My Tribute to 11 Israeli Athletes, Victims 1972 Munich Massacre

Yizkor –
We Remember

IOC President Jacques Rogge won’t budge: There will be no minute’s silence for the Israeli victims of the 1972 Munich massacre at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics.

Rogge rejected the latest calls Saturday for a special observance to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the murder of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches by Palestinian gunmen at the Munich Games.  They rejected the call to remember these people:

David Berger, Yossef Gutfreund, Moshe Weinberg, Eliezer Halfin, Mark Slavin, Yossef Romano, Kehat Shorr, Andre Spitzer, Amitzue Shapira, Yakov Springer, Ze/ev Friedman.

Forty years after 11 athletes were murdered in Munich, Israel still mourns alone.

This year, Ankie Spitzer, widow of Israeli fencing coach Andre Spitzer, one of the victims, launched a worldwide campaign for a minute of silence at the London Olympics to mark four decades since the tragedy.

The real answer, it seems, was conveyed verbally to Ankie Spitzer by that same Jacques Rogge. As she tells it, Rogge told her that "his hands were tied" since 46 Arab and Muslim countries belong to the IOC. In other words, there would be no minute of silence only because the victims were Israelis. She replied, "No, my husband's hands were tied, not yours."

I don't want Israel to mourn alone.  I don't want Israel to feel alone.  I don't want Israel to think America has forgotten them.  I'm just one person....but I am one that cares about Israel.

Although no one in Israel will ever read this blog; I know that the Holy Spirit is aware of what I do, say, and write.  So, I write this in honor of the eleven Israeli athletes and coaches murdered at the Munich Games. 

Genesis 12:3  (New Living Translation)
"I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you."

I bless the nation of Israel. 
...

WORKING FOR POVERTY?

WORKING FOR POVERTY? ...How to change things around

Haggai  1:1-13  God’s people were not blessed. Earlier they were in a state of discouragement due to the Samaritans and had stopped their efforts in rebuilding the temple, and that’s another story.  At this time they were living in nice houses while the house of God lay in ruin.  They were self-seeking, trying to survive on their own strength and yet neglecting their spiritual life.  The Kingdom didn’t come first. Therefore, everything they labored for was perishing. 

 TRUTH:  Opposition comes to stop you from receiving God’s blessings!  

The people were so weighed down by the negatives of the situation that they couldn't rebuild God's temple, even though they had permission. They were discouraged because of the opposition of the Samaritans. This caused a sixteen year delay in rebuilding the temple and now it was lying in ruins, yet they continued to build their homes. The temple had a foundation, nothing more. 

TRUTH:  Our priorities reveal our dedication and love for spiritual things.

He is aware that you are not blessed!   He knows seeking Him has not been a priority.  He also knows what caused your zeal for Him to diminish.  God has full knowledge of the person, event, or situation responsible for the struggle in your life.  That struggle has taken a toll on you, physically and spiritually, until there’s no energy left to express your love for God.  God knows that…and He is merciful.

TRUTH:  It is disheartening to work hard and reap poverty! 

You have worked hard to put food on the table, pay the rent, car payment, utilities, buy clothes, and gas for the car…rest assured in the fact that God knows how hard it is on you and your family.  He knows there’s not enough money left over at the end of the month. 

God is love.  Because of that love, grace abounds.  Grace, God’s unmerited favor, flows out of love.   

Verse 5 - Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.   God tells them to consider their ways and then He proceeds to tell them how bad their situation is!  Look at verse 6.

1.  You’ve worked hard and have nothing to show for it.

2.  You eat; but you don’t have enough.
3.  You drink; but you don’t have your fill.
4.  You clothe yourselves, but you are still cold.
5.  When you earn money, you’ve only earned it in order to put the money into a bag which has holes.

TRUTH:  Opposition emptied you of all hope that things will one day be better.  

