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Setting the Stage for Kindness… Christine McDonald

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Christine "Clarity" McDonald, Uncategorized with tags , , , , on December 20, 2021 by paulthepoke
shallow focus photography of cafe late
Photo by Kevin Menajang on Pexels.com

Continuing the series… If you are an outreach person or a drop–in center worker and have random encounters, it will take many encounters with the same person to build a relationship of trust. Here is a guide and process you can go through at the intake stage that will help set the stage for an organic relationship of kindness.

You are building a relationship organically and verbally, recognizing that they are hurting by offering tissues, water, and maybe special treats that aren’t usually readily available to them. They are seeing you show acts of compassion and kindness. Ask them if they would like to take five minutes before you move on in order to eat or drink and just allow them to breathe. Ask them if they would like you to leave the room for a few minutes, or if they would like you to stay.

Instead of leading off with hugs, try loving the hurting individual by serving them with kindness and a bit of hospitality. For example, you could lead with, “I understand this is difficult; may I get you a cup of tea? Soda?” Keep candy bars in your desk, in a bag, in your car, or in your purse for times like these. A little chocolate, a cup of tea, and a box of tissues can go a long way in helping the person have their space and be allowed to feel what they are experiencing.

Conversations

Don’t force conversations. Instead, ask them after you have given them some time if they would like to talk about anything. Fight the urge to engage further. After all, at this moment of the intake, you are just getting them to open up to a relationship. Don’t force things too early. Don’t probe to get them to talk just because you have a heart that wants to help and is ready to listen. They might not be ready to talk. Although your heart may hurt, you are going to have to fight the urge to hug them and tell them it will be okay. Just remember we are setting the stage for an organic relationship built by the participant, not filling your need to hug and fix!

Contact Information:
Christine C. McDonald
636-487-8986
Christine.CryPurple@gmail.com

“Love your neighbor, all of ’em.” -Christine Clarity McDonald

Through The Eyes of Grace – Christine C McDonald

There Shall Be Seven Weeks: The Shemitah

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Angels, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , on April 11, 2021 by paulthepoke

Daniel 9:25b …there shall be seven weeks…

The context of this series of posts is the course of the Jewish people for the initial 49 years of the 483 year period communicated from the angel Gabriel to the prophet Daniel. The city of Jerusalem has been rebuilt post exile. These events are covered in Nehemiah 8-13. Israel is returning to God’s Law. After the Sabbath, the focus is the Shemitah.

Nehemiah 10:31b …And we will forego the crops of the seventh year and the exaction of every debt.

The violation of this statute is the reason Israel is under God’s judgment, 70 sets of 7’s. It would stand to reason, Israel would be reminded sooner. Keep the Shemitah.

But that is not the case. There were more important issues such as returning to God first. As the Lord sees it, relationships and matters of the heart are more important than economics.

Here is the law as conveyed by God to Moses.

Leviticus 25:1-5 Then the LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you, the land itself must observe a Sabbath to the LORD. For six years you may sow your field and prune your vineyard and gather its crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land, a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your field or prune your vineyard. You are not to reap the aftergrowth of your harvest or gather the grapes of your untended vines. The land must have a year of complete rest.

Rest“… The word is “shamat” in the Hebrew. It is defined by Strong’s Concordance as: to release, let drop or loose or rest or fall.

The Jewish people also refer to this as “shemitah”. It literally means to release.

Deuteronomy 15:1-2 At the end of every seven years you shall grant a remission of debts. This is the manner of remission: every creditor shall release what he has loaned to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother, because the LORD’S remission has been proclaimed.

“remission of debts…” In the original Hebrew text “of debts” is not present. “of debts” was added by the translators. Shemitah is the Hebrew word for remission. Shemitah as defined by Strong’s Concordance means: cancellation of debts, letting drop of exactions, (temporary) remitting, release (from debt).

Shemitah comes from the root word shamat.

