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Eternal Spring Song

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Inspiration fills the air, as one breathes in the delicate perfume of the almond blossoms, while on  a nature walk. Seeing winter give way to warm sunshine and new life everywhere is down right exhilerating.

“Except a seed fall into the ground and die, it abides alone!” Truer words were never spoken. Spring is the glorious celebration of new life.Thankfully, bountiful winter rains have swept over our land, which we love to call Zion; cleansing it from months of dusty grit and grime blown in from the Sahara. The weary dry, sandy brown landscape has been painted over by the Artist who owns Eternity, including the seasons. Moment by moment before our very eyes, we witness and joy to the Life springing up out of what looked like the death of fruitfulness. This January on a bitter winter day, I found two sprouted almonds that had fallen from my indigenous tree. Joyfully, I planted each in its own pot. That was just two months ago and already they are 12 inch seedlings. Enclosed find photos of this inspirational and silent awakening going on all around us. Tourists love to visit Israel at this season to join the vibrant and colorful celebration of the ‘anemones’ or kalaniot in Hebrew.

This Eternal Song, is faithfully played throughout our natural world for all people to observe, experience and eventually come to the conclusion that indeed: Life does spring out of death. Life is determined in the seed, that invisible DNA that reproduces after its own kind. But there is no life without being planted and covered over, whether it is a pumpkin, almond, oak or man or woman. Truly, we can observe and say, “O Death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 Job’s sorrows and troubles brought him to this understandig… “I KNOW that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19:25,26. I am curious… do you suspose that Job finally came to this conclusion on a fresh spring day? Why not?

The unfolding of Spring in its glorious dept, breadth and height is perhaps the greatest wordless sermon ever presented to mankind. Birds return to us via the Great Africian Rift Valley to yet again fill the air with their mating songs. Hungerily along with the bees, they take their fill of nectar from the almond blooms. The young of many indigenous animals; ibex, conies and jackals are born at this season. Israel continues to harvest grapefruit, tangerenes, lemons and cumquots, all filled with anti-oxidents to supply the lack of vitmains we may have accrued during the cold winter. Yes, let’s agree, “He satisfies every living thing… ”

Israel’s Red South Festival celebrations

Den Stille Milde Stemmen

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom kjære venner

Mars 2017

     Derfor kan dere juble av glede, selv om dere nå en kort tid, om så må være, har det tungt i mange slags prøvelser.  Slik blir troen deres prøvet. Selv forgjengelig gull blir prøvet i ild. Troen, som er mye mer verdt, må også prøves, så den kan bli til pris og herlighet og ære for dere når Jesus.

Takk for alle deres forespørsler om vårt «hode» Dr. Jay Rawlings, min elskede mann som vi alle bare kaller «Jay». Jeg ønsker å sende dere en god rapport til tross for de nåværende utfordringer. Bare denne uken ringte Lydia, en venn fra Tyskland, for å be. Hun kjente umiddelbart; «Be Jesu blod over Jays pust, følg med på pusten hans…» Det var et vidunderlig ord.

For en uke siden hadde Jay en «hendelse» og en av hans medisiner måtte byttes. Dette krever nå at han tar ukentlige blodprøver. Vi har ventet siden mitt siste brev på resultater fra en søvn apné-test, vi har nå fått vite at Jay også har alvorlige puste avvik som forverres under søvn, og som igjen har lagt mye press på hjertet. Sykehuset har lånt oss en CPAP – maskin, som hjelper pusten gjennom søvnen. Forventningsfulle koblet vi han opp til maskinen ved leggetid, og håpet på en god natts hvile. Men den kontinuerlige strømmen av kald luft fikk han til å gispe etter luft og senere utviklet seg til en vond bihulebetennelse. En tur tilbake til legen og en luftfukter ble lagt til CPAP maskinen sammen med en annen ansiktsmaske. Han kan ikke anvende den før han har blitt friskt fra bihulebetennelsen. Det er her vi er i dag.

Mine tre søstre og bror i Canada responderte umiddelbart med: «Dine søstre og bror sender deg en sjekk for å dekke omkostningene for CPAP maskinen. Den bør være i posten i morgen. Vi elsker deg og Gud har lagt det på våre hjerter. Masse kjærlighet, Pat, Nancy, Don og Judy, og Jan.»  Så til vår kjære familie sier vi takk for deres givende og kjærlige omsorg for oss.

