Showing posts with label Judaism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judaism. Show all posts

I am so blessed




As you probably know, I am half Jewish. I have always wanted a menorah, but my ex-husband hated Jews and wouldn't let me have one- and when I was single I didn't have money for one, but chris knew how much my Jewishness meant to mem and he bought me one.

One day when I was at the chemist, I saw this orthodox cross on his service counter. Being as we were friendly with him, I struck up a conversation saying how lovely it was.

I left the pharmacy and he came running out after me with the cross in a bag. He wanted me to have it. He's an Egyptian, Coptic Orthodox. I keep it because it was given with love...

My hall table bearing these things makes me smile every time I pass it. Thoughts of love of a Jewish Saviour Who died for me, a husband who truly loves me and a friend who gave a treasured gift as well.

Another dear friend gave me the scroll with the Footprints poem on it and lovingly surrounding these gifts are photos of our children who have married. 

A bunch of artificial flowers with a beautiful perfume that catches the breeze as you walk past was a gift from my granddaughter and her daughter.

My happy place is not an altar but it brings thoughts of love and friendship and family. It's nice to reflect on how blessed I am every time I walk past it..


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

It's the simplicity

 


I read about Christians who don't believe in the pre-trib rapture who accuse those of us who do as being spineless, and wanting a way of escape from the tribulation... 

I asked myself, why would you want to stay? God in His Word has warned us what the tribulation is gonna be like and how He would hide us from that trial for the unbelieving world... 

Is it not from fear that I believe... I believe in the just, loving and protective nature of God. His past present and future acts of divine protection are what I see and believe Him to be. He never ever has punished the righteous with the unrighteous and I can't see Him doing it now

Further, did not the Israelites daub their doors with the blood of a lamb so that the Angel of Death would passover their dwelling? Because they knew enough about God's protection to do that... and that they did not want to die or be punished by not doing it. Not exactly fear but fear of God and obedience. So also with that knowledge comes the desire to be on God's side and protected by Him. 

I think the post trib people are of the kind to want to prove a point- if not to God, but to themselves, that they must suffer for their faith when Christ has said there is no need to. surely then pride comes into view... a puffed up sense of spiritual superiority... portraying us who long for His catching us up to Himself,  a second rate class of Christian... 

I think it is human nature to want to save one's own skin... and why would anyone willingly want to stay to drink of a cup that we don't have to drink? We know God's wrath is not for us. But yes, even so- it is not a sin to want to flee the horrors Jesus warned us about.. 

To me, the post tribbers seem to be taking the simplicity of accepting Christ's offer to keep us from the hour of trial and turning it into a works oriented faith.

Christ tells us to be watching and ready for the rapture. Simply being alert and longing for the Blessed Hope... an act of faith and a gift of grace. 

The post tribbers must rely on their works and struggle to keep alive until the Second Coming... enduring unspeakable horrors that clearly are not what they were saved to endure.

We have a very loving Father Who has His children's best interests at heart. He's already sent His Son to die for us. His Son has now returned to the Father. He now prepares a place for us.

All He asks is that we stay faithful to Him and look with longing for His return for His Bride...

Maybe that is what is a stumbling block to the prideful post tribbers. The love. The simplicity.


 © Glenys Robyn Hicks


Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth- Revelation 3:10

Her Kinsman-Redeemer!




Through new-born eyes the infant King stares at Mary's face, 
Her deep brown eyes drinking in the sight of Him-
His tiny hand clasped strongly around her finger-
The first touch of God incarnate amongst man.
He is God's own Son-
Her Kinsman-Redeemer.

Through pain-filled eyes the crucified King stares into Mary’s face again,
Entrusting her into John’s care-
Longing to reach out to her with His pierced hands
To bring her the comfort of God -
He is her own Son-
Her Kinsman-Redeemer.

In death His glazed eyes still behold her and all mankind for whom He died,
His bloodied hand now resting on Mary’s shoulder
Comforting her as she cries in her grief –
Even in death loving her,
Her victorious Saviour and evermore
Her Kinsman-Redeemer.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks 

“When Jesus saw His mother, He said, ‘Woman, behold your son!” John 19:26

The origin of the wedding ring


When we married, Chris and I chose to each wear a wedding ring. Mine is a small rounded band yellow gold ring whilst Chris's is half rounded and wide in yellow gold. We do love wearing them and would feel lost without them.

