Day 280 Two Years

 

10/7/2025 

"Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" says your God. 

"Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare

is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has 

received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins."

Isaiah 40:1-2

  

The Feast of Tabernacles officially started last evening, and people have been setting up temporary shelters, or booths, in which they dwell for the eight days of the festival. This annual pilgrimage is done to remind the Jewish people of the time of Israel's 40 years in the wilderness, and as a reminder of God's provision during that time. It is a time when everyone, poor and wealthy alike, live in temporary, humble dwellings of branches, palms, with open skies. Today the attendees representing the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), gathered in support of the families of the hostages as they remember today, the second anniversary of the unprovoked massacre by Hamas of innocent men, women, and children in their beds, in their homes, and at a festival of young people. Hostages taken that day still remain in the tunnels of Gaza, but an ultimatum has been made for the release of all remaining hostages, alive and dead. This is a time that is normally happy and festive, joyous and fun, instead it is bittersweet for all as they wait for their loved ones to come home.

The theme for the festival set up by ICEJ is taken from scripture, Zechariah 8:20-23: "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Peoples shall yet come, inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, "Let us continue to go and pray before the LORD, and seek the LORD of hosts. I myself will go also." Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.' 

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" 

Last night at the first night of the ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles celebration, a pastor spoke about how beautiful corporate worship is to God, but he wanted to emphasize that during this time of celebration together as the ICEJ family and with Israel, that God is calling each of us to individual worship. This is something I harp on a lot, as you know, so I am thankful that I'm not the only one. It's great to meet people for the first time face to face, as well as to meet others, making new friends and wonderful memories, and as such, we can get carried away and neglect the quiet time alone with God. Here they are in Israel, in Jerusalem, the City of God, neglecting quiet time?! But yes, it happens, and I can well imagine it happens a lot, as they scurry around doing things, eating out, visiting, and attending the festivities and conferences. It happens to us every day in our individual lives, and then the unimaginable happens to us. We cannot afford to draw away from God. The Bible teaches us in James 4:7-8 to draw nigh to God, resist the devil, and he will flee:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." 

Pastor Manosa also shared that as he was thinking about spending eternity in heaven where we will be worshiping God continually, that he wondered, "Wouldn't that get boring?" When he consulted with God about it, God said, "No, because He reveals Himself eternally." Every fraction, every second, of our time in Heaven with God will be like an "Eternal WOW!" Not just a "spark" of revelation but a huge BURST of insight of WHO HE IS!! Imagine it! God's attribute is His Holiness. His essence is Perfect Holiness. There is not comparison. He stands alone! In Heaven "we become the object of His Love, and He becomes the object of our worship." Think about it...He made us in His Image, creating Adam from dust, but Holy Spirit breath of life. When we meet Him, we will breathe out that breath. First breath - God to man, and final breath - man to God. Even thinking about it like that is a mini Eternal WOW, because we see in part and know in part, but then...WOW!

So in this life, anything that takes our focus off of God is idolatry. I was reading the book of Hosea that is a good illustration of how God view Israel as an adulterous nation because of their preference to idols who had no life, no breath, could not speak, yet time and time again, the people of Israel and Judah turned to the gods of the land, until God punished them and led them into exile to the very nations they served. But He always had a remnant in Judah who did not follow the ways of the disobedient and idolatrous worshipers that He likened to spiritual adultery. He is returning for a Bride without spot or wrinkle. 

The Apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthians regarding to the New Covenant in Christ said:

"Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech - unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away by Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:12-18)

God has been restoring Israel to the land He gave them that includes Gaza and West Bank or Judea Samaria. The land is being restored, and the nation is being blessed in scientific, technological, and medical advances. Agriculturally the land is bursting with wealth and prosperity. But there is much more needed, as in the nations of this world - a spirit of repentance. God can take the most horrendous atrocities and restore what the locusts have eaten away. If we Gentiles do the work He has set us to do, they will come to know Jesus as Messiah and Lord. I pray for that day to happen quickly, as revival has begun in so many places already. Young people are rising up, hungry for more, not a nibble, but a banquet. They want the meat of the word of God. And we must deliver, because it is happening now. For Israel, Zechariah 12:10 says:

"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn."

