Holy Land Visit

Lessons learned while in the Holy Land:

-It is true that a Mediterranean diet and exercise is good for you. (Many people gain weight on vacation. I lost 7 pounds).

-Despite eating grilled vegetables, chicken, fish, and hummus nearly every day, I still like these foods.

-Israel in September is just about as hot as Sacramento in July. Some places, like Nazareth, are very humid, and others, like Masada, are very dry --all depends on how close to the Mediterranean Sea or the desert you are.

- When traveling internationally, you will go through so many security checks that you will most likely qualify for a position within the FBI.

-A good hat, sun screen, moisturizer, a cheap little fan to plug into your phone, and LOTS of water, will most certainly be your new best friends.

-If you were out of shape before going to Israel, you will be in much better physical condition when you leave. (There will be much daily climbing up and down very steep steps and slopes, and lots, and lots, of walking and sweating in the heat.)

Some people can be very aggressive, rude, and well, to be honest, annoying. Being on a tour, you're stuck with 40 plus other people, and you must be able to put up with such behavior. There is a reason why much of the world sees us as "Spoiled Americans."

We have become accustomed to convenience and having a wide variety of foods and comforts at our fingertips. When traveling to another country, one needs to be aware of the local foods, landscapes, climate, and culture, and honor and respect that--not gripe about it the whole trip. Forgive them Lord, for they are just people and know not what they do.

-Pretty much everything you've heard about the Dead Sea is true. It has an extremely high salt and mineral content, and it leaves your skin feeling amazing. The water and the mud are very healing.

-The history and the biblical significance of each holy and ancient site is incredible, but words don't do justice for the feeling and presence of both Spirit and spirit in these places. Some are dark and negative, some very solemn, some joyous, but all having a deeply, profound effect on each individual.

-What you have heard or seen on TV about the Middle East is only partly true. Yes, there is still conflict there, and there may always be conflict there until the end of time.

 Yes, terrorism exists, but these are the extremists, and there are evil people of all races, faiths, and cultures. Open your history books. The people I encountered in both Israel and Jordan were just ordinary people like you and me--living their lives, going to school, going to work, and caring for their families. They were very friendly and welcoming, and at no point was I ever afraid.

-A few personal experiences:
-- I am not the same person I was years ago, and I am grateful for that. I am continuing to grow every day.

-- We must take the time every day to be still and listen. That small voice that speaks to you is an important message from God. Listen to it. For His voice only has your best interest at heart and He will NEVER steer you wrong.

-- My life is not my own. No matter how much or how often I try to take matters into my own hands, it's still His will--not mine.

-- I am still on the right path both in my faith journey and in the mundane world.
-- All of God's children are beautiful and worthy of love despite the sin, lifestyle choices, and character flaws.

-- There is life outside of work, and difficult as it may be, you need to make the time for yourself. Work will always be there. Your life won't. Live life to the fullest, keep checking things of your bucket list, and stop talking it so seriously. Spend time alone, time with family, and time with friends who are also family. Frown less, smile more, and seize every moment to enjoy a good, hearty laugh.

-- Don't take everything so personally. This is another difficult area.
--People are just that--people. Some are better than others in the way they treat themselves and others, and some are genuine while others are not. People will say hurtful words, do hurtful things, and will abuse the good qualities you harbor.

People will also care for and love you deeply even if they don't say it aloud or show it much, they still do. Forgive those that hurt you, never stop loving those who love you, and keep moving forward with God.

-- Although I have said this before, it still holds true. I really am blessed with the greatest of family. I have no friends, for the non-biological folks are all family too, and I love you all.

-- Don't go to Holy sites anywhere in the world and expect to see, with your eyes, Jesus. Just like 3 days after being in the tomb, He's not there. He has risen, and is everywhere--within and without (all about) you.  Instead, see with your heart and soul.

-- And lastly but most importantly;

I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES  !!

