"Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the bands of the Moabites would invade the land in the spring of the year. As they were burying a man, behold, they saw a marauding band; and they cast the man into the grave of Elisha. And when the man touched the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up on his feet."
Well, now, what a lucky fellow, wouldn't you say? Talk about being in the right place at the right time! And it wasn't even his doing... this poor dead man was being buried by others, and not very carefully, at that. In their haste to avoid the marauding Moabites, these men halted their arduous task of preparing a proper burial for their countryman, and, seeing a handy tomb nearby, likely thought, "Well, neither of these fellows will know any better." So, into Elisha's tomb you go, old friend.
Let's pause here to consider... have you, through no action of your own, ever had your destination changed, and not for the better (as far as you can tell)? Has anyone ever treated you hastily out of their own need for a speedy getaway? Before you rise up indignant at the memory, consider the results for this dead man...
Through no choice of his own, and not even the purpose of any man, this man was rescued from the grave. God alone could orchestrate this scenario, and it is for our benefit today as we read it.
It is written, in fact, that we may be saved. Indeed, even into the tomb Elisha's name continues to stand: God saves.
Who saves? God saves. When we believe that, we are believing in this name, Elisha, which in essence is the same as the name of Jesus.
We may say that we chose Christ, that we walked into salvation with eyes open and, seeing the wisdom of His Way, we embraced Him wholeheartedly. If we say this, however, we are fooling ourselves. Jesus told us that, if we claim to see while in the darkness, our sin remains. Who, if convinced he can see, will go to the doctor for a solution? Likewise, who, if convinced he can choose the right way, will depend on the Shepherd to save his soul from the grave?
Let's face it. Any who are saved are saved by a happy "accident" crafted by the One who formed us in the womb. Any who come in contact with the life-giving Body of Christ may be revived. What remains for us is this: once revived, will you do as the once-dead man did next? Read it again...
What did he do? He "stood to his feet."
Have you found yourself in a place not of your choosing? Have you been cast away by those more concerned about their own safety? Perhaps this is your "happy accident" moment, right here, right now. Perhaps, as you touch the life in His Word, you are being revived even now. Will you stay in the grave, or will you stand to your feet?
Life is waiting.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
2 Kings 6:1-7 Salvation in Elisha
A little logic puzzle for you: Elijah is to John, as Elisha is to .......
Did you say Jesus? Indeed, it is not just an interesing coincidence that Elisha's name has the same meaning as Jesus' name. It's the only name by which men are saved, for in fact both names mean "God/YHWH is Salvation."
Think about it. We know John made way for the Christ (John 3:30), but we don't often recall that long before John, Elijah made way for the figure of Christ we find in Elisha.
If you've been following along with Elisha's story, you ought to have found his miracles quite familiar. Multiplying food (2 Kg 4 and John 6), raising the dead (2 Kg 4 and Mark 5), opening the eyes of the spiritually blind and closing the eyes of those who see (2 Kg 6 and John 9), to name just a few.
Today I want to take a brief look at one miracle in this week's reading that, on the surface, doesn't seem to pre-figure Christ at all.
2 Kings 6:1-7
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us. Please let us go to the Jordan, and each of us take from there a beam, and let us make a place there for ourselves where we may live." So he said, "Go." Then one said, "Please be willing to go with your servants." And he answered, "I shall go." So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, my master! For it was borrowed." Then the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick, and threw it in there, and made the iron float. And he said, "Take it up for yourself." So he put out his hand and took it.
There are several pictures of Christ I see here in Elisha, but for now I'm going to consider just two points:
1) No job is too small for His care (blessing children, paying taxes). I have known some to say "Oh, I won't bother God for that, I'm ok, I can handle it...He has bigger issues to deal with."
If this is you, my friend, you may not realize it, but that is pride cloaked in false humility... and a resistance to the Lord who wants to enter into every detail of your life. You know very well that it's in the details of your daily life that you fall to the temptation of anxiety and, if you're not careful, bitterness and then strife. You don't have to be given to this bondage; He truly has made a way out of this temptation:
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
2) Non-formuleic and unpredictable means (sometimes completely supernatural, sometimes uses props... spit (3x), a fish with a coin)
Elisha seems to favor the use of seemingly random props. He used music, a new jar of salt, grain, jars to collect oil, and here a stick and also the hand of the one who lost the axe head the first place.
