Double Blessing Tuesday!

This week's Double Blessing Tuesday features a Jewish delicacy that many of you have heard of!!! It is truly one of my favorites and brings in the holiday of Chanukah with great joy!  Enjoy!

Potato Latke Recipe

Laura Hackett - "Beautiful Mercy"

This is is my heart's cry right now.  I love it.  He's so kind.  Yeshua, I love You!!!  Your mercy is so beautiful.

Misty Edwards "I Knew What I Was Getting Into/Don't Give Up"

THIS IS THE FINISHED VERSION OF THE PREVIOUS POST.  IT'S FROM THE AWAKENING ALBUM, ENTITLED "JOY".  I LOVE THIS SONG. :)  BLESSINGS! <3

Misty Edwards "I Knew What I Was Getting Into"

At The DMV With God

"I knew what I was getting into when I called you. I knew what I was getting into when I said your name; I said it just the same.  I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.  I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.  So just don't give up.  Don't give in.  If you don't quit, you'll win.  You'll win."                                                                                "Don't Give Up", Misty Edwards

God is not surprised by my sin.  He's not surprised that I messed up.  He's not shocked by my weakness.  He's God!  He knew I was going to do it before the idea even popped into my head.  And yet, He's not disappointed in me.  He doesn't regret creating me.  All He does is wait.  Wait for what, though?  Wait to punish me and yell and beat me up?  Quite the opposite actually.  He's waiting for me to come to Him (in repentance) so He can lather me with His love!

In saying this, even I have a hard time believing it.  God.  Who is perfect.  Wants.  Me.  Um...I think you have the wrong believer, here.  Maybe You called the wrong number, Lord.  I think You meant to call someone with a little less baggage, and a little more...what's the word....perfection.  I can see the Lord staring at me, as if we were at the DMV, or something.  He's just looking at me with His big smile, holding my number.  "Dolly, I called you.  I picked the right one. I don't make mistakes."

In my incredulity, I run down the list of reasons why the Lord MUST have been wrong.  Let's a take a brief (summarized and incomplete) look...

LYING. ANGER. RAGE. BITTERNESS. SELF-HATRED. DRUGS. ALCOHOLISM. LUST. DISRESPECT. PRIDE. ARROGANCE. HATRED OF OTHERS.  PERFORMANCE (the bad kind). ETC.

I mean, the list goes on and on.  That's not even half.  So...I tell the Lord again that He must want someone else.  I'm not good enough to be His servant.  Heck, I'm not even pretty enough to be His servant (just ask everyone who's taken a cheap shot at my appearance over and over again).  "Lord, if people can't love me, then neither can You. You're perfect.  How can You love cheap trash like me?"  Ah.  Now we get to the root of it.  I am superimposing the sin nature of others onto God.  Great.  After realizing it, I say, "See!! I can't do it!  Look how stupid I am!  I can't even figure anything out!  I don't even know You!"

The Lord, in His kindness, has allowed me to continue on this little temper tantrum/rampage.  Still smiling...He listened to every word, by the way...He begins to approach me.  In my tension and frustration, I back away one step.  What can you expect, though?  I didn't know what He was going to do.  He stops.  Then, He gets closer.  The anguish in my heart has brought me to an unknown level of defeat.  When He gets close enough, He holds me tight as I collapse into His arms.

This?  In the middle of the DMV?  I have strange visions.  What can I say? ;)

He guides me slowly down to the floor.  My body aches.  I'm tired.  All I can do is let Him do...whatever He is going to do.  While I am unsure of His plan of action, I feel a sense of security and safety in His arms.  It feels like home.  We just wait for awhile.  No words.  Just me.  And Him.  My temper tantrum is long gone.

When I more or less "come to", He says to me, "Dolly, I love you.  I am so delighted that you're even here in My arms.  This is where I want to be with you.  You can't scare Me with your past.  Your sin doesn't put Me off or intimidate Me.  I have overcome the deepest pit of death in your heart."  Here's the kicker, folks...

