Shadows of the Messiah http://s-o-t-m.org Helping believers grow in the grace and knowledge of our Hebrew Lord posterous.com Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:26:34 -0700 Peace to You http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/06/peace-to-you http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/06/peace-to-you Every Sunday morning I begin my Bible study class with the traditional Hebrew Sabbath greeting “Shabbat Shalom”. It is my simple way of “blessing” the class as we begin our study in the pages of the Word of God. I continually make an effort to remember the rich meaning of those two little words I share weekly with the fellowship of believers. Perhaps as non-Jewish Christians many of us tend to regard the “Sabbath” as merely a physical day of the week…essentially Saturday for the Jews and Sunday for the Christians…which is set apart for worship. However the “Sabbath” (in Hebrew “Shabbat”) actually has a definitive meaning: ceasing from activity. In Scripture the seventh day of the week is called “Shabbat” as a day of “rest and of ceasing”… a day that is holy… set apart by the LORD. In Genesis 2:1-3 when God ceased from His activity of creation, He established the Sabbath as a time for man to refrain from his labor for a 24 hour period. Setting aside the “Shabbat” was also commanded by the LORD in the Mosaic Covenant following the departure from Egypt (1400-1300 BC). It is listed as the fourth of the Ten Commandments in the book of Exodus. The word "shalom” is often used as a greeting or a farewell though it can be used as a noun, a verb or an adjective. In this particular context of “Shabbat Shalom” it is used as a seventh day or “Sabbath” greeting and blessing.  The most common translation of shalom is “peace". However the word ”shalom” is derived from the Hebrew root “shalam” which in effect means “to be safe or to be complete”.  The salutation of “Shalom” packs into one little word the entire reality and desire of “wholeness, wellness, safety or completeness” for an individual.  Perhaps the most accurate way to translate “Shabbat Shalom” is “May this day of your ceasing, make you safe, complete and whole.” What a blessing… and what a privilege to know that as believers our safety, wholeness and completeness comes from the “rest” we have in Messiah Yeshua not only on the Lord’s Day, but every single day of the week! Shalom is a beautiful picturesque word.  In the Gospel of John, chapter twenty, we read of Jesus using “Shalom” in His greeting to His disciples.  Three times He specifically says  ”Peace be unto you” which, in Hebrew, is “Shalom Aleichem”.  Imagine…the prophesied Prince of Peace spoken of by Isaiah the prophet… actually stood and blessed His disciples with the greeting of “rest, wholeness, safety and completeness”… a magnificent "shalom" that He alone could give which would surpass all understanding. Even today, over two thousand years later, the greeting “Shalom Aleichem” can be heard on the streets of every city in Israel! Another modern usage of shalom may be found in a question which one person asks another…  “Mah shlom’kha” (to a male) or “Mah shlo’mekh” (to a female) which literally means “What, or how is your shalom?” Quite profound isn’t it? Imagine instead of being asked “Hey, how’s it going?” we were asked “How is your wholeness… your completeness today?” I know that it would really give me pause. I couldn’t just give some “random” answer. Almost immediately it would turn my heart inward towards the things of the Lord. Shadings of shalom are painted throughout the Word of God, yet the only way it can actually be experienced is in a living relationship with the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. For those who know Him, He is the One true refuge, the Source of all rest, the Author of all peace and the One who completes. He calls for all of us who are weary and heavy laden to come unto Him for the perfect shalom that is His alone to give! Though I have many favorite passages of Scripture which speak of  “shalom” perhaps one of my most favorite is found in the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26: “The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you shalom”. What a wonderful picture of "the realm" of shalom! As we look to the LORD alone ...He blesses and guards us...  graces us with His presence and favor and looks upon us ... giving us His shalom. In the quiet place where the cool waters of His Spirit flow to our souls the refreshing rivers of wholeness and completeness and His perfect rest come to soothe our lives. Praise be to Him for His goodness and His lovingkindness....  Shalom Aleichem!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:36:27 -0700 Choose You This Day http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/06/choose-you-this-day http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/06/choose-you-this-day While listening to the evening news yesterday it was interesting to note the differences between people speaking about the “Holy Land.” It seems that persons who regard the Hebrew people as interlopers and illegitimate “occupiers” most often refer to the Land of Israel as “Palestine”, while those who mainly recognize the Jewish homeland’s” right to exist” speak of the Land as “Israel”. Obviously there was and still is an ongoing debate over that hotly contested piece of real estate. People refuse to agree on what to even call it!  However, as Christians, I believe that it is good, even necessary perhaps, for us to decide in which camp we place ourselves. Is the Land given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the land where the prophets and the Messiah walked and the place where He will return… Israel or Palestine? Biblically speaking, the Scriptures reveal that the name Israel was initially given by God as a “new name” to Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. From that time on, Jacob’s offspring were referred to as “the children of Israel”. The land given by the Almighty to the children of Israel (Jacob) became identified throughout the known “world” at that time as “Israel” around 1200 BC according to archaeological data, and remained so for more than 1000 years. The fly entered the ointment in 135 A.D when the Roman Emperor Hadrian changed the name of Israel to Palestine after crushing a second revolt by the Jews against his empire. In an effort to punish the people and erase the memory of their land from off the face of the earth he renamed Israel “Palestine”…after the ancient foes of Israel… the Philistines. The Philistines are thought to have been sea-faring peoples driven from Aegean islands around 1300 BC. who settled along the maritime plain in what was southern Canaan (Israel) between 1100 and 1200 BC. Ultimately, they occupied the five cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron and Gath and fought with the Hebrew people up through the days of King David.  