Day 134 Just Another Day

5/14/2025

"In the conflict between Satan and the believer, 

God's child can conquer everything by prayer. 

Is it any wonder that Satan does his utmost to snatch that 

weapon from the Christian, or to hinder him in the use of it?"

 Andrew Murray

 

Is it any wonder that Abba gives me this verse as I wake up, considering my blog from last evening? Over the past few days, the enemy has been gearing up his spiritual attacks against me. Whew, not just against me, but the actual world. Whereas I shouldn't be surprised at this stage of the game, I admit to the frailty, on a personal level mostly. Certain near conversations leave me speechless and clueless long after I have been verbally assaulted and the accuser slamming the phone in my ear. Sometimes all I have to say is "How are you today?" There are times when one moment there is a wonderful time of laughter, sharing, prayer, then out of nowhere there's a switch, and I am left with an open mouth, the phone in my hand, and the sound of dead air. Such as it was last night, when I am left asking Abba what I can do to end this cycle of terror. I used to question whether I heard Him correctly or if I heard Him at all. But I know I did. Two lives have been spared by my obedience in returning home. "Home" has such a welcoming sound as it trips over the tongue, but in my life I wonder where home is for me.

It's raining again today, although it has been slow in sending the downpour. The heavens are thundering, and the sky has darkened, ominously threatening, shaking the ground. My chimes are noisily playing a jazzy version of Amazing Grace, as the wind blows through the trees. I counter the rage from without with the calm music quietly and soothingly keeping rhythm with my typing, safe within my home. My constant "companion" inside my head from several blows to it, have actually lessened, and a croaking frog outside of my window sings in tandem with the clash of thunder that just ripped the sky. 

There's so much I could speak about today, as it seems that all nature is violently protesting some unseen battle within the heavens on our behalf, of which I am keenly aware. It's as if God, in His mercy, grace, and considerable kindness, is blinding us to what actually is taking place within the sphere of man's interpretation. But God leaves nothing to chance or imagination. His ways are so beyond our minimal understanding, and rightly so. He's God, and we are not. Personally, I find that truth refreshing, as I would not want His job. I'm thankful that He maneuvered the thunder to a distance not so close to my bedroom window, as I feared the last blast would split the earth and my house. 

This morning the scripture of the day presented by Pastor Jack Hibbs is found in Job 31:4 and reads, "Does He not see all my ways, and count all my steps?" Job is continuing in ceaseless bantering with his dubious friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who have come to encourage Job in his distress. If they are friends, well, let's be cliche in saying, "I'd hate to see his enemies!" This continues until Chapter 38-40 when God can take no more of listening to this dribbling, pointless babble. First, God asks Job a question: "Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me." What a retort! Just reading the words pop my eyes to attention, and I swallow hard. 

God does in fact "see all our ways" and "count all our steps," and in a life surrendered to Him, we have no need to worry, come what may, be it saber rattling, accusations, all manner of lewdness and lawlessness and immorality. We can rest assured that regardless of what's coming next, He's here right beside us, and there He'll stay, if we allow Him into our hearts and lives.

The change in mood, from extreme concern to a sigh of relief, in the morning call, brought a great smile to my face and an audible "told ya so" to my lips. If I expect better, imagine how God feels. Psalm 85:10 says "Faithful love and truth have met, righteousness and peace have kissed." Isn't that a beautiful expression of God's grace toward us? I recalled the words of that verse as I read the following: 

"The veil of the flesh has been rent; Christ has entered once for all, having obtained everlasting redemption; the dwelling of God and man has been thrown into one; the Spirit of heaven has been given to signify to us, and to give to us the living experience, that the way into the Holiest has been made manifest. Our entering in, our dwelling in God's presence in the light and nearness and holiness of the Most Holy, is a spiritual, a heavenly reality. It can only be apprehended by the tender, by the perfect conscience, which the Holy Spirit gives to him who is willing to give up all to be saved completely, by the perfect whose senses are exercised to discern good and evil. But to all who are willing to pass through the rent veil of Christ's flesh, to die with Him as He died, and live with Him as He lived, the Holy Spirit will show it; the way into the Holiest is opened up" (Andrew Murray, The Holiest of All, page 293).

