Day 15 The Wonder of God

1/15/2025

When I was 57 years old God healed me of many chronic conditions and hideous pain, to include "incurable" conditions. I have never really listened to doctors, nor have I accepted the word "incurable" as an alternative. In my youth, my daddy did what he could do to try to find out causes and remedies. Bless him, he spent so much time and money he did not have on me, but he loved me and wanted me whole. The pain was chronic and debilitating a result of differing circumstances, but it seldom slowed me down. In recent years specialists, with all their degrees and diagnoses, have felt exasperation and confusion over my condition. Some felt that it was impossible to cope with such pain, so I was used as a guinea pig by one and scrutinized by others. I was the energizer bunny who functioned, because I had to, with severe, almost daily migraine headaches. When I look back on it now, I smile, because my response is the same...the grace of God carried me through. Then, once they found an underlying "cause," God miraculously healed me, after, I might add, the "treatment" almost killed me. In fact, a specialist told his intern, right in front of me, that I should be dead. Now that's a nice prognosis. I don't know how, why, or many of the baffling comments and queries one could ask. What I do know is that God healed me, delivered me, saved me, and He keeps me. I stand on His word, because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and He said that He sent His Word and healed me of all of my diseases (Psalm 107:20). How He does it, whether it be spontaneously or suddenly, over a period of time (appointed time), or using a physician, the point is that He heals. He is the God of miracles, and He knows the length of our days and the plan He has ordained that we accomplish.

I know a lady who had to have her kidney removed. For years she would return to the doctor to keep an eye on the remaining kidney, so scans were routinely done. At one such appointment, the doctor approached her after viewing the scan quite perplexed. He said, "You know the kidney we moved all those years ago? Well, it grew back in full function." Today, in our prayer meeting, our beloved friend from the Philippines was attending after severe illness. He reported to us that although he suffered a massive heart attack and had two blocked and severely calcified arteries, that he never felt pain or fatigue or any of the symptoms one would suspect. He was told to go home and rest to gain his strength to prepare for open heart surgery, so he has been resting. He relayed to us a story about his time of rest. He was called by a woman he had not spoken with for some time named Grace who called to invite him to stay at her hotel free of charge, The Jerusalem Hotel. It was located on Strength Street. So, after marveling over this, he availed himself of her generosity and wondered about the names of the hotel and street address, as well as her name, Grace. He felt that surely God had shown His mercy and grace during this time. So he rested, and he regained his strength, and he said it was the best sleep ever. He never suffered discomfort, no symptoms. When he returned to the doctor, again a perplexed look on his face and look of incredible wonder, he was told that his heart had grown two new arteries pumping blood to his heart. He also said there would be no need of surgery!! Also, on the same call, another brother in Christ gave his testimony of a similar thing happening to him a few years past. Incredible the things our God can do!

A dear brother in the Lord, Danny Bohi, the founder of Becoming Love ministry in Kansas, passed away on October 27, 2024. I was never privileged to meet him personally, but he was a frequent visitor to another prayer ministry, Well-Versed, and I was an attendee on the prayer calls. Danny had been involved in an horrible accident as a pedestrian, hit by a semi-truck, but whom God had miraculously put together again, except for one remaining thorn in the flesh, like Paul. God also blessed Danny with the gift of healing. He was very calm, reassuring and compassionate in the way he spoke, never shouting or stomping his feet (he couldn't anyway), but he would quietly call forth words of knowledge while speaking on the call, and people were healed instantly. I was one of those people who received healing from severe neck pain I had been dealing with since 2016 when I had trauma to my head. He spoke the word of knowledge, not knowing who was on the call, I received that word of knowledge, and I am healed of that awful pain. God continued to use Danny until his death. He will be sorely missed, but all of heaven rejoices for the home going of this God loving and God fearing man. Oh, how he loved Jesus! What a testimony of a life well lived, hidden in Christ who is seated in the heavens making continuous intercession for each of us.