Nothing has changed.  Week after week and month after month, you go to work, bring home the paycheck and still there’s not enough.  Your thoughts are filled with 'not enough'.  Guilt has taken up residence in your mind.  “You aren’t good enough.  You should make more money.  You aren’t smart enough.  You will never make it.”  Opposition places the spotlight on you.  Opposition wants to bring you down so that you can’t have God’s blessings.  Opposition knows that with a beaten-up mentality you are less powerful for the Kingdom.

TRUTH:  When you are in difficult situations, your life is not pleasing to God…and you are not blessed…God comes with the answer!   

 Be encouraged! God sees your situation. He knows where you are.  Haggai had a word from the LORD and he spoke that word to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah and to Joshua, the high priest. (verse 3-6)

TRUTH:  When God gives you the answer it will come with an assignment:    
Haggai 1: 8  God sees your situation and the answer to your situation is an assignment from Him.   An assignment from God takes you from your situation into the state of being blessed.  If the poverty listed in verse six was important enough for the Lord to talk about, then we can believe that the poverty points mentioned will be turned into plenty. 

The assignment is to resume the work of the Lord!  The assignment is to put Him first.  Until you do, he will blow on your 'much' when you bring it home (verse 9)!   Why did God do this?  Because they were taking care of themselves and ignoring His agenda!  And, besides blowing on their 'much', He also halted the dew and the fruit and then He called for a drought on the land!  God means business when He says.....Don't ignore me!  When there is a drought, nothing comes forth from our labor!   Carefully read verses 9-11. 

TRUTH:  Verse 13 is the key.  When God says, I am with you, your spirit will be stirred and you will begin to work for the Kingdom and blessings will come.     

Haggai 1 is a perfect example of Matthew 6:3  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  You are weary because there has not been a stirring in your spirit issuing from the Spirit of God.  When God stirs our spirit then hope abounds....we can see that things will become better.  Energy comes from hope. 

TRUTH:  God blessings are always the opposite of negative, the opposite of lack.

Here are five opposites of the negatives listed in verse 6:

1.  There will be plenty to show for your labor.
2.  You will eat and be satisfied.
3.  You will drink and be filled.
4.  You will clothe yourself - you will not be cold in winter.
5.  When you earn money there will be enough to pay your bills and some to save.

 TRUTH:  The Lord takes pleasure, He is happy to see you involved in spiritual activity.  He is smiling because of the blessings that are to come upon you.

 Conclusion:

1.  Look at your situation.

2.  List the negatives on paper.
3.  Note the percentage of your effort spent on survival vs. seeking the Kingdom.
4.  List actions you can take in order to turn from survival to seeking.
5.  List opposites of the negatives in your life.

 Now, by faith see the blessings in the unseen realm as coming into your natural realm.  Call those things that are not…as though they are. 

Post these four words, “I am with you” (verse 13) in a prominent place.  Keep Him with you.

.....

The Flag of Israel- it's meaning.

The Flag of Israel

I sat in front of the computer scanning fb posts while sipping my usual morning cappuccino and I noticed a friend's fb post... Chrissie had clicked 'like' on a recent post by "I love Hebrew."  

This Post invited me to:

Read about the Israeli flag and how it was chosen-

what is the meaning of the blue and white colors,

 the Star of David, and more...

So I did.  And this is what I learned.

"The state of Israel was established in May 1948.  Five months later, the flag of Israel was adopted by the speaker of the Provisional Council of State.

The flag of Israel includes two blue stripes on white background with a Shield of David in the center.  It was inspired by the Ttallie (a prayer shawl) as a symbol.  The Star of David is a common symbol of the Jewish people from Biblical times.

A few scholars have claimed the the blue stripes on the flag actually represent the rivers Nile and Euphrates as the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael, the land promised to the Jews by G-d, as mentioned in the Old Testament.

The chosen colors, blue and white, symbolize trust and honesty.

Blue: represents loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.

