By: Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com Loving thrillers the way I do, I went with a friend to see the suspenseful movie “The Commuter” with Liam Neeson. Without giving away too much of the plot and a full movie review, I’ll just say that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! A woman approaches Mr. Neeson’s character and asks him a “hypothetical” question. What would you do if someone asked you to just do “one little thing.” No questions asked. If you do it you will get $75,000. Just like that. The whole movie is based on his response to that question. Guess you’ll just have to see it to find out what happened! How many of us would take the bait? Would we risk our reputation, our integrity and our safety to do it? Are we that tempted by money? I would like to think that I would turn it down. No matter how desperate I may be, no matter how tempted, I know that I already have the prize – I have all the riches I need. Yeshua gave His life for me, I have eternal life because of His sacrifice. And that is worth all the money in the world! Would you do” just one little thing?” Would you submit your life today to Yeshua? Eternal riches await you my friends! Ethel Chadwick
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By Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com OK, I’m going to tell you something that I didn’t even post on Facebook. That’s right, you’re hearing it first, right here on Down Home Shalom! Just for fun I registered for a modelling agency. Yep, they occasionally have gigs for the “over 50” crowd. I figured it would be fun. Back in October I got an email that if I was interested in being cast as an extra in a Jeff Goldblum movie, I should contact the casting director directly. To make a long story short, I was cast as an extra for a movie called “The Mountain.” While originally cast in a group scene as a mental patient (please hold the laughter!), they picked me out of a lineup to do a dance scene with Jeff Goldblum! I couldn’t believe it was happening! We danced, he twirled me around, we chatting in between takes about stuff – including that I was a Messianic Jew. He didn’t know what to make of that, but we had no time to discuss further. Why am I writing about this here? Because I need to remember–and you need to remember- that famous actors are just people. They are not Yeshua. They are not God. We need to treat them like regular folks and pray for them. Yes, it was an experience I’ll never forget. Will they keep the scene? When is the movie coming out? Will he remember me? I don’t know the answer to any of these questions, but I will pray for him to know Yeshua. Will you join me? Ethel Chadwick By: Ethel Chadwick bagelsandblessings.com 'Tis the time of year when we look back and think that we could do better next time. I thought of a few good New Year’s Resolutions – maybe you have some good ones too. 1. Spend more time reading the Bible. Obviously. How do we expect to really know what God expects of us unless we get to know His Word? It’s all there – how we should treat others, how to be kind, etc. 2. This kind of goes with #1 – try to be God-focused instead of Self-focused. Sounds easier than it is. When we focus on ourselves we are often prideful or just worried, anxious and depressed. Things change when we focus on God. Yep, the atmosphere changes. Try it! 3. Look for ways to encourage others – be a blessing. So this means you have to stop being critical. Don’t discourage others, but ENCOURAGE. 4. Think before you speak! Will your words hurt and destroy? Or will they give life? Kind of goes with #3. 5. Stop speeding. OK this is really for me. I admit I struggle with this one. But you know we are supposed to obey the laws of the land (read Romans Chapter 13) unless they conflict with God’s laws. Enough said. 6. Eat sensibly. You can do it! I think moderation is the key. As long as you eat plenty of fruits and veggies, occasional carbs are ok. I think it’s too drastic to just eliminate them totally. Drink lots of water too! 7. Hug someone often!!! It feels so good to give and receive hugs!!!! 8. Be thankful! Count your blessings!!!! OK that’s all for now. This list could go on for a long time. I pray that you are happy and healthy and that God blesses you tremendously! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Ethel Chadwick A Fun Message from our friend at Gates of Zion Ministries-ENJOY! Blessings and Shalom, AJ Sizemore EQUIPPING FOR CHRISTMAS DAY CHINESE RESTAURANT INVASION
OK, so its December 25 and you are in your favorite Chinese restaurant. Your egg drop soup is still hot. You turn toward an adjacent table where a Jewish couple is dining. If you are Jewish you can say, "Can I ask you a question?" When they agree, say, "Isn't it interesting that the world is cerebrating the birth of the most famous Jew who ever lived except us?" If you are Gentile substitute, "except His own people" for "except us." If the Jewish person upon hearing your question shows any interest, here is a powerful way to continue: If you are Jewish: "I and a growing number of Jews have researched about what really happened in first century Israel concerning the Rabbi from Nazareth. We have discovered an entirely different narrative than the one we were taught to believe growing up. Would you be interested to hear it?" If you were born Gentile you say the above a bit differently, "I am not Jewish but I am done my homework and through my research I discovered all the first disciples of the Rabbi from Nazareth were Jewish and that the truth about what really happened in first century Israel is a well hidden secret from most Jewish people. I have heard reports many Jewish people today are taking a second look at the Rabbi from Nazareth and have come to some startling conclusions" If the Jewish person you are speaking to replies he is interested in hearing more, begin to blow the whistle on what really happened back then in first century Israel. Here are a few points you can make:
_____________________________ First for the salvation of Israel and then the nations! JB Bernstein Proclaiming Yeshua! A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. (Luke 2:32) Please read below: If you are blessed and challenged by these posts and the work of the Gates of Zion I encourage you to go to our web site,www.gatesofzion.net , click on Donate and give as the Lord inspires. Your gifts are tax deductible Please go through the site which is designed, with you in mind, to equip you to know how to bring the Light of God to Jewish people and all people everywhere, and reap the great harvest that lies before us. Your prayers and giving count for much! If you live in Norway please pray for this outreach on Christmas Day You can contribute to Gates of Zion through kontonummer 3624 523 2238 If you live in the Faroe Islands please also pray for this outreach on Christmas Day. You can contribute to Gates of Zion through kontonummer 9181 1715 307 Shalom Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Chanukah and ARE having a joyous Holiday season! At this time of year, it's my wife that always reminds me that I should be thankful for Christmas as we should (at least), choose a time to celebrate the birth of our Messiah! I know, I know-We Jews did not invent Christmas (many if not most of us didn't even observe it growing up), and it is not a commanded celebration. But Shela asked me to consider that the BIBLE tells us that even Yeshua (Jesus), celebrated Chanukah and it is not a commanded celebration. Shela (my wife), is a smart girl isn't she! How many of our own homes would be as strong if not for our wives-the mother of our children?! So in saying all this I want you all to enjoy an opinion piece that I read just today. I hope it blesses you all as much as it did me! So read and ENJOY with many Blessings and Shalom!
