Day 83 Valleys

 

3/24/2026

 "If we pray for anything according to the will 

of God, we already have what we pray for the moment 

we ask it. We do not know exactly when it will arrive; but we

have learned to know God through the Spirit of God, and have

learned to leave this in His hands, and to live just as happily 

whether the answer arrives immediately or later." 

O. Hallesby

"Before they call, I will answer; and while they

are yet speaking, I will hear."

Isaiah 65:24

 

I fell asleep peacefully last night listening to the fifth season of The Chosen. As I mentioned, we have been watching the entire five seasons during Lent in preparation for the premiere of Season 6, but much more than that! Walking with Jesus during His three years of ministry, in an abbreviated manner, and getting to know the personalities of His followers, or at least considering their many feelings and struggles as His disciples, makes the Bible more alive. Dallas Jenkins has done a brilliant job in putting this production together, and it gives me comfort being part of a worthwhile project. I have always loved movies, because I could escape into life, dream, discover love, or find support during a difficult time. I have always been very selective in what I watch, because I don't want to watch filth, plus Jesus doesn't want to watch it, and Holy Spirit is right here inside of me, sharing the popcorn and Junior Mints, if that's possible. 

Alex came in for breakfast and decided to stay awhile, finding his spot near my Bible and devotional while I enjoyed a cup of coffee and listened to music. It's really interesting to me how both Mia and Alex enjoy listening to music, sleeping on my bed. Since Mia is taking up his spot on the bed tonight, he wanted to go back outside, even though it's cold. Too bad, because he missed one of his favorite worship singers on Tuesday nights. He will actually come up closely to the computer, and he loves it when I sing along. Mia just enjoys sleeping. Does that mean that Alex has more class than Mia? I better not visit that thought!

Tuesday mornings I tune in to the Kehilat HaCarmel Worship Watch in Israel and join in the prayers for Israel. They have endured repetitive alerts and bombings over the last few days as they are situated near Haifa on the shore, and the nuclear research facility there was a target. Besides that they were being systematically targeted as were Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with rockets from the areas mentioned in my previous post - Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran. Today they did not have to interrupt the watch to dash to the bomb shelter, so it was a wonderful time of worship, prayer, scripture reading and sharing. It's a great way to begin my day, followed an hour later by the global prayer call. Before the first and in between the other, I spend quiet time doing what I do, basically more of the same. I love my life, and I am jealous for my time with Jesus. It seems as if Israel has become more of my church than any I have attended locally here, as it is all consuming. I may not be seen or known, but they are my family, the Messianic family of God.

Josie from the worship watch was sharing the tense times they were enduring, but she looked past any worries or concerns to see the greater picture. She said when they were tested, their faith grew; as their faith grew, they were strengthened spiritually and emotionally. Because they would contact each other as they sat, sometimes for hours, in the shelters, the bonds with each other grew even deeper, and she said they even found things to laugh about and lessen the intensity of the moments of waiting. It has even helped give them empathy for the others nations who are being attacked by Iran, and their love for the resilient people of Israel and love of the land has increased. Contending for the faith increases their ability to remain vigilant and steadfast, stubborn and determined not to give up. The capacity to endure intensified, and they became more aware of the spiritual benefits. She said "Above it all is Jesus!"

It seemed as if everything God gave me to read today reinforced the other thoughts, and the prayer calls each reinforced the other. When we pray it is not simply for Israel, because we know the significance of prophecy and of everything happening at this time in history. Although it may be an intense time, one of uncertainty especially when bombs are dropping everywhere, there is also a peace that indeed transcends all understanding. Karen, who leads worship, said that as she played the piano, the booms and the flashes of lightning and thunder, as this is their rainy season, called Isaiah 30:29-32 to mind:

"You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept, and gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty One of Israel. The LORD will cause His glorious voice to be heard, and show the descent of His arm, with the indignation of His anger and the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, tempest, and hailstones. For through the voice of the LORD Assyria will be beaten down, as He strikes with the rod. And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the LORD lays on him, it will be with tambourines and harps; and in battles of brandishing He will fight with it." 

