In the scorched earth of the October 7th war and against the black shroud of inconceivable inhumanity, death, and mourning, I unexpectedly discovered a riot of living and colorful resilience, hope, and even joy among Israelis during our recent trip to the Mid East. I had not imagined this response, and it captured my attention…
Tag: peace
Every Sparkle Shouts
It’s easy to look at the condition of the world and despair or grow cynical about the message of the birth of Jesus: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14. At Bible Study Fellowship, we have been studying the book of Revelation. We just finished chapters 4…
Table of Forgiveness
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” Psalm 23:5. This scripture sprang to living color this morning as I read, and a myriad of memories flashed across my mind. When Wayne and I lived in Israel, we made numerous trips to…
Cloistered
Cloistered I barely see you across the green meadow, feeding, lingering in morning’s silvery misty veil and awaiting the sun’s bright clarity that brings sure revelation of up and downhill turnings. Day’s beginning and ending remain in mystery. Cloistered in daybreak’s sheltering haze, hidden but not hiding, you quiet your soul to rest and wait…
Pond Real Estate
I’m envying the sunbathing turtles across the pond, flippers splayed upon the muddy beach and heads raised to the sunshine. Most days they come and settle in for hours—the mud on the edges of their shells and skin drying to charcoal grit. Oh the luxury, the decadent extravagance—to sink deeply into the earthen shoreline and…
A Walled Garden
I love a walled garden and especially a vine that grows over the wall. There’s something so life-giving about living beauty and fruitfulness that goes beyond the limitation of borders. Think about the life of Joseph. Upon his father’s deathbed, Jacob prophesied this. “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose…
Stop and Breathe, It’s Sabbath!
John 30:22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. When I am pressed and overwhelmed in my daily life, there is one thing that brings immediate relief. It’s a very old remedy and technique, but is well proven to be effective. And that is to intentionally come to full…
An Open Letter to Gazans…
Noa writes open letter to Gazans Internationally renowned Israeli singer Noa writes a moving letter appealing to Palestinians in Gaza and everywhere, calling for eradication of common enemy: Fanaticism Ynet Internationally renowned Israeli singer Noa has written an open letter to Palestinians in Gaza and everywhere. The letter was published on the Israel-based iPeace website,…
What the World Seeks Most…
On a hill nine miles north of Jerusalem and directly behind the Israeli, Arab village, Abu Gosh, stands a Catholic church called, Our Lady the Ark of the Covenant Church. It was built on the hill of Kiriath Jearim, where Abinadad held the sacred Ark of the Covenant in his house during part of the reigns of King Saul and…
Jerusalem
Jesus’ heart swelled with compassion when he looked upon the city of Jerusalem. We have not been in a place to receive Internet. Visiting the Galilee area, Tiberias, Capernaum, Kursi, Meggido, and the Jordan River has kept us on the move. We arrived in Jerusalem early last evening. Right now, I am using Bevi’s computer;…
Bonnie Saul Wilks 