The white color represents light, honesty, innocence, and peace."

~ ~ ~ ~

I learned something of great value today as I read about the meaning of this beautiful flag.  I hope you have, as well.   Although I love Israel greatly... understanding the meaning of their flag has touched the depths of my heart.  I'll never view the Israeli flag the same.

Months ago I wrestled with a desire to do something for Israel.  I was bothered that I had contributed nothing...zero...to that country, save a visit to their land many years ago.  I feel the pain of their struggle to remain a nation - to secure their borders - to live in peace...and I found a way to contribute a widow's mite.  It has brought much satisfaction to my soul.  I'll share it with you in a later blog.  Perhaps the Lord will place it on your heart to do something for Israel, too.

God bless the USA and the beloved land of Israel.  And thank  you Chrissie (from Florida) for your fb input...you are always a blessing.
...

Robert Morris' Msg: Honor

My words here...Morris' words in red below.

 

This blog will help understand how to accept the person that is unlovable.  Some people can be unlikable, cruel, rude, or small-minded, making it hard to love them.

 This story begins with my trip to Texas, just one month ago.

I visited my granddaughter, Brooke, and her husband, Josue. near Dallas and attended their church.  The message by Gateway pastor, Robert Morris, has stayed with me till this day... I wish someone had explained these principles to me many years ago, but, it's never to late to learn. 

Truth:  It's difficult to accept a person who is difficult!  It's hard to honor someone you don't like. 

Jesus said:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Eph. 4:2
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds," Hebrews 10:24

If we understand 'honor' and its effect...we will change our thoughts, words, and actions.  When those areas are changed in us - we then change our world.

Robert Morris listed the Principle of Honoring and the Principle of Receiving as something we can do to actually affect the people around us.

1)  The Principle of Honoring:  Mark 6:1-5.  Jesus could not do many miracles in his home town because he was dishonored.  They were offended by him.  He was limited because He was dishonored.

Two words:
a) Familiarity - The phrase, prophet without honor in his home town is quoted, even by unbelievers, but we skip over the phrase "In His Own House"....We know what he/she is like behind closed doors...we are familiar with him.

b) Offended:  We are offended by that person - and if we are offended, we will never honor that person.  That person has to be forgiven, even if what that person did is worthy of us being offended.

If dishonor hindered Jesus - it's possible that our lack of honoring also hinders that one from doing and being all that he/she can be.

Ephesians 6:2-3 " Honor.....That it may be well with you"  - How we treat other people affects us.

2)   The Principle of Receiving.  Matthew 10:40  "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me, receives Him who sent me." 

You may be living with a person, but you have not received that person.  If you will honor him  the Bible says that God will do something in your life.

How do I receive?  When you receive a person in your life as God's perfect gift to you, even though they are not perfect....you allow that person to be all God intended him to be in your life.  Until you do this, he can't be all that God intended him to be...and when you accept that person, you release that person to be all that God intended him to be in your life.

=========================================================
There is a difference between acceptance and approval.  We can accept a person but not approve of his behavior.  This is what the Lord requires of us.  Accept - love - honor.  Even when we don't want to...even when that person isn't deserving of honor. 

In a nutshell: 
I honor a person by accepting him and treating him with the love that is required of me in the Word.  Then I release that person!  Friction is gone.  I am at peace.  The opportunity for input into that person's life is increased.

Honoring the unlovable changes me.  I may choose to focus on the good in that person....and then I will sense that Holy Spirit is pleased with me. 

Honor and Release.  Acts of freedom.

Go and smile.  It's up to you.
...

Control the Day-Impact Eternity

Jane's Photo - Florida Skies

Rarely do I post an entire article written by another person - but...Worthy News devotion for today has valuable information for living which can actually change your life - change the way you view a 'day'  or a  'week' - change your thoughts and action for the day .... and that affects your eternity! 