This passage speaks of the Lord bringing judgment on Assyria of which Iran is a huge part, along with other Middle Eastern countries that made up Biblical Assyria. As I have mentioned many times God has plans to restore Assyria and Egypt with Israel in end time prophecy. Scripture reveals amazing truths, and when we look at the words of the Lord spoken to His chosen people we can understand that this is a righteous war, and the one waging the war is not Israel, it is the Lord God Himself. We have to understand that the Bible was written by the Jewish people, for the Jewish people. The Church has not replaced Israel, the covenant belongs to them; however, when we receive the gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus by faith, we share in their covenant, not by birth, but by faith. We need to remember that. We are grafted in, and I am so grateful. Once this truth becomes alive in our hearts, the love for God's chosen people and the desire to see them receive Christ as Savior and Lord, as Messiah, becomes our great desire. 

All the promises of God are yes and amen, but the timing of these are in His eternal plan. We are obedient, surrendered to His will, trusting that His plan is better than ours. In our society today everyone wants a quick fix. In the Christian life we journey across the desert, through the valleys, before we can climb up the mountain to the top. It has been my experience that once God brings me to the top of the mountain, I am only allowed a brief respite, because after the joy, there always comes another step I must take, and that can only happen in the valleys of life where we learn to persevere, grow in His grace, and grow spiritually. I am much older now, but I find that each day is an adventure, and I am forever grateful that He is with me, leading me, guiding me, so that I can in turn share with others, fulfilling His great commission to "Go...!"

Day 82 Purify Our Hearts

 

3/23/2026

"You are my hiding place; You shall 

preserve me from trouble;

You shall surround me with songs

of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7

 

As I write, Iran continues to pummel Israel with rockets, ballistic missiles, and drones in heavily populated areas where citizens reside. They are strategically aiming at innocent citizens, exactly as Israel has erroneously been accused of doing. It doesn't seem to matter how many true reports and prior warnings Israel has given to protect civilians, the media and those who trust it as gospel, do not hear or see the truth. The family members of the fallen American soldiers, who willingly laid down their lives to protect others in Iran, Israel, and from future attacks on American soil. asked one thing of President Trump - "Finish this!"  They shared these words not vindictively, but to ensure the death of the soldiers who proudly served our nation and the nation of Israel in this battle did not do so in vain. 

My morning began with a quiet encounter with the Lord, and once again I had to ask forgiveness for not diligently pursuing Him in the night watches. I am very hard on myself, especially when I lack the stamina to continue on when my flesh is being tortured. Even now I find it difficult to focus, because I know my friends in Israel are under continuous warnings with alerts and actual hits. Last night and yesterday were difficult days for my friends, but God's hand is always upon Israel, and He will keep His people safe and victorious. The Lord likewise will save the Arabian and Persians people, and the Isaiah 19 highway prophecy will be fulfilled in God's appointed time.

I picked back up my little study companion by John Eckhardt entitled Daily Declarations for Spiritual Warfare" to reinforce my prayer, and I was not surprised that God was once more telling me to "Focus!" The first lines of the devotional said, "You will be sober and vigilant against your adversary." I admit that I had to chuckle to myself, as I am struggling so badly against this allergic reaction, and it is like having a tormenting demon in my skin. That's when something clicked inside my brain, and I began to see the battle spiritually. "My child, remember that you are not living in darkness, but I have made you aware of the evil schemes of the devil. Stay awake and watchful, for you should not be surprised by anything the enemy may try to do." No truer words could have been spoken to me than those words, as my health has been under attack for a few months. And I am not surprised at anything that the enemy of our soul does - it's as if a switch goes off in my brain, and I can "see." As King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes in 1:9: "That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun."

The truth is that I am not surprised, as I know that people cannot make deals with the devil, or as I put it "dance with the devil!" He cannot be trusted, but people fall prey quite often, and admittedly, I became ensnared in his cunning once upon a time, but thankfully, not for long. He is cunning, but we must always remember, he has been defeated. Jesus has won the victory with His blood! He has provided us the spiritual armor and with the Word of God to protect us as we stand.

