Day 322 People Need the Lord!

 

11/18/2025

 "One who forgets the language of gratitude

can never be on speaking terms

with happiness."

Daily Walk

 

As I began my day this morning the first words that I heard were "Your mercies are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness, O Lord!" This is a well-known verse taken from Lamentations 3:22-23 about the steadfast love God shows us even when things are not going the way we would prefer. The closer I walk with Jesus the more I see that the mysteries of God go so far past any inkling of understanding in my finite mind, and yet all He desires is to have a close relationship, a friendship with me. That in itself is enough to blow my mind! I feel as if I have so little to offer an all powerful God who created this entire world, the universe to boot, just by speaking the words "Let there be...!" and it happened just as He spoke it, and then He said it was good. I love it that after all the creative work was completed, including the master design of man and woman, that He sat down and rested, "and was refreshed." Like I said, it's incomprehensible!

My scripture readings for today in Luke 14 were more austere, as Jesus is once more attempting to explain the coming of His kingdom on earth. He wanted those who asked to follow Him to understood the high cost of discipleship, as there was still much confusion. The Pharisees were always out to trap Jesus in His words, because they were jealous of his vast knowledge of the scriptures, in spite of his lack of proper education and the fact that He was from Nazareth. Most of all they were enraged at the way the people followed after Him. calling Him "Teacher." Jesus did have a powerful way of teaching and holding their attention, much more than the teachers of the law who imposed extra rules on the people and were tedious in their methods. Jesus was trying to teach those who followed Him about the Kingdom of God which was quite different than they thought. He used parables as examples they could understand or relate to in order to get his message across, but still many did not understand. The Pharisees were more concerned with the lifestyles of the people Jesus hung around with or those who gravitated towards Him, than the condition of their souls. Jesus often healed on the Sabbath after synagogue or even during, but the miraculous did not phase the religious leaders as much as the obvious violation of working on the Sabbath. I would think that healing a man's crippled hand was less work for Jesus than the pious sermons they were preaching, much rehearsed and with laborious elocution, no doubt.

It seemed that Jesus couldn't do anything to appease the religious leaders who were famous for persecuting the prophets and enslaving the people, and they were not His concern. As I look around today and consider all I am seeing, I wonder how much has really changed. Very few cared to see past their own religious leanings to even notice the arrival of Messiah. I wonder if the teachers of the law were really looking for His appearing, or if they felt that the time was not until later. Who knows. I wonder why more people don't see the prophetic timeline advancing quickly and recognize the warnings that Jesus said would come. There's so much I just don't understand, but I can read, and I know what the Word of God says. I don't need to rush to someone calling themselves a prophet to get a word for today or ask what God is saying about me. I can read my Bible, sit alone with Jesus in the quiet of my room, and listen. I imagine if a Pharisee from back in the day heard me talk like that I'd be booted out of the church. 

Jesus taught that if we want to be great in God's kingdom that we need to be a servant, and He modeled that for His disciples. He said that anyone who wanted to be His follower had to love Him more than they loved their father or mother, wife or children, brothers or sisters. More than their own lives. And if someone wanted to follow Him they would need to pick up their cross daily and follow Him. He explained that no one could become His disciple without first counting the cost. I imagine that was hard to hear and commit to as a lifestyle, yet it is true for any who follow Him today. He the example of the Great Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. He gave His all by taking our place on the cross where He suffered and died. But He rose again giving newness of life for all who receive Him, all who would call Him Lord. And He is coming again to establish His kingdom on earth. 

So our response should one of extreme gratitude, rejoicing in praise and thanksgiving with shouts of joy! How can we not praise Him?! As Thanksgiving approaches think about the many blessings you enjoy daily, and remember to thank Him, give honor and glory to His Name. Reach out to someone who's hurting or lonely or who doesn't know the Lord. Our world is full of lonely people. On Sunday as the deacons picked up the tithes and offerings, the pianist played a familiar song, one that I used to sing in church, when I was younger, called "People Need the Lord" by Steve Green. As I close this out, listen to the words of the song and consider the opportunities to share the love of Christ this Thanksgiving season: 

"Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where

 

On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears

 

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?

 

We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost?

