Today I want to encourage you. I want to remind you . . .
Yesterday is gone, so stop living there. Live right now, each step a dance of grace and trust. Tomorrow has not yet come; stop worrying about it. Trust YHVH instead.
You are precious to Abba, and there was nothing found of all that He created that could compare to your value, except for the life of His own Son. You are PRECIOUS. You are VALUED. You are LOVED.
Your Father looks on you with a sparkle in His eyes simply because He love you. You have found "chen," you have found favor and grace in His sight. Because He loves you. His desire is to see you succeed at whatever you put your hand to do. It brings Him great delight to see you full of joy, to see you happy. It brings Him even greater joy when you fix your attention on Him. Nothing brings Him greater satisfaction than knowing you and you knowing Him.
You are created for greatness. You are born for purpose. You a priest and a king beneath the High Priest and King of all Kings. He has bestowed on you authority to advance HIS kingdom. It's ok. He knows you can't do it without His help. That's the way He likes it and wants it and that's the way it is!
Never doubt your significance. Never doubt your worth. Expectation are the eyes of the Kingdom. Humility is the ears of the Kingdom. Wisdom is the Teacher. You and I are the hands and feet. We must have eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart to understand. We need to see from His perspective and sit as His feet with an open heart and listen to what He says through His Spirit and HIs Word.
Lift up your head! YHVH is good all the time! He is trustworthy. He approves of you. You bring Him great pleasure. And as you fix your eyes on Him and walk in obedience, advancing His Kingdom remember this: He wants to fellowship with you, partner with you 24-7. He wants you to ENJOY life and have FUN. He wants you to discover wisdom's secrets. This is His gift to mankind.
To my brothers and sisters, be encouraged today and lift up your heads!
-Hadassah
Monday, March 24, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Shalom, shalom to you, my dear readers!
Last weekend, March 15th and 16th we celebrated celebrated Purim, the Feast of Esther. My husband taught 8th grade Sunday school class and brought up some really neat points from this true story.
Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther unfolds during the reign of King Xerxes, who conquered Greece. We all know the story---how Queen Vashti refuses to obey the Kings order, she is then stripped of her status as queen, and the search for a new one begins. Every maiden in the kingdom is eligible. Hadassah, also known as Esther, becomes one such candidate. The Bible says she wins favor in the eyes of the King. He chooses her as his new queen.
By the end of the story, we see that Esther was chosen for "such a time as this" to save her people from annihilation.
There are three key truths I'd like to point out:
1) "hidden face"
the word "hidden" has the same root word in Hebrew as "Esther." Actually, Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther can also be translated as the "Scroll of Hiddenness." You see, Esther's name is Babylonian from the fertility goddess "Ishtar." But Esther is also a Hebrew name meaning "hidden." This is significant because we see that GOD is working in Esther's life behind the scenes. Though His Name is not "seen" in this book, He is definitely in every "scene!" The Rabbi's have a term "the hidden face" and "the revealed face," referring to YHVH either working through circumstances and people and events (behind the scenes) or working right out in the open (such as a dream or miracle.)
How is YHVH working in your life right now?
2) human responsibility
Esther was in the position she was for a reason, but it she still had to DO something. She couldn't sit passively by and do nothing. She had to trust Yah, pray and fast, and then dun, dun, dun....go to the king, her husband, even if though she might be killed for going against protocol!!! What if she'd done nothing? Yes, YHVH would've found someone else who was willing to be used, but she would have perished (Esther 4:14). Remember that belief without actions is dead. Destiny is in the story of every person, but we must rise to meet it.
3) favor/ grace
When the word "favor" is used in Esther, it is actually the Hebrew word for "grace." There are in fact five meanings for grace. I would like to "grace" you with the revelation of these definitions . . .