Og til våre partnere i Den Stille Milde Røst og Israel Vision, takker vi dere for deres trofaste bønnestøtte på Jays vegne. Vær vennlig å fortsett og holde han oppe og stå sammen med oss i tro for at helse skal springe frem midt i svakheten. Jeg takker dere for deres trofasthet av det dere gir. Vi har tro for at dagen skal snart komme da vi igjen kan jobbe med full styrke.

Det å bo i Israel gjør at vi er så nær til de grusomme konfliktene som svirrer rundt oss. Likevel hviler vi i en mirakuløs atmosfære av fred her og har ingen frykt. Jeg tok dette bildet på vei til markedet i Jerusalem. Se for deg datteren din som bærer en militærjakke og tjener under en anti-terror enhet. Hamas skyter igjen raketter inn mot Israel og verden måper over at Israel svarer….ISIS sendte to raketter inn i sør Israel denne uken…30 000 personer har flyktet fra ISIL i den gamle byen Mosul. Syria fortsetter å være en krigssone fylt av død og ødeleggelse, og mennesker sulter i Jemen. Europa er i forandring og strever etter nye veier for å overkomme. Amerika troner overskriftene, men la oss gi takk for forandringen som sveiver over USA. Gud har hørt bønnene fra sitt folk, vi tror og rettferdigheten vil gå frem. Guds salvelse hviler over en hver mann og kvinne som «Gjør det rette!» Det er ikke rakettforskning! «Fra munnen kommer det hjertet taler..» og når vi hører løgner og falske nyheter ber vi umiddelbart om at det faller dødt til bakken. Israel er også infisert med denne sykdommen av «ondskapsfullt snakk». Vi skal be for våre ledere uansett hvor vi bor. Paulus og hans følgere levde i det gudløse Roma og slaveriet var like tøylesløst da som det er nå mine venner. Neste måned skal jeg gi dere en oppdatering på filmen våres om menneskehandelen i Nepal: «Du kan gjøre en forskjell!».

Med millioner som står overfor hungersnød, krig og terrorisme vet vi hvor dyrebart verktøy vår nye film vil være. Våre Sudanske vennepar som har blitt reddet, inkludert Micheal og Nicole Dobuol, og Dobuol Buoy og Rose Angela og 8 barn, lever alle under trygge og fruktfylte liv i Canada. Dette er et mektig mirakel. Så mange tjenestemenn har spurt meg; «Hvorfor, hvorfor bryr du deg?» Jesus bryr seg! Be med oss for å få fullført dette arbeidet.

I flere år har jeg hatt privilegiet av å undervise i Kristne avrusninger rundt i Sveits. Jeg elsker å jobbe med sjelesorg og gi rådgivning, en til en.  Ved å høre historiene som hadde ført de til disse rehabiliteringshjemmene dro de meg så nær til så mange som kom fra de dype daler i dette majestetiske og vakre landet. Jeg fikk del i livet av barna til bøndene, gjeterne, fjellklatrerne, skiinstruktører og guider. Jeg vokste opp med «Heidi» bøkene som barn og elsket de. Dette gjorde denne intime og ofte hjerteskjærende jobben et privilegium.

Denne morgenen leste jeg og Jay denne lille historien sammen.

«Noen botanikere var i de Sveitsiske Alpene på jakt etter sjeldne eksemplarer av blomstrer. De fikk øye på noe som blomstret på en liten fjellhylle langt der nede på en voldsom bratt fjellside. De ropte på en gjetergutt som gjette på fjellet og tilbød han en pen sum penger om de kunne få lov til å knytte et tau rundt livet hans så de kunne senke han ned til disse blomstene. Gutten så på pengene, og så ned fjellsiden, og så opp igjen på de fremmede ansiktene. Han tenkte grundig. Han ville så gjerne ha pengene, men….fjellsiden var så bratt og disse mennene var ikke fra hans verden. Sakte ristet han på hodet; «nei»!  Så fikk han en tanke. Han løp barfot ned den smale stien til et lite tømmerhus, svartnet etter årene med sterk sol. Snart kom han med en sterk og vennlig mann, tydeligvis hans far. Når de nærmet seg de fremmede foreslo gutten: «Dere kan knytte tauet rundt livet mitt nå. Jeg vil gå ned fjellskrenten- hvis dere lar min far holde tauet!»

Josh og hans far på vandring rundt i Jaffa by

Venner, vi kan gå ned i de dype daler hvis det er det vi må, eller inn i hulene, eller ut på de tørre strekningene. Faktisk så kan vi vandre trygt hvor som helst om vår Himmelske Far holder tauet!

