Day 263 Going Low

 

9/20/2026 

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

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

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

Psalm 95:6-7a

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 262 The Jesus Project

 

9/19/2026

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." 

Matthew 11:28

 

As I have previously mentioned in my posts I have been reading the biography of Katharine Barnwell, one of the greatest Bible translators and missionaries in the history of the church. She initially began her translation work in Nigeria which remained her home, as she dearly came to love the people of the area she served, and she would spend Christmas with her Nigerian team, her family, each year as long as she was able. Her story is unending, as she revolutionized Bible translation, and she was even instrumental in assisting the Seed Company in getting The Jesus Film to the nations. The story of this endeavor is in itself an incredible story of a new company going out on a limb to see this wonderful account of the ministry of Jesus, based on the Gospel of Luke, presented to the world. 

The Jesus Film and the Gospel of Luke were used for evangelism, preaching, and teaching by the local believers who led the Bible translation team, trained by Katy and her team of translators whom she trained, for this new project. At first there had been skepticism and uncertainty about the film and of the newly formed Seed Company.  When there had been discussion about the film, this company was the only one willing to accept the challenge, and Katy was the only one suited for the task with translation using the local tribes and her methods of translation. 

The story sticks to the scriptures, and although it may be considered a low budget film by some, the actors portraying the lives of the apostles and Jesus were very credible to the disciples in the Bible. There weren't any flashy cinematography or special music that I could determine, just a simple showing of the life of our Lord, his death, burial, and resurrection. It was met with much success all over the world, and many requests for further translations requested. The Seed Company had private donors for production of the film, and they were so successful that they didn't know what to do with the money. The response was to share with other struggling translation ministries, working together for the benefit of the people. That's the way it should always be, I think. More gets accomplished when we work together for the common good, as no one man or woman gets the glory, only God alone. Sometimes that a difficult lesson to learn for some, but Katy seemed to bring a new light to the idea of working together, as did the men associated with this film.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Jesus Film, and Katy's biography entitled Katharine Barnwell by Jordan K. Monson. Your life will be challenged and transformed!  

Day 261 Free Spirit

 

9/18/2026

 

Today is early voting in Virginia, and I have been encouraging everyone to vote, but first to study the facts concerning each candidate, so that one can vote intentionally and, hopefully, according to Biblical principles. We have so much for which to be grateful, even though things may not be as we would wish them to be in our nation today. But our sufficiency does not come from man. We look to God! And as Christians we do not fear man, we fear God. In the book of Proverbs we are told that "The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). God is a Holy God and as such we are to respect and reverence His Word. His Word guides us and provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). 

"...as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 

Recently I reconnected with an old friend, and in sharing with him about certain feelings and about my journey in life thus far, he made a comment that he never realized I was such a free spirit. I imagine in many ways I have been rather independent in many of my decisions, as I have sadly been divorced and abandoned three times. In the natural sense I really didn't have anyone else to lean on for support, so I had to set priorities.  It was never my intention to be so - divorced, but when one does not seek the counsel of God in making important decisions in life, or when we feel bullied to do things a certain way, we face the consequences. In fact, whatever actions we take in life, whether resulting in good or bad, we face consequences. And others are always affected by our decisions, whether positively or negatively. Of one thing I am confident, however, in spite of wrongs done in my life, regardless of whether I made the mistakes or was a victim, I thank God for my life. He called me at an early age to follow Him, and even though I have not always been faithful, He has never left my side, nor His Spirit depart from me. He always keeps His Word, and He said that He would never leave us or abandon us. I wish more people would come to realize that truth. So I pray. And if my life is indeed free, it is free because of Jesus, because only He can set the captive free.