The root word is "chen" (pretend like you're clearing your throat when you say the "ch"). It means 1) "to sparkle" or "gleam," like a precious metal or gem. Or a sparkle in the eyes invoked by strong emotion. Like when you see a sparkle in your husband's eye :) Your Heavenly Father looks upon you with a sparkle in His eyes expressing His love and compassion for you. 2) It means "favor," also connected to the meaning to sparkle and gleam. 3) It means "to give a gift." I don't know about you, but this reminds me of the blessings of our Father and especially the gift of His Son. 4) It means "free gift," to do something for free, without charge or payment. It's doing something out of love and compassion; not obligation. Hmmm, what was the ultimate free gift? Yeshua Messiah's sacrifice and gift of salvation! Hip hip horray! Halelujah! 6) Last, it means "mercy, compassion." It is closely related to "chen," but actually has a root meaning "womb." Isn't that where mercy and compassion starts? Deep inside. Our Father's womb churns with waters of compassion and gives birth to mercy towards us.
So....with these things in mind, I encourage to engage a little more. Ask the Holy Spirit what more He would have to learn about grace, his hidden face/ revealed face, and responsibility.
Makala Nordick (Hadassah)
Last weekend, March 15th and 16th we celebrated celebrated Purim, the Feast of Esther. My husband taught 8th grade Sunday school class and brought up some really neat points from this true story.
Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther unfolds during the reign of King Xerxes, who conquered Greece. We all know the story---how Queen Vashti refuses to obey the Kings order, she is then stripped of her status as queen, and the search for a new one begins. Every maiden in the kingdom is eligible. Hadassah, also known as Esther, becomes one such candidate. The Bible says she wins favor in the eyes of the King. He chooses her as his new queen.
By the end of the story, we see that Esther was chosen for "such a time as this" to save her people from annihilation.
There are three key truths I'd like to point out:
1) "hidden face"
the word "hidden" has the same root word in Hebrew as "Esther." Actually, Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther can also be translated as the "Scroll of Hiddenness." You see, Esther's name is Babylonian from the fertility goddess "Ishtar." But Esther is also a Hebrew name meaning "hidden." This is significant because we see that GOD is working in Esther's life behind the scenes. Though His Name is not "seen" in this book, He is definitely in every "scene!" The Rabbi's have a term "the hidden face" and "the revealed face," referring to YHVH either working through circumstances and people and events (behind the scenes) or working right out in the open (such as a dream or miracle.)
How is YHVH working in your life right now?
2) human responsibility
Esther was in the position she was for a reason, but it she still had to DO something. She couldn't sit passively by and do nothing. She had to trust Yah, pray and fast, and then dun, dun, dun....go to the king, her husband, even if though she might be killed for going against protocol!!! What if she'd done nothing? Yes, YHVH would've found someone else who was willing to be used, but she would have perished (Esther 4:14). Remember that belief without actions is dead. Destiny is in the story of every person, but we must rise to meet it.
3) favor/ grace
When the word "favor" is used in Esther, it is actually the Hebrew word for "grace." There are in fact five meanings for grace. I would like to "grace" you with the revelation of these definitions . . .
The root word is "chen" (pretend like you're clearing your throat when you say the "ch"). It means 1) "to sparkle" or "gleam," like a precious metal or gem. Or a sparkle in the eyes invoked by strong emotion. Like when you see a sparkle in your husband's eye :) Your Heavenly Father looks upon you with a sparkle in His eyes expressing His love and compassion for you. 2) It means "favor," also connected to the meaning to sparkle and gleam. 3) It means "to give a gift." I don't know about you, but this reminds me of the blessings of our Father and especially the gift of His Son. 4) It means "free gift," to do something for free, without charge or payment. It's doing something out of love and compassion; not obligation. Hmmm, what was the ultimate free gift? Yeshua Messiah's sacrifice and gift of salvation! Hip hip horray! Halelujah! 6) Last, it means "mercy, compassion." It is closely related to "chen," but actually has a root meaning "womb." Isn't that where mercy and compassion starts? Deep inside. Our Father's womb churns with waters of compassion and gives birth to mercy towards us.
So....with these things in mind, I encourage to engage a little more. Ask the Holy Spirit what more He would have to learn about grace, his hidden face/ revealed face, and responsibility.