Let it happen now, LORD! Open their eyes during the Feast, and receive the blessing of knowing the One who died to set them free!  

 "He is here, He is here,

to break the yoke and lift the heavy burden.

He is here, He is here,

To heal the hopeless heart and bless the broken."

Jesus Image, "He is Here" 

Day 279 Ineffable God

 

10/6/2025

"And they said to one another, 'Did not our hearts burn within 

us while He talked with us on the road, and while

He opened the Scriptures to us?'"

Luke 24:32

 

Have you ever experienced a moment in which all of a sudden the light comes on, and you know that you've been in the presence of God? Suddenly, while reading the word of God, or reflecting on something, or merely looking at something, and a spark bursts within your soul of knowing or a sense of being captivated by God! Heaven opens up and revelation is revealed within a millisecond of time. God comes near! I experienced this feeling yesterday while reading the word, as I expressed in my blog on Saturday. A vision He had given me at least 35+ years ago, and a light came on, just for a second. A glimpse of new hope! I've held on to dreams for so long, and with each passing day, they seem so unobtainable. Nothing I ever asked for, but visions from God and words spoken to me by Him. As I blog, and as I remember things, I begin to understand a little here, and a little there, but this was different. 

I wrote something awhile back and emailed it to myself so I wouldn't forget. It said, "I need to remind myself often that God does not move in my life according to my chronological age, and I must also remember that just because I am advancing in age rapidly, it doesn't mean I missed Him. He has a plan for my life, and although I know that I have done many of the things He wanted me to do, as He set it all up, there is still more to do until I take my last breath. I can look at Moses at age 80; Abraham, age 100; Sarah at 90. Caleb was 85 when he went in and warred for Hebron as his own inheritance after the Promised Land was taken. Nothing is impossible with Him. He can even raise the dead. I know He has, and I believe He can today. I wish more people could believe that."

Many times I have compared myself with others who seem to have accomplished so much, and I feel as if I've missed it, and I feel that my visions may have been exactly that - mine. I feel that I have done so little compared to others. And I do the "if I had" game. I guess that is the equivalent of going down the rabbit hole! Thankfully, I am avoiding rabbit holes and doing less and less comparisons, and I am trying to understand that I am uniquely me, so the plan God has for my life is uniquely mine. I don't want to become impatient and get in God's way. I think my family has had enough of that for a lifetime. No, I only want what He wants. This is why it is so important to have these moments where we know we have heard from God.

Each day Pastor Jack shares a portion of scripture with his 5 am MT audience of well over a thousand followers (4.5K-8.5K) from around the world, and this morning this verse confirmed what I had felt two days ago. God is faithful to confirm His word spoken to us, and it comes in the most unexpected ways, when you least expect it. So don't give up on hearing from the Lord. He is faithful, but it comes in His time and according to His plan. I know about waiting on the backside of the wilderness for a lot of years! Climbing the mountain takes even longer! Perseverance pays off!

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2 

This evening in Israel Sukkot, Feast of Tabernacles, will officially begin. I tuned in for the first ceremony, but I need to check back tomorrow. I'm still tuckered out from my excursion on Saturday. I guess that must be a sign of aging, riding a bus several hours, walking around in the hot sun, being chased by bees, enticed by the aroma of fresh-baked goods, in a crowd of hundreds, including pets and strollers. I was butted, my foot rolled over, almost knocked down more than once when I hesitated for a moment to look at something. But...there is always a but...I survived and lived to tell about it. But...another but!..I did enjoy the time away from what has become my routine. I don't think anything should be a routine, as it implies something less than disciplined, which is how I try to live my life. I'm glad I allowed myself a breather, as the weight of intercession is a heavy and costly one.

