Welcome to Tanya's
Good News Gallery
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Shalom dear Guest, Good to see you here.
These reflections are for you to enjoy and spread the inspiration further. The best way would be to use them as a devotional, may the Lord speak into your heart.
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I pray that your experience here would be inspiring, enlarging and encouraging. And that it will motivate you to go out and to spread the Good News, for our King is surely coming soon.
Meaningful Bus Ride
There was a period in my life, when I had to ride a bus to work for an entire hour, and back, of course. So, I found something interesting to do - I started to draw people during the ride. That happened to be such an engaging activity, that I was living with a pencil in my hand and soon became known in town as a bus artist.
A bus ride is a good illustration in itself. People are constantly getting on and off the bus, plus the fast-changing scene out the window – just like a journey through life! People are entering, rarely for a longer ride, most of them - only for a couple of stops. There also those that enter and immediately hurry to exit, before the closed doors moment… Whatever. Maybe they want to move on their own, the so popular “freedom of movement”.
But you continue moving forward, caught up in the movement, driven by a current. Yes, you've chosen your direction, but you don't control every detail of the ride.
Often, before I got on the bus, I double-check with the driver: "Will this bus take me to my particular destination?" - Just to make sure, you know. Then, of course, I have to trust the bus driver, once I've made my decision.
Seeing these two passengers, I perceive two aspects of our journey, as God’s children. One of them represents our final destination and the other – everyday events and adventures (bus stops). On one hand, like this woman, we love God, we are focused, sober, longing for Messiah to return. On the other hand, like this young man, sitting behind her, we love life, appreciate the surrounding beauty, make new friends, notice the goodness of God in every detail, simply enjoying the ride with a grateful heart.
I would conclude with this verse of Scripture, which defines a meaningful "bus ride” in these two aspects:
1Timothy 6: 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
See you on the journey.
My way.
Sometimes it's hard to see any other way besides our own.
Surely there are other ways to handle issues and deal with life. Some of them look quite beneficial and even appealing to you. But somehow, we always stick to that one way, which we perceive as ours deep inside. We have convinced ourselves that it's the right way and oh! we want to be right. As if being right approves our existence.
You might have even arrived to the point, where you wanted to change your way, but found out that you are chained to it with a solid heavy chain. So, you go back to convince yourself that your way isn't actually that bad and by the way, everyone's way is flawed. Okay, do you feel relieved now? Hm... honestly? Not exactly.
Where is that road to run away from your troubled self? Is there? Of course. It has been there for a while.
Romans 7:23-25 But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! ...
Through His death and resurrection on our behalf, Jesus has dealt with the troubling sin issue and now all those who believe in Him, can live the life He lives. You want to know how?
Romans 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Without Jesus, all our deeds, even the good ones, are tinted by sin, since all humans are enslaved by the sin nature, where “self “is continually on the throne. But in Christ there is victory over sin. He is the way of life, opened by God. Everyone who walks on this way, lives free.
But the choice is yours alone.
Is it worth it?
It can be a difficult question to answer to yourself, but it is present in every choice.
Looking into our future, we consider pros and cons, weighing the risk against the benefit, the effort against the outcome. Obviously, we will gain "something" whatever we choose, but! What would be the best outcome? We know that everything in life has both sides: dark one and light one, so the question is really - what do you want from your life? Your answer will determine the option you will pursue.
In other words, how much are you willing to pay for what you desire to obtain? Logically, you would only agree to pay the price of the value you perceive it has.
Once you perceive anything or anyone as a source of value for your life, you won't mind spending your time on it (or with that person). It may appear selfish from the first look, but actually it has to do with perceiving value and living for it... or even dying for it.
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.
God perceived that much value in you and me, that He went to rescue us from sin and eternal destruction. He became a sacrifice, in order to bring us back unto Himself, into our Father's house, into safety.
Rom.6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He saw you and decided that you worth it. And He came to purchase for you the forgiveness of sins. He has conquered death, completing the work of redemption. Now everyone, who would believe in Him, will receive the gift of eternal life.
You see this reality. What would be your answer then: Is it worth it?
Jewish Living
He knows he is chosen by God. He has been taught that it means responsibility and in order to stay within the chosen people, he needs to follow the Jewish way of living as close as he can, better - precisely. And so, he does, daily going through the motions, prescribed in details.
Sometimes he receives praise from other members in the community, who admire his righteousness, but he knows that God sees him and very careful not to fall into pride from that recognition.
In fact, deep inside his heart he feels that there is more to God than what people around him dare to say or even acknowledge; more than following rules and regulations, speaking right words and prayers from a book...
One day he wonders: "What if God would really be present right here now, would we continue doing what we're doing?" But then he interrupts himself: "Does everyone else also feels this, but never says anything? Or am I the only one? Well... maybe I shouldn't think that way. What would my brothers say in response? Actually, how would they know if I keep it to myself? That's right, I should keep it to myself. That would be the right thing to do. O God! You are the Righteous One, please tell me if I made the right decision."
"Is there another way to live a Jewish life?" - you may wonder.
Sure. Here is another option (written by a Jew):
Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in the gospel God’s righteousness is being revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “The righteous will live by faith.”