Credit is given where credit is due.  The author of this devotion is listed at the bottom of the blog.  I encourage you to go to Worthy News web site and subscribe to their daily report (Worthy Brief).  I've been receiving this email for many years!  It is one I will keep.

Remember:  Life can always be better than it is...now.
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Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

In this passage, Moses asks the Lord to help us to be aware ofthe limited number of days we have here on the earth, which, in itself, is an important principle of life.  But the Hebrew word in this passage has a deeper meaning than simply "counting" or "numbering" our days. The Hebrew "manah" also means to "appoint" or "ordain". “Teach us to appoint our days,” or “teach us to ordain our days”,  not simply count them. The idea of consecrating our days, or setting them apart for His purposes expresses the deeper meaning.
         
If you let your days go by without ordaining them, they will simply fly by. However if you ordain your days – your weeks –recognizing both their number and potential significance, then ultimately your entire life will be "appointed" and "ordained" for  the Lord's purposes and your years will be filled with meaning and with wisdom – and that will have a profound effect on how you spend eternity.         

Our prayer is that you will not only "number" your days, recognizing how short they really are, but also that you will "ordain" and "appoint" them for the Lord's purposes, and so doing,will hear these wonderful words:    "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"
         
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Negev Desert, Israel

A No-Brainer

Asking "What now, Lord?" instead of "Why, Lord?" is a hard lesson to learn.  It's hard to ask the right question when you're feeling disappointed.  It's hard to ask when your heart is breaking.  It's hard to ask "What now?" when your dreams have been shattered. - Jack Zavada

Did you notice the adjustment in the above paragraph?  Change the "Why" to "What" and add one word, "Now" - - it alters the entire mood of the question.

"Why, Lord?" is often asked in response to a crisis, a disappointment, or because we have been hurt.  We don't understand what happened or why it happened and we are not pleased.  Our confidence, security, and self-esteem has taken a hit.  And we ask, "Why, Lord?"....   It is ok to ask God, "Why?" but you don't need to get stuck there.  If you are stuck in the "Why" mode....This is unbelief talking.

"What now, Lord?"  removes the negative aspect to the question.  Changing the wording of our question to the Lord is not for His benefit, but ours.  Now we are asking with a positive mental outlook.  We are saying "Lord, I know You have this in control....I know You have a plan...Just tell me what is next."   This says, "I anticipate the next move."   This is faith talking. 

Sometimes, we fail to understand in our heart simply because we fail to understand God's heart.  Oh, that we could know how much God loves us!  Yes, we know that He sent Jesus to die for our sins...but we still don't comprehend the love God has for us as an individual.  We think in terms of a corporate, distant God. But he is a personal God.  He is our Father, our Creator! 

If I could fully grasp the fact that God is for me, not against me, and that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be my counselor, my guide, and my teacher.  If I could embrace the nearness of His Spirit, then perhaps I could change my "Why, Lord?" into "What now, Lord?".

Do you know that only 3% of the world’s population manage to plan and reach their goals?   I believe this is partly due to the way we think.  Where would you be at this point in your life if your mental attitude had been, "What now, Lord?"  instead of "Why, Lord?"  How many goals would you have reached because your confidence skyrocketed instead of plummeting to the ground? 

The use of such negative statements forms negative mental habits.  The dynamics of this is great.  Questioning the Lord with a negative tone breeds a spirit of unbelief. 

Matthew 8:26 - Jesus rebuked the disciples because of their little faith.  They woke him to calm the storm...Jesus asked, "Why didn't you calm the storm, O Ye of Small Faith?"  In other words, he scolded them for being negative and allowing fear and anxiety to dominate their emotions in a trying situation.  They were with Jesus, on earth, in the flesh - they could and should have displayed strength. 

Starting today, make this change in your prayer time.  Speak to God honestly from your heart, but with words of faith, declaring "What now" instead of "Why, Lord" .   He  may be surprised, but...He will be pleased. 

It's a no-brainer.  I'll try it, if you will. 
..

