I did another poll on my facebook profile, asking people what forgiveness means to them. Here are their responses:
"Forgiveness means to forgive and accept what has hurt you and not to hold a grudge against that person about what happened...you may not forget, but you won't bring it up again in order to hurt the other person back...because it has been forgiven! :) " - Lena
"Forgiveness is a process. It involved *choosing* to let the matter go. It does not mean that what happened is "OK", because often the hurt that has been done may be grevious. Forgiveness is choosing not to hate the offender, (steps may be required to protect oneself from the person that caused the hurt). Because we are not wired to forget past offenses, sometimes we may need to forgive someone in our heart over and over again. Each time Satan starts to work at the wound, we need to take the hurt before God and allow God to help us to forgive. True forgiveness can only come from God." - Bryan
"Forgiveness I agree is a process and at times you may need to do it daily. It is good to do so that the anger and resentment don't build in yourself and hurt yourself and others by holding onto the hurt. There is a Bible verse that says to love your enemies I think this can only be done with Gods help or power in your life. Not on your own strength. It also does not mean to be a doormat and keep letting people hurt you. We live in a fallen and broken world. Forgiveness is a must in life." - Lena
"Forgiveness is the scent a flower sheds upon the heel that crushed it." - J.R.
"To me, Forgiveness is best described in 1Cor. 13...the verse that say's Love keeps no records of wrong's." - Joyce
"Forgiveness is an aspect of love that challenges us to walk out that love. Forgiveness allows us to express our love. The foundation of love is forgiveness. If we can't forgive ourselves we cannot accept God's love or understand God's acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice. The Cross can be understood thru seeing God's forgiveness of us who don't deserve it." - George
I like all your thoughts...and I agree. Forgiveness is a process - it doesn't happen overnight and at times it feels like you're doing it again and again...daily at times. Some hurts go down deep but as Christians we are called to forgive..it's not an option, it's expected..it's a way of life...we'll hurt others and others will hurt us. The challenge is not to deny but to forgive, to overcome the feelings and to forgive. We can choose to forgive or we can become unhealthy physically and mentally and live in bitterness and regret. "Forgiveness is a way of traveling" the road continues, things go by and we gotta let them go. "Let go and let God!"
When I was putting this statement on my profile on facebook, I was prompted to ask a certain individual who I don't really know, what they thought about forgiveness. They were uneasy at first but responded. Later I received a message from them, and they shared a very difficult circumstance in their life that they are still working on to forgive.....to forgive those in the church, people/leaders/ministers of God who hurt them deeply, when they felt they were doing something that God had led them to do. Their mission was not received well by the Church. But God is still working on them to forgive the Church years later after this incident happened. God is so amazing! I don't even know this person very well - just a wee bit through a friend. God is so good and uses all kinds of different circumstances and people in our lives to bring us closer to Him and into a deeper relationship with Him. "He calls the stars in the skies and He knows them by name...You are amazing God!" This song has been in my heart this morning and it amazes me how God knows the stars by name...and also us...even the number of hairs on our head. He knows each day what happens and what we will go through on this journey in life....and He knew this even before we were born!! He is amazing!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Israel Ladies Tour 2009
"WOMEN OF THE BIBLE"
having an excellent Jewish Tour Guide by the name of Arie Harel, who served many years as a Lt. Colonel in the Israel Defense Force, and doing a fabulous job of making sure that we are comfortable and safe at all times. Looking up into the heights of the Sycamore trees like the one that Zacchaeas (Luke 19:1-10) climbed so many years ago to see Jesus passing by. Visiting the town of Capernaum, a place where Jesus moved to (Matt. 4:12-13), the hometown of the Apostle Peter and the centre for tax collectors and Roman troops (Mark 2:14).
Towards the end of the tour, taking a day trip into the land of Jordan, to visit Petra, one of the wonders of the world...the site of the most recent Indiana Jones movie....walking through the caverns of the city built into the rock. Some also believe that this will be the place of refuge for Christians and Jews, a place they will flee to during the Great Tribulation.....if you've been reading the Left Behind Series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, they write about Petra a lot in their books - one of the references that they use is Rev. 12:14 "But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time." Petra is also the home of the Edomites - descendants of Esau (Genesis 14:6, 36:20-30; Deut. 2:12) and is the most likely place of the city of Sela that is mentioned in Judges 1:36; Isaiah 16:1, 42:11; Obad. 3; 2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chr. 25:12. Petra is in the land of Edom where the Israelites tried to pass through but were not allowed to so, this was before they crossed over the River Jordan and overtook Jericho.
