Day 244 Something More - Tikvah

 

9/1/2026

"And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears

say 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, 

let him take the water of life freely."

Revelation 22:17

 

I find it so exciting when someone finds new life in Christ, especially when a Jewish man or woman encounters our Messiah and receives God's great gift of salvation and redemption by the blood of His Beloved Son. Many people claim to know Him, but they have never tarried long enough to truly encounter His Presence. When we surrender our hearts and lives to Him in repentance and wed Him as our Savior and Lord, He sends Holy Spirit to dwell inside of us, to lead us and remind us of His instruction. God's Chosen people did not see the truth of who He is, and so we, who have graciously been grafted into the vine as co-heirs to the promise given to Abraham, have a responsibility as outlined in Romans, Chapters 9-11, to provoke the Jewish people to jealousy in our love and relationship with God. In this way we minister to them, and their curiosity when they witness our fellowship with God opens their eyes and hearts to Jesus.

In our Worship Watch this morning at Kehilat HaCarmel a story of a young Jewish man's conversion was shared. I believe he is a soldier in the IDF serving his nation, an orthodox Jew, who was also a student of Kabbalah, a mystical, esoteric school of thought that disciplines the mind to focus on hidden wisdom and knowledge as a means of "fixing" or "correcting" oneself. In many ways it is the opposite of what a relationship with God our Creator teaches, but at one time even Hollywood was delving into the practice. It's interesting that men seek "knowledge" of the supernatural, and the Bible is full of God's divine inspiration and gifts. Only God can "fix" or transform a human life, save a life.

The young man was not satisfied with his study of this mystical approach to enlightenment and fulfillment (my interpretation), as his soul hungered for more. In fact his words were that he knew there was "SOMETHING MORE." So in his quest for more, he found Jesus, our Messiah, our Living Hope (Tikvah), on the pages of the Bible, God's Word to us about the Living Word, the Bread of Life, the Living Water - Jesus Christ! Imagine the joy that fills his heart as he walks with His Master today!

So child-like, so simple, so real. An escape from the horrors of man's harsh world of evil, hatred, dissatisfaction, and the lust for more. When we truly encounter the Living God, dwell in His Presence, sitting at His feet, we see nothing except Him - knowing Him and Him crucified - for me, for you, for all, for anyone who hungers and thirsts. For the weary and lost, for the hurt and lonely, for all! Why can't we see Him for Who He Is?!   

"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 

Luke 15:10 

Day 243 Seeing as a Child

 

8/31/2026

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children,

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."  

 

I've been listening to a lot of criticism lately especially from family, added to the criticism I received for putting Jesus first in my life and for believing everything He says. I'm told that I am gullible and "care, actually care waaay too much for people...most are not worth a ....!" Also, I'm told that I try to find the best in people when "nobody is good." 

I've been trying to put playful, fun images on my Facebook page, because I tend to be very intense, as I attempt to educate others about Biblical prophecy and how it is being played out in real time today. I don't really hear much from my friends, because I stand up and tell the truth, and that's not popular. I'm not accusing anyone, I'm just stating the Words from Scripture, and I am lamenting the state of our nation and world. I'm just an average person, and I don't have anything anybody wants, so I have nothing to lose, and if I did, I would speak the truth anyway, but I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I may not like what a person does or says, but because I am a child of God I love everybody, even if they do abominable things, because God is love, and regardless of our actions, He doesn't give up on us or abandon us. Everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God. I just admit my failures more openly, but I also state my desire to service God wholeheartedly and unreservedly. I'd pray for the devil if I thought he could be saved. God doesn't want anyone to go to hell. I don't either. I cannot imagine total separation from God. I've been hurt by others and some bad things done to me, but I harbor no ill feelings, and I don't hate anyone. I pray for the salvation of those I know and those I don't. How can we say we love Jesus if we hate our neighbors?! But there are those who would argue that point also. Things are certainly in a big mess.  

As I was reading my prayer points for today, I found myself crying out to God about the drastic changes in the Democratic Party today from the party that existed when my parents were still alive. The path it is headed today is unconscionable, and the fact that leaders in our nation and in our churches are going along with sheer evil, is disconcerting, inconceivable, and a deplorable twist from integrity to immorality and worse. It indeed is calling good evil and evil good. I received a prayer update about the Democratic Socialists of America co-founded by Megan Romer, but it's origins go back further when it was organized by Michael Harrington. Reading the agenda on which this organization stands is heartbreaking and stands against all that is moral and good. It is anti-American, and that is the goal. All Americans, especially those who say they are Christians, should be knowledgeable about the stand candidates take on certain issues, and vote according to Biblical values rather than personal opinions or the stands friends or colleagues are taking. Most people really do not have a clue about the truth, as they just follow the leader, and people deceive. Satan is he father of lies. We are in a spiritual battle, and we are admonished to study to show ourselves approved, educated, and aware about all matters, especially when it comes to Biblical values. If we are Americans and truly want to see our nation survive, we must wake up and stand up and speak up!