Friendship
Real friends are real treasures in life. Rare in quality and scarce in quantity. They are interesting kind of treasures, in my perception. I understand it this way: worldly treasures separate us. “You have, and I don’t” – envy, sleepless nights… All the time figuring out how not to lose face in front of others. But if, on the contrary, “I have it, but you don’t,” then it’s better not to talk too much about it, so as not to “jinx it.” You need to constantly be on alert, constantly improve. Isn't this familiar to you?
Worldly treasures separate the one who owns them from the one who doesn’t. People are characterized and even identified by the treasures they possess, like: material riches, talents, popularity, number of followers on social media, status etc. All those “treasures” require a constant (ever-increasing) maintenance efforts, due to the deterioration force at work:
Mathew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in nor steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
But in Jesus Christ, the door is open to a completely different way of life. Jesus is the treasure of heaven; He lives in the heart of every child of God. Laying up treasures in heaven means living each day with an open heart before God and those around us, allowing Jesus to love and care for people through us. In this reality there are no measurements of “how much”, no comparison, no competition. All that matters is an open heart willing to share the treasure of God's love as He leads. Having accepted the fullness of life from Christ, the child of God accepts other people into his new reality. There is enough wealth, wisdom and love for everyone; in God they are infinite.
Rom 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
When Jesus is the treasure of our lives, and we share Him, His grace is multiplied in us.
Learning to love people
It came into my life pretty recently. One day, I took a pencil and tried to draw someone's face... It didn't come out nice at all, but I felt joy and peace looking closer into another person. I felt that behind each individual there is a story and a plan and a purpose. Of course, I knew it before in my head, but it started to saturate my whole being and shortly made its way from my heart to my hand.
I'm not pretending to be a great artist overnight, but since that day I draw people everywhere I go: on the plane, in the bus, on the street, in a café... It woke up in me a new awareness: In each person, under layers of struggles, there is a beauty waiting to manifest fully.
Honestly, I don't have strength, nor capacity to really love people on my own. Somewhere deep inside would always hide some selfish motive: to meet my own need to be loved, to be recognized, appreciated, noticed... whatever else. My conclusion is: love for the people belongs to another realm, beyond "my own" space.
When I gave my life to Lord, He has changed my heart, and He did that by sharing His heart with me. This sharing of the heart happens in the person of Jesus, my Messiah. He is "our meeting place", if I can say that. In Jesus, God sees me the way He created me: in full freedom, unlimited potential, breathtaking adventures, life overflowing with His goodness. Every time we meet, I experience His immense value for me. "Whoa! That's love!" Indeed, and you can live on it.
1 John4:19 We love each other because he loved us first.
Coming back to loving others, let me mention a definition, which I've heard back in my teenage years: To love is to see the other person the way God created him / her.
Can you imagine?
It was a long flight across the ocean. Most of the passengers fell asleep. I looked across the ail and saw this woman. She had her eyes open, trying to "see" what is waiting for her on the other side.
We all doing this, don't we? The way to see the future is our imagination. The fascinating element in all this is that in our imagination we don't passively "look" at the future, we are actively creating it. Our imagination is much more real in this sense, then it appears to be.
When you hear a news report or a story and at the end comes the question "Can you imagine?", it's an invitation for you to side with that information (whether true or not), to "buy into it" or "to subscribe" to that information channel. You pay with your imagination. By doing so, you create a much closer connection with whatever reality it brings forth.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart.
That's why, as children of God, we are instructed to meditate and fill our hearts and minds with God's reality, clearly described in His word. The best news channel ever.
Trust God, subscribe to the Holy Spirit's channel, and watch His interpretation of what is happening until it comes alive in your imagination.
Take the winning side.
Anticipating
This religious man entered the bus with the others. But inside he was in another world. By his clothes, it was easy to determine what branch of Judaism he belonged to, but in his eyes shone a thirst for knowledge of his Creator and a real meeting with Him. God saw his heart. Do we all live like that or only some of us, who are considered "a bit off” or "out of this world"? I think we all experience it in some measure.
1KIings 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
I understand it this way: the world looks at religion in general and its various branches as at clothes. Even, perhaps, as at peculiar strange fashion movements. Judaism, like other religions, has found common ground with the wisdom of this world. Of course, religious people have their own orders, rules, standards... The godless world even treats religious people with a kind of understanding. "They are ours, only a little sick with their rules." The world tries to cooperate with them, and not without success. They set common goals related to the correction of morality, peace on earth, saving the planet, etc. and move towards achieving them. In short, they improve creation, each in his own way.
But the thirst for God that I saw in the eyes of this man was "not of this world." This is the sphere of revelation of Eternal life, which the world has not known.
I believe that the path begins with a hungry heart, thirsting for truth. With a heart that sincerely desires fellowship with the living God, the Creator. The world cannot understand this and finds no “common ground” with such a heart. Nothing that creation has to offer will satisfy this hungry heart. Incidentally, all the wonders of modern technology and manifestations of magic are only hindrances; they serve the enemy of our souls to distract us from seeking God. There are more of them every day. But the heart that sincerely desires truth, without guile, will find it.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
And he will meet his Maker and recognize the Son of God. The Most High Himself will arrange this meeting.
