His Grace Magazine

Grace His

May 2021

Photo by Rob Wood

WOOD

"For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done Grand Falls-Windsor, the will of God, you may Newfoundland & Labrador receive the promise."

Ministries Hebrews 10:36

Page 2

Table of Contents His Grace Magazine!

May 2021

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Comic.................................................................................Page 3 From the Pulpit.................................................................Pages 4-6 Poetry Page........................................................................Page 7 Timeless Truths.................................................................Pages 8-9 Book in Review..................................................................Page 10 News...................................................................................Pages 11-14 Prayer Page........................................................................Page 15 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Pages 16-17 Recipe Page........................................................................Page 18 Bible Study.........................................................................Pages 20-21 Movie in Review................................................................Page 22

WOOD Ministries

To advertise in His Grace Magazine, call Rob

905-380-4489

or email wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Comic...

May 2021

His Grace Magazine!

The Word According to Elijah Don't worry Daddy, we'll practice safe distancing!

Wait!

Romans 13:1

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.

For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

Page 3

Page 4

From the Pulpit...

Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood

H

His Grace Magazine!

ow often do you read your Bible? Is it whenever you feel like it? Is it when you have the time? Or is it just sitting there collecting dust? I pray that you read your Bible every day.One thing you can do is what Donna and I do every morning: We read five Psalms and one Proverb; then every night, we follow a guide that helps us to read the Bible from cover to cover in one year. You can just read the Bible on your own as well... read from cover to cover by reading your Bible 15 minutes daily; this will allow you to read the whole Bible in a year, or you can read 30 minutes a day and finish it in six months. Either way, I challenge you to do

Read Your Bible!

this every year; yes, that is right...every year. Then as soon as you are done reading your Bible for the year, pick it up and start all over again; do this every single year.

By doing this, you will grow in understanding God's word, get to know Jesus personally and develop a relationship with Him. The Bible can't save your soul, but only by having a personal relationship with Jesus you're saved. However, in this story of a World War I soldier, his Bible actually saved his life, which led to his soul also being saved.

Arthur Ingham and John Moody were 18 year old school friends; they grew up together in Manchester, England.

When World War I broke out, these two friends decided to join the army at Manchester Town Hall. They did what many did...they joined the local regiment.

They were sent to France, where Arthur

and John would fight in the Battle of the Somme. It was in this battle that a Bible kept in Arthur's pocket saved his life.

During the Somme battle, a German shell exploded near Arthur.

It sent sharp pieces of shrapnel flying everywhere; one came towards him.

The shrapnel would hit Arthur in the chest, it should have hit his heart and killed him instantly, and it would have, if not for his Bible that was in his pocket over his heart.

The Bible absorbed the full impact of the shrapnel; it left a huge hole in the Bible.

John's grandson, Philip Douetil remembers Arthur well. Arthur would say to Philip, "This saved my life. If it hadn't been in my pocket, I would have died." He was really proud of his Bible.

The near death experience that Arthur had changed his life.

He gave his life to Jesus Christ; he also became a church man who loved to worship.

Arthur knew the Bible

May 2021

saved his life for a reason, for he came out of that battle without a scratch or any bruises.

I have heard of many soldiers in battle being hit with shrapnel and bullets. One story was a soldier in Iraq, where he was hit with a bullet, only to find it deep in his Bible without a scratch on him. That is because they still had work to do for the Lord. As long as we are alive today, we have work to do for God, When we are all done our work here on earth, He will simply bring us home to be with Him in heaven.

There are so many amazing books in the Bible that help us prepare for everything that comes our way in this life, right from Genesis to Revelation.

It is a living book, so that when you read the Bible, it changes you, lifts you up. It is powerful; you feel the strength in your spirit and soul. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two

His Grace Magazine!

From the Pulpit...

May 2021

edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Reading our Bibles every day also gives us an advantage over the enemy. By reading the word of God, it will prepare you to fight back against the devil, because we are up against him and his fallen angels.

They are more than we could ever handle on our own. Use the word of God as the weapon that He has given us. When we dress ourselves in the word of God every day and apply His word, we will still be standing on our feet.

Truth, faith, peace, righteousness and salvation are so much more than just words.

You really need to know how to apply your armor every day in your life because God's word is a weapon that is indispensable, the same way that prayer is essential in the ongoing spiritual warfare.

Read Your Bible!

Ephesians 6:13-18 says, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

So why should we read our Bibles? I can think of a few very good reasons.