We need to thank God for the present administration we now have, even when things are not "perfect" in our eyes. What is? But a man who stands up to proclaim our nation One Nation Under God, and who is working to protect our privileges and rights according to the Constitution, we should bow our knees and thank Almighty God for His divine intervention on behalf of our country.

I'm glad I'm me, and I gladly will take the heat and be called whatever, because I stand for what God says, and I am trying to live my life in accordance to His instructions. It's not hard, and yes, Jesus said we cannot enter the Kingdom of God unless we become as little children. As Christians we shouldn't be telling others not to be concerned, because God is in control. Well, yes He is, but if we look at the Scriptures, God says He fights for us, but He expects us to repent, turn from our wicked ways, suit up in our whole armor, get on our horses, and go to the battle front and witness how He takes the enemy down. 2 Chronicles 20 is and example of how God fights on our behalf. 

I love this quotation by Max Lucado from his book And the Angels Were Silent: 

"Quit looking at life like an adult and see it through the eyes of a child. Essential counsel for us sober-minded, serious-faced, sour-pussed adults. Necessary advice for us Charles Atlas wannabes who shoulder the world. Good words for those of us who seldom say, 'I can't wait until I wake up,' and more often state, 'I can't wait to go to bed.'"

I'm anxious for the return of Jesus, and I hope God in His mercy sends Him back soon, but I am not going to sit on a church pew waiting for the Rapture. I will be aware of what I need to do, so I can pray appropriately, but I will not be distracted by all the evil that is happening and bogging my mind with gloom and doom. I serve a Risen Savior who is very much alive and active in our lives today! Why should I fear what man can do to me? I'm going to get up in the morning and occupy until He returns, no matter how hard it gets. And I'll still be praying for everyone, even every deceived person who is aligning themselves with evil, as my heart breaks, and the tears flow, because I do care, and I want to see all saved, living for Jesus. Step by step He leads me, and we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and we love not our lives to the death.

Day 242 How to Acquire Wealth

 

8/30/2026

"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you

have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed  receive it, 

why do you boast as if you had not received it?" 

 

1 Corinthians 4:7

 

 

As you know, I attend Sunday afternoon services online with my California family at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills shepherded by Jack Hibbs. We are studying the book of Proverbs, snailing through, verse by verse, greedily devouring each syllable, savoring the flavor of God's Word for us today. He pulls no punches, teaches only the Word, and admits when he doesn't know something. How refreshing in an age when people always want the last say, and if they don't know an answer, they google the question for an answer in an effort to appear intellectual and scholarly. This is the height of hubris, which is another word for pride. What is the great sin in admitting we do not have the answers?! But we do know who has the answer to all things - Jesus! This is why I cling to one of the words given by Paul to the congregation in Corinth: "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."   

(1 Corinthians 2:2).

 

Today we picked up the study in Proverbs 3:7-10:

 

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions. And with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." 

 

Pastor Jack entitled this message How to Get Rich Quick. I'm wondering how many people surfing the internet for information on prosperity, financial assistance, wealth, or any topic concerning money, or the accumulation thereof, were directed to this website?! Imagine sitting through the entire message just to hear the words "when you die you're taking nothing with you" or "nothing you have belongs to you." Of course, Pastor Jack is a bit more animated in his teaching, so they may become more enthusiastic until he gets to the heart of the matter which I quoted from 1 Corinthians 4:7 above. Everything, absolutely everything we have or think we own has been given to us by God - even your health, your intellect, your ability to go to college or get the job you ached for, and to achieve success. Some may ask, "Well, if that is so, then why hasn't God given me the things that I want or need?" To that I can only say that God is in control, and He knows what He is doing. Besides which, we in America are so incredibly blessed. Even when some go without eating it is not to the degree or the level of starvation that so many endure in other countries. I do know this though...no matter how limited our finances may be, if we reach out in love to others who are less fortunate than we, God will multiply blessings to us when we give from a heart of love and compassion and not from a desire to gain more for ourselves. We do not gain brownie points for heaven. God sees our hearts and searches the intentions and motives. 