It seems as if God has been inviting me to rest awhile longer with Him today, as the question asked today in our discipleship discussion is: "We need to be rooted in Christ as we await His return. What does it mean to “abide” in Christ? Why isn’t it about striving harder, but about staying closer?" I love open book questions where I can share unreservedly about where I am on the page of life today. So here's my humble response:

"Everyone who has come to know me knows that abiding in Christ is my favorite subject, next to spiritual warfare, but actually they are connected, as is all of scripture. The focus is keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. As I was sitting here quietly this morning, abiding in Christ, my prayer calendar had this quotation from Andrew Murray, one my favorite pastors:

'In the conflict between Satan and the believer, God's child can conquer everything by prayer. Is it any wonder that Satan does his utmost to snatch that weapon from the Christian, or to hinder him in the use of it?'

"Abiding in Christ is quietly, meditatively listening to His voice for worship, praise, training, everything there is in Christ. It's work to resist the temptations and distractions the enemy will surely bring to hinder this time, this relationship, but this is where we turn. Prayer is our weapon, worship is our weapon, being hidden in Christ is our weapon, because it is not about what we do, it is about who He is, and our surrender to Him. Jesus told His disciples that He could do nothing without His Father. Well, if He needed that abiding relationship as the Son of God with His Father, we need it more. John 15 speaks of nothing else and John 10 Jesus as Shepherd, and in John 17 when He prays for us. I'm not perfect, and I must admit recently the personal persecution from family has been overwhelming me, so I need Him so much. I always do. I say that I am "nobody" in the prayer calls, but He says I am His Beloved, and I may be "unknown," but I am His. Obeying Him is the message to me, because there are so many times when I want to crawl away and cry. But He won't let me. When He asks, I do. I may cry and whimper, but it's okay, He still loves me. And He loves you. So, time out, go sit at His feet. Or better yet, crawl up into His welcoming lap and stay awhile. Shalom, dear ones."

So, how did I do in my response? Better yet, what is your response to this revealing question? Selah.

 

Day 133 Deep in Thought

 

5/13/2025

 

It's been raining off and on all day, and tonight in the quietness, I can hear the gentle drops slowly increasing into a vigorous downpour disturbing the calm. It's late, and I am still awake, writing, but I really don't know where to begin. The day was another of mixed emotions, and I didn't get outdoors to get my weeding done because of the rain. I had plenty I could do inside, but thoughts clouded my perceptions, so I remained someone sedentary, deep in thought. I received some difficult news again today, and I haven't had time to process it or talk about it, except to cry out to Abba. Once again and all too soon, I am reminded of the brevity of life. At the same time I am ecstatic with joy in the release of another hostage from the stronghold of Hamas. Edan looks well in appearance, but like the others who are home, he will have to overcome the trauma of so many months underground, in the dark, chained, starved, and tortured. Again, we wait for the remainder of the hostages to come home, no longer pawns in the hands of evil men. 

I picked up my Bible and read the following: "Unexpected blessings are wonderful, unexpected trials are often bitter pills to swallow. But God can use even unexpected trials to bring unexpected blessings, if you're ready for them" The phrase "But God" is seen so many times in scriptures, as He allows things to happen so man can identify His hand in the circumstances, for good or for bad. Regardless of what happens in life, He promises never to leave us or forsake us. Many times, when we encounter the unexpected and have to endure what seems impossible to us, it may not feel as if God cares or is even present. The loneliness and feelings of abandonment are so overwhelming, the enemy's voices in our head  attempting to discredit the God we love become so loud and unyielding. But if we allow Him to quiet our hearts, we are able to drive these evil thoughts from our minds and look to Jesus. 

