Faces of Israel

The faces of Israel...each has a story. Some are just beginning, some have many chapters. The faces of the children as they take in the mysteries of the moment. Do they wonder about their future? Do they have a hope and an expectancy? Will fear take root in their hearts?

The faces of the women as they go about their daily routines. Do they know that God hears their prayers? Do they know joy...or only the travail in the desire for peace?

The faces of the men as they carry the burden for the nation. Does the heart of the Father beat in theirs? Do they know the strength that He would gladly give them?

May the rest of their stories be bathed in peace and joy and fulfill all that God has destined for them. May they come to know the One who has life more abundantly and gives freely of His grace and mercy.

Life Out of Death

This unassuming picture from Israel doesn't seem like much at a first. It looks like a pile of rocks. In reality it is the ruins of what once was a prosperous area. This is all that is left of the walls that used to contain people and the vibrancy of life.

Long ago it was crushed and destroyed by the hands of men who's only desire was to bring death. Every person within the city perished.

As one looks at these rocks the destruction is evident. Without hardly being notice, though, are the green bushes that have pushed their way through the rubble to seek the sun for new life. They are a hope of a fresh tomorrow, of new life and new hope. It doesn't matter how solid the rocks on this earth are, the green plants always press their way to the surface.

In our lives when we experience times of destruction and death of dreams and futures, God will always bring forth new sprouts of life that are colorful, beautiful and vibrant. Out of every death He will always bring life...and that more abundantly.