One lesson to draw from this is that we don't have to limit His means of healing. If we expect Him to behave a certain way and he doesn't (but does something else we're not looking for), we may fall to the temptation of taking offense, leading to ungodly anger and hardness of heart, resisting His commands... like Naaman, for example. Remember him?
When Naaman the leper came to Elisha for healing, what did he expect? Here, check it out:
2 Kings 5:11 ..."Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper.'
But what did Elisha actually do? Well, nothing... he didn't even go out to meet the fellow; instead, he sent his servant to tell him to dip in the Jordan 7 times (that should sound familiar too, btw).
But because Elisha didn't do what Naaman expected, what was Naaman's first response? Let's look at the beginning of verse 11...
"But Naaman was furious and went away."
Fortunately for Naaman, his servants were bold enough and wise enough to steer him back to do what Elisha had said.
When you ask Him for your healing, and you should, His means of healing might surprise you. And if you ask a man of God to pray for you, do not take offense if that individual doesn't do what you expect... and if he asks you to do something you feel is beneath you... uh, just do it, ok? That man of God, if he truly is one, will have sought the Father on your behalf and will be instructing you according to Gods' wisdom, not man's, not even his own wisdom. Who are you to turn your nose up at that? Why not rather obey the instruction with joy and be grateful that you weren't required to fast forty days in the wilderness!
Elisha, true to his name and like the Christ he foreshadowed, preached salvation in his deeds... pointing to the Father who sets captives free from sickness and anxiety, and even death. The God of Elisha is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and longs to set you free as well. You may find your way to pray in your time of need, but will you then listen to what He says... will you SH'MA??
Did you say Jesus? Indeed, it is not just an interesing coincidence that Elisha's name has the same meaning as Jesus' name. It's the only name by which men are saved, for in fact both names mean "God/YHWH is Salvation."
Think about it. We know John made way for the Christ (John 3:30), but we don't often recall that long before John, Elijah made way for the figure of Christ we find in Elisha.
If you've been following along with Elisha's story, you ought to have found his miracles quite familiar. Multiplying food (2 Kg 4 and John 6), raising the dead (2 Kg 4 and Mark 5), opening the eyes of the spiritually blind and closing the eyes of those who see (2 Kg 6 and John 9), to name just a few.
Today I want to take a brief look at one miracle in this week's reading that, on the surface, doesn't seem to pre-figure Christ at all.
2 Kings 6:1-7
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us. Please let us go to the Jordan, and each of us take from there a beam, and let us make a place there for ourselves where we may live." So he said, "Go." Then one said, "Please be willing to go with your servants." And he answered, "I shall go." So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, my master! For it was borrowed." Then the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick, and threw it in there, and made the iron float. And he said, "Take it up for yourself." So he put out his hand and took it.
There are several pictures of Christ I see here in Elisha, but for now I'm going to consider just two points:
1) No job is too small for His care (blessing children, paying taxes). I have known some to say "Oh, I won't bother God for that, I'm ok, I can handle it...He has bigger issues to deal with."
If this is you, my friend, you may not realize it, but that is pride cloaked in false humility... and a resistance to the Lord who wants to enter into every detail of your life. You know very well that it's in the details of your daily life that you fall to the temptation of anxiety and, if you're not careful, bitterness and then strife. You don't have to be given to this bondage; He truly has made a way out of this temptation:
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
2) Non-formuleic and unpredictable means (sometimes completely supernatural, sometimes uses props... spit (3x), a fish with a coin)
Elisha seems to favor the use of seemingly random props. He used music, a new jar of salt, grain, jars to collect oil, and here a stick and also the hand of the one who lost the axe head the first place.