In Psalm 139:7-12 we can glimpse the truth of His words, His promise to be with us, the One who created us:  "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall fall on me,' even the night shall be light about me. Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You."

Something else happened today that encouraged me, and it gave me confidence in what I believed to be true, even when others tended to see only distortions, and they failed to hope. The things that people say often appear to mean the very opposite of what is truly in their hearts, cleverly disguised and understandable only to the one who truly sees beyond the words. Somewhat like the parables Jesus was so fond of using. We cannot rely on feelings; we must turn to the Word of God and stand upon the truth. The days will become harder, so we must be alert and cautious in our words. The world is poised to see what happens next amidst the distractions that increase by day. 

O how I would love a simple life, one where I can sit on my front porch and watch the sun go down behind the mountains, and watch the animals drinking from the stream that flows beyond the path that leads into the forest. Smoke would rise from my chimney as the snow gently begins to fall. My border collies would be romping through the woods trying to outsmart our resident jackrabbit, who's much faster and wiser than Rascal and Lady. O how I miss my gals. I loved them so. Kenya gave me joy each time she'd skip over from next door and dance with me and play. Memories.

The rain has stopped, and I'm tired. Time for bed, and I'll pick up where I left off tomorrow. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Goodnight.

Day 132 Words Fail Me

5/12/2025

"In the conflict between the believer and the powers

of darkness, the inner chamber is the place where

the decisive victory is obtained."

Andrew Murray

"This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 

 (1 John 5:4)  

The day sparks more controversy, as we gather to pray, but this time speculations are met with Biblical counsel and Word of God truth. Not so with social media or journalism. I realize we must have an "edge" to be considered a good journalist, but what about accuracy? Doesn't that count for anything? Plus, let's consider the word "strategy," that could certainly be in the big picture. Again, all this anti-Biblical rhetoric rips my days apart. So, I turn to what I know to do, beginning with tears and repentance for a nation, a world that always wants to "best" someone. What good are special meetings, or prayer walks, or prayer schools to teach us how to pray the word of God, the only word that matters, only so those in attendance can respond to differing opinions of what is truly going on behind closed doors! When are we going to use what we have in our spiritual wardrobe? In all the guessing games we play, when do we consult with the Commander and Chief of the Armies of Heaven rather than presume or surmise based on what the other guy is saying! When will we refuse to listen to any other voice, any other words than those of our Blessed LORD?!

I am very aware of what is going on, being said, and I am also very tired of trying to connect with Christians who should know better than to jump to conclusions. Who should be savvy enough to recognize  the very visible evidence of lawlessness, perversity, greed, lust for power, and eagerness to shed innocent blood that ran amuck for four years of terror and accusations against those who were trying to live righteously. Now, God in His infinite mercy has given us grace, but our time is short, and the accusers are still trying to bring false accusations again lawful and just men and women, even in the Church. How can we not see that God has strategically placed men and women in places of authority, and has given them godly counselors to encourage them on the path of righteousness. So what if all they think may happen happens?! Does this make God's Word of no effect? Certainly not. Didn't Paul the Apostle say as much when he was writing the epistle to the church in Galatia? or in other locations where new believers, and sometimes older ones, were contending for the faith but listening to every wind of doctrine, tossed back and forth? Is that not what James exhorted the church to avoid? We must put distance between us and such people; we must run from false teachers or pastors or naysayers who try to take our focus away from the truth of God's word?

Why is the church still sleeping when the trumpet has sounded, alarms are going off! Why are they continuing to exalt programs, build larger churches, yet ignorant of the prophetic signs of Christ's return saying it is not relevant for today? Who are these people, and do they know Jesus Christ our Messiah who bleed and died for our sins, or is this a fictitious account of a hero, as those in a comic world. What will it take for people to understand, or care to understand and take a stand!

