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." 

Day 77 Oops!

 

3/18/2026

"I can do all things through Christ

who gives me strength."

Philppians 4:13

 

Here we go again! I say that with a broad smile, and a chuckle. Laughter truly is good medicine. 

I am attempting to pound out this short, simple post in spite of the fact that my body is being attacked once more. I won't give the enemy any room to think he could possibly touch me. Besides, greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world! 

Last week I worked very hard fighting with the thorny vines consuming my daddy's bushes here at the house. Last year about this time, they were killing my forsythia trees, and that is when I was swinging from the vine, sort of, and fell backsides first to the ground. I am still dealing with that misfortune, but again, my first response was laughter. One would think a 75 year old would have better sense, but I guess since I have a childlike mind, I don't always think rationally. Another smile erupts!

Apparently, while dealing with the thorns and whatever else may have been in those bushes, I got infected with something. At this point the doctor doesn't even know. I drove myself to Stony Creek today to see my country doctor. Whatever it is, it is aggressively attacking my skin, and it is not pleasant. The weird part is that although I was a bit uncomfortable on Sunday, I was able to sit through the sermon and worship, plus attend my online services. It was really a great afternoon, until evening when the real battle began to be waged.

I'm taking a steroid super packet of meds, as Dr Matherlee calls it, to stop this whatever it is. Hopefully tomorrow will bring much improvement. I'm not one to lie around, not even when I have severe headaches or any type of pain. Mama always said we feel better when we get up, take a bath, and get dressed. I've always taken that advice to heart. I've never missed much work either. The doctors think I'm nuts, but then they must not know The Great Physician! He was definitely with me while I drove to the doctor and back today, as when I arrived home, the rash had intensified just with the rubbing of my clothing and the stress of the ride. Actually, I go the long way through McKenney, as I love the ride! Peaceful backwoods can be sheer heaven!

Nonetheless, I'm still on the wall with Israel and the United States as all of my intercessor friends and I continue to pray for the battle to free Iran and to protect both Israel and the United States from the Iranian regime. Prayer is the best warfare, so I hope that any who call themselves followers of Jesus Christ are joining the battle on their knees and faces before God. I do not post everything, and even today new circumstances have risen that I do not share. If you are a believer in Christ, you will not fear, for what can man do to you? When in doubt, pray. Pick up your prayer manual, the Holy Bible, and read the Psalms, as they bring great reassurance in times of peril. Please, don't listen to the local news sources, but use reputable journalists and ministries. I post daily from those, so when in doubt, go to my Facebook page. I use it for information to inform and uplift. Do not listen to those who seek to turn you from truth.

Until tomorrow. Shalom. 

  

Day 75 Your Choice

 

3/16/2026

"O our God, will You not 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 on You."

2 Chronicles 20:12

 

At this very moment I am physically embroiled in an attack from the enemy attempting to distract me from what the LORD is leading me to do today. Last week my son, Daniel, and I began cutting down the shrubs in the back of our yard, as a infectious vine has been attacking the bush and stunting its growth. Unknowingly I was infected either from the poison in the thorns on the vines, or I touched poison ivy or oak. Consequently, my sin has broken out, and the itching is unrelenting. To make matters worse I have developed an upper respiratory issue, which could be from the weather and the pollen, or it could be stemming from these thorns. I see it as an additional attack to make me so uncomfortable that I want to lie down, not accomplishing all the LORD has spoken to me this morning to do. I don't believe in coincidence, nor do I retreat from the battle easily. I have learned the hard way to "stay the course."

It does become exhausting when something tries to distract me from focusing on what God has said. It is almost amusing the extent the enemy will go to silence prayer. Back in 2016 when I was still in New Mexico and working, I sustained a blow to the head that left me with noise in my head, that sounds like an army of locusts ready to take flight, gearing up by increasing that noise insects make when they rub their legs together. The noise is shrill, continuous, and the pitch rises to impossible heights, making me want to bang my head on the wall to see if an additional blow would end it! Then I become rational, and I just do what I've learned to do over this span of ten years - a decade - to do. Wow, how times fast when we're having fun! I try to focus on what I need to do, and I ignore it as best I can. It's not easy, but I have learned to overcome a great many challenges that send others to bed. God is faithful.

