A Few Thoughts on Shavuot -Feast of Pentecost

"And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God:" Deuteronomy 26:10
Growing up, I really never heard that much about this feast. Most of the time, the emphisis was just on the fact that the Church started and the Holy Spirit was given during this celebration after Jesus death, burial and resurrection in Acts 2:1-5.
Deuteronomy 26 gives us the background to the Feast of Pentecost. It was a harvest feast. The first fruits were to be brought in a basket and given in worship to God at the Temple in Jerusalem. I love celebrations where food is involved!
We can find in the old Jewish sources that there are 3 unique aspects about Shavuot from which we can taste nuggets of devotional applications.
1. The first fruits of the land may not be brought to the temple before the feast day began. And the feast was celebrated 50 days AFTER Passover.
We must first have a Passover before we can have a feast of Pentecost. We must first be saved, or redeemed with the blood of the lamb. Jesus was our sacrifice, whose blood was shed for our salvation. (1 Cor. 5:7)

2. The fruits must come from one’s own land. The people could not bring someone else’s produce that they didn’t work on.
Jesus provided the power for us to produce special fruit in our lives through the Holy Spirit. We cannot worship the Lord with someone else’s “fruit”; it must be produced from our own life.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Gal. 5:22-23

3. The fruits can be brought to the temple continually from the beginning of the feast throughout the summer and fall all the way up to the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and Hanukkah.
We can keep producing and giving our fruits to the Lord until He comes again!

We just came back from a ministry trip to Honduras. Peter taught at a Pastor’s conference series on all the Feasts of Israel. It was well received. We saw how the Holy Spirit has produced much fruit in the lives of those who attended. We are excited to know that even more fruit will be produced in many more lives until He comes again!
I was glad also for the opportunity to take some unique pictures. Here are some of my favorites.

A Special Hem

"Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well." Mark 6:56

Hems, I’ve sewn many. Usually they are the last thing that needs to be finished for a garment. The hem line in my life time has gone from the very top of the leg to the ankles and everywhere in-between.

During the Lord’s ministry here, I have no doubt that the hem of his garment was near his ankles. It gets cold in Israel, believe it our not! I got to visit there one summer and was surprised that I had to wear a warm jacket in the evenings and early mornings.

The Lord’s hem was probably very dirty and frayed from all the rugged roads and miles that he walked. It might have been wet and probably smelled a little like fish, since he was in and out of fishing boats at times.

There was something special about this hem. It was accessible to all; close to the ground. Many dirty hands were grabbing his hem when he walked by. No one noticed. But, Jesus did. These needy people with faith reached at the very edge, the farthest border. Behind him, low. Yet, even at this very insignificant, lowly place of Jesus’ being, there was cleansing and healing to all of them.

Do you need healing? Feel the filth of sin on your heart, mind and soul? It doesn’t take much faith, a little will do. Just reach out and touch his lowly “hem”. If your hands and heart are dirty, He knows and wants you to come to Him just as you are. Let Him cleanse and heal to your soul.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

” The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Note: The garment pictured is Peter's first century garment that he uses in his special presentations. It was hand made in Israel. The Close Line is one of my watercolor paintings.

Resurrection Morning

Morning is my favorite time of the day. It’s so peaceful, quiet; the birds wake and start singing. I especially love the beautiful golden glow of the sunrise on the trees, ocean, lakes, grass and flowers, dispelling the darkness of the night. I imagine it was such a morning in Jerusalem long ago. As dawn was breaking and the morning sun was ready to cast its golden rays to light up the city, Mary Magdalene and the other faithful women, who followed Jesus from Galilee, were making their way up to the place where they laid him, after his death. They were lovingly carrying a mixture of special spices, such as spikenard, myrrh, aloes and fragrant oils (John 12:3-7, 19:39, Luke 23:56), they had quickly prepared just before the Sabbath started, a couple days before. They had seen how Jesus’ body was hurriedly wrapped up and laid in the tomb, for lack of time. They wanted to honor him by preparing his body for burial in the proper way. Understandably, they were worried that they wouldn’t be able to roll the stone away. I’ve seen the grave stones in Israel. I know I wouldn’t be able to move it without some help. They were startled and frightened by a sudden rumbling noise. They stumbled to the ground by the shaking earth beneath them. It was a great earthquake. After regaining their balance, they were glad that their jars of ointment were still in tact. So, they drew near. A strange brilliant light was shining. It was brighter than the rising sun. The stone was rolled away! The guards were stunned! Their fear grew. As their eyes adjusted to the brilliant light, they saw the Angel. He gently said to them, as he held out his hand, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” Instantly, great joy rushed in their hearts, dispelling their fear and sadness. Then they saw Him! He has risen! He has risen, indeed!

May you, also, experience great joy in knowing the living Risen Savior this Resurrection Sunday, as well. (My thoughts were taken from Matthew 28:1-8. 1 Corinthians 15 is also a great chapter to read on this subject.)

A couple weeks ago, Peter and I were up in North Florida for a week long Bible conference. We got up to catch the sunrise one morning with camera in hand. These are some of my favorites from that beautiful morning.

