Showers of Blessings

We had a great Sunday, Praise GOD!!! Earlier in the week it looked as though we may not even be able to attend church because of a work conflict; but the Lord worked it all out for us. A man that works with my husband had asked if he could come to church with us, so we picked him up this morning. It is always good to be in the Lord's house, but today I was especially excited because I had prayed intently this morning for the Lord to show me something in the messages. Of course, if our ears are open we will always hear the Lord speaking to us; so I knew I was going to get something good today. In Sunday school we are going through the book of Matthew, and we have now reached chapter 24---a very deep, and sometimes confusing chapter. I have done some study on this chapter, but I was especially interested to see what his take was on it. I feel SO blessed to be in Jerusalem and have such a unique perspective on the Bible. The people who have lived here their whole lives know much more about the customs and history of this city than the average person would. When the Bible mentions how Jesus was on the Mount of Olives, we can discuss what WE can actually see from the Mount of Olives, since we've all been there. Just to sit there and know that the events we're discussing took place literally down the street from where I'm sitting is truly an amazing feeling. And some of the local news that never seemed to reach us in the states can be relevant to prophecy. For example, we were told today that a few years ago a prominent rabbi here had announced that he was Christ. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matt. 24:5 I'm sure someone in the states heard about this, but I know that I didn't. ----We only got through verse 5 today, but I'm so excited to hear more next week.
During the service we heard a message from II Samuel 11, about David's sin. This is the one that really "stepped on my toes". But, God is good-----first he gave me a blessing through the informative and interesting Sunday school lesson, and then he lovingly chastened me through the main message; and chastening is always welcome in my life. Unfortunately, it has to happen way too often, but the cleansing is always good.
After the service our church family gave us a lovely surprise. They had a birthday "party" all set up for our son!! They bought a cake with his name written on it, and they had even purchased one of those candles in the shape of a number four. The big surprise for him was the firecracker they put in the middle of the cake. I've never seen one before, but it was very exciting to watch. It looked like a Roman Candle, but it just shot up sparks out of it, almost like a huge sparkler. It lasted through two choruses of "Happy Birthday". This was an extra blessing for our family because of what happened earlier this week------
Thursday we had a birthday party planned with some people from my husband's work that our son really likes. We purchased all the food and I had a huge cake planned.........but.........I went to check on the cake in the oven and found that it had over-flowed both pans! They were ruined, and I didn't have enough ingredients to make another. My son didn't mind since I told him we would just have ice cream sundaes instead. But I was disappointed since he wouldn't have any candles to blow out. Then, things got worse when I got a call from my husband. He said that he would have to work late, unexpectedly. So, the party had to be canceled all together. :( I was relieved that the cake didn't turn out, because I really don't need a whole chocolate cake sitting around my house! And, honestly, the Lord really gave me peace about it and I surprised myself as to how well I handled it. He knew that something better was waiting for us just around the corner! ;) ------
This party that our church family gave to our son was much better than one that I could have given him. It made us feel very loved and it was a true blessing to all of us. Plus, as an added benefit, the visitor that we brought with us got to stay and fellowship with the other church members and get to know them a little better. He really liked the church and wants to continue coming back with us! :) God is truly amazing-----He works out every detail to fit together perfectly, and the most amazing part--he continually chooses to bless poor, wretched sinners who don't deserve it. What a wonderful Savior we serve!!