There are those pastors who do not believe this happens, and who have even cursed them if they have such a gift and do not go to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis and speak healing to all the children who suffer from cancer. I don't understand all the ways of how God heals and when, nor did Danny, or any of us, as the scriptures say we know in part and see through a glass darkly (1 Corinthians 13:12). Jesus, while on earth, said in John 5:19 that He could do nothing except His Father will. But, when He died on the cross He said it is finished (John 19:30), and in two scriptures, one in the Old Testament (Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24). When Jesus was teaching He said in John 4:34, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work. I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don't seek My own will, but the will of My Father who sent me." There are other verses in the Bible where Jesus says the same thing.

I have three miracle children, whom I have been told I could never bear, after all three had been born.  Each of them is suffering physical and emotional conditions. Death has been spoken over each of them, as it was over me. Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." I have found this to be true. This is why when I am praying for life threatening conditions, I instruct the person not to let a physician or anyone speak words of death over the one for whom they are praying, especially children. I have seen more than one "impossibility" turned around by obedience to the Word of God. 

Again, I don't understand everything, and I never will, and the Bible says, as I quoted, that we don't know everything, so don't listen to anyone who says they know everything. It just isn't so for one important reason: WE are NOT God! His ways are higher, His thoughts are infinitely more wonderful (Isaiah 55:8-9). We are told to trust Him, so I do. I stand on the Word of God as the lamp upon my feet and the light unto my path (Psalm 119:105), and I hide His word in my heart that I might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:10-13). I also grab hold to any scriptural promise that God speaks directly to me. There have been many.

In closing, let me share a few nuggets of truth, and I pray that someone will be blessed and encouraged by my words, God's word really. There is one I speak daily as I take my one prescribed medication, and the daily supplements, from Proverbs 4:20-22: My son, pay attention to what I say, listen closely to my words,  do not let them out of your sight, keep them in your heart, for they are life to those who keep them, and health to your whole body. May you find encouragement and rest for your souls as you abide in Christ, as He makes His home in your heart.

Isaiah 30:15 In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall by your strength.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!

Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall fed calves.

Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.

Psalm 118:17-18 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death.

Psalm 107:20 He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (diseases).

2 Kings 20:5 I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you.

Psalm 127:2 It is a vain thing for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of toil, for so He gives unto His beloved sleep.

Day 14 Live to Fight

 1/14/2025 

It's always reassuring to me, and a bit baffling, when my daily scripture readings and the message I glean coincide with either another devotional or a conversation. In today's case, I was stunned to hear a member of our prayer call with the same thoughts as mine regarding the same passage of scripture. I sit up and take notice when something like this happens, or when God wakes me up with one very understandable word. In our Torah portions we have been studying the life of Joseph. He's one of my favorites, and I can identify with his life and the roundabout method God chose to get His point across to Joseph's family in order to save their lives and those of people living in Egypt and surrounding areas. Nothing happens by coincidence in the scriptures and certainly not in my life. 

Joseph's story begins in Genesis 37 and ends in Chapter 50. Joseph was well loved by his father, so his brothers hated him. Joseph was born late in Jacob's life, as Rachel, his mother, couldn't conceive until the appointed time. Joseph has two dreams that really upset his brothers and irritated his father, as they suggested that they would one day bow down to Joseph. So, his brothers end up selling him to some Ishmaelite traders who take him to Egypt. During a series unfortunate incidents, Joseph ends up in prison, eventually working his way up to being second in command subject only to Pharaoh. Joseph's dreams proved to be very important, as they foretold of a great famine coming to the country after a time of prosperity. So, in the end Joseph ends up saving the lives of his family and reuniting with his grief stricken older father. It's a great story!

Joseph marries Pharaoh's daughter, having two sons, Manasseh which means "to forget," as Joseph could put the past behind, and Ephraim meaning "fruitful, productive, and fertile." Joseph told his brothers that what they meant for evil God turned around for good. 

In the scriptures God speaks of appointed times and seasons, and Biblical prophesy is working its way out today. In discussing the prayer points for Israel today, we were discussing this story and the significance of how it relates to the hostage deals. It always seems that things get close to happening, everyone is anxious because we have prayed for breakthrough for so long, and then, the other side changes its mind or changes the agreed to deal. This has happened so many times. But just like Joseph, leadership, as well as the hostage families, must continue to remain steadfast under extreme pressure. Hard to do, but today is day 466 since the tragic day. 

