As research-oriented people- we look for healthy foods to eat, beautiful clothes to wear, conveniences in life, and everything that says "New and Beautiful".
Tasting or knowing God has become equated with costing too much Time, Money, Effort. But it is more like searching for One Wonderful Egg filled with delectable goodies..
One cannot really say what God is like, but what can be said is once He is searched out and broken into- He has wonderful gifts inside.
Gifts you can drool over, pleasant to the Eye that can see, and honey from the Mouth that can speak.
Gifts of Hope, Confidence, Courage, of Comfort, Love and Contentment.
and so much more...
Gifts that nourish and replenish and satisfy you.
The most preciously sublime Gifts of Life, the comparison of which is not possible except with the Finest of Wheat and Honey from the Rock and Chocolate...
Probably not earning well, or spending well but the gift of Living Well. "I have come to give life, and that life abundantly"
This is the taste of God.
A super abundance at the point of your need.
Quit licking the outside and Bite in hard.
My aunt Satya Vedam (beige), joined the Lord of her Life on Feb 19.
She was widowed in her 20s with 3 small kids and fell into depression, and certain death when God miraculously rescued her, both body and soul.
She raised my mom (red), 12 years younger and another sister Susheela, and more family while they were growing up.
Her daughter is in grey, and the boy in black is her grandson's son.
She was soft-spoken, with great Biblical knowledge, full of love with a generosity that could be faulted.
My mom and her Sister rarely saw each other in the last few years, both being too sick to travel, and needing to depend on others.
But they shared something no one else can- the awareness of each other as Warriors in the Spiritual Realm. The bounds of time, body were ir-relevant.
Her sight in the natural was weak in the last few years, for she lifted a burning sword in the Spiritual realm, and perhaps, she opted to not see both...
Both raised war in the heavenlies, prayed for and healed the sick, gave Hope to the hopeless, love to the unlovable, Light to the discouraged and
walked the earth solely to plant the Kingdom of God. Their lives, energies, monies, times, were expended for a God who called them in Love.
They are the Brave, Fearless, Warriors who did things that no one can - and with whom many people will not co-operate.
Her name was SatyaVedam- the True Veda-
the Brahmins who knew her called her in jest as Panchama Veda- the Fifth Veda- a name that she held true, because she realized they saw further than others.
She was 90 years old on this earth and left a Legacy of honor to those of us who align with and associate with her name.
Matthew 19:29
New International Version
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
Such a Legacy is hers.
--------------------------
There is a related verse, to which she held true
Luke 14:26
New Living Translation "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison--your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.
In my youth, I used to wonder why it says "wife" and not husband. But when I got married light came in the guise of experience.
The husband is the one who saves, stores, safeguards- in my native telugu, it is "one who bears"
By definition, the one who bears the cross is the husband.
My aunt was called to be a husband.
To save many, to bear not her weight, but the weight of many, many others.
thousands around her bear witness to her labor of love.
While she was well, she would say- and many of us remember this- " today if I do not preach the gospel, how can I eat?"
Her discipleship was costly.
But evidently, it was less than she was paid for.
And all through the ages, the disciples of Christ say,
I was listening to this song, and it set off a spiral of thoughts. That Mary didn't know. She carried the world's biggest Secret and took care of Him for years before she could fathom what she did. Neither do we. The world He made, a fraction of the universe, is bigger than ourselves & our knowledge. We cannot understand all the details of a physical world- the quantity of sand, the depths of the seas. What chance to understand the Spiritual realm, where God Is?
So many times, In the Name of God, we go through hard circumstances, losses, tragedy- And when we are in the middle of it, or even after we come out of it, we really don't know what 'It' is.
And yet, we believe in God through it all. We believe He is past finding out. That He is good, and that all things He has made He will turn to good. If He has made us, and we follow His teachings, to the best of our ability, then He will turn us to good.
We are those who believe without knowing, we are the Faithful. We are the ones that Jesus told Thomas about. We are the blessed that believe without seeing. . If you are going through a time where it seems that there isn't reason enough to celebrate - May your faith be enough reason to celebrate today. Merry Christmas. Christ is born. And we are saved.
God made a Plan when He sent His Son. The Plan is to do it Right. Doing it Right meant sending His Son to be the Savior, to die on the Cross. to make way for a people to know their God to love and to be loved.
Anything else is not The Plan, not The Purpose. The Original Plan of God is to Love. and to be Loved Himself. Anything that questions the love of God to us is not right, and born of that which is wrong, and anything that questions why we should love God, above all, is not right.
There is nothing else.
We can be right having nothing but the right attitude.
