Day 277 Rising Sun, Setting Same

 

10/4/2026

"From the rising of the sun to its going down

Adonai's name is to be praised."

Psalm 113:3 

  

Although the Feast of Tabernacles is over in Jerusalem, and most of those in attendance have returned to their own countries and homes, I continue to bask in the anointed teaching and worship from my window seat in my prayer room. People who have visited Israel to attend God's appointed feasts or for other events hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem or other venues say that once a person goes to Israel and steps on the land and experiences the life, their lives and hearts will be forever changed. I realize that this does not apply to all who go there, especially those who want a stamp on their passports or a notch in their world traveler belt, but if one goes with their heart for Israel desiring a deeper and clear revelation of God's land and walk the steps of Jesus and experience personally God's presence in the land, they will be forever changed. Although I would have loved to attend the feast in person this year, when I asked Abba, I felt as if "not yet" was the response. Things here continue to be unsettled with regard to health concerns, but that would not be a reason for me to remain home if I was the only one affected. Besides which, I still do not have my passport, but that will be taken care of by the beginning of the New Year, as it is important for me to do so. No, I would drop everything and answer God's call wherever He wanted me to be regardless of my issues. My only concern with going to Israel is that I will not want to return. I belong there. I know this in my heart, and my love for Israel and her people grows daily. I just wonder whether an old lady like me could find a place to serve, or if I'm too old to be useful. I guess we'll see what God does with me. For now I'm here, and I am content to follow His plan.

There were two evening events this year dedicated to The Next Generation with worship and special guests. UpperRoom Worship from Dallas, Texas led by Pastor Michael Miller provided the worship and ministry on the first evening. The worship music was amazing, and Pastor Michael spoke about what it means to tabernacle with God. He asked the question: "Have I fulfilled the desires of God on the earth in my life?" Explaining the Greek and the Hebrew meanings of the word "tabernacle" he examined what God meant in Revelation 21:3: "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.'" John is speaking of the time when the new Heaven and new Earth come down God dwells or makes His home with us in Jerusalem, Zion, where King David lived, called the city of God. The scriptures are so ripe with meaning, and Pastor Michael challenged the young people, and older ones as well, to dig into the Word of God and eat the word, devour it! There is life in each syllable. 

 Mike Huckabee, our Ambassador to Israel, former Governor of Arkansas, and a wonderful Christian man of God and pastor, spoke this evening, and offered a truly expiring message from the Lord. The message to the young people challenged the youth with three points: a. Be Bold, b. Be Biblical, and c. Be Balanced. He shared about not fearing what others had to say, because God gives us the strength to be bold, without fear. Life will offer many challenges, but we don't base decisions or actions on what we feel, how others perceive things, or even what we believe to be so. A Christian bases every decision on the response to the question: "What does God's Word say?" The Bible should always be our guide. And finally, living a balanced life means "Stop Scrolling" (my words), and remember that we represent God, so our lives must be based on His Word. The old question when I was a teenager was "What would Jesus Do?" 

This morning as I was listening to one of the morning sessions there was a brief pause for worship by NorthWorship, a group from Norway, whose leader is a part of ICEJ working with the Next Generation. As they began to sing a song written by Nathaniel Bassey, a worship leader from Nigeria, called Adonai, I became totally undone. I was swept into God's presence as I wept and worshiped the LORD of Lords. The words of the simple melody, repeated over and over, quietly and reverently before our LORD were:

"AAAAAAAA Adonai, AAAAAAAA Adonai, From the rising of the sun, til the setting of the same, Your Name is to be hallowed, Adonai."

