Day 298 Eyes on You, LORD

 

10/25/2026

 "O our God, will You judge them?

For we have no power against this great multitude

that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do,

but our eyes are upon You."

2 Chronicles 20:12

 

Quoting from Shakespeare Act III, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar - "Mischief, thou art afoot." Somehow it seems to fit the current circumstances of our day. Shakespeare was very astute in describing certain events and responses to them. There are a great many historical leaders and theologians who have adequately described what transpires when man loses his way and dives headlong into the lust for power. I've been watching the story of George Whitefield, the evangelist, who lit the colonies on fire with the message of Christ's love and coming judgment. I wonder if he'd be as successful today boldly and unashamedly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our courts and Congress. Perhaps he'd be able to free the tongues and convict the hearts of the sleeping church he preached about. Or would his words fall on deaf ears or apathetic ones much as his words could not elicit a change in the heart of Benjamin Franklin, his dearest friend, or so it seems. Only God knows a person's heart, but I pray that Franklin did accept Christ as Savior and Lord and is enjoying fellowship in heaven with Jesus and with the friend who led him to the Truth.

I feel a great sadness for the country of Brazil tonight, as I just learned of the election results. The existing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the election, and the precious Christ followers in the country will live under the same left-wing government. If the people of God do not awake from their slumber and speak out, pastors teach and warn their flocks, and vote Biblically, the same evil could befall our nation. It has already filtered in, and no one noticed. It is now openly in front of their eyes, evil voicing their plans and schemes, and yet, no one is the wiser. "As in the days of Noah...."

I sat in a meeting this afternoon listening to opinions from several men invited to share insight on both the elections in Israel and those here in America. Over the past few days I've heard many statistics, and the logic and analogies are a bit over my head. So, I continue to do what I do which is pray about everything and leave the results to God. But I am in no wise sedentary in my prayers or speaking out. Jesus told us to occupy until He returned, use our gifts, be a light in the darkness, and that is what I intend to do. 

At the end of the movie, A Great Awakening, Benjamin Franklin, grieved by the death of his close friend George Whitefield some years earlier, remembering his words of truth urging him to accept Christ, a segment was shown of the Constitutional Convention still debating about what to do. The debates were ugly, dividing, much ranting and raving, reaching no conclusion. It appears as if not much has changed in all these years. But on June 28, 1787 in Philadelphia, PA, amidst all the squabbling, Benjamin Franklin arose from his seat, walked slowly to a window to draw back the curtains, the room flooded with light. His actions were noticed by George Washington who is presiding. He recognized Dr. Franklin who gave the following appeal:

"Mr. President:

The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other -- our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.

In this situation of this Assembly groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine Protection. -- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance.

I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without [H]is notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without [H]is aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without [H]is concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall be become a reproach and a bye word down to future age. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human Wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move -- that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service."  (copied from a rending of the original document)

Naturally there were naysayers, beginning with the question of how to pay for a clergyman to come daily when they had no funds available. Such nonsense is always the issue in life, when the Bible says that the gift of God, the words of God are free, but it also says God provides for all our needs. It should be an honor to be asked to pray over this assembly, anytime or anywhere. Prayer did indeed become a daily practice in Congress, and it continues to this day. Sadly, for years the prayers had to be scripted in order to be approved and then presented to those in attendance as approved. I know of one brave Pastor who was asked to pray before Congress whose prayer was changed. When he went to pray, he asked God's forgiveness for allowing the prayer to be scrutinized, and he prayed the prayer Holy Spirit had anointed him to pray, using the name of Jesus Christ liberally. To God be the glory!

We may be wary of what to say and what to do in many circumstances. Evil does exist, and these times are perilous, but we as followers of Christ, do not fear. We stand bravely in the authority Jesus gave us before ascending to Heaven. Our God reigns. He is God, and there is no other! Our eyes are on Him! 

Day 297 Lech Lecha

 

10/24/2026

"Now the LORD had said to Abram:

'Get out of your country, from your family and

from your father's house, to a land that I will show you.'"

Genesis 12:1

 

Our Torah portion or Parsha for this Shabbat comes from Genesis 12 - 17, and it details God's calling of Abram, later to be called Abraham, to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldeans to go to a land that He would show him. Abram's unquestioning obedience to God's request was a huge leap of faith, and it was credited to him as righteousness:

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:8-10).

Lech Lecha is translated from Hebrew to mean "go forth," as the LORD (Yahweh) called Abram to do in Genesis 12:1. God also told Abram that He would make him a great nation, make his name great, and that he would a blessing not only to the nation He would establish through Abram but to all the nations. God told Him in verse 3-4, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran."

We should be so very grateful that Abram obeyed, as he is not just the father of God's chosen people, Israel, but as believers in Christ, we inherit the same blessings. There's so much detail in the scriptures concerning Abram's journey to this land God promised him within this entire portion of scripture, but it is important to note that God recognized Abraham's unquenchable faith in several passages of scripture in the New Testament. His faith is an example to us, as he endured many tests along the way, but he remained steadfast in his  trust in the LORD. The 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews lists others whose faith was noted in the scriptures as encouragement to future followers of Christ Jesus.

While I've never been called to leave my home and go to a new land, I was required to move away from my home to move to Northern New Mexico for thirty-five years, because my husband desired to  return to his home there to be closer to his family. The situation was quite different for us, as the word from the LORD to my husband was not to go, not yet, but he chose to do what he wanted to do regardless. As a result things did not fare well for our family, but I trust God to turn these things around as I seek to surrender wholly to His leading for my future and that of my children. I have returned to my original home in Virginia, but I waited to make certain that God was leading my return. My parents had already passed on to their heavenly home, and although I was happy in the place I was living, circumstances changed, and I feel that God said to go home. So, I imagine I did leave my home to come back to a place that wasn't as I knew it. That's been difficult, but I'm managing day by day. Thankfully my younger son is here with me, so that makes the transition from one culture to another easier.

The question God has asked me is whether I truly trust Him. It's easy to say "Of course, I do, Lord," but when things happen does my faith fail? Honestly, I examine my heart every day to make certain that my attitude remains positive and grateful. Are things as I wish them to be here? Do I feel that I truly heard God's voice and the timing correctly?

It's easy to have doubts, and some are normal, but I do trust God, not only for my life, but I trust Him for my family as well. I have led a long, interesting life, not always of my choosing, nonetheless, I remaining standing, and my faith is steadfast. My focus is completing the plan He has for my life, so I am learning to follow the wise counsel of Matthew the former tax collector and writer of the Gospel of Matthew, as his character is played out in The Chosen:

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

Selah.

Day 296 Called to Shine

 

10/23/2026

"I am a blessed man; I have the gift of men."

Nathaniel Bassey 

 

Many consider me a fanatic, a Jesus "freak," but there is no other life for me, and we should be in love with our Bridegroom. I'm looking forward to the day of His return and the marriage supper of the Lamb when He carries us off to heaven, but until then I want to be busy about His work, as He instructed. I don't want to have my oil lamp empty, but full to overflowing, waiting, watching, anticipating!

Reading from Mark 4:3-25 Jesus shares the Parable of the Sower and the Seed with the crowds who had gathered around Him on the beach. The crowd was large and his voice low, so He got into a boat and sat down to teach (Mark 4:3-9):

"A farmer decided to sow some grain. As he scattered it across his field, some of it fell on a path, and the birds came and picked it off the hard ground and ate it. Some fell on thin soil with underlying rock. It grew up quickly enough, but soon wilted beneath the hot sun and died because the roots had no nourishment in the shallow soil. Other seeds fell among thorns that shot up and crowded the young plants so that they produced no grain. But some of the seeds fell into good soil and yielded thirty times as much as he had planted - some of it even sixty or a hundred times as much! If you have ears, listen!" 

Later the disciples asked Jesus what he meant by this story which irritated Jesus as they often didn't understand what He meant when  using parables. So Jesus explained that this was an illustration of the Kingdom of God:

"The farmer I talked about is anyone who brings God's message to others, trying to plant good seed within their lives. The hard pathway, where some of the seed fell, represents the hard hearts of some of those who  hear God's message; Satan comes at once to try to make them forget it. The rocky soil represents the hearts of those who hear the message with joy, but, like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep, and though at first they get along fine, as soon as persecution begins, they wilt. The thorny ground represents the hard hearts of some of people who listen to the Good News and receive it, but all too quickly the attractions of this world and the delights of wealth, and the search for success and lure of nice things come in and crowd out God's message from their hearts, so that no crop is produced. But the good soil represents the hearts of those who truly accept God's message and produce a plentiful harvest for God - thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as was planted in their hearts. Then He asked them, 'When someone lights a lamp, does he put a box over it to shut out the light? Of course not! The light couldn't be seen or used. A lamp is placed on a stand to shine and be useful. All that is now hidden will someday come to light. If you have ears, listen. And be sure to put into practice what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand what I tell you. To him who has shall be given; from him who has not shall be taken away even what he has Mark 4:14-25). 

In His ministry Jesus used parables in order to teach about the coming Kingdom and about being ready for His return. He also told his disciples that many of His followers and those in the crowd would not understand, but He patiently explained the stories to them. I believe that the interpretation given to the disciples as noted above are easy to understand even for anyone reading them today. They describe the attitudes of men's hearts even today. We share a good message, but some reject it completely. Others are eager to hear good news when shared, but when they are persecuted or made fun of, and they back off. Or the things of this world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, greed for more and better, and pride of life over possessions and wealth seem to take the priority in lives; but then there are those who take the message and run with it, sharing it with friends, family, understanding the urgency of the times. These are the ones who benefit, because they have chosen the better way. The road that leads to life eternal.

Many times I've shared that it's not so much what we say to others, it's what we do. What does our lives say about the person we are? Jesus came not to be served, but to serve others, and His main service to mankind was laying down His life for His friends. He died that we may have life eternal, friendship with God. What about that message, His testimony is an affront to so many? His message is not only Good News, it is the Best News that ever could be. But so many people prefer to live compromising lives. They may say that they believe in God, but they are not surrendering and accepting of His Son. Death to self doesn't seem like a pleasant way to live. So they go on straddling the fence, never fully committing their lives to Him. A waste of a life, but because of the mercy of God, it is redeemable.

Today I was reading about challenging tasks parents have in training our children. The commentator said that teaching our children to say "thank you" and showing gratitude was the most difficult task. I feel that my children learned the lessons well, or at least two of them have carried it through life. I was raised to be polite, grateful, even when it was detrimental to my health or at least my stomach. I ate what was offered me, and I said "thank you," even when I was sick afterwards. My children were taught to do the same, but showing kindness and respect was something that was taught in schools when I was growing up. We even learned proper etiquette. Imagine that! How to set a table correctly! Taught in a country school no less! But it was a different age. I was taught to have a servant's heart, a grateful spirit, serving others first. So teaching my children came naturally, and I have been pleasantly pleased with the results. Perhaps the other one will make an about face one day soon, remembering not only what he was taught, but remembering that Jesus loves him.

We are called to shine our lights for Christ, following His example, sharing His love with those who have not heard the good news or seen it exhibited in the lives around them. Time is short and the laborers are few, but the harvest is ripe! Sow seeds for the end time harvest.

Day 295 Who Will Stand

 

10/22/2026 

"I will bless those who bless you,

and I will curse him who curses you; and in you

all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Genesis 12:3

 

I've been watching A Great Awakening again - the movie about George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin. Whitefield was an English citizen, but the church and then the country kicked him out, because he was preaching repentance in an effort to awaken a dead, tired church. Prior to that movie I was watching an episode of Arrow, a DC Comic movie, about a hero trying to save his city from thugs and murderers. I must say that there is a side to me that rather enjoys it when really nasty people get their comeuppance. Growing up in the Vietnam era I also cheered when Rambo goes into Vietnam and brings home the prisoners in his less than civil manner. And I am supposed to have the gift of mercy, or so my test said. Sometimes it makes me angry when I know too much about what is really going on behind closed doors, like Elisha the prophet who could hear the evil king of Syria plotting against King Jehoram in his bedroom (2 Kings 6). There's nothing new under the sun, as King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. And evil is certainly afoot these days, or always in the case of Israel.

I must say that as much as I don't enjoy seeing all the lawlessness and criminal activity of this spiritually dark age, I do have a heart of mercy and pray for those who are lost. And, much like George Whitefield I preach repentance in my way, beginning with my own heart.

Yesterday I wrote about the elections, so I don't want to belabor the point. Simply put, please vote, but make sure you know what you're supporting and what the candidate truly represents. Although it is not always easy, vote Biblically. The reason our country is in the mess it is in now is because people did not realize the truth, and others simply did not vote. This is an important mid-term election as all seats in Congress are vacant. Never believe an advertisement. How can you even tell if a person speaking actually made it with so much fraud by AI. This is why past legislation should be examined. Be responsible. Our children's lives and welfare are at stake. Our Constitution and our freedom is at stake. In God we trust - not man.

I was invited to a Bible study tonight in the home of a friend - there were eight of us in attendance. I generally hold my Harvest Bible study at this time; however, I felt compelled to check it out, as God may be answering my prayer for a home church where I can feel welcome and where the uncompromising word of God is taught. I must say that it was an enjoyable evening, one with great possibilities. The study was about the second coming of Jesus Christ, a subject no longer preached in the church, because it frightens some people. Instead a social gospel is taught for itching ears. Certainly it is from the Bible, but it is not following the mandate of our Lord that He gave us before He ascended to the Father. Time is short, and the prophetic time clock is ticking. People need to know.

I do not say that judgmentally, I say it because it is sadly true. Even Jesus said to the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2 that the church had lost its first love. When He was speaking to the church in Thessalonia He said they were lukewarm. The message of His return should be shouted from the rooftops along with repentance. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but He has washed us clean with His blood. We need to be like George Whitefield riding across the country shouting "Awake, O sinner, repent!" Repentance is not a dirty word, rather it is cleansing as we examine our hearts regularly to make sure a root of bitterness has not taken hold of our hearts and minds. We cannot approach a Holy God with bad feelings in our hearts, and it is so easy to pick up offenses or to get hurt in this present day. We must make the choice to forgive those who harm or hurt us, and we pray for their salvation. God can reform our hearts and make them whole again, so that praying for our enemies or those who hate us becomes easier as our hearts are broken for what breaks God's heart. No one says it's easy, but Jesus did it, extended the same grace to us, so we follow Him.

Tomorrow I have a National Day of Repentance Zoom call to attend. After that I can enjoy the beginning of Shabbat. My weekend of rest and restoration - I hope. May our thoughts be towards Him. Shalom.  

Day 294 In His Presence

 

10/21/2026

"In the Presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace,

troubles vanish, hearts are mended,

in the Presence of the King."

 In the Presence of Jehovah  

written by Geron and Becky Davis

 

If you're looking for a perfect sense of peace for about an hour on Wednesday evenings, tune in to An Hour with Jesus, with Terry MacAlmon. My days can become stressful between the affairs of the world and the events in my own life, so relaxing with Terry for an hour or so before going to bed, is just what the doctor should order for everyone. His opening song begins with the lyrics, "I want to sit at your feet and worship You, my Savior and my Friend. You are altogether lovely; Your mercy never ends. I wanna fall in love with You all over again." That's the perfect song to begin a worship session! Later he sang a portion of Andrea Bocelli's famous song, The Prayer. How my cup overflowed!!

In my blogs, posts, and general conversation I speak candidly and often about being in the presence of God, setting at the feet of Jesus, listening to what He has to say about everything and anything. In Philippians 4:6 Paul reminds us not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything. God cares about all things that concern us. Before Jesus went back to heaven He told His disciples He would send the Comforter, Holy Spirit, so they would have Him with them always. He wanted them to know His words were true. He told them to wait for The Promise of Holy Spirit who would guide them into all Truth.

I don't think many truly understand what being filled with God's Spirit, Holy Spirit, means. They understand being born again, the water baptism, being raised from death to life and breathing in the breath of Holy Spirit when they arise to new life in Christ. But, I am becoming aware of how few understand what the infilling of God's Spirit on the Day of Pentecost truly means. It has become such a contentious subject in church circles about the meaning and application of Jesus' words. That's why it's so important to become intimately acquainted with our Abba Father who desires to fellowship with us. He walked with Adam in the Garden in the cool of the evening, and Jesus often withdrew from his disciples and the crowds to spend quality time with His Father. If anyone had the weight of the world on His shoulders, which He literally did according to Isaiah 9:6, it was Jesus Christ. We need the quietness of the shadows, away from the crowds, away from social media and constant scrolling. I say that a lot also. James speaks of not being tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine (James 1:6), but when lacking wisdom or understanding to ask God. Too many times people consult books written by pastors or other theologians to learn the answers rather than consulting the best source of all wisdom and knowledge, The Holy Scriptures. Or they prefer to listen to a podcast or video teaching, not really knowing if it is true information or doctored to give the information one desires to receive, thus tickling ears. Why not consult the Bible first? Ask Holy Spirit to illuminate the passage and bring light. He does, and He also shines that bright light on areas where we fall short. 

In my Weekly Worship in my read through the Bible, the side comment reminds us: "No one fully comprehends God, but God fully comprehends us." I've been studying the Gospel of Luke, trying to walk through familiar passages very slowly so I can pick up on things that I may have missed. It seems that each year when I read through the Bible that familiar verses of passages I've studied for years literally jump off the page like fresh manna just out the oven, warm, savory, and so good, especially with a generous splat of butter on it! My journal is full of notes to myself about "wow" passages when I discover something I've missed. The sides and upper and lower areas of my Bible are loaded with more notes and comments about the insight I've been given. I love being able to have the time to devote to more time alone with Abba and sharing it in my daily blogs.

Today's meditation included the Psalm of the week, Psalm 113 by David. It contains the words of one of my treasured songs, Adonai written by Nathaniel Bassey (verse 3): "From the rising of the sun, to setting of the same, Your Name is to be hallowed, Adonai. Beginning my quiet times with praise and ending in worship for me are like taking a walk in the woods with Abba, enjoying the scenery while listening to stories of the Kingdom. Like Mary of Bethany I would find comfort being with Jesus skipping the meal, because being with Him there's no hunger and no thirst. He is Living Water and fresh daily manna.

Day 293 Cracks

 

 10/20/2026

"Ring the bells that still can ring / Forget your perfect offering / 

There is a crack, a crack in everything / That's how the light gets in."  

Leonard Cohen - Anthem 

 

Until these lyrics from Leonard Cohen's song, Anthem, were shared by one of the leaders at the Kehilat HaCarmel Worship Watch, I don't recall ever hearing of this Jewish Canadian songwriter who wrote about life's brokenness, the human condition, faith, and hope. One of his songs I've heard many artists sing is Hallelujah, a song that deeply touches my soul as it does so many. I want to make it a point to listen to some of his other songs, as I dearly love being introduced to people with true compassion for others and passion for life anchored in faith and hope. May his memory be a blessing.

Today's watch was devoted to worship and silent meditation more than shared Scripture readings. The elections are coming up on the 27th in Israel, so many prayers are being offered for a unified government. The political system in Israel has a single legislature with the 120 seat Knesset which is Israel's parliament. Many parties or coalitions, and only a percentage gets the seats, representing the  new government. I really don't know how they figure it out, but it can be messy, and there are many vying for the right to be heard. With the war continuing there needs to be consistency, but only God knows what is best. I love the Prime Minister, and I pray he remains, but not my will but God's be done. The scripture says that man makes plans, but God is the one who delivers (Proverbs 16:9). 

The same is said of America. Evidence is coming out of nefarious plans to overthrow our current government and carry out seditious plans to topple our government, rewrite our Constitution, remove the Senate, pack the Supreme Court, promote socialism, and destroy our republic. Events never happen overnight, so when proposed schemes come to light no one wants to believe the truth. It doesn't take much wisdom to see the seriousness of the hour, as so much is being done in clear sight, if only we would look and see it. It's easier to believe a lie, or so it seems. One thing is certain - we need prayer and repentance. Most of all we need God's mercy and His help in protecting and unifying our government and pulling it out of the grasp of evil, and snatch leaders out of the depth of the hell they have already descended.

What's happening in France is not the wrath of angry students. It is a very well thought out strategic plan by sinister actors planted in the country and in others to ruin them. Mostly it is an affront to Christianity, and sadly and tragically it was brought on by the country's own government system that came against Israel. By studying Scripture can the truth be revealed. Sad to say that in spite of all that has happened to bring light to the darkness, people failed to see the truth and have accepted  the lie.

What is the answer? 

Day 292 Testify! Testify!

 

10/19/2026

 "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; 

He cannot deny Himself."

2 Timothy 2:13

 

In preparation for my group Bible study this Wednesday night I provided my ladies with a copy of a Spiritual Gifts test so that they could determine their gifting from the Lord according to the responses they give to the questions. Each time I take the test I seem to always score the same or similarly, but the first gift is always the same - Evangelism, followed by the gifts of Faith, Intercession, and Mercy. In taking the test I can say one thing about my answers, I am passionate about a great many things, with the one exception of leadership. I've no desire to lead anyone, as I prefer to be unseen. I can hardly lead myself much less others. I'm also great at advising people about ways to accomplish goals, setting plans, and such, but can I follow my own counsel? Not so much, it seems. My children have always been in the forefront instead of me when it came to ministry. I loved hiding behind a puppet stage where I could become a character in the stories I'd write to illustrate a Bible story or truth. Perhaps I should have been an actor. In truth, I did consider that vocation, but God's call to missions was much louder. But, choices I made did not allow me to take the road to the missionary field, except for one brief summer encounter in the jungles of Belize. That trip made me all the hungrier for missionary life. Not even the jungle with all its inconveniences could deter my focus. I still have the passion and the ache, but for now God says America is my mission field.

In reading through the Gospel of Luke he records the life of Christ and his healing of those who flocked around Him. He was always surrounded by crowds who followed Him everywhere He went, even waited for Him to return from across the sea. When He withdrew to pray in the mountains alone, the crowds would be waiting. Jesus had compassion on the people as He said they were like "sheep without a shepherd." But He could also be very abrupt with the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders who always wanted Jesus to show them a sign to prove His authenticity as a prophet or a Rabbi. They questioned Him on His upbringing in Nazareth, and totally missed all the words in the Bible announcing His arrival, His position, and His mission. In reading through the Bible it still is a wonder to me how these religious leaders could miss the obvious. In Israel today the Jews who faithfully obey the words of Scripture are anxiously awaiting for Messiah to come, and regardless of the influence of the Messianic Jewish community, which is small in comparison, some adamantly refuse to accept that Jesus was the Son of God. They misinterpret the words of the prophets or totally ignore them. But we don't seem to do much differently today, so it appears, or else we would be wiser to the signs of the times.

Jesus was criticized, because He sought out those who wanted to be saved, healed, and delivered from their bondage. He came to set the captives free, but not in the sense that they wanted Him to. Still His coming and the tangible work that He did testified of Who He is and that He was in fact the Son of the Living God. In following His example and that of those whom He healed we can testify to a hurting, hungry, drying world of the Good News by sharing our testimonies. Nothing speaks more loudly than actual experience, and that is one thing that I do have under my belt is experience. Experiencing the mercy of a loving Father who picked me up, dusted me off, and set me back on the path He had planned for me before the beginning of creation. That just amazes me. And the same can be said of all who will simply accept Him at His word.

The Bible speaks of the woman at the well near Samaria whom Jesus encountered one day as she was getting water in the middle of the day, all alone, because she was not allowed to draw water when others were present. She was not living a righteous lifestyle, had been married seven times, and was living with a man who was not her husband. In John 4 Jesus encounters her and invites her to drink of the living water only He can provide. Her response was to go into the village testifying of the man who told her everything she had ever done. The people came out to see for themselves, and they experienced the mercy of God's love as did she.

Throughout Scripture Jesus healed, cast out demons, and raised some from the dead. A review of the Gospels will remind us of all the miracles He performed. Many times he asked that they remain quiet, but the people were so excited, so full of awe, wonder, gratitude that they told everyone. They testified of His greatness. This increased the crowds, increased the miracles, but it also drew the attention of those who were jealous of Him, the Pharisees and religious leaders, and others whose lust of power blinded them to the truth of the Word, the Living Word, Jesus the Bread of Life.

In Luke 8:26-39 we read the story of the demonic man of the Gadarene whom Jesus delivered of a legion of demons and sent them into over the cliff into the sea. The people of the village were so afraid and fearful that they begged Jesus to leave. The man who had lived such a horrible life, naked, feared, tormented, abusing himself for so long fell on his face thanking Jesus for what He had done for Him. He begged Jesus to allow him to go with Him, but Jesus told him to go and testify. So he went gratefully into the ten cities known as Decapolis testifying of the mercy and grace of a loving Father and God, and the Son of God, Jesus the Messiah!

We are told in Revelation 12:11 that we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and we love not our lives to the death. Jesus told us in Luke 9:24 that if we wanted to save our life, we will lose it; but if we give up our life for His safe, we will save it."

So, whether I'm truly an Evangelist or not, I do know that I am here to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News. So I will testify of His saving grace each opportunity I get. It's my decision and my mandate! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!