Covering yourself with mud full of minerals before enjoying a very relaxing float in the Dead Sea. Visiting the Ahava Factory, sampling their many samples of creams and lotions. Spending a night at a spa on the shores of the Dead Sea.
The last two nights will be spent in Eilat, the resort city of Israel, on the shores of the Red Sea.....how about taking a sail on the Red Sea or lounging in the sun and relaxing before leaving Israel on the long flight heading home. Eilat, named Ezion-Gaber in the Bible, is the location of where the Israelites last camped before the came into the "wilderness of Zin" (Numbers 33:35,36; Deuteronomy 2:8). It is also the place where the ships of Jehoshaphat were wrecked (1 Kings 22:48). King Solomon also built a navy at Eilat (1 Kings 9:26) and Jehoshaphat built a navy here too (2 Chronicles 20:36). King Solomon also visited Ezion-Gaber (Eilat) in 2 Chronicles 8:17.
Hill of Golgotha, next to a main road traveling into the City of Jerusalem and seeing the sign in the tomb where Jesus is no longer buried, because He rose again and is living in Heaven - preparing an eternal home for us. (Matt. 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19)
Walking through the marketplace in the old city of Jerusalem, taking the same route along the Via Dolorosa that Jesus took so many years ago as he walked by the stores carrying his cross to his death by crucifixion. (Matt. 27, Mark 15)
Walking down the Mount of Olives (Matt. 24:3, and being in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22), with the 2,000 year old Olive trees, seeing where Jesus prayed with his disciples before his crucifixion.
Standing at the Wailing Wall, hearing the prayers and cries of women in many different languages and cultures....watching the people as they come to pray several times a day. Many feel that this is the closest that they can be to God, here at the wall - on the other side of this wall are the grounds where the Temple of Jerusalem stood. In Matthew, we read of Mary & Joseph taking Jesus to the Temple to be dedicated, years later Jesus was in the Temple, and when He died on the cross, the Temple curtain tore from top to bottom - signifying that the people could now go directly to God in their prayers - Jesus was now the High Priest.
A terrifying ride on a camel.....my first experience was one I will never forget. :-)
The town of Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding he attended (John 2:1-12).
Walking through the fascinating ruins of Bet'Shean, seeing the marble and mosaic floors of centuries ago....sitting by the pillars that are still standing today. King Saul and Jonathan were killed by the Philistines in the mountains of Gilboa near here and King Saul's body was hung on the walls of Beth-shan (1 Sam. 31). It is an ancient Scythopolis, lies at a main crossroads leading to Jerusalem (across the Jordan Valley).
Taking a jeep ride along the Jordan River, up into the cliffs of the Golan Heights near the Syrian border, overlooking the fertile land of Israel with it's vineyards and many Kibbutz communities, and an opportunity to tour through one of the many wineries in the area. Up on the cliffs, the terrain is so rocky and dry. The Bible talks about the Israelites turning this land into such fertile soil....which they have definitely done.
Taking a calm sail on the Sea of Galilee with Daniel Carmel and his Galilee Worship Boat ministry singing our modern worship praise songs that we sing in English and he translates them into Hebrew, creating beautiful worship CD's. Being on this sea, knowing that Jesus walked on the water here, as well as the Apostle Peter (Matt. 14). Jesus also lit a campfire and cooked fish on it for his disciples (John 21) after He had risen from the dead....wow. What an experience to be here.
Visiting Caesarea, the place where the Apostle Paul (Acts 26) began his missionary journey, standing on the shores of the Meditarranean Sea....seeing the sunset over the sea.
Staying in wonderful hotels such as the above hotel in Tiberias along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and touring around each day in comfort in a bus specially chosen just for us. Jesus never went to Tiberias and in Bible times, the Jews stayed away from here as it was considered unclean.
Standing on the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5) and overlooking the Sea of Galilee across the hillsides of the Judean Hills.