I'm listening to a worship video by Jesus Image, and the church is packed with thousands of teenagers and young adults worshiping Jesus, inviting the King into the room. And not just younger people but much older than I, dancing before our Lord, running almost to the altar for salvation, rededicating their lives to Christ. I imagine that is considered heresy by some theologians who think they are bigger than life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly Good News. Even King David danced with all his might when returning the ark of the covenant to the temple. When God filled the temple with His presence Solomon and all the leaders, citizens with their families rejoiced, danced, worshiped, sang, feasted before the Lord. Why do so few welcome His presence?!

I just finished a Bible study through Harvest Ministries discipleship online community, which is highly recommended for those who desire a closer walk with Jesus. This epistle is one I have spent a great deal of time studying, alone with the Lord, understanding that we are not fighting flesh and blood - people. This goes higher, and it began with the fall of man, after the fall of Lucifer, known in heaven as the morning star, and a third of the angels from heaven, when they rebelled against God. This battle is very real, and while the attack is spiritual, it plays out in the natural, as many are beguiled and tricked into doing his bidding. But we, as followers of Jesus Christ, cannot give sway to the lies and destruction, or the distractions of this age. We need to be alert, active, and watching. And we must be about our Father's business. 

This is where we are, a time more closely characterized by the wisdom of Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

Day 131 Mother's Day Prayer

5/11/2025

"My heart rejoices in the LORD;

my horn is exalted in the LORD.

I smile at my enemies, because I 

rejoice in Your salvation." 

1 Samuel 2:2

 

Mother's Day! The calendar sure circles around quickly, and suddenly here we are again, a day that is bitter sweet in memories for me, and I know that it can be a day of mixed reviews for others. Nonetheless,  we take life as it comes, as there is always an abundance of things for which we should be grateful, and that attitude wears long!

Oh, how physically tired I was this morning. I guess I'm not as young, as I think I still am. One look in the impartial mirror can settle that dispute. Although I woke up tired, I still welcomed my day with joy ...until, a little later in the morning. I was taken aback by the unwitting responses of others to unproven news (That's a unique way to say people were forming conclusions [experiencing disbelief] without knowing the truth). I expect more from certain people, so it tends to irritate me when someone speculates without concrete evidence. One of two things generally happens - anger mixed with panic or peace as one trusts God. After all, we are intercessors, so we respond to speculations in faith. In spite of this distraction, I quickly recovered, because I prayed and turned on the most beautiful worship music. Music is a great mellower, a calmer of my emotions. It carries me to the place I belong - the secret place.

I see so much disbelief today, which produces anxiety and fear. Why do we have the need to know everything, or worse, to jump to conclusions about everything?! Jesus said very clearly that "we see in part and we know in part," so why the need to make public what needs to remain in the secret. The media has a field day with information, then it is broadcast all over the world, especially to our enemies. When something happens, contrary to our desired outcome, we depend on someone else to come to our rescue. And then the circle goes 'round and 'round, and pretty soon, the world knows what should have remained a secret for obvious reasons.

I seem to cover the same topic in most of my blogs - the necessity of prayer, and one cannot have breakthrough without abiding in the presence of the Lord, remain quiet, and listen. So many times we are racing around, devoting five minutes of hurried prayers, but intercession is a calling. When we hear news or read a bad report, our first response should be to hit the floor seeking God. One scripture I have been trying to instill into the hearts of people is this, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21). We must become people who turn to God first, else we will never become victorious. Either we take God at His word, or we place a curse on the situation, and the enemy gets the laugh. I took a chance and voiced, rather I wrote in the comment section, this scripture, and it was seen, because after that a lady gave the same reference I shouted out (unheard), to declare that God laughs at the puny attempts of man to engineer evil into a situation. It's not man or flesh and blood we battle, and prayer is our weapon. 