Bønn er vår felles livslinje som er fast i Gud Faderens velsignede hender. Takk for den del du spiller som tillater at Han holder deg fast og trygg til din ende. La oss stoppe opp litt og gi takk for at Han fortsetter å holde tauet for hver enkelt av oss til å leve i trygghet.

Om jeg enn skulle vandre i dødsskyggens dal,
frykter jeg ikke noe ondt. Salme 23. 

Meridel og Jay Rawlings

Still Small Voice thanks you

Published by Meridel Rawlings
  • My overview of Dr. Jay Rawlings health situation.
  • The rough neighborhood around Israel…
  • Short piece: “My Father holds the Rope”

Shalom Dear Friends: March 2017

For a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Messiah. 1 Pet. 1:6,7.

Thank you for your inquiries about our ‘head’ Dr. Jay Rawlings, and my beloved husband, whom we all just call ‘Jay’. I want to send you a good report in spite of present difficulties. Just this week Lydia a German friend called to pray. She immediately discerned; “Plead the blood of Jesus over Jay’s breathing, pay attention to his breathing..” It was an amazing word.

A week ago Jay had an ‘incident’ and one of his medications had to be changed. This now requires that he have blood tests weekly. Having waited since my last letter for the results of a test for sleep apnea, we have now learned that Jay also has a serious breathing discrepancy which is acerbated during sleep and has put a strain on his heart. The hospital loaned us a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. Excitedly we hooked him up to it at bed time, hoping for a good night of rest. But, the constant flow of cold air, left him gasping for breath and seemed to cause him to develop a horrible sinusitis. A trip back to the doctor and a humidifier was added to the CPAP along with a different face mask. But he cannot use it until he has recovered from the sinusitis. That is where we are today.

My three sisters and brother in Canada responded immediately with: “Your sisters and brother are sending you a cheque to cover the purchase of a CPAP. It should be in the mail tomorrow. We love you and God put this in our hearts. Much love, Pat, Nancy, Don and Judy, and Jan.”
And so to our dear family we say thank you for your exemplary loving care to us.

And to our partners of Still Small Voice, and Israel Vision, we thank you for the faithful prayer support that has gone up on Jay’s behalf. Please continue to hold him up and believe with us for health to spring forth in the midst of weakness. I also thank you for your faithfulness in giving. We pray for the day to soon come when we can work at full strength again.

Israeli soldier girls in downtown Jerusalem

Living in Israel, keeps us very close to the awful conflicts swirling around us. Yet, we dwell in a miraculous haven of peace here and have no fear. I took this photo on my way to the market in Jerusalem. Try to imagine your daughter wearing a flack jacket and serving in a counter terror unit.

Hamas again is firing rockets into Israel and the world wonders why Israel strikes back… ISIS lobbed two rockets into South Israel this week… 4,000 thousand souls flee daily from ISIL in the Old City of Mosul. Syria continues to be a war zone haunted by death and destruction and people are starving in Yemen. Europe is in foment, groping for new ways to cope. America dominates the headlines, but lets give thanks for the change that is sweeping the USA. God has heard the prayers of His people, we believe, and righteousness, will prevail. God’s anointing rests upon any man or woman who “Does the right thing!” It is not rocket science! “Out of the mouth the heart speaks”… and when we hear the lies and fake news, we immediately pray that it comes to nothing! Israel is also infected with the similar malady of ‘evil speaking’. We are told to pray for our leaders no matter where we live. Paul and his followers lived in godless Rome and slavery was rampant then as it is today friends. Next month I want to give you an update on our film on trafficking in Nepal: You Can Make a Difference!

With millions in the Sudan, Somalia and Yemen are facing starvation, war and terrorism we know how valuable a tool our new film will be. Our rescued Sudanese couples including Michael and Nicole Dobuol, and Dobuol Buoy and Rose Angela and 8 children in all are enjoying secure and fruitful lives in Canada. This is a mighty miracle. So many officials asked me, “Why, why do you care?” Jesus cares! Pray with us to complete this work.

For years I had the privilege of counseling in Christian Drug Houses throughout Switzerland. I love to work in the counseling chamber one on one; listening and sharing in the life events of clients. Learning the histories that had brought them to these rehabilitation homes drew me close to many who came from the high mountain valleys of this beautiful land. I shared in the lives of children of farmers, shepherds, mountain climbers, ski instructors and guides. I grew up on the “Heidi” books as a child, which I loved, and that made this intimate and often heart wrenching work a privilege. This morning, Jay and I read the following little story together, which I have edited for you.