When we were both single after long-term marriages, being remarried was on both our hearts. When finally we met, we discovered that we both had looked at people's wedding fingers, searching for rings, wondering if the person was attached. And we both recall feeling a sense of envy and longing when we saw a wedding ring worn on that special finger.

To be honest, I think most married people can attest to the pride that they felt as they showed their rings to their guests at their wedding reception, and most can still feel a sense of pride and contentment in wearing theirs. Although wedding rings are not mentioned in Scripture and therefore do not constitute a marriage per se, they are indicative of the covenant and a pledge of love between our husbands and ourselves that should speak to us each time we reflect on why we wear them.

I decided to do a little research on wedding rings to find out just why they are important to our culture and  their origin, here is what I have found:

Wedding rings originated in Ancient Egypt more than 4,800years ago. They were originally created with hemp, rushes or braided grass and worn only by women.

The circular shape of the Wedding Ring symbolises the never-ending love between husband and wife. It is worn on the third finger of the left hand. This tradition began as the vein in this finger is believed to be the ‘vena amoris’ or ‘vein of love’ which leads directly to the heart.

After the Egyptians, the Romans continued the Wedding Ring tradition introducing a more permanent metal – Iron. During the middle ages in Europe, Gold became the most popular choice for Wedding Rings. During this time, precious gems, such as Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds, also started to be used in the creation of Wedding Rings.

A token of love, a symbol of forever. Whether a plain metal band or an exquisite work of craftsmanship, the wedding ring has played a central role in marriage ceremonies throughout history.

Ancient Times
According to Penny Proddow and Marion Fasel, co-authors of "With This Ring," the exact origins of the wedding ring are unknown. However, it was tradition in ancient Rome for brides to wear a simple iron band. In the third century, "key engagement rings" were given to a betrothed woman to celebrate entering her husband's home.

1400s
During the 15th century, precious gems set inside gold rings became fashionable. Each stone had a special meaning and was usually cut into a pyramid.

1500s
Jewish wedding rings in Italy and Germany became elaborate with miniature temples designed on a band adorned with messages and stories.

1600s
By the 17th century, gimmel rings with hidden messages and secret openings were created for couples. The ring was split apart at engagement for both the man and woman to wear. During the wedding, the whole ring was slid back on the bride's finger to symbolize unity.

1700s and 1800s
The claddagh design -- two hands holding a heart with a crown -- originated in Italy and eventually became tradition among Irish brides. The first mention of the wedding ring as an option in a marriage ceremony, occurs in the 1872 manual of the Methodist Church, known as Discipline: "If the parties desire it, the man shall here hand a ring to the minister, who shall return it to him and direct him to place it on the third finger of the woman’s left hand. And the man shall say to the woman, repeating after the minister, ‘With this ring I thee wed, and with my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.’"

In early Judaism to present
In a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, Jewish wedding rings play a very important role. In Jewish law, a verbal declaration is not enough to be married.  According to Jewish law, a formal, physical consecration must be made. Usually this is done with the giving of a Jewish wedding ring, however in ancient times, it was merely something of value–with the minimum value of what is now a penny.  The ring must be of solid uninterrupted gold with no holes breaking the circle. The continuity of the rings represents the hope for an everlasting marriage.

In most ceremonies, the bridegroom repeats a Hebrew vow after the Rabbi, with the giving of the ring. The bridegroom would declare, “Behold, thou art consecrated to me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel.”

1900s to Present
Margaret Brinig, a researcher at George Mason University, traces the demand for diamonds used in wedding rings for the wealthy back to 1840, but it wasn't until after the Great Depression that they became a popular American tradition.

Men didn’t start wearing Wedding Bands until much later – around the time of the Second World War. Being separated from their wives for long periods of time, Soldiers wore Wedding Bands as a symbolic reminder of their loved one back home.

In this picture at the top of the post, Sarah also wears a gold wedding band, typical of early Hebrew wedding rings. The wedding band is known to have been used in ancient Egypt and was worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, just as it is today.  painting:  Is anything too hard for the LORD? by Elspeth Young


© Glenys Robyn Hicks



In Hebrew, this phrase is Hare at mekudeshet li betaba’ at zo k’dat Moshe v’ Yisrael.  the Talmud  “Behold, thou art consecrated to me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel.”