My spirit joined with God's Spirit, Holy Spirit, and together we soared to Heaven. I have experienced the presence of God daily, but there have only been a few times since moving home that I have felt such a connection with Adonai like this one. It's not easy to explain what living in the presence of God is like, except to say it is Holy Ground. The Scriptures speak of dwelling in the secret place of the most high, or as Pastor Michael attempted to explain, with great frustration at times I might add, it means tabernacle with God. King David spoke of it in Scripture often:

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." (Psalm 91:1-2) 

"You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7)

These verses speak of intimacy with God that comes through relationship, and it is what He desires to have with His people, including Gentile believers. I hope that those words do not cause a problem or do not settle well with anyone, as I realize that many who are in the church, who have grown up in the church still do not understand that we can actually have an intimate relationship with our Father as if He is some plasmic ghost set so far above us that He would never condescend to come to earth. Not so, Jesus left His throne in Heaven to come and dwell with us. He lived, died, rose again, and then He ascended back to Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. But He was faithful to His word, and He sent Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity to dwell within us. It still remains a mystery, but one day, when we are with Him in our new home in Jerusalem, we will understand. Until then I can rest on what I have learned from Scriptures and from what I have experienced. It feels like Heaven!   

Day 274 Enduring

 

10/1/2026

"People many times must eat their words, 

but God will never eat His."

Daily Walk

"For I am the Lord - I do not change!"  

Malachi 3:6

 

Today I began reading the New Testament beginning with the Gospel of Matthew, a Jewish tax collector who became a follower of Christ Jesus. As a disciple chosen by Jesus to follow Him Matthew wrote a detailed account of the life shared day by day as His follower, beginning with the account of the lineage of Christ beginning with Abraham. I have always loved discussing the descendants within Jesus' family tree, as it gives me so much hope and assurance that God can work miracles and give grace to all. He mentions the mothers in some instances which further is reason to give glory to God, as each named has special significance in the story. 

Over the months I have attempted to "write the story;" I don't know how many times I have mentioned the need to do so, as it is the last thing Abba told me to do. And it has been continuously echoed in my spirit as I seek Him daily for direction. Coming back to this Gospel only reinforces His words forever engraved upon my heart. "The Story" is truly "His Story," the one written on my heart concerning who He is and for evermore shall be.

At the writing of this account by Matthew, from the words spoken by Malachi the prophet to Israel, there have been 400 years of silence before John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the Messiah, begins his ministry calling for repentance, announcing that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Many responded to the words of this wild, rough around the edges wild-man who dressed in burlap with a rope around his middle and ate locusts and wild honey as his food. John didn't care about what he looked like or about anything other than the message he was anointed to speak to the people of Israel. He did so at great peril, and his boldness led to his death at the hands of Herod, a Roman king who bowed to the whims of a woman, who had brought further shame upon his name, rather than listen to the urging within his own soul. 

After the baptism of John, Jesus is led into the wilderness by Holy Spirit where He was tempted by satan before He emerged victorious over temptation, to begin His ministry on earth proclaiming that the Kingdom of God was at hand. He called for repentance, but now He offered much more as He was and is the Promised Messiah who takes away the sins of the world. 

In Malachi 3:1-4 the prophet gives the warning to the people of the coming of a Messenger of God:

"'Listen, I will send my messenger before me to prepare the way. And then the One you are looking for will come suddenly to His Temple - the Messenger of God's promises, to bring you great joy. Yes, He is surely coming,' says the Lord Almighty. 'But who can live when He appears? Who can endure His coming? For He is like a blazing fire refining precious metal and He can bleach the dirtiest garments! Like a refiner of silver He will sit and closely watch as the dross is burned away. He will purify the Levites, the ministers of God, refining them like gold or silver, so that they will do their work for God with pure hearts. Then once more the Lord will enjoy the offerings brought to Him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as He did before.'"

The same message spoken then to a generation of people who had turned their backs on the living God resounds in our nations today. Jesus comes to offer salvation to those who hear His voice crying in the wilderness to prepare us for the coming Kingdom of God. Everything we do, every person we meet needs to hear the Gospel message, the only message of Truth in this dry and empty land where there is no water - no spiritual life. Even the church that has been given this Good News to spread abroad, across our nation and beyond, has grown cold or lukewarm, straddling the fence, afraid to speak out for fear of retribution, persecution, or worse. In the book of Revelation it is recorded that the saints overcame the enemy by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimonies, and they loved not their lives to the death (Revelation 12:11). Many fear those last words "and they loved not their lives to the death." There is coming a time, and indeed that time may be here, when we may be required to make the choice to say "Yes" to Jesus and "No" to anyone who asks us to make the other choice. I have already made that choice in my family, but I will never deny Christ. He is our only reason to live, as God alone is the Giver of Life. The message must be shared. How will you respond? 