By reading the Bible you will know what God's will is for your life. God's will for our lives is to obey His living word, and it is impossible to live in

His word if we are not reading our Bibles. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

The Bible is God's word that He gives to us as 2 Timothy 3:16 says: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness." There are also so many questions that have been asked and God has answered them for us in His scriptures.

Some of the questions are, 'What is the purpose of my life? Where did I come from? Is there life after death? How do I get to Heaven? Why is there so much evil in this world? Why is it such a struggle to be good?' These are all questions that are commonly asked and the Bible does answer them; all we have to do is read and study it and all the answers are there.

The Bible also gives

Page 5

really good practical advice in areas such as: 'What should I look for in a spouse?

How can we have a great marriage?

How can I become a good friend? How can I become a good parent? How can I change my life?'

We should read our Bibles because God does not change and His word does not change at all; it is as relevant for us today as it was when it was first written and will be for all the days in the future to come.

While technology changes everyday, when we read the pages of biblical history, we discover that whether we are reading about oneon-one relationships or everyday life of characters in the Bible, nothing really is new under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, "That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun."

And while mankind still continues to seek love and satisfaction in

Page 6

From the Pulpit...

all the wrong places, God, our good and loving Creator, tells us what brings everlasting joy. The Bible is so important to us that Jesus said in Matthew 4:4: "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" We should read our Bible and study it because of all the false teachers out there now. The Bible provides us with the word so we can distinguish the truth from false teachings.

The Bible tells us who God is and what He is like. This is so important because so many people out there today think that He is only love and anything goes, which is so false. He is love, but He cannot and will not tolerate sin of any kind. He is holy, righteous, a judge and so much more. To have the wrong impression of God is no better than worshiping something that God is not, and

His Grace Magazine!

Read Your Bible!

then this becomes nothing but an idol or a false god.

The Bible also tells us how we can go to heaven; you can't get to heaven by being good or by being baptized. There is only one way and that is through a relationship with Jesus Christ; there is no other way.

John 14:6 says, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" Also, with this scripture, God's Word shows us just how much God loves us. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

This also shows us that in learning this, we are drawn in closer to love Him in return as 1 John 4:19 says, "We love Him because He first loved us."

The Bible is a book that isn't just for reading. It's a book that we can study so we can apply it to

our lives. The Bible is God's word, and it is binding just as the laws of nature are. We could ignore it if we want to, but it's at our own disadvantage, just as if we would ignore the laws of gravity. I cannot express enough how important the Bible is to our lives.

I have had people come up to me and say, "So you read the Bible?" I say to them, "Yes I do." They say, "Well I have too, but it doesn't do anything for me; my life didn't change at all." So I would ask them, "Well, how often do you read your Bible?"

May 2021

Their response would be, "I only read it here and there, because I really don't have the time to read it anymore than that."

So I say to them, "No wonder things are not working in your life!"

Unless you make time for God and study His word from the Bible, you will never know God's will for your life. It takes committment. You get out of the Bible what you put into it; you reap what you sow.

The more you make an effort to really read and learn His perfect will for your life, the more you will be rewarded.

WOOD

Ministries Publisher/Sales Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Editor/Writer: Donna Wood

wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Writer: Lynne Wood

wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Ministries.

Contact us @ 905-380-4489, or email us at wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Poetry...

May 2021

His Grace Magazine!

Be an Overcomer!

Challenges and upheavals Have become more present During the dark, lonely hours Of a worldwide pandemic.

Food, alcohol and drugs Are where compulsions lie; But even shopping and screen time Can cause havoc in one's life.

You can be healed from struggles, Compulsions and pain; Our loving, compassionate Savior Is our refuge and our friend.

If you try to control your problems, They end up controlling you.

Shift your perception to above; His guidance will see you through.

Rediscover the peace That only God can give; Replace your fears and hopelessness With Joy; seek Him and live!

(1 John 5:5)

“Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Page 7

Page 8

H

ow well do you know God? Or how well do you think God knows you? Let me start by saying that without rebirth by the Holy Spirit (i.e. born again), a person cannot perceive or understand God. It is the Holy Spirit who brings us into union with Christ by dwelling in us and empowering us to live holy lives.

Growing to know God more deeply after the rebirth is what I want to address in this article. It takes time and effort, but if your longing heart is already on fire for Him, then seeking Him and getting to know Him better will become your life-long pursuit. And there is nothing more fulfilling in this life than having a personal relationship with our heavenly Father.