God can be right doing nothing but having the right attitude.
however, when we have nothing or when God is doing nothing, there is no way between them.
So this too, is wrong,
Evidently, for those who think Christ is The Way,
we have everything.
And God is doing everything.
Many times in life, I’ve faced uncomfortable questions from different people.
And I could never answer, them or myself, with my faith, strong & unwavering, neither my analytic abilities, nor the depth of spiritual insight.
But the Perfect Answer, for the 1000 different questions, was not fully formed- until
the years of pressure piled up the layers on that sand grain to make it the Pearl- the Perfect Pearl of an Answer.
And some of the questions, maybe, you have more, run like this-
Why do many, many Christians think and act like they have
the right to fix anything, why do they suffer this feeling of moral superiority?
Why do some take the name of God and
try to make other people, in words, or deeds- suffer in order to change.
And why is it, that people who are spiritual and good, face things
that the evil should?
And the Perfect Answer needs a setting to understand- like a Pearl needs a string to be worn.
Christians relate to Christ in different ways and their
understanding of Christ comes from their relationship. Because each relationship
confers distinct rights, these are the things they try to impose on others.
It may or may not seem wrong, depending on your perspective.
To some christians,
Christ is an Family Friend,
bringing good gifts when good, bad when bad and that is how they
talk about Christianity to other people. Follow Christ or go to hell. Get fixed, or else. And that, too, is true.
To some,
He is a Doctor, someone to take medicine from. And they talk about Christ like someone who will help
if prayed to, who has come to do good, more than anyone else. That too, is true
To some,
He is a Family Member, Who will take part in daily circumstances, help a bit through the tough circumstances of life, as much as possible. And they think
life which comes at them, is what has been written by Him for them, and it is
necessary to bear it so - nothing too bad will happen.
And there may be many other levels of relationship.
And these imperfect relationships, and rights, make already imperfect humans say and do things that people are offended by. And while they may not mean harm in their heart, their inherent weaknesses, and their human drives, generally aggravate and twist something right into wrong.
And they try to push or goad or drag you to Christ.
But as we rise to the Highest levels of relationship,
To that of the Sum Total of the desire of life- He is
the beat of the heart.
And the thought of the human mind will bend to Him, and the
hate of the heart will change to Him.
And sometimes this imperfect human will say things, hear things, do things and get things done to them - things that should not be heard or borne.
But one chosen to reach this level, for many are indeed called, but few opt to be chosen,- to aspire to look away from the world and gaze upon the Face of the Divine-
For a Pearl is formed only through the injection of sand grains- and the Pearl that is Christ's Heart, can only be formed in yours, as He injects irritants, and piles on pressure, and lets it alone for the time it needs to form.
He injects, and He bruises, and it is right that it be so, because to gain such a Pearl as this, to feel a Love like this, a man can sell his life, and his soul.
But why?
Because, in order for men to give up their souls,
in order Create new hearts,
in order to change the world,
He needs an Oyster that can bear a bruise,
and show a Pearl.
And the days are coming, and now are,
To put on public display
Christ, the brightness of the Father's Glory and the express image
of His Person
upholding all things by the word of His power
When broken earthen pots, will show the treasures of
the richness of God.
And this is the calling of God- to awe the nations with the in-esteemable riches of His glory- so that all may be Drawn to Him- not pushed or dragged..
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
The birth of Emmanuel, is a sign. To what?
History- In the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah, 2 armies marched against it- Kings of Aram & Israel. They warred against it, but couldn't overpower it.
At this double trouble, "the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind."
And the Lord sends a message to Ahaz saying, “‘It will not take place, it will not happen" 7:6
And He goes on to say something stupendous: "ASK ME A SIGN" - A physical manifestation- in the depths or in the heights 7:10
And Ahaz replies, foolishly, or perhaps, faithlessly , "I will not ask"
Before He says, ask for a sign, He speaks to Ahaz saying in 7:9 - If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’”
In the distortion of his mind, Ahaz may be thinking not putting God to the test, may make him honorable.
But it is open rebellion to the word of God, sent directly to him.
So the Lord, Himself, volunteers a sign, a timeless sign : the Sign of Immanuel.
A sign that Ahaz would not see in his lifetime.
A sign is not to the unbeliever.
A sign is to strengthen belief & faith, for the believer to stand in the battle ahead.
When I first met Christ, I would think, if God gave a sign, so many atheists would believe.
And when I spoke to people about Christ, I would say, ask for something you need, I'll pray for it, and you can believe in Him, then.
But when I grew up, I put away childish things. I found the way God moves.
A sign, a miracle, is for the believer (and sometimes to an unbeliever actively seeking God).