For multiple posts regarding teachings on the Shemitah, click on the link below.

https://paulthepoke.com/?s=shemitah

Under the leadership of Nehemiah, Israel has recommitted to keeping the Mosaic Law.

~

Something to think about…

Fast forward to Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets for the Hebrew year 5782 or the Fall of 2021. This will arguably be the start of a Sabbatical or Shemitah year. The land is supposed to rest for one year. The remission of debt will occur on the last day of the year in the fall of 2022 or the Hebrew New Year 5783. Historically, challenging economic circumstances arise.

Archaeology Find: Caesarea Philippi

Posted in Uncategorized on October 31, 2020 by paulthepoke

Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

Photo: Google

The following is from The Watchman with Erick Stakelbeck.

Host Erick Stakelbeck interviews Israeli tour guide and archaeologist Danny “The Digger” Herman about a stunning new discovery just uncovered in Israel: the remains of a 5th century Byzantine-era church in Ceasarea Philippi that may commemorate a pivotal New Testament exchange between Jesus and the Apostle Peter.

Significant Biblical artifacts are being unearthed with increasing frequency.

To the critic… you want science and evidence???

Mark 8:27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way He asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

Return Home! -Joshua of Ghana

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Joshua Ghana, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on March 6, 2020 by paulthepoke

“Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.” (Ruth 1:6).

Joshua of Ghana @beholy404 on Twitter

joshua-ghana

At one time or the other, a natural man undertakes a dangerous journey since he is not being guided by the Spirit of God. But what makes a difference is the ability of those who may have embarked on such journeys to return to their original point. Man was made in God’s image but he deviated and took a journey into sin; but it takes the shed blood of Jesus Christ to cause man to return to his Maker. Hence, the plea, “Return, O backsliding Israel”.

There are many people today who have strayed and wandered away from God into a strange land but have no intention to return home. They may have embarked on such a dangerous journey in search of pleasure and freedom. But in the process, they lost everything and are ashamed to return home. Naomi decided to return home. She knew that home must always be home. The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) knew that there’s a difference between home and strange land. He decided to return to his father, even though he had messed up.

man woods

Dear friend, wherever you may be outside God’s embrace, He expects you to return. There is still room for you in your Father’s house.

Jesus is calling all prodigal sons and daughters to return home for there is now abundance in our Father’s house. Naturally, when a prodigal son returns, some would make jest of him and wonder why he decided to return. But those who commend the decision to return are always in the majority. When a sinner or backslider returns to the fold of God’s children, Satan and his agents are not always happy. But there is always joy in heaven and among brethren that a sinner has come home.

*THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:* Why not return to the Lord now?

All Hands on Deck… Joshua of Ghana

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Joshua Ghana, Uncategorized with tags , , , , on February 21, 2020 by paulthepoke

Nehemiah 7:71 “And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver”

joshua-ghana

@beholy404

Joshua of Ghana @beholy404 on Twitter

A large family in an African village wanted to build a hall. The family was tired of having their children spend huge sums of money on halls during weddings. It was a good line of action but some of the members of the family gave excuses and stayed away. One day, one of the sons of the men who refused to contribute wanted the hall for his wedding. He was asked to pay like others. But all those who contributed to build the hall used it any time without paying, as long as it was available. Today, this hall is so important that people use it for conferences, church programs and meetings. And for every payment for the hall, those who contributed have some financial benefits.

Nehemiah found a document containing the contributions made by returnees towards the rebuilding of the temple and restoration of its services. This was the main objective of their return and contributions were made by everyone for this purpose. No one was left out because the project was dear to them. And upon completion, everyone went to their cities.

wood constructionPeople who build earthly tents and houses invest in them. If the buildings are in suburbs or villages, they leave the cities to monitor the process from time to time. They, most times, suspend other expenditures to complete their projects. Sometimes, our attitudes differ when God’s buildings are involved. By far, the greatest form of investment anyone could embark upon is investing in God’s business. Such may not produce immediate profit, but the dividends often come in due time.