More and more each day people are beginning to pay attention and take note of the terrible things that are happening in our nation and our world today. There's not a day that I don't speak out about and against the  lawlessness and sinfulness around us. I wish more people would wake up and pay attention to the signs of the times and change their lifestyles, including some in my own family and friends I love. I'm not certain when Christ will return, but each day as I read through my Daily Walk I see the writing on the proverbial wall. I often wonder how many people truly understand or are just waiting it out. I pray that the eyes of the blind will be opened to see the truth before it is too late. If we say we love God, why do we continue to act and live contrary to His laws? And if we say we love others, why are we so cruel and unkind? If we truly love our neighbor as ourselves we would tell them the truth in love - gently, compassionately, and urgently - so that they can live abundant lives, even when we have little. We are so ungrateful for what we do have, and we are selfish with those who need our help. Sometimes I think we don't really know the love of God, as we certainly do not behave as if we do. We complain about the economy, yet we accumulate more and more things, but it is never enough. It is concerning to me how quickly one will race to the store to purchase the newest and reported best iPhone, yet do not attend to the affairs of their homes, and in many instances steal what is truly needed from our families. I have noticed this so often when it comes to gambling and addictions. It is a sad thing to watch, and yet it happens in the most affluent of homes, even in those who attend church faithfully or hold leadership positions. 

In closing I quote the words from the image above: "In a society that has you counting money, pounds, calories, and steps, be a rebel and count your blessings instead." 

Day 260 Constitution Day

 

9/17/2026

“Let the victors, when they come,
When the forts of folly fall,
Find thy body by the wall!”

–Matthew Arnold, The Last Word

 

On September 17, 1787 delegates of the Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia to ratify the United States Constitution. Thirty-nine members signed the Constitution on that day, but it did not become binding until it was ratified on June 21, 1788 when New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify it. The first state to sign was Delaware. That much I remembered! The rest I must admit I had to check my history with Wallbuilders a great resource for accurate historical facts. They even have fun activities to make it fun to test your knowledge of the facts about events in history. I recommend it highly. 

It's hard to believe that there are leaders and people in the background who want to destroy the rights and privileges that our founding fathers so carefully considered when forming the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and others articles and documents designed to protect our freedoms. I have heard it proclaimed boldly that they want to destroy America. How can this be that those who have been voted into office do not support their own country? And I find it even more incredulous that the Church is silent on this matter. The Church prays for revival, become all excited, but then they turn their backs on Judeo-Christian values. The want to include everyone, love everyone, and so does God, but when He says "this is the way walk ye in it," I obey.

I've been studying the book of Micah this week, and I find it interesting that the passage for today is the answer from God that Israel did not want to hear, and it is probably the one America does not want to hear. Still, God in His mercy and grace, restores when the disobedient repent and ask for mercy and help in time of need. The passages found in Micah 6 sound so much like what is going on in America today as God pleads with His people Israel prior to their destruction and exile in Assyria:

"Listen to what the Lord is saying to His people: 'Stand up and state your case against Me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaint. And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord's complaint! For He has a case against His people Israel! He will prosecute them to the full. O my people, what have  I done that makes you turn away from Me? Tell Me why your patience is exhausted! Answer Me! For I brought you out of Egypt, and cut your chains of slavery. I gave you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. Don't you remember, O My people, how Balak, king of Moab, tried to destroy you through the curse of Balaam, son of Beor, but I made him bless you instead? That is the kindness I showed you again and again. Have you no memory at all of what happened at Acacia and Gilgal, and how I blessed  you there?'"  (Micah 6:1-5)

The Creator of the universe and all that lies within, including all human beings, is asking the nation of Israel how He failed them! There are so many times throughout the history of the United States when God's hand of mercy and grace have been upon us, has spared us greater harm, and how He has fought battles on our behalf. Yet, we have written Him off, cast Him aside, and are trying to take every visage of His memory from our nation and offer it up to those who mean us harm. Like Balak the kind of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel, we have done the same. God will always protect His people which includes born again believers in Christ, as we follow Him. But our leaders have chosen the abhorrent ways of evil men, and so many innocent people are following them as sheep to the slaughter. Unbelievable! and shameful.

