The Invincible Shield

Recently I bought a "Jerusalem Bible" which contains some books that the modern versions do not contain. One of those books is the book of Wisdom. In the book of Wisdom, Chapter 5, verses 18,19, we find these words: "...He will take up invincible holiness for a shield." Then verse 15 says that "the upright will live forever." Taking those two verses together and applying them to my life means that while I am here in these bones and this flesh, I can count on HIS holiness as my shield to defend me and because He is holy and has made me a partaker in His holiness, under the banner of that verse, I will never die. My soul will live on forever with Him because of His grace and mercy.
Chapter 19, v. 22, says, "Yes, Lord, in every way, You have made your people great and glorious; You have never failed to help them at any time and any place." What a joy it is to know that we can depend on the One who never fails, the One who shields us with His holiness and the One who gives us eternal life.
Be encouraged today with these words and realize that He cares, He knows, and He provides--the great things as well as the small things. (I have been known to pray for parking places close to the entrance to Macy's!!!)

Under the Influence

When I go to the dentist, I look forward to the nitrous! (My son goes early so he can have an extra half hour of the high it gives. I guess that's better than the alternative.) When under the influence of the gas, I usually get great spiritual insights that I share with my dentist. He thinks it's funny, but I think that it's profound. I am actually disappointed if I don't get some kind of vision. One time I saw the plan of salvation in what Dr. Chris was doing to me. First he removed the old filling (the "flesh"), cleaned the tooth (sanctification), then put a beautiful new "gold" cap on it (the Holy Spirit!). I thought that this was a brilliant revelation, but, as I said, Dr. Chris just laughed at me and took my money. Meanwhile I have a new gold cap (don't worry, it doesn't show!) and a great little story to share. May all of your dentist's visits be as much fun as mine!!

Shalom, Ya'll!

I have just come home from Wednesday night church. We started new classes tonight: "Experiencing Prayer," "Parenting 101," "John 1,2,3," and "Beginning Hebrew." We have the privilege of having a Messianic Rabbi and his wife attending our church. He taught "Our Hebrew Roots" last semester which was, surprisingly, well-attended. I say "surprisingly" because it surprised me that so many would be interested in attending such a "nonPentecostal" class taught by a Jew whom they did not know. Well!!! surprise of surprises!!! There were 21 crowded in our conference room tonight to start the journey learning a little Hebrew. Dr. Nudleman is very sure that God and the angels speak Hebrew. It's his contention that the human race all spoke Hebrew until the tower of Babel incident. Me? I'm not so sure about that, but I think that it will be an interesting journey. He did reveal to us tonight the "real" name of God but we can't tell any other Jews that he told us! They wouldn't like that! Meanwhile, let me encourage you in the spirit of the evening to " pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Shalom, Ya'll!!