Catch up time . . . Priestly Blessing

Since my last blog, there has been so much happening. I attended a two week prophetic seminar. Anita Giovannoni is from South Africa and her teaching was absolutely wonderful. Every student experienced a deeper move of God personally. The seminar was spiritually refreshing.

A friend and teacher in the college also attended. He began to move in a new way in prophetic painting. Please pray God continues to move in his life. The conference directors instructed my friend to sell his paintings the last day of the conference. Every painting sold; which was an encouragement and a blessing for him.

During the seminar, I was scheduled to teach in Dnipropetrovs’k. With a renewed spirit the studying, preparation and teaching was easy to do. During class, the Holy Spirit fell, there was singing in the spirit with interpretation. This was a sweet and special time worshiping and fellowshipping. There was another singing in the spirit, this time in Hebrew, it was the Priestly blessing.

During my preparation time, I was reading the Priestly Blessing and God revealed something new to me.

Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: (5) The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: (6) The LORD lift up his countenance (face) upon thee, and give thee peace.

Notice the phrase “May the LORD lift up His face toward you ...” this provides a picture of God holding us up in His arms, as a delighted father might hold up his young child in joy ... God ‘lifts up His face’ as He holds us up in divine joy!

Praise God, I love the picture of God holding me above His head playing with me and loving me. How about you?

This month the topic was ‘The Life of Christ’. God provided new and additional information for the class. We used maps and diagrams to further our understanding regarding Jesus’ travels during His ministry. We also discussed the medical aspect and history of crucifixion. New insight to the pain and agony Jesus really suffered on the cross affected us in a more personal manner. We also discussed the Jewish perspective of the Torah and touched on ‘law versus grace.’

Tonight I travel to Kherson to teach the same class. Please pray God moves in a special way. I have a new interpreter for tomorrow. I am praying and believing the Holy Spirit will visit us in a new and refreshing way tomorrow in class like He did in Dnipropetrovs’k.

Last Seder of 2009 - Plus

April was a busy month of traveling and fellowshipping with friends during the Passover season. Our Passover Seders are part of the college program. We have a great time experiencing a traditional Jewish Seder plus learning of the traditions and Biblical roots of the Seder.

Our last Seder was held in Kherson. We started late, but enjoyed our time together. There always are issues when the administrator is absent. The group is like a flock of sheep who don’t know what to do! So, with a few instructions everything falls into place. The Lord touched each of us in a special way. The college did not make arrangements for photos during the Seder. I apologize for this.

Kherson’s Pastor shared with me of his Jewish roots. He has attended an Orthodox Seder, of course which is different than the colleges program. We teach about the Seder and how it reveals the Messiah.

Please continue to pray God opens and softens hearts to receive His word.

While in Kherson, Luda and I visited an old fortress including a church founded by Catherine the Great! It was interesting to see the well, where they dug escape tunnels and to photograph some of the church statues and walk through the park. Seeing history is much more exciting than reading about it.
It is hard to believe that over 200 years ago, Catherine persevered and was victorious in obtaining access to Ukraine’s southern regions. She built fortresses and cities during her conquerors. Kherson is one of these areas. The walls were mounds of dirt, with an iron gate. Catherine’s goal was to retrieve access to the Black Sea to increase Russia’s shipping potential.

Personal note: This past week, I had an opportunity to visit a dentist! I have not been to a dentist to have my teeth cleaned in about five or six years. Luda called and checked prices and cleaning methods. We found a dentist in our building that is reasonably priced. Wow! I was in for quite an experience. They use ultra sound and a machine like a pressure washer! Am I behind the times or is this a new treatment? I know one thing, it cleaned my teeth! I feel like a new person.

Thank you for your prayers, we covet them greatly.