Today, so much work needs to be done in our churches. No contribution is too big or too small for God’s work. Investing in God’s service is the surest way to tap into His inexhaustible treasure.

 

Breaking: Israel Under Attack, May 2019

Posted in Gaza Strip/Philistia, Prophecy, Trend Update, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , on May 4, 2019 by paulthepoke

May 4, 2019: This is a developing story…

Rockets are raining in from the Gaza Strip. Projectiles have gone further into Israel than in the past. Some missiles are landing near the mountains of Jerusalem.

Liveuamap
IDF Twitter Feed

Israel is responding from the land, sea, and air.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-strikes-throughout-gaza-amid-rocket-barrages-israeli-woman-seriously-hurt/

~

Just a reminder, the Gaza Strip has a prophetic date with history…

Zephaniah 2:4-5 For Gaza shall be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod’s people shall be driven out at noon, and Ekron shall be uprooted. Woe to you inhabitants of the seacoast, you nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will destroy you until no inhabitant is left.

See also Ezekiel 25:15-17

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam 2022 Completion Date

Posted in Egypt/Nile River, Isaiah, Prophecy, Uncategorized with tags , , , , on December 18, 2018 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 19:5-8 The waters from the sea will dry up, and the river will be parched and dry. The canals will emit a stench, the streams of Egypt will thin out and dry up; the reeds and rushes will rot away. The bulrushes by the Nile, by the edge of the Nile and all the sown fields by the Nile will become dry, be driven away, and be no more. And the fishermen will lament, and all those who cast a line into the Nile will mourn, and those who spread nets on the waters will pine away.

Yes, the Bible says the Nile River will go dry. This is part of the end time scenario leading up to the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Ethio Embassy Rwanda Twitter

December 2018: Metal and Engineering Corporation (Metec) has been fired from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project. Metec is military run company. The main contractor for GERD project is Italy’s Salini Impregilo.

Salini Impregilo had filed complaints against Metec. As a result, the former chairman of Metec and other leaders were jailed for corruption with dam project.

“We have a plan to generate power from the first two units within the coming two years and then probably the dam will be completed in the year 2022,” Kifle Hora, GERD Construction Manager.

Click on video link for additional analysis and geography

Ethiopia is starting to reap the benefits of the GERD project. Ethiopia made $37 million during the first nine months of last year. The country exported 190 MW of power. Along with the Gilgel Gibe 3 project, Ethiopia is estimated to export more than 10,000 MW. Experts believe Ethiopia economy has the ability to export over 45,000 MW.

https://allafrica.com/stories/201812180552.html

BIG TIME $$$ is on the table. Do you think Ethiopia and neighboring consumers of the energy care if Egypt suffers the consequences of modern conveniences that electricity brings???

Is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam the reason for the Nile going dry in the end times? Will God use a drought or a combination with the dam? Time will tell. One thing is for sure, at some point in the future the Nile River will go dry. Economic calamity and social unrest will follow in Egypt. These events are the precursor to the return of a Savior. The story ends well…

Isaiah 19:20 It will become a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them.

Do You Feel The Glory ?

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on December 3, 2018 by paulthepoke

tastytreat_frontWhat do you think about when you hear about someone being glorified or hear the word glory? When I look this word up in Webster’s dictionary, glory is defined as worshipful praise, honor and Thanksgiving. We use the word glory when we refer to God or Jesus. We give Him glory because He is the One that deserves the worship, honor and praise and is the provider of all things. What about people or yourself? Do you ever feel glorified? Is it right for you to feel or be glorified? Do you try to glorify yourself?

Here’s what Jesus said in John 8:54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.”

Interesting. Jesus who deserved the glory didn’t try to glorify Himself but indicated that His Father, God gives Him glory. Hear what Jesus prayed, (John 17), when He knew His time was coming to an end.

John 17:1 Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify You.
John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began.