Again this morning I picked up Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray receiving the wonderful counsel of God's word explained so eloquently and simply. "When a person fully believes that the mighty power of God is working unceasingly within him, he can joyfully say, 'The Lord is the strength of my life'" (Psalm 27:1). "That is the secret of the true life of faith." 

Since today is Mother's Day, an example of the simple faith of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-2 demonstrates someone who trusted in the word of the Lord. Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, an Ephraimite who had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. Elkanah made an annual trip to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice, and he took his wives with him. Each year Hannah would pray for a child, but when she did not receive her request, Peninnah made fun of her. Elkanah loved Hannah so much, and it hurt him when she cried and cried. One year, after eating, Hannah slipped out and went to the temple where she poured out her request for a son before God, vowing that if God gave her a son, she would bring him back to the temple and dedicate him to the Lord's service as a Nazarite. When Eli, the priest, saw her grieving and saw her lips moving without sound, he accused her of being drunk. But, Hannah explained her situation, and Eli told her that God had heard her prayers. She happily returned home, and she conceived and gave birth to her son, Samuel, just as Eli said. She was faithful to her promise to God, and after he was weaned, Hannah brought Samuel back to the temple to serve God. Samuel became a prophet and the first judge of Israel. Because of Hannah's obedience, she bore several other children. Chapter 2 of 1 Samuel begins with Hannah's song to the Lord:  

"My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD.

I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.

No one is holy like the LORD, for there is none besides You,

Nor is there any rock like our God.

Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth,

For the LORD is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed."

1 Samuel 1:1-3

The full song continues to verse 10, but I leave it for the reader to consider. Hannah trusted in God's promise and waited, fully trusting that God would fulfill the Word spoken through Eli, the prophet. This is how we should respond in prayer to every situation. We may not always get every prayer answered in the way we would like, but God knows all things, and His ways are higher than ours. We must rely on Him and trust He who began a good work will continue it. Do not waiver from that position of trust. 

Pastor Jack's scripture of the day is from Colossians 3:23-24: "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Seems a fit conclusion to this story and our life journey. 

Ending with one more thought:

"Be not afraid to pray; to pray is right;

Pray if thou canst with hope, but ever pray,

Though hope be weak or sick with long delay;

Pray in the darkness if there be no light;

And if for any wish thou dare not pray,

Then pray to God to cast that wish away."

Unknown Author 

Day 130 Teach Us to Number Our Days

5/10/2025

 "So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

Morning came a bit too early for me this morning, as I struggled so hard not to rise and shine! I remember my Mother waking me up when I was a kid, and I took the same approach with my children when they didn't want to rise or shine! Actually, I used to sing:

"When the red, red, robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along, along
There'll be no more sobbin', when he starts throbbin' his old sweet song
Ah, wake up, wake up you sleepy head
Get up, get up, get out of bed
Cheer up, cheer up, the sun is red
Live, love, laugh and be happy"

 

By the time I sang the last phrase, the pillows were flying in my direction as I danced merrily around the room. I believe in making childhood fun. I asked my older son once if he remembered that song. He remarked that he did, and it was why he was still in therapy! At least I tried to make even the mundane things, like getting ready for school or church on Sunday mornings, fun. 

 

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, and it's not really a holiday I celebrate since my Mother is with Jesus, but it is nice when the little kids at church recognize mothers with a flower as we walk into the sanctuary. I'll have to think of some really nice memories I have either of my childhood with my Mama or Grammy. I was always at my grandmother's house. Or, perhaps, something unusual about my early days as mama. I'm sure there are plenty. Maybe Daniel will finally share the Christmas video he tells me about, when he was six months old, and I dropped him, or so the story goes. Knowing him, he probably squirmed out of my arms. He was the adventurous one, even at a very young age. But, that's tomorrow's tale.