 

Sunday Sermon at Open Door Church 5/28/17

Jesus Offers us a Banqueting Table of Love

 

This Sunday's sermon was delivered by Roger Joyner, who spoke about bringing down drug culture in our society.  

Roger spoke about how God has spread a banquet before us. A banquet of love and mercy and salvation that we can take our fill of.  

He referenced the Song of Solomon 2:4 ,"Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love."  

He shared that while walking one day in San Francisco, he came across a man in Golden Gate Park, that was clearly, dealing with the effects of drug addiction. He asked the man if he could pray with him, and prophesied over him. The man wept, and asked what had just happened. Roger explained to him that he had just experienced a God moment, and that life for the man would be so much better, if he would continue to let God into his life.  

Roger stated that we must keep praying for God's presence--for a great feast of God to be spread out among the city and its people. We need to serve a "piping hot" testimony to others and let them see how God is working in your life. 

He also spoke about how he had recently traveled to 30 states in 45 days, and he was able to witness in various towns and cities in these states, that God is surely alive in our states and cities !!  People have begun turning back to God, and when you turn to God, He enlarges your heart.  

Roger asked us to seize the opportunities to spread the word of God to others. Everywhere you go, every step you take, you are leading a pathway to God.  

We learn in 1Kings 18:24, "The god who answers by fire—he is God.” There is an appointment of fire for each of us, and we must present ourselves. 

Roger explained how, during the revolution that was taking place in the 1960's in San Francisco, young adults and teens turned away from their parents and away from God, and were easily led into a world of drugs, alcohol, sex.  They were filled with songs about rebelling against the government, against authority, and that promoted the use of drugs, alcohol, and sex as a means of achieving freedom from discipline and order.  

Many young people in this generation fell into this dark, subculture, and consequently, also fell into the world of alcoholism and drug addiction. A world, where nothing else matters, not even God. All that matters is how to get your next "high" and stay "high".

 

This became the accepted "norm" across the country, and despite many people turning back to God, there are still hundreds of thousands still caught up in the throes of addiction, who worship the temporary and sometimes fatal "high" they derive from this lifestyle.  

The time is now for those ravaged by drugs, alcohol, and part of a society that has turned its back on God, to come back to the feast at God's banquet table; back into the arms of Jesus.

Roger spoke about "The Sound 2017," a festival of God that is going to take place in San Francisco in July.  

It will take place at the Gerry Garcia Amphitheater and surrounding area. More information can be found at thesound2017.com. We will release the sound of worship and a new day for America.  

Unlike the 1960's, where people were lured into the depths of rebellion and addiction, this will be the start to a jubilee of God.  

The spirit of Elijah will be brought forth to answer: How long are you going to waiver between two opinions? 1Kings 18: 21 "Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions?"  

Malachi 4,5, and 6 all state, " The spirit of Elijah will come before the judgment day --back to our father, to our children."  

James 5:17, "Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years."

 

 by Laurie Moulton

 

Nahum Prophesies

This post is from Laurie's notes during the Bible Study at Open Door Church Sunday Morning.

 

 

 

This week's Sunday school lesson continued on the book of the prophet, Nahum, and the destruction of Nineveh. 

It was explained that Daniel, when addressing the captives in Babylon, was still alive at the time of Nahum's prophesy. These were times of great battles between the nations for control of power over the people and the land.

Each time the land was besieged, trees would be cut down, and the land would be deforested (a cause of desert waist-lands). In an effort to control the people further, taxes were levied on remaining fruit-bearing trees, causing  famine.

Famine, coupled with the deforestation, drew lions to this area, an area where lions do not typically live. Remember Daniel and the lion's den?

As we read from chapter 1 of Nahum, we learned that Nahum had foretold that trouble was about to befall Nineveh, but that God is good and a safe place of refuge in times of trouble.  We must always look to God.

