Report from the Jerusalem Post Conference 2016 - Part 2

                                                      6th Century Barcelona Synagogue
Introduction : My day at the Jerusalem Post Conference did indeed live up to my expectations and more.  More because of the emotional connection that I felt at the end of the day to the Jewish people and their plight.  A bond formed through education and friendship.  That education for me began by first exploring what the Word of God teaches regarding that connection.  In Romans 11, verses 1-27 the Apostle Paul describes this relationship.  Beginning in verse 16 he likens it to a wild olive branch grafted on to a cultivated olive tree.

When I was in high school, I developed an interest in the grafting of rose bushes.  I had seen my mother use this technique on our apple tree.  In the grafting process, one creates a situation where the tissues of one plant are fused with the tissue of another.  You choose one plant, or in this example from Romans 11, an olive tree with healthy roots (Judaism) and the other a wild olive branch with great olives (Christianity). It becomes one plant and there is an improvement.  The Jewish people are our stock plant.  Without those Jewish roots, there would be no nutrients flowing to nourish the grafted branch, hence the plant would die.  We as the grafted branch should give a great show of godly fruit.  Christians, does it make sense to hurt the root which nourishes our tree?  God's plan involves creating the new tree, one body, thereby fulfilling his broader plan of salvation and completion.  God has not and will not abandon the Jewish people and neither should we.  Ezekiel 39:25 " Now I will restore the fortune of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for My holy name."

Conference Issues :
1. Jewish Identity :The conference was concerned with the practical and the ethical issues of what it meant to be a Jew.  One panel was convened to ferret out some of these issues.  This involves differences of opinions among orthodox and non-orthodox philosophies.  Special Guest, Actor Michael Douglas, discussed this issue as it related to his personal story.  Charming and looking well at 77 years old, Michael Douglas told the story of Jewish assimilation in his family.  His own father, actor Kirk Douglas was the son of two Orthodox Jews from the former Soviet Union.  Kirk married Michael's mother, Diana Dill, native of Bermuda and a non-Jew which traditionally would mean Michael was not Jewish.  Throughout his life, many people in the Jewish community affirmed this to him and he felt cut off from Judaism.
Things changed for him when two members of his family had a spiritual awakening.  Kirk Douglas was involved in a deadly helicopter crash at the age of 72.  Events like this can often lead one to question the meaning of life and for Kirk that meant studying with a Rabbi and rekindling the flame of Judaim in his life.  He is 99 years old now.  Other things were happening in Michael's life including his son developing an interest in Judaism.  He wanted a Bar Mitzvah!  Michael has changed the course of his life and is passionate about advocating for inclusion of those not previously defined as Jewish.  This would create a place for many American Jews who are frequently in families such as his.  That is the reason he was the receipient of the 2015 Genesis Prize.  The prize highlights individuals whom have excelled in their professional goals and given back to the Jewish community.

Oldest Synagogue in Zurich

2. B.D.S. : B.D.S. stands for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions.  It is a global campaign which is attempting to inflict economic damage upon the state of Israel.  It  was begun by the Palestinians in 2005.  Since that time, the United Nations has joined their ranks as have some unions, colleges, and entertainers, all by deciding to boycott Israel and refusing to do business there.  There were estimates
stating that Israel was losing $1.4 billion per year, but a Bloomberg report just disputed that.  It states
that foreign investment in Israeli assets since 2005 have tripled and that the Israeli economy is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2016, whereas the United States and Europe will probably grow less
than 2% each.

During the turbulent 1920's in Germany, a campaign was launched to boycott Jewish business.  That movement was also taken to the university campuses, just like B.D.S.  Seventy-six per cent of the national German student unions voted to exclude Jews from their ranks.  This included Jewish converts to Christianity.  In 1933, when the Nazis rose to power, the stealing, looting and killing began.  Their slogans have a lot in common with B.D.S. " Kauft nicht bei Juden" was the graffiti posted upon the broken store windows.  Translated that means, "Do not buy from Jews."  Think it couldn't happen again?  Well think again.  B.D.S. is seeking to destroy the Jews.  And what about what is happening at college campuses?  The harassment of Jewish and Christian students across this world has been growing.

The week of this conference, a Jewish student named Eliana Kopley was forced to call the police after a group of thugs chased her at the University of California-Irvine campus.   As she was attempting to enter a building where an Israeli documentary would be screened, an angry
mob of modern day storm troopers banged on windows and doors and physically stopped her from
entering the building.  They chased her and yelled, "F**k Israel" and "Long live the Intifada!" During  
Holocaust Remembeance Day and throughout that week at U.C. Irvine there had been many anti-Israeli events.  Is it any wonder it culminated in this criminal hate crime against this young girl?  Why does a shiksa* like me even care?  I care because we must all embrace our moment in history.  We have an opportunity to do the right thing.  To do that, we must learn from history, understand more about God's will and look for ways in our life to be part of it.  Do you have older children in school?  Please open a dialogue with them about this incident.  Encourage them not to go along with those who would bully Jewish students.  If a favorite entertainer chooses not to go to Israel on tour, let them know that you disagree.  Let colleges know that you will not be contributing to their
fundraising efforts when they allow anti-Israeli campaigns to permeate campus life.  Keep up with current events in Israel because it is the city that God calls his own!