 

Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share

 

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize that we must give our lives?
For people need the Lord, people need the Lord"

Day 321 A Thought

 

11/17/2025 

"It is necessary for the Spirit of God to burn

into our hearts this mystery, that the most important work

we have to do is that which must be done on our knees,

alone with God, away from the bustle of the

world and the plaudits of men."

O. Hallesby

 

Interesting it is the way the Lord changes my direction when I finally sit down to finish the posts for the day. I am running behind again as I write, but the notes are fresh on the page of my heart. Before I saw the quotation by Ole Hallesby written above, I had been deep in prayer about the things we do to pacify man, not necessarily for myself to receive the "plaudit" or approval of man, but more to follow through on what I said I would do. I like to finish what I start, and that's a good trait regarding perseverance and commitment, but it also taxes me when other matters arise that seem more critical, but I have promised to be elsewhere. This morning as I began my day, as I normally do, I sat in my rocking chair with pen and journal as I began to talk to Abba about the day, or in this case, still remembering all that happened over the weekend. The hours of prayer that were poured out for the crusade in Utah hosted by Pastor Greg Laurie at Harvest Ministries proved to cover and protect. I have not seen or heard of any disturbances from outside protestors. Many came forward at the invitation to accept Christ as Savior and Lord. The report said thousands came forward, but I know Pastor Greg will have the exact information this weekend. The area in front of the stage all around was packed, and my heart always goes out to the follow up volunteers who bear the responsibility of welcoming and following up with those who made a profession of faith. The work has only begun, but I pray that many will truly grow deeply in their faith and personal relationship with Jesus, then go out and share with others. The times are so critical, the message of Christ crucified for our sins is all important.

I am still remembering the time spent in worship yesterday. What stirred up in my heart as I listened to the special song by the choir at church continues to well up inside of me. As I drove to my Dolls on Mission group meeting this afternoon, all I could do was pray in deep urgency for all the names who crossed my mind, those I passed on the streets, the universities that seem so complacent, people going about their day-to-day routines. My heart is broken over the church's lack of passion for the Kingdom - indecision, complacency, apathy, indifference, and so many thoughts. I imagine those in the cars who pass by me wonder who I am addressing or why my hands are lifted as I entreat the Lord for His mercy in situations. But that is really of little importance, unless they too are praying. What began at home in my time of quiet prayer and meditation, perhaps mediation, continued until I arrived at my destination. I can't explain the urgency I have been feeling, especially since yesterday in the church service. But then that is the life. It is the hour.

I barely stayed an hour at the church working on the dolls, as a restlessness had settled over me leaving me too preoccupied, plus I was sensing a spinal headache threatening, and there was this ache I get in my chest when I feel conflicted. I have it now as I sit and attempt to prioritize my thoughts, but once more the hour is late, and I have appointments tomorrow. In the morning, we will sit awhile again.  

 

Day 320 Bow the Knee

 

11/16/2025 

 "It is necessary for us to withdraw at regular

intervals and enable our souls to attain

that quietude and inward composure which are

essential if we would hear the voice of God."

O. Hallesby

 

Much of my time growing up was spent with my grandparents who believed strongly in the power of prayer, yet I do not recall one moment, except at mealtime, when we prayed together as a daily practice, nor do I recall the reading of the scriptures unless it was preparing for the Sunday School or Vacation Bible School lessons. I do know that they knew their Bibles well, so they were obviously students of the Word. My mother always read her Bible in the evenings, but I know she prayed often. I don't remember praying with my mama, but I do recall when two close friends died in an automobile accident that mama told me to pray, as I was deeply effected by this news, because I had declined the offer to go with their family to visit their grandparents that day. The reality of eternity coupled with the grief of losing two dear friends, changed me. I may never have sat in their presence or had my family pray with me, but I learned to pray watching, listening, and communing with the Lord in early childhood. Later in life, before my daddy died, I had the privilege of witnessing him kneel by his bed in prayer, even though he was crippled with arthritic knees and joints and must have experienced great pain and difficulty doing so.The point is this - I knew my parents and grandparents loved Jesus and that their lives had spoken loudly of their commitment to prayer. The same is true of my teachers in grade school and many, many saints in church  who guided me along the way. Perhaps this is what prepared me for the life of intercession. God always has His plans and His way of doing things, which are usually contrary to mine.