 

Our teacher showed us a  map of the location of Nineveh and the areas surrounding it as well as a video of a re-creation of Nineveh as it would have been in the days of Nahum. Ninevah was built on the river Tigris. It had magnificent hanging gardens along its city walls, and its culture was very advanced, including having its own postal system. Reservoirs and irrigation systems were developed to control the flow of water in Ninevah. 

During this time, Nineveh was the capitol of Assyria. It was a city of great, lavish buildings and commerce.  Despite repenting for their wicked behavior (bloody and violent sieges on Northern territories, sexual promiscuity, worship of idols and false gods, and infant sacrifices) nearly a century earlier, when Job told of God's anger toward Nineveh, and God sparing them;  the atrocities and debauchery continued.

 

This time, God would deliver justice upon Nineveh through its ultimate destruction.  Also during this time, the  surrounding kingdoms of Akkad and Medes came together to plot to overthrow and take down Nineveh.

 

God was on their side, and they were very strategic in their plans.  A year into the campaign,  God revealed to Nahum what would happen to Nineveh. The water in the reservoirs was lowered and released into the Tigris River, causing a great flood to force open the gates of Nineveh and flood the city. Nahum had a vision of this , and wrote it down, " But with an overwhelming flood, he will make a complete end to his enemies."

The battles fought by the Assyrians, were not just battles of land conquest, but they were also battles against God.

 

The Assyrians tried to pit the power of the gods they worshipped, against the One, True, God of all.

Ephesians 6 :12 tells us, " For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil."

In Nahum 1:10, we see that that the people of Nineveh are tangled up in their own evil ways and drunk on their own power, and they have let it go to their heads.

 

We, ourselves, at times, also become consumed by circumstances, and so, they too are consumed.

 

The Assyrians would often enslave their own people. God allowed this, because they were sinners, bowing down to and worshipping false gods. God gave them a choice, a warning, if you will, during the days of Job: be careful which path you choose--life or death.

 

God said, the people of Nineveh were vile because of their choice to honor false gods and partake of disgusting and evil rituals in obeisance to them.

 

In Deuteronomy 23:21-23, it states, "If you make a vow to the Lord, your God, do not postpone fulfilling it; for the Lord, your God will surely require it of you, and you would incur guilt. But if you refrain from vowing, you will not incur guilt. Whatever your lips utter, you must diligently perform, just as you have freely vowed to the Lord your God with your own mouth.

 

When we make a vow to God, He expects us to keep it. The people of Nineveh made a vow to God, when Job told of God's anger toward them, and that their destruction would be brought about. They repented and vowed to stop their evil ways, and they were initially spared, however, they soon resorted back to their old ways, and God brought justice upon them, and Nineveh was ultimately destroyed.

What is there to be learned from all of this?

Be careful what you vow to the Lord. As He has kept His promises to you, so you, too, are expected to keep your promises to Him.

God is a great and loving Father. He will provide shelter in times of great trouble.

 

It is in times of chaos, loss, strife, and trouble, that we sometimes try to take matters into our own hands. Some turn to drugs, alcohol, over-eating, rioting, violence (power struggles), and promiscuity, etc. as a means of escape.

 

God does not stop us from doing these things, as we do them of our own free will. He allows us to experience the consequences of these actions as a reminder that we cannot find a permanent shelter in these things, these idols that falsely promise relief. 

 

We need to seek the refuge that is God, and find the stillness and peace in Him, until the storm passes.

Cleaning Out the Dust:

Many of us are familiar with the term "Spring Cleaning", and now that Spring is upon us, perhaps many of you have gone through closets, drawers, and cupboards and gotten rid of that which is no longer needed, and dusted cobwebs out of ceiling, corners, and hidden places. 

Lent and the days following Easter are perfect times for doing our own personal and spiritual spring cleaning.

Why, you may ask? Why would I need to do a personal or spiritual spring cleaning? My life is on track. Things are ok. I'm doing well.

 

That may be true on the surface, but what are you harboring beneath that? What is swimming around in the depths of your spirit that needs to be fished out?