 

I went to bed around 2:30 am last night/this morning, and I got up by 6 am. I had cut the grass and pulled weeds plus more yard work. I'd been out in the yard for three days trying to get things done. I guess it caught up with me. I thought this morning was Friday, so I asked Daniel if he'd gone swimming! He was temporarily dazed and confused, but we managed to figure it out. There would be someone who would suggest that my confusion was the result of advancing age, but this was from stupidity in not going to bed at a reasonable time. I've been snoozing off and on all day, so tonight I need to force myself to get into bed as soon as I finish my watch at midnight. Something has got to give!!

 

My initial thoughts about "numbering our days," came as I was talking about the brevity of life a few days ago. Then a couple of days ago I learned another friend had died last year. It seems as if I'm always the last to know. I'm sure many have heard the question asked, "If you knew this was your last day, how would you spend it?" It's a sobering thought, but for me it's something I think about often, and I try to keep a short account. 

 

I've shared Psalm 139 so many times, as it speaks of God's creation, craftsmanship, unique design of each person made in the image of God. He actually planned it out. 

 

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous 

are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden 

from You,  when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the 

earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book  they are

all written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them." 

 

Psalm 139:16

 

I am always praising God for His wondrous creation, and I marvel that each person created in His image, has a book with our name on it. Psalm 139 has a title "God's Perfect Knowledge of Man." If there is any doubt that we have a God who loves us, this psalm should lay that idea to rest. Listen to how it begins in verses 1-6:

 "O LORD, You have searches me and known me.

You know my sitting down and my rising up;

You understand my thought afar off. 

You comprehend my path and my lying 

down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word on my tongue, but

behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You

have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your

hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful 

for me; it is high, I cannot attain it."

 

It is such a sobering thought to consider that God planned each detail of each life, and He is concerned about every aspect of our lives. He even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:26-31).  We live our lives vicariously through the finished work of Jesus when He died on the cross for our sins, so we could have fellowship with God the Father. All He asks is our love and trust. Jesus has done everything needed to approach a Holy God through His righteousness alone are we made clean. His blood gave us access to His Presence. He loved us even in our sins. When Adam sinned, he tried to hide from God, and there is no where we can hide. He sees everything, knows everything, and still He love us (verses 7-12, 17-18). I encourage you to read the entire psalm, ending in these words: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Each day I say these words, and they are written on my heart. The words remind me that I am not perfect, and I need to examine my heart daily so that I remain in an attitude of thanksgiving and praise.

 

So, here's the question again: "If you knew this was your last day, how would you spend it?" Would you change anything about your life? Knowing that there's a book in heaven with your name it, would you wonder if you'd done what God put you here to do, besides love Him, of course. We all have gifts and callings, do you know yours? Are you walking in His ways? How are your relationships? I know this is an area I focus on, as I seem to let certain people down regardless of how I walk or comb my hair...that part is just me being silly, but truthfully, we cannot please everyone. And should we even try? We must be authentic and kind, but we have to set boundaries, and they are okay, as long as our walk follows Christ's examples. But forgiveness is important. God has spoken very sternly about forgiving others, even ourselves. So let's work hard on it. Let's number our days with acts of kindness, compassion, and the love of God breathed out in every breath of our lives. When someone looks at us, let them see Jesus!

Day 129 Hearts on Pilgrimage

5/9/2025

Just before the sun rises, and it is still pitch dark outside, there is one light seen shining in the sky that stands out among the stars that are fading graciously from sight. It announces the coming of the sun. In Revelation 22:16 a declaration is spoken: "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." What a wonderful way to look upon each sunrise as the beginning of a journey, a pilgrimage, a new start of the day, or a new beginning.

Yesterday I was sharing from Abide in the Secret Place by Andrew Murray. He was speaking of an awakening heart to the wonder of a life hidden in Christ. He shares, "Oh, Christian, have you learned this lesson in your worship of God, yielding yourself each morning, yielding your whole heart to do God's will? Pray each prayer with a perfect heart in true wholehearted devotion to Him. Then expect, by faith, the power of God to work in you and through you."  