Loving all creatures.

 

Over the years I have come to believe that a lot can be gleaned about a person's character by the way they treat animals.

Without fail, I have observed that people who are kind to animals are tender hearted and usually are kind and fair with their dealings with people.

Conversely, those who are cruel or unkind to animals treat people in like manner. 

Indeed, I have seen this in my own family, starting with my ex-husband who was a particularly cruel man.

He was very cruel to animals and treated me badly in our 25 year marriage. So much so, that I was forced to leave him to save myself.

His legacy was handed down to my first two children who have a dislike of animals, but are not cruel to them. They treat people around them with indifference and dislike generally as well.

My last two children not only are kind to animals, but actually dote on them. Their treatment of people generally is kind and fair.

Sadly, it has been noted by forensic scientists and so on that people who are cruel or kill animals eventually kill people.

Whenever I see people loving their pets or animals, I feel an affinity with them. After all, gentleness and kindness are fruits of the Spirit. I can be pretty sure that they would be nice people to know and would treat me with equity and fairness. I am rarely wrong.

God created animals for man to have dominion over, but as we see in Judaic Laws, they are to be treated humanely and compassionately at all times. Even when slaughtering them for food, it has to be killed with one smooth cut which is supposedly painless. Kosher.

It is said that animals and children are good judges of character, and I think there's a lot of truth in that. A character that is appalled at cruelty will be loving and gentle and one who does not care will not. Certainly, as born-again Christians, we should treat all living things well as they firstly belong to the LORD.

Test me and see if I am right by observing this for yourself. It is a useful tool to help in judging whether you can trust a person in daily life or not..as well as their walk with the LORD. We should be loving all creatures. 


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


Proverbs 12:10 “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”

I'm coming back! The napkin's folded!

 


Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes. 

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. 

She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see.. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it...

The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now, if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done.'

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'

He is Coming Back!


So; if this touches you, you may want to forward it. And praise the name of Jesus! (Author unknown)


Easter blessings, Gleny


and the napkin that was upon his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but apart, having been folded up, in one place;  John 20:17

A Kingdom not of this world


I was reflecting on the fact that Jesus came into the world and literally turned it upside down. He brought concepts to mankind that were totally foreign.

Forgiving someone not 7 times but 70 in one day if necessary and showing mercy instead of taking vengeance as in an eye for an eye and a life for a life. 

Taught in Torah as God's Laws, Jesus showed a new way of living as God wanted, bringing a totally alien way of life to those bowed down by following all the Laws of Judaism.

Because Jesus lived as He saw His Father live, His life and actions caused Him to be alienated and hated by the religious teachers of the day, and he was an enigma to the ordinary people in the world around Him. He just didn't fit in.

Of course, loving your enemy, dining with tax-collectors, prostitutes and the like, won Him no points with the Pharisees. 

Healing people on the Sabbath and turning over the money tables of the Temple merchants who extorted money from the poor who came to offer their sacrifice angered the religious.

As much as His popularity grew among those who He ministered to, it also angered the self-righteous who sought to silence Him. And it dawned on me, that we who follow Him would often face the same criticism and hatred.

We don't belong or fit in here. Because we who follow Him Who came and changed the world, we will be just as much mistrusted, envied, criticised and maybe even hated as He was.

Just as He said that His Kingdom was not of this world, this world is not for us as followers of Christ. It's just a fact that the more we shine with the love of Christ, the more misunderstood and vilified we will be.

This world is not our home either and we who name the Name of Christ must expect to be treated similarly. We won't fit in if His light is shining in our life. 

I don't know why so many want to fit in to this sad sinful and fallen world. We are called to be set apart and I for one am glad that I am.  

With all the beauty this world still has, it won't be anything compared to the beauty of Heaven and the wonderful mansion our Saviour has prepared for us. 

The world can keep adoring the beautiful people and shunning the ones who do not fit in, because we have a Home to look forward to where we will not only fit in, but be welcomed and at peace in a Kingdom not of this world.


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence, - John 18:36

She got her answers!