The scripture continues:

"How can we make up to You for what we've done?" you ask "Shall we bow before the Lord with offerings of yearling calves?" 'Oh no! For if you offered Him thousands of rams and ten thousands of rivers of olive oil - would that please Him? Would He be satisfied? If you sacrificed your oldest child, would that make Him glad? Then would He forgive your sins? Of course not! No, He has told you what He wants, and this is all it is: to be fair and just and merciful, and to walk humbly with your God. The Lord's voice calls out to Jerusalem - listen to the Lord if you are wise! The armies of destruction are coming; the Lord is sending them.'"  (Micah 6:6-9)

There comes a time when the Lord who is patient and longsuffering, who wants all men saved, says "Enough!" And that time is coming for America, just as it did so very long ago for Israel. But just as He punished His people double for all their sins, He said He would restore them to their inheritance, and He has kept His promise.

The admonishment continues in Chapter 6:

"Therefore I will wound you! I will make your hearts miserable for all your sins. You will eat but never have enough; hunger pangs and emptiness will still remain. And though you try and try to save your money, it will come to nothing at the end, and what little you succeed in storing up I'll give to those who conquer you! You will plant crops but not harvest them; you will press out the oil from the olives, and not get enough to anoint yourself! You will trample the grapes, but get no juice to make your wine. The only commands you keep are those of Omri; the only example you follow is that of Ahab! Therefore I will make an awesome example of you - I will destroy you. I will make you the laughingstock of the world; all who see you will snicker and sneer!" 

"Woe is me! It is as hard to find an honest man as grapes and figs when harvest days are over! Not a cluster to eat, not a single early fig, however much I long for it! The good men have disappeared from the earth; not one fairminded man is left. They are all murderers, turning against even their own brothers. They go at their evil deeds with both hands, and they are skilled at using them! The governor and judge alike demand bribes. The rich man pays them off and tells them whom to ruin. Justice is twisted between them. Even the best of them are prickly as briars; the straightest is more crooked than a hedge of thorns. But your judgment day is coming swiftly; your time of punishment is almost here; confusion, destruction, and terror will be yours." Micah 7:1-4)

They are told to trust no one, not even those of their own household, because as God says here, and Jesus repeated the same words, a son will turn on his father and a daughter on her mother. In this passage it warns that a wife will turn on her husband and her own mother-in-law. Enemies will be under his own roof! 

But God! He is always faithful to restore those who are truly repentant, those who turn back to Him and live for Him, walk in His ways. Again the choice is ours, as it was with Israel. And America's fate is deeply tied to that of Israel. We must continue to stand with Israel and protect and defend her right to exist. God said so! 

  

Day 259 Living a "Good Life"

 

9/16/2026

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, 

by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."  

James 3:13

 

I'm trying very hard to have a relaxing day. Rather than cut grass I decided I'd vacuum my house instead. The weather has been cooler, but sometimes I tend to neglect the inside of the house and focus on the weeds and bushes. Thankfully, the weather is changing, so perhaps I can begin indoors projects. And who knows, maybe I'll be more inspired or prepared to tackle the task of putting "the story" together in book form. Honestly, there's so much that needs to be done that I get tired thinking about it, but I'm sure I'll get there.

My sister texted me today saying she'd found some shops of interest in the area we visited yesterday, so we may very well be headed back to the historic sites very soon. We are after all granddaughters of our papa who loved to just take off and go riding! I really miss the spontaneity of doing things, but I haven't had anyone who was able to take off and go when the wind blew southerly. Someone recently accused me of being a "free spirit," but although I do like to be spontaneous, my life is not so much free to be "me" but more free to be "His." Honestly though, I love being His, and I love being in His service. I don't think that hinders my ability to be spontaneous, but sometimes I do have to separate myself, and that's okay. The people who are close to me understand my life. I may get accused of being crazy, but that's okay, too. I am a bit!