Whereas the mandate I received was to remain sober and vigilant, alert in mind, even though I may have to suffer a little. I had been asking God to purify my heart earlier, and as I waited, I sang the words of this song and made it our prayer: 

"Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

 

Refiner's fire,
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will

 

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within

 

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will"

 

Together we stand committed to live for Jesus and bring glory to His Name. Lord, purify our hearts and make us truly Yours. 

 

Day 81 Sunday Thoughts

 

3/22/2026

"As the deer pants for the water brooks,

so my soul pants for Thee."

Psalm 42:1  

 

It's Sunday evening, but I am not quite ready for bed. I just finished listening to a message on waiting on God's timing, not mine. I must admit that I sometimes struggle with feelings of my life being close to the end and having nothing to show for it. There have been many times that I've compared my life with others, even their financial position over my small, meager savings. Because I am divorced I feel that I have nothing of value to offer anyone who needs support in their marriage or in life in general. I am grateful and share the joy of couples who have been married for many years, and I silently wish that I could have experienced that life. I still wonder what I did wrong. And round and round we go, stuck in the tornado funnel, spiraling down the rabbit hole...again! I kick myself, because I thought those days were over, and that I'd finally stop blaming myself for the problems that have been heaped upon me. The merry-go-round goes round and round, and I want to scream STOP! I WANT TO GET OFF!!

I think one reason that I am slipping a bit here in even entertaining that garbage is because I have been sick for almost two weeks dealing with this skin rash. Not knowing what caused this allergic reaction causing my skin to whelp and itch and feel like I'm sleeping on a bed of nails is only half the problem. The other half is that my doctor doesn't even know what caused such a violent reaction. I'm not used to taking medications for any ailment, only natural supplements, so that has been different and a bit scary. What if I react to what my doctor prescribed due to my super sensitivities! I always think about stuff when I don't feel well. So I need to stop entertaining this demon that is plaguing my life and move on. That's what the message was saying, focus on the race I'm running, and stop wondering about things I cannot change. Again the Lord says, "Focus on Me!" Time to count my blessings!  

Mia, my son's calico cat, is sleeping on my bed. She hadn't been sleeping in here until recently, although when Alex favors us with a visit, she will slink in to check to see if he's going to stick around for a while. But the other night I was awakened by the sound of my squeaky rocker, and sure enough Mia was back reclaiming her old territory. Alex only visits for his meal, then he's asking to go out again to play with the other cats in the area who stalk at all hours. Now that the weather is getting warmer I probably won't see him unless it rains. That's Alex, very self-absorbed. But then cats aren't as congenial as dogs.

Not being able to really go anywhere or do anything because of constant itching, I thought I had missed Palm Sunday. It wasn't until later that it finally dawned on me. When my life is thrown out of kilter I seems to get confused, and I guess I've been thinking about Resurrection Sunday being right around the corner. Every day I think about that day and all that led up to the grand celebration, and I certainly don't want to miss it. I had wanted to invite someone over for a meal, as I've not entertained since I've been home. Not that I've done it in many years. When I was married, living here in Virginia before our untimely move to New Mexico, we had so many friends, and we'd open our home for a block party. Each guest would bring some meat and a side dish, and we'd make a day of it. The children were still young, so all the kids from the block would come along with those from the church families we'd invited. There was so much food, hamburgers, chicken, and hot dogs on the grill, and homemade ice cream. It was nice as people flowed in and out all day and well into the night. No raucous noise or behavior. Everyone played nicely, even the adults. I miss those days, and again, I begin to wonder...what if?!

I guess this is a day of self-reflection, as my health heals, and as I try to take it easy today. The message Pastor Greg presented today was based on Luke 9:28-36 where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to the mountain to pray. As usual they fall asleep - the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak - but they wake up to discover Jesus praying with the appearance of His face altered and His clothes radiant with light. He was talking to Moses and Elijah about His death in Jerusalem. Impulsive Peter blurts out a statement, and God admonishes him by saying "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" He'd already been scolded by Jesus for trying to change the course of events to come. I know if I heard God's voice I'd pay heed! Peter had that sort of character, but then Jesus had nicknamed John and James "sons of thunder." Quite an interesting trio this inner circle, but Jesus saw not who they were, but who they would become. That's the good thing about God. He loves us so much that He's patient in putting up with our ridiculous outbursts or behavior. I can well imagine that He shakes His head at some stuff I say or do. I'm so glad He does, especially when I have days like this one.