“Botanists were in the Swiss Alps searching for rare specimens of flowers. They spied unknown blooms growing on a rocky ledge, way down the side of a terrible precipitous canyon. Calling to a young shepherd boy over on the mountain, they offered him an amount of money if he would allow them to tie a life line around his waist and lower him down to these flowers. The lad looked at the money, and then peered down the precipice and then up into the faces of total strangers. He took a full survey. He wanted the money desperately, but… the precipice was very dangerous and the men were not from his world. Slowly he shook his head, ‘no’!

Then he had a thought. He raced barefoot down the narrow path to a mountain house with timbers blackened from years in the intense sun. Soon he emerged with a strong, kindly, man, evidently his father. Approaching the strangers he proposed: “You may tie the life line around me now. I will go down into the canyon – if you let my father hold the rope!”

Josh and his Dad strolling together in Ancient Jaffa

Friends, we can go down into the valley, if that must be, or into the gorge, or onto the plains of disability. In fact, we can go anywhere safely if our loving Heavenly Father holds the rope!

Prayer is our common life line that is firmly in Father God’s blessed hands. Thank you for the part you play in allowing Him to keep you safe and secure at your end. Let us pause and give thanks that He continues to hold the rope for each one of us to live in safety.

Tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil! Psalm 23

Meridel and Jay Rawlings

Silence on Sexual Abuse by Migrant because of Poltical Correctness

Published by Meridel Rawlings

12 young girls were assaulted in the midst of a party?  The question that begs to be asked is: “How is this possible in broad day light in a public area?”
Where are the chaparones, where are the parents? Where?

With the whole world in an uproar over the issue of immigrants, look at this!
Compassion is one thing, and wisdom is another, but it is time for a reality check.
Telling the truth of what can be expected from people who have come out of war zones, not properly vetted, can make all of the difference. Our youth are at risk when those in postions of authority are painfully nieve.

The world watched yesterday Canadian Prime Minister met with the US President.
Mr. Trump is belittled because of his  temporary ban on immigrants from 7 war and terror infested nations, Syria being one of them.
Well, Mr. Trudeau has taken another posture. But, as these leaders gave their press conference in Washington DC, little did we know of the firestorm Trudeau left behind in Canada. A Syrian refugee came to Canada “because of the children” he said. He came into Canada from Lebanon. At a  friendly, family, fun party this newly arrived
Muslim pedophile sexualy abused 12 girls. These girls have been forever altard.
Sadly, vital details of this assault were withheld in newspapers and main line media.
No parents were contacted, nothing was said in favor of the children. In fact, there was criticism that the pedophile’s name was relased? Really… Mr. Trudeau is presently having an anti-Islamophobia law  passed in the Canadian Parlialment. I urge my readers to stand up in the face of fear, and criticism when it come to speaking for those who have no voice… These 12 girls ravaged by a Muslim immigrant belong to a long list of hundreds of others… In Europe and Canada these Muslims are being protected from the top on down.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4351026/clinton-1995-immigration-sotu

Februar 2017

Published by Meridel Rawlings

«Ham elsker dere, enda dere ikke har sett ham».  1. Peter 1:8

 «Vi elsker fordi han elsket oss først». 1. Johannes 4:19

Mange har etterspurt en oppdatering på Jay’s fysiske helse.

I dag skriver jeg, Meridel, på Jays vegne siden han «ikke er ute av skogen enda». Professor Ben Horin fortalte oss i dag at Jay vil trenge å ta medisiner resten av sitt liv, da hans hjerte sliter med kronisk atrieflimmer. Han oppmuntret Jay til å forsøke å leve så normalt som mulig de nærmeste tre månedene selv om hans fysiske styrke har avtatt. Deretter kan han velge om han vil ha noe som kalles «ablasjon». Denne prosedyren tillater doktoren å sette et kateter i hjertet og kauterisere spesifikke nerver som forårsaker hjertets flimring. Det er rundt 80% suksessfullt.

Som Jay selv sier: «Til tross for hva mine øyne ser og hva jeg kjenner i mitt hjerte, så tror jeg!