When we first become children of God, we are as babes in Christ (1 Cor. 3:1-2). We know God, but not very well.

As we grow in spiritual maturity, our lives are gradually transformed by the works of the Spirit. We become more loving, more joyful, more peaceful, more patient, more kind, more gentle and gain more

His Grace Magazine!

May 2021

Getting to know God

self control. We become Christ-like in our thinking and in the way we conduct our lives.

God is delighted when

more about the One who loved me first and gave His life for me? (1 John 4:19) Needless to say, having a personal

His people truly know Him and love Him with all their hearts, minds and souls. Since there is no one on this earth who knows me better than the One who created me, I long to understand my loving God so that I can live a life that is pleasing to Him. The way I see it, our best friends know us pretty well, and vice versa, but God is the One who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24); He is the One who has numbered the very hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7); He is the One who, before He formed us in the womb, knew us (Jeremiah 1:5) and who sent the Holy Spirit to encourage us, comfort us, teach us and give us peace. So, why wouldn't I want to know

relationship with God is of utmost importance to me. But where do I begin to get to know and draw near to God? In the Old Testament, Moses knew God in a way that the children of Israel didn't. They saw God's works, such as the parting of the Red Sea, raining manna in the wilderness and providing water for them out of a rock. But Moses knew God's ways.

Moses spoke with God face to face.

You cannot love a person until you know his ways, and you cannot know his ways until you spend time with that person. That's why we need quiet time with God. Find a quiet, private place where you can talk with the

Lord. You are in the presence of the great and holy God who already knows everything that's in your heart. Thank Him for His protection and providence over you and the people in your life who needs prayer. Celebrate His loving kindness and faithfulness. Talk with Him regularly and give Him praise throughout your day.

One of our biggest distractions when trying to do this, though, is the busyness of our lives.

It's almost like satan is right there trying to do anything and everything to keep us from engaging in learning the ways of God. If your desire is to know Him more intimately, then set yourself apart to seek and pursue Him and set a certain time aside every day for God to help eliminate the clutter in our lives which keeps us from having a meaningful relationship with Him. The more time we spend with a close friend, the more we understand them. But what is it that makes us feel intimate with that person? Well, there are many things needed to develop a deep, personal

May 2021

relationship, but one thing that is common to all of them is trust. It is very difficult to be close to someone we don't trust. The same goes for our relationship with God. By having regular, honest conversations with Him through prayer, we begin to build trust and develop a meaningful relationship with Him. When God sees a heart that fully trusts in Him and lives according to His promises, He manifests Himself to that person. John 14:21 says, "Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, My Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them."

God wants intimacy with us and He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). All He requires is that we believe in Him (John 14:1) and that we trust Him with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5).

Knowing what to say to God in prayer sometimes

His Grace Magazine!

Getting to know God

doesn't come easy. Jesus taught His disciples to pray when He cited the Lord's Prayer to them. In this prayer, He told them to ask God to 'give us this day our daily bread.'

Our heavenly Father tells us to bring our prayers and supplications to Him, so we needn't have any fear in approaching Him this way Also, come before the Lord in prayer with a contrite heart. Is there any addiction in your life that you need to conquer, or some sin that needs to be dealt with? Lay it at the feet of your heavenly Father and ask His forgiveness and to help you to overcome it. God invites you to come, just as you are, to the throne of grace and seek His mercy.

Secondly, search and familiarize yourself daily with His Word.

Ask God to open the eyes of your heart and teach you. Biblical knowledge is far better than gold when it increases our trust in God, but when prayer is lacking and

biblical knowledge replaces our trust in Him, that knowledge feeds our pride. That's why Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees on their knowledge of Scripture, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me that you may have life."

(John 5:39-40) The more you study the Bible and apply its principles to your life, the more your desires will begin to reflect His will for your life. With a quiet spirit, listen for Him to speak to you through His word.

He has always been carrying out His will here on earth, so when you pray, know that His desire is that you have a heart after His own heart.

I'm not telling you that it will be easy to seek God and follow Christ in this broken world, but it will be worth it.

I'm not telling you that it will be a day in the park; it will probably be

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

(Romans 12:2)

Page 9

quite the opposite really, because the world, the flesh and the devil is against us. You will face hardships, sorrows, trials and temptations.

Your journey will be plagued with times when it seems that God is silent and your prayers are not being heard. It's these times when your faith is being tested.