Standing on the height of Masada overlooking the Dead Sea. This was King Herod's fortress that he built in 30BC as a summer home, a refuge and hideaway - it was his mountain castle with all the luxuries of the Roman world. But from 70-73, the Jewish Zealots sought refuge here from the Romans. After a year of building a ramp to overtake this fortress, the Romans broke through the walls and found these 960 Jewish Zealots had committed suicide - they chose to die rather than to fall into the hands of the Romans so they killed themselves...all but a woman with 2 small children survived. To the east, it looks out over the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is 1,400 feet below sea level...Masada is at sea level. It was quite a climb for the few guys and 1 gal from our team that hiked up Masada rather than taking the tramp up.
Seeing the magnificent ruins of the synagogue in Capernaun where Jesus taught and read from the Scriptures. Jesus began his ministry in Capernaun (Matt. 4).
The Garden Tomb where Jesus may have been buried (Matt. 27:57-61) and walking the streets of Nazareth - the hometown of Jesus when he was a child (Matt.2:19-23).
Crossing over the Jordan River - the river that Jesus was baptized in (Matt. 3:13-17) and enjoying the sunrises in Tiberias overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
All of these incredible experiences, as well as many others wonderful sites to see such as the the home area of Queen Jezebel, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, the place where Deborah asked Barak to fight the Canaanites and so much more will all be included in this tour of a lifetime.
Contact me soon by email lisaspics@sasktel.net - deadline is May 25/09 to sign up with your $100.00 deposit.
Ladies Tour of Israel Nov. 28-Dec. 12, 2009
Ladies!! I am organizing an amazing and incredible womens tour of the Holy Land for the end of November 2009. The cost is approximately $4,000/person (CANADIAN) - that covers all hotels, the bus and driver, entrance fees to all sites, a personal tour guide, a huge buffet breakfast and supper each day, and return airfare from Saskatoon. Signup with a $100.00 deposit which is fully refundable. The complete fees for the tour do need to be paid in full in US funds by the end of September.
You will thoroughly enjoy many wonderful experiences and amazing sites such as:
You will thoroughly enjoy many wonderful experiences and amazing sites such as:
having an excellent Jewish Tour Guide by the name of Arie Harel, who served many years as a Lt. Colonel in the Israel Defense Force, and doing a fabulous job of making sure that we are comfortable and safe at all times. Looking up into the heights of the Sycamore trees like the one that Zacchaeas (Luke 19:1-10) climbed so many years ago to see Jesus passing by. Visiting the town of Capernaum, a place where Jesus moved to (Matt. 4:12-13), the hometown of the Apostle Peter and the centre for tax collectors and Roman troops (Mark 2:14).
Towards the end of the tour, taking a day trip into the land of Jordan, to visit Petra, one of the wonders of the world...the site of the most recent Indiana Jones movie....walking through the caverns of the city built into the rock. Some also believe that this will be the place of refuge for Christians and Jews, a place they will flee to during the Great Tribulation.....if you've been reading the Left Behind Series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, they write about Petra a lot in their books - one of the references that they use is Rev. 12:14 "But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time." Petra is also the home of the Edomites - descendants of Esau (Genesis 14:6, 36:20-30; Deut. 2:12) and is the most likely place of the city of Sela that is mentioned in Judges 1:36; Isaiah 16:1, 42:11; Obad. 3; 2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chr. 25:12. Petra is in the land of Edom where the Israelites tried to pass through but were not allowed to so, this was before they crossed over the River Jordan and overtook Jericho.
Covering yourself with mud full of minerals before enjoying a very relaxing float in the Dead Sea. Visiting the Ahava Factory, sampling their many samples of creams and lotions. Spending a night at a spa on the shores of the Dead Sea.
The last two nights will be spent in Eilat, the resort city of Israel, on the shores of the Red Sea.....how about taking a sail on the Red Sea or lounging in the sun and relaxing before leaving Israel on the long flight heading home. Eilat, named Ezion-Gaber in the Bible, is the location of where the Israelites last camped before the came into the "wilderness of Zin" (Numbers 33:35,36; Deuteronomy 2:8). It is also the place where the ships of Jehoshaphat were wrecked (1 Kings 22:48). King Solomon also built a navy at Eilat (1 Kings 9:26) and Jehoshaphat built a navy here too (2 Chronicles 20:36). King Solomon also visited Ezion-Gaber (Eilat) in 2 Chronicles 8:17.