One lesson to draw from this is that we don't have to limit His means of healing. If we expect Him to behave a certain way and he doesn't (but does something else we're not looking for), we may fall to the temptation of taking offense, leading to ungodly anger and hardness of heart, resisting His commands... like Naaman, for example. Remember him?
When Naaman the leper came to Elisha for healing, what did he expect? Here, check it out:
2 Kings 5:11 ..."Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper.'
But what did Elisha actually do? Well, nothing... he didn't even go out to meet the fellow; instead, he sent his servant to tell him to dip in the Jordan 7 times (that should sound familiar too, btw).
But because Elisha didn't do what Naaman expected, what was Naaman's first response? Let's look at the beginning of verse 11...
"But Naaman was furious and went away."
Fortunately for Naaman, his servants were bold enough and wise enough to steer him back to do what Elisha had said.
When you ask Him for your healing, and you should, His means of healing might surprise you. And if you ask a man of God to pray for you, do not take offense if that individual doesn't do what you expect... and if he asks you to do something you feel is beneath you... uh, just do it, ok? That man of God, if he truly is one, will have sought the Father on your behalf and will be instructing you according to Gods' wisdom, not man's, not even his own wisdom. Who are you to turn your nose up at that? Why not rather obey the instruction with joy and be grateful that you weren't required to fast forty days in the wilderness!
Elisha, true to his name and like the Christ he foreshadowed, preached salvation in his deeds... pointing to the Father who sets captives free from sickness and anxiety, and even death. The God of Elisha is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and longs to set you free as well. You may find your way to pray in your time of need, but will you then listen to what He says... will you SH'MA??
Thursday, May 13, 2010
"Except the LORD build the house..."
29 April 2010
Blessings, beloved friends and family of Echo Christian Fellowship! Most of you know about our building project here in Lake Orion. It’s been a long road, with more miles to go, but we’ve finally come to a place where we must ask for help! Read on to see how His story is unfolding…
It started with an unseasonably warm day in January or February of 2009, when melted snow got trapped and caused some damage to the walls. As we began repairs we found… eww, bats!!! We didn’t mind them so much as their, uh, way of tithing :-/ We were going to try to clean out the guano ourselves, but wisdom prevailed and we looked into having the job done professionally. The cost? MUCH more than we could come up with! So now what? We told the Lord, “If You want us to have a building, You’re going to have to do something!”
Well, as it turns out, our insurance policy covers bat removal! Go figure!
Blessings, beloved friends and family of Echo Christian Fellowship! Most of you know about our building project here in Lake Orion. It’s been a long road, with more miles to go, but we’ve finally come to a place where we must ask for help! Read on to see how His story is unfolding…
It started with an unseasonably warm day in January or February of 2009, when melted snow got trapped and caused some damage to the walls. As we began repairs we found… eww, bats!!! We didn’t mind them so much as their, uh, way of tithing :-/ We were going to try to clean out the guano ourselves, but wisdom prevailed and we looked into having the job done professionally. The cost? MUCH more than we could come up with! So now what? We told the Lord, “If You want us to have a building, You’re going to have to do something!”
Well, as it turns out, our insurance policy covers bat removal! Go figure!
So the bats were evicted and the sanctuary was cleaned, and with the water-damage claim we had enough for a desperately-needed roof! Tim Fix and his crew did a beautiful job!
But the project was far from over. With the ceiling exposed, we were able to see a number of broken trusses! Doh! Add to that the crazily leaning walls that had never been right since a roof collapse years ago… and the engineer from the insurance company just shook his head, saying, “Tear it down!”
Yikes!
When I heard that, though, something in me leapt for joy. There is something spiritually exciting about the idea of tearing down old walls to rebuild on a solid foundation, don’t you think? Amy King and I stayed up late that night at camp, all excited as He stirred in us the words of Isaiah the prophet:
"Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins;
You will raise up the age-old foundations;
And you will be called the repairer of the breach,
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.” Is 58:12
Our response: “AWESOME!” So…”
Yikes!
