Day 92 Anchor for the Soul

4/2/2025 

 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. 

It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

Hebrews 6:19

 

My heart is always burdened with the needs of our nation and world. I've been trying to stand in the gap, supporting anyone who needs help or encouragement for more years than I can tell. I see a need, I receive an email, or see a news bulletin, or an alert, and instantly I'm transported to the point of origin. I am able to "see" many things others cannot, and this can become a burden at times, because as I have said before, the mind cannot unsee what one sees. The other day I found an article about a young college student in Pittsburg University who had been abducted off the beach where she and friends were vacationing in the Dominican Republic on March 6, 2025. Surveillance cameras showing her leaving with a man. Tonight I heard her parents asking to have her declared dead, as they needed closure in their lives. Her mother was in tears, as her husband spoke before a crowd. She was studying to be a doctor.

Over the years my compassion for others has grown more deeply, and I am able to forgive and forget more easily. The pain I once experienced is no longer there. I only see how blessed and sheltered I have been in spite of the obvious trauma and harm. I smile and accept that, although not really my first choice for my life, I came from the fires of affliction mentally unscathed. I wish that were the case for others who find pleasure in playing the victim, while lies and cover ups are protections. It's took me a lifetime to get to this point in my life, and I know that I owe it all to my Best Friend, the Anchor for my soul, Jesus.

I received some news today that disturbed my thoughts, because I don't believe in impossible situations.   A friend has been told he is dying, and my first instinct is to fight. I have become so angry at the enemy's attempts to steal life, inflict pain, and make widows. I have been given death sentences more than once, and because of what I know of the power of life and death being in the tongue, I make a stand and petition heaven for a miracle. I have been blessed with so many, and I so long for someone in this world to know what I know and see what I have seen. So once more and always I fight this invisible enemy of fear and dis-ease.

"When a man is at his wit's end, it is not a cowardly thing to

pray; it is the only way he can get in touch with Reality."

Oswald Chambers

"Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry."

Psalm 39:12

 

Something has happened to me over the last few days. Remember how excited I was to see The Last Supper, Season 5 of The Chosen? Well, something has shifted inside of me, and my focus is no longer on any sort of personal entertainment. I need to write, even if I think it is bad writing, because that is what I was told to do. My focus has to be on the battle, and I need to hunker down and listen intently for Abba's voice. These times are uncertain, and I am seeing a shift. I cannot explain it other than to say a change is coming. I don't want to sound ominous, because I live in inner peace, and although shaken at times, for the most part I have learned to be content and wade my way through the floods. I always loved to swim against the current! I remember when Abba first spoke to me about writing "the story," I'd hear the words of Isaiah 43:1: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." At the moment I did not find that very comforting, but I have learned first hand that God is faithful to His word. The fire singes me a bit at times, but I can fan the flames rather easily.

One thing is for certain in my life, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me." John 8:28. The only thing I need to do each day is abide in His presence, listen for His voice, and do what He says do. I don't need to listen to the latest prophecy or teaching; I don't have to hear a prophetic word. I just need Him, and every day, I can find direction and His plan for the day. I've learned to be patient, although I do have my moments when I've had enough, and I have to say something, but I do try to guard my tongue. Remember..."Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words" (Proverbs 18:21). 

I'll end with another quotation from Oswald Chambers, "We have not the remotest conception of what is done by our prayers, nor have we the right to try and examine and understand it; all we know is that Jesus Christ laid all stress on prayer." 

Day 91 Tribute to a Friend

4/1/2025

Everyone who knows me and reads these daily blogs knows that I love Israel, and I have been on the daily global prayers calls with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem for 543 days as of today. This has been the honor of my life, standing with others from all over the world who love Israel and are standing as watchmen on the wall, praying for the peace of Jerusalem as we are instructed to do in scripture. I have met many precious people who are panelists from the different branches of ICEJ as well as others who are associated with the Embassy or who have served in Israel at one time. I am one of 500 - 1000 attendees who have participated for all these days, and who carry the prayer needs to others. My blogs and Facebook page have been my platform for relaying updates and prayer requests, and posting the faces of the hostages still being held by Hamas.