Remember Goliath... of Gath? The name “Palestine” is simply the Latinized version of Philistine. Hadrian, a dyed-in-the-wool enemy of the Jews, began a campaign of misinformation that remains alive and well unto this day! By using the name “Palestine” for the land west of the Jordan River, the legitimacy of the modern state of Israel was and is continually being questioned. Speaking of legitimacy, “Palestine” is now used by all nations of the Middle East… in their media, on their maps and in their classroom for the Sacred Land. Is there any doubt as to where they stand? Last time I heard it was something about the Jews needing to be driven into the Mediterranean. As a Christian I am repulsed by the term Palestine. However we are not without blame.  “Our” community also adopted the name as a substitute for Israel as early as 300 AD. The church father and historian, Eusebius, chose to use “Palestine” rather than Israel in all of his works. Ignorantly, though a resident of Caesarea (of New Testament renown no less), he referred to himself as the “Bishop of Palestine”! Perhaps he believed he was being wise in unstable times. However, as a result, the term Palestine is still used in our “church” writings and on our Biblical maps! In fact, the “Study Bible” I bought just last year has a map entitled “Palestine in Christ’s Time” as well as footnotes throughout which refer to “Palestine”. This should simply not be the case! Shouldn’t scholars know better? As the “world” around us juggles with the “hot potato” of the Middle East crisis, trying all the while to be politically correct,  we Christians need to gently… but correctly… continue to use the Biblical name “Israel” when speaking of the Sacred Land.  In these last days of apostasy, we have an opportunity to send a clear message that we believe the entire Word of God from cover-to-cover. If we search through the four Gospels, we will discover that the Sacred Land is only referred to as Israel, not Palestine.  Israel is the land where the Lord was born, was crucified and where He rose from the dead. From Israel’s soil He ascended into Heaven and on Israel’s Mount of Olives He will walk again! In those very Gospels,  the voice of Jesus the Jewish Messiah speaks aloud.  With His own mouth He calls the Sacred Land “Israel”… How can we… as the sheep who hear His voice … do any differently?

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Sun, 30 May 2010 12:29:52 -0700 Israel Intro http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/israel-intro http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/israel-intro The next few blogs will be about Israel and her people. As we are traveling to the Land, LORD willing, in October, I thought that I would share some interesting facts about the country for this first "Israel Intro" blog. We will be "digging deeper" as we go along. The nation of Israel today is nearly one half the size of Lake Michigan Israel is 1/6 of 1% of the landmass of the Middle East Israel has only 2% of the population of the Middle East Israel’s population is half the size of that of Metro New York City The land of Israel is 55% desert Israel is the only nation on earth that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its’ number of trees The city of Jericho is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world Israel’s Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake in the world at 695 ft. below sea level The Dead Sea is the lowest surface point on earth approx. 1,373 feet below sea level The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is the oldest continually used cemetery in the world Shalom!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Thu, 27 May 2010 20:50:23 -0700 Sacred Doors http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/sacred-doors http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/sacred-doors Psalm 122:2 joyfully announces:”Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!” How I can relate! It is an amazing, almost overwhelming feeling to walk that sacred ground… as,  LORD willing, we shall again …  in October! Last month, the Jerusalem Post contained an article about the restoration of one particular gate which caught my eye... the Jaffa Gate. The Jaffa Gate was reopened to the Old City... as the “finishing touch” to a two-month renovation and cleaning project. The gate is one of four main entrances to the Old City, built by Suleiman the Magnificent, during the Ottoman rule and inaugurated in 1538. It is the most used entrance for tourists entering the walled Old City which is home to key holy sites in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It stands at a right angle to the western exterior wall of the Old City. Made of large, sand-colored hewn stone blocks, the entrance is about 20 feet in height and the wall above it rises another 20 feet. It marked the end of the ancient highway leading from the Jaffa coast to the capital city. Today it leads into the Muslim and Armenian quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. The restoration was part of a $4 million project launched by the Israel Antiquities Authority in 2007 to" tidy" up all of the two and a half miles of the Old City walls… after years of neglect, destruction and weathering.  Broken stones on the Jaffa Gate were replaced and an elaborate Arabic inscription above the gate itself was reattached. Even the façade which was covered with automobile exhaust residue was cleaned with lye. In 1898 the Jaffa Gate began to be heavily used after being enlarged. Rather than having visiting Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany dismount his carriage to enter the Old City, the ruling Ottoman Turks had part of the adjacent wall torn down to allow his carriage to pass through.  Many have thought it a shame to have violated the ancient structure. Perhaps, the Kaiser could have walked in like General Allenby did a few years later in 1917. After 1948 the Jaffa Gate remained closed while Jerusalem was a divided city under Jordanian control.  In 1967 when Israel captured the city's eastern sector the Jaffa Gate was reopened. The antiquities authority decided to leave pockmarked stones from firefights which occurred there … so as to keep the character and history of the entrance intact...  