I finished the reading of the book of Daniel today which oddly corresponds to where I am in the audio read through the Bible I do with a friend. I am going back in my daily read, as I should be in the gospels now, but God has had me on a circuitous path of reading through the Bible this year, and it seems His timing is ineffable! I've been wanting to use that word since I read it yesterday in my online devotional. It means "unable to describe, beyond expression." That's God! 

In Chapter 12 a vision is given to Daniel that greatly disturbs him, one he does not understand. He is informed by the angel, Gabriel, the following:

"But Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal it up so that it will not be understood until the end times, when travel and education shall be vastly increased!" v. 4

"Only those who are willing to learn will know what it means." v. 10

"But go on now to the end of your life and your rest; for you will rise again and have your full share of those last days." v. 13

Curious words for Daniel, I imagine, but for us today, they are easily understood, especially as end time prophecy comes more into sight. According to these verses, and the ones in between, many will not understand, and they will pay a harsh price for their disobedience. Even so, God always has a remnant who will lead the way in an attempt to share the knowledge with those who are hungry and have a willing heart to receive. 

Today in the ICEJ call we continued the discussion of the Council of Nicaea as the beginning of antisemitism, spanning 1700 years. History has seemed to repeat itself as witnessed last year on October 7th. This year a plan for the release of all hostages, living and dead, has been set into place, but the enemy is hedging, as is typical. Nevertheless, we pray that this year will see an end to this war and the faces of Israel's loved ones, who have become my loved ones. O Father, please bring them home!   

So, we wait, and we pray, and we trust God above all else.  

Day 278 Be strong!

 

10/5/2025 

 "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."
—Francis of Assisi

 

 I was so anxious to get to church this morning, but after my long, wearying day-trip of yesterday, this ole gal was feeling a big haggard and worn! Still I gathered my thoughts, and I spent quality moments with Abba before the embassy call and preparing for church. My stomach was a bit unsettled from eating differently, as one does when on a fun-filled adventure with excited ladies and hungry men. Although we ate at a place that generally caters to the taste buds of everyone, it is not the case with my troubled gastrointestinal system, and a diagnosis of celiac disease (gluten sensitivity to the nth degree), which I was told could be deadly if I did not stick to a strict diet. My doctor tended to get a bit upset seeing how I was "almost dead" or "should have died" (his words, not mine) by the time I was diagnosed. Isn't the medical profession fun?! But, alas, I am still very much here, and after years of a better diet, I am healthier, I feel, regardless of aches and pains. So, once up and running, no pun intended, I pulled out a dress from the back of my closet, hoping to show off to a friend who thinks I only wear skirts. When I asked my son if it looked okay, he noticed that there was a small hole in the front, so off that flew. Then a series of failed selections, due to changes in body structure over the years, causing some things not to fit the same. So I ended up, pulling out one of my usual skirts made about 35 years ago (no joke), and threw something together. It's a good thing that I'm not much of a primper, as my friend was at the house to pick me up in no time. I left a stack of clothes on the unmade bed, and ran out the door. We arrived just as Pastor Jonathan began the announcements. Whew!!

After the incident happened to me on Friday, and all the drama of trying to get out the house bathed and dressed this morning, I wasn't shocked to discover that the sermon title was "Dealing with the Demonic." I knew that everything, beginning with Friday, was an attack of the enemy, so I guess he just didn't want me to know that I had a pastor who understood that evil is real and that the devil is alive and well and kicking up his hooves in the world today. When we began the praise and worship songs, I realized that I had not yet put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), so I quickly prayed, and I pleaded the blood over the service and pastor. It's interesting that I had written about a song I'd heard called "Blood of Christ" on Thursday, and then on Friday I was verbally assaulted. That night I kept dreaming of the person, and I would wake up every two hours hearing the words "We need the blood, we plead the blood." Then once more, I'd go to sleep, and the same thing would happen, three times in a row. The last dream was about another person who was upset with me and has been taking it out on my son. I don't understand why, except maybe my being here limits his access somehow. I live a quiet life, try to be kind and inviting, welcoming, even if it may not be the best of circumstances. Things happen, and I get blamed, or so it seems. I imagine the devil just wanted to toss in more condemnation into the dreams that night. So, the sermon reassured me that I have a pastor who understands spiritual warfare. We are studying the book of Mark, and Jesus had more than one encounter with a demoniac. So, I was encouraged that in spite of all my morning trials, I made it to church.