Purim

At the end of this month, the Jewish people will celebrate a fun festival called Purim. The word Purim means “lots”. Haman, the bad guy, casted lots to determine the day in which all the Jews of the land would be destroyed. This happened centuries before Christ in the Persian period. The story is found in the book of Esther. I encourage you to read it. Talk about a great story! As you read through, take note that there are 3 certainties found in the story that are standard characteristics of the Jewish people in their history. These certainties are also present day realities to all of us, who love and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The first certainty is Persecution. Haman wanted to destroy the Jews. Many bad guys throughout history have tried…Pharaoh of Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar, and Hitler, to name a few… But, it is impossible. Read Jeremiah 31:35-37.

Our present reality, as believers, is that we will also suffer persecution and the world will hate us (II Timothy 3:12 and I John 3:13).

2. Providence is the second certainty. Esther, a Jewish girl, became Queen of Persia, “For such a time as this”. She was chosen to be in a unique position to help save her people and enable her uncle, Mordecai, to be placed in high position so that he can help care for his people. Providence is “the Hand of God in the Glove of history”. He was in control all along.

Our present reality, as believers, is that God is still in control. “All things work together for good to them that love God…” Romans 8:28
You are where you are, “For such a time as this”. He can use you for His glory in whatever situation he has put you in.
3. Preservation (Protection) is the third certainty. To His people, Israel, God is faithful to His promise that they will never be extinct from the earth.
“ blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; Genesis 22:17. God cares about His people and He protects them. “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4

Our present reality, as believers, is that we are protected in Christ Jesus as found in Romans 8:35-39
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Gospel can be illustrated by Esther’s actions.
Esther was under the decree of death. – We are all under the decree of death because of sin, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.
Esther feared the king because he had the power of life and death. – We are to fear God who has power to destroy both soul and body in hell, Matthew 10:28.
Esther approached the king and was received. – We can come freely to the Lord Jesus and he will never cast us out, but will raise us at the last day, John 6:37, 40.

We can all be encouraged by Esther’s example. She was a beautiful woman, who had the courage, with God’s help, to do what needed to be done, for such a time as this!

The main points in this post were taken from a sermon given by my husband, Peter Colon.

Orchids and Announcement!

“Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” Isaiah 42:5
I had the privilege to participate in an art show with Women in the Visual Arts at the American Orchid Society in Delray Beach, FL this month. I took advantage of the time to walk around the facilities when I dropped off my 2 photographs to show. They have a beautiful place there. If you are ever in the area, do stop by. Glad I had my camera with me! These are some of my favorites.

The last one looks like dancing fairies!

Announcement:
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14
A little miracle has happen since my last post. I am now a Grandma! My daughter, Sarah, gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Juliet Christine, December 17th. She weighed 6 lbs, 11 oz. Peter and I had the privilege, along with our Son-in-Law, to be present when she was born. She is truly a little angel sent from God, so small, helpless and fragile.
Thank you, Lord, for this precious gift!

Christmas Dove

Last Sunday my husband and I visited a retirement facility where he was invited to speak at their chapel service. He spoke on the history of Hanukkah and how it connected to Christmas. Did you know that there is a connection? A great article on this subject is in The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry archives at http://foi.org/thelightshinesbrighterstill Many Jewish people, who live there, heard the message over their Television. The Chaplin and his talented wife beautifully decorate the common areas with Christmas Trees, winter scenes, wreaths and angels. The most notable is their beautiful manger scene, displaying all the Christmas story figures and the entire town of Bethlehem.
I was drawn to the Christmas tree near the entrance of the Chapel. It had just 2 ornaments repeated all around the tree. One was a merry-go-round horse and the other was a flying dove holding a star and a heart. It was so pretty. It inspired me to paint this picture that very afternoon.
Jesus is:
The Prince of Peace- symbolized by the Dove. Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Light of the World – Symbolized by the Star-John 8:12 “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
The Gift of Love - John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
These are only 3 of the many names of Jesus. I pray that you will all have that wonderful Peace, Light and Love given by God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

Note: Visit us at www.PraiseExpressions.com for a free download of this picture in size 5x7 for use in your home. While you are there, explore all the great inspirational gifts available and more!

Nuggets of Thanks from a Banquet Table of Blessings

Thank you Lord…
For Jesus- my Savior, Redeemer, Shepherd and Friend.
For my Family- their love, humor, faithfulness, and support.

For the special smiles I get from my precious mother, now in poor health, both in mind and body.

For my creative husband, who makes life very interesting! And every precious moment we share.


For new experiences and involvement- release of our movie, Dr. Rossvally, movie premiers, first art show, Historical Society, membership in 2 local art societies, murals, 1st commissioned paintings, Mother in nursing home and 1st grandchild!
For all the new friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord, we have met this year in our travels and ministry.

For…fun times, trying times, hard work, rest

For our country- it’s history, liberty, honor, freedom for all.
I can go on! There is still much more… leftovers for another time.
Oh! One more bite…THANK YOU… for visiting me here in blog land.
God bless you!