something to remember... a price had been paid there. Quite a colorful history. In fact all of Israel has a "colorful" rich history! Though the walls of the Old City are a sacred treasure of antiquity to the Land, as a believer, I look forward to a glorious future day appointed for that place.  One far greater than Kaiser Wilhelm will pass through those portals! One who paid the ultimate price!  At that moment those stones will hear us shout!  We will cry out rejoicing with the Psalmist…”Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.”Ps 24:7 Just imagine that!!! I can hardly wait! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Tue, 25 May 2010 21:30:55 -0700 The Doctor in the House http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/the-doctor-in-the-house http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/the-doctor-in-the-house Our pastor has been preaching through the Gospel of Luke and it has been wonderful! I must confess that I have believed that the canon of scripture was given to and penned by Jewish writers... that is, except for the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Both were written by Luke, a man that most biblical commentators assert was a Gentile. However, after “doing the math” this morning, I discovered that Luke actually wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else...more than Paul or John. Considering the extent of his work, I began to question whether I was wrong in automatically assuming that Luke was a Gentile. If Luke was a Jew then every book of the entire Bible would be Jewish. That would be a nice neat package... but... not germane to my faith. Granted, the name Luke is supposedly from Lucas, which is a Gentile name. However, so is the name Paul. In fact, quite often when Jews lived outside of the land of Israel they would use a Gentile name in the ”world” and then use their given Jewish name at worship and home. Perhaps his name doesn’t truly define him. It seems that the historic belief that Luke was a Gentile is based upon Colossians 4:10-14 where Paul writes:” Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.  Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.  For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.  Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you”. Paul refers to Aristarchus, Mark and Jesus called Justus as being his “fellow workers for the kingdom who are of the circumcision”... Jews. Is Paul is speaking of them as his” laborers” in preaching? In that case, Luke is referred to as “the beloved physician”. Perhaps Paul regarded him as a physician and not a preacher. Luke is only mentioned by name in Scripture in Colossians 4:14 as “the beloved physician”; in Philemon 24 as “a fellow laborer” and in 2 Timothy. 4:1 where Paul tells Timothy:” Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry”. In Philemon Luke is a co- laborer, but in 2 Timothy, though Luke is with Paul, he asks for Mark to come to minister. Is Luke more than a doctor-historian? Each reference gives me pause. We do not know how or when the Apostle Paul met Luke, but as a physician, Luke traveled with Paul throughout his ministry. Some have argued that Luke had to be a Gentile because only non-Jews were physicians. Of that there is no proof. In fact, Jeremiah 8:22 asks: " Is there no balm in Gilead?  Is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people?” and Mark 2:17 says : "When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."  I believe there were Jewish doctors among the Hebrew people. Reading Luke’s own writings also" muddy the waters" a bit. As a physician, undoubtedly he was analytical in nature. Upon examining the first chapters of his Gospel it seems that Dr. Luke knew many details about the Temple in Jerusalem even the divisions and rotations of priestly service.  Whether or not he knew because he was a Jew or because he learned from others, as well as the Holy Spirit, is unclear. It appears that he also knew quite a lot about the inner thoughts and prayers of Jesus’ mother. The manner in which he obtained that knowledge is worth questioning. Candidly, I am not sure as a Gentile, our beloved physician would have been able to interview Mary "up close and personally" in those earliest of the early days of “the church”. In the Book of Acts, Luke uses the word "we" often, including himself in the "mix" with Paul. In chapter 21, Luke writes about Paul being accused of bringing Gentiles unlawfully into the Temple in Jerusalem. Though Luke was traveling with Paul... the angry mob is focused upon Trophimus of Ephesus who was seen in the city with Paul. The suspected trespassing Gentile was not Luke.  Where was Luke? He was in Jerusalem, that is clear. Was he at the Temple? Was he ever at the Temple? We don’t know. Above all, my main reason for considering the possibility of Luke being Jewish is found in Romans chapter 3:1-2 where Paul writes: “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?  Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.” In other words, Paul tells the church at Rome that the Jews have been given the privilege of penning the very words of God... to declare "Him" to the rest of the world. Is Luke an anomaly... an exception to that rule? At the close of the New Testament canon, are all of the authors Jewish except Luke? If so, he stands alone within an otherwise totally Jewish written Bible, from cover-to-cover. One way or another,  it’s a non- essential, but I admit, it is an intriguing thought. However, unless there is some new archaeological discovery in the days ahead we probably will never know one way or another. Perhaps it will just have to remain unanswered until that day... when I finally get into Glory...  look up into the Master's face... and ask Him with a smile...that "burning" question... “Who really is that doctor in the House?” Baruch Ha Shem!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Mon, 24 May 2010 21:36:47 -0700 Hold the Line http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/hold-the-line http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/hold-the-line I just finished reading the little Epistle of Jude again. What a dynamite book!  