It gets very difficult at times, especially as we wait for the release of the hostages. I can only imagine the torment their surviving loved ones feel, especially the waiting, knowing the evil being done to those who are still alive and being held by Hamas. There are days I can hardly think of anything else, or the weight of my own personal torments, family concerns, and other battles I am facing almost get the best of me. But the global prayer call keeps us going and builds us up. I am also encouraged and strengthened by being a part of a weekly prayer call hosted by a couple who used to live in Israel and still are a part of ICEJ and serve as worship leaders. They now live in the Alabama, and they are very active in governmental concerns, especially the stand for the sanctity of human life. They have been in Washington DC this week praying with on site prayer teams at the Supreme Court. I feel honored to be asked to join their small group. It's a mystery to me how that came about. I guess God has a plan and purpose.

Before we begin our prayer calls we always enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. You've heard me speak of my own times of personal worship and the importance of being in the presence of God, listening for His voice and direction. This is a daily necessity. One of the worship leaders, Ken Soltys of Project 7th Trumpet Ministry, has been my absolute favorite worship leader, who can bring us into the presence of God where we can meet with Him and spend time being empowered to stand and fight the good fight of faith. Ken wants to let all believers know that they could experience the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, as it is in Heaven. His music, his wonderful trumpet sounds and shofar blasts ushered us into heaven. His ministry is international, and he has ministered in Israel at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Ken passed away after ministering in a church on Sunday from what we were told. He had been having health issues, and God had miraculously intervened with healing on so many occasions. Sunday Ken wanted to rest before the next service, and they found him later, resting in the arms of his Savior. He is now in heaven rejoicing with the Lord. One member of our group said he probably went right to the trumpet section with the angels. I have never been a fan of trumpet music, but he played beautifully. He was so alive, pleasant, warm smile, always smiling, even on the days with the worst news. His secret was living in the presence of his Lord, listening for His voice, experiencing His love. This morning, before the call, I had asked God to please have Ken be in charge of worship, because I needed a huge surge of anointed worship. Ken always had scriptures, and as he sang, playing his keyboard, it released any anxiety, any hurts, any sadness I felt. The word of God in his songs touched my heart, lifted me up, and the scriptures he shared even confirmed what the Lord had earlier spoken to me. He soothed my tortured soul so many times.

My one regret is not meeting him face to face, getting to truly know this blessed man of God better. And yet, I do feel that I knew him in Christ and will always know and cherish his memory. I know I'll meet him one day, and hopefully, we will truly get acquainted face to face. I have grieved, and am still grieving, this terrible loss I feel. He didn't know me personally, but he was my friend, my brother, and I will sorely miss him and the wonderful times of worship. I know all of ICEJ and anyone who had the blessing of knowing him feels the same. Of course, his music is available on YouTube and for purchase, so I can listen him as often as I want or need.

I won't say goodbye to Ken, I'll just say "See ya later. Enjoy Heaven, my friend!"

Day 90 Show Me Your Face

 

3/31/2025

Each time  I begin to enter my thoughts for this day, so that I can keep my promise to God daily, I get slam dunked from another direction. Sunday night was a wonderful night of worship, and hearing answer to prayers on behalf of the hostages who have been released, listening to their testimonies over these weeks of how some, who were not serving God, came to know that God exists and that He had been with them in the tunnels with Hamas. Even when tortured, they felt God's presence, and while alone in the darkness, the light was present within their souls. One man, who had never prayed, began to bless any crumb of food he was given, and now he leads his family. Another had called himself an atheist began to realize God existed and was with him. He is now studying Torah. Now my prayer continues that they realize that the light of God's Holy Spirit was present, and Holy Spirit can now draw them to belief in Jesus Christ as Messiah. Scripture recounts over and over again that God never leaves us or forsakes us. Romans 8:28 has proven true over and over of how God can take the ugliness and turn it around for good. The verse actually says "God makes all things work together for good for those who love Him, and who are called according to His purpose." His hand is always extended, and He would have none perish, but He wants all to come to eternal life. So we continue to pray and stand firm in the faith. In the beginning of this ordeal I had a vision of the hostages being lead out of the tunnels by the Angel of the Lord. I've seen other visions and had other dreams, but I pray that it will happen soon, and I hold on in faith. They are my family, and I see their faces daily. I won't forget them.

