hmm… I do think David knew the Psalm is prophetic. He said ‘’from my mother’s womb you have been my God’’, and it can’t be true for David, who later said ‘’Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me’’ (Psalm 51:5). I do think he experienced something similar to what Jesus felt in his passion, to a limited degree (Jesus was perfectly united with the Father, David wasn’t).
I’m currently in verse 10. It’s amazing to see how Jesus was willing to terribly suffer for us, knowing that while he will carry the punishment we deserve upon himself, we will mock him and spit on him… Christlike love sacrifices even when nobody will appreciate it and thank you for your love, faithfulness and sacrifice. Even when the loved-one will mock you while you are sacrificing for him.
I tried to listen. The English is very archaic, but I can get the point 🙂
If we already talk about archaic English – What’s the difference between thee, thou and ye?
I’d be glad to hear your thoughts! 😀
Goodbye!
Love, Eitan 🙂
Oh, never mind, I found only a preview 🙁
Hi!
‘Is the Jewish family from your church?’
No. But they’ve come a few times. The patriarch of their family knows our pastor. They’re friends.
‘And is your dad a missionary?’
No. He just keeps in contact with the two families and then tells us what’s going on with them and what they need prayer for. The other family are missionaries to the Congo.
‘it’s something to be proud of, isn’t it?’
Yes. (:
Any Christain can be a missionary. (Down the street at the market, or anywhere really. There’s really no need to leave your home, unless God is telling you to that is.) (:
‘What do you want to be when you grow up’
Okiday. (: I want to be a mother most of all and homeschool the kids no matter where we live. Homeachool families gernerally do not have a lot of money. (My mom works two side jobs.) So I thought being an author, and if the books sell could help a bit with finances.
Voice acting pays surprisingly well. I would hopefully get enough jobs to help pay for college if I go. Then if we ever needed money furthur on that experience could be used again. (We would be in a Muslim country, so I’m not sure how plentiful such jobs will be.)
I will (unless told blatantly otherwise) wait until I’m married to go to this country. Then I will witness by serving with food the men he brings home. And speak and just be a friend to the women of the men. It’ll be a sticky business, so we will all have to be constantly in tune with God.
I have to go. Will write more later. (:
‘I’ve never experienced a loss of a truly close friend’
I hope you never habe to. Tis not a good feeling. I was scared for like a week because I had texted him twice and he never answered. Today I texted him again, and he said we were good. (: So, that’s good., so I can only imagine how you feel.
‘I want to pray for you, but I don’t know what exactly do you need.’
At this point that my throat won’t clog with stagefright like it has done every time I lead a song… I will be the only singer up there now, so, fun. (: It will help me grow.
Can you also pray the adults work out their problem, and don’t get bitter with each other?
I’m sorry. I’m complaining a lot to you… Sorry. (:
‘A perfect lecithin?’
Oops. An autocorrect I missed. Leviathon is what I meant. An ancient drogon-like creature.
‘I’ll pray God will give her humility. I’ll keep the USA in my prayers’
Thank you!
‘Then I remembered the Coronavirus’
They’re confusing. Protests are allowed to meet and shout at the top of their lungs, but Jusus followers aren’t allowed to meet and praise God. Tis sad, but hopefully it will be allowed again soon. (:
‘My mom might be infected…’
Oh no. I’m sorry. Does she have any pre-health problems? I mean, could it be dangerous to her? I will pray.
‘You can listen here:’
Great!! I’m so glad you found it!
’from my mother’s womb you have been my God’’, and it can’t be true for David, who later said ‘’Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me’
I was actually going to ask you what you thought of that verse.(: It made me pause (longer than the rest). ’
I only did one Psalm verse today… I’ll probably do more tonight.
‘The English is very archaic, but I can get the point’
Oh! Oops. I was talking about the song I emailed you (: ‘How Many Kings’
Yes, that song has some old Emglish… Sorry that it was a bit confusing.
‘What’s the difference between thee, thou and ye?’
Thee = you
Thou = you/your
Thine = yours
Ye = you
It is a little confusing. So many words for the same meaning. It probably depends on context… I’ll try to figure some examples. (:
I’’ll also try to send you my thoughts on the armour of God tonight.
Thank you for being my friend Eitan. 🙂
Love,
Gracie
P.S. My family went on a bike ride from around 9 in the morning till around 9 tonight. It was overall fun. Do you like to bike?
‘Oh, never mind, I found only a preview 🙁’
The Arabic songs? I’ll start looking again.
https:// maozisrael.org/ whatwedo/ music/
Maybe… For Sakhnini Brothers….
Ephesians 6:10-18
/Belt of Truth/
Truth is what’s holding our clothes on. It is where everything good and right rests. The belt the Romans wore held up their (skirt?) and their breastplate. Many things rested on truth.
If the truth was no more, then the breastplate (righteousness), would be unsteady or even fall down.
/Breastplate of Righteousness/
Though people accuse one of things that would cut anyone to the heart, your breastplate is firm. The accusations are wrong and will be known to be wrong because of your life of righteousness. Whether in this earth or the next.
When someone talks bad about you other people will also wander. Your breastplate defends you from slanderous harm. Keep your righteousness in tact. How do you do that? Stay in God. And obey.
___
Mr. Shaylor, (my youth pastor) once was the umpire for professional minor leagues baseball.
He made it a point from when he first started the job to never use course language, and he never did even when it was common among the athletes and referees.
One day Mr. Shaylor said someone was ‘out’ (would have to wait until the next inning to play again because he failed in some way.)
The person, (I don’t remember his name, but we’ll call him Bob), then stomped toward Mr. Shaylor and they began to yell into each other’s faces (inches apart literally: you can see pictures if you type in ‘Shaylor Smith Baseball’) Bob was ejected from the game because of it.
The next day Bob sent a complaint full of lies to Mr. Shaylor’s boss. Bob said that Mr. Shaylor had got ‘all personal’ and had cussed him out.
Boss just laughed and threw the papers aside, ‘That’s a hoot? Shaylor don’t even curse!’
Righteous living can protect you.
____
Righteous living also protects one’s heart spiritually. If one sticks to certain guidelines, God’s guidelines. Your heart/soul will blossom and grow.
If one is loving, faithful, self-controlled, truthful, gentle, patient, kind, and serves God with all their might, heart and soul will be lifted up. And though one will face some form of persecution you will have an amazing joy and peace in God. Never take off your breastplate of righteousness. Even when it feels uncomfortable or is a struggle. It is always better.
1 Corinthians 15:58
1 Peter 3:14-18
I’ll type out more tomorrow. (:
Goodnight.
What do you think about verse 14 of Psalm 22? The poured out like water specifically. (:
Is it supposed to mean His blood poured out like water? Or something else?
Or is it His love, His whole being poured out for us? (Maybe all of the above?)
(:
‘all My bones are out of joint.’ What about that part? Do you think it’s referring to the beatings?
Hi!
How are Christian parents able to work, homeschool children, run a household, and dedicate time to God on top of that?… :O
(Oh, I finished writing the sentence and the answer came to my mind. God, of course! 😀 )
Hmm… Where do you want to serve as a missionary?
Is it your calling for your whole life, or only for a limited time?
Do you go by yourself, or with a some sort of missionary company, like OM?
Voice acting… I’m pretty sure Egypt is the center of the Arabic cinema. In fact, it made the Egyptian dialect a sort of ‘’lingua franca’’ among Arabs around the world, an informal replacement for modern standard Arabic which is usually used in formal occasions.
Oh, I know how it is when you text someone you love or care about, and they don’t answer, so you start fearing…
Keeping the adults in my prayers 🙂
Ah, Leviathan! (Is it good or bad to be a perfect one?). It’s from the book of Job in the Bible, and probably refers to some sort of pre-flood (I’m used to say ‘’prehistorical’’, but this term is obviously not correct) huge marine creature.
Hmm… From what I’ve heard, California is a very leftist state, so they probably view forbidding BLM protests as racist, evil, unforgivable crime…
(The BLM movement has little to do with its slogan. I have no idea what is the connection between this slogan and their marxist, anti-family, anti-heteronormative, insane ideas).
My mom’s okay!! 😀
I made a playlist of all the songs from the Sahiroun album – they’re all known Arabic hymns, and so, have many covers. I tried to avoid images of Christ, but not always was able… Is it okay with you?
I studied the whole Psalm 23 today. Praise God – I was sure I will do only a half, but when I wanted to stop, I realized I’m just lazy, and after all – Blessed is the man who meditates on God’s word day and night… What are 3.5 hours compares to it? 😉
Actually, your meditations helped me understanding the Psalm, so thank you 🙂 Alone I wouldn’t have noticed the fact that God *leads* us through the valley of shadow of death.