Eye contact
At first, I only saw her wrinkles. This woman had her eyes closed. I looked away, and my mind rushed to "arrange" her in a particular box... But before I closed my box, I looked at her again and was surprised by what I saw.
Her eyes were calmly observing the world around her. Our eyes met, and I sensed loving gentleness being poured into my heart through her look. It seemed that everything she was looking at was influenced by that gentleness. Just an impression? Maybe...
All I want to say here is that our perceptions have impact on the people around us. We all have experienced how different we feel around the people who value us and those who despise us. That sense of value is an incredible resource of motivation.
In many places Scripture talks about God looking upon His sons and daughters with favor.
The look of His eyes transforms everything. In His look He reveals who He is; His perfect pure love, His essence is strolling from His eyes.
Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you, and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.
Open your face and look up. And behold Him for who He really is. Let your eyes meet His. His look will bring the change you desire so much. His divine life is being poured into you, transforming you into the image of His Beloved Son, the Messiah.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
And He had mercy on us by sending His only-begotten Son into the world, in whom every believer has all the fullness of God's life. The light of God is shining and the entrance to His eternal kingdom is open. Turn to Jesus. Look at Him, He looks at you. Let your eyes meet. His look brings life, death retreats, and lies are forced to give ground in your life. Many have looked at Him and turned away, but to truly see Him is to receive His look and grace and the life He gave for you.
Private Thoughts in Public Place
Have you ever caught yourself in thinking thoughts that you were "not supposed to" think? Maybe they were inappropriate to the context or simply didn't fit the image you decided to portray. For whatever reason, they were out of place.
You suddenly felt exposed, as if others around you could read your thoughts. What if they could? "What if people would know who I really am and reject me?" - Sounds familiar? Haven't we all been there? It's a terrible state to live in.
But those thoughts can only torment you until you find out who you really are from God's point of view. Why is that essential? Because He sees the full picture and His point of view is the most accurate. He sees you. All of you.
"That's even more scary! - you may say. - If Holy and Awesome and All-Powerful God sees all off me, then I'm utterly undone!"
That's true. And He already saw that you (and me) are "beyond repair". That's why the Son of God had to come to rescue us back into the presence of God, to the Source of Life. Only on the basis of Messiah's sacrifice we can live, really live.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Galatians 3:11 For only in Jesus we are justified. Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Once you accept the lordship of Jesus over your life, you become acceptable to God "in Him". God sees you "In Jesus" even in most private parts of your life. As a child of God, you don't need to live in shame anymore. "What can I do?" you may ask. Just agree with God and see yourself in Jesus by faith. And fill yourself with the thoughts of God. This is a serious task - to cast off the lies and wash your mind with the pure water of God's word.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, that good and acceptable and perfect.
The reality of Christ will become home to you, and those dirty thoughts - foreign. This is the way to live boldly, without fear of what other people think.
"What's left for me to do?" - you may wonder.
Just agree with God and, by faith, see yourself in Jesus. Take that as a serious assignment, for it’s the only way into Freedom.
Expectations
I was simply tired and eager to home, waiting for my bus. I wasn't expecting anything special from the rest of my day.
This elderly woman also waited for her bus, but very differently. She was expecting something very pleasant to happen any minute. I couldn't get my eyes off her. She didn't see me looking or simply didn't mind. Obviously, she was so intensely "caught up" in her inner vision that no outside distraction couldn't reach her.
"Whatever this woman is waiting for, I want it too", - I thought, staring at her. Suddenly I realized two realities being present in the same time: an ordinary rainy working day and joyful expectations and readiness of her heart. Just like gloom and hope. Both of them are present in today's world and the awareness of their presence grows daily. Each one of us can freely choose to connect to either one of those realities, not in the same time though.
How can one not fall into despair when listening to today's news? After all, the world is rapidly rolling toward total destruction and there is nothing to hold on to. Only those who have believed in Christ, in His death and resurrection, and have received life from Him, have hope. The world's strongholds, established by human wisdom, are crumbling before our eyes, but Jesus is the rock of our salvation and His Kingdom is unshakable.
Titus 3:7 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.
Therefore, we lift up our eyes to Him. As children of God, we expect the Messiah to come at any moment. The greatest triumph for anyone who knows God. But for now we are in this world, though not of it. And as darkness gathers around us, each of us is commissioned to shine with the eternal light we have received from Christ. The hope of eternal life in Him, by faith in His word, is the only source of light. God wants to illuminate many more hearts. Through you.
Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine, O Jerusalem: for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall appear upon thee.
Making a decision
Some decisions are made on the fly, others seem to take forever to settle. Yes, sometimes we can be " in the process" of making a decision for quite a long time.
Actually, a decision-making process can be very challenging, especially if you cannot go back and reverse it. Have you noticed how almost every purchase you make this day has "money-back guarantee" attached to it? I think it's there to help close the deal, bypassing the "decision-making torture." Something like: "Do it now (pay now), decide later." Though it may sound like a relief, it's not. It's only a delay. But it surely provides an illusion of escaping responsibility of making a decision.
Of course, there are some of us who announce that they "don't have to make any decision". We name a person like that: "a happy camper". But looking at a life of such a camper, we can still easily recognize his choices. Want to know more about your own decisions? - Look at your life, they are all there.
