Great is the mystery...

the mystery of godliness...God manifested in the flesh.

Hm... To pursue godliness, then, must not mean to try our very hardest to be good, but rather to be His dwelling place, His manifestation. Will you join me in THIS pursuit of godliness, opening the door of your heart in hope and faith, and most of all, love...so that He may come in, not just to visit, but to stay... No need to clean up first!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

20 Dec 2009 Echo Detroit celebrated Jesus' birthday...each offered a prayer (a birthday wish for Jesus) as a candle was lit.

A house for Jesus

20 Dec 2009 Echo Detroit made a house as a birthday gift for Jesus! Everyone took part in forming the house...and we rededicated ourselves as gifts to Him...His dwelling place, His Body.
Later on, the house was eaten! A sweet communion if ever I heard of one!

FWD:FWD:Jesus Walk (Fenton)

'Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her from the Lord'
oh Lord, i believe, i believe! Though many look on and say, eh, maybe she didn't REALLY hear Him... Still, my Lord, i believe!

Stuck

Ever feel... stuck?

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck, stuck living with the consequences of someone else’s choices, or our own bad choices from years ago, choices we’ve apologized for and repented of, but we’re still stuck, stuck in a situation where it looks like we just have to accept that we’re limited in our ability to reach God, to serve Him, to be useful or fruitful. Sometimes we are stuck… and being stuck like that… well, it just sucks.

But even if the circumstances we’re stuck in just don’t seem fair, God has a plan, He really does. And if you're feeling stuck, I hope you will find encouragement in the story of Jael in Judges 4.

Here was a woman stuck, stuck in a tent living with a man who had separated himself, not only from his own tribe, but also the tribes of Israel, and instead had aligned himself with the enemies of the people of God. But God had a plan, and it involved the very circumstances she was stuck in... Because she was living on the outskirts, and because her husband had made peace with Israel's enemy, Jael was in the perfect position to lure the enemy in and kill him, ensuring victory for Israel.

She was in the right place at the right time with the right tools and circumstances, but knowing how we humans are, I'm guessing she didn't wake up that day thinking she was perfectly placed for God's plan, and that she was on the verge of performing a task that would gain her a lofty status along with all the other great heroes of Israel.

So, where are you stuck today? What are your circumstances? Look around you... you may be in the right place at the right time, on the verge of a tremendous victory for God's glory.

I hope you are encouraged, as I am, to "stick" it out today, to know there's a bigger picture and to value our circumstances a little differently.

Happy November morning, Lake Orion!

Sitting outside for a bit...in my jacket, yes, but sipping strong black coffee and watching the sun rise over the lake. Full DayLight is coming, church... Are you eagerly looking forward to His coming?

Echo's Dual Vision

Today we heard again about the dual vision here at Echo Lake Orion... Here's an excerpt from the sermon...

"Echo Lake Orion will be a place for training home fellowship leaders, and it will be a place for gathering the home fellowships together during various festivals throughout the year. Each home fellowship will have it’s own focus, a “dual vision” that holds to the first vision of multiplication, but that seeks to accomplish it by way of a secondary vision that is unique to that body. At Echo Lake Orion, He’s shown us our secondary vision is to be a place for raising up children’s ministers and child ministers. He is sending us children from this community so that they might be equipped and sent out as leaders in their generation. We’ve heard from Him for years that this place is a “seedbed” for leadership, a place to temporarily plant many little seeds which will eventually take root in a vast, unknowable number of locations."

Shabbat Shalom

May you be filled with the warm light of His peace as you rest tonight, safe... in the fold, in the Kingdom, in His arms... You are loved!

Faith Scrapbooking Event

Jennifer Schulz of Creative memories held a scrapbooking event at Echo Lake Orion where she taught us easy way to incorporate our Faith into our love of scrapbooking! We had a great morning and Maddie was the only one who completed her book, pictures and all!

Echo Lake Orion 2009 Garage Sale

Every year Echo Lake Orion does a garage sale and all the monies go to the Problem Pregnancy Center of Oxford, MI.

Prov 28

A rich man is wise in his own eyes {11}, but true knowledge maintains order {2}.

Prov 25

A wise man's rebuke to a listening ear is like fine gold {12}.
That's it.

