Out of Africa - Shabbat Shalom!!

A young Zimbabwean girl my husband photographed on a recent trip.

'...Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For this saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant, Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name,that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant, Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar, for MINE HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED AN HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLE. The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I GATHER OTHERS TO HIM, BESIDE THOSE THAT ARE GATHERED UNTO HIM.'  - Isaiah 56: 1-7

"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" - Revelation 5:9

I think Africa is a place where the above verse comes alive!! YHVH is moving tremendously in the hearts of the African people. And some of the greatest blessings I have experienced is sharing with and seeing the hearts of these very people. In fact ... YHVH used a very precious African woman as one of the instruments in teaching me about head-covering and modesty :o). The 'called out' of God .... the 'grafted in of Israel'. I surely cannot comprehend what the new Jerusalem will be like in the day when we are all (every nation tribe and tongue - together with and part of Israel) praising Him and revelling in His presence.

We long for His return!!

This Shabbat I praise Him .... for all His goodness and faithfulness ... we are the generation to see the unfolding of prophecy and the truth of His word and character revealed!!

May your Shabbat be filled with the full revelation of His goodness,faithfulness and great love!

May our hearts soar in praise and may our words glorify His great name.

Shabbat Shalom from Africa!!