In the afternoon, after giggling with my son over our usual silliness, I watched Pastor Greg's message, so I could prepare for my Harvest Group meeting on Thursday. His message was called "Wrestling with God," and it was the story of Jacob and Esau taken from Genesis 32. I had a Zoom meeting at 3 pm, and this afternoon I have been trying to play catch up on Bible study questions and putting my blogs together. I had so many emails, so I had to delete, delete, delete. Later this evening I caught a premiere of a pastor who has been in the process of restoration for the past sixteen months who is passing the baton to his son, while he will seek out the next season of his journey with the Lord. It is always wonderful to see a happy ending, as the world, even the Christians, love to criticize and find fault, making it difficult for anyone of any importance to fall down and get back up. Thankfully, this story had a happy ending, and I for one am eternally grateful. No one is perfect, and as Jesus said, in this world we will have troubles! With Him there is forgiveness and reconciliation.

So now, I'm ending my day, all tasks done, with a little time to read and relax. Until we meet again, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! 

 

Day 277 Approved & Entrusted

 

10/4/2025 

"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted

with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing

men, but God who tests our hearts."

1 Thessalonians 2:4  

 

Early to bed and early to rise do not always set well with this late to go to bed, not as early to rise gal! Today my sister and I spent quality time being refreshed amidst the company of a bus load of Christian men and women headed to Dayton, Virginia for a day of crafting. The ladies were gun ho to shop, while the men sat in lounge chairs, in the shade, sipping lemonade, munching on goodies, and enjoying the conversation. In some ways I felt as if I should be sitting on the curb myself, as I am not used to being away from home on Shabbat, unless there's a funeral or other family event to attend, but I think the Lord didn't mind so much having fellowship with good company. The trip began with prayer, and the bus driver, who was a Vietnam veteran, sang us a soulful hymn and amused us with his winning personality and funny quips. I spent the time weaving in and out of the excessive crowd of shoppers, avoiding yellow jackets that were being lured by the scent of homemade candles and homemade pastries and desserts! Since I'm allergic to bee stings, I void anything with a stinger! Let me just say it was challenging! 

Dayton is located in the Shenandoah Mountains, an area I love, but then I am so partial to mountains, as you know. I had hoped to see all the colors of autumn, but strangely the trees had not yet turned. I plan to return there within a couple of weeks for my second adventure, but this time one of my own making, so hopefully the trees will be ablaze with color. Dayton is a small town, with a population of 1756 (2024), situated two miles south of Harrisonburg, and it is a largely agricultural area with a rich culture and history. It has working farms mostly owned by the Mennonite Community, and the town has museums, historical buildings, shops of skilled artisans, handmade artwork and crafts, home baked goods, and so many other unique shops. This is one reason I want to go and just spend a few days visiting places I was unable to see, talk to the locals, learn more of the history, visit the old library, and write my story. I kinda want to see if I can find a room to rent on a permanent basis so I can finish my book in the quietness of this nook and cranny location, but God will have to work that plan out, that is, if that's His plan. I just know that I need to return and visit a spell, set on the curb, and then we'll see. Since moving from New Mexico, I haven't been able to find my "hiding place" in the woods, so this may be a lead. It's the first time I've felt hopeful in the four years I've been back home.