Over the weeks I have had many dreams and quick visions when I drift off to sleep in my chair, and I feel that the angel of the Lord is keeping vigil over these dear ones, even though they are suffering at the hands of evil. Days before this, God had given me the word, "Stand," as in Ephesians 6 when we put on the whole armor of God. I remembered a phrase from the movie "The Mummy," where the lead character, anxious to save the librarian, was told to "live to fight another day." The important thing is that the hostages are released, the living and the dead, to bring closure to the families and peace. The battle can still be won, so this will never happen again.

The people of Israel have been steadfast in their ability to continue on, even participating in joyful feasts, but all our hearts are heavy, waiting. As we stand, as we pray and trust God, we must remain steadfast in our hope, our faith, our trust in God. The worship song for the morning, as we always enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, was an old favorite of mine, "Great is Thy Faithfulness." I think this was very meaning considering all things.

Tuesday evenings I join a smaller group, including some from the daily calls, and we pray for Israel and America, as the two are inextricably joined together. The scripture portion I felt led to share was from Isaiah 57:7-11:

⁷ My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise.
⁸ Awake, my glory!
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.

⁹ I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
¹⁰ For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds.

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

So much is going on in our nation and world that can cause us to take our focus off of more important things. I call these distractions, and although they are all very serious, the enemy uses such to divert our attention and prayer away from the main focus. He has been particularly busy for the last few years. Nothing happens by coincidence. God does not cause catastrophic things to happen, but He can use them to work out His plans. In the meantime, as we pray, we must "stand" and be "steadfast." As watchmen on the wall for Israel, we will keep our eyes fixed on the Commander of the Armies of Heaven, remaining at our assigned posts, remaining in the fight:

Isaiah 62:6-7

⁶ I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
⁷ And give Him no rest till He establishes
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

This is our position and mandate from the Lord, and we will be watchful, and we will remain hopeful, looking for any ray of sunshine to light our way.

Day 13 The Things That Matter

 1/13/2025

My mind has been preoccupied with the disaster happening in California. I have been listening to testimonies of those who have suffered the loss of their homes, of those who have friends or loved ones who have escaped harm, some are missing their whereabouts uncertain, of firefighters battling the relentless blaze before another one starts, and of those who are offering support. People are terrified, angry, and shocked to the point of unbelief. It is a tragic thing that is happening, as we pray for rain and for the winds to die down. So many acres have burned, homes gone, animals and people have lost their lives. 

It is always comforting to see people rallying together to help each other. The bar has been dropped in Los Angeles, now the poor and rich sit together grieving, mending lives, trying to get a handle on exactly how something like this could happen. Why wasn't the government better prepared. Wild fires are prevalent in California, but the Santa Ana winds are generally not this fierce. Many questions are being asked, and there is much speculation. Meanwhile, people are suffering, grieving losses, asking questions, and wondering what to do next. 

Fortunately some churches have rallied to provide tangible help such as shelter, food, clothing, as many only ran out of danger with just the clothes on their backs. Restaurants and other businesses have been completely decimated, so food is one great necessity. This is a nightmare. Operation Blessing, Crisis Response International, and Samaritan's Purse have boots on the ground to assist in any way they can, especially with emotional and spiritual support, and helping people dig through the ash in the hope of finding something left of their former lives. Listening to the people talk about it, hearing how neighbors have been helping each other really warms my heart. It is as it should be all the time; not just in times of crisis. One man said that money and status or station in life, celebrity or otherwise, are insignificant at times like these, as they support and help one another. Homes of all sizes and value have been snuffed out in one cataclysmic inferno. It is at times like this that priorities take on a different meaning. People are more important than things.