"I'M NOT GOING TO LET YOU GO.  I don't want to lose You.  I want to show you how beautiful you are to Me.  Forget those crazies who don't know what they're talking about.  Look at Me.  Look at Me.  Stay your eyes here, with My gaze.  I will overcome your fears through love.  I will walk you out of the wilderness, and you will be leaning on Me.  I will make you a testimony to the nations, and many will glorify My Name because of what I have done in you.  Don't give up.  Don't give in.  If you don't quit, you'll win.  I'm not through with you yet.  Don't think that because one season is over, then your whole life is.  You're not a finished product.

"But I will make you whole again, as when you were a child.  I will restore your soul back to fullness in Me.  I want restoration for you.  I want to make things complete."

(There's more to this that I could not put on this blog, so I'm sorry to cut it short)

I feel like the Lord is saying this to some of you.  Maybe you think your sin is "too big" for God, or He just can't handle what a "mess-up" you are.  Well, I have news for you...He just rocked me with what I put (and the rest that I couldn't share), and He wants to do the same for you.  Will you run after Him?  Will you simply walk in the room so He can show you His love?  His arms are open.  His heart is big.  Let Him love you the way He desperately desires to.  He's a good Father.  He won't hate you.  :)

"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner of whom I am chief.  However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."                                       1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NKJV) 

                                       

                                          

        

For Such A Time As This

This is the blog update I've basically been avoiding writing for some time.  When you get into the "gotta be ok whether you are or not" mode, it's difficult to go to the vulnerable places in your heart.  So, here goes...

I didn't want to come home.  I wanted to stay in my little safe cocoon -- that is, the "Onething Internship" -- and never leave.  I didn't want to face the scary real world.  I enjoyed doing my own thing, by myself, with the Lord, where no one could really complain to the point where it actually effected me. I liked being able to express myself without judgment or complaining.  I could be...me.

But, the Lord had different plans for me.  Against the counsel of most of my friends, He wanted me to come home.  Now, I can understand why everyone wanted me to stay, so that's no negativity towards them.  Even I wanted to stay (but I also really wanted to come home, too, lol).  But the Lord's directions were very clear. GO. HOME.

So, here I am.  No job (yet).  No car (yet).  No money (yet).  My only real security, right now, is where I'm staying.  :D  *grateful heart*  Everything seems so polar opposite of my time at IHOP, and I have really been struggling to not pack my things and head back.  I'm not in Kansas (City) anymore, Toto.

But the Lord keeps reminding me of why I'm here.  He keeps showing me how I've been placed back at home "for such a time as this".  This quote, from the Book of Esther, has been somewhat a banner over me for the past month or so.  I think it's ironic that, for those of you who don't know, I am currently playing Queen Esther in a Purim play.  When I first got the script, I wasn't sure about auditioning because it was a comedy.  In high school, I didn't try too much comedy.  Most of the shows we did were controversial dramas.  The ONLY comedic scene I did my sophomore year at Beverly was tragically chaotic.  It was so bad that it wasn't funny at all.  I guess that's what happens when you don't memorize your lines or rehearse at all.  lol.

Being my usual "do everything" self, I emailed Wendy Cohen (the director/writer/producer) and said yes to the play after only glancing at it secretly in the Prayer Room.  ;)  shhhhh. When I got home, I remembered that auditions were on Wednesday (I realized this on Monday), so I read the whole script.  As I am reading Scene 11 (which, if you come...WHICH YOU ALL BETTER...then you'll see what I'm talking about), during Esther's monologue, I began to weep.  I have prayed those prayers.  I have said those things.  I have cried out to God like that.  I cannot even describe the level of connection I felt to Esther's character.  I felt nothing for the other characters.

So, I prayed.  I knew that if any of the people I thought would be at the audition were there...then I definitely wouldn't get it, because I am simply not as skilled an actress.  That's not an exaggeration or insult to myself...it's fact. But I strongly felt like the Lord wanted me to learn something from playing her.  To be honest, because of certain circumstances, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to audition at all.  But, because of God (yes, Lord, I blame You for this, ;x), I took a leap of faith and went to Wendy's for auditions.  About 5 seconds after I walk in, Wendy said, "Well, it's a good thing you're here, because the only other contender for Esther couldn't make it!"  All I have to say is..."You're funny, God."