The revelation of God is restricted.
The sign of the Lord is restricted.
Ahaz would never see it.
The critical, and the faithless, and the openly rebellious would never see it.
Is there no sign for them, then? Yes, the sign of Jonah: (Matt 12:39)
Destruction is set for those who do evil, but the privilege of Restoration is available if they fear the wrath of God and repent.
To the unbeliever, the sign is that of the wrath of God, of destruction, of hellfire.
But to us, those who believe, the spirit born children of God, miracles and signs, will follow. This is the word of Jesus. And what He says is true.
Several stories & several situations are spoken about in the Bible, when the miraculous is sought for and got (Seek and find principle)
Based on this story, I believe valid situation arises to seek and find a sign.
1. Ask God for a sign, when warfare against you is doubled up, more than you can handle.
2. Ask God for a sign when you hear Him sending a message through a messenger (like now) - God has already started moving.
3. Ask God for a sign when fear besets you and faith falters.
I've never read the story of Chanukah, and was amazed at the rich symbolizm in it.
God says, look to your root (to Abraham & Sarah who bore you) - and this has all the making of a root.
President Bush lighting the Menorah with the middle candle which is lit first. Every night, a candle is lighted.
The middle candle is called Shamash meaning "Helper" or "Servant", which are names used for the Holy Spirit and Jesus, the Lighter & Light of our lives.
-----------------------
The following is an modified version by Pr. Larry Huch. See full article here until available.
Chanukah (meaning Dedication) celebrates the Miracle of Deliverance and Supernatural Provision for God's people, 150+ years before Jesus was born.
The armies of Alexander the Great plundered Israel and later, Antiochus, defiled the Temple in Jerusalem. In this persecution, a Jewish priest named Mattathias and his sons – led a successful rebellion, and cast out the invaders.
Then they prepared cleanse and re-dedicate the Temple to God and light
the Menorah, the light that was supposed to burn perpetually, symbolizing the presence and power of God dwelling with His people continually. .
But there was a serious problem: a lack of oil to light the menorah. This special oil, only to be prepared by the priests, took 7 days to prepare.
They had enough consecrated oil for a single day and began the 7 day- long process of preparing fresh oil. But in the meantime, as an act of faith, they went ahead and lit the menorah … to release the presence of God again in the Temple.
The next day, to their amazement, the menorah was still burning.
It burned the next day, and the next, and the next … it burned continuously, for eight full days – when they finally had a fresh supply of consecrated oil!
God had superceded the laws of physics!
----------------------------
What is of value to us, is that Jesus celebrated Chanukah. John 10, the Feast of Dedication. Jesus, the Light of the World, has come to Jerusalem for the Festival of Lights. where He plainly states- I and My Father are One.
Because Chanukah, is a picture of God’s power and presence among His people, Jesus shows us an incredible opportunity for the Release of Miracles into your life
Why should you celebrate this special season? So that you can discover a new dimension of God's divine presence, His promise of miracle provision in your life!
Chanukah is also a time for special tzedakahs – acts of righteous charity and good deeds.
Today I ask you to continue the tradition of tzedakah at Chanukah with a special gift of support for our ministry.
-----------------------------------
Modified from Pastor Larry Huch's web message. See full article here until available.
-----------------------------------
In view of his request, we have decided that 10% of sales of our special Christmas Edition: EverLast Creme for Luminous, Youthful Skin go to his ministry.
EverLast is a limited edition, 100% natural cream, made with 23K Gold, Myrrh & Frankincense.
In celebration of Christmas, this new "Creme for Luminous, Youthful Skin" will be available Dec 1- Dec 25 and when I read this message, the timing seemed to fit right into Pastor Larry's message!
We made this cream to celebrate the rich Spiritual symbolism of Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh. Read about it here.
Available in Gift Packages of 1, 5 & 10. Buy here.
Rosh Hashanah- Judaic New Year starts on September 10 2010. The Year of the Lion ending the Year of the Eagle.
This has special significance to me.
A few years ago, I had revelation knowledge of anti-aging products to start our business on a prayer: "God renew my youth like the Eagle"
Molting Eagle
But the year of the Eagle is ended. The eagle symbolism-its molting process, which allows it to get new plumage- new strength & beauty- the metaphor of renewed youth.
So what does this Lion symbolize?
I had already heard symbolism of becoming lions that devour prey, but I wondered still.
As I pondered this and read my Bible, something I heard about lions, slipped through my mind and stuck there.
It sprang to mind because I met a couple last weekend with whom I had discussed a message on Lions from the Jordan, 9-10 years ago.