What should we learn at times like these? North Carolina is still picking up the pieces since Hurricane Helene swept through destroying towns. Maui in Hawaii was victim to a crippling fire, and they are slowly rebuilding their lives. At a time when antisemitism is on the rise, the local synagogue opened their doors to all people, not just the Jewish citizens. Neighbor helping neighbor, reaching across the borders that have needlessly separated citizens of Los Angeles. All differences put aside to focus on the one thing needed - help in time of need, kindness, compassion, and a listening ear. Isn't this the way we should always conduct our lives? Shouldn't we always share the love of Christ with everyone, especially those who hurt, regardless of differing views? Jesus went around doing good. Words are not nearly as important as actions. This is what He taught. In His sermon on the mount He made things very clear. When asked what the two greatest commandments are, He responded as follows:

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:36-39 NKJV)

These are perilous times in our nation and in the world, and we are in great need of repentance and turning back to God. I have said many times, and the scriptures loudly state this truth: Judgment begins in the house of the Lord. (1 Peter 4:17) Before a hurting world can recognize their need for a Savior, for a life-changing miracle, the church as to wake up. It begins with one life realizing our need to take responsibility for our actions. We can learn a lesson from Moses and Daniel, great intercessors who first confessed their sins before a merciful, loving God, including themselves in the sins of a nation, even when they had not sinned themselves. This is the way it begins.

We need to greet each day with gratitude and thanksgiving. We need to help as many people as we can, however we can, for as long as we can. We need to share the greatest gift a person can have, the gift of eternal life. Since moving back home, I have met a few of my neighbors and rekindled old friendships, but I realize that I need to do more. I want to make that my priority. Thankfully, my parents' church, just across the highway from my parents' home, now my home, is one that reaches out into the community routinely, and it is one rich in discipleship, training people and equipping them to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, being a friend at all times, in season and out. 

I want to finish the race that is set before me. I want to reach for the prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ. I want to leap and dance and sing and praise and worship until my time here on this earth is done. I want to radiate His love in the joy of sharing my testimony of the reason of hope within me.

Day 12 Courage, Dear One

1/12/2025

Listening to Joshua Aaron singing in the Garden Tomb during the Feast of Tabernacles carries me back in time, remembering dreams I had so long ago. Sometimes I mourn all the missed opportunities, but I am learning that some dreams never die, while others are birthed in ways we cannot imagine. What saddens me the most is knowing that a careless comment or indifference of one person can squash the hopes of another. I have experienced this more than once in my own life, and more recently I've learned that one of my own children suffered in a similar way.

My younger son is a brilliant guitarist, but he doesn't play as he once did. The guitar is old and in need of repair, and his hands are stiff from arthritis. I encourage him to try, and some mornings I'll hear the faint melodic chords rising from the basement beneath my room. When he was sixteen he was invited to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, a prestigious school for guitarists, much as Julliard is for the arts. Sadly, his acceptance was kept from me, and he was discouraged from going for lack of money for tuition. I imagine I was not told, because I was taking care of my daughter, who was very ill. I, myself, was very ill also, but this would not have mattered had I known. I mourn the lost dream, the discouragement from one parent, and my not knowing or being able to help. My son and I talk about many things, lost opportunities, the words of others that crush the spirit, and those who are so preoccupied with their own lives that they have no time to be a true friend. My moving back to Virginia has hopefully been an encouragement to him, and my hope is that he will not give up. He does believe that God orchestrates circumstances in our lives, and he believes in destiny. At least he's thinking about it, and he hasn't given up hope.

When my children were growing up I always tried to encourage them to be and to do what they truly wanted. It didn't matter if one had lofty dreams and the others were more down to earth. I have always been a dreamer, and I still am. The only thing is that age is catching up with me, but it doesn't keep me from drifting away in memories or considering possibilities. I want that for my kids too. 

When my older son went away to college, he wanted me to go with him so I could go to medical school as I always wanted. I had been inspired to study medicine when I was very young, after reading The Burma Surgeon, about a missionary doctor. So many years have passed since that day. Chronic illness has overshadowed each of our lives, some more than others, but it doesn't mean the vision dies. Life goes on, and adjustments can be made. All we need is faith. God can do the impossible, and He has proven this more than once in my life. The Bible says that God takes the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, and I believe that about sums up my view of life, my own especially. Balaam's donkey has nothing on me. 

