Day 166 Holding Fast

 

6/15/2026

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not;

for He is faithful that promised."

Hebrews 10:23

 

I must say that news has a way of toppling men's faith, especially for those who really have not learned what true faith is. Hebrews 11:1-3 says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." Hebrews 11 is the "faith chapter" that speaks of the saints who have already gone to their heavenly reward, who showed the type of faith God admired and recognized, beginning with Abel at the beginning of time.

I am still slowly crawling my way through Andrew Murray's expository book on Hebrews. I picked it up in October 2024, at Abba's insistence. Actually, I was disobedient for quite some time, as it is quite an undertaking and a lot of meat to chew. I read, re-read, and sometimes go back again. Murray goes verse by verse, so even though there are only 13 chapters in Hebrews, it takes time to study to keep it in context and understand related scriptures. When I finish it, I may begin again, but this time I'll try to read it faster. 

The author notes that "more than ever we shall need to hold fast our hope." Later he adds, "Life in the Holiest, in the nearness of God, must be characterized by an infinite hopefulness." Many times I've spoken of the secret place and abiding in Christ. When I see the response of some when I speak this way there's  silence, or some will say they have no idea what I'm talking about. I was speaking with my younger son today, and I was trying to explain to him that I realize that I've always been misunderstood about what I seek in my life. When I was in high school everyone thought I wanted a boyfriend, and perhaps I did just want to be normal and liked, but I wanted to be liked for the right reasons. In reading through my journals of long, long ago, I can see obvious patterns. I mention very little of anything I'm feeling, just things said to me, and my heart is an open book. Another thing I noticed was that I was always asking Abba to forgive me if I did or said anything wrong in asking my questions. I have since then attributed my education of the Bible and history to God's tutorage. If I had a questions I'd look in the Bible, and I'd ask God questions, because adults - when I was young - and adults when I was an adult either didn't have the answer or knew they didn't know the answer but didn't want to say so. It would have been so great had there been transparency back then and even now, because the discussion would be so rich and rewarding, as we searched the scriptures together. No one knows the answers, and we never will until we see Him face to face. I still have so many questions, but I have eternity to talk to God about everything. 

Murray continues his explanation of Entering the Holiest with these thoughts: "As we tarry there God can begin to do His work of grace in power. There the holiness of God can overshadow us, and can be assimilated into our life and character. There we can learn to worship in that true humility and meekness and resignation to God's will, which does not come at once, but in which we may grow up even as Jesus did. There we have to learn the holy art of intercession, so as to pray the prayer that prevails." I want to draw near to God, and I want to be able to listen, because honestly sometimes I don't know how to pray. As I was coming up the basement steps tonight I had to stop and just say aloud to God that very thing. I don't know how to pray right now. I know what the Word says, and I do pray, but I words just fail right now. I am so relieved that Holy Spirit makes intercession. He knows exactly what I am thinking, because He is the one who reminds me of the Words of Jesus. 

And this is the perfect time to draw near to the cross of Christ.  

Day 165 How long, O Lord?

 

6/14/2026

"Lord, You have been my dwelling place

in all generations."

Psalm 90:1

 

Everyone holds their breath as again we wait! Only one thing is certain, no two things are certain - No human knows what will happen moment by moment, shallow breath by breath; and second - God does! He knows everything about everything, because He is God Almighty the Creator of Heaven and Earth. He never sleeps according to Psalm 121. Our lives are in His most capable hands. He loves us, cares about and for us. Many people doubt that, and they doubt that His ways are much higher than our finite minds can begin to grasp. Personally I find peace in that knowledge and bedrock trust. He does know better, and He knows the plans He has for each of us. And so life goes on from one moment until the next, yet my life remains at peace, not always "calm," but I do have His peace that transcends all understanding. It has to be that way so that I can continue to keep my focus and my eyes on the Commander of the Armies of heaven. Simplistic, no, not really. It's called faith!