After a wonderful Sunday I turned back on my phone. I felt that I needed to have a quiet day, shutting out the noise, so I could focus on Jesus, and what He was saying to me. I mentioned in yesterday's post that another attack of the enemy came at the end of my day. It continues to carry on today as well. It is not a new attack, but a familiar one from the same person, one who tries to make me feel guilty for separating myself, even for prayer for a few hours. This is not new, and I am certain that unless God divinely intervenes on my behalf, it will continue. I remain brokenhearted at this writing, but I do forgive, as I always will, because this is the work of the enemy who roams around, seeking whom he may devour, and he wants to sift me like wheat and blow me to the wind. I do not say this presumptuously, as God told me this many years ago. I guess I need another reminder about messing in his stuff, but I will continue to stand against evil and speak what God says speak. I don't know if you've noticed it or not, but the entire world is either in a state of chaos, one of apathy, or spiritual blindness, or, like me, trying to stay in God's presence, waiting for the next step. We are intercessors, and we are standing on the wall for Israel and for America and the nations. We are praying for the church to wake up. This is not a battle of flesh and blood, but it is spiritual. I have shared this previously, and I imagine I will again. These are indeed perilous times, but amidst the evil, there are moments of revelation, as with the returned hostages. God is moving in our midst, but that is not a surprise to me or any other child of God who is actively pursuing His Kingdom. Many are praying for revival, but it is happening now, so wake up! God is moving in California, as He is many places. Young people are hungry, and they are responding in droves. If you are not seeing it, then you are not looking, or perhaps you are not awake. Before revival can come there must be an awakening of the church, the body of Christ, then revival will come with reformation and change. Then it will explode into our nations. The generation some call disinterested is waking up, and they will lead the way.

This morning in our global prayer meeting for Israel, the opening worship song was one of my favorites, by Paul Wilbur, an artist whose ministry I support, as it is multi-faceted for others I serve. His family is becoming my family, and we share Shabbat in Your Home on Friday evenings together with other friends and supporters who love Israel and other nations. The name of the song is Show Me Your Face, Lord. Listen to the lyrics:

… Moses stood on a mountain
Waiting for you to pass by
You placed your hand over his face
In your presence he wouldn't die
All Israel saw the glory and it shines down through the age
Now you've called me to boldly seek your face

 

… Show me your face, Lord
Show me your face
And then gird up my legs, I might stand in this holy place
Show me your face, Lord
Your power and your grace
I will make it to the end, if I could just see your face

 

… David knew there was something more
Than the ark of your presence
In a manger messiah was born
Amongst kings and some peasants
And all Israel saw the glory
And it shines down through the age
Now you've called us to boldly seek your face

 

… Show me your face, Lord
Show me your face
And then gird up my legs that I might stand in this holy place

 

… Show me your face, Lord
Your power and your grace
And I will make it to the end if I could just see your face
If we could just see your face
Show me your face, Lord
Show me your face
And then gird up my leg I might stand in this holy place
Show me your face, Lord
Your power and your grace
I will make it to the end if I could just see your face
And I will make it to the end if I could just see your face
I will make it to the end Abba show me your face

 

This is my heart's desire, to behold His face in glory. I have seen His face as He hung upon the cross dying for my sins, and I will never forget that moment. He is my one desire. So if I have to have these trials and tests, if I have to be cleansed by the fires to be purified and made holy, I will endure to the end, because all I want is to see His beautiful face, be in His presence for eternity. God says that all who seek Him will find Him, if you seek Him with your whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13). 