But God will never leave you nor will He forsake you (Heb 13:5) and He will give you the strength to endure these difficult times.

God is in the business of turning dire situations into something good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He provides us with many promises and reassurances and it's through these hardships that we come to know Him and depend on Him that much more.

When we find ourselves in the fiery furnace, that's when God is refining us to be as pure as gold and making us fit for His kingdom.

WOOD

Ministries Written by: Donna Wood Photo by: Donna Wood

Page 10

His Grace Magazine!

Book in Review...

May 2021

The Power of Humility

Book by: R.T. Kendall

Living like Jesus

Written by: Lynne Wood

T

he Power of Humility is the title of an exceptional book written by R.T. Kendall. For those of you who don't know the author, he was a pastor of Westminister Chapel in London, England for forty-five years.

He is a well-known international speaker, teacher and author of many Christian books.

Pride can be a person's downfall; the Bible does not have a good word to say about it. Humble yourself, for it matters not what people think of you, it only matters what God thinks of you.

If God's opinion of you doesn't mean anything to you now, it certainly will at the judgment seat of Christ.

In this book are some of his own personal stories and very good examples from the Bible on pride. R.T. Kendall shows you in the pages of his book how pride stops you from having a close relationship with God, and how to overcome pride and become humble like Jesus.

Pride is a sin that can enter your life without you even realizing it.

Pride is always the reason our feelings get hurt, why we feel rejected and angry.

Jesus shows us such a powerful life lived without conceit or arrogance. We don't want to admit to pride because of our pride.

This book is certainly not meant to judge anyone, but to open your eyes to how pride can easily enter someone's

life. In 1 Peter 5:6, Peter said, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time."

We have to learn the difference of when to humble ourselves and when to take pride in ourselves. Yes, pride isn't always bad; it can motivate us to be presentable in public, like wearing clean clothes, combing your hair and being presentable. Pride is

also good to want to excel in your God-given abilities. Then you need to humble yourself and thank God for His gifts; after all, it's only through God's blessings that you are excelling.

Jesus was a very humble man, even though He could heal the sick or raise the dead; He never tried to impress anyone. We are all called to follow in His steps. When they threw insults at Him, He never reacted in anger.

And when He suffered greatly, He made no threats.

R.T. Kendall's hope in writing this book is to inspire you to be more like Jesus.

Hymn writer John Newton and William Cowper were close friends. One morning John Newton said to William Cowper. "I'm not what I ought to be; I'm not what I want to be. But thank God I'm not what I used to be."

Proverbs 27:2 says, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips."

His Grace Magazine!

May 2021

Page 11

Wonder Woman Star

G

Gal Gadot speaks out for her country

al Gadot, known for the movie Wonder Woman, speaks up and defends her country Israel. She made a statement that the people of Israel are in bomb shelters as the terror groups in the Gaza Strip continuously fire rockets into Israel, which has killed many Israelies and Palestinians.

Gal said, "My heart breaks. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people."

Gal also served a two year mandatory period in the Israel Defense Forces from 2005 to 2007. Gal also said, "This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long. Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation.

Our neighbors deserve the same. I pray for the victims and their families. I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end. I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace."

Gal finished by saying that she prays for better days.

The official Twitter account for Israel said, "The country loves the 36 year old." Although

complex propaganda in her movie and the only way she's still relevant is because

Gal faced backlash on Twitter, many users were trashing the Israeli born star of Wonder Woman for her support for her country.

Asad Shahbaz wrote, "Gigi and Bella Hadid really stole the spotlight while trying to raise awareness for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians without worrying about their careers, Then there's Gal Gadot, a disgrace to everything Wonder Woman is supposed to stand for."

Another wrote, "Gal Gadot is a war criminal that even used savior

she's a beautiful woman with a predominantly white, male fan base.

She ain't that good of an actress for y'all to be compromising your morals over supporting her. Do better!"

Another tweet said, "I hope she will lose her job and all her roles; that's what she deserves after saying this."

The list of hateful messages goes on, and endless tweets that criticized her for being a war criminal and a Zionist, because of her service with the IDF. Michael Dickson, executive

director of "Stand With Us," a pro-Israel advocacy organization said, "He's seen the most anti-Semitic, misogynist tweets that are aimed at Gal Gadot for posting a peaceful message and expressing concern for her family, who are huddled in bomb shelters."

