▪••  •  • ••  • •  • •  •••      FEBRUARY 2021      ▪••  • ••  • •▪  ▪▪  ▪•••  •  •▪ ▪ 

      Israel's Aggressive Approach:

          As we keep our eyes on Israel with the hope of returning, the most recent news from Israel is a bit concerning.  The country has taken a very aggressive approach to vaccinations for COVID-19 thinking this would be the answer to zero need for quarantine for visitors arriving through international travel.  Now, with the reality of new strains that would not be protected by the current vaccines, they feel the quarantine need is still valid.  This creates a conundrum because the typical trip by a tourist is 7 -10 days.  The need for a 10-14 day quarantine would make the trip to Israel unproductive.  

       All this to say, that there is much conjecture and postulating as they try to protect their country and yet open up its borders to help the economy through tourism.  For us, it does look like we’ll have to make some hard decisions in the near future.  It's likely vaccinations will be compulsory for international travel, and it’s likely that will be mandated at the Federal level.  Whether or not a person is for the vaccine, it's disappointing to us that things are mandated.  We would prefer the freedom to make educated decisions and suffer the consequences of OUR decisions.  To have “someone” else mandate or make the decision for us is very concerning.  In the weeks and months to come, we’ll keep you informed on how to pray for us as things develop.

       Purim: 

            While we were in Israel, we had the opportunity to get a first-hand look at some of the Jewish holidays that the people of Israel celebrate. One of these holidays is Purim.  Purim just occurred this past week, and it’s a fascinating holiday revolving around the story of Esther in the Bible.  As you may remember, Hadassah, who was renamed Esther for the sake of hiding her Jewish ethnicity, was put in a very difficult position with her husband, King Ahasuerus.  This was caused by the villain of the story, Haman who literally wanted to eradicate the Jewish people from the land.  The word “Purim” taken from the Persian language means “lots” and it refers to the act by Haman of casting lots for which day he would carry out his diabolical scheme.  This true story actually occurred in the 5th century in the city of Susa, during the time of the Persian Empire.  In modern-day Israel, there are parades and costumes, many depicting Haman and Esther.  When people see Haman costumes they make sounds at him depicting their disdain for Haman and his role in Jewish history.  

         There are many twists and turns throughout the book of Esther.  We would highly recommend reading the story of Esther to see an amazing side of the God we serve. One of the unique characteristics of the book of Esther is that although God is not mentioned one time throughout the book, His hidden hand can be easily seen through events and circumstances that clearly show His involvement in the lives of His chosen people.   While this is a historical story of the Jewish people and their survival in spite of Haman and his efforts to eradicate them.  The same God today is working in the lives of His people who have called out to Him and put their trust in Jesus Christ.  It is a great feeling to know we serve a God that has the capability to do for us what we can’t do for ourselves, such as, grant favor beyond our control or stir hearts and minds in miraculous ways.  A few scriptures that describe this are:

• 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His…”
• Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
• Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

            Finally, as we come to a close, a favorite verse that I, Les, tend to use fairly often that is right in line with this month’s Nudging’s, Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,”. 

        May almighty God do amazing things in and through you as you yield and abide in Him!!

   
          Grapes may keep you breathing
                                              (click title)

DID YOU KNOW THAT NATURE GIVES US CLUES ABOUT THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS? WE CAN SEE THEM AT-A-GLANCE.  IT IS CALLED The Doctrine of Signature" (DOS).

     “Sign of Nature” = Signature
 

How do Grapes reduce inflammatory lung
mRNA expression?

How Grapes are known as “lifespan essentials” that
help maintain the best Lung function as you age.
Read more here.