Tonight I tuned into Marty MacAlmon's Hour with Jesus, a time I look forward to spending sitting quietly in His presence, listening to old songs, hymns, and requests from the other "family" attendees, like me. As I've shared before, I connected with Marty through Integrity Music, and I love hearing the songs we used to sing back in the day. Now he's on his own, but those days and the songs are precious to him. There are some things that remain the same with some small adjustments to the technology changes. I hope one day I'll get to meet him officially - face to face - but I'm glad all of us YouTube family members can tune in once a week for a live visit...of sorts. There are many benefits to technology, but we must be careful.

My day didn't end on as good a note as I would have liked, but I put the matter into God's capable hands and tried to enjoy the rest of my evening. Sometimes things need to be said...or done...in order to limit stress that wreaks havoc on our health - mental, emotional, physical, and even spiritual when someone is twisting scriptures to make them "fit" in order to continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. Today I read the following: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over yet expecting a different result." This is the garbage some counselors are feeding their clients. I don't understand that! How can digging up garbage over and over keep the stink away? Especially when fresh garbage is heaped on it?! I'm glad that I'm not a counselor, or at least not one who doesn't trust God enough to allow Him to make all things new, once there's repentance and forgiveness. Maybe the Bible is too straight forward?! Naw! I trust God every time - He said He's the same yesterday, today, and forever! He's also the one who no longer remembers our sins once we accept his grace through belief in Jesus Christ, our Savior, Lord, and our soon-coming King! That seals the deal for me! Ya can't change perfection, and His ways are perfect! Embrace Truth! 

Day 258 Where I Belong

 

9/15/2026

 "Get a place for prayer where no one imagines that

that is what you are doing, shut the door

and talk to God in secret."

Oswald Chambers

 

Stepping away from home for a day of adventure in a favorite childhood places with my sister and her younger son seemed like a good way to be refreshed. When I was very young my papa used to come to the house to visit and ask me if I'd like to visit Pocahontas. I was always agreeable to his spur of the moment suggestions to visit historical sites, and Jamestown and Williamsburg were favorites. I loved the cobblestone streets and the old shops - glass blowers, weaving, cooking, any fanciful art of the era, plus the nature walks and displays, re-enactments simply staged. There was nothing frivolous or even costly, just simple pleasures. Our grade school classes took similar field trips, and when my children were young, in grade school, we again would make the trips by bus. As a room mother I was encouraged to be involved, so naturally I followed my children everywhere! We lived the history of our State over and over again. I think it's important for children to become involved in and educated about our State and national history. Good or bad, it's part of who we are as a country.

My sister and I had been talking about taking a ride to Williamsburg and Jamestown, maybe ride the ferry, and visit the places where we used to go, so we just decided today was the day. Well, while I was away for thirty-five years plus the five since I returned home, these areas have grown considerably and become grander and more touristy, so it is no longer a simple ride to the town, park and walk around casually enjoying the sites, visiting shops, rather the events are ticketed and planning is required in order to enjoy the historic park. I was surprised that the use of the bathroom was free things had changed so much. Parking appeared to be based on the honor system, but there was a area outside the Welcome Center where a ticket could be purchased, but showing it to someone was not required. How could anyone know whether you paid or not? Once inside the Welcome Center there were gift shops on each side, and fortunately we were able to understand a bit more about requirements to visiting the historic areas from the clerks at the gift shop. Ever hear the expression "country goes to the city?" That was us. Finding the Welcome Center, even with the use of signs and GPS was an adventure, as the directions tended to send us around our elbow to get to our thumb or worse! It was unreal. We saw quite a bit of the woods and narrow roads, saw several "turtle crossings" but no turtles, but we did see a squirrel crossing the road and a small herd of young deer. All very exciting!

To say we were disappointed would be putting it mildly, but all in all it was an enjoyable time, as we giggled a lot, and we ate at a great taco place. The salsa was great, as was the sauce. I was delighted, but then I'm not hard to please. On the way back home we made a quick stop at the Williamsburg Pottery Factory in Lightfoot, and I was able to find some art I wanted. The Pottery is nothing like it used to be, and many of the items were made in China, even the pottery. Hopefully, that will change also, as it used to be quite the adventure, one my sister and I made every time I visited in earlier years. But times have changed everywhere, and I guess I got left behind. I'm trying my best to catch up with progress, but I grew so used to the quiet life I lived in Northern New Mexico in the mountains between Santa Fe and Taos where the aspens are bright yellow now, and the morning is crisp and clean. Hopefully, I'll make my way west before too long though.