Day 276 Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah

 

10/3/2026

"Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation."

Isaiah 12:3  

 

As the seven days of the appointed Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot ends, the 8th day of assembly called Shemini Atzeret, an independent one day celebration, begins today. It is a festive holiday where no work is allowed, the businesses are closed, no traffic is allowed, and the same rules apply since this day is on the Sabbath. The women light candles and recite special blessings according to the Chabad, and there are prayers for rain. This day is followed by Simchat Torah which means "The Joy of the Torah," that marks the end of the reading cycle of the Torah and the beginning of the new Torah cycle. It is a festive, joyous occasion with special foods prepared that represent the Torah such as rice and meat wrapped in cabbage leaves to resembled the Torah scrolls. Again, no one works, and there is dancing in the streets as the men dance carrying the Torah scrolls and men dance with their children on their shoulders.

This is the beginning of the rainy season, so the prayers are for rain. The rainy season only occurs twice a year in Israel, so it is much needed for the crops. In Isaiah 44:1-5 we read of God's blessing on Israel:  

"'Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant, and Israel whom I have chosen. Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you: 'Fear not, O Jacob My servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring; they will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses.' One will say, 'I am the LORD's'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; another will write with his hand, 'The LORD's,' and name himself by the name of Israel."   

The scripture promises that as water nourishes the earth and blesses the ground, so God's spirit will pour out on the descendants of Israel producing the blessing of offspring for future generations. It mentions salvation for all Israel whom God has chosen as His own. As we offer intercession for Israel and for our own nations who have been going through difficult seasons of war and continuous persecution and threats, as we draw life from the living springs of water, we lay down despair, disappointments, and all discouragement that weighs us down. And as Isaiah 12:3 says with joy we draw water from the wells of salvation. As the rain begins to fall we offer thanks to God for blessings over the dry places of our lives, our families, our friends, and our nations. Rain signifies the outpouring of Holy Spirit over us, and Holy Spirit draws all men to salvation through Christ Jesus, our Messiah. God has promised that all Israel will be saved. To this we pray amen and amen!

As we look back over the feast days, all of Israel has been blessed, and we anticipate more and better opportunities to share in the restoration and healing of Israel as a nation still going through the trauma of October 7, 2023. May we continue to stand on the wall as watchman and bring comfort and hope to all.

Day 275 Mighty is Our God

 

10/2/2026

"'If it had  not been the LORD who was on our side,' 

let Israel now say -"

Psalm 124:1

 

Everyone is still reeling from the excitement of the FlyDubai airplane attempted hijacking on Wednesday by the terrorist from Oman who was co-piloting the airplane from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying 170 Israeli passengers. As reports continue to unfold there are more and more reasons to rejoice, as it becomes more obvious that God had His hand on the people of Israel. Psalm 124 speaks of the glory of our God:

"'If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,' let Israel now say - 'If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.' Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

The name of the LORD is indeed a strong tower, and the righteous run into it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). The plumber who managed to subdue the terrorist, took over the controls and righted the plane, as it was plummeting to the ground at such a rapid pace that the tail had already broken on the plane. There were two off duty pilots on board who took over and safely landed it, which was indeed a miracle as it happened so fast. Split second accuracy. While all this was going on the terrorized passengers were praying the Shema, and once the plane was stabilized they were shouting "Am Israel Chai!" Everyone was rejoicing in the air and on the ground.

One of our leaders at the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem who was in attendance at the Feast of Tabernacles grabbed another leader, and they started to dance round and round reminiscent of the dance of the Orthodox Jews dancing in the streets in joyous celebration of our miracle-working God. We giggled from joy when we heard the story retold of our dancing leaders, because this response is totally the opposite of their humble, quiet and reserved personalities. It's true that the joy of the Lord is indeed our strength!! They danced like King David did with total abandon, and he didn't care who criticized him, as David's wife Michal called the king's enthusiasm disgusting. David just danced higher and rejoiced more loudly, and I doubt that our two leaders would have cared what others thought either. They danced from sheer joy and abandon at the greatness of our God. I danced myself when I heard the news, and I continue to do so, but this is the way I am, and the kitten didn't mind sharing the dance.