 

In his discussion, Elon Musk's lifestyle, a trillionaire, was mentioned. I have listened to Elon's testimony about his life myself. He states that he lives a humble or minimalist lifestyle, because possessions "just weigh you down." He doesn't own cars, homes, yachts, or even a home, and he doesn't carry cash. He doesn't take a salary, and he doesn't take any of the money from sales or invenions. I don't know what he does with his money, and it's not my business. He's an immigrant who is an American citizen investing his life and talents to benefit others. He no longer considers himself an atheist, acknowledges God as the Creator, and agrees with the teachings of Jesus. To me that is the definition of wealth. He cares more about others than he does himself. Whether or not he has received the Greatest Gift or not - the Gift of Salvation - I don't know, but I feel that even if he has not, in his simplistic reasoning and understanding, he will find his way. Especially if we do our job as intercessors and pray for him. 

 

From the reading today the message I want to share is found in verses 7 & 8 of Proverbs 3 as well as verses 5 & 6 from last week:

 

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." 

 

I underscored the words "fear the LORD," to emphasize the importance of these words which do not mean cowering in timidity and apprehension, although many would do well if they did. Rather, to fear God means to reverence Him as a Holy God and to give Him the honor and praise, and especially thanks, due Him. If we heeded His counsel, walked in His ways, it would indeed be an abundant lifestyle, as Elon Musk understands in a different way. God sees our hearts. He knows our needs and hears our desires. Simply trust Him - that's all He asks. Accept Him, love Him. "Find the love of Jesus, and love Him back."

 

Day 241 Keep Dancing!

8/29/2026

"Every miracle begins with

a problem."

 

Whenever I become overwhelmed or heavily burdened, I try to make it a habit to turn on the praise music, especially something that makes me feel childlike and free, a song that makes me throw up my hands in adoration, turn in a circle and dance! Instantly I feel much better, and I can laugh and sing and dance, dance, dance! I especially love Hebrew music with almost a gypsy feel to the lifts and turns. 

The Psalmist in Psalm 149:1-4 instructs us in how we are to honor our Lord: "Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation."

King David was enthusiastic in his worship and praise to God as demonstrated in the psalms he wrote while tending his father's sheep and while he served in the court of Saul when Saul was King of Israel. But his spontaneous exuberance and love for the Lord is so clearly expressed in his actions when the Ark of the Covenant was being moved back to Jerusalem from the home of Obed-edom where it remained for three months. 2 Samuel 6:14-15 describes the scene: "Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet." It was a time of great celebration as offerings were made to the LORD, and the people were blessed. When the feasting and celebration had ended, David further blessed the people: "Then he distributed among all the people, among the whole multitude of Israel, both the women and the men, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed, and everyone to his house" (2 Samuel 6:19).

If you read the scripture that lies between the incident with the Philistines up to the successful return of the Ark of the Covenant in 2 Samuel, it will be obvious that the twenty years or more between were not easy times, and the years following were not so either. Such has been the experience for the nation of Israel throughout history up to today, as it is for all true believers in Jesus Christ who stand in unity with God's chosen people. But true to the quotation noted above, miracles do happen, as they have so obviously occurred throughout the Scriptures. I know personally I have experienced supernatural moves of God in my life, so I know for a surety that miracles do happen every day! 

We do well to heed the counsel and example of those who have gone before us in acknowledging the sovereignty of our God and obedience to worshiping Him in Spirit and in Truth. Our greatest weapon in this spiritual battle in which we find ourselves today is worship! It's important to be properly prepared so that we do not become discouraged or disgruntled. We must be courageous and follow the Word of the Lord. Psalm 149 continues with verses 5-9:

"Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment - this honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!" 

Selah. 

Day 240 Just Breathe

 

8/28/2026

 "Laughter is your soul dancing."

Unknown

 

My mini-vacation last week was short-lived, so I made a decision to spend a little more time doing some fun things with friends just to give myself a breather. My lifestyle is pretty intense, but that's the way things go in this season of life. I have been getting out every so often visiting relatives when we can track them down, going shopping with my sister or planning my next major repair for our parent's home - now my home - and every so often my high school friends get together for lunch. Other than that, attending funerals has been high on the list of things to do. Not a happy option! 

Since my life has not adjusted back to where it initially was a year ago, I haven't been able to work with Dolls on Mission painting faces for the dolls, and I gave up attempting to knit, so my community activity has been a bit null and void. My friend, Kathy, and her sister Diane are always inviting me to get out, so I decided that I'd help them with the Chesterfield County Fair working in the art department this year. A couple of years ago I helped with the arts and crafts at the Fair, and we really had a great time, so I thought - "I can do this!" So today we started out early and spent most of the day at the fairgrounds.