There's so much that needs to be done, and for some reason, I cannot seem to awaken my creative spirit. My dreams seem to be slipping away, and even though I remember the words God has spoken to me, I wonder if He still feels the same way about me. Have I wasted too much time? Has someone finished what I was supposed to do? I don't really know, so I'll think about what I do know. I know that God has a plan for my life, for each person's life. He decides these things before He even knits us together in our mother's wombs according to Psalm 139. I know that although my life may not have turned out as I would have liked, I know that I have been gifted with an amazing journey. Although I miss my old life in New Mexico, and I miss the land that I love, I know that wherever I am is home, because God is here. Holy Spirit living in me gives me perfect peace, even when my skin is crawling and itching never gives me a moment's peace. But then, that's temporary, or at least I certainly pray it is so. I'm content here, living with my younger son, even living with the cats, but I realize that there is more to come. So I wait, sometimes impatiently, eager to discover all the things He's planned for me, for my family. It's time they turned the page on some things in their lives too, but that is best left at the foot of the cross. I trust in God to finish that work. 

I think it's time to rest for the night, put my thoughts aside and dream of things to be.  

Day 80 Live Life Well

 

3/21/2026

 “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our 

common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you 

exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once 

for all delivered to the saints.” 

Jude 3

 

Yesterday morning after a time of refreshment with the Lord, while checking my mail for prayer and news updates pertaining to the ministry, I happened upon the news that Chuck Norris, age 86, died 3/19/2026 after a sudden hospitalization from a medical emergency. The family did not elaborate and asked for privacy.When a celebrity passes away I am always interested in their spiritual condition, but with this man, I already knew about his legacy of faith. I knew that at the moment he passed into eternity all of heaven was applauding his homecoming. It's a victory for a child of God to pass into the eternal arms of Our Father, and although the family realize he's living his best and eternal life now, a life without sickness or pain, and without having to endure any of the chaos in this world as it intensifies before the imminent return of our Savior, they grieve his loss. His wife, Gena, especially grieves the passing of a life partner, one who shared every living, breathing moment for so many long years. What a legacy!

Over the past few months, almost daily I'd see a commercial pop up on my screen with Chuck talking about the new health regimen he and Gena were following that added so much energy and new vitality to his life. He was still practicing karate and exercising daily and living life enthusiastically and gratefully, so it was surprising to learn of his sudden decline and death. The important thing is that he lived life, and he loved life, and he shared that love with everyone. Greg Laurie posted a brief description of his time spent with Chuck, as did Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Donald J. Trump. It is significant to me that he was such a great supporter of Israel, and this is because he understood covenant and was acquainted with the whole counsel of the Word of God. In 1990 he started a program for kids called Kickstart Kids, his own Education Karate Program recognized by the Texas Education Agency, "a physical education program that teaches character through karate." Personally, I will remember him in his great movie Delta Force and the television series, Walker, Texas Ranger. Besides being a karate champion, he was also a veteran having served in the United States Air Force. He also was named an honorary Marine for his support of the military. He will be missed, but one day, we who wait will see him again.

Today's news reported that Nicholas Brenden, age 54, who starred as Xander in Buffy, Vampire Slayer series, passed away of natural causes in his sleep. According to the news report, Brenden had problems with substance abuse and mental health issues, and a history of a heart attack, a congenital heart defect, and a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. His family posted the following:

 “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was. While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing. Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”

I did discover that he had exposure to Christian and Mormon beliefs, and that he had a tattoo of a cross on his shoulder. An article also said that he no longer attended church. Sadly that is becoming the norm. I was looking at Brenden's artwork posted on his website, and it mostly consists of photographs he has taken, generally with one person walking down the street or people alone. It's almost as if he understood the loneliness felt by those who feel alone in this world. It's always sad to hear of the passing of someone who is passionate about the gifts that God has given us to share with others. His family shared that "his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was." My prayer is that He met the living God who loved him enough to die for him so he could have eternal life. Only God sees the heart of another and knows their deepest and truest selves. I pray that this young man met Jesus face to face today, because without Jesus life has no true meaning: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Luke 9:25) 

Day 79 Tarry...until!

 

3/20/2026

"In the midst of all our zeal in the work of the Church,

of all our faithfulness in preaching and conversation with

the people, we lack that ceaseless prayer which has attached to it

the sure promise of the Spirit and the power from on high."

Andrew Murray

"Tarry...until ye be endued with power from on high."

Luke 24:49   

 

The morning began quite energetically, listening to wonderful worship music while enjoying a quiet moment before the busyness of the day. I woke up feeling much better, my skin feeling less itchy, so hopefully the medication and Epsom salt baths are helping. It would be nice to know what exactly caused this fiasco resulting in this excessive rash, but there are still weeds to cut and grass to be cut, so I have very little choice but to cover up every inch of skin and finish the job, unless I can find someone who actually wants to do yard work. In spite of this recent attack, I generally enjoy being outdoors, working in the yard, cutting the grass, burning the branches and grass. I've always enjoyed nature, as I find it very relaxing, unless of course bad things, like the attack of the thorn monster occurs. Still, it's about the only time I get to visit with my neighbor, who is younger than I, so she is still working. I remember when I worked long hours that the last thing I wanted to do was visit, but then I traveled, and I always had computer work to complete. The main thing was that I lived alone, so I didn't have to schedule meals or do anything unless I wanted to do it. I've enjoyed having my son around, and I am becoming used to his cat Mia who is a house cat, and even the visits from Alex, who is becoming quite fond of sacking out on my bed all afternoon after prowling all night. Cats are indeed very self-centered.

The world condition appears to be rapidly imploding, and it seems as if people are turning against each other, so many things are at a standstill. I am not referring only to the political arena or the geopolitical one. I am very grieved by the silence of the Church, that seems to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to speaking out on matters that go against the Word of God. Very little is being said from the pulpit about Israel or even about challenging matters in our own State government. Whenever I come into the room when the television is one I hear ads attacking our sitting President, twisting his words, and deceiving the public into believing what they are saying is true and for the welfare of our State or country. For four years we had Christian leaders in our State government, but now the opposite is true. Even things that were promised, were immediately changed the moment they were put into office, and in an extreme way. I felt as if I needed to ask God for forgiveness, repenting of my lack of prayer for my State government leaders, because I was too busy in prayer meetings for the federal government and Israel, and I didn't pray each day for the Christian leaders in our State at the time. Of course I prayed, but many times I am so involved with what is going on in Israel that other matters take a back seat. As intercessors we need to ensure that we have sufficient time alone with God asking Him to set our pace for the day, not just hurriedly taking calls. I feel confident that being a watchman for Israel is my call as an intercessor, but I also know that praying for all in leadership is just as important, especially in these last days. We are in a time in history where it is becoming increasingly obvious to those who have not bothered to concern themselves with daily happenings, that we are in a huge battle. To clarify matters we are engaged in a spiritual battle between good and evil, and unless the Church wakes up and uses the authority Jesus gave to her, and unless pastors educate their sheep on what is happening in the world and how we as Christians need to respond according to God's word, then matters concerning the welfare of our nation will continue to decline.

Although I have deep feelings about the outcome of the 2020 elections, it is actually a blessing in disguise, as God knew what the future would hold. God strategically gave President Trump four years to prepare for his current position as our Commander in Chief, and the time has allowed him to become closer to the Lord. It has also allowed time for the truth to be uncovered, and hopefully justice will eventually prevail. His current administration has also been strategically groomed and placed in their positions, but sadly, the process of approving the right man or woman for the position has been seriously hindered by the opposing party. It seems such a sad turn of events when a nation is unable to get along, especially with the current situations in our world. 