So why do I use teddy bears and children as illustrations for much that I write?! Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is made of little children, and we are to come as little children. I'll let you chew on that for a while. He doesn't want us to remain in a childish state, sucking our thumbs and hanging onto our mommy's skirt tails. He expects us to grow up as healthy Spirit filled children of God. Teddy bears - because I like them, and they bring me comfort and laughter. They remain quiet and allow me to say whatever I want to say, and they give me a hug afterwards. They agree with everything I say or think! And they let me know by their gentle, reassuring all-too-telling glance when I need to think about what to say and how to phrase it. They know, because they are all that is gentle and soft, unless of course I give them personalities that reflect my "other" side. Still, this was birthed in childhood, and perhaps it is "childish," to some, but it has saved my life in ways only trauma survivors can comprehend. 

At church this morning our passage of scripture was found in Mark 12:38-44, warning against scribes of Jesus' day, those who teach the law and the prophets, but they actually did so to their own advantage, as did the Pharisees. They looked down on many as less than themselves. The message was also a warning against the false prophets and doctrines of today, protecting ourselves by discerning the truth from what the Word of God has to say. Sound doctrine, and one I continually preach myself. The only way we can avoid that error in judgment is to abide in Christ and be a student of the Word, read the Bible Genesis to Revelation, and spend time talking to Jesus about it. I certainly don't want anyone to think that I am teaching false doctrine by my love of Israel, and my stand against false doctrine in the church - Replacement Theology and the New Pauline Perspective or whatever new comes down the pike - and my bold pronouncement against antisemitism. But I do not fear what I say is wrong, because if one wants to know the truth of God's word they have only to read it.

There are many things being taught that are against the Word of God, and it is concerning, and people need to know it, but as pastors and teachers disciple the people, teaching them the Word as this Pastor is doing, then they learn to know and love God's Word and desire to know more and more. That's me. I have an insatiable hunger and thirst for more and more of Him. That candle's never gonna be snuffed out!

Artificial Intelligence was mentioned - as to the good or bad. I believe there can be good as we progress in technology, as it helps the Underground Church, those being persecuted for their belief in Christ. It is great in reaching the younger generation for Christ, but interestingly, more Bibles are being purchased by the younger men. They want to hold it in their hands, mark it up, devour the pages! I'm so ecstatic when I hear about that. I love to hold the Bible in my hands. I have kept all my old Bibles, tattered pages and all, and I still grab them for reference and notes I've written. My entire life is written on the pages of my Bible, and my journals. Scripture cards I've made. I thank God for index cards and notebook paper! I pray that once I'm gone to see my Savior that the notes I've written, and the words I've penned will be useful to others. I know there's a lot on those pages I'd love to forget, but it's my life. I often repeat the words to my children: "Have you learned nothing from my life!" I am referring, of course, to my mistakes and mishaps.

Yesterday I watched an older movie with Johnny Depp and Morgan Freeman called Transcendence. I have always loved the versatile roles Johnny Depp has played in portraying different personalities. I pray that now he's older he will realize his need for Jesus and adjust his life. I always pray for such things, because God wants everyone saved, and so should we. This movie is about AI and the dangerous side of it, but on reflection there is a much deeper look into the love of a husband for his wife and her ambitions which transcend his own. I won't ruin the story by speaking more about it, but I do recommend it as a look see into the dangers of too much technology and the extremism and desperation of those who oppose it. What may begin as an emotional feeling of right and wrong can become ugly and cruel. Fear is a horrible monster, but then we try so hard to play God, but we don't fear and reverence Him as Holy. There is only One God, and we need to understand that!   

Day 164 Believe or Go Home!

 

6/13/2026

"No one deserves the title 'giant' when

measured against an omnipotent God."

Daily Walk

When God told Moses to send out the twelve spies to scout out the promised land, those chosen to represent their tribes were leaders, brave men able to go in check out the lay of the land - whether the people living there were weak or strong; whether the land was good or bad; whether the cities were camps or fortified cities; whether the land was rich or poor; whether there were forests, and they were instructed to bring a sample of the fruit. The names of each of the leaders chosen to represent their tribes were listed in Numbers 13:4-15. They were instructed to "Be of good courage." So off they went for forty days spying out the land and the people. When they returned they brought back a sample of fruit which proved that the land was rich, a land of milk and honey! They cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes that had to be carried on a pole by two men it was so huge. They also brought back figs and pomegranates.