We have only been in rehearsal for a few weeks, and I'm finding that it is much easier for me to get into Esther's character, rather than Misha's (from the Passover play from last year).  The Lord has already been working in me through playing this character.  He is actually bringing up other situations to make it easier for me to get into character.  The Lord wants to make me stronger through playing Queen Esther.  He wants me to learn about overcoming fear (of her husband, of death, etc.), and He wants me to rise up against all odds and follow Him. TRUST is a new word that I need to become apart of my vocabulary. This will be new ground for me, but the Lord is faithful to complete the good work He has started in me.

While, in the world's eyes, my life seems pretty desolate and hopeless right now, in God's eyes, I'm doin' ok.  He's got me right where He wants me. I'm safe in His arms.  He will bring me through...I TRUST Him.  :)

      

Double Blessing Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S DOUBLE BLESSING TUESDAY HIGHLIGHT IS AN AWESOME MESSIANIC ARTIST, SHARON WILBUR!!  SHE HAS A VERY CONTEMPORARY STYLE THAT FOCUSES ON THE LORD AND HIS PEOPLE, ISRAEL.  YOU MAY ALSO RECOGNIZE HER FROM AMERICAN IDOL A FEW SEASONS AGO, AND HER CAREER AS THE "FACE OF FOX" IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA!!!  THIS SPECIFIC SONG IS FROM HER ALBUM, ENTITLED "MERCY CALLING".  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GETTING HER STUFF!!!  PLUS, SHE'S AN AWESOME PERSON TO BE AROUND!!!  ENJOY! <3

Cory Asbury "Faithful to the End"

YESHUA, YOU'RE SO FAITHFUL TO ME!!! I BELIEVE IT! I SEE IT!!!! YOU'RE GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!!!! YOU PROVIDE FOR ME.  I LOVE YOU.  

Bagels and Lox!

Wow, so I know I said I'd only do the Double Blessing/Jewish Culture stuff on Tuesdays, but I really could not resist.  You can tell when a Jew has been away from Jew-land long enough that she posts her breakfast on her blog.  So, my lovely friends, introducing Bagels and Lox!!!  This is one of my favorite breakfasts!!!  I really could not hold back from sharing my love of this food.  I went to brunch with my Grandma this morning, and I HAD to have something like this.  Ya know, ya don't see too much Jewish stuff in KC.  This is DEFINITELY a perk for being in LA.  That, and a Starbucks right across the street, lol. ;)  So I hope you are enjoying this beautiful picture and are now getting jealous and hungry enough to go get some yourself!  haha!  Have fun!  

Double Blessing Tuesday!

Now, I know this doesn't rhyme possibly like it should, but what they hey!

Traditionally, Tuesday is known as a day of double blessing in Jewish culture. It is three days after Shabbat, and is the only day in the creation story where the Lord says "It is good" twice.  Thus, religious Jews all around the world try to make their wedding date on a Tuesday, or "the third day".

So, my plan, or idea for a plan, is to give you all a "double blessing" for this day with info about Messianic Jewish culture.  I hope this helps some in the Church to understand the Jesus part of Jewish culture, and helps the Jews to see the Jewish part of Yeshua HaMashiach (or maybe it's the other way around)! :D  I may be posting recipes for different Jewish delicacies, or historical information, or even just my thoughts on certain customs or traditions.  I also may be posting some Messianic Jewish music to help spread the Word. :)

So, this week....oooo I'm so excited!!! I love my people!....I want to talk about what (or who) a Messianic Believer is!  Messianic Believers do NOT have to be Jewish.  There are many Messianic Believers who are Gentiles.  A Messianic Believer is simply someone who follows Yeshua (or Jesus) in the way that He lived -- as a Jew.  Now, what exactly does this mean?  Jesus of Nazareth was actually a very controversial Man in His day.  He challenged the Pharisees to stop living before the eyes of man, and spoke to their hearts.  Yeshua desires us to live before the audience of One.  He cautioned us not to pray so others can hear or serve so others can see.  He also, against the law of the Pharisees, allowed and encouraged healing on the Shabbat.  I believe the fullness of a Jew is one that follows Yeshua.  It's the completion of Biblical prophecy and the Lord's will/desire for His people, His firstborn son -- Israel.  Yeshua has a deep love for His people even to this day.  It is completely FALSE doctrine and against the Bible that the Church has replaced the Jewish people.