Hill of Golgotha, next to a main road traveling into the City of Jerusalem and seeing the sign in the tomb where Jesus is no longer buried, because He rose again and is living in Heaven - preparing an eternal home for us. (Matt. 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19)
Walking through the marketplace in the old city of Jerusalem, taking the same route along the Via Dolorosa that Jesus took so many years ago as he walked by the stores carrying his cross to his death by crucifixion. (Matt. 27, Mark 15)
Walking down the Mount of Olives (Matt. 24:3, and being in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22), with the 2,000 year old Olive trees, seeing where Jesus prayed with his disciples before his crucifixion.
Standing at the Wailing Wall, hearing the prayers and cries of women in many different languages and cultures....watching the people as they come to pray several times a day. Many feel that this is the closest that they can be to God, here at the wall - on the other side of this wall are the grounds where the Temple of Jerusalem stood. In Matthew, we read of Mary & Joseph taking Jesus to the Temple to be dedicated, years later Jesus was in the Temple, and when He died on the cross, the Temple curtain tore from top to bottom - signifying that the people could now go directly to God in their prayers - Jesus was now the High Priest.
A terrifying ride on a camel.....my first experience was one I will never forget. :-)
The town of Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding he attended (John 2:1-12).
Walking through the fascinating ruins of Bet'Shean, seeing the marble and mosaic floors of centuries ago....sitting by the pillars that are still standing today. King Saul and Jonathan were killed by the Philistines in the mountains of Gilboa near here and King Saul's body was hung on the walls of Beth-shan (1 Sam. 31). It is an ancient Scythopolis, lies at a main crossroads leading to Jerusalem (across the Jordan Valley).
Taking a jeep ride along the Jordan River, up into the cliffs of the Golan Heights near the Syrian border, overlooking the fertile land of Israel with it's vineyards and many Kibbutz communities, and an opportunity to tour through one of the many wineries in the area. Up on the cliffs, the terrain is so rocky and dry. The Bible talks about the Israelites turning this land into such fertile soil....which they have definitely done.
Taking a calm sail on the Sea of Galilee with Daniel Carmel and his Galilee Worship Boat ministry singing our modern worship praise songs that we sing in English and he translates them into Hebrew, creating beautiful worship CD's. Being on this sea, knowing that Jesus walked on the water here, as well as the Apostle Peter (Matt. 14). Jesus also lit a campfire and cooked fish on it for his disciples (John 21) after He had risen from the dead....wow. What an experience to be here.
Visiting Caesarea, the place where the Apostle Paul (Acts 26) began his missionary journey, standing on the shores of the Meditarranean Sea....seeing the sunset over the sea.
Staying in wonderful hotels such as the above hotel in Tiberias along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and touring around each day in comfort in a bus specially chosen just for us. Jesus never went to Tiberias and in Bible times, the Jews stayed away from here as it was considered unclean.
Standing on the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5) and overlooking the Sea of Galilee across the hillsides of the Judean Hills.
Standing on the height of Masada overlooking the Dead Sea. This was King Herod's fortress that he built in 30BC as a summer home, a refuge and hideaway - it was his mountain castle with all the luxuries of the Roman world. But from 70-73, the Jewish Zealots sought refuge here from the Romans. After a year of building a ramp to overtake this fortress, the Romans broke through the walls and found these 960 Jewish Zealots had committed suicide - they chose to die rather than to fall into the hands of the Romans so they killed themselves...all but a woman with 2 small children survived. To the east, it looks out over the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is 1,400 feet below sea level...Masada is at sea level. It was quite a climb for the few guys and 1 gal from our team that hiked up Masada rather than taking the tramp up.
Seeing the magnificent ruins of the synagogue in Capernaun where Jesus taught and read from the Scriptures. Jesus began his ministry in Capernaun (Matt. 4).
The Garden Tomb where Jesus may have been buried (Matt. 27:57-61) and walking the streets of Nazareth - the hometown of Jesus when he was a child (Matt.2:19-23).
Crossing over the Jordan River - the river that Jesus was baptized in (Matt. 3:13-17) and enjoying the sunrises in Tiberias overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
All of these incredible experiences, as well as many others wonderful sites to see such as the the home area of Queen Jezebel, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, the place where Deborah asked Barak to fight the Canaanites and so much more will all be included in this tour of a lifetime.
Contact me soon by email lisaspics@sasktel.net - deadline is May 25/09 to sign up with your $100.00 deposit.
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