When we arrived one of the judges was already waiting to judge the entries, but two judges are needed for each department, but shortly the second judge arrived. The girls had worked the previous evening when the entries were brought in, so all the art work was displayed on the lattice board ready for judging. Since the art work has to be judged by category and by age, my job was to get the pieces in order, which turned out to be a considerable undertaking. I tend to be very detail oriented and hands on, so once all the entries were off the wall, I was able to arrange them categorically by number, while Kathy and Diane had the fun job of filling out the documentation as each piece was judged by age, in the proper category. The judges had the option to change the category if they felt it had not been assigned correctly - medium used to produce the art, for instance. Once judged, blue, red, or white ribbons were attached and the art work was once again placed on the wall for display. There was also the Best in the Show category to be selected. All the artists performed well, so the judges had a very difficult task assigning each award.

I spent most of my time on the floor, arranging the art into the categories, then lining them up on the table for judging by category. As we went about the exercise routines of climbing up in a chair to either remove or re-hang the art, we were mentally trying to plan for next year, that is if there is a next year! We had to laugh, because when they left on Thursday evening, they felt they were organized and ready for today, but new forms were printed, which started the process of starting over from scratch. Although it may have been confusing at times and extremely vigorous on my end with the floor routines and for all of us climbing on tottering chairs, stretching to reach high to hang the art, we all had a lot of fun.

All volunteers were provided with lunch, with three main choices and two desserts, plus this year there were donuts provided by the workers. Since I'm not able to eat gluten I couldn't risk eating the donut, so I took it home to my son to enjoy. We had quite a trek from the building we were in to the lunch wagon on the other side of the fair, unless of course, we jumped over fences and wove in and out of rides and exhibits being put up for the opening night of the Fair. There are tables set up in the area with condiments available, but they were not in packets within the bags. Additional items to put on our "Things to bring next year list." After making the hike, getting turned around in all the exhibits, I came back empty handed as no salt or ketchup packets were available outside of the area. Later at home, I found salt packets in my purse, but I won't mention that to the gals who suffered eating French fries without salt. Ugh.

Sadly, one of the ladies I met a previous year, who worked with the Fairs in the 4H area, passed away earlier this year, so it added a sad note to the day. I remember her so well, as she truly inspired me to continue my education, regardless of my age, and to continue my art. Unfortunately, I didn't see her again, and I didn't follow through with my plans. I really regret that, and it's something I've thought about a lot recently. The brevity of time, nurturing relationships, and using the gifts God has given me. 

The majority of my life I have been very active in community, schools, church, and family. I've been blessed to travel an unexpected journey, and I have used a great many gifts and skills that God has given me. I never thought about myself as being talented or gifted, I just had fun helping, planning, creating, working, and encouraging others to do the same. This includes the gift of intercession, because I used to pray when I walked my dogs or when I ran after them in the woods and mountains, enjoying nature, laughing, worshiping God enjoying His Creation. A few years ago my life changed, and I've been adjusting slowing to this new season of my life. I no longer have dogs, but I am now a cat lady, another change in my life. Today was a good beginning of another bend in the road, and I hope I can encourage myself to keep it going.

I've been behind in my daily writing, but I'm finding that I do get it done. The thoughts are on paper, and it just takes time to read the scribbling, decipher my meaning, and type it out. But I'm doing it, and I'm remaining faithful to that part of my calling. All in all I think everything will be alright. I just need to learn to let go of some things and just breathe! 

Day 239 Broken Pots

 

8/27/2026

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite

heart - these, O God, You will not despise."

Psalm 51:17

 

Another early morning wake up call, but I feel more prepared for today than I did yesterday. I've been going to medical appointments with my son as a support should he need me to drive. He actually said he enjoys having me around, even though I can be a chatterbox at times. I imagine it depends on the subject, as I prefer the quiet drive. But then, I guess God would say I talk to Him a lot when it's just the two of us. I suppose it can be reassuring to have someone along for the ride. I spent many years driving myself to appointments when I would have welcomed having someone along to hold my hand. But I survived those days, and I became stronger in spite of the struggles. Now that I am advancing in age (chuckling) I am grateful that I am closer to friends and family, especially my sister.