Next Week : The Scourge of Pornography : Christian Tips for overcoming

* Shiksa: derogatory but often affectionate Yiddish term for a non-Jewish girl or woman.

Report from the Jerusalem Post 2016 Conference, NYC - Part 1

                                                                                 

                                                     Jerusalem Post Conference 2016

On May 22, 2016 I attended the Jerusalem Post's Annual Conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.  The purpose of this conference was to give an overview and an update on the State of Israel.  This update covered a broad range of topics including education, security, culture and business.  Just a few short weeks ago, I was at this same location in New York City (since the Marquis Theater is part of the hotel), for an entirely different reason.  My husband surprised me with tickets for the Broadway Show, "Get On Your Feet : The Emilio and Gloria Estefan Story."  I recommend this Broadway Show to my readers.  It is a delightful evening of music and dance and the inspiring story of the Cubano-American power couple and music legends Emilio and Gloria Estefan.  It is one of the handful of Broadway shows at any given time that is an option for people of faith.

                                                      Dr. Ruth Westheimer interviewed


My attendance at a family-friendly Broadway show on my birthday makes sense, but why would a blogger going by the moniker of "Westchester Christian Housewife" choose to attend a Jewish Israeli
themed conference?  Sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday constitutes the Jewish sabbath,

therefore it is only natural that the Post would choose to hold this event on Sunday to accommodate

their mostly Jewish audience.  I had to miss my regular Sunday Church service in order to attend this

event.   So what's a "shiksa"* like me doing in a place like that and missing Church yet?  The answer
is, that I believe it is vitally important for every committed Christian to stand up for the State of Israel and to support the Jewish people in their God-given right to live in the land "flowing with milk and honey." Exodus 3:8.

Panel Discussion on B.D.S.

The dire, daily news headlines emanating from the Mideast are nothing short of horrific.  Beheadings,
rape, and suicide bombings are a constant.  Civil War has been raging in Syria for five years and we have all read the stories of refugees from this conflict flooding Europe.  Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon,
and Yemen are all dealing with serious internal conflict.  As the Middle East descends into chaos and
ruination, the State of Israel has managed to stay afloat and even thrive.  With this in mind, I thought
it was critical to stay abreast of Israeli current events and to reach out to befriend and support God's "chosen people" the Jews.   Deuteronomy 7:6.

Author Mosab Hassan Yousef 

So why is it that Israel, which achieved Statehood only sixty-eight years ago, is so different from 

those countries surrounding it?  The blessings of Middle Eastern oil deposits were not bestowed upon her.  That abundant worldwide commodity alone is a key factor which propelled much of the Middle Eastern economy onto the stage of global importance.  Yet Israel has also become one of the best economies on earth.  With scant natural resources, they have made the most of what they do have.  

Throughout the history of the Jewish people, they have faced many challenges.  Almighty God has 

chosen this small group of twelve tribes to be at the center of the world stage, and here they are, right where they should be.  Revelation 21:12 (ESV)-It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve Angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed."

                                           Prime Minister Addresses the Crowd from Israel       

I arrived at 7:30 A.M. just in time for bagels, coffee and conference registration. The security was 

tight as I expected it to be considering the constant existential threat that the nation of Israel and people of Jewish descent face all over the world.  As I munched on delicious cinnamon rugalah, I 

shared a table with a retired lawyer named Bernard, a doctor from White Plains ( Westchester, N.Y.) 

and a woman who divorced one of the commandoes who helped execute the famous raid on Entebbe. 

The Doctor, looked familiar to me.  Wouldn't you know it, I can't go anywhere without running into 

someone from Westchester County, N.Y.  While strolling on the Left Bank in Paris once I actually ran 

into a young lady and her mother whom I knew from volunteer activities in my hometown.  Crazy right.  

Business Panel

                                                

 The Jewish people that I met were cordial and eager to share their stories and discuss current events.  

A woman that I talked to over breakfast, told me how her boss just sold his apartment in Paris due to the hostility now facing the Jewish people in that world Capitol.  In the past two years alone 8,000 people have fled the French Capitol to emigrate to Israel.  She then spoke of her husband's role in the 

1976 raid in Entebbe, Uganda to rescue Jewish hostages taken captive by a Palestian terror group and 

two German revolutionary's.  As I spoke to people, I realized how vitally important it is to study the 

history of the Jewish people, as well as the Bible to understand the need for a Jewish State.  Genesis 

26:4 says, " I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands.  And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed."