The Lord is my shepherd – Sheep are the dumbest animals. Alone, they have no protection from wolves, no guidance to the right pastures, no knowledge how to get back home, no healing if wounded. They depend on the shepherd for everything. Just like that, we’re totally dependant on God for everything – Food, shelter and water; Peace, joy and hope; Time and ability to pray, meditate on His word, and be in fellowship; not to say salvation at first!
God is a shepherd, and a shepherd never leaves a lamb in the wilderness alone, no matter how many times will the lamb run away. We are His flock, and He will never, never forsake us, no matter what we will do. An obedient lamb might break his legs when falling from a cliff, but God will eventually return Him to the pens – limping, but alive.
Being a shepherd wasn’t a prestigious job. Slaves, poor people, and children worked as shepherds. Yet the king of the universe, even though He have got billions of galaxies on His mind, is also your and mine shepherd – He cares about us, tiny, temporal creatures in distant planet.
He is *my* shepherd. Jesus is the shepherd of all the believers, but every Christian knows Him, or at least should know. Personally and intimately. He is our, but also my, and your, shepherd.
He makes me lie down in green pastures – Four Fs prevent sheep from lying down: Famine (they lack food), Fear (danger of predators), Friction (they don’t have enough space, the clock is too pressed together) and Flies (try to sleep with parasites drinking your blood!). God protects us from all of them.
He gives us our daily bread – physically, psychologically and spiritually. He protects us from death – sometimes He still wants us to serve Him on this Earth, but sometimes He wants to take us home – death doesn’t scare us anymore! He gives us love and humility to treat one another the way He treated us, and protects us from unnecessary fights. And the result? No worries and fears consume us!
He guides me along the right paths – I’m pretty sure the correct word is actually ‘’steps’’, not paths. It reminds me of something we did in one of our hikes, in the Judean desert. At some point, the guide divided us to pairs, and one of every pair wore blindfolds. We had to walk together, when the seeing one guides the ‘’blind’’. The ground was full of stones, the path was narrow and twisting, and the topography was hilly. The seeing one had to hold the blind’s hand, and to guide him in every step, so he don’t stumble.
We have no idea what to do alone. We will stumble, we will fall. But God holds our hand, and slowly, step by step, guides us to Christlikeness, to righteousness.
‘’How many kings?’’ was good! I don’t like the music, but definitely the lyrics 🙂
I’m glad you had fun!! I don’t ride bikes, except on the evening of the day of atonement (driving isn’t allowed, so everyone go to ride in the streets). Last day of atonement was my first as a Christian, and I was a believer less than 2 months… The next time, I’ll probably ride with my friends in the evening, and dedicate tomorrow’s day to prayer and Bible studying 🙂
Thank you for sharing your meditations! 🙂
Indeed, without the truth – the true gospel, the true God, the true Bible – you have nothing left. There’s no righteousness if you weren’t made righteous at the first place through the blood of Jesus, or if you have the wrong instruction book to a righteous life.
The breastplate is heavy and uncomfortable, and it may be tempting to leave it and run faster. But then, the arrows of the enemy will wound or even kill you.
People notice your righteousness, even when you don’t feel so. I once heard a sermon of a known Israeli pastor (Menachem ‘’Meno’’ Kalisher) whom I really admire with a story similar to Mr. Shaylor’s. Before becoming a pastor, Meno was a machine engineer. His colleagues cursed every time a machine didn’t work, and from his first day in the job, Meno decided he will not do so – and for a long time, he succeed. After several months, one machine was very stubborn. Since nobody was there, Meno allowed himself to curse the machine – and even not a very serious curse (he cursed her aunt, not her mom). At the moment, his colleagues appeared from nowhere, asking, ‘’Meno!?’’.
I think ‘’poured out like water’’ refers to the sweat, or to the exhaustion, or maybe even both. ‘’All My bones are out of joint’’ probably refers to the dislocation that was caused by the shaking movement of the cross when lifted up. All the horror descriptions are an evidence to the amazing, incredible, unconditional, infinite love of God to us.]\
Hmm… I noticed that many Christians believe that saved people will necessarily grow in Christlikeness and stop sinning (and if they live in a continuous sin, it means they were never really saved). Your thoughts?
‘’Thank you for being my friend Eitan. ‘’
Oh, thank you! Thank you too for being my friend, Gracie. There’re many people I admire, but only a few actually inspired me, and you are one of them 🙂
Goodbye!
Love, Eitan 🙂
‘Where do you want to serve as a missionary?’
I don’t know exactly where yet.
‘Is it your calling for your whole life, or only for a limited time?’
I believe it will be my whole life.
‘Do you go by yourself, or with a some sort of missionary company, like OM?’
That is a very good question and I have been considering. I would go with my husband, (unless God tells me otherwise). I will not be going by myself. (Then of course there’s God who would be with me/us.)
If we did use a mission organization, we would be holden not just to God, but them. I’ve read biographies of missionaries who felt God telling them to do something, but the board they were being paid by refused to back them, or threatened to stop the support. I don’t want to have to check with our funder before acting on what God says. Yes, seek godly support and wisdom. But, not exactly that way.
I think we would just talk to family, friends, and our particular church about what we were doing. And ask for offerings. But, I may mature and/or learn more about such in the future. My husband might also have some plans/ideas about how to work.
I admire a man named George Muller a whole lot. He was a missionary to England. He relied completely on God for everything, (food, clothes, home) and God provided. (Not to say Mr. Muller didn’t work. He worked hard every day of his life. Just not in things that make money.)
‘Is it good or bad to be a perfect one?’
Bad, I would have guessed. But, what do I know about extinct creatures? (Very little.) (:
‘My mom’s okay!!’
That’s good!
‘I made a playlist of all the songs from the Sahiroun album’
Great! I’m glad you found them. (:
‘I tried to avoid images of Christ,’
Yeah, I know what you mean there. (: My mom thinks I’m a little weird not wanting pictures/drawings of Jesus. But, it just seems wrong and weird. (Not to mention I have yet to see an accurately drawn Jesus for where He lived and the culture…) Anyway…
‘Is it okay with you?’
Yes it’s fine. (:
‘I’m pretty sure the correct word is actually ‘’steps’’, not paths.’
Hmm. Cool.
‘It reminds me of something we did in one of our hikes’
That’s so cool! Were you blindfolded or leading?
‘dedicate tomorrow’s day to prayer and Bible studying 🙂’
I should do that. (: We’ll be driving almost all day, and aside from Bethany, it will be easy.
‘Thank you for sharing your meditations! 🙂’
You’re welcome. And thank you for sending yours! They make me think, and just admire Him.
I need to spend more time with the Bible, and less reading other books…
‘machine…(he cursed her aunt, not her mom)’
Wait, so the ‘machine’ is a person? I thought it was an engine! (:
‘I noticed that many Christians believe that saved people will necessarily grow in Christlikeness’
Hmm indeed. One /should/ grow in Christ as time goes by of being His disciple. One should search to learn more about Him, and want to become more like Him. Christ alone can help us be more like Him. It takes time and work. I don’t believe anyone has reached complete Christ-likeness. (It’s impossible, though saved we will still sin.) Jesus alone is perfect. But if we truly are trying to serve Him, and just have a day or week where we are lost, I believe we are saved.
There are some however that just use Jesus as an excuse to do bad things. I don’t believe they are truly saved, (but who am I to decide.) It is wrong and Paul talks about trodding Christ’s grace underfoot.
‘and stop sinning’
We will still sin. But we should not be willingly sinning against God as His children. If one disobeys his parents, he is still his parents’ child. Even though their dad/mom will be disappointed and the child will ideally be punished for the offense. The parents still love their child and will want to be reconciled. If the child is sorry, and will try not to do it again, the parents forgive and the offense is wiped off the slate.
A Christian can slip, and do something wrong knowing it’s wrong and displeasing God. (I have.) One doesn’t stop being His child, but, they aren’t doing what He wants. If one renounces God as fake, then it is like disowning Him. I don’t believe one is a Christian anymore if they choose not to believe.
Then again, even the demons believe in God. It’s serving Him that separates us.
‘if they live in a continuous sin, it means they were never really saved’
They could have been saved, and then just fallen back into sin like a sheep that’s run from the flock. Like the lost sheep, it started in the flock and then ran from it and the Shepherd. The Shepherd went after the sheep, but the sheep wasn’t safe at the moment. Wolves could’ve come and torn it to shreds. When one who has accepted the Lord decides to turn from Him, I believe they are no longer in His protection. Though He wants them back and will do everything to bring them back.
Like in the fighting thing I might be wrong on some points. What do you think about it?