He also said, "The extremist reaction by her attackers says everything about them and nothing about her."

This anti-Semitism is nothing new to Gal Gadot. She has faced it before because of her background and her support for Israel.

Gal faced the backlash back in 2014 when she defended Israel when they were attacked then from the Gaza Strip.

In a FB post she said, "sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens, especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children."

Page 12

His Grace Magazine!

May 2021

Israel Targets Hamas

E

Israel has targeted Hamas Terror Tunnels, President Biden supports a ceasefire

arly Tuesday morning, Israel had sent another airstrike to the Gaza Strip, after Hamas had sent rockets into Israel.

The fighting between Israel and Hamas is into its second week now. Monday night, there was an unusual pause in rockets being fired, but Hamas started up again by firing rockets into Israel on their civilians during the dawn of Tuesday.

At that point, the Israeli army said there was no reports of casualties or of any injuries.

Israel said that they had hit roughly 65 terror targets in the Gaza Strip last night, which included the Hamas tunnel systems, the houses of five commanders, rocket launchers and many other terror infrastructures.

On Monday, Israel's airstrikes were carried out, heavily hitting terror targets in the area, which destroyed homes of nine Hamas commanders, also devastating many miles

of underground tunnels that was built by the terror group. Rockets were continually fired at the Israeli civilians by the terror groups.

Many international calls are now being heard for the immediate ceasefire.

One of the calls has come from United States President, Joe Biden. He talked with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Monday evening.

He then revealed his support for a ceasefire.

The White House said, "Biden reiterated his firm support of Israel's right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks." The White House also requested Israel to "make every effort to

ensure the protection of innocent civilians."

President Joe Biden's administration hasn't given Israel any deadline as of yet to reach a ceasefire.

This move of President Biden falls short of agreeing with the Democratic Party demands of an immediate ceasefire.

The President's support for Israel is raising some red flags in the House Democrats who are now questioning Washington continued support for Israel.

The House Democrats have been reportedly thinking of delaying the United States' sale of $735 million in precision guided missiles to Israel. The Washington Post had

reported on Monday that President Biden administration gave approval of the weapons sale to Israel back on May 5, which was before all this fighting started. This gives the Congress 15 days to object.

The Washington Post also reports that the Democrats are critical of unconditional aid to Israel and are now pressing for more details of the sale of weapons to Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Israel will continue to strike terror targets and will continue to operate as long as necessary in order to return calm and security to all Israeli citizens."

There have been 212 Palestinians killed in the week of airstrikes and more than 1,400 wounded.

This is according the Hamas run Gaza Health Ministry.

There have been ten people in Israel, including a young boy and one soldier, that have been killed in the rocket attacks.

His Grace Magazine!

May 2021

Page 13

Make a Wish & Mask ban

Make-A-Wish helped a boy from California become world's youngest UPS deliveryman

M

ateo Toscano who is from Stockton, California became the world's youngest UPS delivery man that came with is own smaller version, familiar brown UPS truck.

Mateo, in 2017, was diagnosed with Leukemia, when he was a baby. One of the hardest things for Mateo to have to go through is his leukemia combined with COVID-19, as the pandemic has pretty much forced him to stay indoors. The one thing that he has enjoyed is watching the delivery drivers drop off all the packages in neighbors' mailboxes and at their front doors.

When Mateo was asked what he would like to do from his local Make-A-Wish chapter, he said he would like to be a delivery person, like the UPS drivers.

On April 21st during a ceremony, Make-AWish told him the good news.

Mateo said, "I just watch the mailman go out by my house and I

feel like I want to be a mailman one day."

When the day came, UPS delivery driver, Dave Cundari, drove up and showed Mateo what type of work he would be doing and he

was shown his new mini UPS brown delivery truck.

Mateo was also given his own custom made uniform and he helped to pick out gifts that he would deliver to

his mom and grandma while he was working for UPS on May 6th.

Make-A-Wish President, Jennifer Stolo, said her organization's job is to help bring "joy and happiness" to all kids so they can enjoy their wish. "Mateo has battled Leukemia for 3 and half years, chemo, and multiple treatments that came along with that and you see him today, just vibrant and the resiliency; this is what we see with wish kids," Jennifer said.

The school officials had told her that she couldn't wear the mask because of their policies which includes not allowing masks that are political or religious.

When Lydia's mother, Jennifer, went and checked the student handbook and dress code, she didn't find any of those restrictions listed.

