The chill of winter is in the air yet the Almond Trees lining the streets of Jerusalem are in blossom. The prophet Jeremiah spoke about the Almond blossom being a sign from God that he is alive and active even in harsh conditions to bring about his promises in our lives. I am always encouraged to keep believing God’s promises for me. Brendan and I are just home from visiting Jerusalem.
erusalem is an historical city. Today it is flourishing. There was disruption on our way from the airport. Lorries and heavy machinery blocked our way. New roads and tramways are being built. Cranes litter the skyline helping in the construction of tall buildings for hotels, businesses and homes. We saw with our own eyes the restoration of Israel as prophesied thousands of years ago. People are returning from the nations to make their home there. Mothers and babies, old men and women with canes are walking the streets of Jerusalem. Groups of young men and women are sitting, talking, rushing or playing. Abundant life is all around.
We walked in a park dedicated to Teddy Kollek. He was Jerusalem’s Mayor since 1967 to 1993. He is numbered with the leaders of old who restored Jerusalem, for example Hezekiah. In his time Kollek put in place programmes for housing the people, theatres , libraries and old people’s homes. He encouraged peace and unity among Jerusalem’s people. He raised finances to help with the work.
School children came for lunch In the Kollek park. Water fountains burst into life as geysers bubbled up to differing heights. Young boys skipped in and out of the spray. The park is a welcome oasis for the weary child or tourist.
I was reflecting on my visit to Jerusalem as I happened to read Psalm 48.
We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves— the city of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever.
O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
God himself is in Jerusalem’s towers, revealing himself as its defender.
Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem.
Walk around and count the many towers.
Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations.
For that is what God is like.
He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.”
Tag Archives: safety
Safety and Peace in Northern Ireland.
We are living in peace and and safety in Northern Ireland.
My neighbor keeps bees. I was surprised. I thought they must keep very quiet. I never see any bees around the flowers in the garden. Yesterday evening I was enjoying the evening sun. I noticed a humming sound coming from high in the tree nearby. I listened and looked. It sounded like bees buzzing. I looked closer and sure enough there were bees feeding on the pollen from the tree. I noticed the white chairs under that tree felt sticky. The pollen had fallen on them. It must be sugary, pleasant for the bees to gather for their hive. I now call this my buzzing tree. As I pass each day I hear the sound of the bees above.
God has blessed us here in Ireland these last weeks with sunny, clear skies. All life is opening up in the safety, warmth and comfort. Shorts, cotton shirts and sun hats are taken out of storage. We are using a pedalo Aaron bought for his young family years ago. I thought it would never be used again as he has moved abroad. No more sound of grandchildren squealing with delight as their dad launched out into the water at Newcastle. But God. He brings restoration. Abraham and I were happily peddling in the Lough below with expensive yachts towering over us. Granny was squealing! God has filled my heart with joy.
I believe everyone should have a house and garden. Having a home to keep warm in the winter is necessary. As the spring arrives one needs to get out doors after a cold and dark winter. Summer arrives suddenly when the trees get clothed in dark gree leaves and weeds sprout out of the ground where there was only soil a short time before.
As the days get long and warm it is pleasant to have space to sit outdoors and enjoy the flowers, the birds singing and fresh air. It is good for the soul. He leads me in green pastures to restore my soul.
In King Solomon’s reign in Judah and Israel, the people
“Were very contented with plenty to eat and drink. And there was peace throughout the entire land. They lived in peace and safety. Each family had his own home and garden.” I Kings 4 v 24.
When I travelled in Mediteranean countries I admired the little white houses with the families sitting under the shade of the vine tree in the cool of the evening. It is a picture of what I read in Scripture,
“And every man neath his vine and fig tree shall live in peace and be unafraid.” Micah 4
This was so refreshing to see. I longed for that image of peace. Could that ever happen in Northern Ireland? At the time there was war. Getting out of the turmoil for a week was a blessed relief.
Praise God today in N Ireland we do have peace and people are sitting out in their gardens. The word of The Lord has come to pass.
“And into plowshares turn their swords, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Micah 4 v 3
Hail the King, hail The Lord of all. Of his government there shall be no end in Ireland! Isaiah 9. Safety and peace are restored to N Ireland.
Healed of Cancer. Angela McCauley 