faith

Oldest-Old

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Some of the greatest people I know are seniors.  I enjoy their frankness and their willingness to share themselves with others.  They give me hope.

I think that by the time the baby boomer generation reaches the Oldest-Old stage, that whole chapter of human development will be rewritten possibly more than once.  Humans are living longer.  If this trend continues, humans may live to be 200 years old by the end of this century.  Regardless, I think that my generation is much too absorbed with trying to defeat the aging process.  Why not just accept it, enjoy it, and live it?

We are blessed to be living in the greatest age in human history.  Now seniors live longer and can enjoy a relatively high quality of life compared to our ancestors.  Many diseases of this life stage are treatable, if not curable; and despite the harsh living conditions of some third world countries, life in these United States “ain’t that bad”.

I certainly could go for becoming one of the Oldest-Old.  It sure beats the alternative.  I am not making light of the prospect of aging and all of the related declining health issues; but there is always something to look forward to each day.  Put a bit differently; the human spirit is indefatigable, and does not seem to age.

This brings me to the subject of spirituality (you all knew it was coming).  Some studies show that religion can be a positive factor in longevity.  There is more to life than just the mortality of it.  No matter what a person’s faith persuasion is, faith gets a person a lot further down the road.  Faith is self-defining.  With faith comes hope.  Faith believes in more.  If you believe and hope there is more than just this life, then there is.

It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. ~2 Corinthians 4:13,14 NIV

The key is to embrace what you have.  I would much rather dance closely with a partner than in an open embrace.  The dance is much more fluid and graceful when the intimacy is there.  I plan on embracing my late adulthood stage as gracefully as possible; for life is a dance and the last dance is always the best.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
Photo Credit: ©Canstock Photo Inc/DarrenBaker
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Life’s Reflection

Is my life reflecting God’s Word?

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” ~Titus 3:8 KJV

Father, please forgive me for my thoughts, words, and actions which are unprofitable, vain, or an obstruction to the reading, understanding, and acceptance of Your Word.  In the Name of Jesus, our blessed Yeshua Messiah, amen.

 

Beyond 2016

This month there will no doubt be hundreds if not thousands of reviews written about 2016.  I am not about to throw my hat into that ring, but wish to show support for the brethren who have already summarized the year’s events from a Christian perspective.

2016 was full of end time prophetic markers with Israel occupying the center of world attention once again.  While thousands of Christians suffered horrific persecution at the hands of radical Isis and other terrorists, many western evangelicals focused their attention primarily on the U.S. Presidential election.  Muslims are increasingly convinced that their long-awaited Imam will appear on the world stage soon.  Some fear that we are on the verge of the Gog-Magog War, or WWIII.  Evidence shows that more Jews are accepting Jesus as their promised Messiah, while other Jews are becoming more excited that their long-awaited non-Jesus messiah is coming soon.   Intricate preparations are being made as even the Israeli police seem to believe the Messiah is coming soon.

Another article by Jan Markell, Top Bible Prophesy Stories of 2016, sums up the year 2016 pretty well with eighteen Biblical end time prophetic events.

But why do so many people of diverse faith believe that we are on the verge of a world-changing event?  And if so, “Why is any of this relevant to me?” you may ask.

I just felt like pointing out that while many Christians may be focused on New Year’s Resolutions, politics, or faith seminars, some Christian leaders remark that the church is lukewarm and not actively supporting Israel; nor is it overly concerned with preparations for the imminent return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

What do you think?  What is beyond 2016?

Humble Pie on the Rocks

How long will I continue to indulge in airing my grievances about the cares of this world?  A strange and uneasy feeling has crept into my heart lately that I am as much a part of the social unrest in our nation as anyone in post-election America.

How can this be?  I did my best to be informed on national issues.  I compared candidates’ views.  I prayed, cried, cheered, posted and commented.  I voted.

And the outcome?  The once silent majority has spoken and that suits me fine.  Then I gloated.  I ate humble pie on the rocks.

That is not the same as humbly giving glory to God for answered prayer.  The outcome could have just as easily gone the opposite of my own hopes.  It didn’t, so what is my problem?

Election Reflection:  There seems to be a nationwide obsessive need to analyze, criticize (and in some cases), condemn others of opposite views.  How did I fall into that worldly abyss?  I fell prey by caring too much about what Jesus warned us about in Luke 21:31-36.  I watched (fearfully) the vengeful, hateful and shocking post-election public protests of the past few days and thought in my heart, “Thank God I don’t feel that way,” and other sanctimonious thoughts I am too ashamed to share.  I didn’t realize until this morning that my opinions do not stand up to God’s instruction in His Word – even when it seems that my motives are consistent with “Christian” views.  This came about as I prepared to re-share a wondrous scripture post on social media that shockingly contained venomous remarks about others in the comments section; coming from what I can only assume are believing Christians.  What in this world are we thinking?  I sadly did not share the post and am on my guard in future against sharing any message that links hate to The Gospel of Christ.

