Happy Passover...

Greetings.... I should have taken a photo this morning at church as we celebrated the Passover Seder meal but didn't, so you will have to enjoy the stock photos that I've used in this post.

Passover began last evening at sundown and continues for 8 days. As many of you know, Passover commenorates the night when the angel of the Lord moved throughout the land of Egypt (where the Israelites were captive) and struck down (killed) every first born in the land who's house was not marked with the blood of the lamb. This blood of the lamb was a sign that this household belonged to the nation of Israel and would be spared from God's execution of judgement. This execution was the final plague against the nation of Egypt because of the disobedience and hard heart of Pharaoh. It was during this Passover night that the nation of Israel was instructed to prepare to flee the land of Egypt. They were given very specific instructions to prepare for their evacuation and eventual freedom from slavery.

The Seder meal in our church today was conducted by a memeber of our congregation, and a Messianic Jew, who did a great job of sharing the rich symbolism and connection that Christians have with this very special celebration. It was GOOD to share this meal with my church family in Darien, CT.

If anyone has ever wondered, "Should Christians celebrate Passover?" feel free to visit this link to read one person's response to this question.

http://www.gotquestions.org/Christians-celebrate-Passover.html

I, personally, find the celebrations of the Jewish faith quite interesting and I cherish the deep faith and rich symbolism that are found in our Jewish 'roots'. Jesus was Jewish....remember. :)

Happy Passover to all and may you experience God's richest blessings everyday!

"WEILD"....what's it mean?

This morning as I was pondering and praying, the word WIELD came to my mind. Interesting, ‘cause when this word entered my mind, I had been praying about the ‘armor of God’ and my need to be well ‘protected’ as I go out into the world each day.

As I pondered the word, WIELD, I immediately thought….SWORD and FENCING. I pictured a white uniformed person with helmet over head and face, waving a sword at an opponent. Somewhat comical it was, as I even heard “touché” in my mind and saw the fencer advance with pointed toe and pointed sword! I don’t know much about fencing, but I DO know that fencing is the art and sport of swordsmanship and it includes many hand, arm and body movements that produce specific offensive and defensive maneuvers. I also know that it is a sport and art that must be learned and purposefully practiced.

Why did this word enter my mind and what was the Holy Spirit trying to teach me?

The American Heritage Dictionary offers the following definition for the word WIELD:

1. To handle (a weapon or tool, for example) with skill and ease.

2. To exercise (authority or influence, for example) effectively.

After more thought, I correlated this word-picture (of the fencer wielding his sword) with the scripture that I had been pondering in Ephesians 6. Verses 13-17 describe the ‘armor’ that Christians are to put on daily. Part of this armor includes the ‘sword of the spirit’, which is a reference to God’s Word. I then had to ask myself if I am equipped to WIELD the Word of God with skill and with ease, like a fencer would wield a real sword? Do I speak God’s Word with the authority that has been given to all Believers? How can I use this morning’s ‘lesson’ and word picture that accompanied the word WIELD in a manner that can make me more like the woman that God wants me to be? Ask yourself the same questions and examine your answers. May we all be better equipped to serve God every day!

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-18

Friday Night Pizza Party!

Thought I'd share this photo with you all. Pictured is my pastor, trying his hand at making pizza!

Last weekend my church had a fellowship night that was very nice. Supper was "Make Your Own Pizza" which was followed by games and conversation. Very relaxing and a great way to get to know the folks in my church family! It's so important to build healthy, loving relationships with other Christians....and for me, that is FUN!