Now, back to who is a Messianic Believer.  There are SO many Gentiles who are coming to this "Israel" realization.  They want to do what we do, and live how we live.  This doesn't make them "wannabe Jews".  This makes them humble servants of the Lord.  For another person to come and humble themselves to support another people group even to the point of death is completely AMAZING!  How can we Jews not love these people back?!  I am so in awe of the humility and love I've seen by the Gentiles in the Messianic Movement.  Sometimes I feel like they're more Jewish than I am! haha. Many have provoked me to love my own culture more! It's awesome!  Shout out to my Gentile peeps!!!! I love you!!!!!  One in Messiah!!!!! :D:D:D:D

So, my question that I actually want to ask all of my Messianic brothers and sisters is...What defines a Messianic Believer?  My belief is that it is only our Messiah that defines us.  One phrase that comes to mind is part of some of the Intercession sets at IHOP-KC.  "If it's not Jesus, it's not justice."  Well, I'm going to tweak that a little and say, "If it's not Messiah, it's not Messianic."  Messianic Believers are the fullness of what it means to be "one" in Messiah.  I love Joel Chernoff's song, "Jew and Gentile".  He repeats towards the end, "One in Yeshua's love, one in Yeshua's love,"  and I think that Messianic Judaism has the opportunity to be the fullness of that without replacing anyone or removing them from their God-given calling.  :)

These are just some of my thoughts on Messianic Judaism.  There's so much more, but I think these are some of the important parts of Messianic Judaism that I have found many Christians asking me about.  My knowledge is very limited, but my heart is to build the bridge between Messianic Believers and Christians that we might learn to love one another in Spirit and in truth.  So please prayerfully consider my weak words.

I love you all!  And that's this week's Double Blessing Tuesday!          

Matt Gilman - "Holy"

I LOVE THIS SONG!!!  I FEEL LIKE I'M IN THE THIRD HEAVEN WHEN MATT PLAYS THIS SONG!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! 

I'm Home!

So, I made it home after a mountain top experience at the Onething Conference!  The Lord is so good, and He answers our prayers!!!!

I had been praying for all of Adat, but specifically for the youth (Adat B'CHor Ba'ish -- Adat Youth on Fire) since the beginning of the internship and even more so since I came home to KC from break.  My heart has just been ripped open for these young children of God.  I found myself travailing in intercession some night for the ones God calls faithful workers at Adat.  They have been so faithful to serve and to do the things that many adults do not even want to do.  But this time, it was their turn to receive.  It was their turn to find out who they are in the Lord, and get some breakthrough and deliverance.

Sometimes what people can do is think negatively about people because they've had a rough life and made some bad decisions.  But the Lord sent His Son to die for us on the cross so He could sympathize and understand our weaknesses.  The Book of Hebrews discusses in length how Yeshua can save us from the depths because He lives to make intercession for us.  He lives for that.  It's the groanings of the Holy Spirit that cannot be understood (Romans).  He is the perfect High Priest in that He knows and has felt our weaknesses, although He has not sinned.  He has been rejected, abandoned, betrayed, hungry, thirsty, abused, tempted, poor, etc.  Because of His abounding mercy and kindness, He has compassion on His children for their weakness.  He, therefore, gives us the grace to overcome our sin by what He did on the cross.  Praise the Lord!  I am an overcomer!!!

It was so amazing to see the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity and the Spirit of Yeshua HaMashiach, move on these warriors.  Why do I call them warriors?  Well, if you had not noticed already, the ones coming to this conference have had amazing testimonies.  While we are all saved from the fire, some of us have been saved from forest fires.  Myself being included in this tremendous salvation story, I was able to show them by example how God can rescue us from incredible depths.  I am living proof that God is alive.  I am living proof that Yeshua is Messiah.  Why?  Because He saved me from myself.  He called my name and...here's the kicker....I answered Him.  This is why I call the ones who came out here warriors.  They warred against everything they had known to be true (because much of it was actually false) and ran FROM their sin into the light.  They fought for their salvation.  The Word says, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."   At this conference, they began to work out their salvation at a deeper level.