Today I attended church with my sister, as it was shoe box packing day for Operation Christmas Child. We gathered after the services ended. I have helped the past three years in packing and praying over the precious ones who will receive them, wondering if any would make it into the refugee camps of those who have fled their burned out homes and villages for safety from those who have murdered their families. Many Christians in Africa are being hunted down, their homes sacked and burned, and their loved ones mercilessly and savagely slain before their eyes. Babies are thrown into the bushes to die, other young ones are murdered. Africa is not the only area of such horror, as it happens all over the world, and now in the United States as hatred and violence is increasing. I often think about how a child might feel who receives a box filled with lovely, useful gifts, but may have little food. Such luxuries, while appreciated,  would not come to the mind of one who has literally escaped with the dirty clothes on their backs, often without shoes. One thing I do know, because I have witnessed poverty and true gratitude over what we throw away considering worthless, is the gratitude and extreme happiness people who have little feel over a scrap of paper or a sliver of soap. The summer I traveled with a missionary team into the jungles of Belize to minister to the Mayan Indians, I learned what it truly means to be thankful.

During the service, as the choir sang the special song selected for the message, I was deeply moved by the words being sung by the man who was accompanying on the piano. Here are the lyrics of the song, Bow the Knee written by the Hamilton Family:

"What a privilege to come into God's presence
Just to linger with the One who set me free.
As I lift my eyes and see His awesome glory.
I remember who He is and bow the knee.

Bow the knee
Bow the knee
He is King of all the ages
Bow the knee
God alone on His throne
See Him high and lifted up
and bow the knee.
Kneel before Him
All adore Him
As you live to love Him more
Bow the knee.

In His hands He holds
the power of creation.
With His voice He spoke,
and all things came to be.
Yet He hears each simple prayer
I bring before Him
When I humbly seek His face
and bow the knee.

Bow the knee
Bow the knee
He is King of all the ages
Bow the knee
God alone on His throne
See Him high and lifted up
and bow the knee.
Kneel before Him
All adore Him
As you live to love Him more
Bow the knee.

Bow the knee
Bow the knee
He is King of all the ages
Bow the knee
God alone on His throne
See Him high and lifted up
and bow the knee.
Kneel before Him
All adore Him
As you live to love Him more
Bow the knee."

At one point as I sat there looking over the congregation and at the faces of the choir, I noticed that the only smile was on the face of the lady who was leading the choir. The gentleman who sang the stanzas as he played the piano was lost in the beauty of the moment. As I listened to the words, all of a sudden I felt myself gasp with tears welling up in my eyes. It indeed was a holy moment sensing the presence of God within my heart and in the atmosphere.This has happened to me many times in my home as I am alone with the Lord, and other times in public ministry, but this was different, as it was one of God's suddenly's. For a time I had to quiet myself, but I doubt anyone noticed. It doesn't matter, because when I worship in local services, God has instructed me to focus on Him alone. I know the feelings I have that come from Him, but I am learning to keep them to myself, and if I must share, I do so carefully. Some may not understand. 

The message was about the call to repentance taken from Luke 13:1-5 where Jesus was teaching of discerning the times and the heart preparation for those who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He is warning the people of the need for repentance as the only way. Tersely put - "unless you repent you will all likewise perish." 

This is the Gospel, and it is the message we must carry. As in the days that Jesus walked this earth, even until He returns to take His Bride, the church, home with Him, many will not believe, and things will be as in the days of Noah:

"And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man; They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." Luke 17:26-27

I don't understand why some hearts are so hardened or indifferent to such wonderful news and the promise of eternal life. I imagine it is like the Parable of the Sower and the Seed, or the Pearl of Great Price. Maybe because the sound of the words "surrender,"  or "deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow," don't sound as enticing as "eat, drink, and be merry." Nor do the words "you must lose your life to find it." But one day, truth is, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ where our case will be decided. It's our choice, our decision what future we want to have, and we must choose wisely. Until then, I bow the knee. It is my desire to see the face of my Savior. Bow the knee.