Thank you. You inspire me as well Eitan! You sharpen my iron in many ways. I feel more eager to read God’s word, and think about it because I’m not just doing it for my own personal edification and just improving my relationship with God. I feel more pressured to read as well. For your faithfulness inspires me to go deeper. Thank you.
Love,
Gracie
/Shoes of the Gospel of Peace/
Wherever one goes, they are to spread the good news. One is to bring peace everywhere their feet step. At least, they are supposed to speak peace, and act peacefully.
Romans 12:18
But where the good news brings peace for eternity, it will bring division on earth.
Luke 12:50-53
/Shield of Faith/
The young man we’re staying with right now (I wrote this a week ago), Jeremy, and I got into a philosophical conversation. (It didn’t get to yelling, head shaking, heart quickening debate.)
He had several good questions. Ones I’d thought about and found answers for before, and ones I hadn’t. His questions I had no answer to could have filled me with doubt, but my shield was up. Most all of his darts bounced off, and the ones that didn’t have answers. Answers that are for God to answer. (That night I got an email from an apologist where he spoke with a woman who asked the same questions /exactly as Jeremy did. Then that led to another video that answered more of the same questions. Which was cool.)
I have more but have to go now!
/Shield of Faith/ (continued)
Answers that are for God to answer. But, we are to seek the answers believing they are there, and grow in faith.
Proverbs 8:17
Proverbs 25:2
Deuteronomy 4:29
Jeremiah 29:13
Matthew 7:7
Acts 17:24-28
When people revile us for how dumb our faith in Jesus is, the shield of faith defends us. Yes, the words still hurt, but nothing fatal like doubt reaches our heart. We know God is true. We know God is love. We know God is near even when we don’t feel Him. We know He is righteous. We know He is just. We know He is merciful and forgiving. We know God, for we are His children and are close to our Father. As a little child would trust the ideal daddy, so we are to recline fully on the Lord. He is good.
/Helmet of Salvation/
A helmet is to defend your head/mind/brain. The ideal helmet covers you and defends you without destroying yur sight and hearing. Yes, as time goes on it might get a little hot and sweaty inside your helmet. But it is worth it.
If you take it off you will be slain.
For the battle is not over until you are safe home with your Commander.
/Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God)/
‘The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’ (Hebrews 4:12)
We are able to cut to peoples’ hearts and souls with the word of God. We are able to parry the jabs of the enemy with our true and edifying blade given to us by the great Craftsman.
Psalm 19:7
/Javelin^Pike of Prayer/
Our prayers reach further than we ourselves can reach. If there is nothing we can do, or the enemy is far off; We can pray for change. We can throw our pike. God will decide where it lands. For He can reach the unreachable, and teach the unteachable.
Matthew 21:21-22
Revelation 5:8
Thee’s, Thou’s and other fun stuff. (:
Psalm 22:4 ‘Our fathers trusted in Thee: they trusted and Thou didst deliver them.’
‘Thee’ in in this context means ‘you’ as does ‘thou’. Why have two different words for the same thing? I don’t have a certain answer. But I do have guesses.
Literary flow is one. ‘Our fathers trusted in Thou’ doesn’t sound as pretty as ‘thee’.
Another is grammar. I have no idea what 1600s (ish) grammar was like. So there might have been rules about when to use the different forms of you.
Psalm 26:8 ‘Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth.’
‘Thy’ here means ‘your’ as does ‘thine’. So, uh basically the same ideas as last time. Though a bit stronger on the grammar idea.
Psalm 27:8 ‘When Thou sadist, ‘Seek ye My face’; my heart said unto Thee, ‘Thy face, LORD, will I seek.’
Thou = you
Ye = you
Thee = you
Thy = your
So, yes. A bit confusing. I’ve been reading this sort of thing cor such a long time so my brain automatically translates the old English into the current. I’ve never actually looked at it like this… (: It is quite mind twitching.
Hi Gracie!
Everyone were blindfolded and leading, we changed roles in the middle 🙂
It was early autumn, and the temperature was probably 86 f, but I felt like it’s cool when was blindfolded, probably because I hiked there 2 years ago in the winter 🙂
The machine was a machine, it’s just so common in Israel to curse one’s mom or aunt, that people curse even machines this way…
(I hope you wasn’t joking, if so – it would be embarrassing 😉 You just didn’t use a winking smiley, so I can’t be sure).
Indeed, every Christian should grow in Christlikeness! But there are people (even Mr. Kalisher, the pastor I mentioned, whom I really admire) that think it’s an inevitable result of salvation. The problem with such a claim is that, as you said, it depends on us (not totally, since you can’t grow without His help, but we have to invest time and work). An inevitable result that depends on us is just another name for ‘’term’’. We are not saved through works.
Hmm… There are many examples of Biblical saints living and even dying in a continuous sin. King Saul, king Solomon, Lot, the Corinthians, and many more. Sinful life is a horrible choice, but it’s not a proof that you’re not saved.
(Not to say every sinner is saved, but – not every believer will necessarily grow. There’s a difference between salvation, which is once and for all and depends on Jesus’ work, and discipleship, which is a continuous process that depends also on us).
‘’I don’t believe one is a Christian anymore if they choose not to believe.’’
It’s a dangerous claim. You say one can loose his salvation?
I have a friend who’s an atheist-agnostic and a former Christian (his father is a former pastor – probably disqualifies due to his son’s sin), and in one of our conversations, he said he ‘’knows from experience what do Christians talk about when they say they’re born again’’. His salvation is between him and God, but I do believe he told the truth – usually, atheists will try to prove Christianity is a nonsense, and thus, are more likely to claim something like, ‘’I was a Christian for years and didn’t feel anything special’’. In fact, it makes me respecting his honesty.
I had a bad day… My ‘’sleep schedule’’ was ruined in the last few days, and yesterday I slept only 5 hours. If it’s not bad enough, yesterday’s evening I somehow stopped thinking before speaking and got into a pointless debate about evolution I knew I shouldn’t enter (as if people are saved by being creationist, not through Jesus). I repented, or at least I thought I did, and maybe I actually did and my heart has just deceived me… But I didn’t feel that way, and while it’s good to know that God is always with us, when the trial actually comes, this knowledge seems too distant to actually comfort you and restore you your joy and peace.
Anyway, I slept more today, but when I woke up at 10 AM – way too late – I was terribly tired. I tried to pray and failed, because I was too tired to think, and I still felt guilty about yesterday. Eventually I succeed, but when I set to study my Bible I wasn’t… excited. I felt like God is not in there. I wasn’t sure if I’m a deceptive feeling or I’m just tired…
Eventually I decided it’s the second answer, and decided not to study my Bible today (and hear a sermon instead), but when I set to do so, I understood – or thought, or felt, I have no idea – that It’s not the right thing to do. I went to pray, and repented of all the sins I committed since yesterday. I felt better, so I set to study my Bible, and actually succeed in it, and then I prayed well (if you understand what I mean).
Then, I had to do something as a captain, and said something without thinking (not something terrible, but I have to say my opinion less), and… Ugh, again, those feelings that don’t disappear even after you fully repented, and you know you’re forgiven, but you just feel you can’t do anything good for God right now… But I found at least a partial comfort in my knowledge, and I was confident in my state enough to write to you. I still feel bad, maybe I just need to sleep.
My main conclusion from the day – When you’re tired, you might do things you wouldn’t do when are fresh. Take Esau as an example. He sold his birthright for a stew, because he was too exhausted to think clearly. So, sleep well, it’s healthy for you emotionally, physically and spiritually 🙂
And thank you so much for being there to listen. I needed to vent it. Thank you 🙂
Indeed. Wherever we go, we should proclaim the gospel. To be honest, it’s way harder for me to share it with people who know me well… It seems to me that I have so much to improve in my behavior before I can share the gospel non-hypocritically… But as I grow more and more in Christlikeness, I’m sure people will see the change is real, and God may open their hearts to the gospel.
Oh, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me! I’m pretty good in apologetics. And you can also search for the videos of people like Ravi Zacharias, Dr. William Lane Craig and Dr. Frank Turek – they answered almost every question an unbeliever ever had 😉
Hmm… I think our faith is divided to two different kinds:
Faith IN the Bible – Before trusting God’s word, we must know for sure it’s actually His word. We can’t have a blind faith. I believe every Christian should know a few good, strong, memorizable and simple arguments for God’s existence and the Bible’s authority, so the arrows of doubt will face a shield forged from the iron of reason and the bronze of logic.
I’m currently studying the subject of creation apologetics, but I still don’t know how to answer every secular objection. When I started, I was sure there’s no evidence against evolution at all – but I still didn’t loose my faith in the Bible, because based on the historically proven fact of the resurrection, I was 100% sure it’s God’s word, and even if I have no way to debate the secularists in the scientifical area, I can still doubtlessly know that my faith isn’t blind.