The unnamed woman who touched Jesus's hem and was healed inspires me greatly. Not only a woman of faith, but of courage. 

In Jewish family purity law, a woman who has an issue of blood is considered unclean and is set apart from many functions. She is not considered clean until she has immersed herself in a ritual bath called a mikvah ten days after her issue has ceased. This is called Niddah.

For a woman to have an issue of blood for any reason meant she was virtually an outcast until after she was cleansed at the mikvah. Sadly, this woman would have been a lonely and desperate woman who had used all her livelihood on physicians who couldn't heal her.

I can just imagine her thoughts: can I be healed? I have seen Him do miracles. What if He is angry with me for defiling Him? Should I not touch His Hem? But what if He heals me- even me? What do I do?

Such was her desperation, that she risked the humiliation and condemnation by reaching out in faith- and her issue of blood was stanched immediately.

Jesus perceived that the woman had touched Him in faith and He stopped and asked who had touched Him. So many people around, yet Christ knew the touch of faith was different from the usual touch.

Fearfully, the woman confessed in front of all why she had touched His garment. Instead of anger, our LORD answered the woman, comforting her and declaring that through faith in Him, she was indeed healed.

This brave and faithful woman was never named, but her faith has been included in the gospels in Matthew 9:20, Mark 5:25, Luke 8:43-44.

I love the kindness of Christ in healing and comforting a woman suffering from a very lonely and personal condition. Her faith must have pleased Him immensely and it is no mistake that she was mentioned in those 3 gospels as a woman of faith. 

...Can I be healed? I have seen Him do miracles. What if He is angry with me for defiling Him? Should I not touch His Hem? But what if He heals me- even me? What do I do? - her thoughts and fears were met with Love, Grace, healing and no condemnation. What Compassion and Love of the Saviour! 

As I reflect on her story, I marvel that God did not allow her to be named because it would embarrass her, yet He honoured her with an eternal memorial in His Word.  Three times in fact!  Yes, I believe she got her answers! 


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, if I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Matthew 9:20-22 

On His young Shoulders


Luke 2:43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;              
Luke 2:44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
Luke 2:45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
Luke 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
Luke 2:48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 
Luke 2:49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Luke 2:50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

We see here a 12 year old Child who is already aware that His Father is not Joseph, but God.  A Child growing in stature and wisdom and grace- one who has more wisdom for spiritual matters than the Jewish teachers of the Law.

Seeing the response of the Child to His Mother, there can be no doubt that He knew even then that He was the Suffering Servant and the Passover Lamb. Yet He never wavered from that path.

Let us give thanks that this Child- the Son of God, chose to obey and honour His Father so that we too may call Him our Father!

If you do not know Jesus as your LORD and Saviour, now would be a good time to do it. Read this link and don't waste His sacrifice, for when He died, He had you on His mind. 

Let us all not waste a minute longer living in sin and fear for the Age of Grace is almost over and the darkness of the anti Christ is about to begin for those who do not believe. Christ is coming for His Bride, the Church. Be among those of us who believe and live with Christ forever.

Let us all believe on Him and love the little Boy, Who took away the sins of the world-  at 33 in His Body and with being only 12, the weight of that knowledge on His young Shoulders!


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31


I am not ashamed



My interest in our family's genealogy lead me to something my sister and I had felt all our lives. That we were of Jewish family.

We had always had a deep reverence for God and an interest and  respect for Judaism. My discovery came as no surprise to anyone.

It turns out that my grandmother kept her Jewishness hidden for fear of persecution. In fact, my father was not even given a bris. (Circumcision with naming day)

Right from my earliest days, I can remember my father calling Nan "Rachelle" because of her dark eyes and jet black hair. I now suspect he knew he was a Jew, but it wasn't he who told us our hunch was right.

We visited our aunt who attended a progressive synagogue and was the only living relative of our father.

She was overjoyed when we told her the reason for our visit and added that "it took you girls long enough to work it out!" She told us the family's story and showed us pictures of our great-grandfather with his long beard and yarmulke. She also told us we came from the Tribe of Benjamin. The wolf.

Auntie is now passed, but she promised us she would take us to synagogue and a shabbos meal with her friends, but it never happened. 