Day 319 Chayeh Sarah

 

11/15/2025 

"For in this manner, in former times, the holy

women who trusted in God also adorned themselves,

being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, 

calling  him lor, whose daughters you are if you do good

and are not afraid with any terror."

1 Peter 3:5-6

 

The Torah portion today is taken from Genesis 23:1 - 25:18, and it is about the life of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Both Sarah and Abraham are listed in God's faithful servants found in Hebrews 11, beginning in verse one with the following:

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  

After the flood God commanded Noah and his sons to scatter and re-populate the earth, as they were the only survivors of the flood, everyone else had died. They moved east and decided to dwell in the land of Shinar. They decided to build a city of their own with a tower that reached to the heavens. They all spoke the same language at that time. God looked down from heaven and saw what they were doing, and He confused their language making it necessary for them to scatter and form different nations, as was God's plan in the first place. 

Through Noah's son, Shem, the population grew, and Abraham, whose father was Terah lived in the land of Haran. God spoke with Abraham saying:

"Now the LORD had said to Abram, 'Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curse you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran."

Abraham took Sarah, his wife, and set off on an adventure to a land they did not know, leaving their family and everything they knew behind. They stepped out in faith in obedience to God, and in Hebrews 11:8 Abraham's action was attributed to him as faith. The Torah portion picked up in Chapter 23 of Genesis with the story of Sarah, who at the age of 90 was given the son God had promised she would have by Abraham. 

"By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude - innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore." (Hebrews 11:11 - 12)

In considering the life of Abraham and Sarah it is important to note that Sarah made the journey of faith with her husband, leaving the familiar life she knew to travel across unknown lands to arrive in another. She was obedient to her husband, and she even lied for him to Pharaoh and Abimelech, both pagan kings, about him being her brother, in order to protect his life. Abraham believed that they would see how beautiful Sarah was, and they would have him killed him so they could have her. So without hesitation, Sarah obeyed. Over and over in scripture Sarah was faithful to her husband.

This is the first time that I have studied this portion of scripture with this understanding. I just hadn't considered Sarah's sacrifice, as a product of the Southern culture, I was taught to be obedient to my husband without question, unless it involved wrong doing. It was expected of wives as the respectful response. When Sarah lied about Abraham being her brother, he really was her half-brother, but still, it was deception. Nonetheless her life was one of obedience and great faith. She trusted Abraham to take care of her regardless of God's plans.

In Israel the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sarah has stood with her husband through this war displaying support and discipline over the years. I found it noteworthy to see that there was a statement written regarding his wife, detailing her support of him over this year and other years as well, when political intrigue was at an all time high. She has proven to be a wonderful support to him while having to endure backlash from others over the years in obedience to God's command, which man and woman often deny rather then embrace. The statement mentioned that she visited with the family members of the hostages, and she even spoke with President Trump regarding the release of these precious people. She took to heart the deep pain felt by the family members. It reminds me of Melania Trump who has continued her work with foster children that she began in his first Presidency. There are many examples of strong women, women of faith, who have stood courageously beside their husbands. Not all are named Sarah, but they definitely carry the spirit of this woman of faith. Examples we all need to follow, because they are examples of Christ's lifestyle and his honest regard for the welfare of others.

Day 318 Going On

 

11/14/2025

 "How do you pick up the threads of an old life?"

Frodo Baggins

 

Borrowing from Tolkien's words, "Lord, how can I begin to piece together the years, the days, the hours, the moments of my life into something worthy of Your love?" I don't know how to begin, put in a middle, and I definitely cannot spin the tale to the proper ending. It can only be continued until I take my last breath. Confusion sets in as I remember. Today is a day of much remembering. Perhaps it is the release of Meny Godard from captivity in Gaza. Something triggered my thoughts to come, spiral out of control, then rest more serenely in a pool of tears.  

There are movies that touch a place in me, Lord of the Rings is one of these. At the end, after Frodo has returned to the Shire from destroying the One Ring and saving Middle Earth, he writes in Bilbo's journal:

"How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand, there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend, some hurts that go too deep, that have taken hold." 

A commentator explained Frodo's thoughts this way:

"This quote reflects Frodo's struggle to reintegrate into his former life in the Shire after the profound and traumatic experience of his journey to destroy the One Ring. He was physically and psychologically wounded in ways that could not be fully healed in Middle Earth, ultimately leading to his departure to the Undying Lands to find peace." 