This should be further proof to those who continue to teach Replacement Theology that our God has never broken His covenant with His Chosen People Israel! He could never forget His people, as He states over and over in His Word if anyone really chose to read it. Our God never changes, and we should rejoice over that fact as well, as through faith in Jesus Christ we've been grafted into the vine and share in the inheritance of our Jewish brethren. Our God never fails! He is a covenant keeping Father! 

This year for Sukkot an invitation was extended to the local Messianic body to join in the Feast of Tabernacles with ICEJ. They were invited to do what they do, but to do it with us, and it has been the greatest participation with the local body in the history of the Feasts hosted by ICEJ. They wanted the people of Israel to know that we stand in solidarity with them, so more local speakers and special guests  were invited, and it has been a wonderful feast with about 2,000 locals in attendance, along with other feast goers. I am still trying to play catch up with my online viewing.

Our greatest desire is for a fresh outpouring of Holy Spirit to fall and embolden each person in attendance much as the fire of heaven fell on the Day of Pentecost. Our desire is to see all of Israel saved and filled with the power of God to go out and do great exploits for the Kingdom of God. What an exciting day that will be! I pray the same for America and for the other nations to catch a fresh wind of Holy Spirit and be transformed by the renewal of their minds and hearts, conformed to the image of our Lord. Nothing is impossible with God. 

Day 273 Vertical Hold

 

9/30/2026

 "Life's horizontal can only be fine-tuned when

Jesus Christ is in control of the vertical hold."

Daily Walk

"My life's horizontal was fine-tuned when Jesus got control

of my vertical hold!"

 

When I opened my eyes this morning I was greeted by a mischievous kitten trying to get my attention by pouncing on my stomach, then once I turned over, she got in my hair. I believe that's her way of telling me she is not to be ignored when she is hungry. She has irritating habits that bother Mia, my son's older cat, and when Mia has had enough of Fae she can become quite verbal and often physical. Such is life inside the home, while outside Alex quietly bids me "good morning" and "where's my grub!" Next I'll have to introduce a lively puppy into the mix!

Grabbing a cup of coffee and heading back to my window seat to spend quiet time with the Lord is becoming increasingly difficult with another animal underfoot. I've been trying to hurry back to my room and shut the door in order to avoid relay races - first, on the bed and onto the window sill, back to the floor, shoot under the bed and out the door in lickety split time. That's Fae's morning marathon race first thing each day. Yes, life has changed for me.

Turning on the computer has become a great test of my will power as evil seems to breed in every corner of the world, but this morning the news brought a wave of feelings beginning with tears of thanksgiving, followed by deep sorrow, and ending in utter distaste all in a short period of time. I have had to ask Abba to forgive me so many times this week for doing something I advise everyone not to do - scroll! I try to make it a habit not to turn on my computer until just before the global prayer meeting unless I sense there has been problems in Israel or within our country that I need to know. This morning, waiting for me in my inbox was the story of the attempted hijacking of Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv and the heroic efforts of the pilot and others onboard to stop the terrorist from crashing the plane into Israeli civilian territory. As the story continues to unfold 174 Israeli passengers and 6 crew members were on board including two off-duty Israeli pilots who were able to land the plane. The pilot was stabbed, but as the plane was descending he managed to force himself past the assailant and open the door to the cockpit and allow help to come in. It is my understanding that a plumber grabbed the controls and was miraculously able to right the rapidly descending airplane. God is always present in our times of need! Who can deny this?! All glory and honor to God! 