Jeg ser til Legen over alle leger som møter ALLE mine behov. Jeg er selvfølgelig respektfull for mine leger og overleger, men mine øyne er vendt til oven! Takk for alle dine bønner for meg og min helse. Jeg kjemper den gode strid og forsøker samtidig å hvile så mye jeg kan. Det er en god utfordring for en gammel krigshest som meg.»

Jeg elsker historien om en liten gutt som forsøkte å gjøre et tungt løft. Da faren kom inn og så hva sønnen holdt på med spurte faren; «Bruker du all din kraft?» «Ja, så klart gjør jeg det» svarte gutten utålmodig. «Nei..gutten min, ikke enda» svarte faren. «for du har ikke spurt meg om å hjelpe deg!»

Hvilken trøst det er å vite at når vi har bedt vår himmelske Far om hjelp, så har dere villig og kjærlig gitt den. Vennligst ikke stopp, men hjelp oss «å løfte lasset». Dette er et mysterium, av Guds Rike.

Jeg er vintreet, dere er greinene. Den som blir i meg og jeg i ham, bærer mye frukt. For uten meg kan dere ingen ting gjøre.  Johannes 15:5

Hver vinter i Israel er det tid for å høste sitrus fruktene. Vi er spesielt glad i de smakfulle mandarinene og spiser de hver dag! Grenen på denne vakre lille frukten er en hard, gråbrun liten sak. Likevel er denne lille grenen den sanne nøkkelen til livet av frukten. Gjennom den flyter livet av treet med all dens næring, som igjen skaper kanskje en av de mest velsmakende frukter. Så vidunderlig består den av rikelige mengder av C-vitaminer midt i influensa og forkjølelses sesongen. Så lenge vi er koblet til vintreet…vil vi også leve og bære masse frukt.

For tjue år siden så en nær og trofast venn, Pastor Dave Duell, på oss i familien og sa; «Dere er perfekt posisjonert, og posisjonert perfekt! Jeg ser en hage av frukttrær..» Jeg deler dette som et eksempel på hvordan Herren ser deg og meg i forhold til hvordan vi ser oss selv. La oss ikke dømme oss selv så hardt…eller å opphøye oss selv for mye. En annen hemmelighet i Kongeriket er å vedvare å være den litt ydmyke «kobleren» mellom treet og frukten. Bibelen forteller oss «..et tre skal kjennes på dets frukt». Matt 12:33. Det er egentlig det eneste vi kan se etter for å skjelne om noen er falske. Det er en sikkerhetssjekk for oss i Guds rike.

Jeg har tenkt en del på denne sannheten. Venner, vi lærer igjen hva det betyr å være svak så Han kan være sterk. Det er et annet mysterium i Kongeriket. Vi trenger Han mer enn noen og noe annet.

Ja, Han må vokse og jeg avta. 

Beskyttet av Kjærlighetens Konge;

Jay og Meridel Rawlings med teamet.

Februar 2017

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Obgleich ihr ihn nicht gesehen habt… liebt ihr ihn. 1. Petrus 1.8
Wir lieben ihn, weil er uns zuerst geliebt hat. 1. Joh. 4.19

Viele von euch fragen nach einem Update über Jays Gesundheitszustand. Heute schreibe ich, Meridel im Auftrag von Jay, weil er noch nicht über den Berg ist. Professor Ben Horin sagte uns, dass Jay für den Rest seines Lebens Medikamente einnehmen muss aufgrund seines chronischen Herzflimmerns. Er ermutigte Jay, die nächsten drei Monate ein möglichst normales Leben zu führen obwohl er körperlich sehr geschwächt ist. Danach könnte er sich für einen chirurgischen Eingriff entscheiden. Dabei führt der Chirurg einen Katheter in das Herz und kauterisiert spezifische Nerven welche das Herzflimmern verursachen. Dieser Eingriff führt bei 80% zum Erfolg.

Um es mit Jays Worten zu sagen: »Trotz allem was meine Augen sehen und was mein Herz fühlt, glaube ich! Ich schaue auf den Grossen Arzt der ALLEN meinen Bedürfnissen begegnet. Natürlich bin ich dankbar für meine Ärzte und meinen Herzprofessor, aber meine Augen sind nach oben gerichtet! Danke für eure Gebete um meine Gesundheit. Ich kämpfe den guten Kampf des Glaubens und versuche dabei, mich trotzdem so gut wie möglich auszuruhen. Das ist eine Herausforderung für ein altes «Schlachtross» wie ich es bin.»