As a one chapter treasure nestled up against the mighty Revelation… it stands as book number 65 out of the 66. Within its verses the body of Christ is encouraged to contend for the faith, to hold the line, while living faithfully in the end times. Though the “last days” began when Jesus ascended into Heaven, the book of Jude is filled with godly counsel for believers living today. The author Jude (Judah in Hebrew) was brother to James (Yaakov in Hebrew) who wrote the Epistle of James. They were half brothers to Our Lord. Following His resurrection they believed on Him and became leaders in the early church. It is overwhelming to realize that, if in those very first days, apostasy was creeping in, seeking to discourage, deceive and destroy the young flock.... how much more should we be alert today! Two excellent verses which encourage the faithful are Jude 20 and 21: But you beloved building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. “ These verses begin with “but you”… telling us that we are different then the ungodly. We are set apart from the darkness within and without. While days grow spiritually “dim” around us we are called to cling to the true Jesus in righteousness. Jude also addresses us as “beloved”. The ones His blood bought. We are those “far off ones” for whom Jesus prayed in the upper room… His friends!  Yet, while rejoicing in our status as “beloved” we must stay busy in the labor of the Kingdom. We are told to "build ourselves up on our most holy faith"… in other words…continue growing in godliness. Like bricks mortared together we brothers and sisters in the Lord make a holy habitation for Him. As a sanctified team we build one another up in our precious holy faith.. as we encourage and exhort one another to demonstrate love and good works… to walk above mediocrity and stay true.  Learning God’s Word and applying  it to our lives helps keep us all on the “straight and narrow” way. We are also reminded to "pray in the Holy Spirit". Prayer is to be not a chore, or an exercise of last resort but a privilege of communing with the Father. Romans 8:26 tells us "the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” It is He who is "our Advocate" as we press on in prayer. No need worrying about having the “right” formula or words. In prayer we seek the will of God to be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  It is not vain repetition but petition and praise from the heart. We are also instructed to "keep ourselves in the love of God". Though the Scripture tells us that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" we must be vigilant to keep ourselves “close” to Him… maintaining a repentant spirit.  We are the watchmen on the wall of our own hearts and lives first. In other words, we must “sweep in front of our own door”. No need to take a twig out of our brother’s eye while having a two-by-four stuck in ours! The last encouragement Jude shares is to keep “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”… so simple yet profound.  In essence it tells us that someday the “war” will be over and our “number” will be up. Jude admonishes us to be mindful of that day and wait expectantly for it. Since Jesus has mercifully paid the price for our salvation… glory is guaranteed! In these two verses Jude tells us that as "mishpochah" (family) we stand called out, beloved of the Father in Messiah, led by the Holy Spirit, nourished by His Word… watchful… waiting expectantly for Him. Praise the Lord, He is able to keep each of us until that final day.  Until then may we continue to keep praying, keep  loving, and keep looking…  as together... we Hold the Line!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Sat, 08 May 2010 18:57:00 -0700 The Warrior is a Child http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/the-warrior-is-a-child http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/the-warrior-is-a-child

What comfort comes to the soul upon meeting the Lord in the unexpected dark corners of life! Almost three years ago I found myself there.  It was a place not of my choosing. I was sitting daily with my mother who was fading at the end of her life.

After more than twelve years of widowhood her health had finally deteriorated to such a point that she basically fell apart. She required 24 hour care. Unable to walk, reluctant to speak, she was imprisoned within a failing body, confined to an uncomfortable nursing home bed.  She was a little woman, hardly 4’9’, who had been a real dynamo in her day. Oh, like many of us, there were areas in her life which she chose to “ignore” or put on the back burner, but my mother had grit. Often as oceans of silence passed between us I would study her face and remember the days of my childhood as I sat in her room.

 I reflected upon times that when life had given one of the five of us “lemons” rather than lemonade, she would be sympathetic, but would not tolerate whining. In closing her conversations with us, her final sage quip would often be “Life is real, life is earnest”. (I never did like the earnest part). Somehow, even as kids, we knew that her insight was full of truth. Life was not fair. In fact, it could be extremely hard… and somehow we each had to learn to “deal”. So I was “dealing” while we were physically close… and yet miles apart …in that odd smelling place.

One particular afternoon as I sat and read the Scriptures, I was silently moved to tears. I had been by her side since early morning and the day seemed to drag on for hours while she slept.  My heart was heavy. I knew that I could not avoid the fact that we were rapidly approaching the day which I had dreaded all of my life. We were set on a path from which there was no retreat. After pulling myself together I stood up to give her a sleeping form a gentle “hug”… just once more for “good measure” while she was with us. As I leaned over the bed and lightly put my forehead against her shoulder in a daughterly embrace, she reached up and softly cradled the back of my head. In a hushed but steady voice she whispered two words…“Be brave”.  She knew I was there. She “felt” my soul. My heart was strangely warmed. She had impressed us throughout our lives to tough it out and now she shared it once again.

She rarely ever spoke to me after that. Some weeks later she passed into eternity. It took me months after that day to realize there was more than her grit alone in those two words. There was a spiritual blessing... a godly word... given to me from Heaven in that little phrase. While we were sorrowful and discouraged in that dreary place the Lord had seen and heard me grieve. In His lovingkindness He had given my dying mother a "word" to lift my soul.  It was from one of my favorite passages which I somehow "forgot" in my dismay... Essentially He gave her words from those He spoke to Joshua as encouragement when he was facing the formidable task of conquering Canaan… “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9.