Proverbs 24

In this chapter wisdom builds up a house and knowledge fills its rooms {3-4}. Wisdom is too high for a fool, but is sweet to th soul {7&14}. the wise have great power, but knowledge increses stength even more {5}.

Qaveh el-Adonai

"Be strong" and "take courage" He says...

But why, Beloved? What is it that will require such strength, such courage, such faith?

"Qaveh el-Adonai"... wait on Me... that will require all the courage you can muster, dear one!

When everything around you says "No"... ah, wait, I have already said "YES" and what I've said "YES" to will come to pass. Let not your heart be troubled, or fearful... believe, have peace... I AM coming... and before I do that, you WILL bear fruit for Me, you will no longer be called "BARREN" and you will rejoice, you will sing to Me and offer shouts of joy.

But for now, Wait... be poised, be ready... Wait!

Ani l'Dodi... v'Dodi li! AMEN!

L'David HaShem Ori

YHWH is my light.... (Ps 27:1)

The verb form of light (OWR) is to be or become bright... it occurs in 1 Sam 14:27, when Jonathan eats honey and his eyes are "brightened."

As we partake of the sweetness of His Word, may our eyes be brightened as our souls are refreshed by Him alone...

Ani l'Dodi...

Prov 20

The wise are not lead astray by wine, and beer {1}.
The wise king spreads out the wicked {26}, for lips that speak knowledge are a rare gem {15}.

Proverbs 18

A fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook {V4}, the ears of the wise seek out, and the cocerning acquires knowledge {V15}.

Proverbs 14

a mocker can't attain wisdom but to a diserner it comes easily, for fools don't give though to there ways. A wise man builds up and his wealth is his crown, a king likes wise servents so please the lord. you will not find knowledge from a fools lips, but th prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Proverbs 13

In verse 1 a wise son accepts his father's instruction, for a wise man's teachings are the fountain of life [14]. Wisdom is taking advise from others [10]. A carful man acts out of knowledge [16].

Proverbs 12

This chapter says that the love of discipline is the love of knowledge [V1], and that a crafty man keeps it to himself [V23]. The tounges of the wise are healers [V18], and a man is praised for his wisdom [V8], for he listens to advise [V15].

Proverbs Ch 10

This chapter expains wise sons are obedient [V1], prepared [V5], and that they store up knowledge [V14]. this chapteralso says that wisdom comes frm the lips of richousness [V31].

Proverbs Ch 9

Wisdom is illistarted as a woman preparinga meal for the commoners in this ch .
Wise means to be knowledgable, but not knowing everything . Knowledge being the opposie of folly . and we are reminded that the begining of wisom is the fear of the lord in verse 10. and also that it is rewarding .

Proverbs Ch 8

Wisdom in this ch is illistrated as a woman (V1), she is said to be more precious than rubies (V11), for she has attained geat knowledge (V12) (which is more valuable than gold (V10)). This chapter also says that it is wise to listen (V33).

Proverbs Ch 6

There was only one word symbolizing wisdom was wise in verse four, describing an ant's life.

Proverbs Ch4

Wisdom- To understand (V13), Thought through (V19)

Knowledge- Of the spirit? (V20)

Wise- High and mighty (V7)

Proverbs Ch.1

Wisdom- A fool's enemy (V7), A womanwho calls out to the people on the streets (V20)

Wise- One who knows much (V5), Complex (V6)

Knowledge- First learned from parents (V8), A fool's enemy (V22), Starts with the fear of the LORD (V29)

Love and Keep

In Dt 7:7-8 the LORD says that He chose and set His love upon the nation of Israel because He LOVED them and KEPT the oath He swore to their forefathers. (We have the same oath because we share in the relationship with Abraham as our spiritual father) He set His love upon us, you & me because he LOVES us and KEEPS the same oath with us!!

In verse 9 He tells them (& us) to know therefore:

• that the LORD, ADONAI, YHWH is God
• and He keeps His covenant...

with those who LOVE Him and KEEP His commandments.

It's conditional, we must LOVE & KEEP His commandments....

Keeps struck me when I read through about 2 weeks ago preparing my mind for my next Kid's Church lesson. The Hebrew word is shamar which means to hedge in protect, preserve, to watch, keep safe. Its what Adam was placed in the garden to do cultivate & KEEP it.