We studied Judaism and even went to visit a rabbi who took us to his friend's Jewish shop where we were shown the back room with the beautiful rolled Torah scrolls. We were made very welcome and we were happy to know we had Jewish genes.

Not so happy were our friends at church. They gave us hugs and consoled us with the knowledge that Christ was Jewish- it wasn't so bad!- so bad? we were honoured to have Jewish blood in our veins!

Likewise our brothers were appalled to know this and refused to listen further to us. Our mother was also concerned and asked me if I was going to renounce my faith in Christ and convert to Judaism.

I told her that I would never do that as I am convinced that Jesus is the Messiah 

Those Jews who come to see and accept Jesus as the Messiah are by all accounts born-again Christians. They are no longer Jewish only but have been grafted into Messiah through Christ's  Blood.

I used to think there's so much beauty in Judaism that if there were a way I could be Jewish but love Jesus, I would be it. Now I believe Messianic Judaism is my fit. There are many similarities in Judaism and Christianity, but if Jesus is not recognised as the Messiah, you will never have agreement.  So I am definitely Messianic.

I love Jews and I love Jesus, so being Messianic Christian/Jewish is how I will love to be. Unlike those who saw fit to offer their condolences at my news, I am not ashamed

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” Mark 8:29

Why was the napkin folded?

 



Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes. 

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. 

She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see.. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it...

The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now, if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done.'

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'

He is Coming Back!


So; if this touches you, you may want to forward it. And praise the name of Jesus! (Author unknown)


Easter blessings, Gleny


and the napkin that was upon his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but apart, having been folded up, in one place;  John 20:17

You have no agreement.

An age-old question which is coming up today is do Muslims and Jews worship the same God? Here are  my thoughts:

To worship the same God is to acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God. One must therefore deduce that Jesus's Father is God the first part of the Trinity and that by necessity, Christ (the second part of the Trinity) rose again through the power of the Holy Spirit (the third part of the Trinity). They do not believe in the Trinity, but they have similarities in faith-but not enough to say that they worship the one and same God. 

As I see it, the similarities in faith are no different to the similarities and basis of Judaism and Christianity. We have the same Father as Jews, but they do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Similarities in the three faiths, but without accepting the divinity of Jesus, that one God Who they all worship is not the same to each of them... 

Without accepting Jesus as the Son of God, there is no sameness in the gods who they worship. Jesus is the uniting factor. Without Him as God, you have no agreement.

 

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” Mark 8:29

Worth remembering


Sometimes I wonder what it must be like to be God- in the sense of His feelings in being hated, disbelieved, rejected and blamed for all evil things, and eventually being crucified when all You did was love, forgive and heal, and ultimately, die for us.

Obviously, His thoughts are infinitely higher than man's and I cannot presume to know the Mind of God, but as a human, in my quiet times, I sometimes reflect on what a life of grief our Saviour had in the few years He walked this earth.

We know He laid His life down for us, but in that, I find that even in the greatest act of God, rejection was a bitter blow- and then it was followed by an even more bitter one by the rejection of God the Father. He couldn't bear to look at His Son Who had become sin for us.

I read in the book of Malachi, 3:16-18 that a book of remembrance was written for those who loved God and who meditated on His Name. That's you. That's me. And it was so precious to God that He had a book written before Him to remind Him that we love Him.

Listen to what the LORD has to say about us, and be glad that we are written in His Book and in the Book of Life:  "A book of rembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His Name. "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who seves God and one who does not serve Him." Malachi 3:16-18

How wonderful that our love for Him delights Him and that is worth remembering.  

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

God loves womankind


Women hold a very special place in God's Heart. Many feel that He is a misogynist or woman hater, but nothing could be further from the truth.

God knows that women are entrusted with an eternal purpose of life: to serve Him, love their husband and nurture their children. And to be keepers of the home. "Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house...' 1 Timothy 5:14c

Jesus in fact respected and loved womankind, and entrusted His first visitation after His resurrection to Mary: a woman.Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.  Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethrenm and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John 20:16-17

He interceded for the woman who was chided for breaking forth the alabaster jar of precious and expensive ointment, anointing His feet with it and drying them with her hair. It was He Who said that what she had done for Him would be spoken of forever. Love. Respect. Mercy. Grace. (Luke 7:37-50)

Forgiveness and grace were shown to the woman caught in adultery: respect and love from God meant her life was spared. (John 8:3-12)

He created Woman to be loved, to be loving, to be nurturing, to be protected and to be respected. To us He gave to us the ability to bear a child and then to raise it for His glory.  Any man can father a child, but it takes a loving woman to bear and raise it. No small matter. It takes a woman.