On this Mother's Day weekend I honor her memory and ask Him to help me continue to "Be brave". May His Name be blessed.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Thu, 06 May 2010 18:01:49 -0700 Threads of Blue http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/threads-of-blue http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/05/threads-of-blue From sticky notes on our refrigerators to warning labels on our medicines we are bombarded with reminders and instructions… signs which whisper “caution” or shout “don’t you dare forget!” While living daily on the edge never “knowing”  what lies around the corner we have come to rest and even rely upon those familiar guideposts to keep us in line, on time …doing it “right”. Somehow, perhaps, there is a hidden comfort in following a daily schedule which reminds us to stay on task. How much more should it be in the things of the LORD! As believers, we are admonished in God’s Word to remain on track, keep focused and not lose sight of the goal. In one way or another all of God’s people have been given reminders and signposts to stay the course. In the Hebrew Scriptures in Numbers 15:38-41, the LORD told Moses   "Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God." In essence they made tassels, or fringes upon their clothing to remind them to be holy... wholly set apart for Him. The thread of blue (reminding them of Heaven) set in the midst of the beige or white tassels or fringes (reminding them of God’s Laws) sewn upon their garments was a “heavenly sticky note”… a warning label which cried out “Keep your mind on things above!” “Guard your heart!”  “Walk the narrow way!” As New Testament believers we have been redeemed from the Egypt of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. Though we have His mighty resurrection power working within us, it is easy to stray on our journey upward.  Just as the Children of Israel, many of us choose to "see" our continual high calling to holiness. Whether we wear tassels with a blue thread, or “religious” jewelry or post Bible verses in our cars or homes, we strive to remind ourselves that we belong to The King!  Isn't it almost overwhelming? What a privilege we have!  What a magnificent call we've been given! Consider His words to us in 1 Peter 2:9-10:” But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” We are His chosen special treasure!   Beloved of God whatever it takes  to stay the course...  make it happen! Keep the faith!  Post the verse!  Just never lose sight of the goal. Remember…He waits at the finish line!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:18:25 -0700 Face to Face http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/04/face-to-face-2 http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/04/face-to-face-2 While studying the Bible recently, I read about The Wonderful Messenger once again.  Hidden within the pages of the Hebrew Scriptures, yet there for all to see, is the magnificent One known as Malakh YHWH “The Angel of the LORD”. Known also as Angel of His Presence or Face, this unique Messenger is seen, often in human appearance, interacting on behalf of or with the Chosen People in amazing situations and in various ways. The word for messenger in Hebrew is malakh and when translated into English is the word “angel”. Yet He is certainly not your garden variety angel. In fact, at times, if you read carefully, it almost seems as if He and the LORD God are one! How often I have wished that I had been with those who encountered Him just to see Him face-to-face! The first time we learn of Him is in Genesis 16 when He touches the life of Hagar and foretells the birth of her son Ishmael.  Later in Genesis 22, on Mount Moriah, this same Malakh YHWH calls out from heaven to the great patriarch Abraham and commands him not to slay his beloved son Isaac.  In Genesis 32:24 however, Isaac’s son Jacob wrestles with a “Man” throughout the night but thereafter states clearly in verse 30 that he has seen God face-to-face! In Exodus He is in the midst of a flame of fire appearing within the burning bush at Mount Horeb in chapter 3, yet speaking as God. In chapter 14 of Exodus He is before and behind His people in a pillar of cloud while they face Pharaoh and his armies at the Red Sea. In the book of Numbers, Balaam, a false prophet for hire, encounters The Angel of the LORD while planning to curse God’s people. The Angel of the LORD hails the cowering Gideon as “a mighty man of valor” and charges him in Judges Chapter 6, to rise up and deliver the Children of Israel from the grip of their Midianite oppressors. The Malakh YWWH also prophesies the birth of the judge Samson (of Delilah fame) to his parents in chapter 13 in Judges. It is this Angel of the LORD in 1 Kg 19 who leads the fearful prophet Elijah to Mt. Horeb after his dramatic encounter with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel… and it is this same Wonderful Messenger who commands a repentant King David to build an altar in Jerusalem on the threshing floor of Ornan in I Chronicles 21. While the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob clearly tells Moses in Exodus 33 that no one can see the face of God face and live...  the Word of God also tells us that those who meet this "Angel" face-to-face seem to recognize Him as God and remain alive to tell the tale! Isaiah 9:6 states  ”For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This "given" One is a child and a son… yet at the same time … He is The Mighty God and The Everlasting Father! How can this be possible? In the “Hebraic” manner of thinking so to speak I believe it is perfectly acceptable. It is not either or, but both! In referring to the Most High, do we not read that His ways are not our ways, yet He dwells among us? Are we not told that He is full of mercy but also an all consuming fire judging throughout generations? It is a paradox… a puzzlement. In reading about The Angel of the LORD, Isaiah 63:9 tells us " In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence (the Messenger of His Face) saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old (since the beginning).”  This clearly describes our faithful God and Savior... God with us and for us!  How easy it is to see that the Malakh YHWH is the pre-incarnate Messiah... Yeshua, Jesus. Even before He took on the nature of man, He personally touched man, reached man, spoke with man! Though disclosed "in part" to just a "few" as The Angel of the LORD in the pages of the Hebrew Bible, the same Scriptures also promise that a day is coming when all of mankind shall stand openly before Him. Such a day... like no other!   The Wonderful Messenger once only beheld by patriarchs and prophets will  look directly at us! Now we see through a glass darkly, but then we shall see Him as He is...eye-to-eye, heart-to-heart and face-to-face!  Until then, we wait... we watch... we abide...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:39:52 -0700 Behold the Man! http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/04/face-to-face http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/04/face-to-face The media is abuzz with a “godly” sort of news. The renowned Shroud of Turin is on exhibition once again. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Turin, Italy, which has housed the 14 foot by four foot linen, reputed burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth… for more than 500 years within the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist… has given away over one million tickets for the first public viewing of the shroud in nearly ten years. Once more the subtle, yet remarkable image of the body of a crucified man bearing the wounds of torture suffered by the Lord Jesus as recorded in the Scriptures will be on display between April 10 and May 23.  Perhaps as usual, the curious will observe, the skeptics will debunk, and the believers will weep as they behold the sacred relic. It is well known that years of debate surround every millimeter of its’ warp and woof. By separating the stains of blood, dirt and water, men have endeavored to somehow “get to the root “of it so as to finally answer their scientific questions… putting in some semblance of order... the when, where, how and why of the history of the ancient fabric.  Is it a forgery? Who or what created the image… was it the power of the resurrection or merely the paintbrush of a medieval religious zealot at best… or a greedy entrepreneur at worst? What about carbon dating? Was it faulty during the first go-round as purported? Perhaps it should be carbon dated again… all is still up for debate. But now the plot has thickened. Yes, I believe that the waters have been muddied. Science has gone farther than I imagined.  Masterfully and scientifically the image on the shroud has been studied and pierced by the world of computer graphics. After months of analysis and research an impressive 3D picture… down to pores and eyebrows… a spellbinding image… has been wrest (as it were) from the fabric. On March 30, 2010 the History Channel released the documentary “The Face of the Real Jesus” in the United States. As I sat spellbound, the “picture” of the man on the relic nearly came to life… with dark hair and dark penetrating eyes.  Almost with baited breath I found myself looking, studying …then asking…is that really the face of the One we read about in the Gospels?   Did eyes such as those behold the tumultuous waves as He stilled them?  I confess it was… and still is an enigma. After the television was silenced and the room became still I sat and heard my own thoughts.  What really makes Jesus … “Jesus”?  Does it matter what color the eyes…the hair?   Can it be… can He be… contained within a picture?  Is it the icons of cathedrals which are emblazoned on the mind? No wonder the Hebrew Scriptures command us never to create, much less venerate a "graven image"!  What dangers might lurk in the darkness for the 21st century "seeker" who walks by sight and "feelings" rather than by the infallible Word of God! I came away reassured once again that it is so much more than the physical.  It is what Jesus said and did that makes Him uniquely “Him”.  No one has ever spoken such piercing powerful words as the only begotten Son of God…  His words alone are spirit and life! Seeing Him is far beyond the realm of physical sight… so much more than beholding flesh and blood. While it was interesting and even exciting to see an artistic rendition of “The Face” (which actually may be a physical likeness of the Messiah) there is no zoe, no life to be found in an ”image”. As believers, we are admonished to "study to show ourselves approved, workmen who rightly divide the Word of Truth". May we continue to focus on the written Word while walking by faith with the Living Word,  the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus of Nazareth, who declares therein “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me”! Only in the light of the Scriptures do we truly "behold the Man"!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:44:09 -0700 No Sticks Please http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/no-sticks-please http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/no-sticks-please
I  read a newspaper article in the Jerusalem Post this morning. I learned that there is a new one week campaign a foot in the Holy City... calling for the building of the third Jewish Temple on Mount Moriah.   At this moment, there are up to 200 public buses winding their way through the streets of Jerusalem proudly displaying professional signs requesting that construction begin immediately on the Temple Mount. On each sign is written the sentence  “May the Temple be rebuilt speedily and within our days.”
The ads however also feature a " picture"...  an artistic rendition of the proposed rebuilt Temple which stands alone.  By itself.  Both the Al Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock,  which are currently dominating that site, have been erased. The Dome of the Rock, the oldest existing Islamic building in the world...built in 692 AD, has simply vanished with the stroke of a brush. Hmm... what do the "neighbors" think?
A group known as Our Land of Israel has sponsored the posters declaring that they are looking and waiting for Messiah. The main purpose of their campaign, they said, was to remind the people of Israel that since  they have longed to rebuild the Temple for more than two thousand years...  now is the hour for the building to begin! I wonder. Why now?  Perhaps they believe that religious life for them as a people has been basically at a standstill since 70 AD and it's time to get things moving.  For years, we know that political negotiations have remained nearly at an impasse.  Is exhaustion from the wars and rumors of wars taking its' toll?   How about the terrorist attacks on city buses?  Or, the frustration from being forbidden to pray on the Temple Mount?
Many claim to be looking for Messiah.  In fact, at this time annually, those who observe Passover, wait faithfully, with patience and religious fervor, for the herald of the Messiah, Elijah, to join them at the Seder table. Let me say confidently... Messiah has come!  I know Him. I serve Him, Yeshua HaMoshiach, Messiah Jesus.
Oh, how I wish that those who claim to be looking for Him would "hear" His people... their own Jewish brothers and sisters who carry His Words! Yes, the Chosen People are in their Land again... brought there by the goodness and grace of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Yet, some in their desire to "help" the LORD  and perhaps "speed up" the process... push envelopes and throw down gauntlets with too much zeal, in blindness.  How much they need their Savior to set them free!  A mandate we have as believers to pray for those who carry the precious Gospel throughout that nation... especially in these days... particularly in the Holy City.  We must remember His Living Stones in that ancient Land! Hearts and lives so desperately need to be born from above!   Today while we have been blessed to rest in Him,  let us bathe in prayer, the lovely feet of those who are out there on the front lines. They are urgently seeking to reach the people who are floundering in the mire... many who believe that they are doing G-d a good service... but are simply picking up sticks and foolishly "poking the bear".