While riding back home, I thought about the times and places in my life I'd visited, places I've love to see again, things I've missed. Once upon a time I went to dinner theaters, concerts, the opera, Shakespeare in the Park, walked in the park, rode my mountain bike and hiked up many hills. I retreat to Sipapu Resort in the hills behind me, where I'd enjoy the snow in winter and the walks by streams in the other seasons. Now the prices are way out of my range, but it would be nice to visit once more. I miss Rascal and Lady, my two border collies who used to accompany me on daily walks when I rested from designing jewelry or designing handmade crafts and projects for customers. I've walked many miles and worn several hats in my multi-faceted mix of medical and artisan gigs. My life has been a blend of many fancies for which I am so grateful. When I gave up the dream I had because of my family responsibilities, God blessed me with a detour that wove a beautiful tapestry of magnificent colors and designs. When I think about the awful things that happened, they pale in comparison to the wonder of what God has done in spite of cruelty, hardship, trauma, and shame. He truly is a wonder-working God, and the Lover of my soul. 

 When I heard Pastor Jack read 1 Thessalonians 2:4 printed above, I saw the words "approved" and "entrusted" in a new light, revelatory light, as promises have been spoken to me by God, that I thought were lost. Dreams, visions, words, and so many scriptures come alive, and my faith is renewed again. The trip to Dayton was for a different purpose, that I can clearly see. I don't expect anyone to understand all that goes on in this mind of mine, but that's not important. The only thing that matters is that I hear God's voice and obey. I guess God wanted to highlight that fact, because He gave me these words twice:

"A humble and contrite heart knows that it can merit nothing before God, and that all that is necessary is to be reconciled to one's helplessness and let our holy and almighty God care for us, just as an infant surrenders himself to his mother's care."   - O. Hallesby

  

Day 276 Be Still

 

10/3/2025

"My soul wait silently for God alone,

for my expectation is from Him."

Psalm 62:5

 

Today was a long-awaited medical appointment with a specialist, and although I am not ignorant of certain specialties, I am at a loss as to why this one has come into my life. Nonetheless, I played the game, as I sometimes do, to appease a well-meaning doctor, who simply forgot to mention to me why this has been suggested. Does that make sense? True, I have some additional frailties at the moment, but I have always felt that I bring things on myself, because I do reckless things, like swing from trees. I am learning not to walk on curbs and play balancing acts as well. I am keeping my feet on the ground, with an occasional dance across the yard when I'm pruning trees or cutting the grass. I think that's reasonable behavior, even at my age!

Prior to leaving for my appointment, we had some mishaps with the bathtub not draining nor wanting to comply with treatment, plus some other annoyances that sent me into a panic attack, complete with trembling hands. So much so that I couldn't write. This never happens to me, even if I get anxious about something, I never get to this stage, unless someone is very sick, and I have make travel plans. That happened once, and I was literally turning in circles not knowing which direction to go first. Not a pleasant feeling, and I hope one I never have to face again. But, today, before leaving the house, my nerves were settled, hands no longer shaking, and I was ready to drive the distance to Richmond.

But, (there always seems to be another "but") once in the car, headed up the road, I received a call that continued for almost an hour until I reached my first destination. Normally I don't answer the phone when I am traveling, but this one seemed important. Bad decision. Since I'm reporting this story later, because of traveling I had to do this weekend, being bone tired when I returned, I am still reeling from the comments made to me during the call. I shouldn't be surprised, however, as it seems this has become a routine for my life. The words of Jesus spoken in Matthew 10:34-39 are certainly true.

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father; a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."

I am finding His words to be true, but I never expected such cruelty and vitriol to come from someone I love more than life. Knowing people believe such evil is not surprising given the degree of hatred the enemy has against me, or so I've been told by one who used to serve him. There are many things I don't understand, and, quite honestly, I prefer not to understand such wickedness. I only know that my life belongs to Jesus, and I will follow Him all the days of my life, even if I do so alone. 

 And by the way, the medical appointment went well, and I am good to go!