   
Musical Interlude

 




 As time goes by memories fade.  Many attendees told me that a conference such as this one was an opportunity to keep 
 their history alive, especially since the Universities have grown hostile to fhe Jewish community,( more on that later).  The raid in Entebbe, Uganda occurred forty years ago.  Yet as I heard the tale related today, how fraught with timely lessons it was.  The story began in Tel Aviv, Israel where Air France Flight 139, departed with their French crew and 
mostly Jewish  passengers on their way to France.  There was one stopover in Athens, Greece.  The security in Greece was lapse thereby allowing a group of  terrorists to board the plane.  Their plan was to take all Israeli passengers hostage and hold them for ransom and to use them to negotiate the release of  Palestinian terrorists in prison.  The plane  then went to Benghazi, Libya to re-fuel and finally flew to Uganda.  The dictator of that country, at that time was Idi Amin, who was an ardent supporter of the terrorists.  Zechariah 2:8-" For thus saith  the Lord of hosts; after the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye."

Outgoing Editor of the Post 

Despite the furious negotiations that went on among world leaders, it seemed nothing could be done.  The United States, Egypt and many African nations seemed unwilling or unable to save these kidnapped victims.  During this time the Israeli Defense Force acting upon information from the Mossad that the hostages would ultimately be killed, devised  a brave and ingenious plan.  They would send 100 commandoes, under the leadership of Yonatan  Netanyahu, the older brother of the current Prime Minister of Israel to rescue the hostages.  They would have to fly 2500 miles at night  

to Uganda, and refuel mid-air because most African countries refused to assist them out of fear or loyalty to Idi Amin.  They flew over hostile Arab countries trying to allude radar detection knowing that if caught trying to save innocent life from the clutches of evil-doers that they too would be killed.  The only country that assisted them in Africa was Kenya.  This mission was very dangerous.  They would face the hostile troops of Idi Amin. Yonatan Netanyahu would be killed, as would some of the hostages caught in the crossfire.  Psalm 25:22 (ESV)-" Redeem Israel,  O God, out of all his troubles." 

Award Ceremony 

The story of the the Jewish captives held in an African airport and their rescue and safe return to
Israel is a variation on a theme that has occurred throughout history starting in the Bible.  Nehemiah 2:20 (ESV) "So I prayed to the God of heaven and I said to the King, " If it please the King, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my father's graves, that I may rebuild it."   After World War Two it seemed as if the world was ashamed of itself and ready to head in a new direction as regarded the treatment of Jewish people.  Books were written on that topic. Looking back on all that the Jewish people went through since that time I am wondering if it was ever  really true.  Joshua and Caleb had to fight as much to start the nation of Israel as modern day Israelis  did in the Six day War.  The Jewish people had to fight to get the right to leave Russia in the 1980's.  Some of the so called "refuseniks" had to endure jail time.  The Jews were  badly treated in the Middle Eastern countries of Iraq and Iran.  Many of them made the "Aliyah" or migration to Israel since the formation of that safe haven for the Jews.  They had their property stolen there just as the Nazis and Russians had done before them.

We still have lax airport security in many European airports, and an absolute inability to see or care  just as they did in 1976.  Look at all the terrorist attacks that have occurred in France and Belgium  lately.  In any wave of attacks the Jewish people are always sought out and viciously targeted.  As a Christian I know  that it is absolutely unGodly.  Psalm 122:6-" Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee."

Details on the Conference continued Next Monday June 6th. Exciting Guests- Michael Douglas the Actor etc.  

* Shiksa : Derogatory but sometimes affectionate Yiddish word referring to a non-Jewish girl or woman.

The Body of Christ Approach

                                                                 Galen 129 - 216 A.D.
                                                   
1 Corinthians 12;18-27 - " But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.  And if they were all one member, where would the body be?  But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.  And the eye cannot say to the hand, " I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, " I have no need of you."  No, much rather, those members of the body which seem weaker are necessary.  And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,but our presentable parts have no need.  But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored all rejoice with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Vintage Anatomy Chart

The study of anatomy by an Ancient Greek Doctor named Galen of Pergamum began to give us an understanding of the function and inner workings of the human body.  The levels of organization begin at the molecule, advance to the cellular, tissue, organ and then organ systems.  This field of study includes understanding how this all works together and stays in harmony.  To study anatomy is to get a glimpse into this complex system of interdependencies.  It is truly amazing.  The Book of Genesis, the story of our origins, attributes all this to a mighty God.  Not an accident, but a planned and carefully executed design.  