----------------
# Jeremiah 49:19
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of the Jordan against the habitation of the strong;"
# Jeremiah 50:44 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of the Jordan unto the habitation of the strong;"
Lions from the swelling of the Jordan?
In Spring, when the snows of Mount Hermon melt, the Jordan, overflows its banks and swells into the surrounding (dry) floodplain. This floodplain is full of thick brush, where only wild beasts, notably Lions live.
These angry lions, forced out of their habitation, as they come out of the water, hunt in the neighboring areas for a short time, till the waters subside.
Jeremiah alone has this imagery in the Bible, because of the life he led - it was almost like he lived among men like lions, who tried to rend him: physical suffering, prison, living in a well-
the whole of the book is trouble and agony, physical, emotional.
---------
The other place it comes up is when talking about the mighty men of David, his choice soldiers.
1 Chronicles 12
14These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand. 15These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.
Men who went fighting when Lions went hunting.
---------------------------------
Back to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet.
The Lord has a hard answer when he complains of the wicked taking root and making the land to mourn:
" 12:5"If thou hast run with the footmen and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trusted, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan?"
Whatever Jeremiah was complaining about, He said, it is as if he was fighting with the foot soldiers. What will you do with the mounted soldiers, He asks.
And what will you do in the swelling of the Jordan- when the lions come?
------------------------ Lions hunting - Worst of the worst troubles.Spiritually, It seems like your safety is breached, hedge seems cut off. What could not be imagined before has come against you. It is as if you cannot escape the lion- and it will surely put you to death.
The imagery is so powerful that a dream of a lion (there is a specific phrase in telugu: simha swapnam) is an interpretation of a sign of death in your close circle.
1 lady I knew dreamt of a lion and her husband died in the following weeks- this was the most recent, less than a month ago- but I have heard of many dreams of lions interpreted as death, a few in retrospect.
----------------------
But there is something remarkable here.
In Joshua, an incident happens when the Jordan was swelling.
Joshua says, "we're crossing the Jordan- priests, start moving with the Ark."
Joshua 3:15
And as.. feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
16That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho."
The Jordan's overflowing waters stopped in 2 heaps And the people crossed over!
The priests stopped the Jordan - when it was swelling!
It is remarkable because Christian symbolism interprets passing the Jordan as associated with crossing over from Death to Life
Not only did they pass over, they took 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan- as a memorial. 3and command ye them, saying, `Take you hence out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones; and ye shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where ye shall lodge this night.'"
6that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, `What mean ye by these stones?'
7then ye shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD: when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever."
Priests are the elite worshipers of God. Only they had the right to bear the Ark of the Covenant. Anyone who touches the Ark would be stoned to death. In the case of Hophni & Phinehas, they were struck down by God.
Priests are consecrated, separated, to God. They are not the singers- the people who get up in church to sing and praise God- yes, God has a place for Singers, but they arent Priests.
Priests are ordered to not do any regular work, their only work being the mediators between God and men. Not just singing, for these elite, their whole lives are worship to God.
Through the new covenant of Jesus, God names us "royal priesthood".
All of us, related to Jesus by covenant, are priests. To us is given the responsibility of bearing the Ark, the presence of the Living God.
They took orders from Joshua- he give the directions - they obeyed. Be obedient to spiritual authority over you. Many people think worshiping God is everything. And now we see that, even consecration to God is not everything. To cross over the Jordan, you need obedience.
Pick up the Ark of the Covenant. It takes physical work, to bring in the presence of God.
------------------- Dont be afraid of the Lions that seem like they are all but tearing you limb from limb.
Maybe you are seeing in your life that death is imminent, but the devil has always been and always will be a big fat liar
If you are a worshiper of Jesus, bearing the burden God has placed on you, obedient to the man of God in your life, I say this to you God is about to cross you over the Jordan, passing from Death to Life.
Plan on making your memorials, picked from the middle of Jordan, God is going to do something to tell your children about.
"The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book (of Life)..." Rev 5.5 (Thank you, Kathy)
Judgement Day, the Lion of Judah will open our lives up to public display - He only has prevailed, because to open this book, He had to give up His life to overcome (sin and) death.
Jesus said, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
--
On Rosh Hashanah, the Shofar is blown.
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound (of the shofar) they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.Psalm 89:15
The Shofar (rams horn trumpet) is blown on several occasions- celebrations, war, and during the leading of the Israelites through the wilderness.
Listen to the Rosh Hashanah Shofar sound
The clip below isnt a Rosh Hashanah sound, but is extremely beautiful, it has added reverb and effects for a mountaintop effect.