For a long time now we have focused on loving. We undertand how to fullfill His Law-by loving Him and His people. Dt 6:5 and Lev 19:18

I believe He is giving us a warning/reminder to keep, protect and guard His Law as we get ready to take our next step Echo. How will we guard this precious Law? How will we ensure we keep watch over it and preserve it for ourselves, each other and the generations to come?

There are many instructions about how to KEEP/SHAMAR His Law/Words in the book of Deuteronomy.

Take note as we are finishing the last book of Torah, how will we (ECF) KEEP?

Proverbs 27:5

Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Proverbs 27:5

Better to critize thn to not love.

love~ an emotion of stong affection toward someone or something.

Proverbs 26:4-5

Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
Proverbs 23:23

Knowledge is most valuable only a fool would throw it away.

Buy~ to gain for a cost

Proverbs 21:3

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Provers 21:3

To do the right thing is better than to do the wrong thing and ask for forgiveness.

Just~ To be fair

Proverbs 20:13

Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
Proverbs 20:13

The lazy man is a poor man but he who seeks shall find all he looks for.

poor~ to be in need of richs.

Proverbs 18:4

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Proverbs 18:4

Deep waters can contain life but can also cause death, a brook is hard to drown in and doesn't contian any harmful creatures.

Bubbling~ To flow, pour out, or bubble up

Proverbs 17:13

If a man pays back evil for good,evil will never leave his house.
Proverbs 17:13

If you respond to good with evil evil will haunt you.

Proverbs 16:8

Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
Proverbs 16:8

its better to earn a small amount of money than steal large amounts

Empty Grave

We went for a walk, the Lord and I...
and I feared...
I feared He was going to show me my sin


He turned to me, knowing my heart...
and He said...
"Yes, I am going to show you your sin."


I sighed, resigned, willing and desiring to go with Him anywhere...
but dreading...
already coming up with apologies and justifications


Then there was shame for my justification...
and for my fear...
Round and round I went like this


Before long I shook myself...
or maybe He shook me...
I noticed we had stopped walking


I looked up and saw the dark place of death...
and I braced myself...
for the stench and the discomfort


He reached out His hand...
and I took it...
and He led me inside


We saw...
nothing...
the grave was empty

(Inspired while driving and singing along with Nicole C Mullen's "My Redeemer Lives" and wrote during Bible study at Echo Fenton that night...)

Proverbs 14:15

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
Proverbs 14:15

A candle seems like a bright light to he who has never seen a chandelier.

Proverbs 13:8

A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.
Proverbs 13:8

A wealthy man may have riches that can be stolen, buta poor man has nothing to take.

Echo's Edah

Today the kids learned about Moses' heart for his 'edah' (congregation) even when he learned that he wasn't going into the Promised Land. The kids put together hearts each containing the names of people in Echo Michigan and Arizona, so they could remember to have hearts for their edah, too! Each adult also received a heart and a list...here's my list, and a beautiful list it is!

Prov. 11:21

Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
Proverbs 11:21

well, thats it its pretty hard to make it any more simple.

Proverbs 10:1

The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
Proverbs 10:1

Usualy I give my interpretation down here but today i was wondering if any of you understand why the father gets the joy and the mother carries the burden?

Proverbs 9:8

Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Proverbs 9:8

If you correct a simple man he will reject you, but if you correct a wise man he will love you.

Proverbs 8:19

My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
Proverbs 8:19

Wisdom is more valuable than any substance.

Proverbs 8:19

My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
Proverbs 8:19

Wisdom is more valuable than any substance.

Proverbs 7:27

Her house is a highway tobthe grave leading down to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 7:27

An adultress will lead you to hell, so be carful to not stray from the path of the pure.

A Time to Tear Down, and a Time to Build Up

A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.
Ecc 3:3

Tear down = PARATZ... the basis for the name Perez, son of Judah... so named because he caused a breach (made an opening, broke out) for himself by pushing past his twin brother Zerah during birth (Gen 38:29).

So I said, "Okay Lord, I understand, I know there is a time for causing breaches, for making an opening in the walls. What then?" Hm. I was there with Perez already, so I decided to go ahead and look beyond him, to see what comes after him, this "breach..."