Each morning for 891 days, hundreds of intercessors have spent an hour or better on the global prayer calls for Israel. We begin every meeting with worship, ushering in the Presence of the LORD, followed by a strategic, educational, or encouraging message before we gather specific prayer points for prayer. I am always uplifted in these sessions, because they let me know that I am not alone. Many times I wonder what exactly my part is, because there is so much happening in my nation alone. Not having a strong local prayer group has been hard, but I haven't had that for years and years. But this doesn't keep me from reaching out to others in an attempt to inform and educate an unwary people. I am trusting God that as I ask for and obey His direction, answers will come. Just this morning I was praying about the church trying to "sleep out" this war without understanding the significance of Israel's part in the end time restoration. It's all about Israel, and it always has been. God made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and regardless of who rises or falls, Israel will remain strong. 

Right now the nations of the world are at a place prophetically called "The Valley of Decision" concerning where they stand with Israel, and we must determine whether we stand as a sheep nation or as a goat nation before God:

"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).

Will we obey the LORD God, or will the church continue to remain idle? The signs are all around us with changes in weather, wars and rumors of wars, disobedience, immorality, and so on. In a previous post I mentioned the alignment of the planets on the eve of this war with Iran. It was the night of the blood moon. Pretty real stuff there! What does Jesus say about sheep and goat nations:

"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'      (Matthew 25:31-36).

The remaining passage of scripture explains exactly what Jesus meant, and you can continue to read Matthew 25:37-46 for clarification and context.

Perhaps one reason that the church is not speaking out on behalf of Israel or complaining about the United States involvement with Israel is because they don't want to frighten their people. But, ignorance is never bliss, and everyone needs to understand what the scriptures say regarding what is happening in Israel, in Iran, and in our own countries. Look at the rise in antisemitism, and what is happening in the streets of many cities. The enemy is having a field day, and no one is saying a word. This is a battle for good versus evil, and I don't think one needs a great deal of spiritual discernment to agree with that! Yes, it can be unsettling and outright frightening, but if God is on our side, and He is on every true believer's side, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) When King Jehosphaphat was up against an enemy hoard, what did he do? Who did he run to for advice?

"O our God, will You not 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)    

"And he said, Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehosphaphat! Thus says the LORD to you": 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you." (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). 

Are our eyes on the LORD? If not, where do we turn for help? If in doubt, read Psalm 121. 

 

Day 74 Sunday Rest

 

3/15/2026

 "Peace I leave with you, my peace

I give to you; not as the world gives do I 

give to you. Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid."

John 14:27

 

Memories can be bittersweet, even so, they can bring back many blessings masked as defeat. It was such a long time ago, but hardly a day goes by that I do not remember that day. Growing up in the backwoods of a much smaller Dinwiddie County back in the day, I spent much of my time at Central Baptist Church and with friends who lived adjacent to the church parsonage. Susan and Melinda were sisters, although I don't remember the exact years that separated them. Susan was in my class in high school, and we sang in the choir at church together. I remember singing a song called "Peace I Leave with You," and the words of the verse above framed the lyrics, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, give I unto you...." That song has played over and over in my mind and heart on days when I felt so alone and lost. It's a reminder of the faithfulness of God. 

It was the weekend of the High School Ring Dance. My mama had made me a beautiful yellow satin gown to wear, and a good friend was taking me to the dance. That was when girls dressed modestly, and the boys always honored their dates with a wrist corsage to compliment the gown. My corsage was yellow roses, and I remember being so proud of wearing my designer gown. Mama always made my clothes, and I think she got more enjoyment seeing me well-dressed than I did. The next day was Easter Sunday, so mama also made me a simple little blue dress, but I am uncertain the weave of the fabric. I do recall that Susan and Melinda were each decked out in beautiful store-bought dresses fit for queens. I felt a little plain standing beside them, which I'm sure may have hurt my mama's feelings had I appeared ungrateful. That's the last time we ever got to stand together again, as they both died in a car wreck that evening. Things were never the same after that day. 