(I used to think that even though evolution didn’t actually occur, it’s scientifically possible and reasonable, and could’ve theoretically happened. Nope. As I learn more, I see what a nonsense it is. ‘’A fairy tale for grownups’’, as Ray Comfort described it in one of his books’ title).
Faith BASED ON the Bible – When we know the Bible is God’s word, we can fully trust it. We know God is almighty, loving, just, righteous. We can trust Him for our future, for our present. We can know for sure He’s always with us. We’re left with no rational reason to fear! What a blessing!
(Sometimes, I *know* things, but don’t actually *have faith* in them. Please pray God will always remind me He’s always with me and I’m never alone, even when I feel the complete opposite).
Hmm… I don’t think that in this context, ‘’Salvation’’ refers to salvation from Hell. After all, Paul wouldn’t ask *saved believers* to be saved from Hell… I have to study more about the issue. I remember I once watched a good video about the subject, I’ll check it later and send their explanation 🙂
Javelin of prayer – totally true. I have no word to add. Thank you so much for sharing your meditations! 🙂
Thees and thous… So, thank you for checking 🙂 I might try to see what do doctor Google has to say. I love languages! 😀
Hmm… What do you say in English after mentioning a deceased one’s name, if at all? In Hebrew we add ‘’May his memory / remembrance be a blessing’’, a phrase that is actually derived from Proverbs 10:7: ‘’The memory of the righteous is a blessing’’.
(After mentioning terrible people, we usually add ‘’May his name and remembrance be wiped out’’. But, like, really terrible people, like terrorists, Nazis, and so on. Sadly, the acronym of this phrase is used as the common Hebrew name for Jesus…).
(I remembered it because I wrote Ravi Zacharias’ name. It seemed wrong to write RIP, since it’s rooted in the Catholic tradition, and is actually, at least in its Latin origin, a prayer on the behalf of the dead…)
(Thinking about it, I realize that the Hebrew phrase is also unbiblical… Even more, sadly, the names and remembrance of most of the people I know – most of the people on Earth – are going to be wiped out, for all eternity… )
Oh, I have to go to sleep. I must build my sleep schedule again… Good night!
Love, Eitan 🙂
Hi Eitan (:
I hope you slept well.
‘I hope you wasn’t joking’
No, I wasn’t joking. (:
‘King Saul, king Solomon,’
Do you believe king Saul and king Solomon are in Heaven? Abraham’s faith was counted for righteousness…where do you see faith in either of these men later in there lives? There is no mention of repentance for either of them…just more mistakes and/or sins…
(Of course, who am I to decide or judge their hearts when they died?) I was just wondering what made you think they are in Heaven.
‘You say one can loose his salvation?’
Oof. Yes, I believe one can lose their salvation. We call it backsliding, or shipwrecked faith, or at least thoughs are the terms I’ve heard.
One becomes a follower of Christ when they recognize that they have sin and can’t get rid of it on their own, so God came to earth and lived the perfect life without flaw and died unjustly that we might live. Then we must believe He rose from the dead.
If one does not believe those things anymore, and tells other people so… How can they have Christ’s salvation? (I want to be corrected if I’m wrong.)
Matthew 10:33
‘his father is a former pastor – probably disqualifies due to his son’s sin’
I’m not sure I understood this.
‘ In fact, it makes me respecting his honesty.’
Yes indeed. (:
Have you asked your friend if he still believes himself to be Jesus’ disciple? If he still believes the Heaven/Hell base is covered?
(Sorry, I sound really stern don’t I?)
‘I had a bad day’
I’m sorry.
‘(if you understand what I mean)’
Yes. (:
‘And thank you so much for being there to listen. I needed to vent it. Thank you ‘
I feel like I’ve been a prickly pillow to you today, sorry… (:
‘It seems to me that I have so much to improve in my behavior before I can share the gospel non-hypocritically… ‘
I had the same problem a few months ago… I’ll send you what my dad wrote me about it in a week. (:
‘But as I grow more and more in Christlikeness, I’m sure people will see the change is real, and God may open their hearts to the gospel.’
(:
‘if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me!’
Will do!
Yes, Ravi Zacharias is/was…^is^ amazing! (Frank Turek is actually the apologist that emailed the video) He’s cool.
‘I believe every Christian should know a few good, strong, memorizable and simple arguments for God’s existence and the Bible’s authority, so the arrows of doubt will face a shield forged from the iron of reason and the bronze of logic.’
Good point.
”’A fairy tale for grownups’’’
XD
‘(Sometimes, I *know* things, but don’t actually *have faith* in them.’
Yeah, I know what you mean…
‘Please pray God will always remind me He’s always with me and I’m never alone, even when I feel the complete opposite).’
Yes. I will. You are not alone!!!! He will stand before you. He will never leave you!!
(And, yes, you know…but I find it helps to be told again.)
‘I’ll check it later and send their explanation ‘
Thanks!
‘What do you say in English after mentioning a deceased one’s name, if at all?’
I don’t think we say anything… (I have heard people say ‘May he rest in peace’ or ‘May he rest in peices’ before, but not very often.)
We also speak of the person In past tense. So, instead of ‘they have’ it would be ‘they had’. (But you probably already knew that.)
‘In Hebrew we add ‘’May his memory / remembrance be a blessing’’, a phrase that is actually derived from Proverbs 10:7: ‘’The memory of the righteous is a blessing’’.’
That’s cool. (:
‘Sadly, the acronym of this phrase is used as the common Hebrew name for Jesus…).’
That’s sad.
‘it’s rooted in the Catholic tradition’
I didn’t know that’s where that came from.
‘a prayer on the behalf of the dead…)’
Creepy and rather useless actually.
‘ are going to be wiped out, for all eternity… ‘
A sad and ach filling thought… I don’t know them, but a deep heaviness and fire burn in my chest when I think of the lost. (Thoughs living and dead. Though it’s too late for the deceased, it’s not yet for the living.) I need to do /something/, anything. Whether praying, passing out comics, being a friend to people, or actively speaking of the gospel… Just, something! (Learning the God’s word would also be on that list actually.)
What’s the best fun you’ve ever had?
I love you!
Gracie
And the Lord, He it is that does go before you; He will be with you, He will not fail you, neither forsake you: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24
P.S. I will not have my mother’s phone for about a week. By!
Hi Gracie!
Oh, I slept excellently. Almost ten hours. I’m much better today! 😀
We know king Saul is in Heaven, because before the battle in mount Gilboa, Samuel said to Saul – ‘’Tomorrow, you and your sons will be with me’’. We know Samuel is in Heaven, and Saul’s son Jonathan was righteous and most likely saved (and thus, will go to Heaven too). We can clearly see that Saul also was saved, despite his disobedience – he loosed his throne, his peace, and the Lord’s help, but he didn’t loose his salvation.
In the Bible, ‘’works’’ are deeds that grant us reward, that we rightly deserve.
‘’Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.‘’ (Romans 4:4-5)
Salvation is a gift, not a reward. Our faith in Jesus doesn’t make us worthy of salvation, it’s just saying ‘’yes’’ to God’s gift. Righteous life, however, make us worthy of a reward in Heaven, therefore it counts as a work, and thus, isn’t a term for salvation. (Claiming that righteous life is an inevitable result of salvation, when the result depends on us and on our works, is basically saying it’s a term for salvation – and therefore, we know that righteous life isn’t an inevitable result of salvation).
Now, according to the Bible, a persisting faith grants us rewards:
‘’I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing’’ (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Paul (and James, who also wrote about it in James 1:12) refers to the laurel wreath that winning athletes got in the ancient Greek competitions. Paul described the righteous life as a race, so the metaphor is clear – who lives a righteous life, will get a a reward. Since ‘’keeping the faith’’ is parallelized to the righteous life, and is described as a term for the reward (the laurel wreath), so keeping the faith is a work – and thus, not a term for salvation.
All of that, not just to spend time in pointless theological debates, but so we all will know – we have nothing to fear. We may loose our joy and peace there, we may loose our reward in Heaven, we may ruin our life – but we can never loose our salvation, no matter what will happen to us, and how much we will fall. We can rest in God’s hands, because no matter what, we are His.
‘’I’m not sure I understood this.’’
Oh, Sorry… His father served a pastor, but now he doesn’t. I think he was disqualified, since 1 Timothy 3:4 says that a man whose children are disobedient, can’t serve as a pastor. I guess backsliding counts as disobedience.
He is an atheist agnostic – he doesn’t *know* if God exists or not, but he doesn’t *thinks* He exists. He doesn’t hold any Christian belief anymore.