After this initial fanfare upon their return, a less positive report was given by ten of the spies:

"Then they told him, and said: 'We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.'" (Numbers 13:27-28)

Caleb from the tribe of Judah spoke right up anxious to go in and conquer the land. The land God had already given them. But sadly, the people decided to listen to the bad report by ten of the spies, rather than the reports by Caleb and Joshua. The ten naysayers stirred up the crowd so badly that the people began to moan and cry, then began to blame Moses and Aaron, and they wanted to elect a new leader and return to Egypt. When poor Caleb tried to reason with the masses, they threatened to stone him. As most Bible scholars know the ten rebellious spies who made the people think God hated them were punished immediately by death, and the rest of the people were sentenced to wander in the desert for forty years until they died in the desert for their rebellion. When the sentence was given, the people tried to take their words and actions back, but it was too late, and God was not with them. Consequences always follow rebellion.

Today in our global prayer call in praying for Israel against antisemitism, praying for the church to arise and speak out against the lies being taught and speaking out against the hatred and persecution of the Jewish people, someone prayed that we needed a generation of Calebs who would be ready to stand up and fight for our nations. There are so many reports in regard to the war in Iran - will they sign a peace treaty, will they give up their uranium and promise not to build nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles, and a list of other "musts," and will talks continue to be on and off again for more months. It tends to wear people down, not knowing what will come next, although Israel has lived with this type of thing all their existence. In our own nation we are faced with several crises, and the enemy is very cunning in his strategy. The question is where will we as believers stand and on whose authority.

The media continues to sow discord and confusion, and it is done purposely. Social media is being manipulated, and AI creates false news reports, complete with AI generated photos. No one knows what is true or not. People jump to conclusions and believe the bad news without taking the time to check to see if it is valid information. This is becoming an epidemic in our nation, and in our world. As an American, and as a believer and follower of Christ, I am concerned with how all this affects our children. If they see parents and leaders vacillating from one wind of doctrine to another, what will they think? I know what I think, and it is not good. This is why our focus must remain clear. 

Why is it when God answers our prayers, we allow naysayers to come in and stir things up? Have you ever had that happen to you? Well, I have. I prayed and asked God to supply my needs, and He did. Prior to the arrival, however, I had someone call me up, because she was concerned that the person may not be on the up and up. Then another call and another call from other naysayers, because they could not trust that someone was telling the truth. Finally I had to put an end to the calls. Whereas I appreciated someone trying to look out for my welfare, all of this negativity was only making me sick, and I had to decide whose report to believe. Man or God's. I fully believed that God had divinely intervened in my life, so I said no more, and I left it there. As it turned out, all went well, and I received a wonderful blessing. Unlike the ten spies, I chose to rise against my giant and trust God, just like the little shepherd boy David did when he went against Goliath. The enemy wants to create confusion and doubt that left unchecked will lead to unbelief. I don't relish the idea of wandering for forty years in a desert simply because I chose to not listen to God whom I say I trust. Either I trust Him, or I do not.

As part of an intercessory prayer group, we hear many mixed reports and contradictory information. We have been standing with Israel since 10/7/2023, and the spiritual warfare is intense, as is the war against America, our families, our health, our finances, and every area of our lives. We must make a decision to believe God or go home and live in fear. Jesus already won the victory for our souls, but God does not expect us to sit it out. We are told to occupy until He returns. Let's not allow the oil to run dry in our lanterns. May our lights shine brightly for Christ. 

Day 163 Words of Life!

 

6/12/2026

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God."