In my Bible study group on Thursday, we are studying 1 John, and daily on the Harvest discipleship we are asked questions from the messages of Pastors Greg and Jonathan on which our study is devoted. This morning we were asked the following question: "1 John 2, John provides a spiritual checkup focusing on the vertical (obedience to God), horizontal (love for others), and internal (heart). What does it look like to walk with Jesus?" That's a great question to start the day. It seems as if every time I open my Bible or click on my study aids or listen to a sermon, the same message is being offered on the very same day. Coincidence? I think not! This is the way He works in my life. I ponder a question, and He responds. I really didn't have to think about the above very long, because this is all I think about or pray about. It's not a boring life at all. It's the life I have chosen for all He's done for me.

Here's how I answered:

"Walking with Jesus is abiding with Him daily, in peace and without fear, no matter what happens in the natural - calls I receive, or strange mail or emails that come my way. It's having so much compassion for loving others, and it's looking for ways to make a different in the lives of others, even strangers. It's asking forgiveness, even when I'm not the reason behind it all. It's so many things I experience in a day, but with Him with me, I can do it best. When I mess up and get it wrong, He picks me up, and we do it again. He's my life, the life I choose, and the reason I live and breathe and have my being."

It may sound thoroughly absurd to some, simplistic to others, or it may mean nothing to another. But this is my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, I have wasted so much time, it seems, thinking I need another person to share this life with, when all I needed was Jesus. I do believe in marriage, and it is a covenant before God. The only relationship between male and female God honors. That's what makes it special, so when it is disrespected or violated, it destroys people's lives. Divorce is a form of death, and it grieves a soul, but forgiveness makes it right, so we can go on. But we should never allow another to take the place of God as our first love. We do not need the validation of another to feel worthy of love. We have it, we have the love of a Father, the One who created us, who wants to walk with us in the gardens of our lives. Adam and Eve messed it up, but then God had another way to redeem us. He sent Jesus, and Jesus sent Holy Spirit. 

I am not a theological giant, and my collegiate credentials are few, although God blessed me with experience and a ride that is hard to follow. He showed me that I was wanted, loved, needed, and He gave me stuff to do what He needed me to do. He deserves the glory. Jesus alone. I'm on a pilgrimage of love, and I share from a heart once broken now mended, now restored. There will always be suffering until the day we close our eyes and open them to see His beautiful face, smiling and welcoming us home. That is worth the journey, so if you don't know Him, friend, make it right today. He's waiting.

 

Day 128 I Call, He Answers

5/8/2025

Why do some people prefer to read devotionals, read a book, or watch a video to see what a well-known pastor has to say about scripture rather than check it out themselves? I asked my son why people don't like to read the Bible, and he said, "because it is boring!" I don't feel that way at all. I can understand why Leviticus is a difficult read, as it is rather explicit in some regards, but the rest is so interesting. I am even learning to pay closer attention to the "begots" and the lineage of Christ I find very interesting, as anyone who reads my blogs will know. But my son even thinks these subjects are boring, even if it was his own lineage. This tells me much about people and attitudes today, I even have friends who think a five minute devotional reading is growing closer to the Lord. I know our lives are busy, but spending quality, uninterrupted time alone with the Lord is a necessity for me, especially in our world today.

I belong to a small group of intercessors who meet once a week, but sometimes I feel as if I don't belong. When we pray we should always exalt His holy name, and thank Him for His presence. Holy Spirit dwells within us, if we are truly born again believers. As we intercede we examine our hearts, and praying corporate prayers should cause us to recognize our need for repentance, cleansing. We have examples in scripture when Moses interceded on behalf of the grumbling, discontent people, and as Daniel interceded when he read about the 70 years of exile for Israel's sins of idolatry. He was a young teenager when he was taken and exiled in Persia. Yet, he included himself with Israel's sins. Whereas we may not have been involved in the sins of the nation directly, our silence on certain matters, especially in the church, has led to the downfall of our nation and to spiritually weak, and often dead, churches without the power of God in operation. Why don't we witness more miracles? They do happen, believe me, as I am one.