Classroom Display 

God's plan for the advancement and improvement of humanity runs along the lines of His creation of the body.  The above passage from 1 Corinthians 12 depicts God's plan for His Church to function just as the human body does.  There is a division of labor, levels of organization and harmony.  God loves us and cares about our happiness and well-being.  The Bible shows God's plan to make that happen.  The Bible also shows how sin, rebellion and disobedience creates havoc in our lives and world.  Where there should be team work in our homes we instead see division and a lack of mutual appreciation.  What about our jobs and community?  A village in Westchester County, N.Y. formed a Chamber of Commerce.  The role of which is to promote Commerce for all and work upon goals that would be mutually beneficial to individual businesses and the community in which it operates. Unfortunately, the group disbanded. Infighting, back stabbing and broken promises among the members was the reason. 

How It Should Work

Why are Churches losing people to every philosophy and fad that promises health and happiness?  The answer is because we are failing to love one another as Jesus loved us.  We fail to preach the Word of God in all it's power and majesty.  We are leaving people lost and alone when they come to us seeking help and wholeness.  Just like the aforementioned Chamber of Commerce, we members of the church are selfish and petty.  We need to start acting as a healthy and wholly integrated "Body of Christ."  Let's look at this First Corinthians passage alittle closer. Verse 14 states that the body consists of many members, meaning many gifts and functions.  Are those parts fully recognized and functioning correctly at your church?  Do you even know what those parts are?  If not your church understands the "Body of Christ" the way the world understood the human body before Galen of Pergamum!

In verses 15-17, we see that our homes, communities and churches can fail to thrive because we do not understand any gift but our own.  The verse even has a comedic element to it.  We see the body at civil war, the hand fighting the foot.  Or what if we were just one big eye?  It seems ludicrous like some bad 1950's science fiction movie.  Yet, churches persist in creating their own version of a body all the time.  I have several friends who have shared that their church is all about the youth. That seems like a good thing right?  In one case, the Pastor started and thrived as a youth Pastor and his gift lies in that area of ministry.  Yet it isn't a good thing because their Church is failing to achieve parity in other crucial ministries such as a thriving and effective Bible Study for adults.  

Or what about a church I know that emphasizes street preaching over everything else? It is like that awful monster eye because when you go get a muffin or cookie at their potluck events, you had better watch out that you don't break a tooth!  All other ministries in this church lack for leadership, and consistency.  Men's Ministy events happen inconsistently even though men are struggling with a variety of issues.  Another Church like this in the Bronx, NY has admirably reached many for the Lord on the streets of that borough.  However,  its' finances border on the verge of collapse because of lack of foresight.  None of this is in line with God's plan for His Church.  In verse 19 of first Corinthians it says, " And if they were all one member, where would the body be?"

The answer is that it is not a body and without Jesus Christ at its head, it never will be.  Christ is the head of the Church.  When we seek His face and His anointing every day and before each decision we make, then fullness will come to our lives and that of the Church.  Without Him, our Church will be a horrible creation, like the creation of Doctor Frankenstein imagined by Mary Shelley.  A complete disaster. God created the universe, our planet and us.  With a resume like that don't you think it's wise to listen to what He has to say?  Re-read the above passage from the Bible and think about how you can run you life better.  God's way! 

Orthodox Easter Greetings!

Happy Easter to all my readers in the Orthodox Christian Churches including: Greek, Russian, Romanian, Antiochian, Bulgarian, Carpatho-Russian, Albanian, Serbian and Ukrainian.  
If you have not done so already please refer back to my April blog post entitled : "Reflections on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ."  It is indeed a day of celebration as we contemplate all that our Savior has done!  To my Romanian readers : Christos a inviat!

What Approach Should The Church Have To Mental Health Issues?

As I review the various Churches that I have either visited or regularly attended in Westchester County New York, I have seen a wide variety of approaches to dealing with the mentally ill among them.  The Church is the world in microcosm, therefore it should come as no surprise to my readers that we will be called upon to deal with the the vast array of problems that exist in our world.  Many of us come to Church seeking a connection with God or the wisdom of the Bible, when we have experienced a crisis.  Indeed, Jesus made reaching out to those in trouble or living in turmoil the centerpiece of His Ministry.  In following Jesus' footsteps, a Church should make that their focus also.

Keeping that in mind, it is quite surprising to see that so many Churches can't handle some simple problems associated with mental illness.  A few examples may clarify my meaning. Michelle* was brought up in a wealthy home in a village overlooking the Hudson River.  Her stepfather was a well-known artist whose work was exhibited in New York City galleries.  Her life was enriched by the presence of world-renown artists and the NYC intellectual elite.  So when she entered a Church that I attended, suffice it to say she was the most presentable, articulate mentally ill person that the Church was likely to ever encounter.