I remember going through a period of not caring whether my grades were good or below average after that day. I'd been told earlier in life that I wasn't as smart as my brother, so after Susan died, I lost interest in trying my best. I'm not clear on many of the details of my younger years, because I was sick a lot with migraines and lower back problems. Back then the doctors weren't as knowledgeable of my conditions, so I was given medications that could have harmed me had I been able to take them. I'm sure it cost a pretty penny, money daddy just didn't have. I wish I could have shared more with my parents and they with me about those days. Filling in the blanks would have helped, but that was so long ago. Medicine still has not progressed along those lines, sadly, but I am grateful that God delivered me from the suffering. What I do recall is waking up to the realization that not doing my best work wasn't helping me, so I snapped out of my grief and punishing myself for being alive. Eventually I graduated with honors.

At church this morning we decided to sit closer to the front, closer to all the young people who all sit together in the front. They took up five or six pews in the front right side of the church, and they all seemed very engaged in the message. Later, listening to two online services, each of them mentioned the young people directly, and the subject was choosing the right person for marriage. How I wish things had been different for my children, my grandchildren, and even the great-grandchildren I have never known. My younger son married a girl who had three children, and she was several years older than he. I was able to get to know the children, but over time, things fell apart, and I got caught in the crosshairs. I love children, blood or not, they are mine. I wish things could have been different for me. I still think about it after all these years, and the message gave me hope that at least I had tried to be a quiet and respectful wife, who didn't nag or prod, or belittle. I don't know what I did wrong. Children live what they learn, so I hope at least I modeled a virtuous mother in some way, although I get plenty of criticism today for putting God before anything else. Why does it have to be so hard? Regardless, God is faithful even when we are not, and I want to live for Him, each day doing all I can to encourage anyone who is struggling as a wife or mother. The Bible is our guideline. Men have been given a big responsibility as husbands and heads of their homes. We can't go back, but we can go forward, and it is never too late to do the right thing, especially when it is hard. God never leaves us, and He spells things out pretty clearly in the Word. 

My job now is the same as it has always been with regard to my children, and for anyone who is watching my life. I model Jesus, and I pray for my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren using the Word of the Lord and standing against the enemy who would attempt to steal, kill, and destroy. I can be the umbrella of protection under the authority of Jesus Christ for them. There is power in the Name of Jesus and the power of His blood shed for our sins. We can have peace in the midst of any storm in this life. And we can have victory, because He has already overcome. I lay it at His feet, at the foot of the cross. He is more than enough. 

Day 73 Mental Travel

 

3/14/2026

"Earth's crammed with heaven,

and every common bush aflame with God;

but only those who see take off their shoes;

the rest sit round it and pluck blackberries."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 

One of my favorite things to do on a Sabbath afternoon is to listen to music. I find a nice instrumental worship video by Tim Janis who has the most beautiful worship songs and hymns, with breathtaking landscapes and wild life at play in the forests or on mountain ranges. There's nothing more peaceful than mental traveling across seascapes and open plains, herds of wild mustangs, forest animals at play, and meadows carpeted by wildflowers. The scenery is spectacular, and the hymns always seem to pick me up and refocus my day. Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I envision myself sitting on the hillside drinking in the tranquil beauty, smelling the crisp cool air and the scent of wildflowers, or feeling the spray from crashing waves on the seashore as a storm is approaching. I am alive!

