Day 269 No Meow

 

9/26/2026

 "The Lord also will roar from Zion,and utter His voice from Jerusalem; 

 the heavens and earth will shake;but the Lord will be a shelter for His people, 

and the strength of the children of Israel."

Joel 3:16

 

Today's the second day of the Feast of Tabernacles, and as the shofar blows and the people begin to worship and dance before the Lord in celebration, the Lion roars from Jerusalem! Joel 3:16 is the theme of this year's Feast of Tabernacles sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, and many people and nations have been called to come up to Jerusalem at God's appointed time.

"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness of the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face". Selah.

"Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory." Selah (Psalm 24:3-10)

In Joel the Lord God speaks of judging the nations who have dealt harshly with Israel, His chosen people, and with those who have divided up His land. 

"'For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all the nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land. They have cast lots for My people, have given a boy as payment for a harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they may drink."  (Joel 3:1-3)

The prophet continues:

"Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. The LORD also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; the Heavens and earth will shake; but the LORD will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel." (Joel 3:14-16)

The words of the prophet Joel serve to remind that our God is an all-consuming fire who rains judgment on those who curse His chosen ones (Genesis 12:3). God chose the fierce Assyrian nations to punish the wickedness of His people, but He did not blot out His remembrance of them. No, He said he never would go against His own covenant with Abraham to make them a great nation that would bless the other nations. God promised to return them from the lands where they had been scattered back to the land of promise, and He has done that and continues to do so. It is amazing to watch the words of God entrusted to the prophets playing out in our modern day, as many are making aliyah, returning to their homeland in Israel from all over the world. This small, dinky little piece of real estate houses multitudes, and there will always be enough room for all. God promises it throughout His word. This is why it is so important to know and understand the history of Israel, of the Jewish people, and as believers in Christ, it is our history and our future. I do not know a more exciting book to read than God's Holy Word.

Right now we are watching as other nations turn against the nation of Israel, and this points to the final roar God will make...not a small meow, but a final ROAR of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Jesus our Messiah and soon coming King. He is returning, as He promised in His Word, to Zion to David's throne where He will rule and reign. These are indeed perilous times, but for the Christian they are exciting times as it makes Jesus' return that much sooner! The nations are being called to the valley of decision to make their choice. Where will your nation stand?

Mountain of the LORD

by Joshua Aaron  

 

"Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord

Who can ascend His holy hill
Who can approach His holy place
Only the one with clean hands and a pure heart
Who can ascend His holy hill
Who can approach His holy place
Only the one with clean hands and a pure heart 

Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord
Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord 

Lift up your heads O mighty gates
Be lifted up O ancient doors
So that the King of Glory may enter in
Nations will come to celebrate
Adonai will teach us His ways
And the God of Israel will send the rain 

Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord
Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord 

And the law will go out from Zion
From Jerusalem His Word
All creation will know Your Name
Forever Your praises proclaim
And the law will go out from Zion
From Jerusalem His Word
All creation will know Your Name
Forever Your praises proclaim 

Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord
Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord
Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord
Come let us go up
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord 

Who can ascend His holy hill
Who can approach His holy place
Only the ones who are washed by the Lamb"

Day 268 Our Helper

 

9/25/2026

 "Communion with God is the

beginning of heaven."

Daily Walk 

 

I picked up an old friend to read the other day, The Helper by Catherine Marshall, thinking it might be the perfect gift for a friend of mine who is in need of comfort, but who is also seeking a closer walk with Jesus. Catherine was married to Peter Marshall who served as the pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington DC, and who also served as the chaplain to the US Senate. A movie was made about his life called A Man Called Peter, starring Richard Todd and Jean Peters, and it's one of my favorite movies. The Helper was written in response to Catherine's thirst for more understanding of the third member of the Trinity, Holy Spirit. In her desire to learn more about Him, she consulted the scriptures and commentaries, as well as other books devoted to the quest. She and Peter sought the gift God had planned for all who seek Him, all who need the power of the Holy Spirit as described by Jesus when He commanded His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they receive power from on high. Many theologians quibble over the meaning of these words and when and how one receives Holy Spirit. I won't debate any of it, but I will tell you that Holy Spirit is the very presence of God who lives within us who teaches us all things regarding the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. One can indeed be filled with power from on high and be continually refreshed.

Peter Marshall died in 1949 after suffering a heart attack, but Catherine did not remarry until 1959 to Leonard LeSourd. In 1980 they founded Breakthrough Intercessors in response to the needs of so many people requesting prayer. They formed a 21 day cycle of prayer with requests going out to intercessors who prayed over the requests. I'm not certain when I joined the ranks of intercession for Catherine, but every three months I find myself in a rotation of 21 days of prayer for five people or requests. There are also five or so others who are praying for the same people at the same time as I am so there is agreement in prayer. I hadn't realized that I'd been doing this that long. Over the years I've joined other groups as well within the foreign missions field and for our own country, but this little group has become very special to me. I only wish I had had the opportunity to meet Catherine face to face. It seems as if I am becoming aware of other people I would have loved to have known personally, who have moved on to their heavenly home. But one day I'll be able to spend time with wonderful friends.

I decided that I'd re-watch the movie that I've watched so many times. Each time I watch it I cry. Peter Marshall was a mighty man of God who brought many changes to the stuffy historic ole Presbyterian Church, and he changed the lives of many young men and women heading off to war. As chaplain of the Senate he also touched raw nerves, as many of his sermons did at the church. He was a man of conviction who found God one night on his way from night school in the woods. When he responded to the call of God, he did so wholeheartedly. When he died suddenly Washington DC grieved, and I daresay that many who followed his life during that time experienced loss. Our US Senate today could use a man like Peter Marshall to speak boldly and clearly about the condition of the nation and the responsibility of leaders. Many times as I pray I wonder how else I can pray except to join Peter's heartfelt prayers that men would walk in truth with open eyes and a willingness to work together as one. The following is one prayer he prayed:

“Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth, and the life; hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make all free. Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived. Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. It costs too much to be hoarded. Help us see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to please and to do what is right.” (Reverend Peter Marshall)

Tomorrow night I'm on the prayer watch, praying for six members of Congress, and many times it's tough knowing how to pray with feelings so bitterly diverse and divided. But like Peter Marshall I stand on the Word of God, and I pray in faith not for what is seen but in hope for what is not yet seen. That is faith, and that is why we need the power of Holy Spirit dwelling within us, abiding with us each day, every moment of it. That's why Jesus told the disciples to wait. He knew they would need His Spirit working within them in order to face the evil hatred in the world. The same applies to us today as the wickedness increases, just as Jesus said.

Fellowship with God is what He intended for us when He created the Garden of Eden. It has always been his desire. It makes me happy knowing that Peter and Catherine sought the Lord for His fullness, and they shared that great joy with others, the gift of the person of Holy Spirit. Once we see Jesus for who He is we are changed forever, and this awareness can only come from the power of Holy Spirit, whom Jesus said He would send, in order to remind others of all He said and did. Holy Spirit, our Helper indeed! Manifest Your presence in our lives, O Lord, that we may see. 

Day 267 Unveiled

 

9/24/2026

"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds

 the god of this age has blended, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the 

glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on Them."

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

 

As I sit in my rocker looking out across the yard all appears tranquil and at rest. The skies are blue with a slight overcast, yet the promise of sunshine smiles across the horizon. Outside a young carpenter is busy at his trade erecting the much-anticipated enclosure for my lawn mower and other yard toys. We are finally checking off projects on our list, and it's a good feeling, a sense of accomplishment. My son and I will place the finishing touches on the structure, as I wanted to do the honor of painting it myself. Perhaps that will ignite the fire of enthusiasm that has laid dormant for too long in this body of mine. I need another jump-start! A burst of exuberance so great that it overrides the pain in my body that has been the root of my malaise. 

This afternoon I tuned into the United Nations General Assembly intent on listening to the comments made by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In spite of the disrespect he was shown by dignitaries from the Middle East, Africa, and some Western nations, he addressed a half-filled room, speaking with courage and conviction. He came to set the record straight, and for those who actually see and understand the truth, he accomplished his goal. While he was speaking, however, there was an anti-Zionism crowd protesting against him and against our nation. Celebrities were joining in with chants of freeing Palestine when they have no true understanding of what actually happened or continues to go on. It's a shameful thing to watch people behave so childishly and unhonorably. I'm not surprised that no one cares about the horrendous murder and mutilation of babies, men and women, all innocent civilians, in Israel on 10/7/2023 which included Americans. It is not surprising to me, because we live in a nation that murders and viciously mutilates babies every day without a hint of regret, until one day the scales fall from their eyes, and their lives are eaten away by guilt and shame. But the ones who are arrested for praying outside of abortion clinics are the only ones to offer them love and support after the dirty deed has been done. They are the ones who offer love and compassion and assistance to begin again. Why is it that killing an animal is a worse travesty than murdering an infant? The world is full of moral cowards as Netanyahu called those who walked out in defiance not desiring to hear the truth, content on making accusations and pointing fingers. This is what we have become, and it breaks my heart.

Tomorrow evening the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the Lord's appointed feasts, will begin in Israel, lasting seven days. It is a time of celebration as the people come up to Jerusalem from all over to live in temporary dwellings - sukkah (singular) or sukkot (plural) - tabernacles, remembering the time the people journeyed through the wilderness. There will be many planned events, and I will be attending the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem's activities virtually along with many other online pilgrims who are unable to make the journey to Israel. We have been praying that this year many locals will attend the festivities to hear the message of Jesus Christ proclaiming the truth of our Lord and soon coming King. We are waiting in expectation of the prophet Joel's words from the Lord to come to fruition:

"And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days" (Joel 2:28-29). 

The Lord says that there will be many shows of wonders in the skies and on the earth, and He promises that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved:

"And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls" (Joel 2:30-32). 

The Lord always fulfills His promises, as He is a covenant keeping God, a Father who loves His children and desires abundant life with them. Sadly not all will accept this great gift but will remain stuck in their own desires, own opinions of the way things should be, all the while further used by the enemy to blind the eyes and deafen the ears to the truth of the Gospel to those who carelessly follow them, like sheep to the slaughter. So we pray, and we trust, and we place our hope in our God. 

"Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:6-9).  

Day 266 By God's Design

 

9/23/2026

"A pat on the back, though only a few inches removed

from a kick in the pants, is miles ahead in results."

Daily Walk

 

Over the past three weeks I have felt the pressure of increasing struggle within me for those who are close and dear to me. Some have reached out to me, and I have reached out to others, as the Lord leads. In my daily posts I have shared some of the things that have been happening, yet many have been continuous and building over the years. While increased resistance, even oppression, is never welcomed it certainly comes not as a surprise to me that the flame would be turned up as the spiritual warfare ensues. And though circumstances may well increase, I must position myself steadfastly and not waver or waiver in my stand for righteousness. Surface battles that develop in our daily lives are only offshoots of resistance to a stronger spiritual conviction and stand. I must remain resolute and faithful to the Lord's calling.

Honestly, I struggled about what to say today, so this post is coming later than usual, and I have tomorrow and the next day and on to consider. The Feast of Tabernacles begins in Jerusalem the evening of the 25th of September, so I will be attending meetings online in Israel time while attempting to live physically here in my home in my own time zone. It's hard being in two places at once, but that's been my life for a number of years. This year seems more crucial, however. 

The United Nations General Assembly has been convened since earlier in the month, but the high stakes debates began yesterday first with statements from the Brazilian President, followed by our President. I have been unable to listen to the entire speech given by President Trump, but the excerpts reviewed were rather direct and clearly stated, which is his way. Tomorrow Prime Minister Netanyahu from Israel will address the assembly while at the same time our President will be meeting with President Xi Jinping from China. Now that in itself is a reason to remain vigilant in prayer.

Today in my daily reading I began the book of Zechariah, a prophet commissioned by God along with his contemporary Haggai to address the issue of the unfinished temple in Jerusalem. God sent them both to deliver the same message...finish the job! It's interesting to me that while they were both highly effective in delivering the message, yet each had a different style of stating the point. Haggai was more rigid and terse in his mannerisms, more of an exhorter, while Zechariah's style was more of an encourager. I always felt that exhortation and encouragement were similar, but I now see that while they are different, when used cohesively, they do mesh well. One cannot be overbearing, as it leads to discouragement, but then one cannot be overly compassionate as it can lead to slacking off, and they were doing plenty of that already, as the project had laid dormant for sixteen years already. So God sent these two prophets to wind them up a bit and get the job completed now! We all need that kind of jump start, or we grow complacent. I know that I can grow a little slow, hesitant about doing things, especially when the task appears so huge, and help is not available. But Zerubbabel brought 42,360 people plus servants with him when he returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, so there were more than enough workers, plus King Darius of Babylon sent along resources, by God's design.

The task was daunting, because the former temple built by Solomon had been magnificent in structure and design with gold everywhere as described in 1 Kings 6, so the people allowed discouragement to take root, as they compared their work to his finished design and handiwork. Here they faced a heap of rubble and burned out walls - total devastation and mayhem. But God had his way of using these two prophets to get His message across and remind them of His promises to return His people to Jerusalem, rebuild, and prosper them.

In my rather varied resume of things God taught me along the way to my destination or final gig before retiring, I worked in retail using my creative resources as opposed to the medical training God so keenly orchestrated. As an assistant manager for a western shop I was tasked with overseeing the workers to ensure they were meeting headquarters' standards. The company manager felt that insulting someone publicly was the best method to achieve better work participation, by setting an example through punishment for neglect of responsibility, which was not even the case, as the people employed were exceptional in their work ethics. My style of leadership - by example, however, was not accepted, as it made me appear "equal" to the work staff, and that was not allowed. I had to be a step above the "lesser than" for lack of a better way of saying it. Or I had a "rep" to "protect." Anyone who knows me knows I think that's garbage. Consequently when I failed to comply the store manager was told to discharge me immediately. Well, I had already gone in with the intention of giving my notice, as I had watched the store manager forced to fire many of the long-standing employees for no good reason, and she failed to find anyone who could perform the jobs required. One was for someone experienced in shaping and cleaning hats - not as easy a job as one may think. The man who was fired had worked in this position for years, and the new company boss did not appreciate him, and the feeling was mutual, as she was quite rude to him on the rare occasions she would condescend to visit the store. The store manager appreciated my work, so she was grateful when I told her I was leaving and that I volunteered to just resign that day, as was I. This is not the first job I had to face such a challenge, but I will not look down on anyone. There are right and wrong ways to address a situation, and there is never a reason to be rude or callous or look down on someone or think oneself better. It takes courage to make a stand for righteousness, but God always has something better waiting in the wings. I recently discovered that this business eventually bankrupted. God vindicates his beloved when we do the right thing.

But there are times in the course of leading our nation that difficult decisions have to be made, and the direct approach is the only one. We always reach out in peace towards our fellow man, but as in the days of old as seen in God's Word, the real enemy ensnares the hearts of men and hardens their hearts, so God has to divinely intervene using men in leadership. Whereas it may not appear to be so to many who have their hearts hardened towards our President, and even God, God is in control, and He has chosen the leadership we have for this time in history. I do not claim to know anything except Jesus Christ and Him crucified, but I also know that God has His plan for our nation and the nations of this world. So dear ones, I will continue to do what He calls me to do which is first repent and pray, standing on the wall as a watchman - an intercessor, and if I have a means to act, I will do so at His command. We all have a part in what we do or do not do. Voting is extremely important, but I have spoken about that until I am tired. To him or her who has an ear to hear - Listen! 

Everything that happens or does not happen is by God's design! Do not listen to naysayers, doomsday prophets, and stop scrolling and start studying to show yourself approved - Read the Bible! It contains all we need for life and godliness.

Until later! 

Day 265 If Only

 

9/22/2026

"If only I touch the hem of His garment

I shall be whole."

Matthew 9:21

 

I always look forward to Tuesdays, because it's the day I join the Worship Watch from Kehilat HaCarmel in Israel first thing in the morning, shortly after I rise. It is just as the words imply watchmen or intercessors joining together for prayer and worship for Israel and for the nations. Yesterday we observed Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, a day of prayer, fasting, repentance, and deep humiliation and self-examination. Even secular Jews sought the Lord in gratitude, seeking in their own way to honor God. It is the only day where all of Israel shuts down for the day. If only other nations felt this deeply about setting things right with God and their fellow man.

When God gave the first command to Moses it was to honor the Sabbath day to keep it holy as a continual practice, generation after generation. God intended for this day to be a day of rest from our labor, a time to honor Him. Christians observe Sunday as their day of worship, yet we haven't quite gotten down the idea of a total separation from the world on this day as God intended. We fail to understand the significance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. Since I was raised as a Christian I have always attended church on Sundays, but for several years now I have been a Saturday and a Sunday Christian. I love my Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ, so it is so natural for me to begin my Sabbath on Fridays at sundown, as my Israeli friends do. 

I admit that I'm having trouble understanding why there is so much hatred and division in the world regarding the nation of Israel, the Jewish diaspora, and those who love and support Israel, like myself. We are called Zionists. Zion is where Messiah will one day rule and reign, where He will establish His kingdom, so I don't mind the name. And I do understand from the Biblical perspective and the prophets' words, as well as those of Jesus Himself, regarding the rise in antisemitism (now it is just called anti-zionism) as I follow the prophetic timelines in the Bible. I understand that the devil is actively involved in destroying anyone he can, which is obvious from all the savagery and horrendous murders in Africa and other parts of the world, aimed at Christians, not just our Jewish brethren. It is now becoming a focus in America and in the Western countries. Satan knows that his time is getting very short, and he's been planting his tares for centuries into unsuspecting nations, including the United States. What I do not understand is why people are falling into his trap. We say we love the Lord and want to walk in His ways, build the church, evangelize the world, yet our eyes are turned aside from the acutely obvious chaos, lies, and deception right under our noses. Things never begin overnight, and no one should be surprised when evil is being revealed, as that is what we ask God to do. In fact He says that nothing is hidden from Him (Luke 8:17; Luke 12:2-3; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Amos 3:7; Proverbs 25:2).

If only we would take the time to sit at His feet and ponder His words of truth and life. When considering the Feasts of the Lord and the observance of them in this day by Messianic Jews or Christians who love the traditions of God, it is important to remember that these are God's appointed times - moedim. Just as with all of God's word and instruction, truth brings light and revelation, and He has a reason for everything He does and commands us to do. We are not under "law," but we honor His word as eternal and holy, as He is Holy. It would behoove us all to study the history of Israel to understand our Jewish Savior, Jesus Christ the Messiah. He changes not, and the Bible is the Word of God and a history of His chosen people, remembering that as born again believers in Jesus Christ we share in the covenant made with Abraham - joint heirs with Christ. That in itself should motivate anyone to study the family history. Because of our belief and acceptance we have been grafted in to the vine. That's amazing!! (Romans 9-11; Ephesians 1-2). And as we read the Word of God, it only gets richer and richer, as God is a covenant-keeping God. Gentiles just need to remember their place and purpose.

May we make a daily habit to sit at His feet and study His word in its entirety and learn of Him. Because of Jesus' death on the cross, we can now approach Him boldly in humility, touching the hem of His garment. 

Day 264 We Will Dance

 

9/21/2026

"The best atmosphere for prayer is praise."

Daily Walk

 

This has been an usually long day, which is highly unusual as the days seem to fly by more quickly each day, especially as I become older. But then, that's the way I'm told it goes! Since we're observing Yom Kippur it has been an introspective day, just as most of my times with Jesus are. I am always checking the words I speak, the thoughts I have, and the things I do to make certain I have not said or done anything offensive to God or man. I try to be sensitive, but I admit that at times I become weary of foolishness, and I say what's on my mind. Still, there's a right and wrong way to do and say things, so we need to be considerate and walk in wisdom. This has been a better day for that!

I did receive a phone call and make two calls today, when my intention had been to avoid contact with anyone and just focus on prayers for Israel and our nation. But I felt it necessary to touch bases with two friends, one who recently lost her husband, and the other lady whom I'm told is getting rather frail and tender in years. Although my friend who lost her husband is attempting to remain busy and take care of many of the errands and things left undone by her husband, she is becoming weary, and she lacks the family support she so desperately needs. While she needs space and time to mourn, it is my prayer that she give herself time to grieve and rest, and I also pray that her family will be there to support and love her. I wish I could be there, but my family responsibilities are pressing, and unless things become dire for her, I must remain home. Still my heart aches for her, his children, and for friends, such as myself who wishes we could see our friend again. The good thing is that we will see him again, and for now he's enjoying walking his dog, Tiger, on heavenly footpaths, enjoying fellowship with Jesus. Now that's not so bad! 

Another friend has been heavily on my mind, so I gave her a quick call to let her know she is always in my thoughts, and I wanted her to know that I miss her and not to give up on my visiting her again. She is 94 years young, and she is a widow, alone, and she thinks too much. She realizes that she has had a blessed life, one few of us is fortunate to have, as she was married a great many years to a wonderful man who adored her. She is blessed with a son who lives beside her, and since my son lives with me, I know that having them near is reassuring. Hopefully, I'll be able to see her too in the not too distant future, but we never know what tomorrow may bring. 

Likewise I received a call from an old friend, one I'd been thinking about, wondering how he was and what he had been doing. We'd lost touch a number of years ago, and recently we reunited via email. It's always much better to connect by phone, as it is more personal and more thoughts and words can be shared. Emails and texts are one-sided at best. He's extremely intelligent, but he's like me, he prefers the older method of doing things before phones became so essential to life, or so it seems. I may have talked too long, but we had many years to cover. Although time marches on, good friends remain the same, and regardless of the years between, each visit is like just the other day. I'm not certain when we'll touch bases again, but at least I know he's well and hot on the trail of a way to make the world better with health care solutions that actually help rather than hinder or drag on. 

As I think back over the teaching of today I remember the words from Zephaniah 3:14-17 which speaks of joy in God's faithfulness:

"Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall see disaster no more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: 'Do not fear; Zion, let not our hands be weak. The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.'" 

I don't know about anyone else, but knowing that God rejoices over me with singing makes my heart sing with joy! So many times I feel isolated and alone, even though I am in constant touch with people, and I fellowship with other believers. The life I live has been more of a wilderness experience, but not in a bad sense of being punished, but rather for my growth and dependence on God as my Source of all good things. There is no one or nothing that could ever take His place. And we must pass through the valley to get to the mountain where there is fullness of joy!

Being available for others who are in need of emotional or physical support also brings laughter to my soul and a spring to my step. Although the spring in my step has been pretty clumsy of late, when I worship my spirit bursts forth in song and dancing before the Lord.  I love to dance before the Lord and with Him. I can almost see His smile, and hear the laughter as we fellowship together. 

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and out bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22)

 

Day 263 Going Low

 

9/20/2026 

"O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the

LORD our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people

of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand."

Psalm 95:6-7a

 

As the sun went down behind the hills the observance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement began in Israel. It is the holiest day of the Jewish year observed with repentance, fasting, and prayer, examining one's heart, seeking forgiveness of God for sins committed, and seeking reconciliation with others. The streets are closed for traffic, businesses are closed, and synagogues are full. People wear white during this time as a sign of purity for this solemn occasion.

Historically it was the only time of the year when the High Priest was allowed to enter the most Holy Place where sat the ark of the covenant, containing the presence of God. The priest would first offer sacrifices for his own sins before offering those for the people. This observance was a foreshadowing of the coming of Messiah as the High Priest as mentioned in the book of Hebrews. Jesus becomes our High Priest and we as heirs to righteousness are also considered priests along with Christ as Peter observed in his epistle in 1 Peter 2:4-5; 9-10: 

"Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. but you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." 

Repeatedly in the scriptures God promises His people rest as He does for believers in Christ today. God is a promise keeper, a covenant keeper, and He has not changed - He never could, and He never will. Listen to His promise found in Hebrews 4:11-16:

"Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." 

Today the people humbly cry out to God begging forgiveness, honestly seeking His forgiveness and mercy. They do not realize that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of the Living God, our Messiah, who came to save mankind from their sins, and He now prepares a place for us, so that we can be with Him. He did not abandon us, but as promised on the Day of Pentecost He sent His Holy Spirit to live within us, abide with us, teaching us, guiding us, reminding us of His words and aiding us as we go out to share with the world, which includes our beloved Jewish brethren who are still blind to the truth. At this time of the year we pray that while their hearts have melted in repentance that they may encounter the presence of our Savior and come to know that Jesus is His Name - Yeshua. So we Gentile believers join our prayers with their prayers for introspection and for revelation, wisdom and truth. We also use this time to consider our own hearts and minds. This should be a daily happening in our lives, as we all sin and fall short of the glory of God each day. Sometimes we do not recognize certain things, but this is when Holy Spirit gently reminds us of our error, so that we may understand and repentant so our ways will be pure before a holy God. We cannot "fix" ourselves or change our "spots" without the loving assistance of our God's Spirit dwelling within us.    

"Could you do it all over again, you'd do it differently. You'd be a different person. You'd be more patient. You'd control your tongue. You'd finish what you started. You'd turn the other cheek instead of slapping his. You'd get married first. You wouldn't marry at all. You'd be honest. You'd resist the temptation. You'd run with a different crowd. But you can't." (Max Lucado, Six Hours One Friday)

We need a Savior, and O what a Savior He is!