As the particulars of the attack were prayed over we realized more and more the wonder-working power of our Almighty God who has His hand on His chosen people. During this season of the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of celebration and joy, the enemy was once more attempting to bring disaster on these precious people and God's land. Next Wednesday will mark the third year since 10/7/2023 when Hamas viciously murdered and mutilated 1200 innocent Israeli men, women and children on the morning of Simchat Torah. This observance marks the end of the public Torah readings for the year and the beginning of the reading of Torah. It is the culmination of the Feast of Tabernacles when there is dancing in the streets as the rolled Torah scrolls are carried into the street in praise to God. There is dancing and feasting with special traditions and the people rejoice in the life-giving Torah! 

The next news I saw was a short notice of the death of a television actor's thirteen year old daughter to suicide according to the article. Although the exact cause of her death was not disclosed, a notice for suicide prevention was listed. It grieves my heart so deeply to watch what is happening to the young people with so much confusion and controversy literally being thrown on the shoulders of children not old enough to understand life much less the perversity the world feels they need to know. A child is no longer allowed to be a child or live out their childhood in a sane and reasonable manner with their innocence protected. The internet, cell phones, and now AI companions bring more disparity and emotion and mental cruelty into their lives. If I grieve, I know God does, and one day man will have to answer for the evil destroying the lives of these innocent ones. We must do better!

Lastly, or at least for me, the last evil I allowed my eyes to see was regarding the execution of a young woman who murdered her girlfriend in 1995 who has been on death row in Tennessee for this crime. She was due to be executed by lethal injection, but at first there was a short stay until the Supreme Court moved that the execution should continue as planned. It is my understanding that after two attempts to administer the lethal drugs, the execution failed, and the woman is now in critical condition. The story becomes more tragic as this story unfolds, and all I can do is shake my head and cry out to Abba Father for His mercy and grace for this woman and for the family of the one she murdered in 1995. Such a tragic waste of life of the woman who murdered a supposed friend in an act of jealousy, and the tragedy of the mother of the deceased who will not forgive the transgression. Because of her failure to release her hatred and choose to forgive, trusting God to bring life into this cruel act, she has never found peace that only God the Father can give. We desperately need the Lord. People need the Lord!

People Need the Lord by Steve Green

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Day 272 Hodu L'Adonai Ki Tov

 

9/29/2026

"Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice

in the LORD your God; for He has given you the former

rain faithfully, and He will cause the rain to come down for

you - the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. The

threshing floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats

shall overflow with new wine and oil."

Joel 2:23-24

 

Give thanks to the LORD for He is good - Hodu L'Adonai Ki Tov! It's Tuesday morning worship watch with Kehilat HaCarmel in Israel, and the team is worshiping and rejoicing in the Lord for all He is doing for Israel and her people. It's day five of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the people have been rejoicing in the Lord, exalting His name. Many have come up to the Feast of the LORD to celebrate His goodness. People are dancing in the street, and more people are going to the western wall to cry out to God for His blessings. People are beginning to hunger and thirst for more of God, and we are praying for opportunities to share the love of Christ with them. We are praying in agreement with the scriptures that all of Israel will be saved!

One comment that was made about the Feast of Tabernacles event held by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem this year is that the worship has been very intimate, not staged, not theatrical as in previous years. Everything this year has been simple, which makes it more worshipful, calling for the presence of the Lord, or I should say honoring His presence that is within us. Aaron Shust was one of the featured worship leaders, and many times he sang with only his guitar in hand, not other accompaniment. It was special. I haven't had the opportunity to watch all the sessions yet, as my week has been very busy, but I am looking forward to relaxing this weekend so I can catch up with all the events.

Since the enemy continues to raise up his ugly head, the war continues and the soldiers of the IDF are still on duty, and sometimes there seems to be no end to the war, but God is using everything that happens to bring something good for His purpose in the lives of the people of Israel. Regardless of the strain and stress that comes with war, these young men and women who make up the IDF continue to stay the course and stand their ground, protecting Israel. They continue to have positive attitudes and hold no animosity against their enemies, especially the innocent people in Gaza who were their neighbors before all this happened almost three years ago. Everyone is anxious for this tension to be over so they can return to their families and lives and begin to rebuild. 