Tarrying on the crossroads (being indecisive) gives you an illusion of possessing both options and being in control. Here is my question to you: "If you perceive a particular way to be the right one, why aren't you walking on it? What are you still doing there at the crossroads?"
Joshua 24:14-15 Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...
The day mentioned here will end at some point. Please decide before it's too late.
John 12:25-26 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Serving the Lord and following Christ is the surest path that leads to eternal life. By His Spirit He leads His children from within through all difficult places. If you are committed to Him today and trust Him with all your heart, you will make the right decision.
Do not linger at the crossroads.
Life-giving Memory
Together with my mom, we went to visit her old friend. She invited us for a cup of tea, eager to share her life stories. She had so many of them and presented them in such an engaging way! We laughed and cried and sighed and wondered.
At one point, she closed her eyes to see clearer... in her memories. It was more than simply watching a movie in her mind (as we say). She plunged into her past with all her being, reliving the emotions; even her body was involved in the experience.
I believe that one major purpose of memories is to realize the influence of the past reality in the now. Otherwise, why would the past matter? Just an information, taught in history class?
There are many verses in Scripture related to this action of remembering. "And the Lord remembered...", or in a context of a promise: "And I will remember...", or in a prayer: "O God! Remember..." The meaning here is about the reactivating the connection between the eternal God and the present moment. It's almost like "dragging" that eternal reality into the present moment, acknowledging its influence over the situation by an act of "remembering".
1 Corinthians 1:23-24. ...the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.
When we take communion, is it a historical event we remember, lest we forget what happened? In that case, it would be nothing more than a ritual... Religion made it that way.
I believe it is rather a powerful living connection with the reality of the cross, where Jesus shed His blood and gave His body to be broken for our redemption. As we partake, we activate that awesome reality with all its benefits, in our lives.
Step out from that religious approach. Don't settle for the form, go for the essence! Remember to live your best life today. Live it now.
I'm here
In our fast-paced modern world, we often rush through life, pressured by the lack of time and our busy schedules. Of course, we meet people on the way. But they leave unnoticed by us, day after day. They didn't make their way into our agenda, maybe another time?
Our agenda is like a mask, we can hide any feeling of inadequacy behind it. I mean that in order to be really present at the moment, you need to be brave to be yourself and willing to be seen. And that kind of exposure can be uneasy.
Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not inviting you to dig within yourself for the purpose of self-improvement. But there are moments we experience every day, which can be life transforming, if only we would be "present".
God our Maker is seeking to speak to us in those moments. "Hold on God. I'm not available right now. Check in with me later." Can you imagine answering to Him like that? Probably not.
Psalm 26:5,8-9 Because they do not heed the Lord's dealings and the work of His hands, He will destroy them and will not build them up… The Lord is the strength of His people and the saving strength of His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; feed them and exalt them forever!
The sin that rules this world will be judged, and there is enough destruction for everyone. But salvation, blessing, and protection will abide with him who pays attention to the dealings of the Lord.
Revelation 3:20. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Do you hear Him knocking at your door? Not banging, knocking. Be brave, open to Him. Just as you are. No façades, no preparations, no arrangements. Raw as it can be. Welcome Him at this moment of truth. You will be so glad you did.
What's your next step?
"If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably... the Gospel". I guess you've heard that before. Good description of our faith, isn't it?
From the first step, it's a journey of discovering the goodness of God, more and more each day. On the large scope and in the smallest details. In other words: discovering how good God is in everything He does. In other words: understand that God is a personification and definition of what good means. In other words: realize that God has brought you into His amazing plan of salvation, unfolding upon the earth, with the purpose to reveal His goodness through you. All those definitions are not different; they just present a journey into the goodness of God.
Ps 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Most believers see the salvation as a manifestation of God's goodness and grace for all humanity. Even an unbeliever can admit that (some of them do). But somehow that's not enough to make a connection. Because you are still living in the world, which has its own ideas of what is good. In that context you put yourself in a position to judge God's actions in the measurements of the world system. Without even realizing, you still may "approve" some of what He does and "reject" His other actions. These are known religious games: to pervert the truth and present God as a controlling supervisor or "everything goes" buddy.
Once you step out of those lies, you will breathe fresh air. You will discover that there are no contradictions in what God says or does. He is more consistent than any human being ever lived. Even when an act of God seems evil or "unreasonable" to our humanistic ideas, He is good. His judgments are all true. His laws are for our protection from the decay. His righteousness holds our world together. Without it, the world would quickly fall apart. God's righteousness was revealed in Jesus the Messiah, in His death and resurrection.
Look at your life from God’s perspective: He has brought you into His amazing plan of salvation, in order to reveal His goodness through your life.
Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
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.
God loved you, gave His only begotten Son to save you, is pleased with you, gave you eternal life in Jesus Christ… Do you hear the heart of God in these words? It's rushing towards you.
If this is true, what will be your next step?
A Role to play
She looked so content with herself and waited for others to notice.
She had a shiny finished look... Never mind my unfinished sketch, I only had one minute to capture what I saw. She was very aware of a role she was there to play, to portray an image, to carry out a character, to present a personality. Whether it was in business or in art, or politics, or education - doesn't matter. She was a "big shot" of some kind, and she identified herself with that role. She lived her life in public and needed their feedback, their approval and their applause.
