All posts tagged: Hope

Still Small Voice – 21st Iyar 5783, May 12th 2023

Dear Friends: It is guaranteed; there is never a dull moment in Israel! Yesterday, we celebrated the covenant – brit or circumcision of our youngest family member, Gabriel Victor. Gabriel means ‘Messenger of God’. The angel Gabriel came to the prophet Daniel to show him what must come to pass in the End Days, and appears again to Miriam – Mary announcing the favor upon her to give birth to the coming Messiah. ‘Victor’ is one of the names of Messiah. Daniel and Shelly’s second son is named after his Great Grandfather Victor Alloway, a Canadian soldier who fell fighting in Holland for the liberation of Europe. Fifty friends joined us here in our garden, on the outskirts of Jerusalem to celebrate and rejoice over the great goodness of the LORD. We gathered just after 12 noon when large menacing booms filled the atmosphere overhead. They were indicative of Israel’s Iron Dome taking out rockets sent from Gaza, falling within just a few kilometres of us. They were aimed at the world-famous Hadassah Hospital. A …

Still Small Voice – Nisan 30th 5783, April 21st 2023

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends: These are the days of wonder, in which we question and pray. “They who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 125:5 Rabbi Carlebach explained that Instead of reading this verse as, “They who sow in tears, shall reap with songs of joy,” perhaps it should read it, “They who sow in tears and songs of joy shall reap!” Rabbi Carlebach explained that everything has both tears and joy in it. Sometimes, in order to achieve true joy we need to shed some tears; very real, very holy tears.” Jay writes: “As we are busy here in Israel, we can see the impossibly painful things unfolding without and within, along with the evil intent, confusion disillusion, tears and anxiety. There are few ‘songs of joy’. We are in the throes of birth pangs, or painful cramps, and blood. In the natural when a mother goes into labour, we are assured the baby will soon appear. Here in Israel, we cry for deliverance, but still it doesn’t come. We can discern …

Still Small Voice – Easter Sunday / Nisan 18th 5783, April 9th 2023

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

Shalom from Jerusalem dear Friends: Josh drove us to the airport in Athens Greece, David picked us up at Ben Gurion airport in Israel and Daniel and Shelly had the Sabbath candles lit and a feast spread out before us upon arrival home. We are grateful to all four sons who shower us with loving-kindness. Chris up in Helsinki does the same, of course. Jay and I arrived back in Israel Friday night to the intense crush of terror breaking all around. Rockets from Gaza and Lebanon did their best to disturb. A bank was hit and the lead balls and bolts packed into the missiles smashed through the front of the building, destroying computers. A mother and her daughters were shot while driving along the Dead Sea road. The two girls died and the mother is fighting for her life. This very night a car rammed into 7 tourists in Tel Aviv killing one, and injuring the others. This is our reality in Israel today. Today Syria lobbed 6 missiles towards Israel, and 3 …

Still Small Voice – February 10th, 2023

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. I praise God for what He has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. My enemies will retreat when I call to You for help. This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what He has promised.” Ps 56 The words of Jesus help so much in these days. He saw it all, and has promised to make a way for all of us to live and move and have our being. It has been a week of heartache. What other response can there be than prayer, and digging deeper to stand steady? Amir, below, brings you an up date from Israel on the Turkey and Syrian earthquake. Kindly listen and pray with understanding. History repeating itself: Watch if you love history and have the …

Still Small Voice – Shevat 5, 5783 / January 27th 2023

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

Good Morning dear Friends: Today is International Holocaust Day. “For now have I chosen and hallowed this house, that my name may be there for ever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.“ 2 Chronicles 7:16 I believe that for our own welfare and the welfare of our children, we must never forget the horrendous time of the Nazis. A terrible precedent of racism was set. The nation of Israel was literally birthed out of those ashes. Two out of every three European Jews perished. Many of us still living have vivid memories of WW2. But sadly, the younger generations are grossly ignorant. That is almost impossible to fathom, I know. It explains the growing curse of anti-Semitism today. I ask for your prayers for the nation of Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. Psalm 130 is recited by Jewish people publicly and privately in times of crisis and need. It is believed to have been the most recited Psalm by Jews in the Holocaust. I invite you to join us here …

