2 Cents from Pastor Penny
November 2023
I know for many of you reading this you have been listening to the news around the world for quite some time. From Covid, Ukraine to now what is going on in Israel. From the very beginning I have always said just look at a variety of sources for information to make sure what you are hearing is actually the truth. And when all else fails, what does the Scriptures say? Surprisingly you can find a lot of your answers within the pages of his-tory and prophesy. You may be saying that is great but how is that really going to help me sleep at night, or keep my anxiety in check from all that I have no control over?
I get it, really, I do. Life happens, things out of our control blind side us and leave us reeling, whether it be from a loss or change in job, a move wanted or forced, medical news that is life altering or NOT what you wanted to hear, loved ones suffering, passing or going astray. Add in the external country and world’s chaos, it can seem like there is no sure footing any more, just shifting sand.
December 2023
What does Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Book of Revelation have to do with each other? Good
question, glad you asked. More than you realize.
God pressed hard upon my heart that now was the time to do a deep dive into the book of Revelation.
With everything going on in the world currently and people asking so many questions where does one
turn for the answers? Definitely not the major news networks or Facebook. The Bible, God’s Holy
word that is chalk full of answers if we are willing to go and find them.
You might be one that has said I would like to read Revelation, but I just won’t understand it, or it is
scary, or all just a mystery. Actually, you would be wrong on all accounts. Most of everything that is
penned in this last book of the Bible is referenced throughout all of the Old Testament, spoken through
God’s prophets, apostles and talked about by Christ himself. This book is a lot more black and white
than one might think, and a lot more literal than just figurative.
October 2023
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When it rains it pours…. That saying is so true. I am sure there are many reading this right now going through this. I know it is literally a drought outside, but the circumstances in my life at this moment…. Well I’m experiencing a down pour, and I can’t keep my head above water. Maybe I am just solely speaking from my life right now, but I have a feeling there are many of you reading this nodding in agreement.
I had the pleasure of accompanying a friend and congregant to Kentucky to see the Ark Encounter. It definitely lives up to its name. An Encounter it is. A FULL SIZE replica of what the ark was like on the outside and a very good depiction of what it very well looked like on the interior. As with anything in life we have a perception, and idea of what we think something or someone is like. However, until we actually experience or go back and reread a scripture, a story, or get to know that person, we can not fully comprehend or grasp the fullness unless we get to experience it.
Just the sheer size of the ARK is awe-inspiring and I love how the Holy Spirit moved them to recreate with unbelievable organization what the 3 levels, the cages, food and water system and living quarters might have looked like. If you get a chance to go you will not be disappointed.
September 2023
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As I sit here pondering what words of wisdom or encouragement I can give you this month, my mind is flooded with thoughts. So much has happened and is happening, how does one focus and narrow it down to one thing? You can’t. Life is racing and, for so many of you, this year has not been kind. Circumstances have happened that we have no control over whether it be with family members, health issues, finances, loss or change in job, retirement, or the overwhelming world events that frankly we have no control over. And IF you are a control freak it can send you reeling and grasping for something— anything to hold on to. I get it. I think that regard-less the situation the feelings are timeless.
King David penned these words in Psalms 121 when his life was feeling out of control. “ I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Even in all the chaos and turmoil David could have found himself slipping into depression but he knew WHO was in control. He knew WHERE his help came from….. God, the one who made everything. The One who knew before anything was spoken into existence or breathed into what the outcome would be, and yet loved us so much before we were even created that he was willing to go through with all of it. Even loving us so much that He sent his one and only Son to the cross to cover all of the world’s sin and man’s curse. That is Grace, true Grace. Not getting what we deserve, Paul says in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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July 2023
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If you are like me, you can’t help but notice all of the craziness and chaos that is ensuing around our country and world. Have you found yourself either caught up in the drama, worried about everything going on and obsessed with the news, or helplessly ignoring all of it residing to the fact you can’t do anything about it anyway. You are not alone, basically everyone falls into these 3 categories.
Maybe you have even opened up your Bible looking for answers or reading up on end-time prophesy. The main common thread is Evil is running amuck. It is rearing its ugly head and hell-bent on deceiving as many people as possible., filling them with hopelessness, depression, despair, anxiety, and a desire to run away from it all.