When I heard that, though, something in me leapt for joy. There is something spiritually exciting about the idea of tearing down old walls to rebuild on a solid foundation, don’t you think? Amy King and I stayed up late that night at camp, all excited as He stirred in us the words of Isaiah the prophet:
"Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins;
You will raise up the age-old foundations;
And you will be called the repairer of the breach,
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.” Is 58:12
Our response: “AWESOME!” So…”
THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN!”
We were all quite happy to see those old walls go down to make way for the new!
We even had Tim tear down the mold-factory, that scary old hallway and storage room between the two sides of the building.
Yay!!!
We even had Tim tear down the mold-factory, that scary old hallway and storage room between the two sides of the building.
Yay!!!
The new walls went up quickly, including new siding, additional windows, and a BEAUTIFUL new interior!
Jeff really likes the “echo” in the new room.
That was last fall … and here we are, more than six months later… still meeting in the fellowship hall!!
Huh?
Well, many of you know that as Tim was finishing up the work in the sanctuary, he discovered some issues in and under the floor… water damage, more mold, and oh look, broken-up asbestos tile, too! Oh my!
Apparently when the Spirit was whispering to us about foundations, He meant He wanted us to LITERALLY go down to the foundation, not just the floor! Well, OK, GOD! And so the work continues…
We believe this next phase is critical for us as a body, physically and spiritually. Many of you have prayed for us and encouraged us in the past. Now, more than ever, we ask you to cover us in prayer as the ground is exposed, and, spiritually, our fellowship is more vulnerable than it’s ever been.
And yes, we also need money! After paying for everything in the pictures above, our insurance company is covering nearly the entire floor project. They are not able to accept responsibility for all of the floor damage, so now, at long last, we are appealing to you for help for the remaining $5,000.
We do not plan to begin work until we have enough in the bank to cover the entire project. We feel strongly about not incurring any new debt, and we have been working hard to pay off our current debt. As we take this step of faith in asking for help, casting a net on “the other side of the boat,” we believe He will provide not only for the floor, but also for other areas that need attention. And guess what? Once funds are in the bank for the other projects, we can get nearly-free labor in 2011 from an Assemblies of God group called Mission America Placement Service (MAPS). Neat, huh?
There’s one more thing I’d like to share. Last summer, I was reading from the story of Elisha…
Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Behold now, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad and the land is unfruitful." He said, "Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. He went out to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, "Thus says the LORD, 'I have purified (healed) these waters; there shall not be from there death or unfruitfulness any longer.'" So the waters have been purified to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.
2 Kings 2:19-22
My eyes were drawn to the words I’ve underlined above, and I heard Him speak into my heart: “The spiritual water of Lake Orion is bad, and My ministry here has not been as fruitful as I desire. I will pour out salt from new jars to heal these waters, and the land will bring forth much fruit.”
I believe Echo is to be one of these “new jars,” sharing in this pouring out. I also believe our natural “re-birth” in this location is a picture of the spiritual revival that He is getting ready to release here.
The journey continues. Are you with us?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Echo Detroit
Thursday, January 14, 2010
There is a river...
May His hidden river flowing thru His scattered saints delight and refresh you as you pass thru this life, and may you experience His delight in you as you pursue Him.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Do nothing from selfishness...
Selfishness = eritheia from eritheuo ("to work as a day-laborer")... apparently day-laborers were so stereotyped as self-seeking that the verb associated with day-laboring came to serve as the verb for being self-seeking, or more accurately, "demeaning themselves for gain"... serving for purpose of meeting personal, momentary needs or desires.
Well, now, that certainly fits my behavior quite often! All day long I choose behavior that serves my personal, momentary desires. Sure, I also do things to serve others, and sometimes I serve others and myself at the same time. But all of us struggle with this, I suppose... dcTalk sings it well: "The disease of self runs through my blood, it's a cancer fatal to my soul. Every attempt on my behalf has failed to bring this sickness under control. Tell me, what's going on inside of me? I despise my own behaviour..."
But the song goes on ...
"This only serves to confirm my suspicions that I'm still a man in need of a Saviour!"
Well, sure! That's the point, right? We still need Him.