John 1:1

 

I woke up to The Chosen quietly playing in the background. It was one of my favorite scenes with Matthew and Gaius, the Roman Centurion who had been given the task to keep Matthew safe at the tax booth from angry people. Gaius has been watching Jesus heal and listening to him teach, so he is slowly being transformed, unable to unsee what he had witnessed with his own eyes and reconcile it with the life he had lived. One of the greatest transformations he had witnessed was that of Matthew. He was rich, employed and protected by Rome, but when Jesus passed by Matthew's tax booth and asked him to "Follow Me," without a second thought Matthew practically ran from the booth to become His disciple, leaving everything behind, including excuses as to his choices in life that separated him from his family and fellow Jews. Gaius was astonished, to say the least. He knew that Matthew had been feeling isolation from his family and probably sensed regrets, but Gaius had grown fond of him, and he realized how special and innocent Matthew truly was, but he had never seen this impulsive behavior.

In the scene Matthew encounters Gaius walking down the street, obviously troubled, but when Matthew asks how he is, he responds that he is fine. Matthew tells him he has many talents, but he is not an effective liar. Gaius seems a little surprised. Matthew asks about Gaius' family, and he snaps back at him, but then states that he's glad that Matthew has mended ways with his family. Then Gaius confesses that "home is complicated. I'm helpless." Matthew's responses really makes one think:

"You're right, Gaius. I don't know families well, and I complicate everything. But my Teacher, He makes everything very simple. Every day I wake up my ideas and fears are jumbled. I feel overwhelmed with doubts and regrets. So I just pause for a moment and remember. I have only one thing to do today, follow Him. The rest takes care of itself." 

I am always quoting scenes from this series, and often I think people get tired of hearing me, but although it may not be scriptural in total, and much has been added to the content that may or may not be so, it does me so much good to see what it may have been like when Jesus was on the earth ministering to others. I cannot help but speak of this work, of the love Dallas and Amanda Jenkins have poured into revisiting the stories, that are changing people's lives all over the world. 

The first song that came to mind when I started my day this morning was the old hymn, Wonderful Words of Life. The song begins with these words: "Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life; let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life; words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty. Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life." I remember my mama and gram singing this beautiful hymn, and like all the hymns I learned to sing as a child, I continue to sing to this day! Sometimes I forget a verse or two, but the memory returns when I begin to sing. The other two verses are as follows: 

"Christ, the blessed one, gives to all wonderful words of life; sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life; all so freely given, wooing us to heaven. Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life."

"Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life; offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life; Jesus only Savior, sweetly echo the gospel call, Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever. Beautiful words, wonderful words of life."

In a world where there's much chaos and confusion, ridiculous accusations flowing from every portal, every persuasion, it is so easy to become overwhelmed. But when our focus is on serving our Master and Lord, the most important thing is to follow Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 puts it this way: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.   

Day 162 The Answer

 

6/11/2026

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path."

Psalm 119:105

 

The third session of Day 3 of the Jerusalem Summit opened with the words "Welcome Home" spoken to the audience in attendance by the Ambassador to the Foreign Ministry of Israel. He said anytime anyone comes to Israel they feel at home, and they are welcomed as such. I cannot imagine a warmer welcome, and although I have never been to Israel, I already feel a great love towards the nation and the people. Standing with them these past three years during this horrendous moment in their history has been and continues to be my honor and a blessing. But for me the connection goes much deeper. We are born into families, and there are varying degrees of affection and even acceptance by blood kin. We discover that as time goes on. When we moved to Northern New Mexico, where I lived for thirty-five years, I left behind a great support system in my church. Reading through old journals I remembered my rather large church family, where we socialized outside of the church. It was remarkable. We knew our neighbors, and they were invited to be part of the fellowships and cookouts that we had in our home. We grew spiritually, and we felted loved. When we moved away at an extremely stressful period of our life when we needed the support we already had, we did not find the same degree of acceptance in the church in New Mexico, rather we were met with suspicion from some. It was an unsettling time, but we did form some friendships that were close. Over time and over increased problems, however, close ties can be lost, as that is the occupation of the enemy. Now, many years later, I have a new family, ones I've never met or spoken to, but we pray together daily in a global prayer meeting, and we all love Israel. We understand God's eternal plan of redemption. Salvation comes through the Jews.  