‘’I feel like I’ve been a prickly pillow to you today, sorry… (: ‘’
Ah, you’re okay, it’s all alright 🙂
Thank you so much for praying, and for the verses you sent! 😀
Hmm, you spoke about Ravi Zacharias in present tense… 😉
Sometimes, when I think about Hell, I almost cry. And I don’t cry a lot. Justice is never nice, but it’s necessary.
I try to evangelize as much as I can, mostly through YouTube comments. Nothing has happened with my attempt in the Catholic channel. I’m currently talking with an orthodox Jew. He sent me a huge article named ‘’Debunking the core doctrines of Christianity’’. I almost laughed. It was written by a rabbi who has probably never actually studied what do Christians believe in, and it’s full of demagogic rhetoric, ignorance, and lies.
He even invented a verse that is nowhere in the NT, trying to prove Jesus was a heretic who didn’t keep the Sabbath. Later, he claimed Jesus kept the law of Moses and was a Pharisee… Oh, and when he tried to debunk the resurrection, he claimed that the only eye witnesses were women, and ‘’Women are stupid and irresponsible, so we can’t trust their testimony’’. I knew something like that was written in the Talmud, but I was surprised to find out people still believe this nonsense.
I’m praying for this man I’m talking with… I also want to evangelize more. Yesterday I saw an opportunity to talk with a Hindu woman, but I felt too bad to try. I’ll do it today 🙂
Greatest fun?… Hmm. I rappelled once. I also sailed once in a kayak in the Jordan river. And I was at water parks several times. What’s your greatest fun?
Okay, I checked the video (it’s in Hebrew, but I’m pretty sure it has a version with English subtitles, should I send it to you?). They explain that the meaning of ‘’Wearing the helmet of salvation’’ is – to know that your salvation is firm, sure, eternal, and has nothing to do with your success or failure, so it will keep your head – your mind – from doubts. When we know our salvation is eternal, we obey in love and want to grow in Christ’s likeness, not in fear. We don’t want to be moral because we fear Hell; we want it because we are loved ourselves, and want to show other people Christ’s love. We love Him, and want to serve Him and live for Him.
I finished Psalm 24 today. It’s pretty much a short description of the Christian life – Her are the standards to ‘’gain’’ Heaven, and they’re impossible to reach, so – it’s clear we all need a savior. Once you opened the gates of your everlasting soul to Christ – and He is holy, so you must be washed in His blood (so He’ll make you righteous, thus – saved) in order for the holy spirit to come and dwell in you – grow in His likeness, put Him in the center of your life, desire Him and long for Him. If so, He will bless you.
A verse that stood out for me – ‘’for he founded it on the seas, and established it on the waters’’. Water is a symbol for chaos, and God brought from the chaos order, beauty, reason – a rock we can build our house upon. No matter what crisis are we going through, God will use it for good – to glorify His name, help us to grow more, and to cleanse any sin from our heart.
God has a sense of humor, doesn’t He? (Well, we have, and we’re created in His image). What is the funniest thing God has done in your life, besides our friendship? 😉
Thanks for telling me you won’t be able!
Goodbye!
Love, Eitan 🙂
Oh, I forgot to write it – A song I highly recommend. It’s in Arabic, but there’s a translation in the description box. Generally, I recommend you to check Brothers Sakhnini’s channel 🙂
Hi Gracie!
I didn’t write to you for days, since I thought it’s kinda pointless when you will read it only weeks after, but now, I think I need to.
This weekend (July 17-18th) we were at my cousins’ home in northern Israel. I opened my Friday with a passionate prayer, but somehow, I quickly realized I stumble again and again, wasting precious time on worthless discussions, and saying things I quickly regretted. When understanding what I’ve done I quickly repented, but then I fell again, and again I repented, and this ‘’jumping’’ between sin and repentance (followed by a ‘’peace’’, or at least, I thought it is – reminds me of the book of Judges) continued almost until today’s afternoon.
Almost like a novel, it came to a low-point, when I understood what was my real problem – lack of prayer, that lead me to ‘’grow cold’’ towards God, if you know what I mean. And I tried to pray, and failed, and tried again, and… Ugh. I felt disgusted, depressed. I feared I will just slip into a lukewarm Christianity and become a useless vessel for God.
Around 5:20 PM, I decided to go to the desert (I usually go there, it’s near and I can speak out loud without anyone hearing) and finally pray. And I did it. It wasn’t easy, but as I almost cried to God, He heard me. I didn’t start jumping and dancing, but… As I continued praying, my heart warmed again towards Him, and strange, uncheery peace came to me. No matter what I feel, I knew, God forgives me when I repent wholeheartedly, and He hears and answers me even when I’m still feel awful for what I’ve done.
I’m now much better, though I still don’t feel that passionate… Tomorrow’s day will be dedicated to prayer and Bible… Like Jacob, I will wrestle with God until He is my only desire, until He blesses me. I will write to afterwards.
I noticed I have a huge problem giving God the time He deserves when my routine is bothered, like in vacations. Do you have any advice for me? Or, can you ask someone you trust to help me? Please?
Thank you so much for listening, even if days after. And thank you for helping me.
I love you,
Your brother,
Eitan 🙂
Hi Gracie!
So, I write now in July 19th. I opened the day with a long prayer (the longest I’ve ever had – 2 hours), and I asked God again and again to give me a heart that desires Him, that is hungry and thirsty for Him, that is on fire for Him. Though subtly, God responded, as always. I’m continuing to ask Him for it whenever I feel I start to ‘’cool down’’, if you understand me. He will give me all the power I need to be faithful to Him and live for Him, no matter what I feel – I just need to trust.
Praying for you and for the USA.
Love, Eitan 🙂
I’m back! (I like the song you sent. (: ) So much to tell! I will try to type out your letters today. I also am about to read all of yours on here. 🙂
I also looked at the pictures you took again. They are very beautiful. (: I will send you some of the ones I took. 🙂
Eitan, what do you believe your spiritual gifts are? What gifts would you like to have and why?
‘For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.’
1 Corinthians 12:8-11
‘Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.’
Romans 12:6-8
Just wondering…
‘Ugh. I felt disgusted, depressed.’
I’m sorry. Truly.
‘I feared I will just slip into a lukewarm Christianity and become a useless vessel for God.’
Nay, you shall not. Rak Chazak!
You are holy! You are chosen! You are HIS! Keep your heart after Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You are His preciouse child. Lean on Him. He is your rock, your fortress. Your shelter and warmth. Your peace, joy, purpose, and salvation.
Yes, some days will be hard. Your soul and heart will feel dry, and your tongue may slice like a dagger. But He is waiting. He is standing beside you. He uses the desert to try us. To refine us, and purify our faith.
Tis easy to follow God when His presence is palpable, and you can feel His life working through your bones. But the one who endures to the end. Through times of apparent loneliness and isolation, they shall gain a crown.
He is beside you. He will not let the /d/evil put more against you than you can stand! Trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness! The One who has called you and I is faithful. And it is He who will work in us. We are not alone.
‘I decided to go to the desert (I usually go there, it’s near and I can speak out loud without anyone hearing) and finally pray. And I did it. It wasn’t easy, but as I almost cried to God, He heard me.’
It sounds (?amazing). I don’t think we have the right word in English, maybe in Hebrew? A refreshing breath that leaves a ‘clean but drained’ feeling maybe?
‘I noticed I have a huge problem giving God the time He deserves when my routine is bothered, like in vacations.’
Hmm. I realize when my family goes on vacation we are usually going so fast and hard (it’s generally not a time of rest) I forget to speak with God. It isn’t good.
I forget to listen for His leading. I need to follow my own advice I’m about to give,..every day of my life.
‘Do you have any advice for me?’
Ask God every morning to use you. Tell Him you’re willing to do anything. Ask Him to arrange divine appointments. Ask Him to make your ears acute to His words and leading. Ask Him to give you the courage, faith, and eyes to see wherever you can be used. It will likely be hard,…and you may feel like a fool. But He will work in thoughs who wish to be worked in and through. On the street, at school, or in the home. Always be ready to work for His kingdom.
‘can you ask someone you trust to help me?’
I will ask others as well.
‘Please?’
Are you okay?
I love you.
‘And thank you for helping me.’
I hope it was a help. (: I think my parents wish to spend time with me (I have been gone for a while) so typing out letters might not happen tonight… but maybe. (:
‘I opened the day with a long prayer (the longest I’ve ever had – 2 hours)’
Wow. I think an hour or two is the longest I’ve ever done. I admire you for seeking God for so long and so hard. I need to make more time to just seek/praise God in prayer and worship.