But, also happily, I see something else in Paul's admonition in Philippians 2:3:
"Do nothing from selfishness" he says... the comfort I drew from this today was that, even though we have this "disease of self" we can choose something... we can choose to "do nothing" from that sickness... we can choose to not let the sickness dictate our behavior. We aren't bound to the selfishness, thank God.
I also appreciate that Paul (the kind fellow) gives a suggestion for making alternative behavior choices...
"With humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves."
The way to denying self is in choosing humility, that is, lowering yourself to bless another person.
So.... let's do that, okay?
Well, now, that certainly fits my behavior quite often! All day long I choose behavior that serves my personal, momentary desires. Sure, I also do things to serve others, and sometimes I serve others and myself at the same time. But all of us struggle with this, I suppose... dcTalk sings it well: "The disease of self runs through my blood, it's a cancer fatal to my soul. Every attempt on my behalf has failed to bring this sickness under control. Tell me, what's going on inside of me? I despise my own behaviour..."
But the song goes on ...
"This only serves to confirm my suspicions that I'm still a man in need of a Saviour!"
Well, sure! That's the point, right? We still need Him.
But, also happily, I see something else in Paul's admonition in Philippians 2:3:
"Do nothing from selfishness" he says... the comfort I drew from this today was that, even though we have this "disease of self" we can choose something... we can choose to "do nothing" from that sickness... we can choose to not let the sickness dictate our behavior. We aren't bound to the selfishness, thank God.
I also appreciate that Paul (the kind fellow) gives a suggestion for making alternative behavior choices...
"With humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves."
The way to denying self is in choosing humility, that is, lowering yourself to bless another person.
So.... let's do that, okay?
Friday, December 25, 2009
Great is the mystery...
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!
A house for Jesus
Later on, the house was eaten! A sweet communion if ever I heard of one!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
FWD:FWD:Jesus Walk (Fenton)
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!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
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.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Happy November morning, Lake Orion!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
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."
"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."
Friday, October 23, 2009
Shabbat Shalom
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
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}.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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...
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}.
The wise king spreads out the wicked {26}, for lips that speak knowledge are a rare gem {15}.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Proverbs 18
A fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook {V4}, the ears of the wise seek out, and the cocerning acquires knowledge {V15}.
Friday, August 14, 2009
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.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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].
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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].
Monday, August 10, 2009
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].
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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 .
Wise means to be knowledgable, but not knowing everything
Saturday, August 8, 2009
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).
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Proverbs Ch 6
There was only one word symbolizing wisdom was wise in verse four, describing an ant's life.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Proverbs Ch4
Wisdom- To understand (V13), Thought through (V19)
Knowledge- Of the spirit? (V20)
Wise- High and mighty (V7)
Knowledge- Of the spirit? (V20)
Wise- High and mighty (V7)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
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)
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)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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:
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?
Monday, July 27, 2009
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 27:5
Better to critize thn to not love.
love~ an emotion of stong affection toward someone or something.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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 23:23
Knowledge is most valuable only a fool would throw it away.
Buy~ to gain for a cost
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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
Provers 21:3
To do the right thing is better than to do the wrong thing and ask for forgiveness.
Just~ To be fair
Monday, July 20, 2009
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 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.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
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 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
Friday, July 17, 2009
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 17:13
If you respond to good with evil evil will haunt you.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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
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...)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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 14:15
A candle seems like a bright light to he who has never seen a chandelier.
Monday, July 13, 2009
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.
Proverbs 13:8
A wealthy man may have riches that can be stolen, buta poor man has nothing to take.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Echo's Edah
Saturday, July 11, 2009
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 11:21
well, thats it its pretty hard to make it any more simple.
Friday, July 10, 2009
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 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?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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 9:8
If you correct a simple man he will reject you, but if you correct a wise man he will love you.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
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
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 8:19
Wisdom is more valuable than any substance.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
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.
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!
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!
Monday, July 6, 2009
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.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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."
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."
Monday, June 22, 2009
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
Monday, June 15, 2009
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...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
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?
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...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
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...
Friday, May 29, 2009
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! 
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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!
Monday, April 27, 2009
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