Frodo's long adventure was long and arduous and nothing like the life he lived in the Shire under the careful watch of his Uncle Bilbo, who had held the ring for many years before heading off to the safety of the elves at Rivendell, entrusting the ring to Frodo. That's the way life can be when we make mistakes or wrong choices. The effects have a way of filtering down into the lives of those we love, even if we try with our best intentions not for it to happen. Ultimately choices stare us all in the face, and the decision rests upon the next one's shoulders. I often ask God about things that happen to my children, if I am responsible for their wrong choices or troubles they endure. I know that I cannot be blamed for passing on illnesses, especially when I never knew what was wrong with me. My dad did his best back then, but some things modern medicine is only figuring out. It's a process, and we all face these unknowns in our lives. It took me a long time to stop blaming myself for things that were beyond my control. I never blamed God. It never occurred to me to do so.

My devotional for today has the title "Move Beyond Your Mistakes." Today my son and I made a trip to Walmart for groceries. Thankfully, it wasn't too painful today when we checked out at the register. We really didn't buy anything substantial, like meat, but the prices seem to add up when all is said and done. We live pretty frugally, for the most part, although we do buy ice cream occasionally. When we left, my son had a little mishap with another driver where he didn't notice that the other car was in his blind spot, so he could not see him approaching. As my son was signaling to get into the right lane, the other car honked, and it stunned my son, as he is normally a very cautious driver, especially when I'm in the car. My son waved an "I'm sorry," to the man, but my son held onto those feelings for a long time. I know how that can be, as I've done things that bothered me for a long time. The devil knows our tender spots (Achilles heel), and he loves to drag us into the pit of despair. We have to become aware of it, and thank God and forgive ourselves or others. We cannot sink into the pit of past regrets and mire down into it until we're stuck. It has to end.

Memories can be good, as they bring reflection about the places where we've been, the lessons we have learned. I have many good ones, and I have many difficult ones, but I am beginning to see the value of hard lessons or tough times. They do build character if we choose to learn and grow, and if we choose to forgive others. I've been reading the biography of Richard Wurmbrand, a missionary pastor who was imprisoned for 14 years by the Communists in Romania. He provides many examples of the torture others endured while in prison, and how many died as a result of the torture and abuse, as it was habitual, evil to the core. Here is one example:

"I have seen Christians in Communist prisons with fifty pounds of chains on their feet, tortured with red-hot iron pokers, in whose throats spoonfuls of salt had been forced, being kept afterward without water, starving, whipped, suffering from cold - and praying with fervor for the Communists. This is humanly inexplicable! It is the love of Christ, which was poured out in our hearts." (Tortured for Christ)

The amazing love of Jesus Christ! When we truly see Him dying on the cross for our sins, naked, bleeding from the unimaginable torture He endured, and when we truly know the price He chose to pay to purchase our freedom so we could have eternal life, then we become transformed. His love pumping through our hearts, so that we can truly love others, even those who persecute us, as He loves them, and as He also gave His life for them. This is how we go on with our lives in victory, putting it all behind us, and when we truly begin to live the life He has given us to live - for others!

Day 317 Don't Waste Time

 

11/13/2025

 "Therefore, 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...." 

Hebrews 12:1

                                      

I'm trying to carve out a portion of my day to get some tasks completed around the homestead, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find that little slice of time! Sunday after church the boxes will need to be packed for Operation Christmas Child, and it seems as if it was only yesterday that we did this. Last  year we packed 401 boxes, and what a process that was. All year long the ladies at Hardy Central Baptist Church work on various projects to include in the boxes, then contributions are dropped off all during the year. My sister said that the church has been working every day this week just to get the sorting done, so that on Sunday after church the packing will be easily completed. They have it all planned with the boxes for boys/girls in the age categories along the side of the wall, then items are arranged in age groups on tables. It's quite orderly and functional, so all the volunteers come to help, and the work is done in short order. I'm not sure how many boxes Pinkie has determined to fill, but generally she ups the ante each year. This will be my third year of being involved in this blessed event.

