Ministry Adventures with Cathy

John 1:14 – “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory.” Jesus is the glory of God revealed at His birth – the celebration we call Christmas.  Christmas is Jesus’ first coming.  At His Second Coming, Jesus will return in His blazing glory which Matthew 24:30 describes as “great glory.” The literal meaning of the “glory” of God is – weight, abundance, riches.  The glory of God manifests all of His attributes – all Who He is.  Are we beholding God in all His glory?  Do we think of Christmas as a time of beholding Him?  In Psalm 34, King David describes those who trust in the Lord.  I love verse 5 of Psalm 34 which states that “they looked to Him and were radiant. . . .”  The radiance in our lives that is ignited by Christ far exceeds the brightness of Christmas lights!  Do we long for this radiance?  As we continue to read Psalm 34:5, the Holy Spirit through King David tells us that those who b...

Isaiah 40:3 - “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.  Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” From the time that sin entered the world, God began announcing that a Redeemer would arrive.  Throughout the pages of Scripture, God unfolds His plan of salvation through Jesus.  The profile of the Redeemer is revealed to us within the Old Testament.  The Redeemer is Jesus; He is God.  He is the One Who would be coming.   The one who cries in the wilderness, who would announce Jesus’ entrance, is John, the baptizer – John, the son of Zacharias.  John is the one spoken of by Isaiah the prophet.  John would be the herald for the Messiah.  In the history and culture of the day, it was the custom of some Eastern monarchs to send heralds before them to announce that they were on their way.  An envoy would be commissioned to ensure that the roads were safe.  Obstacles had to be cleared...

This past Sunday, 10/25, concluded Bethany Bible Church’s Global Emphasis Week (aka missions conference).  The “week” equated to nine days.  But, who’s counting?  I was sad to see it come to a close.  The event was a labor of love on the part of the entire church!  And truly, it was a most blessed time of getting to know and fellowship with ministry partners around the globe and in Phoenix, as well as with the dear people of Bethany Bible!  Quite truthfully, over the years it’s been difficult for me to participate in local missions conferences due to the fact that the field of service to which God has called me is – local.  Ministry in the Phoenix metropolitan area does not come to a halt when there’s a missions conference in the Valley.  This time, however, praise God, I was able to participate in every event at Bethany’s Global Emphasis Week.  And, I am “oh so thankful” to have done so.  While speaking at a focus group during th...

What a glorious time of year!  The temperatures are dropping to the high 90’s/low 100’s in Phoenix/Scottsdale.  Yes, there is indeed a briskness in the air!  And, it’s time to wish our Jewish friends, “Good Yontiff” – good holiday.  We can also greet our Jewish friends with, “L’shanah tovah” – to a good/sweet year.  Apples and honey along with a lively medley of Jewish/Israeli music have been offered this fall season during Rosh Hashanah celebrations within the Jewish community.  The Fall Feasts of Israel, all pointing to Jesus as Messiah, focus on repentance, restoration, and rejoicing. What an amazing time to share Jesus with Jewish people!   At sundown on September 13th, shofars blasted from synagogues around the globe, calling the Jewish community to assemble and reflect.  Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement are known as Jewish High Holy Days.  Rabbis call upon their congregations to get right with their fellow man during...

I've shared my friendship with Madeline in several newsletters; however, I’ve not told you about how we met six years ago.  While waiting for the Jewish people to join me for the Bible study at one of the local retirement centers, a woman I’d never before seen entered the room.  The intent look on her face told me she was on a mission.  After discovering that her mission was to join the study, I introduced myself and she did the same.  Madeline’s last name is rather ambiguous in regard to any Jewish descent.  As I was praying and asking God to reveal Madeline’s heritage, she said, “Do you know where I could buy a mezuzah?”* I laughed – on the inside.  And, we were off to the races.  Our visit of approximately two hours covered our mutual Bronx upbringing, religious education, the Messiah , keeping kosher, the Messiah , New York City cuisine, the Messiah , Yiddish vocabulary, and her search for miracles.  Our time together was lovely....

The other day I was engaged in a conversation about ISIS with a Jewish Studies Professor from a well-known Jewish university on the East coast, God gave me the opportunity to share an “end times” scenario from Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 and 39 with an emphasis on the Messiah. The Professor, who is not a believer in Jesus, proceeded to pull up these passages via the Internet browser on his phone. “Just checking you out,” he offered. “You’ve got the passages right.” He then said something quite curious, “I’m counting on you to get it right.” This was not my first conversation with this man. Lord willing, further conversations will ensue. Should the Lord tarry, I’ll be teaching “End Times As Pictured in the Fall Feasts of Israel” at Scottsdale Bible Church/Women’s Fall Bible Studies beginning Sept. 15th, ending Nov. 17th. Online registration will be available in August. Hope to see you there, Cathy Wilson