She also had noticed that masks with sports logos and "Black Lives

Matters" were okay to wear.

Lydia's family did reach out to ADF for some help and filed a lawsuit against the school district.

God is using Lydia as she works through this and it is touching other children's lives.

She said, her classmates want a mask like hers, and a friend's older sister, decided to read her bible again, after hearing of the case.

Girl stopped from wearing her mask at school that says "Jesus Loves Me"

L

ydia Booth just wanted to show her faith, by wearing her mask to school; she never thought that it would be a problem.

Lydia liked wearing her mask that says, "Jesus Loves Me." This allowed her to show her faith in Jesus. She said, "It makes me feel like I'm protected by Jesus."

Lydia also said, "I think it's a great mask, and that Jesus is a great God, and a great Savior."

Page 14

His Grace Magazine!

Israel vs UAE in Rugby

May 2021

First ever game, thanks to the Abraham Accords

A

game of rugby was played a month earlier this year, now that alone is nothing special, as many rugby games are played all over the world at any given time or day. But this one was played in the Middle East and the two teams that played were Israel and the UAE (United Arab Emirates).

This is quite an accomplishment when you consider that it's a place where sports and diplomacy are very connected, and it can easily overflow onto the field.

One problem being the Palestinian issue, and a complication that unites many Arabs across the Middle East for many years. For many of the Israeli players, playing Arab teams have seen the conflict appear on the field. They have seen fans throw shoes and taunt them. Egyptians, Saudis and other teams have refused to shake their hands after a game, or have even gone as far as to pull out of the

game altogether.

But all politics aside this game was different.

After the United Arab Emirates established

each other on the back and did some fist pumps.

The players from both sides seemed to get along, but the

ties with Israel, an Israeli national rugby team landed in Dubai to play the Emirati team on the field for the first time. Although Israel who's team is more experienced and it showed as they beat the UAE by a score of 33-0 in the first seven a side friendly game.

A very few players and fans rose for the Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, sounded across the field and through the town.

After the game players shook hands, patted

UAE players only felt uncomfortable when asked about the Israeli Palestinian conflict.

Although Israel and UAE have never gone to war against each other, the federation of seven sheikhdoms had officially considered Israel the enemy.

Then following the start of formal ties last year, when they signed the Abraham Accords, but the fallout from the people in the UAE has been masked if not absent, officials subdue opposition. The

Palestinians, for their part, have criticized the Israel-UAE agreement as a treachery of their cause for sovereignty.

"We don't think about whether Israel is a good country or a bad country," said Ibrahim Doree, and Emirati player, following the end of the game. "We just follow our leaders," he added, declining to talk about the dispute before going to meet the Israelis for a barbecue dinner out in the desert.

The Israeli players were more emotional following the game.

Israeli team President Reuven Rivlin absolutely beamed with joy on the as he went on to the field, as he talked about the friendships he and his players had encountered during and after this game.

Israeli player Ori Abutbul, said as he was shaking his head in disbelief, "This is insane, insane. I have no words when people ask me how I feel."

Prayer...

May 2021

His Grace Magazine!

His Light

Page 15

Dear Father, Thank You for Your living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ Made flesh, the Light of the world.

I pray that the light of His love and grace may reflect through me to others so that men may see my good works and glorify my Father in Heaven.

Help me to decrease so that You may increase and become my everything.

All praise and honor be Yours, Oh Lord most High.

In Jesus' name,

Amen “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:105

Page 16

His Grace Magazine!

Athletes for Christ...

May 2021

John Hannah John lives everyday for Jesus J

ohn Hannah, whose nickname is "Hog," was born in Canton, Georgia on April 4, 1951. John played football in the NFL as a left guard for the New England Patriots from 1973-1985.

When you think of John, you would think of him as a winner on the field. Sports Illustrated named him on their August 3, 1981 cover as, "The Best Offensive Lineman of All Time."

In 1991, John became the inaugural inductee of the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.

He was then voted in 1991 by the Sporting News as the second greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, after Anthony Munoz.

In 1991, John was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Then in 1999, he was selected for the College Football Hall of Fame.

John was a 6'2", 265 pound guard from Alabama.

He was a fourth round pick in the first round by the John Hannah New England with the Patriots in the 1973 NFL New England Patriots draft. He 1973 - 1985 was an eight

letterman star in college football, track and also in wrestling, John was also a two time grid All American at Alabama.