Show me your face, Lord, show me Your face. I will make it to the end if I can just see your face.

Day 89 Seeds of Truth

3/30/202

 Last week was particularly challenging, and I struggled to keep up with some things. Yesterday something happened that upset me, because it seems as if (and I should already expect this) the enemy was listening to conversations, biding his time to attack. So this morning I decided that I would shut myself in with the Lord, cut off the cell phone to avoid the texts and any unpleasant or demanding phone calls. I wanted to focus on Jesus. I  had decided that I would attend church with my Jesus Image family online, since I've been missing it lately. It is a Jesus people church in Orlando, Florida led by Michael and Jessica Koulianos. Yesterday I described what God had spoken to the Jacob Tent family of believers about welcoming in the presence of Holy Spirit and allowing Him to linger, not putting God in a box or limiting what He wants to do by rushing to do the next thing. Jesus Image does that so well, and they teach and train young people, and some older students, how to love Jesus.

They had just returned from a few days in Orange County, California, training and ministering. Today they were commissioning students from Jesus School to go out into communities or other nations and share the love of Christ. The missions teams are going to the Middle East and Germany, and others will be in Phoenix, California, Georgia, and Houston. Each year they do this, and the students are so excited and full of the love of Jesus. The kids were likened to seeds being sown on fertile soil all over the world with revival coming. I would have loved to have had a church like this growing up and for my children. So many things I missed, and they missed, and it is so important for children to know they are made in the image of God, and He has a plan and purpose for their lives. In fact, we all need to be encouraged that we have a place in this world.

There were many who were baptized in the morning service, and Michael always asks them why they want to be baptized. The responses are so heart felt and never rehearsed. There are tears and joy and celebration. The little children are taught early about the love of God in a depth most churches do not feel a young one can understand. They respond that they want to surrender to Jesus and give Him all their love. I was like that, except my training was pretty much on my own, except when I asked questions of teachers and read books. I was so blessed to have school teachers who also attended my church when I was a child and young teenager. I learned so much at the feet of Jesus after I was older. I had an insatiable curiosity, and I still do, except now, it's hunger I feel. I'll be beginning a new study about the Courts of Heaven with a prayer group beginning Tuesday. It is in short bites using a 365 devotional. I wish we could have started in January, but I am excited to walk through it with other intercessors. It's called "April Showers Bring May Flowers" with the Her Voice Movement. I'm not sure what our effort will encounter, but I love learning and growing. We will be studying the book of Daniel, and we will be following his example of prayer and praying multiple times a day. 

Tonight I also attended the evening service at Jesus Image. Prior to Michael teaching in the morning service, he said "It feels like heaven here. Isn't that wonderful?!" I can feel the presence of the Lord even here in my room. Tonight was the same. The worship lifted us to the throne room of God. The speaker was Sister Nechama of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, and she spoke from her heart on how the gift of repentance opens eyes to see the suffering of the Father and Jesus on the cross dying for our sins. She spoke about how God's heart hurts when people do not accept His love and seeing His Son endure the suffering on the cross. It must have broken His heart to see His Son taking the sins of the world onto His shoulders, yet God had to turn away, because He is holy. 

Sister Nechama also shared about the modern day martyrs of our faith mentioning those who recently died in the Congo and a detailed account of some of the hostages released from Hamas torture recently. She shared the testimonies of some who shared that they survived the day to day torment by choosing the path of faith in one way or another. Some had not even been believers in God or even in the synagogue, yet they had divine encounters that helped them endure, so they could come back and tell others. I am so grateful that someone cares so much for my dear family in Israel.

My day was full, and the attack from the enemy came again, but I remain standing strong. I'm not sure why I seem to bother the enemy so much, but I imagine it's better me than someone else. I thank God for the gift of repentance and for His great love. Learn to spend time waiting for Him to speak, to talk friend to Friend. We miss so much when we try to do it alone.