I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know that each day is a gift from God, and each day needs to be cherished. I can't change what I didn't know or what I couldn't do, but I know that my God and Father can move mountains. I know that He has a plan for me and each one of my children. I don't care how old I am or what is going on in any of their lives. I know in Whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day (2 Timothy 1:12).

He wants that for each of His children. It is so wrong to discourage another or poke fun at what another says. Words are truly life and death, and they must be guarded. So many children need our love, and they need to know that there is purpose in life, and of the gifts God has given to each of them. Ben Carson is an example of someone who had the support of his single mother who worked two jobs to put him through medical school. She's my hero. We can all be heroes to someone to believe in them, especially when they doubt themselves. I want to be that person for my children, for others, and even for myself. I want to mount up with wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not faint. I want to dream, but much more, I want to walk in the plan God has for me no matter how long it takes! I want to finish well.                                                                                                                               

Day 11 Furry Friends

1/11/2025

As usual I was up late watching the snow fall, wondering where my free-spirited cat was hanging out, as he would not consider coming inside the warm home or inside his cat home outside, even in the worst snow fall. His food was still in his bowl, as I always put out a midnight snack. How I wish he'd take shelter at home, but he'd rather brave the elements than become a prissy stay-at-home cat. No sir, Alex, a long-haired, wannabe Maine coon, thinks he's the lion king of the neighborhood, master over all the unwanted critters that take shelter in an abandoned house on the far side of the block. His former owner's boyfriend didn't like him, so Alex, then known only as "Cat," roamed freely until the day he came meowing up my sidewalk like he knew this was home. As friendly as he is with me, he demands his freedom. He does sit still long enough for flea and tick treatments and annual trips to the vet, but otherwise this boy is his own cat. Master of his own destiny!

It's funny, but I've never been a cat person, but somehow this little rascal has stolen my heart, and I miss him when he's off on one of forays searching for an unsuspecting field mouse. My neighbor says since Alex has been around here he's not seen one mouse. Alex is well loved, no doubt, and when he's missing for a day or two, we wonder if he's safe or holed up at some other ole lady's digs who felt sorry for his soft-spoken meows and leg hugs. Yes, he's a rascal that one, but I love him.

 I have often shared stories about my dogs, my own and later on, my neighbor's dogs, who really loved to hang out with me and go for walks in the snow. Kenya, a beautiful malamute, even loved to dance with me. She'd meet me every evening when I came home after traveling. She guarded me well, and she was a friend who listened well. Her hugs were genuine. As she got older, she got slower, and one day she disappeared. I learned that she had come to say goodbye to me in the morning, then had gone to lie down under the tree where she passed away quietly. I hope she knew I loved her. I still miss her. The neighbors, realizing how much I grieved for her decided to send Shadow, their pit bull, over to brighten up my days. He did, even though when he bounded up the ramp at my place he'd almost knock me down. But, like Kenya, he was always there, watching over me and protecting me. I miss that blunderbuss of a puppy, but he was a kind and loving friend too.

Then there were my two border collies who were dumpster babies who climbed out of the bin and through the hole in the fence of my daughter's yard in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She couldn't keep them, so I became the parent. Those two were my joy, but they could also be mischievous. The rabbit living under the old shed gave them a run for their money every day when we'd go for long walks and runs. They loved the snow and the mud. I remember a few days when I didn't know where they'd gone. I was worried sick, afraid the coyotes had gotten them, but they finally showed up covered in mud but happy and free. 

I've been blessed with many furry friends over the long years. Sometimes I think they're the best and truest friends, as their love is unconditional, and they don't mind how long you spend talking and petting them, as long as you share a treat or two. All gone now, except for Alex. But no, my son has a tabby named Mia. She spends most of her days, and nights, on my bed. Yesterday I found her snoozing on my knitting project. That did not end well, but it wasn't her fault, it was mine, so she accepted an alternative blanket. She can be demanding, but she enjoys a good battle with the plush animals that live on my bed. 

And so it is. My simple, yet complicated life. I'm grateful for the company and the trust. I never want for laughter either. Lord, watch over all the furry friends tonight in this ice and snow. Keep them warm and loved.

 Miss Mia