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May 2023
Ancient Words! That could not be more fitting. The trip to Israel was beyond exhilarating, mind-exploding, awe-inspiring, and deeply moving. As you might be aware, I did have the blessing of going there four years ago; however, this time, we saw all different places and dove into more of the archeological and fallen realm spiritual battlegrounds. This trip was way more physically challenging, but the satisfaction it gave when one conquered the obstacle was so rewarding. The very thought that we were walking the paths of all those before us going back 4 and 5000 years! To stand on that small spot on Mt. Kibir where God took Abraham when he showed and told him I would make a great nation from you and your descendants. While standing there, if you look to your left, is Mt. Ebol, where Joshua’s alter stands, commemorating 800 years later when Joshua dedicated the spot to God before moving into the promised Land. And if you looked down below to the north, your eyes gaze on Samaria, we could see Joseph’s tomb and Jacob’s well (where Jesus met the woman at the well). They are about four blocks apart. To the south was Shekem.
August 2023
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Have you ever thought about yourself as a complainer? If you are honest then you know if you are. I
used to think that was my gift because I was so good at it. Actually, if I am honest I am kind of an
expert at complaining. However, a long time ago, I was devastated to find out that nowhere in the Bible
is it one of the gifts of the Spirit. On the contrary, the scriptures have a lot to say about grumbling,
and complaining and it isn't good.
Why do we complain? For starters, if you are like me it starts with the little inconveniences. Then
the major annoyances and those flat-out things that make us mad and angry. In our culture, we want
things our way, in our time, without any roadblocks. So when things do not go smoothly or cause us
to have to wait, to be patient, or to do it differently, it can make us uneasy or frustrated.
I think that God uses those times to teach us valuable lessons and maybe even keep us from
harm
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June 2023
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I know I'm a little late, but as a busy mom, I am sure most of you reading this can relate. It has been a whirlwind of a couple of weeks.
Our youngest just graduated high school. The middle daughter finished her second year of college and just got an apartment, which needs furnishing. Throw in Mother's day, and oh Kristen and I just launched our brand new vodcast/ podcast livelifeinthespirit.com, which has been a huge success. Talk about a daunting task!
So how does one deal with the craziness of life? How do you keep your head above water? And most importantly when you are in the throes of the chaos trying to still prioritize all that HAS to be done, how do you savor those moments and keep from losing YOU?
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April 2023
Anticipation!! Have you ever anticipated something to the point, that every emotion flooded every fiber of your being? I am sure you are recalling many times by now. Maybe your wedding, birth of a child, new job, or home. Maybe the Spirit grabbed ahold of you and said now is the time for something different, a new drastic change and you knew that life would never be the same.
With every marker down the journey of our lives God opens anticipation for the new, exciting, scary, and wonderful glory around the bend. I write these words as I anticipate my new journey back to Israel and the wonders that God has awaiting me this time around. The anointing of a new turn in ministry, (don’t misunderstand me I’m NOT LEAVING!) Ha! No just refocusing and God is opening more doors and windows to reach the multitude with the Hope, Peace, Love and Redemption of His Saving Grace.
February 2023
What does it mean to live life in the Spirt? Well it means that you are willing to be led in whatever direction you either feel the nudge or stepping through doors that God may have opened. Quite frankly that is terrifying especially when we do not see the full picture of what awaits. Yet it can be exciting, exhilarating, and give you jitters.
What does it mean to live in the dash? The dash is the time we have here on earth. The time from our date of birth until our departure. The beginning and end dates are already set but what we choose to do, where we are led or follow, the people we will impact in the dash, well that is all that really matters in the end. The possibilities in the dash are endless.
edit me. It's easy.
January 2023
Joy To The World our Savior Reigns Let All Heaven and Earth Resound! We sing this song at Christmas, but did you know it is not a Christmas Song? It is heralding the return of our Savior. In fact, as the Last Trumpet sounds and Christ appears, I do believe the Choirs of angels and those of us still here will be singing this very song to Herald his arrival!
We live in a cyclical world. As they say “the more things change the more they stay the same.” Which is very true, history repeats itself. And with that, Jesus, Yeshua came once as a baby soon to become man to Save mankind from sin and death. However, In God’s grand design it did not stop there. He is sending his son back again to reclaim his Bride, the Church, where we will be caught up in the air with him and taken to our new home. What a glorious gift that will be!