‘if you understand me.’
Yes.
‘He will give me all the power I need to be faithful to Him and live for Him, no matter what I feel’
Yes indeed!!
‘Praying for you and for the USA.’
Thank you.
Again, so much I wish to say!! I love you!! I’ve missed you!
‘can you ask someone you trust to help me?’
My father suggests getting up earlier than the rest of your family to set aside time for God if you’re unable to during the days of vacation. I can/will ask a few others.
‘We know king Saul is in Heaven,… ‘’Tomorrow, you and your sons will be with me’’.’
Oh cool! Thanks! I never caught that before, and if I did I guess I thought it just meant they would all be dead…
‘ We know Samuel is in Heaven, and Saul’s son Jonathan was righteous and most likely saved (and thus, will go to Heaven too). We can clearly see that Saul also was saved, despite his disobedience’
Very good points. Thank you.
For another verse on works: (: Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.’
I’ve missed you, like, a lot…
Isn’t it cool that we’ll get crowns? But then, isn’t it even more amazing to think that when we are in the presence of God we will feel such awe and praise for Him that we will cast our crowns at His feet? It, it makes me excited. Really excited to see Him face to face… To finally, constantly be in His glory… To praise Him for eternity…
‘work – and thus, not a term for salvation.’
Indeed.
There’s an old folk tale that goes as such:
‘There was a rich woman with many servants, clothes, and jewels. She was a follower of Christ in word, but not quite deed.
One day a beggar woman came and asked if she could work for food. She was refused, but given a small lump of moldy cheese.
Years later the rich woman died. She sat herself at the highest place at the table in heaven, and was told to move down to one of the lowest. On her plate was a small, moldy lump of cheese.
The moral of the story, ‘Give away that which you would want in Heaven.’’
‘but we can never loose our salvation, no matter what will happen to us, and how much we will fall. We can rest in God’s hands, because no matter what, we are His.’
That is unless one /wants/ to lose their salvation and renounces God, yes? I know nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39)
Matthew 10:33 says- “But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.”
There was a man who accepted Christ and then went from door to door in his neighborhood telling people about Christ. Then after a dry time his faith failed, and he chose to renounce Christ and become an atheist. He then went by every door he witnessed to and told them that he had been wrong. That Christ wasn’t real.
Matthew 25:14-30 “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants comes, and reckons with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew you that you are an hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth: lo, there you have that is yours.
His lord answered and said unto him, You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: You ought therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which has ten talents. For unto every one that has shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that which he had. And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
There’s gold in this passage beside where I’m to point out…and where I point I find sobering. If we are given salvation, then bury it inside, and never do anything with it to profit the Lord’s kingdom out of fear or laziness? That which we have will be taken away, and we will be thrown in hell.
Matthew 25:31-46 “Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and you gave Me no meat: I was thirsty, and you gave Me no drink: I was a stranger, and you took Me not in: naked, and you clothed Me not: sick, and in prison, and you visited Me not.
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we You an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto You?
Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Matthew 7:19-23 “Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. Not every one that says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? and in Your name have cast out devils? and in Your name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity.”
So the relationship with our father is important.
I also (after looking up a scripture just found a different/similar theological question…)
If you’d like me to ask…
‘What’s your greatest fun?’
I love to read a lot, and write. Coloring is also fun. But for a thrill? Roller coasters, airplane takes offs and landings, and sitting on the prow of a motor boat as it speeds along the water.
‘should I send it to you?’
Yes please.
‘ They explain that the meaning of ‘’Wearing the helmet of salvation’’ is – to know that your salvation is firm, sure, eternal, and has nothing to do with your success or failure, so it will keep your head – your mind – from doubts. When we know our salvation is eternal, we obey in love and want to grow in Christ’s likeness, not in fear. We don’t want to be moral because we fear Hell; we want it because we are loved ourselves, and want to show other people Christ’s love. We love Him, and want to serve Him and live for Him.’
Indeed. What does ‘amen’ mean?
‘What is the funniest thing God has done in your life, besides our friendship?’
Hmm… I’ll have to think about it. (:
Now, to start on letters.
Hi Gracie!
Oh, I missed you a lot. I was so happy to see you’re back! 😀
Thank you so much for all your love and kindness, both in words and acts.
Did you already finish the course? If so, how was it?
Spiritual gifts… I’ve never really studied the issue, so thank you for asking! I think mine are message of wisdom / knowledge (the ability to understand God’s word) and teaching (the ability to teach other believers). I’m not sure, but I think those are. But what do you think are my gifts?
I think your gifts are encouragement and faith. What do you think they are?
‘’Rak Chazak!’’
You warmed my heart 🙂 ‘’Be strong and very courageous’’ (Joshua 1:7). ‘’Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and your heart shall be encouraged, and wait for the Lord’’ (Psalm 28:14, my translation).
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and wisdom. I have to remember it… God willing, I will.
Indeed, God uses the desert to purify us. It made me thinking about how Israel’s wandering in the wilderness is an allegory for the Christian life. We all are saved from slavery to sin and its punishment by trusting in the blood of the lamb, and we all receive God’s word, covenant, and promises.
But, to inherit the land – to reign with Him in Heaven, and not eating moldy cheese in the last seat – we have to trust in Him through our journey in the desert, in the temptations God allows to occur in our life, to trust and know He is with us, giving us everything we need, and leading us to reign with Him in the kingdom of Heaven.
Those who rebel when temptations come, will not lose their salvation, but they will return home with nothing, and will be ashamed of His face. The medal is for the heroes of the battle, not for those who ran away.
While in the desert, he will give us life, joy and happiness even out of the worst events – water out of stone. He will give us what we need to grow in His likeness – the quail meat. He will give us energy and power to serve and obey – the Manna from Heaven. And those who endure until the end, will reign with Him.
‘’It sounds (?amazing). I don’t think we have the right word in English, maybe in Hebrew? A refreshing breath that leaves a ‘clean but drained’ feeling maybe?’’
A calming breath that leaves a ‘’peaceful but drained’’ feeling, I think 🙂
Thank you SO MUCH for your advices, and for your father’s (say him I thank him!).
‘’Are you okay? I love you.’’
I’m better… I know God hears my prayers, He is with me. I just have to pray, and He will answer, though I might not feel like it. Thank you, Gracie, for your amazing love and care. And I love you too, so much.
‘’Really excited to see Him face to face… To finally, constantly be in His glory… To praise Him for eternity…’’
You have a faith greater than mine. When I think about Heaven, I think mostly about the battle that will finally be over.
‘’I know nothing can separate us from the love of God’’.
Well, nothing means nothing, including us, doesn’t it?
(Next time, please just mention the verses, don’t quote whole passages – it’s confusing…)
Matthew 25 – The parable of the silver talents – No, the silver talents can’t represent salvation, for two reasons:
1) The man’s /slaves/ – those whom he have bought, and are already his – got the talents. When saved, we’re bought, and become God’s slaves (in the good sense of the word!).
2) You can’t get ‘’more’’ salvation or ‘’less’’ salvation, just like you can’t be more or less someone’s child or spouse.
The silver talents are probably abilities to serve, talents, gifts and so on God gives us. If we use them for the kingdom’s profit, God will reward us in Heaven. If we do not, we will ‘’weep, wail and gnash our teeth in the outer darkness’’ – but what does it actually mean?
A good article (in Hebrew) I read about it explains that it just means that the unfaithful believers will not reign with God and enjoy with Him, but will mourn for their wasted life in a true, godly sorrow, metaphorically – in the dark night, outside of the hall of feast. It will be, of course, a temporary punishment, since God will wipe out every tear, and in the new creation there will be nothing left of the sinful past.
Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the sheep and goats – Jesus describes the sheep as righteous, but other passages in the Bible show that believers will not necessarily be righteous. Jesus simply speaks in a generalized speech – believers are (usually) moral. His point is that the believers will be in Heaven, and the unbelievers in Hell. He doesn’t discuss the difference between faithful and unfaithful sheep, because he assumes we already know about them from other parables, and from the OT.
Matthew 7:21-23 – ‘’Depart from me, you evildoers’’ – Notice that the evildoers acknowledged Jesus as a Lord (and only believers can do it, through the holy spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:3), and they’ve done miracles and casted out demons in His name. They’re clearly saved believers. Moreover, Jesus said that to enter the kingdom, we have to do the will of God – what is a work, and thus, not a term for salvation. Entering the kingdom doesn’t mean being in Heaven, but reigning there.
Jesus didn’t try to scare Christians of Hell. He tried to encourage us to live a holy life for Him, so we will be rewarded, and not waste our gifts and life.
‘’If you’d like me to ask…’’
Of course, feel free! 🙂
‘’‘should I send it to you?’ Yes please.’’