Operation Christmas Child is only one event in supporting children, as there are many other national, international, and local community efforts all year round - and not just for children, but for anyone who has a need. It's a wonderful thing to help someone who needs our tangible support. Many times we become so selfishly embroiled in our own concerns that we give little thought to the needs of others, or we simply brush it aside, or say, "maybe later." Christmas time is a time when the need seems to become more evident, as many children never receive a toy. Most of these countries are happy just to get food to eat for the day. I have supported a young man in Kenya through Compassion International for several years, and when he receives a little money for a birthday, Christmas, or just so, he uses it to buy a goat for his family and perhaps a few necessities for himself, but most of it goes towards his family's needs. This is the heart these precious children have. This warms my heart so much. As my own children were growing up we tried to teach them about service and giving to others. They loved to fill baskets with little samples of necessities like toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, tissues, and little sweets and a cute gift for the nursing home residents. These people are so grateful for a visit from anyone, but when they see children coming their faces beam with joy and their smiles stretch across their thin, frail faces with joy. This needs to be an everyday experience, because many are tucked away in facilities and no one ever comes to visit except for the nurses and case managers. I know, as I have served the community as a case manager. 

Recently I had to ask forgiveness of a dear friend who is now in assisted living, because I haven't visited her for almost a year. Shame on me. There are no excuses, and believe me I have them, but even though they are legitimate, I needed to make time. I have phoned, but only once I think in all that time. Ever gracious, she forgave me, and we will be getting together, hopefully this week for a day out and about. I still have her Christmas gift from last time, plus her birthday gift. This is utter nonsense, and it most certainly is NOT loving my neighbor. But when we fall into these traps, even as I say with things like prayer calls and ministry, not leaving time for the "go and be the hands and feet of Jesus," then something has to change. My life is out of balance, and over the past few months I have been doing things I used to do while balancing what God has called me to do along with living in this world. I've visited my cousins, and we hope to get together again sooner than later, and I have connected with two cousins on the other side of the family for a reunion. People are important, and the message we as Christians carry is so important. Yesterday I spoke about my trip to the dentist on the 11th and how I shared my testimony. I hope to take that young lady a Bible, as she said she couldn't understand the one she was reading. Another day at Walmart, as we were leaving the store, the lady said "Have a nice day," so I said "and you have a blessed Thanksgiving!" Her face lit up, and I knew that she was a believer, as we shared about the goodness of the Lord and about gratitude for all we have. It's the little things we do that cause the light to shine. And it's the many little things that hinder that call of God:

"No one lights a lamp and hides it! Instead, he puts it on a lampstand to give light to all who enter the room. Your eyes light up your inward being. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. A lustful eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. So watch out that the sunshine isn't blotted out. If you are filled with light within, with no dark corners, then your face will be radiant too, as though a flood light is beamed upon you." (Luke 11:33-36 NLT) 

When Jesus was asked what was the most important commandment, this is how He replied:

"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind. And you must love your neighbor just as much as you love yourself." (Luke 10:27)

Then He was asked "Who is my neighbor?" As Jesus' preferred way was teaching using illustrations, He responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:30-37. The New Living Translation that I have been using puts things more clearly, so I will let you read this familiar story about how a despised man from Samaria proved to be a better neighbor than the religious leaders who passed by, not wanting to be defiled on a Sabbath day. When Jesus finished the parable, He asked the man who in the story was a neighbor to the victim in the story. The man responded naturally that the one who showed kindness and mercy was the better neighbor. Jesus ends the discourse by saying: "Then Jesus said, 'Yes, now go and do the same.'" And this is His word to us.

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

 Psalm 90:12

Day 316 Look Mom!

 

11/12/2025

"Wherever we go, we meet people who are in need of something.

If the Spirit could give us that open eye of love which sees both visible 

and invisible needs, everything we saw would give rise to prayer."