According to Michelle, she was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder when her marriage ended.  She initially had some sort of "nervous breakdown" and was hospitalized.  A whole series of tragedies had already ensued before she walked through our Church doors.  Those tragedies included : losing custody of her two children, family estrangement and financial collapse.  Michelle came to Church seeking growth and change and claiming a personal relationship with Jesus.  She quickly had the leaders of the Women's Ministry washing her dishes, cooking her food and giving her "love donations."  This Churchs' approach went all out as regarded those "less fortunate" than themselves.  So when Michelle would claim that she was too depressed to cook or wash the dishes because of her "condition" the ladies thought only of the Biblical mandate to "carry one another's burdens" from Galatians 6:2.  Problem.  This went on and on and the women began neglecting their own responsibilities and were beginning to get burned-out helping Sister Michelle. Twenty dollars soon became fifty dollars and pretty soon the ladies were tithing to Sister Michelle! There seemed to be no end in sight.

At another Church, Rocky* stood out like a sore thumb.  In a Church whose standard was subdued, almost lethargic, Rocky's over-the-top praise and worship struck a sour note.  Eyebrows were raised and notes were taken.  This man possessed a thorough knowledge of the Bible and was a committed Christian but something was not quite right.  His reactions at Church seemed beyond enthusiastic, and the things he said and did sometimes didn't seem appropriate, such as the way he spoke to children.  Would you believe me if I told you that I even heard him howl like a wolf?  Yes, that is true.  How did he think that would go over at a born-again Church?  It gave me the vague notion of demonic possession and I am sure I am not alone.  However, what struck a sour note with me was when a self-promoted leader of the Church spoke about Rocky with a less than a charitable tone.  Even hinting that Rocky might not belong at the Church.

So, at lunch recently, the topic of what a godly approach to dealing with mental health issues arose.  My two companions (Kevin*&Frank*)  and I passionately discussed this topic. Our feelings ran the gamut of emotions from loving acceptance, helpfulness, to fear and caution.  That night I had a dream and I would like to share the dream and my thoughts on this topic.  This is the open letter which I sent to my two lunch companions the day after our lunch.

I dreamt of Brother Rocky last night

I dreamt of Brother Rocky last night.  I think the reason for that is because the three of us have
openly discussed some very difficult issues.  Kevin is generous but protective, he represents acting
with wisdom.  I, on the other hand, act from the heart with no thought to the consequences.  Is this why Jesus wants all people to be a part of His Body so, that all our complementary talents would help us work things through correctly?

A girl on my softball team had a schizophrenic mother.  I loved this little girl and was determined to help her through it.  Her mother was in and out of institutions throughout the years.  She would show up at my front door when she was an outpatient.  She would get it into her head to walk the mile from her parents home to my house and then forget where I lived.  Her medicine would make her forget a lot of things.  So, she would pace up and down my block until she would recall which house was mine.  One neighbor was annoyed and asked me why I was even talking to this lady.  That neighbor was a baptized born-again believer by the way.

Over the years, my family tried to lend a helping hand to this woman with schizophrenia.  My daughters clothes would fit her so when her clothes looked shabby we gave her some replacements from their closets and some handbags.  She would sometimes come to my house and have paranoid thoughts.  I would try to help her change her course of thinking.  Other times, it was clear that I needed to convince her to take her medicine or to call her counselor.

When she acted belligerent, it made my husband uncomfortable because he was concerned for my safety.  I always thought that I could manage things but when we as Christians choose to lovingly reach out to those in need, we must be ready to accept the possible consequences.  We would do best to pray and be prepared as a Church.  Often people with mental health issues are drawn to and regularly attend Church.  I have known quite a few : bipolar, schizophrenic and many, many depressed persons.  Some of them are healed by the power of Jesus Christ, others are in successful medical programs to treat their illness and some need intelligent and compassionate assistance.  By the way, this young girl's mother eventually started to attend Church in my community and more than a few atheists in town declared that Christianity was a place for the unstable.  I happily declared that
to be true.

Last night, I dreamt of Brother Rocky.  I dreamt that every morning when I came downstairs to have breakfast or in the evening when I wanted to relax that Brother Rocky was there playing mellow jazz tunes on a saxophone.  At first, it was enjoyable but then I wanted it to stop.  I was trying so hard to be patient but he just kept playing and playing.  Other times, in the dream, I was trying to talk to him about some sermons that we had both heard, but he would not listen.  I thought that my dream was about counting the costs of loving our neighbor.