During John's NFL career, he was largely known as the leading guard in pro football. He was named All Pro for 10 straight years, from 1976 to 1985. John also received the NFL Players Association's Offensive Lineman of the Year award four straight years, from 1978 to 1981. John was chosen to play in nine Pro Bowls; he only missed one due to injury.

Dispite all hits and the punishment that John's body had to take through his career, he managed to miss only five games out of 191 games that he played in his 13 year career due to injury. John, without a doubt, was the centerpiece of a very impressive offensive line that would help strengthen the New England Patriots to some of their great seasons that they had.

During John's carreer with New England, he enjoyed seven out of twelve winning seasons and a career record of 100-91. In 1978, the New England Patriots broke a record for back then with 3,165 yards rushing, and John was given a huge portion of the credit for that record.

When John decided to finish his career and retire from the game of football at the end of the 1985 season, he finished on a high note.

John's final season gave him an AFC Championship and a Super Bowl XX game with the Patriots.

May 2021

His Grace Magazine!

Athletes for Christ...

John also had an All Pro Honors and a Pro Bowl appearance to end his great career.

John's brothers, Charley and David, were also All Conference linemen for the University of Alabama. Charley played in the NFL from 1977 to 1988 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Raiders. He was a member of the Super Bowl XVIII Champions with the Raiders.

During the summer of 1972 after he finished his sophomore year, John married his high school sweetheart, Page Pickens. She was an Alabama cheerleader. John and Page have a son and daughter, they were both raised in Boston.

John has been a Christian for many years, as he decided to give his life to Jesus at the age of 9 years old. It wasn't until he was playing in the NFL that he gave Jesus full control of his life. It made a huge difference to his life and career.

John still lives everyday for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John Hannah

Page 17

Page 18

Recipe...

His Grace Magazine!

Pineapple Coconut Loaf

May 2021

• 1 1/2 c sweetened shredded coconut • 1 1/2 c flour • 1/2 c butter, softened • 1/2 tsp b.soda • 1/2 tsp salt • 1 c sugar • 3 eggs • 1 c Greek yogurt (coconut or vanilla) • 1 22 oz can crushed pineapple (undrained)

• Preheat oven to 350 deg. Spread coconut on baking sheet; bake until lightly toasted, approx 3-4 min.

• Butter and flour 9x5 loaf pan • In med. bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

• Using electric mixer on high speed, mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

• On low speed, alternately add flour mixture in 3 parts and yogurt in 2 parts; beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

• Fold pineapple and 1 cup coconut into batter.

• Spoon into loaf pan; smooth top; sprinkle with remaining coconut • Bake approx 70 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

(Cover pan with foil halfway through) • Cool in pan 15 min; cool on wire rack completely.

Psalm 104:15 “And wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.”

May 2021

His Grace Magazine!

I know all the birds

of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

Psalm 50:11

Page 19

Page 20

P

His Grace Magazine!

Bible Study...

salm 139:16: "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

In the preceding verses, David scripts his amazement at God's awesome characteristics.

God knows everything about him, where he goes and what he thinks.

David declares that God knows what he's about to say before he even says it. He knows that there is nowhere he can go where he is not in the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 139:14 tells us that we are 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' In verse 16, David marvels at God's creative work inside the womb. The embryo, when first conceived in the womb, has no form; and David speaks of God knowing him when he was yet a shapeless mass. He saw David's unborn state and planned the number of days that he would live.

This passage expresses God's remarkable care for us right from the

Psalm 139:16

"Our Days are Known"

point of conception and how He fashioned us right from the embryonic state. Before the embryo had any such form, it was distinctly known by God. Even when our substance is not yet formed, all our future is known to God and is written down ... our form and vigor, how long we should live, what we

preemptive, meaning that He specially formed this male child to accomplish His plan.

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).

God 'knew' Jeremiah while he was in his mother's womb,

should be and what the events of our lives will be.

In the old testament, Samson is referred to as a 'boy' from the womb until death, indicating the time from conception to his physical birth to beyond the womb (Judges 13:7).

Many places in scripture indicates that God does have a specific plan for each human being. It starts before we are conceived. God's plan for Jeremiah was

referring to Jeremiah as a living being prior to his birth. God is clearly involved in the creation and development of a person from the earliest stages of formation in the womb.

How comforting it is to know that we are the children of the allpowerful, omniscient and omnipotent God of the universe, who knows us fully and completely!