We know that Perez' great-great grandson was Nahshon...Aaron's brother-in-law, btw (Ex 6:23), and a mighty leader of the tribe of Judah during the exodus. Beyond that we know of Boaz and David, and of course Jesus Himself. But let's go back to what came right after Perez... the tearing down/breaking out...

Hezron ("Chetzrown") is Perez' son, and his name (from CHATZER = enclosure) means "enclosed" or "surrounded by a wall."

Now, back to Ecclesiastes... "A time to tear down, and a time to build up..."

Build up = BANA... "build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue" and "build a house." A time to make an opening (PARATZ) by removing walls, and a time to surround with walls by building up (BANA).

Oh Lord, Master Builder and Source of Wisdom... Echo's hands are Yours... as She refuses to use them to cover Herself and build Herself up, may She trust You to cover Her well, to surround Her with YOUR walls.

Amen, and amen!

Proverbs 6

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Prov 6:16-19

There are seven things the lord hates: a proud look, lying, the hands that kill the innocent, a mind thatthinks of evil plots, feet that go quickly to evil, a witness who tells lie after lie, and those who make trouble among friends.

He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 2:7-8

This Proverb explaines that if you ar ready to follow god the his isready to lead you and protect you.

Proverbs 1:22

"How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers deligt in mockery and fools hate knowledge?"

Proverbs 1:22 NIV

This Proverb asks how long the people of the world will resort to evil and worldly ways. And how long will those who refuse to accept him will wait to understand the truth.

My Father's House (Psalm 45:10-11)

From the "Writing" Workshop at CFO 2009...

Welcome to my father's house
this is where i learned to hide my tears
there's danger in the light
but comfort when i'm covered by my fears
it may not be the best of homes
but you see it's all i've known
welcome to my father's house

"Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear:
Forget your people and your father's house...
then the King will desire your beauty."

Welcome to my Father's house
this is where i learned to cry my tears
there's danger in the light
but comfort when I bring to Him my fears
this is indeed the best of homes
and i'm forgetting all i'd known
welcome to my Father's house

"Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him."

I know You are near...

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
Psalm 145:18

Truth... emet which is from aman (believe/confirm). To call upon Him in truth is to call upon Him with a confirmable faith, rooted perhaps in an unearthly place, but rooted in a place nevertheless quite real... quite TRUE. It is TRUE that He is near...

Is this a relative truth, though? We hear some say that truth is relative, as in, "your religion is true for you, but not for me..." Well, before I open up an apologetical can of worms, I'm going to say that in a sense, yes, "YHWH is near" is a relative truth!

Huh?

Sure, there are those for whom "YHWH is near" is not truth... and lest such "free" beings consider themselves a happy lot, let us remember this:

For, behold, those who are far from You will perish

Psalm 73:27

...and lest those who consider themselves to be near Him turn up their noses in arrogance, let us remember this:

Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed." Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, "Who sees us?" or "Who knows us?"

Isaiah 29:13-15

Oh wretched soul, take care that you fail not to pray, to call on Him, and when you do, let it be in truth and in faith. Pray believing, He says. Do not harden your heart, He says, for Today is the day of repentance... anything can happen between now and the Day of Rest which is yet to come. See to it that none of you misses it... if it means being as a little child ALL the time, depending on Him completely, well, so much the better...

Father, Precious Lord, take my little hand in Yours. This world is too big for me, YHWH, but in truth I know You are near... and GREAT are You in me!

xo

New LIfe at Echo Lake Orion

Even with all the work being done on our building inside and out. God has found a place for new life to begin! Did you anyone else notice? Before long I bet there are new babies occupying that nest! :)

Church service Sunday June 14th.

...after this, the LORD (played by Jeff) came and said: "Aaron, Miriam, Moses, come near, I want to talk to you, I want to be close to you." So they did.

Then the LORD spoke to Aaron: "Aaron, my son, give me a hug!" Alas, Aaron tried but only bounced back because he was puffed up with too much boasting about himself.

Next the LORD spoke to Miriam: "Miriam, my daughter, come near and give me a hug!" Alas, Miriam could not because her boasting made her too big to hug.

Finally, the LORD spoke to Moses: "Moses, my faithful servant, come give me a hug!" And Moses ran and jumped into the LORD's arms, hugging Him tightly, and the LORD was able to surround Moses completely with His love.

May you have ears to hear what the Spirit of the LORD is saying to the church...

