Saturday, March 16, 2024

One Last Chance........

 Down through the years of my life, I've always believed that before God, finally brings you home, he'll come to you, one more time to give you the chance to get right, so to speak.

It doesn't matter how you are approached, it only matters that you know you were approached. It can be a slight word or thought that brings him to mind. Even the knock at the door from a local church group, which doesn't happen much anymore. But in it's time, you have been approached in some form by the God of your life and world. 

Remember, to be aware of the presence of the "Holy Spirit", when it touches you. Be aware of the effort when it comes to you. You need to be ready to meet the Lord, and it's very important. 

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Celebrating Purim

 Purim, meaning “lots,” is a joyous Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation in ancient Persia. The story is recounted in the Book of Esther, which is usually dated to the 5th century BCE. Here are some key points about Purim:

  • Background: During the Persian Achaemenid Empire, an official named Haman plotted to annihilate the Jews. Queen Esther, with courage and divine intervention, revealed Haman’s plan to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), saving her people.
  • Celebrations: Purim is marked by various traditions, including:
    • Listening to the Book of Esther (Megillah) in synagogue.
    • Sending food parcels (mishloach manot) and giving charity (matanot la’evyonim).
    • Dressing up in costume.
    • Eating a festive meal.
    • Participating in parties and parades (Adloyada).
    • Drinking alcoholic beverages, especially wine.

Purim expresses the idea that miracles and divine providence are above nature and human understanding. It celebrates Jewish survival despite the efforts of enemies and emphasizes G‑d’s intimate involvement in the world. 🌟

The holiday typically falls on the 14th day of Adar (in Jerusalem and all ancient walled cities) or the 15th of Adar elsewhere. The upcoming Purim dates are as follows:

  • 2023: Sunset, March 6 – nightfall, March 7
  • 2024: Sunset, March 23 – nightfall, March 24
  • 2025: Sunset, March 13 – nightfall, March 14
  • 2026: Sunset, March 2 – nightfall, March 3

Friday, January 26, 2024

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Christmas Celebrations

 Celebrating Christmas is a way of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to save the world from sin and death. Christmas is also a cultural and commercial phenomenon that involves various traditions and practices, such as exchanging gifts, decorating trees, singing carols, and waiting for Santa Claus12

There are many ways to celebrate Christmas, depending on your religious beliefs, cultural background, and personal preferences. Some common Christmas activities are:

The Holy Spirit

 The Holy Spirit is a term that refers to the third person of the Christian Trinity, along with God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). The Holy Spirit is believed to be God’s power, presence, and guidance in the world. The Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, and the Paraclete12

Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is involved in various aspects of their faith, such as:

  • Creation: The Holy Spirit was present at the beginning of creation, hovering over the waters and bringing life to all living things. ( Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4 )
  • Revelation: The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Bible and reveals God’s truth and will to believers. ( 2 Peter 1:21; John 16:13 )
  • Salvation: The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin and leads them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also regenerates, seals, and sanctifies believers, making them new creations and children of God. ( John 16:8; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 6:11 )
  • Empowerment: The Holy Spirit gives gifts, abilities, and fruits to believers, enabling them to serve God and others. The Holy Spirit also fills, guides, and teaches believers, helping them to live a godly and fruitful life. ( 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:22-23; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:14; John 14:26 )
  • Worship: The Holy Spirit enables believers to worship God in spirit and in truth, and to pray according to God’s will. The Holy Spirit also unites believers in one body, the church, and builds them up in love. ( John 4:24; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:3-16 )

You can find more information about the Holy Spirit and His role in Christianity on the websites of the sources I used for this answer123

I hope this helps you understand who the Holy Spirit is and what He does.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023