My imagination gets the best of me when the destination becomes Africa, and I find myself on safari and visiting the indigenous tribes. It's always a disappointment when I open my eyes to find I am alone, here, merely dreaming, but I count it all joy to have a rich imagination and a curious, childlike mind that appreciates the adventure while it lasts. I can mimic it again and again when I watch certain movies in places I long to see. Africa is a place I have longed to visit and perhaps one day live and serve. It was Africa the Lord focused my attention when I was very young. Perhaps one day the Lord will send me that way. For now, I'll dream, and I can pray for my friends and support their ministries of love. They have so little, but they give so generously. Just as it should be, we give, because He gave...everything! 

Israel has been another focus, as I cannot separate my love for Jesus from God's chosen people and the nation of Israel. Although again only a mental traveler, when He says "Go," I will. How amazing to walk the roads Jesus traveled and visit His home town of Nazareth, visiting Pastor Saleem and his wife, Nisreen, who have a ministry to the Arabs living there. They themselves are Arabs, and they support the soldiers and the local community, especially now in time of war. Even when under fire, they serve in the fields. When their kitchen was destroyed, they still made meals for everyone. They supply much-needed supplies for the home and the food pantry. They are a wonderful couple, who share the love of Christ in reaching out to meet the needs, always ready to serve. 

Or visit the Messianic Jewish congregations in Haifa and Mount Carmel where I feel a part of the family. Naturally, I'd want to visit the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, both places I love with more "family" members. I cannot think of a city or country I would not love to visit, or people I would want to meet, encourage, and share God's love with as many as I can. Rolling up my sleeves and working along side them in the fields, feeding the hungry, ministering to the sick. The greatest gift God ever gave me besides salvation was the gift of His love for hurting people, and I am able to share that love with anyone I meet. It doesn't require much to love someone, maybe not what they do or say, but to really ask God to give you His love for another person. I sincerely do not want to see anyone go to hell, or be eternally separated from God. What a terrible waste of a life. Missing out on the most important life of all.

Today was such a lovely day, meditating on the love of God, spending the day resting and more importantly listening to the word of the Lord, in fellowship with the family of God at Jacob's Tent. The message today was about the building of the tabernacle, and the importance of each person's part in the actual building and artistry, but also the people's part in providing what they needed to go into the actual building of each part of the tabernacle. Each person giving from their heart, and their love of God, desiring a place where His Presence would dwell. But more than the actual building what was most important is that the people would come to realize God's Sovereignty, His authority, that all would know that He was the LORD their God, and He desired to fellowship or "tabernacle" - make His home - with them. It's the same today. He has chosen us, and He wants us to choose Him. 

I don't know about you, but I'm all in for that! Abiding in the shelter of the Most High! Now that's worth living for! 

 

Day 72 Time

 

3/13/2026

"A most beneficial exercise in secret prayer 

before the Father is to write things down so that

I see exactly what I think and want to say. Only those

who have tried these ways know the ineffable 

benefit of such strenuous times in secret." 

Oswald Chambers

 

Blustery winds have continued to blow all day long today, making the temperatures much lower than those earlier in the week. Storm clouds are forming in the Midwest and Southwest for the possibility of real arctic weather. What a turnaround in weather for all of us. 

Sadly, I haven't been very productive today, but rather contemplative, if that's permissible from time to time, I believe. My reading this morning was seemed splintered or somewhat opposing to each other. I finished up reading last chapters of the book of Judges that ended with the almost total annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, and ended reading the book of Ruth. After the death of Joshua, Israel fell back into the old sin patterns, and everyone did as they thought was best. When things got really bad, God used the heathen nations to punish them, until in their distress the people cried out to the Lord. All through history, no matter how badly God's people rebelled and sinned, whenever they cried out, He answered. During this time period, God appointed judges who ruled over the nation by conquering their enemies, and restoring peace. 