So, let us lovingly serve and yet use our God-given intelligence to have some safety rules in place and godly bounderies.  Intelligence to understand when we are not helping but hurting.  Intelligence to understand when we need to call for medical assistance or when it is time to lead someone to a Church Ministry which can better meet their needs.  Let us learn to be patient and love the people around us who don't fit in so neatly into societal parameters of normalcy.  Let us assist families and uplift them so that they can better function as caregivers.  Jesus said in Luke 5:31 that, "the well have no need of a physician." Let us strive to be merciful as our Lord was.  I pray that you examine your thoughts as you read through this post.  Consider what your response to these issues would be should they arise in your life or at your Church.  Here are some Ministries which can help you explore this topic.  They will truly inspire you.
Ministries
1. bethanyhamilton.com
2. thechosenministry.org
3. faithinclusionnetwork.org
4. joniandfriends.org

*Some of the names and a few details have been changed to protect the innocent.

Our Faith ( Young Adult Edition )

                                                        Vintage Books On My Shelf.

Everyone has faith in something.  Faith, as defined by the Webster's New World College Dictionary, is allegiance to some person or thing; loyalty or anything believed.  The question that we all have to ask ourselves is what things or persons do we believe in?  This is one of the most important questions that we have to continually ask ourselves.  It is important because the things that we believe in will influence our actions every day.

Do I believe my grandfather when he says that working hard at school is one of the most important things that I can do?  Or, do I believe that guy sitting next to me in class who says, that you will never need to use that algebra in real life?  There was a godly leader of the Jewish people who understood the importance of a belief system when he asked his whole nation to make a profession of what it was that they believed in.  His name was Joshua.  He said, " And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" Joshua 24:15.  Joshua continued, " As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

                                                          Remember God's Promises!

Just like Joshua, you need to know what those around you think and what they believe in.  What does that person that you get into a car with at school think about drinking and driving?  What about the friend who you think you can share your secrets with, are they someone who gossips?  And just like Joshua, we need to profess our own beliefs.  "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  If we make that decision and set our sites on following Jesus, He will bring us through the daily battles that we must fight and help us enter our own "promised land" which God has prepared for us.

God has a plan for your life and just like Joshua that plan begins with trusting in Him.  Joshua wasn't always a great leader.  There were twelve people chosen by Moses for a very scary mission (Numbers 13:1-33, & Numbers 14:1-9 ). God instructed Moses to pick twelve people to be spies to go into the land of Canaan and assess the danger level. One of these men was Joshua.  Times were tough for the Hebrew people.  They were facing war and being a spy has to be one of the most dangerous jobs there is.  If any of these spies were caught, they would have been killed.

                                                         Page From A Bible Timeline

Ten of the twelve spies reported the near impossibility of entering the land of Canaan and defeating its' inhabitants.  Ten of the spies thought they would loose a war with the Canaanites and be killed or taken into slavery.  The Jewish people became frightened and discouraged.  They spoke of deposing Moses and Aaron, God's leaders, and choosing a replacement for them.  It even looked as if the leaders of the Jewish Community might be killed and civil unrest ensue.  However, two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua calmed the crowds.  They reminded the people to have faith in the Lord.  They reminded people that God had promised them a long time ago that they would someday live in a "land which flows with milk and honey." (Exodus 3:8)

Joshua was a man of faith who held on to God's promises as he went through the challenges of his life.  When others around him were weak, he helped them to be strong.  He did this by knowing the Word of God and having a strong belief (faith) in it.  Without a strong faith in God some of the goals in our life may seem impossible, just like it did to the ten spies.  However, when we stay focused on God's goals for our life, we will be victorious.  Joshua's bravery, leadership and godliness was rewarded.  He became the next anointed leader of the Jewish people. Whenever you are facing a challenge remember what God said to Joshua, "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and of good courage." Joshua 1:5-6.

My Homemade Bookmark

Reflections On The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

                                                    Shamrocks on a window sill.

As I contemplate and celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from death to life, I am filled with hope and joy.  Hope of change and growth for you and me and joy knowing that we will live with God someday.  The message of the Ressurrection is one of complete transformation.  It has the power to completely change our lives.  What needs to be transformed in your life today?  Is it a feeling such as depression, anger, or jealousy? A bad family or job?  Health, or what about circumstances related to the country in which you are living?  

Snowdrop flowers among the rocks.

Changing habits sometimes feels like an impossibility.  We tell ourselves, that we don't need to change and instead blame all our problems on circumstances that we can't control.  We feel trapped.   What we miss when we view things that way is the miracle of every moment to live life to the fullest, the way God intended.  Jesus said, "I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly."  John 10:10.  We limit God and that in turn causes us to struggle.  We fail to see what truly happened that day in the tomb where Jesus Christ was buried.

Purple Crocus

That "abundant life" does not depend on what kind of car that you drive or how much money that you make.   Instead, it comes from understanding that you were created and are loved by a mighty creator and that you are not here by chance.  The evil that you see in this world or in your life does not come from God but from those who have chosen to rebel against God Almighty.  God will one day 

vanquish evil forever, but until then He sent His Son Jesus : to bring comfort to you and protect you, to guide you everyday through His Word and His Holy Spirit, to give you eternal life and the guarantee of peace and justice.    All you have to do is accept it.  