Life in a spotlight is very unstable. What if the lights will suddenly go out, then what? Will you be lost?
I went away from her with a thought; "Do I also play a role in this world? Maybe I'm just not aware of that?" Here is where my reflections took me:
In spite of our differences, all God's children have roles to play, like: godly parent, faithful husband / wife, loving son / daughter, honest worker, responsible citizen, light of the world, salt of the earth, ambassadors of reconciliation... to name a few. What a responsibility! How can we manage all that?
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Good works, as we see here, are already prepared by God. They can be fulfilled only by recognizing ourselves in Christ, as part of God's creation. In the flow of His creative power operating in Christ, we are ready for any role that may be required. Actually, there’s only one role, which is essential:
Galatians 2:20 And it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
To live by faith in Christ with everyone and in everything is my role in this world.
A restricted Zone
As I sat down in the train, I noticed this man across the ail. "That would be an interesting face to draw." - I thought and got out my little notebook and a pencil.
It took me about a minute, but as I looked at him again, he was no longer there. No, physically he was, but he seemed to go back into some restricted space, where he was "supposed to" be. What I saw before was a real him, looking out from that space (or opening a window), just for a brief moment, only to take a sip of fresh air. He looked around and closed the window right back. This confined space was a kind of forbidden zone, where outsiders were not allowed; only you and the guards who were watching so that you did not stick your head out too much. A kind of invisible prison.
You probably met those folks, they are everywhere. Maybe you are or have been that way as well. I know I was. I was living under a constant supervision and control of a slave master... up until the day when I saw by the grace of God that I'm free to go.
Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
The day I decided to believe what Jesus did for me, I was able to lift my head, open my eyes, and look straight ahead without fear of punishment. I no longer owe anything to this slave owner who held me in slavery to sin. Each of us has a carnal nature that loves to sin. Following its whims, we constantly lived in fear of punishment. But now, through faith, the way is open to the reality of Christ's victory. By His death and resurrection, Jesus freed everyone who believes in Him from the yoke of sin and death. In Him, the law of the Spirit of life operates.
Galatians 5:16 I say: walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
In Christ, the door is open. Come out into freedom! No matter how familiar life in the zone may seem. Come out of the prison of your own self into the limitless, free world of God. Today is the right time.
I play my part
She obviously played before, but it felt as if she was playing her instrument for the very first time. She would take a breath and watch where it would take her, in mysterious ways. Like a child, discovering something new, she was caught up in wonder.
Yes, she was the one playing the instrument, but at the same time she recognized someone else within her, directing the sound. Though it was a simple tune, the music was so beautiful and tender!
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Every born-again child of God has God's Spirit within him /her. As God's beloved children, we learn to trust our way to His leading, in other words: to trust His music within.
1Corinthians 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Spirit is also breath, and God Spirit within us is a Breath of eternal Life. Inwardly, we connect to the breath of God and watch it move in our lives, transforming them into wonder.
Naturally in a process of producing a sound (human), the breath flow passes through a rather complex pathway within the body, where many different resonators work together. This is arranged in such a way that the quality and character of our sound depends on our "connection" to the breath and alignment between the resonators. (Though it applies directly to singing, it is also true for any sound making). God willing, I will write about this separately.
In the process of renewing our thoughts according to the word of God, each resonator takes its place. Here, each individual musician in the orchestra focuses his gaze on the movement of the conductor's baton; so the life dedicated to Christ awaits Him and Master and its very life resource. All creation awaits to hear the life-giving sound of the eternal kingdom. If you are God's child, God has placed His Spirit within you. Play your part.
Pillow
for a stiff neck
Traveling can be exhausting; I know from lots of experience. Especially waiting between the planes… Of course, airports have attractions like restaurants and stores, but most people are walking around, dreaming about one thing – to pose your head on a pillow and close your eyes… That would be sublime!
But even if you didn’t have much traveling experience, our life is a trip to itself. And sure, it is often exhausting. Sure, there are attractions, or rather distractions… Enough of that! Give me some space to live and breathe, not just consume nonstop! O, how much my soul desires to slow down and really rest! Every evening before going to bed, I hope to have that amazing rest for my entire being; the one that causes me to wake up energized the next morning…
But it doesn’t happen on autopilot, I need to learn how to really rest. Because if you don’t learn to rest properly, you might end up with a neck pain, not being able to move your head… no, you don’t want that! Interestingly, this particular pain has another meaning and is addressed in scripture as “stiff-necked” condition.
Act 7:51 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
Ex.32:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people.
Stiff-necked condition is to obstinate and difficult to lead, rebellious. And not only to follow, but even simple life is difficult that way. You’re always unhappy, because you are not resting properly. You’re always busy insisting on your own way and fighting for your own rights. But this miserable live doesn’t have to be your fate. God has provided a solution.
James 4:6 But he gives more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
His grace is that miracle traveling pillow that you can carry with you everywhere and rest your head upon at any time. What’s left to do? Stay humble.
Heb.4:11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Way of Thinking
O God! Where is the way out of this complicated situation?? Have you ever asked Him? And what happened?
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
This renewal of the mind in the Word of God is God’s answer to me.