I am not demeaning the importance of a believer’s call to stand up for justice and what is right.  The problem is a crushing reality that I do not know God’s plan other than what He has revealed in His Word.  His plans for our nation in particular are either not mentioned in the Bible or are veiled in mysterious symbolism.  Perhaps it will become clear in the future; perhaps not.  Regardless, until Jesus returns and governs in His perfect way, none of what man does to self-govern will ever achieve peace.  There will always be division and major differences of opinion between groups of people on the earth. My thoughts are to continue to pray for our new leadership; that all governing members will seek the wise counsel of our Father in heaven before any and all actions whether domestic or foreign.  I turn my thoughts away now, and embrace:

Maranatha!  Maranatha!

Read Isaiah 55:6-13.

I can aspire to humility but not lay claim to it without remembering the holy words of Almighty God that bring me low:

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. ~ Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Verse 13 describes my thoughts. They have been mostly of the thorn-bush and briers.

History has shown that Jesus came to earth to save mankind almost 2,000 years ago at a time when the Roman Empire ruled most of the known world.  Roman rule was brutal, pagan, terrible, and even the instrument of Christ’s own crucifixion… yet history also shows that The Gospel of Good News spread victoriously like wildfire throughout the world on Roman roads and trade ships that networked three major continents.  That would not have happened had not God allowed Roman rule at exactly the time of Christ’s appearance on the world scene.

No, I do not know God’s thoughts or plans but I do know that He deserves my praise and thanks for blessing our nation for over 200 years.  I have strong faith that He is not giving up on America just yet.  He always redeems even a remnant of people who believe on His Name.

My prayer: “Change me, Lord, and grow juniper and myrtle thoughts within me for Your Glory!  Forgive my prideful thoughts and actions and stir up Your powerful Holy Spirit in me to love all people like Jesus did.  Help me to shine Your Light upon the whole earth and give You Praise!“

This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever. ~ Isaiah 55:13b NIV
This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right for My Salvation is close at hand and My righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the one who does this – the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.” ~ Isaiah 56:1-2

I belong to Jesus – not to this world system.  I owe Him everything including my very existence.  My opinions are subject to the Word of our King Over All.  Jesus came to save the whole world, including those who do not share my views or belief in Him.  Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

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Everything

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him (Christ) at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His (Christ’s) feet and appointed Him (Christ) to be head over everything for the church, which is His (Christ’s) body, the fullness of Him (Christ) who fills everything in every way. ~Ephesians 1:17-23 NIV (Emphasis added)

This God-inspired prayer sent by the Apostle Paul via Tychicus in his letter to the church in Ephesus (founded in 53 A.D.) was written while Paul was a prisoner in Rome.  Even though Paul was living in the valley of death, these verses are a powerful testimony of his love for brothers and sisters in Christ.  He had not lost his priority of  encouraging believers to live for Christ while here on earth.  My heart is to constantly lift up, encourage, and give thanks for the wealth of God’s kingdom here on earth – true believers. I have much to learn in this regard.  Glory to God!  The Holy Spirit is my Patient and Wise Teacher – ever and always.

God Bless you today and thank you for following Importantstuff.live!!!

 

Growing Up

I recently read a post that stated simply, “The first 50 years are the hardest part of growing up.”

Can I get an amen?

After living over half a century my response is, “Still working on it!”

I used to think that growing up was so complicated.  I took life’s challenges seriously and wore myself out trying to live up to public opinion instead of what God’s Word has to say about it.  My moral compass was skewed by the changing times.  I was more intent on meeting expectations of the world system than I was on finding out what God’s plan was for my life.  Decades passed and after my nest emptied I began to realize that getting an education, raising a family, and making a living was just getting me older.  I did not feel as grown up as my image reflected in the mirror each morning.

Thank God for not giving up on me!

He has not given up our nation, either.  Nations also struggle with growing up.  Our United States is groaning under the stress of moral decline.  It’s time to grow up!  We as believers are part of the problem, but we can be part of God’s solution, too.  I want to be part of God’s plan for my own life and for that of my nation.  I want my nation to turn away from foolishness, repent, and place our government once again under God.  Our loving, faithful Father has delivered us and shown us the way:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  ~John 16:33

It starts with me.  It’s time to grow up spiritually.  It’s time for me to be His Voice and spread good cheer in a time of national tribulation.  His promise is that in Me you may have peace.  Praise and thank you, Lord!god-is-good

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Operation Magic Carpet

My daughter recently took me to the Alaska Jewish Museum at 1221 E. 35th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, for my birthday. What a treat! I especially enjoyed the exhibit “On the Wings of Eagles: Alaska’s Contribution to Operation Magic Carpet”.  The exhibit offers an inspiring account of the most dramatic humanitarian effort of all time to airlift over 47,000 Yemenite Jewish refugees to Israel from 1948 to 1950. img_9429I was moved to tears by the powerful personal accounts of heroic Alaska Airlines pilots who, against all odds (including hostile fire and other dangerous flying conditions), performed the Operation Magic Carpet airlift successfully without loss of life, despite one plane crash.