Daffodils

                                                           
If you want to make a change in your life, as you reflect upon the life and death of Jesus Christ, that begins with acknowledging your sins (wrongdoing ).  If you have never prayed before, prayer is 

simply a conversation between you and God.  Go ahead, He's listening.  Talk to him about your life.  Are you sorry for the bad things that you have done that hurt God, yourself and others?  Jesus wants to forgive you and help you towards that abundant life which He spoke of.  Understand that Jesus died in your place for those sins that you have committed throughout your life.Why? Because true Godly justice requires that no bad deed could go unpunished.  Ask Jesus to be your Savior and to come into your life and give you a fresh start.

Spider Lily, Bermuda

If you have done that, you are now saved and will be with God in heaven someday.  Get a Bible (for the whole story), find a Church and continue to pray everyday.  At Church, you will find other believers who will help you to get baptized ( a sign of washing away the dirt and grime of your former life) and continue to learn about God. Happy Ressurrection Day!

                          

Our Looks! (Young Adult Edition)

The popular kids all have a certain look. It all seems so rigid and unfair. Your hair has to do this, you have to be this weight, or that height. What about clothes and accessories? I remember Selena* telling me this story. "The thing this semester is that you have to have a Kate Spade bag. If you don't have one than you're a loser. I hate Kate Spade and I am not going to do it to please everyone else!" Way to go Selena!

 Then there was Amber*. Amber was bullied. What was done to her in a Westchester, N.Y. school was disgusting. Why did this happen? She was cruelly teased because of her clothes, glasses, and being overweight. Amber was a wonderful, sensitive person who did not come from a wealthy family. At times, both her mother and father had to work two jobs to make ends meet. She did not have the latest phone or the latest fashion. In fact, she and her family frequently wore clothes that friends and family gave them after they could no longer use them.

 Jake* got along well in elementary school, but once he got to middle school that changed. You see, when you have a genetic disorder that makes you short of stature, kids don't even notice it until they start getting taller themselves.  His brother was quite the opposite.  First string on the high school varsity football team assured him respect as he walked down the hallways, as well as a cheerleader girlfriend.

 It can be so frustrating when people judge us on how we look or what we wear.  Jake* told me that simply have an acne breakout could assure that he got ridiculed all day. I relate to Jake.  I remember if I saw even a single pimple, telling my mother that I wanted to stay home from school that day! What about the fear of wearing the wrong sneakers?  In my school, if your shoes were the wrong color, it was practically a scandal. What about your school?  Are there things you know that you just don't do at your school, such as listening to certain music, kissing your mom, or wearing certain pants?

These rules are so arbitrary and they make no sense because next year that boy band is in, but those pants are out!  It is important to understand that this is not at all how our creator God sees us. When God created humans, He said, " Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." - Genesis 1:27. Genesis is the first book in the Bible.  God did not waste any time letting us know that we are made
special and good.  " And God saw everything that He had made, and behold it was very good." -Genesis 1:31.  Note : God didn't make you just okay, He made you very good.

1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him : For the Lord sees not as man sees : man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."   Doesn't this bible verse summarizes all the above stories very well?  Just as God directed his prophet Samuel not to judge someone by how they look or how tall they are, He continues to teach us the same thing today.

Knowing that God doesn't care at all what we wear but looks at our hearts makes that a worthy standard for us to follow in our relationships.  Let us resolve to look deeper and see what kind of  character a person has before we choose them as a friend or before we choose them as a date.  Also, if someone makes a nasty comment to you, we now can see how messed up that is, so don't let it bother you.  Don't go along with kids who insist on teasing others or gossiping about them.  Finally, resolve to see yourself the way God does, " You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you." - Song of Solomon 4:7.


* The names are changed, the stories are true.

Our Parents! (Young Adult Edition)

Father:

I was once like you are now

And I know that it's not easy

To be calm when you've found
Something going on
But take your time, think a lot
Think of everything you've got
For you will still be here tomorrow
But your dreams may not

Son:
How can I try to explain?
When I do he turns away again
It's always been the same, same old story
From the moment I could talk
I was ordered to listen
Now there's a way
And I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go

 from the song "Father and Son" -Cat Stevens, 1970.

Sometimes getting along with our parents seems impossible. They see things one way and we see things another way.  They tell us what to do, what to wear and who we should be friends with.  They treat us as if we were little kids!

The above song tells a story of a father and son who don't get along well.  By the second paragraph, we see that the
son is looking forward to growing up and leaving home.  He
doesn't see any other solution to their problems.  How did it get this bad and is there any other solution to their problems?

It was not always like this.  As little children, we all know that we sometimes missed our parents when they were in another room for five minutes.  We enjoyed being with them.  A lot of us remember saying that we wanted to be just like them when we grew up.