Makala Nordick (Hadassah)
Monday, March 10, 2014
An author's penny-thoughts of day to day
Hello, dear readers,
Today is a fresh spring day! As the sun warmed the earth today, it brought fresh life into the city as well. First thing upon getting home from work and after my gallop outside, I threw open the windows in the house. Fresh, cool March air and sounds of the city danced in. I'm a prairie girl, but for some reason the whizz of cars on the street were welcome sounds to my ears. Perhaps twittering little birdies had something to do with that. =) At one point I heard many shuffling boots, chattering and giggles directly below the living room window. Rushing over, I witnessed a group of several young children and their teachers having a jolly time walking in the fresh air after having been cooped up all winter. Seeing them made me smile.
I thank YHVH our LORD for change, for seasons. True, some seem longer and harder to get through than others (such as winter). But without winter, there could be no expectation for spring. I praise YHVH for the metaphoric "winter" seasons of my life, because I know that's what prepares the ground of my heart to receive the spring rains and seeds for growth. I know that He is with me in the midst of my "winters." As I surrender to His lead, I come out stronger than I was before. I enter spring closer in my walk with Him than previously. I belive maturity and real growth comes out of the times of testing and hard times, the "winters" in life.
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy..." Jude 1:24
Blameless--not because of what you or I have done, but because of what He's done.
Hey, isn't that what spring and Passover/Easter reminds us of--starting fresh?
Today is a fresh spring day! As the sun warmed the earth today, it brought fresh life into the city as well. First thing upon getting home from work and after my gallop outside, I threw open the windows in the house. Fresh, cool March air and sounds of the city danced in. I'm a prairie girl, but for some reason the whizz of cars on the street were welcome sounds to my ears. Perhaps twittering little birdies had something to do with that. =) At one point I heard many shuffling boots, chattering and giggles directly below the living room window. Rushing over, I witnessed a group of several young children and their teachers having a jolly time walking in the fresh air after having been cooped up all winter. Seeing them made me smile.
I thank YHVH our LORD for change, for seasons. True, some seem longer and harder to get through than others (such as winter). But without winter, there could be no expectation for spring. I praise YHVH for the metaphoric "winter" seasons of my life, because I know that's what prepares the ground of my heart to receive the spring rains and seeds for growth. I know that He is with me in the midst of my "winters." As I surrender to His lead, I come out stronger than I was before. I enter spring closer in my walk with Him than previously. I belive maturity and real growth comes out of the times of testing and hard times, the "winters" in life.
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy..." Jude 1:24
Blameless--not because of what you or I have done, but because of what He's done.
Hey, isn't that what spring and Passover/Easter reminds us of--starting fresh?
Monday, March 3, 2014
LIFE UPDATE
Wow! Has it really been so long since I've made my appearance to my followers? Do forgive me; I've been very slackish of late. Oh dear, I do believe I just invented a new word. =)
As so much has happened in the blank space of this blog, I shall fill you in on that which has been lacking. Here are the BIG events of my life since I last wrote in a nutshell:
As so much has happened in the blank space of this blog, I shall fill you in on that which has been lacking. Here are the BIG events of my life since I last wrote in a nutshell:
I GOT MARRIED!
EEK!
No really, I did. Jacob Nordick is the most amazing man in the world. The more I know about him--his strengths and weakness; his interests, faults, dreams, everything--the more I love him and want to understand him. We've been married, lets see . . . ten months now (I know still newly wed). Each day I truly love my man more. He tells me what I need to hear, yet always listens when I need an ear. Hey, that rhymed! He's so forgiving and accepting of who I am. Actually, he's my greatest encourager, best friend, and wise counselor. He's got a crazy amazing imagination and often gives me great ideas for writing. I ask him for help if I get stuck, and within minutes I come away with at least a handful of fresh ideas and possibilities.
So, I think you get the picture. YHVH is SOO great and gave me a precious gift to love, live life with, and impact the world. And yes, I am hopelessly in love, and plan to keep that nurtured for the rest of my days!
Farewell for now, my friends! My next novel in the works "Eden: In the Beginning" is steadily underway. Until, next time . . . farewell!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)