Against the backdrop of the period of the judges, during a time of famine a man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem, moved his family to Moab. Along with him were Naomi, his wife; and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The sons married two girls from Moab - Ruth and Orpah. When Naomi's husband and later her two sons died, Naomi decided it was time to return to Israel. Although the two daughters-in-law wanted to go with Naomi, she told them both to return to their homes, so they could find husbands. Orpah finally departed, but Ruth did not want to leave Naomi. These are her words to Naomi:

"Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me." (Ruth 1:61-17) 

The book of Ruth is a powerful love story about Ruth's marriage to Naomi's relative, Boaz who portrays the kinsman redeemer. Ruth has a son, Obed, who becomes the father of Jesse, who was the father of David who later became King of Israel. Ruth the Moabitess became a member of the royal lineage of Jesus Christ, Our Messiah. It's a beautiful story and demonstrates that God's ways are much higher than ours. I think about Tamar and Rehab who were also included in the lineage of Christ. When I read these accounts, it renews my hope. God's ways are so much higher than mine, and His thoughts than my thoughts. He is from the beginning to the end, and He upholds us with His righteous right hand.

This afternoon I was reminded that time is our most precious gift, and we need to use it wisely and intentionally. The hour of the church is growing to a close, and we cannot waste any more time, distracted by things that look good and acceptable, but that are taking the time away from God's focus for this hour. The days are darkening, and at any time the Lord could return. Our lamps must be lit, and we must be ready. Each day must be intentional, and each voice must speak out for righteousness and truth. There is no time to waste. Make certain your election is sure. 

Day 71 A True Heart

 

3/12/2026

"...let us draw near with a true heart in

full assurance of faith..."

Hebrews 10:22 

 

True to the weather reports, my morning began with overcast skies, increasing winds, followed by rain mixed with ice and snow, changing to light snowfall that managed to cover the ground lightly, before the weather changed its focus to a semi-sunny afternoon. The weather has remained cold and a bit balmy, so I can hardly wait to see what the morning will bring. The week began with warmer weather going up to 80 degrees yesterday afternoon, so this sudden change was somewhat unexpected, even though we are still in the month of March. I had planned to go to Trader Joe's tomorrow afternoon, but I may decide to stay home and finish catching up on my chores. I doubt the weather will allow for outside garden chores, but I could be wrong, as I often am when it comes to predicting weather.

The quiet morning provided a little extra leisure as I prayed about the day ahead. Thursday evening I host a Bible study group, so I usually finish up going over the message notes. Deciding to put that for later, I turned to my study of the book of Hebrews using Andrew Murray's companion book entitled The Holiest of All. I have been ambling through this intense study, that is closely linked to the Old Testament book of Leviticus, for quite some time. There is so much depth in these scriptures, as it relates to the Holy Priesthood of Christ, that I have to savor it a bite at a time, if that makes sense. This is why I feel the only way to study the scriptures is line by line, precept by precept. I believe that's the whole idea, wouldn't you think? 

In Chapter 10 of Hebrews the author, who is unknown, speaks of drawing near to God with a true heart. In order to look at this thought, I prefer to include the entire portion of scripture in order to view the context:

"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."                 (Hebrews 10:19-25)

In this section of the chapter, the author is exhorting the Hebrew believers to hold fast to their confession of faith in Jesus Christ whose death tore the veil in the temple, allowing all who believed full access to God, to His throne of grace, a privilege previously only allowed to the high priest only one time a year for atonement of the sins of the nation. In Chapter 8:10 speaking of the New Covenant through Christ's death and resurrection, he says: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD; I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

God encourages us to draw near to Him. He has always longed for fellowship with man, but this is not to be confused with religion that is more of head knowledge and doing rather than being. The first thing that He asks of us is to enter into His holy place with a true heart, with desires fixed upon Him, drawing near from a place of total surrender, yielded to Him, true to Him only. In Chapter 3 God speaks of hardened hearts, wandering hearts, and unbelieving hearts, but here God says He will put His laws into our minds, giving us a new heart, one desiring to abide in Him. God asks for our hearts, a heart ready to obey, to trust, to find the life He offers in the secret place of the most high. A pursuit of holiness, a deep spiritual hunger to live a life of full fellowship with God who is the Holy One. It is here, from this place, He calls us to draw near and receive the blessing. "Let us draw near with a true heart."