How could I have been a resident of Alaska for over 56 years and not heard of this amazing story? Or of this Jewish Museum, for that matter? I have traveled the skies with Alaska Airlines for decades and never realized the brave sacrifices Alaskan pilots made while flying missions for the mass immigration of God’s chosen people back to their homeland, Israel. Truly, I can only chalk it up to being out of touch with important stuff at the time; residing comfortably in my mother’s womb during the final months of Operation Magic Carpet – that, and it wasn’t taught in history class at public schools I attended back when – OH NO!

History:

In 1948, the isolated Yemenite Jews were very distrustful of leaving their homes to return to their promised land of Israel. They had become assimilated into the country of Yemen, but after the State of Israel was created, Arab persecution of the Jews increased. It soon became necessary for the Yemenite Jews to escape to Israel. But how?

Link to brief history lesson on how Alaska Airlines helped put the project together.

When Yemenite Jews heard they would be flying in airplanes to Israel, most had never seen an airplane and could not imagine flying in one, but the word of this adventure spread fast as thousands gathered to be carried home to Israel on “the wings of eagles” – excitedly proclaiming that Biblical prophesy was to be fulfilled:

On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt – on that very day – they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” ~Exodus 19:1-6 NIV

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31 NIV

To learn more about Operation Magic Carpet, there are quite a few online articles of this historical Yemenite Jewish aliyah (immigration to Israel). Click here for a great example.

These vintage photos of the airlift are priceless.

Currently:

I have been paying more attention in recent years to ongoing importantstuff like global humanitarian efforts to transport thousands of Jews back to Israel. Check it out at Israel Breaking News “On the Wings of Eagles, Yemen’s Last Jews Arrive in Israel”; plus “The first group of 78 Ethiopian Jews to move to Israel after waiting for three years will arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport on a flight approved by the Interior Ministry in 2013—one that never took off due to lack of budget for their absorption, which includes housing allowances for at least two years.” – Read more …

I highly recommend a visit to the Alaska Jewish Museum if you are traveling to Anchorage, Alaska. If you can’t make the trip, here’s a link to the museum’s online 3D Tour.

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God’s blessings upon you all, my brethren, and, “Thank you, my precious daughter, for the unique gift! I truly enjoyed our visit to the Alaska Jewish Museum.”

Photos credit: C’Les Jensema

What is Love?

Shouldn’t we understand the meaning of love in order to love?  There have probably been more songs written about the subject of love than any other topic.  Entire libraries and art galleries have been filled with inspiring works about love.  But what is love anyway?

Jesus left us with this parting message during the Last Supper:

34“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
 ~ John 13:34-35 (NIV)

The greatest definition of love that satisfies my heart and fulfills the entire law of God Almighty was written by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Corinth. Corinth was a corrupt city whose system and culture was driven with idolatry and immorality.  Believers at Corinth were struggling with divisions, as some were falling prey to the influences of their environment – trying to blend their newly found faith in Jesus with the old traditions of “enlightenment” (what is right is wrong and vice versa).  Other church members at Corinth were feeling the crunch of living for God in heathen surroundings.  The spiritual warfare must have been intense!

Doesn’t that resemble the church today?  But Paul was inspired by God to reach out to them with this treasured poetic teaching on God’s perfect love that has stood the test of time:

1”If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love,
I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries
and all knowledge, And if I have a faith that can move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing.
3If I give all I possess to the poor
and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,
but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy;
It does not boast, it is not proud.
5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth.
7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease;
where there are tongues, they will be stilled;
where there are is knowledge, it will pass away.
9For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
11When I was a child, I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child. When I became a man,
I put the ways of childhood behind me.
12For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain:
faith, hope, and love,
But the greatest of these is love.” ~ I Cor. 13 (NIV)

I wish this scripture on love would be broadcast on the news channels, social media, and printed in every newspaper every day.  I wish that it would be the highest ranking bit of propaganda ever spread throughout the nations; because true love really is world-changing.

That’s what love is – world-changing!

 

Another thought: When our time on earth is done, will we be remembered for having a heart poured out in true love?

God bless and thank you for following ImportantStuff.live.

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Where Were You? – Part II

God’s question of “Where were you when?…” in the Book of Job, chapters 40-41, is basically pointing out that He is Almighty, All Powerful, and deserves our reverence.

Does He owe us more than he has already done?  Quite the reverse is true.  Chapter 41:11 indicates that He owns everything, and owes nothing to anyone.    He created everything.  His perfect Son, Jesus, paid our penalty on the cross (free of charge); and all He asks of us is to trust and follow Him.  He only wants a relationship with us.

How terrible is that?

“Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.” ~Job 41:11 NIV