Shalom.

Day 88 The Father is Waiting

 

3/29/2025

 

Many years ago when the Covid plague hit the country, followed by mandates, fear, and ultimate chaos, my thought was "as in the days of Noah." Each time something new happened, and I saw very little response from the church, my thoughts were the same. Each time something else happened, like clockwork I might add, my response, now a lament would be the same. Over the last year and a half, since Israel was so maliciously attacked, and the church seemingly unconcerned, I have sought the Lord on behalf of the church even more. Everyone is so quick to quote 2 Chronicles 7:14, but they do not read with understanding that this means the church, beginning with the individual, intercessor standing in the gap, repenting first for one's own sins, then the sins of the others for whom they stand in identification with the sins, as did Daniel. Moses was an example of a mediator and an intercessor, as was Abraham when he tried to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if ten righteous men were found. Sadly, there were only three, as Lot's wife, turned around and looked back at the city, against the warning of the Angel of the Lord. How many times do we look back?!

The signs of the time are all around us, yet many still do not see. Many times in scripture, God blinded the eyes of the people and stopped their ears from hearing, because He knew the hardness of their hearts.  Jesus even told His disciples that the parables would be explained to them, but others would not understand. God's ways are higher, and we do not always understand. Actually, I am beginning to wonder how many who say they know a thing or two truly understand. Paul said we see in part and understand in part, but when we are face to face with our Savior, then we will understand. Even His disciples did not understand until after His resurrection when He met them in Galilee. But this I know. The word of the Lord is very clear about repentance and forgiveness.

Today, following our worship at Jacob's Tent, the Lord spoke a prophetic word through one of the lady's present in the service. In brief, God was saying to them what I have also prayed about in every church I have attended except one online church. The warning spoken was first to humble themselves and not put God in a box according to their order of service, and not to put a hold on the work of Holy Spirit. I  have written about this before. We have our agendas - worship, singing a few songs, then on to the next thing on the bulletin. While that is not the way it is at Jacob's Tent, as they always try to be sensitive to the move of Holy Spirit, this message was for another purpose. Tears flowed from the eyes of the one speaking this message in obedience to the word of the Lord, her heart yielded. Our shepherd confirmed the word and worship continued, with many on their knees before the Lord, singing and praising. Then they were led into a time of repentance, seeking the Lord for any offenses against the Lord or another that needed to be forgiven before the gifts could be brought to the altar, which is scriptural. It was a beautiful time, and I searched my heart, as I do numerous times daily, because we do not want anything standing between us and the Lord. A sermon was not given, as this time of repentance and asking forgiveness continued. Then our shepherd began to ask forgiveness from others, beginning with someone in the family, who was not present, but who may have been listening online. My heart overflowed with joy. This has been a prayer of mine for a long, long time, and I pray that forgiveness is received and fellowship restored. What a beautiful worship service. This is so needed in the church at large, but I believe that God is moving on hearts. I have a close friend who attends church in North Carolina, whose pastor is sensitive to the move of Holy Spirit, and he says many times the service is spent at the altar, seeking God for answers to prayer and healing. I look forward to visiting this church in the near future.

Revival is happening in certain churches, especially in California, and young people are running to the special events being held, and God is saving young people, delivering older people, healing, restoring, and I believe there is going to be an explosion of love and power spreading across America and the world in greater numbers than the Jesus Revolution in the 70's, as many young people respond to the call of God to evangelize. I am so blessed to be part of evangelism in America and across the globe. If God can use an older donkey like me, He can use anybody. Now is the time to answer the call of God in fulfilling the great commission, the mandate Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 28:

"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the

mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, 

they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke

to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the

name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them

to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you

always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."