 

Day 275 Who Am I?

 

10/2/2025

"To me, who am less than the least of all the saints,

this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles,

the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the 

fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has

been hidden in God who created all things through Christ Jesus."

Ephesians 3:8-9  

 

When Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus, he wrote these words, humbled by the fact that God had chosen him to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to the gentile nations. He considered himself the "chiefest of sinners," after being responsible for the ill treatment towards Christians prior to his encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus. Paul was a "Pharisee of the Pharisees," as he called himself, and he even participated in the stoning death of Stephen, a follower of Christ. When he met Jesus, he was on his way to Damascus with papers in his hands to arrest and drag off other members of "The Way" as Jesus' followers were called. Paul had an amazing encounter with the Lord as recorded in Acts 9, and his life drastically changed after that. Such is the way with our Lord who relentlessly pursues those He calls.

I can identify with Paul about being the chiefest of sinners, as God has forgiven me much. Like Paul I had grown up in the faith. My Rabbi/Teacher was Jesus, but I was way too young to understand many things then. Later, as I truly grew up, I sat at my Master's feet and learned much. In fact, I am still learning and never plan to stop. Paul was truly educated in Torah and the Prophets, and all the Old Testaments scrolls and writings, yet like his other orthodox Jewish contemporaries, he missed the details of Jesus' existence that are so obviously written throughout the Old Testaments scriptures, especially the prophets. It is interesting to me that back in early days, the religious leaders missed it reading the Old Testament, and today, there are actually pastors and teachers who disregard the Old Testament believing that only the New Testament is pertinent. Even so, they miss important facts and teach that the Jewish people have no  part in the message of salvation today, because they rejected Jesus. Somehow they get the idea that salvation comes through the church, not the Jews. I have written about Replacement Theology previously, and one quick read of Romans 11 will cancel out that erroneous theory; however, it hasn't for many who insist on having things their way. I guess what God says throughout the entire Bible, or the fact that Jesus is a Jew Himself, doesn't matter. One day it will! The enemy has truly blinded the eyes of so many people. I pray that the scales will fall off their eyes, as they did for Paul.

This morning Pastor Jack was sharing the scripture above from Ephesians, and he emphasized that any value or wealth, any meaning or purpose we feel we have is all wrapped up in Jesus. Because of God's grace and mercy, we have been given the gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, and it is through Christ alone we have any purpose or meaning in life. Nothing else matters. Only Jesus. Like Paul, I cannot understand why He would love me and want me. Who am I? I owe Him my life.

Today the Israel observed the Day of Atonement, as I shared yesterday, and it is indeed a solemn day of fasting and repentance. No work is allowed to include no bathing or any type of grooming, just total humbling before God, seeking His presence. For the orthodox Jews, they cry out for Messiah to come, and for the Messianic Jewish people, the cry for His return is heard. Tonight after the sun set, and the day was over, there was feasting and celebration. Soon the Feast of Tabernacles will be celebrated, a happy period of time, but the day of remembrance of the massacre by Hamas of their people on 10/7/2023 will make it a sad time, as hostages still remain in the hands of the enemy. Plans for peace are on the table, but like so many times before, the enemy is holding back. Our prayers is for an end to this nightmare for the hostages to return home, but also for the families of those who wait. For many their loved ones will return dead, and for the living, their condition is uncertain. For many of the survivors, as well as the soldiers who have been injured, or those so damaged mentally with PTSD, years of therapy await. So we stand, and we wait, and we pray. Our faith is in Jesus Christ, so we pray for the salvation of those who do not yet know that Messiah has come, and He will be returning soon. Only true peace can be found in Him.