None is exempt from the carnal fleshy mind. Our human thoughts are intertwined together into a large labyrinth. Large enough to wonder the whole lifetime. Whenever there is a lie, the pathway is blocked. You might still be able to go further, but it’s a dead end… It doesn’t lead to any solutions, only adds to the overall confusion.
Pr. 14:12 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Most People are getting exhausted from that endless wondering and give up hope altogether. You don’t need to be one of them. The solution is rather simple. God Himself opened a way for all humans, and His way is faith in Jesus.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.
He has opened the way out from every difficult situation. He actually specializes in impossible ones. He sees from above, and His thoughts are higher than ours.
Luk.18:27…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Is. 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
God sees the whole situation, in all its details; He is not limited by space or time. His thoughts are directed straight to the desired destination. Where you are now, seek the Lord and perceive what He thinks about your situation… but sincerely, without deceit. And you will see the way out of this endless labyrinth.
Command Headquarters
I was on my way to the airport and this woman in uniform was on her way to the army base, I guess. I didn’t have a paper for a sketch, except the back side of a document… Never mind.
I thought about her life at the army base… Being a soldier, she is there to obey her commander, whoever he is. Discipline and obedience to the commands are essential for the army function.
There were many soldiers with me in the train, pretty much all of them on their phones. As I was watching the scene, I thought that whatever they are watching or reading, enters in as a command. Every one of us has a command center inside our heads, and the information we get from our devices goes directly into the headquarters. From there it functions as our real commander. That army commander defines the purpose for its soldiers, determines the strategy and gives orders. In the same way, we all receive orders from the headquarters in our heads. And the quality of our life flows directly out of that place.
Can we, as humans, influence the function of that commander?
Matt.6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
In other translation, in place of single, the words “good” or “clear” are used.
If you are watchful and only allow the truth into the command Center and stop darkness from getting in, you will walk wisely and be blessed. It’s everywhere in Scripture, this is just one simple illustration. Just looking at their uniforms, made me think about authority and command issues. Same thing about the righteous or corrupted government.
Pr.29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
But before you engage in blaming the government, please consider the command center in your own head. If it’s full of light, your world will be bright and illuminated. Remember, even the smallest match can dispel the thick darkness in the room. If you are a child of God, you are also His soldier.
He is counting on you.
To leave
an Impression
We are social creatures, aren’t we? Ok, maybe you’re not, Then you are a rare exception. Maybe you are so perfect that you absolutely don’t need anyone else… but actually this attitude is also somewhat express social relations, only a negative one. “I’m a believer and I only relate to God! I don’t need anyone.” Heard those statements? I have…
To have God Almighty as your one and only life resource is liberating, but He made us to interact with other human beings. Look in the Bible – it’s on every page! We read about the impressions they have made in their world, in the time and space of their lives. All kinds of different ones.
In the world, the idea of an impression is also referred to as a legend. A particular event, especially when a noble act is involved, became a “public property”, something, to shape the rest of the history, it became an imprint for the following generations. Fascinating process, isn’t it?
I will share with you my understanding here: Before we can make an impression, we carry one on the inside.
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…
Since we, humans, are created beings, originally God our Maker placed His own impression upon us, with the intention for us to carry His living essence. Then the devil interfered in the process… You know how it unfolded (read at least the first 3 chapters of Genesis). Now, after Jesus came and redeemed all humanity back into life; those, who believe in Him, receive His imprint upon their lives.
1 Corinthians 15:45, 47-49 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. The image you bear is the imprint you leave everywhere. It shapes not only your own life, but also the lives of the people around you and even future generations. The image of the risen Christ creates life and to bear it is the honor and responsibility of all God's children.
Breaking News
“To be on the phone” became essential business nowadays. Some folks even feel incomplete being separated from their device. Modern phenomenon? Ok, we can call it that.
But in the eyes of God, our Maker, we are “ready to be harvested into His everlasting kingdom”. As humans, we have all the capacities to respond to the Good News of His love, once it makes its way into our world.
This is my personal interpretation: the breaking news are those, which break through the walls of our world, make their way in and influence our reality.
The Good News is very simple:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This tremendous news has potential to transform our lives and even more importantly, alter our eternal destiny. It works when you respond to this truth by faith and confess Jesus as Lord over your life. So, the fight is - to break through your reasoning patterns, learned behaviors and ideas, which are based on lies. We all learned those, since they are crafted into the very fabric of our lives by the enemy of our souls. But simple faith makes the change possible. Then John 3:16 will be breaking news for you.
2 Cor.2:14-15 Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.
If you are a child of God, keep shining the light of the Gospel, it breaks through the layers of darkness!
If you are not a believer yet – allow the good news into your world. Choose Life in Jesus our Lord and live forever!
My Responsibility
Everyone in town knew him. He was a bright light everywhere. The Lord blessed me with his friendship for a couple of years. The town where we met was known for its bad reputation; it even had a second name – “Sin City”. And this man lived there. It seems that God needed him there. Every day he would say, “I am the one who is to carry the influence of God’s kingdom to this city… and I will do everything I can until my last breath.”
Luke 19:12-13 So he said, “A certain nobleman was going into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. And he called ten of his servants, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, “Trade with this until I come back.”