Matthew 28:16-20

Today I read this in my 60 Days of Prayer:

Surrender to Divine Timing

"When faced with delays or challenges, have faith that waiting with patience and humility will lead to renewed strength and growth. Embrace this moment of pause as an opportunity to align your will with His, knowing His timing is perfect and His ways are higher than yours." 

And the prayer:

"Heavenly Father, grant those feeling suspended in uncertainty the strength to trust in Your timing and wisdom."

God has given each of us gifts and callings. We each were born for a purpose, the greatest purpose is fulfilling His will which is to love Him with all  our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. God longs for relationship with us. The Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the church has many members, as an individual has many parts, each one dependent on the others, functioning perfectly as God created us to do. This is how the gifts of the Spirit work together, each member working together. Now is the time to walk in the work He has called and equipped you to do. His hand is extending, and He's waiting for you. 

 

Day 87 Defeating the Darkness

 

3/28/2025 

Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path.

Psalm 119:105

 

Life is clouded in shadows within the darkness of the soul. Only in the presence of light can there be a shadow. Our hope is found in the light, in the presence of the Light, Jesus. Confusion, doubt, anger, and many mixed emotions can extinguish the light. Thankfully, we have the Word of God to be that lamp unto our feet to light out path.

Today was the initial showing of The Chosen, Season 5, Part 1 of The Lord's Supper. Beginning to end there was a shroud of darkness mingled into happy times as Jesus enters into the temple court area of Jerusalem through the sheep gate. He was riding a donkey, prophesied by Zechariah, so his presence was undeniable. The episode replays parts in the last episode of Season 4 and in the trailers, so I don't think I need a spoiler alert. Most everyone I know really is not as interested in the series as I am. There are so many mixed reviews. There's always a critic in every crowd. But, for me, although there are scenes not described in the Bible, it is a television series meant as entertainment and ministry. I know my Bible pretty well, so I can understand some of the changes for effect; however, the Bible says we see in part and know in part, so who's to say what is not accurate. Also, Dallas takes great pains to consult with a Christian, a Catholic, and a Jewish Rabbi to insure he is within the scope of Bible accuracy. Personally, watching the characters in their very elemental humanity, they give me a credible view of how the disciples lived. Also, Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus is believable, even when he loses his temper. Jesus as man and God. But, I'll leave it up to the audience to make their own determination. 

After the movie we took a stroll through the mall, so we could stop by the new Christian coffee house, Legacy Coffee+Cream being served by two young Christians men. We had a tour and great conversation with Robert who works there, who will be attending Liberty University when he graduates from high school. He is leading a large group of students in Bible study each week in a large room that is available to rent for events. They also have blackboards for prayer requests to be posted by patrons. It does my heart good to see young people teaching the word to so many others. Robert is only 17 years old! Think what his life will be at Liberty. It is my understanding that the coffee house is run by a local church in Colonial Heights. I wish we had more churches interested in doing this type of ministry in the community. I know that I'll be back to enjoy the coffee and pastries, plus it has adequate tables for kids and older kids to mingle, enjoy their brew, and share the love of Christ.

Sadly, when I got home, I checked my emails for prayer points, and I saw the news of the 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar. The death toll has been mounting, as Israel and nations are sending teams to assist. We prayed this morning for those who are under the rubble, trapped, or dead. I pray that Jesus will manifest Himself as they cry out to Him. It seems as if the birth pangs spoken of in prophecy are getting closer, and it is breaking my heart to hear of tragedy all over the world. I know that many opinions are being fomented against our government, and that is a tragedy in itself. Four years ago at election time, God gave this nation what we deserved, and as a result, lawlessness, hatred, murder, chaos, as well as other degradation occurred. When God is removed from government and even the church, tragedy results. This time, God had mercy on America, because we prayed and called the nation to repentance. I am so grateful to my Abba Father for hearing our cries for mercy and deliverance. Sadly, there are many, including those in the church, whose eyes are blinded from the truth, as Jesus said would happen, so they are joining in with those in opposition who are causing people to panic before anything happens. Also, there are many running to stop anything that will help right the wrongs already done. It is so obvious to me that God has His hand on this nation and on Israel. I pray for the church to awaken.