Ich liebe die Geschichte von einem kleinen Jungen, der versuchte, etwas Schweres zu heben. Als der Vater ins Zimmer trat und seinen Sohn sich abmühen sah, fragte der Vater ihn: «Brauchst du alle deine Kraft?» «Ja, natürlich!», rief der Junge ungeduldig. «Nein… mein Sohn, noch nicht»  antwortete der Vater, «weil du mich noch nicht gefragt hast, dir zu helfen!» Was für ein Trost zu erfahren, dass als wir unseren himmlischen Vater um Hilfe baten, ihr uns bereitwillig und liebevoll beschenkt habt. Bitte hört nicht auf, uns zu helfen, die «Last zu tragen». Das ist ein Geheimnis im Reich Gottes.

«Ich bin der Weinstock, ihr seid die Reben. Wer in mir bleibt und ich in ihm, der bringt viel Frucht; denn getrennt von mir könnt ihr nichts tun.» Joh. 15.5

Im Winter ist Erntezeit der Zitrusfrüchte in Israel. Die saftigen Mandarinen lieben wir ganz besonders und essen täglich davon! Der Stiel dieser köstlichen Frucht ist ein unscheinbarer, graubrauner Stummel. Trotzdem bildet dieser kleine Stiel die Grundlage für diese Zitrusfrucht. Durch ihn fliesst das Leben des Baumes mit all seinen Nährstoffen, um eine der besten Früchte wachsen zu lassen. Diese Früchte bieten einen reichen Vitamin C Schub, genau in der Erkältungs- und Grippezeit. Solange wir mit dem Weinstock verbunden sind … werden auch wir leben und Frucht bringen.

Vor 20 Jahren sagte unser lieber Freund, der verstorbene Pastor Dave Duell, zu unserer Familie: «Ihr seid perfekt ausgerüstet und am perfekten Ort! Ich sehe Obstgärten mit Fruchtbäumen…» Ich teile das mit euch als Beispiel, wie der HERR dich und mich sieht im Vergleich dazu, wie wir uns selbst sehen. Lasst uns weder uns selbst scharf verurteilen… noch zu hoch von uns denken. Ein weiteres Geheimnis im Reich Gottes ist es, dieser unscheinbare «Vermittler» zwischen dem Stamm und den Früchten zu sein. Die Bibel sagt uns «… denn an der Frucht wird der Baum erkannt» . Matth. 12.33 Das ist wirklich das einzige verlässliche Zeichen um zu erkennen, ob jemand eine Fälschung ist. Es ist eine Sicherheitsregel für uns im Königreich.

Ich habe gerade über diese Wahrheit nachgedacht. Freunde, wir lernen zurzeit wieder einmal, was es heisst, schwach zu sein, damit er stark sein kann. Das ist ein weiteres Geheimnis im Königreich. Wir brauchen ihn mehr alles andere. Ja, ER muss zunehmen und ich abnehmen.

Unter dem Schutz des Königs der Liebe;
Jay und Meridel Rawlings und Team

Helmikuu 2017

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Häntä te rakastatte, vaikka ette ole häntä nähneet, 1. Piet 1: 8

Me rakastamme, sillä hän on ensin rakastanut meitä. 1. Joh 4: 19

Monet teistä kyselevät tietoja Jayn terveydentilasta. Tänään minä Meridel kirjoitan Jayn puolesta, sillä hän ei vielä ole ns. ‘selvillä vesillä’. Professori Ben Horin sanoi meille, että Jayn pitää ottaa lääkkeitä loppuelämänsä ajan, koska sydän yhäkin jatkaa kroonista eteisvärinää. Professori rohkaisi Jayta elämään mahdollisimman normaalisti seuraaavat kolme kuukautta, fyysisten voimien vähenemisestä huolimatta. Sen jälkeen Jay voi valita ottaako ns. katetriablaation. Siinä menetelmässä lääkärit asentavat sydämeen katetrin, joka vaikuttaa tiettyihin, eteisvärinää aiheuttaviin hermoihin. Menetelmä onnistuu 80 %:sesti.

Omin sanoin Jay toteaa: ”Vaikka silmäni näkevät mitä näkevät, ja vaikka tuntemukseni sydämessä ovat mitkä ovat, minä uskon! Uskon ja odotan Suuren Lääkärin pitävän huolta KAIKISTA tarpeistani. Kunnioitan luonnollisesti lääkäreitäni ja kardiologian professoria, mutta katseeni on kiinnitettynä ylämmäs! Kiitos rukouksista terveyteni puolesta. Jatkan hyvää uskontaistelua ja pyrin samaan aikaan lepäämään mahdollisimman paljon. Se on kyllä suuri haaste kaltaiselleni vanhalle sotaratsulle.”