One thing I know about myself is that wherever I am I can find peace, and there is always a quiet place to go or a park bench to sit on. When I was growing up, until we moved away in 1987, I knew where I wanted to go and how to get there. Since moving back all these years later it has taken me time to even be comfortable going places I used to go through the back woods, because it's not the same. But I'm learning that as I wind along those wooded areas, unhurried and free of a lot of company on the roads, I can sing, praise, worship and pray with a heart of gratitude for God allowing me to see my home again and for allowing me time to spend with old friends and family. My prayer closet can be anywhere, and the woods is my cathedral for worship. I have always felt that way about New Mexico, and I am adapting well to my sojourn in the big woods of Virginia once again.  

Day 257 The Lord Our God

 

9/14/2026

"Watch your motive before God; 

have no other motive in prayer than to know Him."

Oswald Chambers

"I count all things but loss for the excellency of the

knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."

Philippians 3:8

 

Once more it's late, as I puzzle over the troubles of this day, not knowing what to say, or if I can even pen the words I feel. I should be focusing on group prayer points, but all I seem to be able to do is sigh heavily when I consider the weight of the situations facing our nation. When I begin to consider the wrongs being committed all over the world, it makes me want to mentally and emotionally escape, as if I could. I only ask for a brief hiatus from this sinful world, but a watchman stands his/her post, poised and alert. We do not have the luxury of taking a day off or going on an actual vacation. We're not gods or super-humans, we are just committed to the call and to our King. We cannot turn a blind eye or deaf ear, we remain focused and ready. With George Whitefield we cry "Arise, O sleeper!"

 "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14).

YouTube did me a favor. A couple of days ago I was trying to find a song for my personal worship, and I saw a "mix" put together by YouTube of songs I'd frequently listened to in the past. The songs were all ones I love, the ones I have used for worship so often, but in attempting to avoid interruptions from often disgusting ads, I have been listening to live, uninterrupted music daily. I was shocked that YouTube considered my needs!! Sure, right?! I thanked God, because I know He made the mix, not an algorithm based on my likes. When I can't pray, I sing:

"There is one found worthy, the lion of the tribe of Judah. There is one found worthy, the root of David. And God You became a man, You took on flesh. You're so beautiful. Oh, and God You became a man, You took on flesh. You're so beautiful."  

In the song, the lyrics are repeated over and over as men and women, old and young, of all tribes and nations gather together to worship our God and King. Song after song plays leading deeper into worship, drawing closer to the Lord. All that matters is Him. 

"When prayer is a struggle, do not worry about the prayers that you cannot pray. You yourself are a prayer to God at that moment. All that is within you cries out to Him. And He hears all the pleas that your suffering soul and body are making to Him with groanings which cannot be uttered." (O. Hallesby)

My days are involved with meetings and personal concerns that felt the need to slip away. Just briefly, turning my attention away from news and prayer points, and other things too many for one person to know. But when I prayed and often sang, knowingly setting my desires in motion, my heart learned to break for what breaks Gods, and I cannot turn away or unsee what I see so well. It is a joy to be able to be a part although I feel I fail Him so much and accomplish so little.

This song has carried me for days, and I leave it with my readers. It is The Lord our God: 

"If we tried to understand
If we rushed, we'd hurry past
Our feeble minds can't comprehend
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"If we tried our very best
To paint with words that all make sense
It would fall short compared to this
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God
Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God
Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God"

"The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"Who walked among our brokenness
And bore the weight of sin and death
The one who took on human flesh
Who was before the world began
Who was and will be till the end
The God that no one can contend"

"The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God
Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God
Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God"

"The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"