The Holy Spirit answered their heart's cry.  He gave them revelation in worship and in the Word.  They began making choices for their own benefit in their relationship with the Lord.  The Lord actually held back some of the way the Spirit moves on me BECAUSE He wanted to show others that movement of the Presence of God is real.  They never copied me.  I didn't actually experience much of how the Lord regularly moves on me until the last night.  I led by example in running after the Lord, and going hard when it's hard.  I led by example in my love for them (although it was definitely a weak love).  All I did was build them up and encourage them with prophecies and words and edification and exhortation...and then I lived it out.  I had gotten some severe attacks at the conference in different areas.  But I knew that I had to overcome and fight for Yeshua!  He is my Rock and there is no other!

The Conference did amazing things in the lives of Becca, Misa, Boris, Alex, Gabe, Deborah, and Marc (and me too!).  For some, I don't think I have EVER seen them filled with joy.  Now, I'm not talking about some random laughing here and there.  That's not joy.  Joy is the deep confidence of the Lord's feelings for you.  It's deeply rooted in one's heart.  God set some free of a lifetime of depression and despair and hopelessness and thoughts of disqualification.  He gave them joy for mourning.  Their faces actually looked different.  They began to be more vulnerable with their feelings and even how they loved each other.  I just really felt, overall, that the Lord was tenderizing hearts.  He was melting away the past afflictions (whether self-inflicted or not) and giving them a heart of flesh, tender before Yeshua.

God became real at this conference. He became a real God-Man.

I'm just so immensely proud of everyone for going hard after the Lord.  They wanted God more then they wanted religion.  They wanted God more then they wanted the passing pleasures of this world.  They wanted God more then they wanted to be comfortable.  And how many of us can say that that is HUGE?  Wanting God more than you're comfortable?  These speakers got right to the heart of so many things that we need to hear.  Facebook, Pornography, Abortion, Sexual Immorality, Texting, Laziness, Television, etc.....they got it all, and they didn't hold back on how they addressed us.  They spoke truth, regardless of how uncomfortable it made us feel.  These speakers fathered and mothered us spiritually that we might know the TRUTH about God.  Oh, for a generation who makes GOD known, rather than religion and politics!!!

Adults reading this: you have a chance to change the lives of a generation that's been jaded by dead religion.  Show them God!  They want authenticity in the place of hypocrisy.  Show them who He is!  He is Uncreated and Glorious!  He is beautiful!  He is like no other!!!!!  That's the God I want! That's the God that I'll set my eyes on!!!!  That's the God I'll run after!  That's the God that I will stop living in sin to love!  Do you want your youth to stop living in this sin?  Give them a REAL God-paradigm.  This is what they're really looking for.  This is why they're crying out with their rebellion.  They're searching for the One True God!  They're asking for someone...anyone....to show them who God really is.  They want real love from the real God.

I cannot wait to see what happens in youth.  I cannot wait to see how the Lord is going to move.  He's got good plans for Adat.  He's got good plans to prosper us in Him.  Will you fight for it?  Will stand humbly and say, "The change starts with me"?  The best gift we can give one another is real love...God's love.  Let's stand together and go after God's love.  Let's intercede for revival!  I, like Paul, am the first to say that I was the chief sinner...but God has redeemed me and shown me who I am.  I DON'T HAVE TO BE CHIEF SINNER ANYMORE!  Let's stand together, with humility and meekness, and go after God.  Will you fight with me?  Will you stand with me?  Will you PRAY with me? You don't have to be 17 to have a God-moment.  Let's all ask for more.  Let's all press in for more from the Lord.  He is desperate to give it to us.

Woo!  I'm stirred!  haha.  More Lord!

Anyway, the Conference was BOMB. The kids are so excited about where they want to go in God and how they want to partner with Him in the future.  I support them 1200% and I can't wait to see where they are in the next 10 years.  God has great plans for them.  He is so good and so faithful...ALL THE TIME!!!!!! Thank You, Lord, for this Onething Conference!  May You bless all those who hear the stories and open their hearts to hear from You, Lord.  You are amazing and wonderous!  I want to gaze on You all day!!!!  I ask for more, Lord!!!!  Give us more!  In the Name of Jesus Christ, who saved me from all my sins and rescued me from the pit of descruction.  Amen!