I believe that no matter your socioeconomic status, physical beauty, or popularity, we are all broken in one form or another. Why do I bring up the rich, famous, and well to do? Because many believe they have it easy because of these things. There is much truth in the adage that "Money can't buy happiness or love" It's like a drug that makes you feel high in the moment, but then the moment passes, and you're right back where you started.

So despite where one stands on the societal ladder, we have all undergone at least one or more of the following:

-A personal tragedy: the sudden loss of a loved one, loss of a home and belongings due to natural disaster or financial hardship, loss of physical functioning, onset of an incurable illness.

-Abuse: physical, sexual, verbal, enslavement (yes, it is still happening in today's world), or a combination of these.

-Addiction: drugs, alcohol, food, sex, money

-Loneliness and isolation

-Self-doubt, low self-esteem, low self-worth, low self-confidence, self-harm.

So, here we are a bunch of broken vessels. Clay pots shattered in pieces on the ground. Some succumb to life-long depression, some resort back to addictive behaviors, some continue the cycle of abuse, and some shove it all down, put on a mask, and pretend as if everything is always fine. All of us, still go through each day and night, physically intact and alive, having put the pieces back together as best we can. With any broken vessel, once it has been broken, no matter how carefully and exact the pieces are fitted back together, the cracks still remain.

In these cracks, dust and debris collects--much like the dirt that gets trapped in the grout between ceramic tiles. The dust that collects in our cracks is negative triggers and emotions, and like the dirt that gets trapped between tiles; it continues to build if we don't clean it out. The build-up can become so intense, that each day, is a struggle to get through, and depression takes over, leading to a whole host of physical and mental health issues.

So why focus on this during Lent and immediately after Easter? Isn't Springtime a period of new growth and renewal? Isn’t Spring a happy time?  Exactly! Springtime is the perfect time to experience our own renewal and re-growth along with the natural world that surrounds us. Through this, we can enjoy a happy time.

During Lent, we journey through a dark period with Jesus. He attempts to groom and prepare his disciples for that which is to come, and in the process, he also prepares himself. This period of inward reflection, allows us to stop, invite the silence to come, and plumb our own depths.

 

After Easter, the disciples felt as if they were on their own. Some even doubted that their leader was indeed risen from the dead and would return to them. They felt lost and alone. Jesus did return and gave instruction as to the continued development of the early church by the disciples, and the Holy Spirit spoke to them and through them.

 

In the 50 days leading up to Pentecost, if we turn back to that daily silence, and seek renewal through the Holy Spirit, we will, indeed, be refreshed and renewed, and the breath of Jesus will blow every speck of dust out of the cracks. Like broken clay, the cracks will remain as memories of what was, but the dust that collects there, is quite removable, if we desire it to be.

 

The choice is only yours to make; Do you spend your days in self-pity or seeking attention from others to fix your current state of being (which no one can do except you? --

 

People can make us feel better, but it is only temporary. We need to do the work ourselves), or do something about it and move on. You deserve to be happy.

 

God wants His children to be happy, and you can attain it, if you only clean out the dust.

  

Walk With Me

 

 

I AM LEADING YOU step by step through your life.

Hold my hand in trusting dependence, letting Me guide you through this day.

Your future looks uncertain and feels flimsy--even precarious. That is how it should be. Secret things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things.

When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are Mine. This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to care for you.

Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me. I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that.

Relax and enjoy the journey in My presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go.

 

A Transformation on Clerical Perspective

CLERGY ARE REAL HUMAN PEOPLE

 

Having grown up in the church and living in New England for a good part of my life, my ideas regarding the clergy of the church were based on only having been taught that which I was subjected to.

As a child, I believed, like many children believe, that the clergy actually lived in the church itself-- like they never, ever left the church or lived in a parish house or private home offsite. I believed the same thing of my elementary teachers, too, that they never left the school and had individual lives of their own outside of school. Anyway, I was just a child and a bit naive about many things.