STARBUCKS, 2 Thumbs Up

Fox News Online:
"CEO Howard Schultz at Starbucks wanted an American manufacturer to produce the mugs."

Thus, the story begins.

Starbucks has a new campaign: Create Jobs for USA. The campaign is branded with the word "indivisible" stamped on mugs, wristbands and bags of coffee. For all the obvious reasons, CEO Howard Schultz at Starbucks wanted an American manufacturer to produce the mugs.

Finally, a news article that makes me proud!  Starbucks offered the job of producing ceramic mugs  to an American company instead of China.  Clyde McClellan at American Mug and Stein in East Liverpool, Ohio, was approached by a representative of Starbucks.   That's just the first thing that made me proud.

The second thing is that when the banks refused a consolidation debt loan for the American company (the need generated because foreign made meant cheaper foreign labor, which meant cheaper production) the Create Jobs for USA program, which is coupled with the Opportunity Finance Network, stepped up to the plate (sorry, I meant cup) and helped with the consolidation loan!!!

This reminds me of the scripture in Exodus 14:1-31 - The Red Sea Situation.  The Impossible Situation.  The one where you are caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue (Red) Sea Situation. The Situation where you feel boxed in - no way out - abandoned - look at the mess I'm in .... situation.   You need a recipe for rescue. 

Charles Tindley was an African-American pastor wrote the immortal hymn, “Stand By Me."

"When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.  When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea, Thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.  When the hosts of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail, Thou who never lost a battle, stand by me."


"Stand by me" is exactly what happened for this American comany.  Now they are up and running. Layoffs prevented and eight new employees added.  Way to go, Starbucks!  This is what America can do if given a chance!  The article concludes with: Now the kilns are fired up and people scurry about American Mug and Stein carrying loads, carving away imperfections in the clay and preparing an American product to be sold on American store shelves.

That's enough to make you want to do the happy dance!  God makes a way where there seems to be no way! 

Whatever the “Red Sea” situation is that you are facing today, remember this, there is a Jesus waiting for you to trust Him to “Deliver” you.
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Robbed at a Drive-Thru?

Good Grief!  Are we not safe anywhere...anymore? 

Who would think it could be true?  Thieves are watching and waiting to make some fast cash in fast food drive-thru lines.  This actually happened!  In Stockton.  A female was in the drive-thru line with her friends when two suspects came up, pointed a gun and robbed them. 

Life must be getting desperate for these robbery folks.  How many of us carry hundreds of dollars in our wallet - if we did, we would stop at Red Lobster, Outback, or ....well, not McDonald's.  Although, I admit, I'm a McD frequent visitor - love their hot-fudge sundae.  With tax, it amounts to a huge $1.29.  I can do that!  And besides, we use the debit card more than cash.  Yes!  I pull out the debit card for my $1.29 purchase.  I don't carry cash...there's no particular reason for this...I just don't go the bank to get cash. 

Has our society become so stupid...or desperate...that we have to rob at a McD's drive-thru?  Here's what happens.   They lie in wait - see you in the line - you are between two vehicles and can't run - they walk up to your window and want your hot fudge money.  In Stockton, they pointed a gun at the lady in order to get her Big Mac money.  These are called crimes of opportunity!  Let me say that again:  these are called crimes of opportunity!  By driving thru a fast food place we are giving idiots an opportunity to rob us....???  Oh, why do I find this the ultimate of stupity?  How sad.  Imagine a mom taking her children to get a Happy Meal - and some thug bangs on her car....wanting the Happy Meal Money. 

When I thought it couldn't get any crazier!! It did. 

ROBBERY TO GO: 

You have got to watch the video of a man jumping through the drive-thru window at a Burger King this year.   Here's the link: http://www.abc57.com/news/national-world/Man-attempts-to-rob-drive-thru-window-142858155.html

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla.--It's a robbery attempt, to go. Security camera were rolling, as a suspect jumped through the drive-thru window of a Florida Burger King.  The woman working the cash register, didn't run away. Instead, she grabbed the man and screamed for help.