Pidän kovin paljon tarinasta, joka kertoo pienestä pojasta, joka yritti nostaa hyvin painavaa taakkaa. Hänen isänsä tuli huoneeseen ja kysyi huomatessaan pojan ponnistelun: ”Käytätkö kaikkia voimiasi?” ”Kyllä, tottakai käytän.” kuului pojan kärsimätön vastaus. ”Ei… poikaseni, et vielä.” vastasi isä. ”Et vielä ole pyytänyt apua minulta!”

Miten lohdullista onkaan tietää, että pyytäessäsi Taivaalliselta Isältä apua, myös sitä saat – mielihyvin ja rakastavasti. Ettehän lopeta, vaan jatkattehan meidän auttamistamme ‘taakan nostamisessa’. Tämä kuuluu Jumalan valtakunnan mysteereihin.

“Minä olen viinipuu, te olette oksat. Joka pysyy minussa ja jossa minä pysyn, se kantaa paljon hedelmää; sillä ilman minua te ette voi mitään tehdä.” Johannes 15:5

Joka talvi Israelissa kerätään sitrushedelmien satoa. Pidämme erityisesti mehukkaista tangeriineista ja syömme niitä aivan joka päivä! Tämän ihanan hedelmän runkopuu on  mitäänsanomaton, harmaanrusehtava pieni pensas. Siltikin juuri tuo pieni runko on näiden sitrusten elämän ydin. Sen kautta virtaa pensaan elinneste kaikkine ravintoaineineen, jotka muodostavat ehkä kaikkein aikojen herkullisimman hedelmän. Onneksi se tarjoaa runsaasti C-vitamiinia juuri flunssa- ja vilustumiskauden aikaan. Niin pitkään, kun pysyttelemme viinipuuhun tai runkoon liittyneinä… mekin elämme ja kannamme paljon hedelmää.

Kaksikymmentä vuotta sitten kallisarvoinen ystävämme, edesmennyt pastori Dave Duell katseli perhettämme ja sanoi: ”Te olette olleet asennoituneita täysin oikein, ja olette asettuneet täydellisen oikein! Näen hedelmäpuutarhan…”

Kerron tämän esimerkkinä siitä, miten HERRA näkee sinut ja minut – verrattuna siihen, miten itse näemme itsemme. Ei tuomita ja puntaroida itseämme niin ankarasti … tai ajatella itsestämme liikoja. Toinen valtakunnan salaisuus on jatkaa elämistä sinä pienenä, mitäänsanomattomana ‘liitospalana’ oksan ja hedelmän välillä. Raamattu kertoo meille: ” Hedelmistään puu tunnetaan.” Matteus 12: 33. Se on lopulta ainoa merkki, johon voimme luottaa erotellessamme onko joku väärennös. Se toimii turvamittarina meille Kuningaskunnan puitteissa.

Pysähdyin pohtimaan tätä totuutta. Ystävät, me olemme jälleen opettelemassa, mitä merkitsee olla heikko, niin että Hän voi olla väkevä. Sekin on valtakunnan salaisuus. Me tarvitsemme Häntä enemmän kuin ketään toista tai mitään muuta. Niin, Hänen tulee enetä ja minun tulee vähetä.

Rakastavan Kuninkaan varjeluksen turvasta

Jay ja Meridel Rawlings ja tiimi.

Update February 2017

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Though you have not seen Him… you love Him. 1 Peter1:8

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Many of you are asking for an update on Jay’s physical condition. Today, I, Meridel am writing on Jay’s behalf because he is “not out of the woods yet.” Professor Ben Horin told us that Jay will need to take the drugs for the rest of his life because his heart continues in chronic fibrillation. He encouraged Jay to try and live as normally as possible for the next three months even though his physical strength has declined. Then he can choose to have something called an ‘ablation’. This procedure allows the doctor to put a catheter into the heart and cauterize specific nerves that are causing the heart to fibrillate. It is 80% successful.

In his own words Jay says: “In spite of what my eyes see, and what
I feel in my heart, I believe!
I am looking to the Great Physician to meet ALL of my needs. I of course am respectful of my doctors and Professor of Cardiology, but my eyes are fixed above! Thank you for your prayers for my well being. I am fighting the good fight of faith and trying to rest as much as possible at the same time. It is a great challenge for an old war horse like me.”