The Quiet Hero (from Fox News.com) AJ Sizemore By: Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com I am watching an episode of "The Good Place," a comedy about a woman who dies and wakes up in a type of paradise that they call " The Good Place." The leader, or head angel, calls an assembly and explains to the group that each person is there because of all their good deeds while they were alive. They received points for each positive or unselfish act they did while on earth. So what is wrong with this picture? Are good deeds enough? Isaiah 64:6 says: All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. As believers in Yeshua we know that good deeds aren't enough. We must repent, turn from our sins and totally submit to Yeshua. Getting into heaven isn't based on our goodness, but on His goodness. See you in the Good Place! Ethel By Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com What I’m about to say applies to men and women alike. There’s a fine line between being friendly and flirting. Be very certain that you don’t unknowingly give the wrong impression when warmly welcoming a newcomer to your congregation. I’m a hugger. I love people and love to make them feel welcomed. But as a married woman I am very much aware that my friendliness can easily be misinterpreted. I just want everyone to stop for a moment and think about how you approach someone of the opposite sex. Unfortunately things have exploded lately --- everyone is accused of sexually harassing someone. Just be careful. It’s ok to hug someone – just don’t linger! Please continue to be friendly --- but at all times be aware that how you dress, how you lightly touch someone on the arm or back, how you spend a little too much time chatting with someone – these can all be misinterpreted, especially since so many people are lonely and desperate for attention. I don’t want to end this on a negative note --- so by all means, continue to be friendly and encourage people in the Lord. Remember to honor the Lord at all times by what you say and do. He will direct your path! Ethel Chadwick By: Ethel Chadwick www.bagelsandblessings.com I say these words to myself as much as to you guys. I am frustrated because while I am usually healthy, lately I am getting hit on all sides as they say. OK, only my hairdresser knows for sure, but as I write this I am battling an allergic reaction/chemical burn from hair dye. Yes, I am one of those vain women who enjoys looking young. Pray for me. I admit I sometimes enjoy whining to my friends so they will comfort me. It’s ok to do that a little, but if I start dwelling on my itching scalp more than God’s promises, well then, we have a problem. So I ask you – when you’re in the thick of battle, when you are attacked in your health, in your finances, in your relationships – are you going to keep whining to your friends or are you going to declare victory and hold on to God’s promises? Let’s investigate some of those promises: Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Isaiah 40:31 …but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 41:10 ...do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. By Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com At the end of the year things get really busy with Thanksgiving, followed by Chanukah and Christmas, then New Year’s Eve. Some of us run around like chickens without heads. We must shop till we drop, we must buy more decorations, we must spend, spend, and SPEND, and eat, eat, EAT! But wait! What about self-control and moderation? I mean we eat too much, we spend too much and we DO too much! So Mama Ethel says – STOP! Take a deep breath! Slow down! God was very busy making the world but He too knew the value of resting, so He instructed us to take a rest, too! Take a Shabbat! Just relax, listen to praise music, praise Him, pray, and do nothing for a while. Breathe deeply, slowly, and focus on God, who loves you abundantly and at all times. And by the way, take time to enjoy your friends and family. Love more, listen more, talk less. Spend less and eat less too! Genesis 2:2-3 (TLV): 2 God completed—on the seventh day—His work that He made, and He ceased—on the seventh day—from all His work that He made. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on it He ceased from all His work that God created for the purpose of preparing. Hugs, “Mama” Ethel By: Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com I was born a Jew and will die a Jew. I am certain that Yeshua is the Messiah. I have not converted to another religion, I am more Jewish than ever. Yes, Jesus made me kosher! I am deeply disturbed that a member of my congregation (I will call her “Ginger”) has decided to sever her relationship with our Messianic Congregation. Ginger no longer believes that Yeshua is the Messiah. How can this be? Once you have tasted the sweetness of Yeshua, felt His atoning grace, received His forgiveness, how can you throw it all away? When I look at Isaiah 53, I know it’s talking about Yeshua. I have no doubts! When I read about the New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31, I know that I know. I have decided to follow Yeshua. No turning back, no turning back. Please pray for Ginger and all those who are deceived. Holding on to the truth, Ethel Chadwick |
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