Sorry, but I forgot what I was talking about, and I can’t find… What did I want to send? 😅
‘’Amen’’ means ‘’Truth’’. After praying, we say ‘’In Jesus’ name, Amen’’ – we really pray in Jesus’ name, as believers. I’ve never really thought about what it actually means, so thank you for asking 🙂
Jesus used it to emphasize points (‘’Very truly I say to you…’’).
It’s starting to be late, and I want to control my sleep schedule (waking up at 8 AM, if not earlier), so I’ll answer your letters in another day, hopefully tomorrow 🙂
I want to ask you to pray for me that…
* God will give me faith to remember and trust that He’s always with me, hears me and answers me, gives me everything I need for a holy life, even when I don’t feel so, and that the ‘’desert’’ is temporal and for a great purpose, and He is with me all the way along;
* And that He will give me a pure heart that desires Him and only Him, and that rests in His arms and gets from Him all of the joy and peace, and that desires to serve Him and love for Him.
Thank you SO much for praying for me. Whatever you need, I will pray for you. God used you amazingly to help me today, Gracie. Praise God, and thank you!
Good night!
Love,
I had a full answer, then it got erased… I have to go! Will send something later.
Hi! Sorry about missing yesterday/today. 🙁
‘Did you already finish the course?’
Yes.
‘If so, how was it?’
It was amazing. I learned so much. (You’ll hear more in my letters… once I’ve typed them…)
But our average day over the week went as such:
5:30-6:00 wake up and then a sermon and/or devotion. Then breakfast and then a sermon. Next three hours of classes. Then lunch, and after that another speaker or sermon. Then three more hours of classes before a twenty minute break (My teacher usually taught through the break. He was great.) Then dinner, and after that a sermon. Then three more hours of classes and bed around 11:30. (:
It was busy but fun. The eldest person in my class was a sixty something year old man named Aaron (we became friends), the youngest was a twelve year old girl I don’t remember the name of… The Guild was like a really good book. It can apply to anyone, at any age, if they’re just willing to learn.
One of the guest speakers/preachers was a man named Eric Ludy. I really liked him.
https://www.lamplighterguild.com/2020-sessions
‘ But what do you think are my gifts?’
Wisdom, yes. Knowledge also… So, I think you were right. (:
What are some other gifts you wish to cultivate more (besides wisdom and knowledge(: )?
(wisdom; word of knowledge; faith; healing; miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits; divers kinds of tongues; interpretation of tongues: ministry; teaching; exhortation: giving; ruling; mercy)
‘I think your gifts are encouragement and faith.’
Thank you. (:
‘What do you think they are?’
I’ve been blessed with the gift of speaking in other tongues. It helps when I’m so overwhelmed with either sorrow or joy that I have no words to say… I am praying for the interpretation of tongues, so that the gift may edify others than myself. 1 Corinthians 14:13
I’ve also prophesied once to a single person for sure, maybe twice… It’s not something I just ‘call up’ or anything. Both times happened after a long time of prayer and worship and seeking God’s face and will. I just knew things about a boy, and then told him what I felt God wanted him to know. I don’t even remember most of what I said… 2 Peter 1:21
Others have prophesied over me. 2 Corinthians 13:1, I’m still waiting for one confirmation… Anyway, there are some nutcases who claim to hear from God, but are just lying. 1 John 4:1. Matthew 7:15.
‘ask others…help’
Mr. Shaylor also suggested praying while driving places.
‘(Next time, please just mention the verses, don’t quote whole passages – it’s confusing…)’
Sorry. (:
‘Jesus said that to enter the kingdom, we have to do the will of God – what is a work, and thus, not a term for salvation.’
Hm, good point.
Ooh! A quote I heard this week- ‘The choices you make now, will affect your eternity.’ I’m not sure who said it.
‘Of course, feel free! 🙂’
(: Sorry, never mind. 🙂
‘What did I want to send? 😅’
‘/Okay, I checked the video (it’s in Hebrew, but I’m pretty sure it has a version with English subtitles, should I send it to you?). They explain that the meaning of ‘’Wearing the helmet of salvation’’ is/’
‘I’ll answer your letters in another day, hopefully tomorrow 🙂’
Sorry, I made that impossible, didn’t I?
‘I want to ask you to pray for me that…’
I am. Something else that I’m starting to do because of the Guild (I’m not sure if I mentioned it in letters?):
I’ve started a testimony journal. Every time God does something amazing in my life, that makes me stop and say ‘That was God!’ (then again, waking up every morning is worthy of entry, but I’ll not be doing that) (: So, whenever I feel depressed, or God is distant, I can flip back through pages of where He came through in my personal life, not just in the Bible. (Though that’s good too.) 🙂
I’ve also started a prayer journal. Instead of just remembering all the people and reasons to pray for, I’m keeping a log. I write down the date I start to pray on one side of the page, and leave the other side blank. (So I can put the date the prayer is answered, and how.) Though some prayers won’t be all the way answered until death and beyond. (Such as asking for more and more wisdom, and growing closer to Jesus.)
How are Karen and Tamir doing? What about robotics?
Love,
Gracie
https://www.lamplighterguild.com/audio-dramas
(No rush on all the letters…)
(:
6-28-20
Dear Eitan,
Hi! This is day one of our (my mother and I’s) trip. (: Have you ever flown? It’s amazing! (To me)
I loved the race down the runway, and the bumpy ascent. Then looking down on the clouds. It was beautiful, and I couldn’t stop smiling. We still have to change flights at another airport before going to our first destination. 🙂
We’re going to stay with some family of friends for a week in Michigan. That should be fun. After a week there my father will drive up with my little sister, dog, and rabbit. We’ll then camp for a week together. And then I’ll be off to a camp for a week. Wow. (:
(All that if the Lord wills.) If I’ve learned one thing in the past 24 hours, it’s that plans can always change. And, where I already /knew/ that. I hadn’t quite yet experienced it with such force before.
By for now.
I am praying for you.
Gracie
6-29-20
Dear Eitan,
Psalm 21 today? I’m liking it quite a bit.
We’ve arrived safely in Michigan!
The people we’re staying with are amazing! I ask to do chores or serve them in any way and they refuse. /Saying we are /their/ guests, and they should serve us./ (I’ll never brag on southern curtesy again. Northerners (at least these) have outdone every place I’ve ever been.)
Not to say we in Texas don’t have courtesy. No, no, no, no. Every man holds doors open for women without question. ‘Please’, ‘thank you’, ‘sir’, and ‘mam’ are prevalent. But here? It’s more like we’re treated like family. (Except family, I’m pretty sure, would have to do chores.)
I called the father ‘sir’, and he asked me never to again because it sounded weird… I’ve slipped once or twice.. But, me calling him ‘sir’ now does not infer honor, but dishonor… Perhaps I’ll fix my tongue in a week. (:
I am thinking about you and praying for you.
Love,
Gracie
6-30-20
Dear Eitan,
I’m still on Psalm 21. It’s slightly confusing (the wording). But while studying it I thought of the fortress again.
God (as you know) is our Fortress:
Would we rather die in our fortress when battle comes; or leave it , joining the regular populace, and die later anyway?
When one falls in battle, one likely will have lasting glory and rememberances… But if you die from natural causes without the Fortress, you life will likely be justa black hole in history which leads to Sheil.
So, yeah.
Yesterday we (my mother and I) went to a lake and I read to her for several hours.
Oh! And I got to do dishes last night!
Bye,
Love,
Gracie
P.S. What are some pet-names your mom, dad, or grandparents call you?
(I’ll type more tomorrow. Goodnight!)
7-1-20
Dear Eitan,
Have I told you about our hosts’ cats yet? I’ll say now I’m more of a dog person, and where I like cats… They just aren’t as fun or loving generally (from my point of view). They can be soft and cuddly, they chase string and specks of flight… They /are/ cute.
Their cats are quite big. The male is 21 or 24 pounds (I can’t remeber which). But he is /big/ and fat. He’s almost all black with splotches of brown and specks of white. He’s cute, lazy, and loves to be pet.
Both cats barely have to be touched and they start to purr. And both are incredibly fluffy.
The other is a girl. She’s about the regular size for a cat and the boy’s sister. She is striped and loves to cuddle. I think she misses Donna (the girl who used to live here), so she follows me around and has been sleeping with me. She sneezes…a lot. She also took over most of my pillow last night/this morning… and I let her… (:
I don’t particularly like the idea of a sneezing, outdoor/indoor cat sleeping and preening on my pillow but… She’s so sweet and nice, I don’t care enough to shoo her away.
What’s one of the craziest things you’ve ever done? What do your parents do for fun?