There's help.  Here's what you do (according to the officers):

1.  Lock your doors, roll up your windows, don't have money or a purse out in plain view, and try to get to a safe location.
2.  And if they see something, make some noise, honk your horn, because normally when you do something like that, the suspect who was going to rob you will flee the area."

The next time you drive through McD's or Burger King or Chick-fil-A...be on guard.  Follow the above two points.  If you don't have a gun - be sure you are riding with your Karate black-belt daughter.  I'll have Suzette escort me the next time I get the hot-fudge crave.  The robber would be so, so sorry.   He/she would suffer from a reversal of fortune.

I love to read about bungled robberies.  Such as:
 ...the  Indiana man who, during the commission of an armed robbery in January 2008, shot himself in the groin with his own gun, effectively ending the crime
... a 27-year-old Englewood, CO  resident, passed a note to a bank teller on the back of one of his own checks.
...A man who went missing in 1985 turned up in the chimney of a gift shop in Natchez, Miss., during renovations 15 years later.

Sometimes, crime just doesn't pay. 

Seriously, the Word says that knowledge will increase in the last days - but I never though stupidy would increase, also. 

Crimes of convenience.  Be prepared.

What else can I say?
...

One Is Enough

We met on Mt. Nebo one afternoon.  I was at the picnic area for my usual prayer/study time whe she walked by.  We were the only two people in the area.  She stopped to visit.  I didn't get her name.  I wish I had.  I even wish I had gotten her address.  It would be nice to touch base with her again.  She did mention her home in Texas. 

We visited for a good bit.  I discovered that she is a retired high school art teacher...divorced for about 24 years.

She told me she was camping on Mt. Nebo and I asked if she camped alone.  She said, "One is enough."  This retired teacher didn't let 'alone' hinder her from going and doing...she carried on with life as a whole, healthy person. 

Her answer made quite an impact on me.  One is enough.  The meaning is this:  One is enough - one can still travel, go camping and carry on with life.  Two or more is not a requirement for living.  Toward the end of our visit she invited me to walk over to the camp site to see her small travel trailer.  It was a 1974 model, just like the picture included in this blog.  She opened the door and we stepped inside. Her tiny space was stocked and complete with everything she needed for camping.  Someone had even installed an a/c unit in the back window.  She had camped at just about every park in the state, I think.  One is enough to hook up her little trailer to her Ford 4-cylinder car and...away she goes to explore the world.

I've met people in the past who obviously never understood that one is enough and they spent much time and effort looking for friends in all the wrong places.  One is always enough if you find satisfaction in the things of God.  You are complete in Christ.  A healthy person will once again function normally after a loss - after time - and after a healing process.   Even though the void is huge, Jesus Christ gives you strength and courage to live. 

Never underestimate the power of just one person.  Einstein was one man... Hitler was one man, too. One person can choose good, creativity, or destruction.  One is enough.   One person can bring life to a dying church by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.  One can pray down revival. 

I found the following tidbit from an old CBS news article from August of last year.

When one person influences a few others, there are two major effects:

1.  A ripple effect that, over time, can actually impact thousands over generations.
2.  A broadening effect since one person influences many, like multiplying tree branches.

Quotes from the classic movie, It's a Wonderful Life,  help us to understand the importance of one person:

Clarence:  "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Clarence: You've been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.

Clarence: You see George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it away?
George Bailey:  I wanna live again! 

Your life has touched many other lives.  If you touched them but briefly  - that moment in time made a difference to them.

One is enough.  Esther 4:14...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther was just one.  Paul was just one.  David was just one.  Moses was just one.  Elijah was just one....   Jesus was One.  One is enough.

Erma Bombeck said, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."

Now, go.  Live.  You have a lot to do.
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