God knows that He can entrust women with eternal treasures, that's why He gave us the protection of marriage and the creating and keeping of a home: godly foundations on which to build a new generation of sons and daughters for Him.

Whilst men go to synagogues in Judaism, whilst men go to work and whilst men go to war, it is the women who carry the home, teach the children and bring them up unto Him. A worthy calling.

It is here that God meets with women in the mundane things of life, for He knows that the mundane is of great value, and so is a woman's service. And from love for womankind, comes a God Who meets us where we live: in our kitchen. In our baby's nursery. In the laundry.

To believe that women are forgotten by God is a gross misrepresentation of His love. It is we who keep the homefires burning and keep it all together when the world falls apart. No wonder God loves womankind.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

A leaf out of the Old Testament


In ages past the Jewish people were often suspected of practising magic arts and were regarded with suspicion because in times of illness they often went unscathed.

When the Black Plague happened, most Jews survived and not only were suspicions heightened, but so were the hate crimes and anti-semitism as seen in more pogroms.

The Jewish people then and to this day practice good hygiene according to the Torah. They wash hands frequently, especially before eating in a ceremonious washing of hands. There are strict hygiene laws regarding mildew, illness, body fluids, menstruation and house cleansing and food preparation.

Because of these Laws, many Jewish homes were untouched by illness, much to the consternation of the gentiles who didn't really need much to trigger their pogroms and hate.

So what can we learn from these practices today? We can use basic good hygiene, such as washing our hands frequently, but especially before we eat or prepare food. 

We can wash bedclothes, towels and tea towels frequently in times of illness. We can ensure that all cooking vessels are thoroughly washed and rinsed, especially tea cups and cutlery. This is good practice whether there is illness or not in order to prevent illness or if it's in the house, spreading.

The people in the Old Testament and in particular Leviticus were given these Laws by the Creator God Who blessed these people and covenanted with them. They are the same Laws that will protect Christians today. 

Basic hygiene will keep us safe from contracting the Corona Virus, just like it did for the Jewish people during past plagues. Let's incorporate godly hygiene practices by taking a leaf out of the Old Testament.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

"And the Lord spoke to Moses saying, "You shall also make a basin of bronze, and its pedestal also of bronze, to wash with; and you shall put it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. For Aaron and his sons shall wash there their hands and their feet. When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire to the Lord. So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not; and it shall be a statute forever to them, to him and to his seed throughout their generations." Exodus 17-21

It's love in action


I have been reflecting on the amount of grandmothers who have a large role in bringing up their grandchildren, or who even have custody of them. 

Some of my childhood memories include playing with my father's work mate's children. This friend was a widower and he was left with two young children to bring up. He was helped by his mother, Mrs B.

Mrs B was a senior woman of about 75 years. She wore her grey hair in a tight bun and sported black lace up shoes that gave her appearance a rather severe look, especially with her long black skirt and white blouse that did up right to her neck. She wore no jewelry and I guess you could say she was a plain person.

At the time she took on her motherless grandchildren and moved in with them, she was enjoying a wonderful life as a companion/assistant to a woman of wealth. She was widely traveled and lived in a large prestigious house. Yet, she gave it all up to raise her son's children with him.

Even as a young child, I was impressed by this woman and thought how great was this lady's heart and love that she gave up a truly salubrious life for them.

It is only as a senior great-grandmother myself, and on reading that God classes this devotion as a mitzvah and is especially dear to His heart, I realise that this self sacrifice is so precious to God and to the grandchildren being cared for.

This to my mind exemplifies the sacrificial life of His Son Jesus, Who was perfect in love and sinless. Such kindness is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

To all grandmothers who care for their grandchildren, know that your sacrificial love is indeed pleasing to God. It's more than being kind: it's love in action.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

The everlasting engagement


Over the years I have noticed a growing trend in both Christian and non-Christian people to prolong their engagement over many years, and often not even to end up marrying.  Often there is an engagement party and the couple are asked if they have set a date for their wedding. Usually there is no real indication of when they plan to marry, just a vague wave of the hand and a casual "when we get around to it" attitude.

