Believing the Promises of God - in His Word

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Without weakening in his faith… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. ~ Romans 4 [selected 18-21]



Thursday, April 22, 2010

Jerusalem - The HOLY CITY of GOD

Isaiah 48 [The Message]
Tested in the Furnace of Affliction 1-10

"And now listen to this, family of Jacob, you who are called by the name Israel: Who got you started in the loins of Judah, you who use God's name to back up your promises and pray to the God of Israel? But do you mean it?
Do you live like it? You claim to be citizens of the Holy City; you act as though you lean on the God of Israel, named God-of-the-Angel-Armies. For a long time now, I've let you in on the way I work: I told you what I was going to do beforehand, then I did it and it was done, and that's that. I know you're a bunch of hardheads, obstinate and flint-faced, So I got a running start and began telling you what was going on before it even happened. That is why you can't say, 'My god-idol did this.'
'My favorite god-carving commanded this. 'You have all this evidence confirmed by your own eyes and ears.

Shouldn't you be talking about it? And that was just the beginning. I have a lot more to tell you, things you never knew existed. This isn't a variation on the same old thing.
This is new, brand-new, something you'd never guess or dream up. When you hear this you won't be able to say, 'I knew that all along. 'You've never been good listeners to Me.
You have a history of ignoring Me, A sorry track record of fickle attachments—
rebels from the womb. But out of the sheer goodness of My heart, because of who I am,I keep a tight rein on My anger and hold My temper. I don't wash My hands of you. Do you see what I've done?
I've refined you, but not without fire.
I've tested you like silver in the furnace of affliction. Out of Myself, simply because of who I am, I do what I do.

There is nothing more breathtaking than Jerusalem! When our eyes met this Holy City there were gasps under our breath - then came the silence of all those on our tour bus. There is no describing it. The walls and buildings of this city are smaller in scale than I had imagined which makes seeing it that much more surreal. There is an air of ancient days that never left my senses the entire time we visited. Everyone in the bus said, "This feels like HOME!" For sure it was home for us.

I will be sharing passages from The Message [a paraphrase] because that is what God asked me to take along - rather than my heavy pen-noted study Bible. He had said before I left - to just 'read it like a story' and just enjoy His Presence in that place with no work - no preparation - no preconceptions on my part. I should just flow with all that He had to show me and those with me. Indeed, He led me by the hand as my ultimate tour guide.

Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
Slideshow added to header.......

14 comments:

Patrinas Pencil said...

such a special blessing for you to be able to go to the Holy City of Jerusalem!! His Presence was most certainly with you all the way. Anxious to hear and see more. You trusted God ! You never gave up Hope! He speaks and you listen - You are a friend of God...thank you for sharing your life and love for God and His people with us.


Huging you with the love of the Lord,
Patrina <")>><
His watchman on the wall

Runner Mom said...

So glad you made it home safely! It was wonderful being able to pray for you! THank you!This photo is simply breath taking...I can understand why!

Hugs!
Susan

Heart2Heart said...

Stephanie,

I can only imagine how much this trip will be so life changing for you. I know I would be completely stunned and in awe of it all. Enjoy your trip and I look forward to reading more about it over the time you are gone.

If you get a chance, stop by and participate in some of my giveaways, most of them end this weekend! I'd love to have you join!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Beth Herring said...

Oh, I just can't even imagine the feeling that came over you!

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Stephanie!!! I am so glad you are home! I can't wait to hear all you have to say and see your pictures!!!! Thank you for letting me be a small part of your journey!!! Bonnie

prashant said...

I know I would be completely stunned and in awe of it all. Enjoy your trip and I look forward to reading more about it over the time you are gone.
home jobs india

Patrinas Pencil said...

Thanks for the added slide show! My very very favorite was the sunsets or sunrise - over the Sea of Galilee! Beautiful!!!

Take time to savor all that you saw and heard and felt and experienced while there. Don't let it fade....Don't let the routien of your daily life here in America consume the JOY He abounded in you while in Jerusalem! Oh how precious this gift was.

G-D be with you both now and forever more!
Patrina <")>><
His watchman on the wall

Cherie Hill said...

What an opportunity of a lifetime...so glad you are able to experience it all sister! Praying it brings abundant miracles into your heart!
Love, hugs, and prayers,
Cherie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

The "air of ancient days"... I imagine so. Love the photo show and look forward to hearing more about your ministry there in coming days.

peace~elaine

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

Sometimes we need to do things a bit differently and you obeyed the Lord by reading His word like a story. I liked the way you paraphrased it. When you do that, you have to really stop and think about what the passage is saying. What a great way to get the Word into your soul. God bless and thanks for the great post.

Anonymous said...

How exciting....thanks for sharing the pictures. I have been attending a Messianic Synagogue and am gaining a deeper understanding of Israel and the old testament. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Blessings,
Tammy

Deborah Ann said...

I'm jealous! I hope to get there someday.

I love how God wanted you to be free and unfettered...to just read His stories and look at His Word in a new way, while you toured His Beloved Jerusalem.

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Sarah said...

What an amazing trip! One day, we will get there as well.

I wanted to thank you for being a part of my first year of blogging! What a wonderful year it has been. I'm throwing a little party and as an honored guest, I would love for you to stop by and share a highlight of your year with all of us.

http://justsarahdawn.blogspot.com/2010/04/cactus-happy.html

Cactus Happy,
Sara

Yolanda said...

The moment I saw the picture in your writing, the air left my body. BEAUTIFUL!