Jesus is asking His father to glorify Him. Do you think it’s ok to ask Dad to glorify you? In the same prayer, Jesus prays for ALL believers. These are people like you and me. Here is what He prays in John 17:22 “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.”

Did you catch it? Jesus said that He gave you, me and ALL believers the same glory that God gave Him (Jesus). Jesus, God the Father wants unity and a very close relationship with us. Be Thankful and Feel that Glory!!

Dave

www.SoaringSaxman.com/tasty-treat

The Age Stigma

Posted in Christine "Clarity" McDonald, Culture, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on October 26, 2018 by paulthepoke

Psalm 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.

Psalm 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth.

Featuring Christine Clarity McDonald

Christine McDonald

Finally, let’s touch on the way age factors into people’s categorizations of “worthy versus unworthy victims.” They say the average prostituted person’s life span in the life of prostitution is seven years. If they make it the full seven years, they often end up dead from drug overdose, suicide, or murder. Only a small percent of these individuals will find a way out.

It is also said that the average age of entry into prostitution is around 13. Think about it. If a 13–year–old becomes a prostituted individual and survives seven years, they would only be 20 years old. We, as a society, see a youth in this awful life as a victim, but once they make it to 18, we expect them to somehow break the mental, emotional, and traumatic chains of prostitution and walk away. Once an individual crosses the invisible line of “adulthood,” we no longer view them as victims but as criminals. All compassion or awareness of the horrors they endure seems to disappear at that magical age of 18. Yet it is so much more complicated than that.

child abuse

As I see it, the longer they are in it, the more trauma they have endured and the deeper the hurt. Yet because they didn’t recover at age 15, we say “screw them” when they are 19, or 22, or 36, or older and trying to find a way out. That is not okay. Think about it: Does God place an age limit on His grace in our lives? No, He does not. However, this is not how the majority of our society sees it.

Why is that? Who are we, as a society, as people of faith, and as service providers to determine what age someone is recoverable to begin their healing process? If God sustained them three days, three years, or 33 years in a horrific life of commercial sexual exploitation, then perhaps we should embrace God’s love for them and reflect that love as His children to His children.

“Love your neighbor, all of ’em.” -Christine Clarity McDonald

Read more at…

Jude: Called, Loved, & Kept

Posted in Jude, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , , on October 9, 2018 by paulthepoke

Jude 1:1b To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

…those who are called… In the original Greek, the word for “those” is the definite article τοῖς. It is the plural form of what would be translated as “the”. Definite articles are a big deal in the Greek language. The koine Greek of the New Testament has no indefinite articles like we do in English. There are no “a” or “an” in the language. A definite article is a point of emphasis.

God the Father describes “those” as called or κλετοσ/kletos. The idea is called, invited (to a banquet); invited (by God in the proclamation of the Gospel) to obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom through Christ; called to (the discharge of) some office; divinely selected and appointed.

Everybody is ultimately invited to the call of Jesus Christ. Salvation is for all of humanity.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit…

…beloved… “Those” are “loved”. This is αγαπαο/agapao. This is God’s love for us. Defined as love, affection, good will, benevolence, to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly. This love is the nature of God.

The concept is God has loved us from the past and His love will never end. His love for us is eternal. It is God who has shown us what love is and how to love.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

 

…in God the Father… The verse states “those” are “in” God positionally. As believers in Jesus, this is our place. We are in the body of Christ. Believers are sealed with the Spirit. Jude states we are fixed in the Father. This position is confirmed by John as well as others.

John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

 

and kept for Jesus Christ: The Father has looked upon “those” and τερεο/tereo or “kept”. Tereo means: to attend to carefully, take care of or to guard. Metaphorically to keep, one in the state in which he is; to observe or to reserve: to undergo something.

The point is God has always “kept” us and He will continue to “keep” us. The Father does not change in the way He views us.

We are “kept” for Jesus Christ. The language is vague. But is there an implication something is coming to “those”???

1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

 

Definitions provided by Strong’s Concordance.

 

 

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