This morning as I listened to Jack Hibbs short morning prayer time on Facebook, I was so excited to hear that every Saturday afternoon he hosts a men's meeting to teach them spiritual masculinity and how it applies to their lives today. I hope I explained that correctly, but the group is a discipleship meeting for men only to help them learn to be men of God in their homes, businesses, every day life with families and friends and in the community at large. We need this in every church for every age group, because there are men who are seniors in age who obviously never had anyone take them under their wings, so they could pass it along to their sons. Pastor Jack said that these meetings have been going on for four years. My cup runs over!

Ramadan is ending soon, so additional prayer continues for our Muslim friends to come to the knowledge of Christ. The only hope we have is in Jesus Christ, as He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The needs are many, the harvest is great, and the workers are few. May we continue to work while there is light in this world.

Day 86 My Heart is Steadfast

3/27/2025

 And a highway will be there; it will be called Way of Holiness; 

it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; 

wicked fools will not go about on it.

Isaiah 35:8

 

My heart was bursting with joy as I read the above verse from Isaiah, as it speaks of the future glory of Zion, when the children of Israel are regathered. What a day of rejoicing that will be. It also relates to those who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah, and I do dream of this highway where there is peace and harmony after such a long time of sadness and chaos experienced along the way of my faith journey and daily experiences. I remember David's prayer for safety in Psalm 57 when he was hiding from Saul in the cave of Adullam. David often began his psalms of prayer pleading with or questioning God, then he always praises God for His mercy and grace, reminding Him of His faithfulness. After he laments his situation, as Saul was hounding him at every turn, trying to kill him, David ended the psalm:

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and

give praise. Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. 

For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth. 

Psalm 57:7-11

  

This psalm reminds me to keep my focus on the Lord, regardless of what is happening in the natural. I was thinking of our President just now when David tells God: "They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down; they have dug a pit before me; into the midst of it they themselves have fallen." Selah. This word "selah" means to think about or meditate on what I've just said. Pause. I think this is an appropriate one for our President in light of all the controversy surrounding every step he takes. Again, I must say, God is merciful to us, and we as a people do not deserve it. How long, O Lord, until the eyes of the blind shall see, and the heart of stone is turned to flesh?! That's my daily cry to Abba. No, to the Lord  of Heaven's Armies, Adonai Tseva'ot. When will they see?!

Tomorrow I am going with a couple of friends to the movie theater to see Part One of Season 5 of The Chosen. I am anxious to see what happens next, or rather, how what happens next is portrayed by Dallas Jenkins, producer of the series. Some pastors and other leaders do not like it, as they feel it is not Biblical. If he made a series based on the little written about in the Bible, perhaps, there might not be as much clarity as to how things may have happened. John says that the world could not contain the books if Jesus wrote about His entire life. And we are told more than once that we know in part and see in part. Dallas has worked with a Jewish Rabbi, a Catholic leader, and a Christian Pastor when writing new material. For myself, I feel that he has done a very admirable job, so we pray and ask God what He thinks. That's what I do, and He always answers. I feel that the actor who plays the part of Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, does a believable job. When I consider the personality of Jesus, he seems closest to any other actors. I even asked Jesus what He thought about Jonathan. One day we'll know. 

I had a low spot to my day. We had a visitor stop by unexpectedly. Someone I know, a young person, who has taken the wrong path in life. It saddens me to see what is happening to our world and in homes of professing Christians. The enemy is subtle, and compromise is part of his snare. I had to make some tough decisions in my life, but thankfully I did not compromise the word of God. I've done enough wrong, so I pray repentance prayers daily, as we are so vulnerable to the enemy's tricks. Anyone who thinks otherwise may get surprised, although I hope not. Children need to see consistency and transparency. So glad that our government has decided that's important.

Shabbat Shalom, dear friends.