This morning I was listening to the words of a song by Jesus Image that I sing over my life, but I cannot help but make it a prayer for all of Israel and over all who need salvation so desperately:

VERSE
Blood of Christ
Wash over me
Wash over me
Though sin has stained me

Blood of Christ
Come speak for me
My covering
It is Your Glory

CHORUS
We need the Blood
We plead the Blood
Receive the Blood
The Blood of Christ

VERSE
Perfect Lamb
And Highest Priest
Poured out Yourself
For all to drink

The Offerer
And Offering
You took the cup
And so will we

CHORUS
We need the Blood
We plead the Blood
Receive the Blood
The Blood of Christ

BRIDGE
What tore the veil
What empties hell
What never fails
Only the Blood

What testifies
What prophesies
Your Death is Life
Only the Blood

Only the Blood of Jesus Christ" 

May it be our prayer for all our loved ones - our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends. We need the blood of Christ to cover us and set us free. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

Day 274 Face to Face

 

10/1/2025 

 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand
on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh
I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not
another. How my heart yearns within me!”  

Job 19:25-27 

 

I am reminded of the faithfulness of Job when sorely tested by the devil questioning his mettle should calamity strike. God allowed the challenge, and Job rose victoriously, in spite of receiving a little help from his "friends." That's quite the overstatement! His friends were not friends, but I think in the long run they each learned a valuable lesson from the Almighty. Job knew that he had favor in God's eyes, and he did. Even the enemy knew that, so he wanted to see if he could make Job's faith fail. He failed! God rewarded Job with double of all he lost, and He had the three friends repent, then Job prayed for them. I wonder what they thought when they heard the voice of God speaking to Job? Imagine how powerful it must have been. 

Today is Day 10 of the 10 Days of Awe and our Focus is Face to Face. The focus city is Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, and the 110 cities region is North American and the Caribbean. Other key cities in this region are: New York City, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, and Miami. Canadian cities: Toronto, and Vancouver.  I think it is fitting that we conclude these 10 days by praying for the unreached in America, where turmoil increases daily. Senseless murders, vicious antisemitism are reaching unexpected areas, where normally such crimes would be unheard of. It almost seems unbelievable that a modern day city like Dallas/Fort Worth could be a focus city. But, recently, I read an article about the Muslim population of an area close to this vicinity attempting to build their own city due to the numbers of people moving there, but it was stopped by the Governor in fear of the threat of shiria law being imposed. It seems that there have been similar things happening in Michigan, New Jersey, and quite possibly New York City will gain a Muslim mayor in the new election. Only God knows what's next for our nation, as we wait. Today the government shut down, because Congress could not find common ground on the budget. It saddens me - I use that phrase a lot lately - knowing that the division grows increasingly worse daily regardless of what gains have been made by a moral administration. God is in control, yes! But He expects us to do our part, just as He expected King Jehoshaphat to do his part in 2 Chronicles 20. I'll leave you to research that story. It's a good lesson to learn about trust and obedience, humbly seeking God and standing our ground in faith. We must do better!

The word says that if we overcome we have the promise of seeing our Savior, the One who died for us, and that makes me excited. 

 "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into
his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 
2 Corinthians 3:18 

 

Oh, that we would have the heart of a child, lost in the wonder of His love, arms uplifted, waiting to be embraced by our Abba Father, Daddy God.

 

"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me."

Matthew 18:3-5

  

 

 "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name."

Psalm 100:4

"Our of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger."

Psalm 8:2  

 

While in one area of the world politicians are battling over the budget, the corrupt trying to force the hand of others through fear, while the world watches, weakening the strength of a unified government, there is revival breaking forth in the land. Regardless of villages being burned, loved ones brutalized, terrified, and savagely cut to pieces by machetes, the survivors remain faithful to the One True God, and they will never renounce their faith or the name of Jesus, not even if they die in the worse possible way. Such love. Children and young adults are leading the way all over the world, as Bible sales are up and churches are being filled by younger generations seeking answers, wanting to know the God Charlie Kirk served and died praising. I pray for rain, fresh revival waters to pour down and drench us, for the fire of heaven to fall down burning off every thing that is not of Him. Purified. Cleansed. 

 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

Revelation 12:11