Love,
Gracie
Hi Gracie!
It’s okay 😅
It sounds really great! Being surrounded by believers a whole week, and learning from them, and learning artistic skills…
You’re tough, Gracie – I wouldn’t have been able to digest 4 sermons a day, or to sleep 6 hours a night… I won’t mess with you 😉
‘’What are some other gifts you wish to cultivate more (besides wisdom and knowledge(: )?’’
Hmm… Faith, I guess. But whatever God gives 🙂
Speaking in other tongues?… I’m pretty sure – though maybe I’m wrong – that its purpose is to spread the gospel in human languages you don’t know – Like what happened in Pentecost. I’m pretty sure it’s not a private ‘’prayer language’’…
Wow. It’s amazing God has done a miracle through you! Like, really amazing.
Something that strengthen my faith in God – a few times, I had terrible dreams, of which I woke up disgusted. They completely stopped when I started to pray before bed that I’ll fall asleep soon, sleep well, wake up early with a fresh heart longing for prayer, and will have good dreams. Since then I also never overslept, and never was tired in tomorrow’s day.
Tell Mr. Shaylor I thank him! 🙂
Sorry, the video doesn’t exist in English… But I can send there the videos that do. I hope you’ll find them helpful 🙂
The journal is a great idea! though I’m not sure if it’ll work for me. I’m excellent in theoretically knowing things, I’m less good in having faith in them.
I also write down my prayers in my Bible-study journal. After I study a verse and get its point, I write down my prayer, so it’ll be easier for me to memorize it.
Karin and Tamir are good! We’ll soon start recruiting new team members for robotics, and training them.
Yesterday wasn’t easy. I wasted my morning, and then repented, but I still felt God hides from me (probably to teach me that sin has consequences). I prayed-through-poetry, and it actually helped me, but I wasn’t able to study my Bible effectively, so after 2 or 3 hours of trying, I went to pray and it made me feel better. Anyway, today I’m excellent.
Maybe sometimes we should rest from intensive Bible reading, and do other things for God? Maybe not. I don’t know any passage that addressed this issue – We should study the Bible and love to do it, but I don’t sure if there’s a passage about what to do when you’re ‘’too dried’’.
Thank you for the letters! It seems you had a huge fun! 😀
Hmm. You read for your mom?
Hmm… My grandmas sometimes call me ‘’Eitanushka’’ or ‘’Eitanush’’.
The craziest thing I’ve ever done is to go to a hike in the desert, after a rainy week and flash floods in whole Israel. Crazy in a bad sense. I did it when I was 12… My father almost sank when he came to rescue me. I’m not quite proud of myself. The only positive point is that I took some beautiful photos…
My mother /loves/ to run. She has two tattoos about it, and she ran a marathon. My father loves to bake sourdough bread and to make beer.
I finished today Psalm 30. It was very calming to see how even David fell in small sins like we do, and then faced God’s ‘’hiding’’, and how eventually his passionate, painful prayers were amazingly answered. I went through a so similar think just a few days ago. And also, despite his sins, God will make him a king over Israel in the millenium. As long as we genuinely repent, seek God and run the race, we don’t need to fear our falls.
Yesterday was Lady’s birthday (she’s 6), today is my father’s birthday (he’s 40), and in 6 days will be my birthday (I’ll be 15). It’s amazing for me to look back and see what God has done in my life this year. In my last birthday, I wasn’t even saved… Praise God. May the next year will be as fruitful as the last. My ‘’second birthday’’ is somewhere in late August.
I’m a little tired of writing… So sorry if I missed something or if my wording is weird.
Goodbye!
Love, Eitan 🙂
Hello!
‘I wouldn’t have been able to digest 4 sermons a day’
I kept a whole lot of notes, and after getting home I asked my mother for a day to just go back over everything. To let it sink in and not just disappear from my mind. (Now it’s back to school.) (:
‘I’m pretty sure…that its purpose is to spread the gospel in human languages you don’t know…Like what happened in Pentecost…I’m pretty sure it’s not a private ‘’prayer language’”
Yes, and no… Well, it can be both to edify oneself, or others… Hmm,
1 Corinthians 14
and, of course Acts 2.
I will have to think on this more.
‘They completely stopped when I started to pray before bed…Since then I also never overslept, and never was tired in tomorrow’s day.’
(: Yey! or… Amazing! It’s amazing what talking with God does.
I am approximately one minute into the video. (:
‘After I study a verse and get its point, I write down my prayer, so it’ll be easier for me to memorize it.’
*nod* That sounds like a good plan. (:
‘Maybe sometimes we should rest from intensive Bible reading, and do other things for God?’
Yes, I believe so. Bible studying can be exhausting and work. (Though fulfilling and lifegiving).
Like a farmer who has worked all day planting crops. It was hard work. He’s soaked through with sweat, dirt covers him like a blanket. Yet he still smiles and runs a grimy arm across his eyes to get a better look.
This field will grow. It will feed himself, his wife, his children, and others. He will have to tend it often, but the work will be worth it.
But he does not live in the field. He goes home for a refreshing dinner with his family. He plays a bit with the children, and may read them a story. Then he may have time with his wife after the children have been shood to bed.
If he did not have this rest between the work? What would the work be worth? He would be too tired to focus. He may miss weeds when weeding. Or whole portions of the soil when watering. He may even grow bitter at the feild if he believes it is the cause of his mind and body’s strain. He needs rest so that he will be refreshed for more work, and be able to do it well.
Ahem,… Well, story-time is over… (:
Matthew 11:29-30
Psalms 46:10
(Though these do not quite help the case… I will look for scripture about the subject.)
I recently found this verse- Ecclesiastes 5:12
‘I don’t sure if there’s a passage about what to do when you’re ‘’too dried’’.’
I will also ask Mr. Shaylor and my father. (:
My dad sent me this sermon, and it was pretty good.
https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/use-and-abuse-words/
‘Thank you for the letters!’
You’re welcome. (: There are still more. 🙂
‘It seems you had a huge fun! 😀’
I did!
‘You read for your mom?’
Yes. I usually read about a chapter a day to those in my house. My father works nights, so in the early afternoon I read him a chapter or three as he’s falling asleep of a book. I also read to him a different book whenever we are in a car together without my mother.
I read to Bethany about a chapter a day of a book, unless she’s really interested and we go longer. (: If in a car with both parents I read to her.
I read to my mother about a chapter every-other-day. Or in the car when we’re together without my father. During the first week of vacation, we had so much time I read to her for hours… I liked the story though, (mostly) (: so that was fine.
My father loves reading, but he doesn’t usually have any time to do it. He sleeps from about 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Then goes to work from 11 p.m. until 12:30 the next afternoon. (He’s a semi driver/trucker.) The time he’s not working/sleeping is usually spent with us or work around the house. (He listens to audiobooks while driving though.)
My mother likes reading, but usually does other stuff instead.
Bethany says she can’t stand reading… But loves to be read to. (: She loves books (but likely wouldn’t admit it).
‘The craziest thing I’ve ever done is to go to a hike in the desert, after a rainy week and flash floods in whole Israel…father almost sank’
oooh.
‘beautiful photos…’
(:
‘I finished today Psalm 30’
Wow, am I behind. (: I’m still on Psalm 24…
I just read over Psalm 30 though. 🙂 It was beautiful.
‘It was very calming to see how even David fell in small sins like we do, and then faced God’s ‘’hiding’’, and how eventually his passionate, painful prayers were amazingly answered. I went through a so similar think just a few days ago. And also, despite his sins, God will make him a king over Israel in the millenium. As long as we genuinely repent, seek God and run the race, we don’t need to fear our falls.’
Tis encouraging. (:
‘Yesterday was Lady’s birthday (she’s 6)’
Ahhh
‘today is my father’s birthday’
Can you tell your father happy birthday from me?
Oh, and my grandma said thank you for your happy birthday to her. My father’s birthday was two days ago, he’s 52. We have four (maybe 5?) birthdays in our family in July. (: It’s fun.
‘6 days will be my birthday’
Early happy birthday! (but I intend to wish you the same again.) (:
‘May the next year will be as fruitful as the last.’
Truth.
‘My ‘’second birthday’’ is somewhere in late August.’
I don’t know when mine is… Would I count when I gave my life to Jesus as an eight year old (not that I have the date)? Or after the dark time when I was twelve?
I mean. When I was twelve my outlook on God switched. Instead of Him being, ‘my parents’ God’, He became ‘my God’.
‘So sorry if I missed something or if my wording is weird’
No, you’re good.
I was so tired some nights at the Guild I didn’t write you or my parents…
(Even if I had you’d be fine.) (:
Bye!
Love,
Gracie (: