Day 301 Who Else is Worthy?

 

10/28/2026

"Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming

with a loud voice,

'Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?'"  

Revelation 5:2

 

Often I am awakened with words or songs playing in my head. This morning I woke up twice hearing the words: Who else is worthy? There is no one, only Jesus!" I rejoice in the goodness and the kindness of our LORD in reminding daily of the truth of these words. And no matter what happens, no matter what others attempt to do to harm His people, all feeble plans of man will ultimately fail. Because only He is worthy of all praise, honor and glory!

The Lord has a way of reaching me in my most frazzled situations. I've been poking my way through the book The Helper by Catherine Marshall, in which she is describing her journey to understanding the baptism of Holy Spirit spoken of in the Scriptures. This was a controversial subject in many churches back in her day, and it continues to be so, sadly. All one has to do is read the Bible, pray, ask, and seek and answers will come. She speaks of how Holy Spirit, who is God, is interested in every area of our lives, not just the spiritual growth and development. Jesus even spoke of why we need not worry over the affairs of this life in Matthew 7 in His Sermon on the Mount. But we still seem to worry and fret over way too many things, when it would be so easy to simply seek Holy Spirit.

This morning I was reading as Catherine shared about a sewing project she couldn't figure out how to do, and so upset, weary, and exhausted from her own efforts, she called a friend for help. Unfortunately, the friend was of little help, and she also become flustered. As Catherine was about to abandon the project as hopeless and move on to the next task, she heard a little voice say, "Why not try it this way," or words to that effect. Then as she listened, she began to visualize the entire project and complete it without effort. When I read this I laughed, as I know as I have experienced His leading many times, but then I thought about that shed outside I've been trying to paint for two weeks. So as I looked out the window, as I usually do when I'm praying, I pleadingly started to ask God why He hadn't helped me figure out things to make the task easier. Before I was mid-sentence or thought, I heard Holy Spirit say to me, "because you didn't ask Me." This was true, however, I had finally relied on my artistic talents to draw a fine line of paint in some areas, but I do know that thought came from Him. After all, I may not be a painter, but I am an artist by God's design only. I have learned much in this process, however, and my advice, humanly speaking that is, to those who purchase an outdoors shed is to pay to have someone else paint it. In the long run it will save you money and time that could have been better spent doing something more relaxing or beneficial. And although I am not certain, I may very well have heard that same advice from Holy Spirit when I purchased it. I have often not listened to the still small voice thinking "Oh, it's just my thoughts." No, when God says that He's interested in everything that concerns us, He means it! So be careful to listen intently, and be sure to ask His advice. This is the path of true shalom.

So, today I give praise to my Father and Lord Jesus Christ for loving me and sending Holy Spirit to guide me into the truth, all truth of His will and way. Only One is worthy of our praise! I can hardly wait to see His face and bow in His presence. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for guiding me through the struggles in my life and in my prayers for this chaotic world. May Your will be done, Father, on earth as it is in Heaven in my life, the lives of my family and friends, in my city and State, and in this nation and the world. Bless Israel today, and may all Israel be saved! According to Your Word, they will! May it be so!  

Day 300 Little Flock

 

10/27/2026 

"Thus says the LORD: 'Stand by the roads, and look,

and ask for the ancient paths, where the good

way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.'"

Jeremiah 6:16

 

One of the questions people ask each other when they are first introduced or get together again to catch up on years between is "What are you doing now?" A retired person of my age should be having the time of her life, especially after working in a human service position for so many years. So many times I hear the words "You deserve to do something for yourself." When in dialog I am asked that question or the similar ones of how I spent my life, it can become quite detailed, and this is the time I begin to explain to them who has first place in my heart. Yesterday I spoke of an incident where a young salesman came to our house to offer solutions to assist us in saving energy. Although his company offered valuable resources, it just wasn't something we could pursue at this time. But when he left I felt "less than," because I am not living the life he thought one in my age bracket should have, but limited based on my sole source of income. That's the way the enemy attempts to bring me down off the wall of intercession, if only briefly, so he feels that he can still take me down the rabbit hole of defeat. Well, it didn't work. In fact the encounter made me grateful for the life that I have been given, and the spiritual gifts and natural talents that he has gifted me to do His work at this stage of my journey. I am so incredibly blessed, even with very little coinage jingling in my pocket, without a fancy house, or two, or sporting a new car; without a stamp on my passport - without a passport! And I am content, happy even, just to wake up each morning, breathe in fresh clean air and proclaim "This is the day the LORD has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!" and mean it. My life is full, and I am loved by God. 

Daily Bible reading keeps me grounded and equipped for a life of prayer and intercession, as Holy Spirit directs. My daily walk through the Scriptures now finds me in the book of John, an apostle to Christ, whose descriptions of the teachings of Jesus are so rich and colorful. When I think of the character of Jesus and the way He walks with us through each step and carries us when we are weak and uncertain, I think of Him as the Great Shepherd described in the 10th chapter of the book of John. It's always interesting to see how Jesus countered the questions and baiting of the Pharisees and religious leaders who were always hiding in the crowds when Jesus taught. After he healed the man blind from birth they interrogated him relentlessly demanding to know who healed him. Getting no satisfaction from the beleaguered man, weary of having to repeat the same words over and over again, the man finally exclaimed, "One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see." Later when Jesus encountered the man again, he accepted Jesus as Lord. Still the religious leaders demanded that Jesus explain Himself. They became incensed even further when Jesus spoke of the difference between true vision and true blindness. Then Jesus continued with the analogy of the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock and the hireling, who only cares for his own needs.

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers" (John 10:1-6). 

Of course those listening do not understand, as they are not only spiritually blind but spiritually deaf, so Jesus explains:

"Then Jesus said to them again, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father'" (John 10:7-21).

Naturally the Pharisees and religious leaders were still confused, but there were some who began to question, and some who believed Jesus was sent from God. I know that Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and Jairus were among those who believed Jesus and secretly followed Him. I know there must have been more who tired of the self-imposed rules added to the laws Moses had received from God, making it impossible for the people to follow the religious leaders' expectations. Jesus came to set them free, and they recognized this fact.

Phillip Keller has authored several books about the life of a shepherd, beginning with A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. He grew up in Kenya with missionary parents, and as a shepherd himself, he understood the loving attention needed in caring for sheep and the great blessing received in ministering to the flock's  needs. In Bible times a sheepfold was a cave, and the shepherd laid across the opening at night to protect the sheep from predators or from getting out, getting lost, and injuring themselves. Sheep are not known to be intelligent in overseeing their own welfare, so they are dependent on their shepherd. They are known to easily stray away while feeding, but they cannot trace their way back; they have a tendency to overeat, so when they lie down they cannot get up again; if they get into the water, they can easily drown, and they are extremely vulnerable to wolves and other predators. One thing in their favor is that they do indeed know and respond to their shepherd's voice. I have watched sheep from different flocks, that have been placed inside a fence together, follow the voice of their shepherd when each herd is called out by its shepherd. It is amazing how they are capable of understanding given their other foibles. This is why no one wants to be compared with sheep, or a church's congregation called "a flock." But Isaiah 53:6 likens us as sheep: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Here Isaiah is speaking of Jesus laying down His life for us who are likened to sheep who have strayed far from the Word. The comparison makes us very cognizant of our need for a Shepherd to lead us. So then, why do we resist His gracious offer?

Day 299 Abundant Provision

 

10/26/2026

 "God does all that He does, because

He is all that He is."

 Daily Walk

 

Tonight I've attended two special prayer meetings - the first for the threat against our election and our nation at large; the second, for Israel's elections and for Iran.

The Word of God states in James 5:16 that "The effective, fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much." This means that God hears persistent prayers from a person who is walking in His ways. Preceding these words in verse 16 it reads, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another that you may be healed." The Apostle James is speaking to the believers concerning the appropriate way to approach God for our needs, particularly healing in this instance, but throughout the Word Jesus taught about God honoring persistent prayers. He also made it clear that we must have a clean, pure heart. He speaks often about forgiveness also. 

Today we live in a very angry, confused world, and it seems that even the Christian believers fall into the same snare that was set for Eve in the beginning. The snare of "Did God really say that?" casting doubt into our often fickle minds. The enemy is very cunning, as the Bible says, but yet, we continue to listen to his clearly devised, but craftily disguised lies and deceptions. Have we become so weak in faith that we cannot trust God completely? 

We had a visitor stop by to show us how to save money on the electricity bill, as he said that many neighbors in this area were complaining about their electric bills increasing drastically in recent months. I was outside painting, so my son invited him inside to hear his suggestions. Later, after inspecting our home, I had to be called in to discuss his findings and answer other questions, as I am the home owner. So I listened, and although his solutions were received as valid, we explained that we did not have room in our budget at this time as our income is limited. Discussions followed, and the young man left without a contract. In fact he left very abruptly. 

Why did I share that information with you? So glad you asked. My home is older than I am, so roughly 80 years old perhaps. We still have the same oil furnace in the basement that we have serviced each year to keep it going. They call it "the monster," as it is clearly outdated but wonderfully meeting our needs. We do not have central air-conditioning, but my son has a small, dying unit in his bedroom, as he hates the heat and humidity. I have only ceiling fans, that my daddy installed in every room in the house, except the bathroom, and a small window fan, if I need it. The young fellow marveled that in 100 degree weather we did not curl up and die from the heat. He had the same reaction knowing that a 76 year old lady loves to cut grass, just shy of one acre, using a push mower. He was so shocked at the fact that we had a thermostat for the furnace but not for the air conditioning that we never had. The other shocker was that our water heater is 40 years old, and it is still functioning well. The water is SO hot that I barely turn it on, carefully cooling it, in the shower so I won't burn myself. So we use very little water. He kept asking me over and over again to repeat what I had told him, as he could not believe that we exist under such circumstances.

The best is yet to come. When discussing if we could even qualify for a program, I laughed, because my credit is excellent, and thanks to God, I do not have any debts. I have a modest savings, that I try not to touch, and to his thinking, our social security combined is very minimal in order to survive. I'm not working, and my son is unable to do so because of his health at the moment, so here we are. But this is not the first time my little social security has been questioned by someone. A friend told me once that he thought I should draw much more having worked all my life. I must say that the devil has his ways of attempting to steal our joy by making us feel "less than." My response to this young man was that we were happy. This is the first time I did not mention the LORD in my conversation, which I found very odd for me. The way he hurried out the door, without leaving literature or a business card, was disconcerting. But I went back outside, and I attempted to continue painting the new shed we just purchased to house my John Deere tractor that I plan to purchase next year. Still, his words made me think.

The reason I share, if you have not put it together yet, is this - God provides for our needs, just as the Bible says over and over. Also, when we give Him first place in our hearts, loving Him first, and loving others, being generous, He blesses us. He watches out for us. The only solution this man could offer to assist us was fresh insulation in our attic and basement which was fire and mold protection. Clearly, God has taken care of my parents' home for all these years, and as we continue to work around here to fix things up to show appreciation to God for giving us this home and the means to take care of it and each other, He will continue to meet our needs. 

I may not have much in the way of income or savings, and we may look impoverished in the world's eye, but we have far greater riches than anyone else. I pray that the young man considers all he heard and takes it into his heart, pondering how this is possible. He sat at an old, rickety table, on a torn seat covered with a chair pillow (the fabric had pigs and cattle on it) in a kitchen with a cracked chimney, half-painted cabinets without doors, walls in partial stages of work, and a floor badly in need of replacement. I imagine he felt as if he was sitting in a house in the slums from the look on his face. But I assured him that I was happy, to which my son agreed. After all we do have a brand new refrigerator and stove! God is so good, and I don't thank Him nearly as often as I should for my dumpy house needing so much repair, but a rare jewel in our eyes! One of my relatives said it was unlivable, but that's her opinion. It may not look pretty, as it once did when my parents were alive, but it will be again in God's good time. But even if I leave this earth before that time, my time is spent on more important things. God's work comes first. The times I spend in prayer are the sweetest parts of my day. It is of eternal value while the other is temporal. God also calls us to give to others, share from the abundance He has provided for us, and we do regularly. I grew up with this example, as my parents were not wealthy in the world's eyes, but rich beyond all reckoning in their service to our LORD. They did not sow sparingly, and neither will I. 

Rest assured we will continue to finish the tasks partially completed, but the tasks of eternal value must come first. 

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.