He carried out his divine assignment using every means available. He would go to dinner with the homeless, sharing his hope of eternal life, pray for passersby on the street, or come to the entrance of the supermarket to sing gospel songs. He took every opportunity to share the good news of the Gospel with people.
Totally absorbed in it, he seemed oblivious to adversity (health struggles, poverty, rejection from many other believers). He did not engage in arguments or respond to criticism. He was completely focused on God's plans. His mission was to reveal Christ, he was consumed with this vision, and God's fire of love became his very resource of life. Through all the trials.
Remember that Christian expression: "Oh! I want to be a blessing to the people around me!" Sounds pretty spiritual, doesn't it? But for some reason, people first expect some significant changes to happen in their lives and for special people to surround them before they can begin to be a “blessing.” I have sinned with this attitude of heart, too. I know from experience. Some people move around a lot, like me; Others live their entire lives in one city. But the truth is, wherever you are right now, you can be a blessing to those around you and display the victorious life of Christ so that they can see the light and respond to it.
Want to be a blessing? BE. It's not a hard work, neither it is running around... But you can be faithful in what God has entrusted to you. Jesus Himself came to live within you.
Let Him be the blessing to those around you,
Ready for the Day
It was a gray Monday morning. I was on my way to work, riding in a bus. This particular bus stop, where I saw this woman, was in a very poor neighborhood. She obviously waited for another bus and in the meantime was observing everyone else, kicking her foot. I saw her and remembered that expression, “alive and kicking”. Maybe she was kicking away the gray clouds in her own mind… no idea. But she looked very much “on top of her life”, fully awake.
Though wearing simple clothing, she was elegant on the inside, as if she was making a statement: “I intend to live today! Really live, not just go through the motions.” She was looking intently for the right bus to catch, being very selective with her moves.
To me, it was an illustration of my inner life. From the morning, I need to pray and kick away the gray clouds of doubt and despair. I need to go into the Word of God – to set my intention for the day to have a meaningful day and “not just go through the motions”.
I don’t care about luxury or showing off, but I need to dress up clean and neat, making the best of what I have available. The armor of God looks best on me and makes me really ready for the day.
Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Holy Spirit guides me and I know exactly which bus I need to catch. How? I will recognize the Driver:
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and I am known by My own.
I am dressed and ready to follow Jesus. He has already prepared my day. And here is my bus.
Just a Face
What do you see here? Just “a face”, right? Maybe some of his facial features are more pronounced… but we see many of those special, unique faces every day. We pass by in a hurry, no time to stop.
Here is my story behind this drawing. I was about to fly from Europe to the USA with a stopover in Iceland. And I had too much hand luggage… So much that the attendants refused me to board the plane. (Some employees are so eager to keep the rules to the exact measurements, and they are right about that). I didn’t have means to pay extra, I turned to go back and prayed.
This man, stepping out from the boarding line, came to me and almost without words, not to draw attention, took a large backpack from my arms and put it on his shoulder… I quietly went and stood at the end of the line.
The next time I saw that man, it was inside the airplane. He was standing, smiling, holding my backpack and waving at me.
During the stopover in Iceland, we sat down, and he shared an amazing story about a little girl that he found abandoned in Iraq and bring her home and how they, together with his wife, could adopt her. We prayed together and after a stopover we flew different planes.
To fast-forward the events, on my next trip from the USA to Europe, I had to stop in the city they live in. He came to meet me at the airport, and we sat down for a long ride in the subway train. This is where I made this sketch. He smiled, looking at it. That’s usual reaction people have when they see my drawings. But when we got home and I met his wife and that little girl from Iraq, I showed her my sketch and her face got radiant. She put that piece of paper to her chest and closed her eyes.
For her, his face was obviously not “just a face”, but she perceived the love of God, her Heavenly Father.
Matt.25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Simple, right? But profound in the same time. Let’s notice each other.
Inspiration
O! I remember that moment on the plane.
Usually, the time frame from the beginning of the boarding until the takeoff moment is very meaningful and intense. It is almost like a speeded rehearsal of life itself. People are anxious to find their place and settle down in a most comfortable way. Considering what’s available, of course.
“Remaining seated, with the seatbelt on and following the instructions” is considered to be a noble contribution to the common security, at least in the plane context. To stretch this into society life in general would be too much, in my opinion.
I came to my seat and saw this woman. She wasn’t anxious about any of that… What’s hers? What’s next? I saw a divine spark on her facial expression.
I stopped for couple minutes to draw a little sketch of her and thought of a bigger picture: My real journey is far beyond moving here on earth from point A to point B. I’m here to be led from above by the Spirit of Truth into the everlasting Kingdom.
Col.3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
But it is possible to focus so much on the heavenly and eternal that you do not experience the destructive influence of today's reality. Such supernatural protection is available to everyone who chooses to trust in God more than in circumstances.
Psalm 30:20-21 How great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You hide them under the secret place of Your face from the tumult of men; You hide them under the shadow of the strife of tongues.
Of course, people will condemn such behavior: “Oh, she has her head in the clouds! She is so “heavenly” that she is completely useless in earthly affairs!” Personally, I do not agree with this statement. If you truly have a heavenly mindset, then you will be able to fulfill the perfect will of God while being here on earth. And your every move will bear a seal of eternity.
My Jewish Identity
I don’t know who he is. I saw him at a meeting of a messianic congregation.