The Bible, a guidebook for living, has a lot of helpful advise to both parents and young people to help things run more smoothly at home. In Ephesians 6:2 it states, " Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise."  Notice that this Bible verse does not say that you should love everything your parents do and every decision that they make.  It says honor them.  Honoring them means carefully giving them the respect of thinking over what they
say.

The term honor means that even if you disagree with them and need to tell them how you feel, that you should do that without yelling or cursing.  The second part of the Bible verse tells us that trying to honor our parents comes with a "promise."  Doesn't that intrigue you just a little bit?  The truth is that when we honor our parents it has long-term good effects.  If we try to work through our differences in our family, we are practicing social skills that will also be useful with our teachers, our friends and when we start a job.

When I first thought about honoring my parents, I thought that God wouldn't ask me to do that if he knew my parents.  My parents had made some huge mistakes in their lives.  Yet, the Bible doesn't tell us to honor our parents only if they deserve it.  No parents are perfect.  We won't be perfect either if we decide to be a parent.  So, let's focus on why we should honor them.

Even thought they are not perfect, their many years of life experience have given them wisdom and insight.  They have been where we are now, and have had many similar experiences. They can look back with some wisdom and give us advise on how to deal with our problems.  The wisest man in the Bible was King Solomon.  Solomon while yet a young man asked God for wisdom. He commented," hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck." -Proverbs 1:8-9.

Why not take advantage of the elders in your life?  There is still so much that you can learn from them.  God's desire is for the older men and women in your family to teach you all they know about life.  They will teach you how to take care of a house, family and how to get an education.   

NEXT WEEK : I WILL CONTINUE MY YOUNG ADULT SERIES.          

Is it okay for a Christian to get a tattoo?

This is a question that pops up all the time.  When a new guy comes to Church sporting tattoos up and down his arms or when you see a woman's tattoo accidentally peeking out from under her shirt.  Just search the Internet for "Christian Tattoo" and you will see just how mainstream tattooing has become in the Christian Community.  

There are even Christian tattoo parlors which specialize in creating designs that supposedly glorify God. A man from a Calvary Chapel explained that he uses his "God Saves" tattoo as an evangelizing tool.  I also discovered on a retreat in Ocean Grove, N.J. that a lady I had met at Bible Study had the words, " faith, hope and love" on her back.  It was hard to miss as we frolicked on the beach between activities.

The practice of tattooing is discussed early on in the Bible.  It is mentioned in the third book of the Bible, Leviticus.  As we can see from this ancient reference, tattooing is nothing new.  “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” - Leviticus 19:28.  Humans it seems have been tattooing themselves since time immemorial.

This admonition against tattooing oneself came about as God was beginning the process of setting His "chosen people" the Jews apart from the people around them.  They 

were to look different, act different and to center their lives 

around their belief and worship of the one and only true God!

Looking different meant not modifying one's body by cutting or marking it, what we now refer to as tattooing.  The term tattoo came into the modern vernacular after Captain James Cook landed and observed the natives of Tahiti in 1769.  The word tattoo in the English language is believed to be derived from the Polynesian word "tatau."  The word used in this Leviticus passage is the Hebrew word "qa àqà."  It is used only once in the Bible, in this passage.  It means incision, imprintment or mark.

Why do Christians today feel so comfortable marking their bodies with anything, after God so definitively states that we should put no marks on our body?  I have heard a variety of answers to that question.  "The tattoo marks referred to in the Bible are clearly marks that are associated with 

worshipping other gods, I'm not doing that!"  Or "the New Testament declared the freedom, so we don't have to abide by those laws."  

Yet, what are the origins of tattoos and what has been their historical relationship to Christianity?  Anthropological evidence  indicates that marking and/or cutting practices were present in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.  It was and still is associated with religious practices.  It is important to note that as Christian missionaries reached these various places and people came to know the Lord that these practices stopped.  That is 

because of the admonition in Leviticus as well as the understanding that it was not a decorative art but part of various religious systems.  

Never in the history of Christianity was tattooing ever brought into our religious life and was in fact actively and consistently discouraged.  That is until the later part of the twentieth century, when there was a general uptick in worldwide tattoo practices.  Christians began to join in this trend.

Some questions that every Christian needs to ask themselves before undertaking a tattoo are :

1. How does the Biblical mandate to, " be in the world, but not of it," factor into this decision.  

2. How would I feel if I knew that God intended us not to get a tattoo as much today as he did when Leviticus was first written?  

3. Do I want to be in God's perfect will or permissible will?

4. How do I wish to use the freedom that God has given me?5. In Revelation 13:17 we learn that there will be a time that a mark will be needed in order to buy or sell goods in the marketplace.  How might a tattoo be part of the antichrist's end time scenario?

    Just some food for thought!  What do you think?