As an adolescent and adult, having been brought up in what still can be a Puritan type of regard for the church, I was taught and believed the clergy to be more than human. To be the most Holy of human beings and the highest human connection to God. I believed them to be more pious, more righteous, and most certainly more pure and free of sin. I never thought of them as everyday people living everyday lives.

I was also shown, as per the above, that other than joy and sometimes anger, that clergy really didn't show any other type of emotion. They were more stoic than anything else. And I was taught that you NEVER looked upon the clergy as a personal friend. Sure, they were there to guide and provide spiritual counsel for certain concerns or issues-- marriage, death, etc,--but that was all. You only saw the clergy by appointment in the church office and NEVER in their own home.

So, those beliefs are what I have carried with me most of my life, and took with me in this new chapter of my life in the west coast world.

Having been a congregant of now two beloved churches in Northern California, my eyes have been opened to a completely new perspective.

Firstly, clergy are most certainly just as "human" as anyone else with a whole myriad of emotions and life histories. They can be just as broken and beautiful as you and I, and just as capable of sin as you and I.

I also learned, through the warmth and compassion of certain clergy that you CAN be friends with a priest, pastor, minister, etc. These friendships have shaped that human element and human perspective for me. I have laughed with, cried with, and celebrated with friends, who, oh by the way, just happen to also be clergy.

Secondly, I never, in my life, ever thought that I would hold a weeping member of the clergy in my arms and console them, but that's where I stood today--in a very raw, vulnerable, and tender moment; Me, an ordinary human being, consoling a member of the clergy.

Lastly, I have been invited into the personal homes of these clergy, and guess what? They live every day live just as you and I.

I would like to thank these clergy persons who have opened their lives, homes, and hearts to me, and shown me that you are not only leaders of a greater flock in the service and purpose to God, but that you are just as human --with human faults and weaknesses and strengths--as anyone else. God's peace and God bless.

 

Happy New Year to all of You

New Paths Ahead in 2017

 

The New Year has arrived and we are faced with reflecting upon what has been and looking forward to setting goals for what we hope will be.

Looking back on 2016, it was a year of national tumult—‘who's life matters,’ tainted drinking water in Michigan, pipeline protests in North Dakota, increasing police brutality and senseless killings of both police and civilians, terrorist killings in Florida, and months filled with; as I like to call it, "electile dysfunction."

On a more personal note, 2016, like most years, also brought about some life-changing events, multiple changes in my professional life that are still reverberating with many of my colleagues.

A stronger focus on my faith journey and a renewed commitment to deepen that walk and continue to explore and learn and digest what is opened unto me.

Deciding to host the most sweetest Taiwanese girl and learning not only about her culture, but learning all over again the joy of being a (pseudo) parent, and learning to forgive some very deep, dark, hurtful and heinous, and painful actions taken against me by those that should have been there to protect me from such things, and letting it go.

In a year filled with so much upheaval, it is sometimes difficult to find the positive side. The positive side does exist, if we only open our eyes and seek it out, and the positive side of 2016 is this:

With tumult and chaos, comes a drawing together of people to establish peace and order, and in this process, new relationships are formed and a greater and new understanding of and respect for each other is created.

Through all the personal and professional changes, those that care most about me and those I care for most--we have stuck by each other's side, never allowing the other to fall or falter, and THAT is a true testament of friendship.  We have survived and gotten through it all, only to have those bonds now even stronger.

The positive side is always love, and so long as we continue to uphold each other through every raging storm and stand for what is just and right with Godly wisdom and guidance, there will always be love--the greatest gift of them all.

For 2017, I look forward with an open mind and an open heart toward what is to come.

I pray that it will bring peace among the nations and a renewed outlook on humanity itself. As for myself, I will resolve to try harder to be kinder, to be more patient, more present, and more mindful of those less fortunate.

I wish all of you a very healthy, prosperous, and stellar 2017.