O. Hallesby  

Yesterday was my semi-annual dental appointment, and I am happy to report that I was given a clean bill of health! "Look, Mom - no cavities!" For several visits now I have been given the same report, and I am ecstatic. My son thinks I'm a fanatic about my teeth, because I floss with old-fashioned dental floss several times a day, floss with the water pic at least twice a day, and I brush my teeth with a Phillips Sonicare Toothbrush twice a day, unless I have a mid-day appointment or another reason to brush my teeth. It's late coming, but my good habits are paying off for this seasoned ole lady. And here I thought I had single-handedly financed the entire new dental office that they just opened. For some reason while I was rejoicing at home, I remembered the old Norman Rockwell drawings, so I investigated it, and remembered that Crest Toothpaste came up with that slogan back in 1958 or thereabouts. Old memories often come back to me at the opportune moments. This of course reveals my age that polite, southern ladies don't talk about.

That reminds me of the Little House on the Prairie series when Laura would say, "If I had a remembrance book, I'd...," when she wanted to remember something special about the family or their experience on the prairie and in Walnut Grove. Somehow I think I gave my set of those story books away when I moved. I am finding out that my friend is correct. She told me to stop giving beloved things away, but I didn't feel that I had room to haul all my "memories," in the rental van. I am sadly missing many things, but I realize that they all have good homes. It's part of moving, and it's part of life. Sadly I've moved so many times over the years that I have had to give up many treasures, but I have managed to start over more than a few times, and God always supplied what I needed and many things I wanted. I am grateful for His care.

I am a journal keeper, and now I am both a journal keeper and a blogger. I have memories, good ones and not so good ones, but I have lots of adventures that my friends continue to insist that I write down in my book. The book I haven't started yet. Well, that's not accurate, as I have written chapters and laid them aside, just to begin again. It's hard to know where to start. That's why blogging comes more easily to me. I can look back over my day to see what God is saying to me, and how it coincides with my day and the devotionals I've read. It's a process, and it would be nice to have some assistance, but I haven't found any takers yet. So I continue on, muddling through.

Recently in Bible study we've spoken a lot about the proper way to share our faith with others. I am always asking God for open doors to minister to people while I'm out and about, and I've been able encourage some people just by being polite, asking how their day has been going, and listening. I don't necessarily have to pull out my Bible and start preaching. I think the best way to witness to others is in our day to day walk, the way we live our lives - "walk the walk, not just talk the talk" - because actions speak louder than words, as the old cliche goes. Yesterday while at the dentist, I knew I'd have a wait, so I took my Bible along to catch up on my reading, as I have been jumping around lately rather than a straight read through. It's been hard for me, because I am disciplined and used to reading it chapter by chapter. God had different plans for me this year. Anyway, when the dentist hygienist came in we started chatting about my Bible, and my reading in a room with other people. She said she couldn't read with people around, too many distractions. I became used to that over the years when I had to shut out the noise of my children's little skirmishes. I'd tell them I was shutting down to read, so to settle the matter for themselves. Of course they did, and they behaved well for my quiet times. We chatted quite a bit about my son living with me, his disability, and she shared about her mom living with her son, and that he had some mental health problems, and her mom was having problems dealing with it. I shared that my son has some similar problems, and I began to share my life and testimony with her. We spent most of the time talking about Jesus and looking at Dr. Harley's baby's photos. Fortunately, I had kept my teeth so clean that there was very little cleaning needed. All my obsessive compulsive behavior is paying off. So it was a nice afternoon, and the hygienist actually hugged me good-bye.

In these crazy days, people are troubled, overwhelmed, anxious, and many other feelings. I think the best way to be the hands and feet of Jesus is to simply be present, and He is faithful to bring someone in our path who needs a friend, even if it is only someone acknowledging their presence with a smile. I used to love to walk down the streets in Santa Fe Plaza, and as I passed the folks walking along, mostly their eyes were looking forward, ignoring people as they passed by, or looking down at the sidewalk. My favorite thing was to speak to them as they passed by. Sometimes it worked, sometimes they looked the other way, but I'd keep trying. It's a little different here, but I do speak to as many people as I can. It may not seem like much, but we never know whose path we will cross. The Bible says to be instant in season and out, and to "study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15). In this day of total confusion and mass hysteria, there will be those who ask why we believe what we believe, and they will want to know about Jesus and His origins. We must know what we believe and why, and be ready to defend our faith. People are hungry, and they are seeking answers, especially the younger generation. I want to be ready to give life to someone who is desperately seeking the truth.