Our past, present and

May 2021

future is encompassed by the presence of God. His knowledge is so high that it is hard for us to attain it. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8: "For we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

When we abide in Christ, His will for our lives will be revealed to us.

God understands our inner thoughts and the desires of our hearts.

His plan for every human being is that each one comes to know Him and accepts His offer of salvation. He declares in Jeremiah 29:11: "My thoughts towards you are good, not evil."

He created us for fellowship with Him, and when we reject the reconciliation He offers, we live at odds with His plan for us.

The Bible teaches that God is in charge and He gives us the freedom to either obey or disobey Him. When we follow God's plan, we are blessed. He blesses the obedient and is patient with those who disobey Him. God's plan for our lives is not always clear;

May 2021

Bible Study...

that journey may be filled with detours, sudden stops, and confusing turns. But if our hearts are set to obey Him in all that we know to do, then we will be in the center of His will every step of the way. As we grow in faith, mature in knowledge, and practice obedience with all we understand, God's plan unfolds naturally. We should pray as Moses

His Grace Magazine!

Psalm 139:16

Thank you that every day of my life is recorded in Your book and that every moment of my life is laid out before You. Help me to discern Your plan for my life, My Prayer: To learn to walk Thank you Lord, according to Your that you saw me will, while I was yet in the To reach others womb. with the good news did, as Psalm 90:12 says, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

He has a plan for our lives, which includes our joy and His glory both in this world and in the world to come.

Page 21

of salvation, To be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, To grow in grace, in knowledge and in wisdom, And to love other Christians the way You love me, In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Page 22

T

His Grace Magazine!

Movie in Review...

May 2021

Miracles from Heaven “Miracles happen every day!”

his movie is a heart warming, faith based drama called Miracles from Heaven.

This true story is about a 12 year old girl named Anna, who suffers from a serious medical condition.

Anna's mother, Christy, notices right away that her daughter has something seriously wrong with her, but much to her amazement, the doctors are confused with her condition and they keep putting it off

as something that is not serious and treating her for other sicknesses and sending her home.

Finally, Christy gets mad at one of the doctors and tells him to get another doctor. After running more tests, they find that she has a very serious illness and he recommends an expert, Dr. Nurko, to help her at Boston Children's Hospital. As he is the only expert that can treat her illness, he has no time to see Anna and Christy

at this time, as he is booked and doesn't have the time to add any more patients. At this time, Christy is constantly calling the clinic, praying for an opening and she is becoming very desperate as her daughter's health worsens. Her husband, Kevin, is an overworked veterinarian and is finding it hard keeping his practice going, as they become more and more frustrated. Christy then takes matters into her own hands and she goes to the clinic in Boston with Anna, hoping the specialist will see her.

When they arrive at the clinic, the receptionist tells Christy that they are booked for months in advance. Christy then tells them of all the medical problems her daughter is facing, and that she needs help now.

Later at a restaurant, they meet a very nice waitress who decides to take them on a fun tour of Boston. While they are out touring with her, they get the call from the clinic telling her that the doctor will see them in the morning.

The next morning, when Dr. Nurko sees Anna, he realizes that she is much worse than he

thought she was, and the test that he has taken of her does not look good.

Anna has a roommate who has cancer and despite her pain, she witnesses to the girl in her room. Although her roommate's father, who is not only a reporter for a Boston newspaper but he is also an atheist, asks Christy not to allow Anna to talk of Jesus to his daughter anymore.

After awhile, Anna does convince Dr. Nurko to let her go home and he allows Anna to go home.

When she gets home, she wants to play with her sisters. She climbs a tree with her sister to sit and talk, but the branch breaks before Anna can get off and she falls inside the tree stump head first, 60 feet down.

The firefighters pull her out and she goes to the hospital and the family prays for a miracle from Heaven.

Starring: Jennifer Garner, Queen Latifah, Martin Henderson, Kylie Rogers, Brighton Sharbino, John Carroll Lynch, Eugenio Derbez, Hannah Alligood.

Miracles from Heaven is available on Blue ray and DVD.

Grace

May 2021

His Grace Magazine!

His

Page 23

New stories every month!

Interesting Christian topics, Great Movie, CD and Book reviews!

Get your FREE copy of His Grace magazine today!

Call 905-380-4489 wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com or check out our magazine on-line @ Ministries www.issuu.com/His-Grace

WOOD

Page 24

His Grace Magazine!

G GOD O D IS

PLEASE SHARE GOD'S LOVE

May 2021