Questions for You

Oh Papa... Beloved... Lord... please bear with me in Your grace and compassion, as I in my weakness and silliness have a few questions for You:

• Did we worship You today?
• Did Your Word go forth today?
• Did Your people learn something about loving today?
• Did we touch Your heart today?
• Did we sh'ma You today?
  (...and did You sh'ma us?)
• Did we ECHO You today?

Have I a "right" to know? No, of course not. But still, I ask, and I ECHO my brother David, who cried out to You, who called on the Name of YHWH, saying...

SH'MA, O YHWH

when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me.

Ps 27:7

I will wait on You, Adonai, my Shepherd and Father.

Love,

Your little Echo...

Psalm 51'd

"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions."

O Beloved... how can I ask this of You? How can I plead with You to deal with me not according to my sin and weakness, but according to Your lovingkindness and compassion... when it is in this very area that I have sinned! Indeed, I have dealt with others according to their sin, to their weakness. Oh, wretched me...

"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin."

Oh, can it be? Could I really walk free from this blot? Especially since...

"...I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me. "

Sometimes it's hard to imagine being anything other than wretched... especially now that I see the truth... it's not just sin against my brothers and sisters...

"Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge."

Is there any hope, when....

"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me."

Ah, well, there is one thing we have going for us now...honest confession...

"Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom."

Oh! I remember brother James' words... "confess your sins that you may be healed"... And look here... now I gain boldness to say to You:

"Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. "

There's light ahead... I'm starting to believe that I may again hear something other than the enemy's accusing voice... and feel something other than the sting of Your rebuke...

"Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice."

And oh! That I might be able to walk with You again, believing that You really aren't even thinking of my sin at all...

"Hide Your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquities."

Oh, I hear You whisper again: "To the pure in heart all things are pure." Would you really refer to me that way again? "Sure!"

"Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Steadfast! Yeah!!!

"Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me."

Haaa!!! It already seems almost silly to think I started this whole thing feeling like You had taken Your Spirit...

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit."

Your joy is my strength! You delight... in me! Ha!

"Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You."

Oh, would You be so kind as to allow me to see others turn to You?? To see them take up Your joy?? May we sing the rest together...

"Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, In burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar."

Oh, dear One... All along, all I could ever offer You was a broken heart, broken with the things that have always broken Your own heart. Here is my weakness, made strong in You. Here are my feeble wings... I'd rather soar under Yours! xo

Shabbat shalom fellow followers of the Way...

Echo Lake Orion Church at Addison Oaks

Sunday May 24th Echo Lake Orion held their Sunday Service at Addison Oaks Campground. Several other campers joined us for a wonderful time of Worship! It was good to worship Him in the great outdoors!

She's the One for Me

Last night's Shabbat date was spent at the Chrysler Christian Leaders fellowship at Pat's... Oh, fellowshipping with Him and others who are Bride-minded is a singularly exquisite experience!

After Debbie Brown performed "The Samaritan Woman" we heard a song from Laura Woodley, titled "Into the Light" and oh, the tears...

You saw me broken...battered...filthy...shattered...wicked...lying...failing...trying...angry...jealous...prideful...selfish...wander...lustful...striving...worshipping idols

You said:
I want her
I love her
She's the one for me
I choose her
I know her
My blood has made her clean
She is my true love

Really? Oh, yes, You saw us and adored us before we knew You, and even now, when we know You and STILL pursue filling elsewhere...

"I want her...She's the one for Me"
That's what spoke to me the most... earlier in the week I was pondering the transformation that comes over a woman who knows she is found appealing by the man she loves. You and I spoke of such things in the context of desire, and filling, and what exactly this HUNGER is... but I didn't quite pick up on Your adoration until last night. And the little affirmations this morning, through just the right voices at the just the right time... Oh, You've really got a thing for us, don't You?

Go ahead, Bride, Sabbath Queen... blush, glow, smile in spite of Yourself. You are HOT!

Joey's Bar Mitvah

More pics to come but here are just a few.

Passover

Here are a few of the pictures - blogger really reduces the quality/size of pictures once you upload them, so if you want any to save/print, I'd recommend getting in touch with either me or Rochelle. I'd be happy to send over the files, I just didn't want to clog up the entire congregation's inboxes!