Testimonies have already been received of local Israeli citizens thanking the attendees at the Feast for coming, for showing their show of solidarity with Israel. The Jewish people are beginning to realize that Christians truly care about the welfare of the nation of Israel, and we are here to support them, to stand with them, and to speak out on their behalf. With the rise of antisemitism there has been more fear, but the rise of anti-Zionism is growing also, as Christians are being persecuted for standing with Israel. 

Today I finished reading the prophet Zechariah's prophecies, and the commentator made this statement: "Anticipating a day when holiness will be the hallmark of God's people is one thing; acting upon that expectation to become more like Jesus Christ in your public and private life is something altogether different. But one without the other accomplishes little as you want for that wonderful time we've been expecting, when His glory shall be seen - the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."  (Titus 2:13)

Until that time when our Savior returns we will stand as one new man, united with our Jewish brethren singing Hodu L'Adonai Ki Tov! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! 

Day 271 Not Ordinary At All

 

9/28/2026

 "The whole world is a series of miracles, but we're so used to them

we call them ordinary things."

Han Christian Andersen

 

Several times I've begun my writing mentioning the view from my window where I sit each day to commune with God, write in my journal, set blog to type, and to conduct my classes and attend meetings. When I moved here I chose to set up headquarters, as it were, in my mother's bedroom where she slept in later years when she was so mentally tormented as well as physically ill. I don't think anyone can truly grasp the depth or grasp of her pain, because she held it within herself for so long. Whatever it was that traumatized her so much, she felt that she had committed an unpardonable sin. Knowing that to be a lie of the devil I dismissed her concerns when spoken to me. I believe that she was troubled by things she imagined in her mind and reacted to things done to her. I do know that she spent time hospitalized for mental evaluation when she was suffering with a severe bladder infection that causes sepsis and mental distress in older patients. I shake my head at the insanity of the medical profession, and even though they have made advancements, in theory, little change has come in certain areas. This has led me to use the education God gifted me while studying in college and later while working in research at Medical College of Virginia. Sometimes doctors, and even researchers, overlook the most basic of God's design in His creation of man. We truly do have a body that is fearfully and wonderfully made, as Psalm 139 by King David expresses so fluidly, so eloquently in prose.

Nothing happens by chance. At least I believe that based on my life with Christ as my Teacher. My younger son, Daniel, who has fought his own ferocious lions in God's strength, believes the same. There are no coincidences, because a life hidden in Christ, surrendered to His will, is a life by His design. Even when things happen to us that are not so pleasant, and certainly not welcomed, there's a reason. Now, we have a choice in the way we handle things, and we can get ourselves into a mess, but God is always with us. We are not His puppets being manipulated and pulled this way and that. No, He loves us, and He wants the best for us, so He instructs us. What we do with it is up to us. Free will is always that! But if we choose to have a relationship with Him, we can commune with Him, dine with Him, and walk with Him in the garden of this life. We can even trudge through the valleys, or travel the heat of the desert, and ascend the hill to higher ground. Just know that even the journey to the mountain top offers briars and thistles, and an occasional smack in the face by an errant tree limb. Until we reach our heavenly home we will have trials. Jesus said so!

In John 15 Jesus instructs His disciples of His relationship with God the Father and subsequently our relationship within the bond. 

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1) In verses 9-11 Jesus speaks of love and joy perfected in this relationship: "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

The remainder of Chapter 15 discusses the world's hatred for Him and for them and of the coming rejection, and He ends the chapter by again reminding them of the role of Holy Spirit: "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning" (verses 26-26). 

In Chapter 16 He continues to speak of things to come, and again He tells them of the promise of His Spirit:

"But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, as come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:5-15) 

In the final verse of John 16:33, after speaking of His death and explaining the events to come, Jesus ends by saying "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Everything that God does for us and through us proves His great love for us and His desire to have a relationship with us - the abundant life! There is nothing ordinary in a life hidden in Christ. We take so much for granted, because we do not grasp the depth of His love. Opening our eyes, breathing the first breath, voicing the first words, singing the first song. Listening to the symphony of choruses being sung outside our bedroom windows, birds in melody with one another. The light and the warmth of the sun, and the beauty of the picturesque landscape from our windows. We have it all and more to boot! Ordinary? Not at all!