Still Small Voice – Tevet 22, 5783. January 15, 2023

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

Shalom dear Friends: The great good news is we are not orphans. We have a Daddy, an Abba in heaven who remains in charge, no matter who is under the allusion that they rule. It is comforting to know the Bible says: “The spirit of the Lord does nothing except He reveals His secrets to His prophets.” Amos 3:7 “My prayer for you right now is this: “Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark word and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ” Ephesians 6:10-12 We only live today, and today, I pray for you to know His peace which passes all understanding and to be quiet in His love. Only then can we hear the Still Small Voice. You must demand your enemies; panic, worry and fear to leave your mind …

Still Small Voice: Happy Hanukkah – Merry Christmas, Kislev 30, 5783 – Dec. 24th 2022.

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

Shalom Shalom, dear friends: I begin with Canadian Paul Wylie skating to a special rendition of O Holy Night! Question from a former doner of Jerusalem Vistas/Israel Vision: “… as I understand the ministry of Jerusalem Vistas ceases at the end of 2022. I would like to continue to donate to you. I don’t need a tax receipt. I very much enjoy Still Small Voice. I hope that others will continue to support you. Wishing you peaceful holidays and a very blessed year 2023.” Ursula Alberts Canada From Jay’s desk: “Yes, Vistas is closing after 40 amazing years in Jerusalem. It is the close of an organization but NOT a ministry. Have you read, Miracles Among the Nations? It will be available on Amazon soon. Meridel and I are busy with the next book, Volume 3, Israel, our Odyssey. Thanks Jay.’” From Meridel’s desk: “Thank you Ursula for this vote of confidence. I would so appreciate the help, see details at the end of this letter. Yes, you can donate to us through Still Small …

Still Small Voice – Thanksgiving, Cheshvan 28, 5783 Nov. 24, 2022

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends, old and young: This week, my Still Small Voice touches upon Thanksgiving, the olive harvest and prayer. Let’s begin with the Pilgrims and early pioneers of North America. Like all of us, they still had a choice in tough times. These hearty souls decided in the midst of extreme hardship, famine and loss of life to pause and to give thanks to the Almighty. Yes, still many perished. No, it wasn’t easy but it was the Godly response that moved the Hand of God to provide the miracles that they needed to sustain them in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Today the doomsday thinkers and naysayers are calling for a worldwide depression and financial collapse. Jerusalem, on the other hand, is suffering increased deadly attacks yet faithful ones in the midst of her give praise and worship to the Almighty continually. That is inspiring and in line with the Word of God … Give thanks always! Most of you will be aware of the two deadly bombing attacks yesterday at two …

Still Small Voice – Cheshvan 25, 8753. Nov. 19, 2022.

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends: Those of you from whom I hear, are often on my heart for prayer. What a privilege it is to communicate. My theme in this Still Small Voice is tribes. From childhood my life has been impacted by many tribal groups, perhaps it all began knowing my great great grandmother was of the Shaw Clan, a Scots Highlander. I grew up with the Bible, learning in depth about Israel and her people-tribes. “… and behold on the clouds of heaven, One like a Son of Man was coming. And he came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented to Him. And to him (The Messiah) was given dominion (supreme authority). Glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, kingdoms and nations should serve and worship Him.” Daniel 7: 13,14 “At the time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations (tribes) of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and …

Still Small Voice – Heshvan 18, 5783 / November 12th 2022

Published by Dr. Meridel Rawlings

Shalom Dear Friends: Sometimes I think we become all too familiar with the many privileges of being a believer in a God who lives! What do I mean? I know that I have not appreciated the immense potential granted me through His Living Word. We speak it daily, read and discuss it, but do I release it? I woke up this morning with some instructions: “My Word IS the source of Life, hinder me not!” Our Shabbat dinner is the highlight of the week. This week, two sons, a kalah, (Hebrew for a son’s wife}, a family friend and a delightful 22-month-old grandson were our guests. As is our custom, after the blessings we hugged and kissed before beginning to eat. It was a superb feast of fresh fish caught earlier in the day and masterfully prepared by our Greek friend. We topped it off with chocolate cake, berries and ice cream. Yummy. The real piece d’resistance was the scripture reading that followed. Today, who isn’t seeking direction in this upside-down world? It read as …