When Jesus ascended to heaven after He was resurrected, the scripture says He was seated on the right side of Father, and we as His believers are seated beside Him in heavenly places. When He died, He said, "It is finished!" Do we know what that means? What He accomplished for us? He conquered death, hell, and the grave. He took back the keys from satan, and we are free. We can live victorious lives in Christ. Only in Christ, and only as we realize what that freedom in Christ means. Even intercessors seems to forget about it. Right now in Israel there is a lady who served as an intercessor for a great evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, who is now deceased. This was back in the day. Suzette is holding prayer schools for pastors and others who want to learn the proper way to pray. I have heard her teach on multiple occasions through the embassy, and this teaching is much needed. The trick, and it no trick, is praying the word of God, and believing God will do what He says He will do. That's right, the boring-to-some Bible is the key to victorious living, as well as spending time with our Father daily.

This morning I was reading Abide in the Secret Place by Andrew Murray, and he says "In worldly matters, we know how important it is that work be done with the whole heart. In the spiritual realm, this rule still holds true." In 2 Chronicles 16:9 the importance of seeking God with a pure heart is made evident: "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." Our hearts must be right before a Holy God, and we must love Him with all our hearts: "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, your soul, your mind, and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5). We must seek Him: "You will see Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13). 

Later, in our prayer time with the Embassy, our leader shared a portion of scripture from the book of  Revelation recorded by the Apostle John who was exiled on the Island of Patmos. John stated that he was taken to the throne in heaven. "After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this'" (Revelation 4:1). Just as John was taken to heaven, whether physically or in the spirit, Jesus told him to "come up." And this is what God is seeking in relationship with us. He wants to commune with us, and show us great and mighty things (Jeremiah 33:3). 

Jurgen shared about his own journey over the past year, as he has struggled with severe back pain, requiring multiple surgeries, and he remains in a wheelchair still, still in pain. He has returned to work, but he is not able to work full time. He hosts the call on Thursdays, and it is such an uplifting time. When we suffer chronic pain or disease or any debilitating condition, it can be the most precious time of spiritual growth, if we use it to draw close to God and listen. I personally know this to be true, as does my daughter. As does Jurgen and others in the Embassy who have experienced challenges, especially during this time. When we set apart our lives to follow Christ, we will be tested, because we must be purged, cleansed of anything that is not holy, or perhaps to see what we are truly made of. This is necessary, even in suffering. We began the daily prayer call 580 days ago to stand with Israel in the time of war and for the release of the hostages. Jurgen shared that although we have seen many answers to prayers and miracles where IDF lives were spared due to divine intervention, many have died and 55 hostages remain. God is in control, irrespective of our situation. And although we are waiting, there are no emergencies in heaven. We recognize this, and we worship Him. Through the Bible, especially in the Psalms of David, we see the response to worship and adore Him. He is our God - Yahweh. He is El Shaddai, Elohim, and Adonai. And He will do what He says He will do. Our job is to remain fixed in prayer, trusting He will finish it, because He will.

In closing, I want to share a song by Bethel Worship that I pray speaks to your heart today:

Came to My Rescue

"… Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord, all I am is Yours

 

… My whole life I place in Your hands
God of Mercy humbled I bow down
In Your presence at Your throne

 

… I called, You answered
And You came to my rescue
And I wanna be where You are

 

… My whole life I place in Your hands
God of Mercy, humbled I bow down
In Your presence at Your throne

 

… And I called, You answered
And You came to my rescue
And I wanna be where You are

 

… And I called, You answered
And You came to my rescue
And I wanna be where You are

 

… In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high
(High Lord, High Lord)

 

… In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high (yea, higher)

 

… In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high

 

… I called, You answered
And You came to my rescue
And I wanna be where You are