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:07:53 -0700 Of Prophecy and Politics http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/prophecy-and-politics http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/prophecy-and-politics During the early days of our nation it was said that people were living in times that tried the soul and so it is with us today ... over 230 years after the fact.  Gazing on the politics of earth through the bifocals of heaven is a daunting task.  What is really going on "behind the scenes"?   Last week, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel came to call, many in the media reported that we were "demanding" and "rude".  Were we? If so, why... and will there be any long and/or short term consequences? Since the Word of God promises that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse her will be cursed, are we destined, therefore, to suffer under the mighty hand of God's judgment for our unseemly behavior towards the apple of God's eye? After some consideration, I have come to the conclusion that perhaps our brusque treatment of Israel is just the tip of an iceberg...a myopic view of a much larger picture. We are a nation submerged in an sea of spiritual darkness.  When judgment comes, I believe that it will come for many reasons, including our slighting of Israel. The days of reciting Scripture in the school house are long behind us. The principles of God's Word no longer guide us as a people.  In fact, at this very moment we permit and even encourage every type of abomination known to man under the guise of freedom... openly “legislating” depravity. Though these things should not be, they are! As believers, many of us have scoured "many a Bible verse" looking for even the slightest prophetic allusion to our country.  Alas I do not believe America can be found!  If our story is not secreted, as a nation somewhere, buried deeply within the pages of "The Book of Books", yet to be discovered, are we not then a people conspicuous by our absence? If this land that we cherish, the land for which many have bled and died, is missing from the prophetic pages of God's Word, how then shall we live?  We cannot "vote" ourselves into the Scriptures. We cannot “vote” God and His Word back into the public arena either. The clock of prophecy is ticking… and it is Israel... the timepiece of God... which we hear. Scripture tells us that the nations of the earth will be judged for the way they treated His timepiece.  Judgment may well come upon America, in part, due to the pressures and demands we put upon His Land. However, let us be mindful also, that according to the Scriptures, judgment begins first at the household of God! While we dwell in a nation controlled by worldly policies and politics… never should we lose sight of our primary calling to be His body, the Church. While it is yet day, how we need to walk as children of light! We are told by Him to expect life in the end times to be as it was in the days of Noah. Men shall be lovers of self, unfaithful and unholy. Therefore, we should not be surprised at the world's darkened state. However, in the midst of the darkness, our wonderful Messiah promises that in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, He will return for us at a time when we think not!  Until then, may we “abide” in Him ...  ever faithful…bearing good fruit... sharing the Gospel... praying for the true peace of Jerusalem. How exciting to know that our glorious Redeemer awaits... perhaps He is even at the door! Maranatha! Even so, Come Lord Jesus.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:48:50 -0700 Shema- Hearing with the Heart http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/shema-hearing-with-the-heart http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/shema-hearing-with-the-heart I love the rich concept of the word “shema”… to hear with the heart. The LORD God of Israel tells His children in Deuteronomy 6:4 to “shema” to “hear". To hear with their hearts… to listen to His voice, to love Him with all of their might and to walk with Him in obedience.  And so it is with us! In the New Covenant believers are admonished to always have “ears to hear”. But hearing needs silence. The mixed blessings of technology can make it very challenging to develop a listening heart. The small “still voice” of the Holy Spirit can easily be muffled under the din of an ongoing newscast. A radio plays, a phone rings and the ever-exciting internet beckons… not to mention our never ending “busy” schedules.  Without vigilance and diligence, a day fades and another begins… only to find ourselves asking “Where have the hours gone?” Was there any quality time  spent in prayer with Him today… time in reading His Word… in “hearing” His voice… was there anything that wrought godly changes in my soul? Did I make a difference in His Kingdom…for His Kingdom, in obedience, because I  “heard”? Hebrews 5:14 tells us that the senses of the spirit are refined through practice, through our continual usage of them. Obviously, the willingness to “be still and know that He is God” requires a concerted effort …an effort to focus. …to be disciplined…a need to take the time to “hear". That’s our part. However the “wax” in our spiritual ears from yesterday must be cleaned out today. And so it is when we ask Him. Confidently with David we can petition “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me” knowing that He will cleanse us and give us His strength to set our “ears” and our hearts aright! He will forgive us and enable us to do His will on earth as it is done in Heaven.  How His mercies endure forever! Our cries are ever answered and our voices ever heard. Praise His Name, He is so good!!  Yes, Heaven truly knows the meaning of "Shema"!  Jesus- The Mighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords-  “hears us with His heart”... always...whenever we call!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:00:57 -0800 Building Biceps http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/his-witnesses http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/his-witnesses In the fourth chapter of Exodus the LORD speaks with Moses who has been called to be the ambassador and  the mediator of the covenant between God and His Chosen People. Moses fears that his words will neither be heeded nor believed. The LORD gives him wise counsel using practical instruction. In Exodus 4: 2-5…we read…" So the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A rod." And He said, "Cast it on the ground." So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail" (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), "that they may believe that the LORD GOD of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you." What a wonderful picture of the great Lawgiver being tutored in the classroom of Heaven! Throw it down.. pick it up… they will believe! How about us? Have you ever wondered in what manner our "message"  is heard? We are called "ambassadors" for Christ. Are we even perceived as being followers of Messiah Jesus while living  in the midst of a "crooked" generation? It really gets down to a personal issue. Am I holding on to something that hinders Heavenly “progress”?  What is in my grasp that needs to be “thrown down”? What does the Spirit of God wish me to "pick up" in order to transform my life so that ultimately the lives of others will be eternally changed for the good as well?  Confidently, we read in the New Covenant that if “any man is in Christ he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things become new”.  It is amazing, reassuring and liberating!  But within that same Testament we are also told “to throw away”, “to put aside” things that are specifically of the “self” life. We are commanded to “cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light”. We are reminded to ”lay aside" all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and "receive" with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save our souls. Perhaps it is a bit like building up “spiritual” biceps. Throw down the self life, pick up the godly. Cast self down, lift Jesus up.  