In biblical times a Jewish  betrothal was generally about 12 months. However, the betrothal was as if the couple were married and in fact to break the betrothal would require a divorce.  Sexual relations did not take place.  Indeed if a betrothed person was found to have had intercourse with someone not their betrothed, they could be stoned for adultery. 

A marriage contract was called a Ketubah   During this time, the groom would prepare a place for his betrothed wife.  There was never any doubt that a marriage would be consummated, but the exact date was usually known only to the groom.  The bride stayed with her parents and waited for her groom.

Today, there are no real expectations or enforcements of engagements.  They can be broken with a minimum of outward fuss- most fuss being internalised and emotional. Other times, the young couple will just cohabit as if married and there is no wedding ring- ever.  But an engagement is not a marriage.

For young Christians who become engaged, the temptation to become sexually involved is strong, and for this reason I believe an engagement shouldn't be prolonged. And just like marriage, an engagement shouldn't be entered into lightly or unadvisedly.  Christians are different from the unsaved in that when one gives a promise or their word, we should carry it through.

For those considering marriage, make sure that you are fully intending to marry and that your engagement isn't too long. Impurity and cohabitation are not in God's plan for our life: He wants us to marry and bear precious seed for Him.

Becoming engaged is a promise to marry, not a promise to be exclusively available for a "permanent" relationship, nor is it to be seen as a licence for cohabitation. Betrothal from the earliest times has been seen to precede a marriage.

Everlasting engagements can be the gateway to failure in being godly wives and mothers. They can lead to us being left with just our engagement ring and memories, and perhaps, with a baby or two in tow.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.  Hosea 2:19

The earth trembles


So many years ago, the earth saw a miracle that blessed humanity for all time...

The earth that saw Jesus'  birth 33 years before, drank in the Blood that flowed freely.... freely running, freely given, freely pardoning, freely saving unto eternal life anyone who would only believe in Him.

The same earth that is Gods' footstool, trembled at the cross alongside the centurions and soldiers and those few of Christs' followers who remained or who watched from a distance....

Unable to withstand the magnitude of atonement and celestial grief, it swayed in its power, reeling as someone in shock...

And utter darkness covered the earth as it shook, highlighting the terror as God turned His Face away from His Son, unable to look upon the sin of mankind that His Son had taken upon Himself...

It violently heaved in the aftermath of a crucifixion that saw the greatest gift of redemption the earth would ever know, releasing resurrection power to many who had died and tore the Temple veil in two.

Then hastily the earth swallowed the body of Christ into its maw of hewn rock, as it had done to men since Abels' untimely death until this day.... yet no ashes to ashes or dust to dust: no decomposition...

And another Sabbath passed, not shrouded in joy and welcomed since the birth of the Jewish people, but bringing with it a desolate cloak of disbelief, shock and despair that threatened to engulf the little band of believers who had trembled at Christs' words... unaware that triumph was already His. And theirs.

Beneath, the earth reeled as Christ stripped Lucifers' hopes of victory against a God Who now presented Himself King of Kings and Everlasting God.- Light of Light, Holder of the Keys of the Kingdom, destroyer of death and sin.... and Lucifer and his minions also trembled.

The earth marvelled at the intensity of the Power of Resurrection... molecules and atoms infused with Life,  vibrant in a way it vaguely remembered at its birth so many aeons ago.... magnificent creative force, God breathed life and Power.... Pulse of God.

Was ever there a time like this as Creation remembered Diety's Touch, revelling in His Footprints as His pierced Feet swung from the burial ledge, and His Hands that held the weight of the world folded the shroud so hastily bound around His lifeless Body 3 days ago?...

An almost forgotten thrill caused the earth to shudder as the Power of Gods' angels rolled away the enormous stone that blocked the burial chamber....

And it sang in ecstasy as the Feet of its' Creator once again walked amongst men.... victorious King, conquering Saviour, merciful God, everlasting to everlasting Prince of Peace.....

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  John 1:25