I love the story of a small boy trying very hard to lift a heavy load. Coming into the room and noting the son’s struggle, his father asked him, “Are you using all your strength?”
“Yes, of course I am,” the boy impatiently exclaimed.
“No… son, not yet, the father answered. Because you haven’t asked me to help you!”
What a comfort to know that when we have asked our heavenly Father for help, you have willingly and lovingly given it. Please do not stop but keep helping us to “lift the load.” This is a mystery, of the Kingdom of God.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing. ” John 15:5

Every winter in Israel citrus fruit is harvested. We love the especially luscious tangerines and eat them every single day! The stem of this beautiful fruit is a nondescript, grey brown, tiny stub. Yet this little stem is the very key to the life of the orange. Through it, flows the life of the tree with all of its nourishment, to form perhaps one of the most delicious fruits ever. Thankfully it provides a rich supply of vitamin C exactly at flu and cold season. Just as long as we stay connected to the vine or the branch… we too will live and bear much fruit.

Twenty years ago our dear friend, the late Pastor Dave Duell, looked at our family and said; “You have been perfectly positioned, and positioned perfectly! I see orchards of fruit trees…” I share this as an example of how the LORD sees you and I in comparison to how we see ourselves. Let us not judge ourselves so harshly… nor think of ourselves too highly. Another secret of the Kingdom is to continue to be that little nondescript “connector” between the branch and the fruit. The Bible tells us “…a tree is known by its fruit.” Matthew 12:33 That is really the only sign we can rely on to discern if someone is a counterfeit. It is a safety rule for us in the Kingdom.

I paused and reflected upon this truth. Friends, we are learning yet again what it means to be weak so that He can be strong. It is another mystery of the Kingdom. We need Him more than anyone or anything else. Yes, He must increase and I must decrease.

Protected by the King of Love;
Jay and Meridel Rawlings and team.

Update on Jay and Meridel Rawlings

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom to our dear friends:

“The LORD is good to those who [expect],
wait for Him. To the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should both hope and [expect]
wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD”
Lamentations 3: 25, 26.

I, Meridel am sending you a very personal note today. Because of your loving support to us, I have courage to share this with you.

First of all, by way of an update: next week Jay has an appointment with his Professor of cardiology, who will set out the next course of action. Until then, very little has changed since he was hospitalized in December. His fibrillating heart remains unstable. The doctors are keeping a close watch.

Therefore, I wondered, “What can I write by way of an up date?” But, I gave up trying to think of something. There is no news. Then I poured out my heart to the ONE who always listens. I have discovered, as many of you have: That “to know and to be known by heaven” is the essence of deep comfort. Often I sense no distance in thought or intent when praying or thinking… (as my sons say). Without this super-natural friendship, my soul would have shriveled and died.

“A treasured gift; my special prize,
The loving ONE…caused me find!
A beating heart in tune with mine.
‘Tis simply this… a QUIET MIND!”

The most basic blessing said in a Jewish home is over the bread in the course of a meal. Of course there’s the weekly Shabbat celebration. Jesus used this most basic thankful prayer to teach the mystery of our Father in Heaven. ‘Bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh’ is an eternal indestructible bond.

Midmorning today, when sitting at my computer near our little Norwegian wood stove; I became aware of that invisible loving Presence. Worry, stress, business… It all melts away along with all preoccupation with the affairs of life. Without any words being consciously formed, we experienced “the intimacy of love reaching down and embracing us both.”

At times most unexpectedly, these invisible moments of ‘loving- kindness leave me breathless… and quiet and peaceful. You could say Its a “letting down” a supernatural “rest”, which is what the Shabbath is all about.

Shabbat Shalom,

Meridel

History comes to life: Archaeologly in Israel

Published by Meridel Rawlings

The modern nation of Israel has deep Biblical and historical roots in ancient Israel. One never knows when or where the next amazing archaeological discovery will be.

Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered a Roman amphitheater in Hippos. This ancient city has been unearthed on the salt route to Damascus. It was on this road when Pau, the persecuto, was blinded by a heavenly light that caused him to fall off of his horse. Being the religious Jew that he was, he used an achronym for the unpronouncable name of God, always spelling with capitals. Wonderingly Paul inquired:
“Who are you LORD?”
The answer came back… “I am Jesus!”
He was stunned! That was the beginning of his transformation.

The rest is history.