In several of the discussions during the Summit, young people, particularly Gen Z aged youth, seemed to be the focus and pivotal to getting to the eradication of antisemitism in our day, the increased hatred spurned on by social media, and to advancing truth about Israel. It was described as a battle for educational and cultural values, and a much-needed strategy to defeat the lies against the Jewish nation and against Zionism. To reach the young people who are the future leaders, it was suggested that more videos on Tik Tok might be needed, as this is the source of many of the false reports. It was reported that in this generation are more problems with mental health, depression, social anxiety, and they have an existential dread. They are confused by all the garbage that is coming out of the mouths of supposed journalists or once respected Christians who are causing this great upset, spewing lies and false testimonies. They themselves have bought into Satan's lie, as he is cunning and devious. In the past, if we consider when we were younger, when things got strange kids went "counter culture" in their approach to things. Baby boomers have much history of mixing things up in order to escape the raging war of the day. It was the youth of the day walking away from it all, finding their own way to cope, to exist in changing norms. The kids today are seeking "originality and uniqueness," and they need to see strength in the leaders of our time, especially the Church.

One speaker noted that the world has changed, and the battle cannot be won the same ole way. Everyone needs to go to Israel and get to know the land and the people. If they did they would understand that there is not another land like it. It is God's land, and the Jewish people are His chosen people. He made this decision, so why can't we honor it? Why can't the church which is called by His Name not protect God's own? The problem rests in the lack of wisdom, the lack of understanding, the lack of knowledge. The church needs to stop being naive. Jesus said to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." In defending Israel it was stated that one needed to know the Biblical defense, legal defense, and ethical moral defense. Another suggested that pastors have trouble knowing how to help in the face of such evil, that if they stand up, might hinder or harm their church. Congregations are divided on Israel, and already here in America there are church splits, or people are leaving if Israel is supported. The attacks on the churches has been going on for some time, but the hatred towards Evangelical Zionism puts a target on your back, or so I have heard. 

In considering all the wonderful discussions from fantastic men and women of God who know the history of Israel, I think the one answer, which I mentioned in previous posts is simple. Read the Bible! Just as you would read any other beloved book, this is the MOST beloved. It is the story of God's plan for redemption, and as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, it is our story woven into the plan by Jesus Christ our Messiah. Study it and devour the truth. Pastors and leaders teach this book, chapter and verse. Parents sit down with your children and read and study it together. Pray with your children. Know what the Bible says. It may sound simplistic, but it has worked for me in my life. Reading the Bible is understanding the Jewishness of our Savior, Jesus Christ the Messiah. How can anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear miss that obvious truth! 

Day 161 Antisemitism

 

6/10/2026 

 "Choose this day whom you will serve... 

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." 

Joshua 24:15

 

I love the illustration above, representing, in my mind, people of all nations with their hands on the globe, praying for the entire world, standing together, united and working for the common good. Our world is in a heap of a mess with more violence towards Christians, especially those who are identified as Evangelical Zionists, or those who stand with Israel for their right to be a nation, and for the rights of the Jewish people scattered all over the world. In many regards I am not surprised when certain people follow the misconceptions being spread, because the Bible said it would be so, especially in the last days, and this is the history of the Jewish people and anyone who is a friend. But, it is alarming to see that the actual Church, the Body of Christ, is buying into the gossip and slander on social media without caring to check the facts. Perhaps if more people stopped scrolling and consulted the infallible Word of God much of this hatred could be eradicated. More than this, however, a major problem exists, because the Bible is not being taught as one compelling story that it is. The Bible is a book with sixty-six chapters written by the Jewish people for the Jewish people. It is the story of Israel, and as such should be read and taught as any important book. It is the MOST important book every written, as it was written by God's Chosen People, the story of the land of Israel and how we as believers can become part of the story.