With regard to the war in Israel, what is happening is prophetic, and God is the One who puts men into positions and takes them out. God's hand is on everything that happens, and we need to draw closer to God in our quiet times so that we are clearly able to discern the voice of God. The Lord commands us to pray for our leaders in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." Regardless of who is sitting in positions in leadership, we are told to pray for all leaders. God does not want any man to perish, but He wants all to come to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Our prayers are important, and although God does not need anyone's help in accomplishing His will on earth, He desire a relationship with us and our obedience. Prayer is powerful, and it can change the course of a nation.

Day 78 Nisan - First Month

 

3/19/2026

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word

was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:1  

 

Traditionally, on the Jewish calendar, today marks the first day of the new year of Nisan, the beginning of God's redemptive calendar, a year of new beginnings. In Exodus 12:1-2 scripture reveals God's plan for His chosen people Israel.

"Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 'This month shall be your beginning of the months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.'"

The Lord then gave Moses and Aaron instructions for this night, as God was preparing for the exodus of His people from Egypt. He gave Moses instructions for the people for their first Passover that is still practiced today in remembrance of the day God delivered His people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. It reminds them also of the miracles He performed for Pharaoh who did not heed the message, therefore, facing the judgment and consequences of his sin.

The exact instructions for preparation for Passover were given to Moses who in turn shared with the people. Summarizing the verses to follow ahead, they were told that on the tenth day of the month of Nisan, every man would take a lamb for each household, a spotless male lamb free from any disease or impurities. They were told to keep the lamb until the fourteenth day,  then at twilight the entire camp is to kill the lamb and take some of the blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they are to eat it. The blood would protect them from being destroyed as the death angel went through Egypt killing the first born male humans and animal. This was the final miracle God performed, as Pharaoh did not heed God's command to let His people go. The people were instructed to roast the lamb on the fire and to eat it with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs, dressed with a walking stick in their hands.

The month of Nisan is also significant, because it marks the completion of the tabernacle God instructed Moses to build so that His Presence would be with them.

"And it came to pass in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was raised up." (Exodus 40:17)

"Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:34)

This is the first time that God visibly manifested His Presence to the people since the Garden of Eden when He walked with them in the garden before the fall.This is a sign of redemption and refreshing where God allowed the people to know that He would not leave them, He was going with them. It is the same for us today, He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. 

Today believers in Christ have access to the throne of God only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Few people understand the power of the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and it is only through His blood that we can boldly approach the throne of grace. The observance of this feast day of Passover annually is a day of realignment. God has established other times, other seasons and feasts to observe. These observances are called appointed times, some mandatory, and all to be carried out as God instructed Moses when he was on the mountain for forty days and nights. 

The month of Nisan is also significant because the meaning of it is not only rooted in the past, but it is a foreshadowing of the future. In Ezekiel 43:7, God said to the prophet Ezekiel:

"Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. No more shall the house of Israel defile My holy name, they nor their kings, by their harlotry or with the carcasses of their kings on their high places." 

The tabernacle God speaks of will not be like the ones built by human hands. In Ezekiel 47 God speaks of a temple sitting on His holy hill where water, flowing from beneath the threshold will be healing waters with trees lining both sides that bring healing and life.

"Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the alter. He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side." (Ezekiel 47:1-2)

"He said to me, 'Son of man, have you seen this?' Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river. When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other. Then he said to me: 'This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live." (Ezekiel 47:6-9)

The entire chapter should be read as there is much more contained within the verses. When one enters the temple through one gate, they exit the other. This is reminiscent of the new birth of salvation, where we enter in as the old man and become transformed into the image or character of God. The depth of the waters is significant in that the further out one goes, the depth increases. God gave me a vision of the new temple, and He instructed me to go 1000 cubits. At the time I didn't understand. When I heard 1000 cubits I had no idea what He meant, until I referenced this verse, and I realized that, for me, it meant the further I step out in obedience the deeper my faith and spiritual understanding or growth becomes. For intercessors the month of Nisan is a reminder that God appoints the time and the seasons, and when we come before Him to pray for the new month, called Rosh Chodesh, we come to listen, worship, and realign with His purpose, His covenant, moving forward in a new beginning, a new direction. We do not remain the same, we return renewed, refreshed, and transformed. 