It's an ongoing practice...  undoubtedly somewhat similar to working the body with physical weights… keep changing the amount of weight lifted along with the number of reps. At the end of the day stronger muscles are built. So it is in the realm of the spirit…Godly change promotes godly results. The hissing snake of self thrown into the dirt morphs into a staff of gentle holiness when controlled by the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us forever He would be with us ... never to leave or forsake us.  What a great promise to treasure... what a great power to claim!  Let us step forward and heed His call... Throw it down!  Pick it up!  They will believe!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:07:33 -0800 Zachar... Remember http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/zachar-remember http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/zachar-remember To think. To recollect. To remember. How wonderful it is to stroll up and down the hallways of the mind!  While leafing through photographs of the heart, we can saunter back to days lived long ago. Giggles of laughter or the warmth of a sunny day can return to us  in explosive dimensions… when a moment suspended in time … frozen… forever held captive… lives again… resurrected with a mere thought. How much our memories are a voyage of the soul. To that wondrous adventure of memory we are summoned by the Word of God. As believers we  are called to embark on a journey of the Spirit to “zachar:  to remember”. The King of Heaven calls us to remember His works… His wonders… His Name.  We are instructed to never forget His law or His benefits.  What a privilege and a joy to enter in to the dimension of the Divine! As the weight of daily life presses in upon us or the nagging discouragement of unfulfilled dreams wrests sleep from us in the nighttime hours, we are told to look up! Remember His promises. Remember that He never slumbers or sleeps. Remember that He alone gives us our daily bread and meets all of our needs. Remember all that He has done and all that He will do on our behalf  because we are His very own. Yes, it is pleasant to cherish moments we've experienced "naturally" in days past , but blissful beyond measure to look " through" to Him... the Lord of  Heaven in the midst of them. Come. Zachar. Remember… Taste and see that the LORD is, the LORD was, and the LORD always will be good!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:31:55 -0800 Words, Words and More Words http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/words-words-and-more-words-2 http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/03/words-words-and-more-words-2 What a phenomenal way to communicate...  speech!  Gifted and unique above all creation we relate to one another through the amazing power of language.  From the cradle to the grave, words are spoken to us and by us that make us “who we are”. Words develop our identity. To this day, my speech patterns and colloquialisms reflect the days of my childhood. When I am frustrated I say that I am “busier than a one armed paper hanger” as did my mother. And some days I am more than happy to tell that to anyone within earshot! But there are other words I have spoken … words that tore the soul… words that were rude and prideful… insensitive words that I literally poured on others through the years. Those words remain lodged deep within hearts somewhere.  Whose identity did I impact?  What words did I share with my children? When my husband thinks of me does he primarily “hear” sweet colorful phrases spoken in a Midwestern “twang” which make him smile? After so many years of verbally expressing myself, I do not know which words of mine fell on unsuspecting ears in a grocery store, in a neighborhood or in a church house.  Oh, with the great privilege of speech comes the awesome responsibility of choosing words wisely!  There are words we can never take back. But, thank Heaven we are not alone in this quest. The LORD Himself has given us His Word as our light in the darkness and the Holy Spirit to empower us along our journey. We read.  We listen. We learn. We change. Yes, a word fitly spoken word can forever bless others and impact the Kingdom for good! As believers, beloved, we stand on holy ground. May we speak edifying words… words that impart grace to the hearer… until that glorious day when we hear Him say …“Well done, good and faithful servant!”…  Blessed be His Name!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:22:55 -0800 Behold The Kingdom http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/02/behold-the-kingdom http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/02/behold-the-kingdom I am always delighted to find principles of the Kingdom of Heaven hidden in the Word. An interesting one I read the other day was  in the Gospel of John in Chapter 3 Verse 30 where the last Old Testament prophet,  "the greatest born of woman"... John the Baptizer... revealed a foundation stone of the Kingdom of Heaven in one simple statement. Speaking of Jesus he said  "He must increase but I must decrease".  Now as a New Testament believer, born from above by the Spirit of God through trust and faith in the Lord Jesus, "kingdom" life in Him for me  is a reality.  My citizenship is in Heaven. But I still have to live on the terra firma... here in the so called "real world" while living the Kingdom of Heaven life!  I wonder "What kind of a citizen am I" ?" Do I demonstrate the life of a sojourner whose citizenship is in the heavenlies?" Perhaps a good place to begin would be by asking the question ... Who or what is increasing and... Who or what is decreasing in my life? In other words, "Who is driving the train here?" or   "Who or what is my king? "... moment by moment?  If I am a citizen of Heaven am I truly living like it?  It is a principle so simple that  it was understood by the last of the Old Testament saints... yet so profound that this "New Testament saint"  needs to "walk out" her salvation while carrying those "citizenship" papers from on High!  As His children desiring to demonstrate authentic Christianity to our world   " He must increase... and I must decrease"... in all things, in everything.  Amen. Amen. May it ever be!  In that truth... each will behold the Kingdom!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:21:32 -0800 Baruch Ha Shem http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/02/baruch-ha-shem http://s-o-t-m.org/2010/02/baruch-ha-shem Blessed be the Name of the LORD who surrounds us with favor as with a shield! We have had one exciting day after another since we began the preparations for "A Journey of a Lifetime" tour of Israel 2010. So many wonderful believers have encouraged us to "keep moving forward" as we put this adventure together. In the natural we feel so very inadequate to dot all of the "i's" and cross the "t's". Meeting with believers in the land is a major priority and needs to be accomplished in His way. Right people, right places, right times! Only the Father knows the ins and outs of this endeavor, and only He alone can make the crooked places straight. Truth be told we may not even know that something is crooked! I am fully persuaded that the majority of my preparation needs to be done in my "prayer closet". Lord, give me the self discipline to enter there often and faithfully! We are excited beyond description and awed with a tad of terror thrown in...LOL!   In faith, however, like Esther, I have no doubt that we have been brought to the kingdom for such a time as this!  We are at 247 days and counting...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/211005/betsy-phone__21_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4bhDkWAozyxP Jerry Welch jerry Jerry Welch