In my blog posted yesterday concerning the Jerusalem Summit, the speakers agreed that many pastors and leaders are too afraid to stand up to the lies of the media or the incorrect doctrine being taught in the church itself, or they just want to push it aside for someone else to deal with. After all, they are busy building their church and their agenda. God's plans just don't seem to fit their plans, but they believe they are guided by Holy Spirit. This may be an unconscious reasoning, nonetheless, we need to examine our hearts to ascertain the truth. Why does no one speak up and out about what is happening in our world today. Psalm 139:23-24 tells us to search our hearts to see if there is any wicked way in us. Second Timothy 2:15 tells us to study to show ourselves approved, workmen who rightly divide the word of truth. That means we can have discernment that comes from knowing and living God's laws. Then we won't be duped into believing what every popular journalist tells us. Whereas this is the responsibility of each believer, it should be a standard for the pastor or leader of every church so we will not be confused or made to believe what is simply not true. Much education is needed, but first, repentance - for believing negative reports without proof. Learn to know the truth. As someone once said "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it." Become that person who truly trusts in the Word of the Lord.

Day 160 Jerusalem Summit

6/9/2026 

"Those from among you shall build up the ancient ruins; 

you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;

you shall be called the repairer of the breach,

the restorer of streets to dwell in."

Isaiah 58:12

 

Today is the first day for the Emergency Jerusalem Summit hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem under the leadership of Dr. Jurgen Buhler, the CEO and other members of the ICEJ Office in Jerusalem and other nations. The purpose of the meeting is to address the rise in antisemitism since the October 7, 2023 massacre of Jewish men, women, and children living near Gaza by the Hamas jihad. It's interesting how quickly news of this horrific act on innocent civilians was soon turned from the suffering of the innocent by the news media to the people of Gaza whom they accused Israel of murdering. But the media spreading vicious lies is not new news to any of us, as it is a systemic epidemic in this world and an avenue used by satan to twist truth. The Jewish nation has been victims of hatred and the people accused of many wrongful deeds since the Lord began bringing them back home to Israel, as prophesied in the Bible. I could even say it began with Genesis, because satan's whole intention is the kill the seed of Abraham, because he knows that salvation comes through the Jews, through the birth of Jesus Christ who is a Jew.

The Summit will also include discussion regarding the false teaching called the Replacement Theology or supersessionism which is the false doctrine that the Christian Church has replaced or superseded the Jewish people as God's chosen people. It mistakenly asserts that the New Covenant through Jesus Christ has replaced the Mosaic covenant which renders Israel's covenantal status as null and void. Also, it does not teach that the birth of the Jewish nation as the Chosen People that God established through Abraham and reaffirmed with Issac and Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. God told Abraham that through him his seed would be blessed, and his seed would bless the entire nation. This includes all born again followers of Christ Jesus who have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord and who have been grafted in. We are the righteousness of God only through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

The lies that are so easily believed are based on false doctrine through media and certain voices who are ignorant of the Word of God, who have been led to believe a lie, and who are broadcasting these falsehoods as gospel, and this even includes the church. No one seems to take the time to seek the word to discern the validity of what they are being taught by others who dote on social media moral that the Word of God. Even pastors fail to rightly divide the word of truth, as they teach their flock to do.

One of the speakers who thanked those present, about 200, stated that while he loved seeing their support at each event and their dedication to Israel, that we needed to reach out to all the nations. He said he saw too many Caucasian faces, but several countries were represented. What he meant was that more people need to stop being afraid of what may happen if they speak up in their churches. They fear the hatred, the division, perhaps even the banishment from their own church for not buying into the gospel that is being taught. Regardless of why more people who know the truth are not speaking up is very concerning. Jesus told us to go and teach the Gospel to all nations. He did not mean sugar coated doctrine. He meant the truth of His identity as a Jewish Messiah and role of  Israel in end time prophesy. We must wake up and speak out! God said "Do not fear!" over and over in the Bible, and He said "so that they will know that HE is GOD!" Let us go forth in victory!