The study of the prophetic meaning of the months, the appointed time, the language of the children of Israel is so beautiful as God leads to greater and greater depth and understanding of His plan and purpose for all who are called by His Name. I feel so wonderfully blessed to be grafted into the covenant with God's chosen people. Abiding in His Presence, sitting at the Master's feet, brings deep refreshment to my soul and an overwhelming, all-consuming desire to know Him more. May we all learn to come and dwell in His Presence and be made brand new, wholly His, healed forever by the living waters and the blood of our precious Jesus Christ.  

Day 76 A Mother's Prayer

 

3/17/2026

 "Go in peace, and the God of Israel

grant your petition which you have asked of Him."

1 Samuel 1:17

 

When Mary, Mother of Jesus, learned that she was to bear the Savior of the world, she prayed the following prayer in Luke 1:46-55:

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever."

Going back in history to the time of the judges, after the death of Joshua, the great general of God's army, there was a man named Elkanah, an Ephraimite, who had two wives, Hannah, and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah's womb had been closed by the LORD, according to scripture. Of course, she was the ridicule of Peninnah, who had sons and daughters. Each year they traveled to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. It was a time of great celebration and feasting, and each year Elkanah gave gifts to his wives and their children. Sadly, Hannah only received one gift, although scripture says it was a double portion. Still, Hannah wept bitterly. One year, deeply grieving, rather than share in the feasting, she went to the temple to pray. Hannah was so distress that she bargained with God:

"Then she made a vow and said, 'O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.'" (1 Samuel 1:11).

At that time Eli was the priest, and when he saw her grieving and crying in anguish, he accused her of being drunk, because he could see her lips moving, but she was silently praying in her heart. She corrected him as follows:

"But Hannah answered and said, 'No, my lord. I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.' Then Eli answered and said, 'Go in peace,, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.' And she said, 'Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.' So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad." (1 Samuel 1:15-18)

So Hannah accepted the word of the priest, so she happily returned to the feast and ate. When they returned home, she conceived, and true to her word to the LORD, she had a baby boy, naming him Samuel, and once he was weaned, she returned him to the temple, because of her vow. Samuel became Eli's apprentice, and eventually he was the last judge of Israel. Like Mary, Hannah offered a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the LORD:

"And Hannah prayed and said: 

'My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. No one is holy like the LORD, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, and the hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble. The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail. The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed.'"  (1 Samuel 2:l-10)

The prayers of mothers and fathers are very important. I touched on that previously about the importance of the father's role in the home. Training our children is very important, teaching them what the word of God says in response to the world's questions or behavior. How I wish everyone would consult God in all matters, but especially in training up our children, being the role model they so badly need. It is important as husband and wife to understand the Biblical standards for this relationship as well. Children mimic what they see, actions not so much as words. Today young people are running back to church to find authenticity, and they are tired of lies. This is a clear mandate for the church to make their election sure.

My children loved to go to church and being involved in activities such as Sunday School, Bible Quizzing, boys and girls individual groups, and Daniel even attended a Christian academy for a period of time; however, that did not work out too well, sad to say. Today, however, because of things that happened, he does not want to attend church. I pray that he changes his mind, because fellowship is very important, and good friends and right relationships can be found at church, if the church is teaching the uncompromising word of the LORD. I thought that I had taught my children all they needed to know, but I have discovered that they either weren't listening as they got older, or rebelled in adulthood. I have discovered many things since returning home to Virginia, but I cannot undo the past, only strive to do better. I was consistent with the stands that I took, and when I needed to ask forgiveness I did and still do. But it is never too late for new habits to be learned and lived, so remember that if you feel that you failed. I do not feel that I'm a failure, just continuously learning, and that is how we must remain, learning each day, growing in the grace and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm leaving the following thought from E.M. Bounds for consideration:

"Woe to the generation of sons who find their censers empty of the rich incense of prayer; whose fathers have been too busy or too unbelieving to pray. Perils inexpressible and consequences untold are their unhappy heritage. Fortunate are they whose fathers and mothers have left them a wealthy patrimony of prayer."