I haven’t been there a while… Many new people came, since I visited that place last time.
They do things Jewish way. It is seen in the way they dress and attributes they use. It’s heard in the songs they sing and some Hebrew vocabulary they use. There are also pieces of the traditional Hebrew Liturgy on their service.
I don’t know whether this particular man, who was leaning at the table in the back, has any Jewish blood. Maybe… Anyway, everyone at that meeting had a chance to feel Jewish. But what does Jewish identity really mean?
In my personal experience, chasing to be more Jewish than what I already was, led me into a deceptive detour, where I almost lost my faith altogether. Yes, during that time, Yeshua / Jesus was still Messiah to me, but rather an example to follow, than my Master, my King, my only life resource… During that time, I thought that doing my life “Jewish way” I am more acceptable to God and therefore…closer to Him, though I didn’t feel that way. The opposite: God seemed rather distant, somewhere beyond the layers of Hebrew interpretations of the Word…
But God, in His infinite mercy, brought me back into His manifested presence, Yeshua took His rightful place on the throne of my heart – as Divine Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father, my Lord and Savior, the Part of the Trinity.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
He is the Seed, promised to Abraham, In Him I have all my Jewish inheritance.
Gal.3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ.
In Yeshua I stand before God. He is the fulfilment of my Jewish Identity.
I got this!
He didn’t speak much, but was very alert to the themes brought up in the conversation at the table. He was calm and reserved, but in an unusual way. There was a sense of intensity around him. Just simply looking at him, you could see that a lot is going on the inside. As if every bit of information was immediately processed on big complex screens in his mind, and there was tension, until a message would appear in large font (probably “Impact”), saying “I got this!” Only then he would switch his attention to another topic.
He was sitting across from me at the table, mostly silent, but observing him was almost like watching an action movie.
His case maybe looked more pronounced, but we all have this processing center inside our minds. I believe our lives flow from the message we see on the screen of our minds.
He wasn’t a believer, so he relied entirely on his own strength. But every time, on every topic, he was eagerly waiting to see that particular message on the screen.
As I child of God, I do not rely on my own strength, but I also need to see a comforting, assuring message of my screen. Therefore, I choose to download truth into my processing device.
Following Jesus, I choose to obey God's instructions and transform my mind in the truth of His word. He really does handle even the hardest, most scary situations.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Continuing with this same analogy, we can add that our job is to keep our processor free of viruses and other corruption; and enter data calmly.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do it.
God is faithful. He will both accomplish the work and keep you. He has everything under control. Finally, we can breathe a sigh of relief.
Into a New Season
She put her best dress and styled her hair. Standing with a glass of champagne, she is about to drink and to mark the entrance into a new season.
I saw her. I happened to be at that big family gathering. I kept looking to see what the Holy Spirit would show me through this scene… and I saw her questioning this transition: “What will be new now? I’m no longer a little girl – to believe all those fairytales about new seasons…” There are different external landmarks on our journey, like holidays and birthdays, but they are not connected to the change we experience. What is needed to pass from one season to another?
I believe it’s connected to our inner growth. As we grow, we put a different season, like bigger size clothing.
Is there a limit? I don’t think so. Since the real growing is growing into Christ, - the ultimate destination of human existence, and there is no limit of how deep we can come to know Him.
Phil.3:8,10 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
Every time we give up our own ways, opinions and attachments, in order to find Christ, we are changed. We are entering a new season, and every step of this journey is a transition from death to life. That is, with each such step, there is even more life in us. The last season is already indicated here: “resurrection from the dead.” But for now…
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Every time, this experience marks a new season in my life.
Playing Along
I rarely go out… but this time my dear friend was singing Gospel songs in a neighborhood café and I went to support him. Maybe you have been in places like that. The parallel function of two different worlds is intense and quite fascinating to watch.
On one hand the Gospel message goes out, carrying its life-transforming virtue for everyone, who would believe; on the other hand, the enemy of our souls creates all possible distractions so that people would not notice that phenomenon or at least would not pay attention to it, not recognizing its power.
That’s exactly what I was witnessing on that place. I sat down at one of the tables, quietly praying and drawing few sketches of the people.
Though people heard that it was clearly not some “commercial” music background, they played along as usual… chewing, looking attentively at the window, telling jokes, exchanging the news, commenting on the food etc.
I looked at this waitress… Of course, she was on duty serving tables, and it was her job to make the café clients happy. So, she was a “neutral element” in this whole scene. She was a like a yes-woman, readily agreeing with whatever was happening, seeing herself just in a role of a waitress.
Observing her, I realized that each one of us is a major player in every context. God, our Maker looks at us this way. We are never in a neutral position. There is a collision of two opposing kingdoms in the atmosphere, and we always play in one team or the other. And each one of us carries responsibility for the choices he makes. Especially now, towards the consummation of this age, the confrontation became even more intense and ignorance is simply a “luxury” we cannot afford.
Matt.12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gatherers not with me scatteres abroad.
But we do not lose heart. We continue to witness and shine the light of eternal kingdom into the world that drowning in vanity. Those who will hear and see, will stop in their ways, pay attention and receive the light of truth and be transformed by the amazing work of God’s salvation.
2Cor.2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.