It's interesting how God orchestrates my day, or at least that is how I feel about my life. If I surrender it all to Him, why wouldn't He be in control? I can make my own decisions, but Holy Spirit, living in me, directs my steps. I love that! He keeps me in line! This morning I opened my journal and began to share my feelings about my children's physical hardships, thinking about how the system doesn't really care about the root cause of a health issue, rather it focuses only on a bandaid treatment - a quick fix. One that invariably leads to more and more band-aids heaped on top of each other causing more medical inconsistencies. And round and round they go! It's frustrating to me as a small time research biologist who prefers to look at a problem from the cellular level. I'm kind of like Dr. House in that way, except I have been considering the powerhouse of the cell that is designed to keep the body functioning systemically,  each organ in sync with the others - fearfully and wonderfully God calls it. 

But going back to my original thought...when I opened my daily devotional this morning, Until He Comes by Amir Tsarfati & Barry Stagner, the title was "God Uses the Broken." The author writes about the Apostle Peter's struggle with speaking when he should be listening as an example of how God can work through a person's life in bringing about transformation and growth. Peter had the habit of making profound responses to Jesus' questions that only God could reveal, then turning around and having to be rebuked by Jesus for making a false assumption. When considering the men Jesus chose as disciples, each had unique personalities, and they came from different backgrounds. Throughout Scripture God has used flawed mankind to bring about His purposes. He chose Gideon, whom the angel of the Lord found hiding in a wine press, to conquer the invading army with only a handful of men. He chose a reluctant evangelist to give a message of repentance to the barbaric Assyrian city of Nineveh. God's ways are certainly not our ways, which is certainly a relief!

In the book of Jeremiah (Chapter 18, verse 6) God tells Jeremiah to go to the potter's house where pots and jars are made for an object lesson for Israel saying, "O Israel, can't I do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand." Repeatedly, Israel has rebelled against God, but when they are punished for their sin and disobedience, the Lord hears their cries and comes to their rescue. Jeremiah was sent as a prophet to warn Judah about judgment, destruction of Jerusalem, and exile into a foreign country if they did not repent and turn back to God. Jeremiah has been called the weeping prophet, because although he spoke out boldly to the people, warning them, he cared deeply for his people. He also suffered persecution and threats on his life for delivering the Lord's messages. But God uses those who are yielded to His will, weak or strong, educated or not. 

Paul, chosen by God to be an Apostle to the Gentiles, is an example of a man who suffered greatly as a follower of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 1:8 Paul says: "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life." Paul also spoke of his thorn in the flesh that he asked God three times to remove, but God would not, yet Paul continued to complete the work that God asked him to do. God calls anyone who is willing in heart, and He provides them with whatever is needed.

My only desire in life is to complete the work He has given for me to complete. I am a broken pot, and I've been slapped back on the potter's wheel for repair more times than I can count. God in His wondrous grace and mercy picks me up, all the broken pieces, and mends me back together. He will do the same for anyone who loves Him and is called to His service. 

Day 238 My Father's World

 

8/26/2026

 "Prayer is the way the life of God is nourished. Our Lord

nourished the life of God in Him by prayer;

He was continually in tact with His Father."

Oswald Chambers

 

As I gazed from my window looking towards the maple tree my daddy planted when I was a little girl, the old beloved hymn This is My Father's World" came to mind....

"This is my Father's world, and to my list'ning ears, all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father's world, I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise; the morning light, the lily white declare their Maker's praise. This is my Father's world, He shines in all that's fair; in the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me ev'rywhere.

This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget, that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father's world, the battle is not done; Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one."

How can all seem so quiet and peaceful when in other places half way across the world tragedy strikes? One does not have to look far not to see tragedy. Today a glacier broke off causing floods and catastrophic disaster in Nepal, wiping away homes and buildings, killing hundreds, and about 1,000 people are still unaccounted for at this report. Immediately my thoughts went to Smiti, a young girl who distributes Bibles in Nepal. Her photo has been on my bulletin board for many years as a reminder to pray for her. Several sources I trust have been reporting the news, bringing updates, but my heart is so heavy. Just watching the devastation as the iceberg broke off and caused the water to rise and burst down the waterways into the land, with a bridge of cars being hurled over as if they were feathers on a ledge. Buildings being decimated in seconds as the water hit so forcefully. It was horrifying to watch, but the people were experiencing it firsthand. 

Each days the earth cries out with earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes with flooding, forest fires and those set by the carelessness or violence of man. The savagery in the streets with lawlessness abounding, while hardly anyone really raises an eyebrow or thinks to try to do something about it or make a difference. I've exhausted this subject though, and I guess there's no one listening, especially the church.

A revival began tonight at a local fellowship. I was unable to attend due to prior commitments, but I will be following online. It is my prayer that a fire may be lit, and the flames fanned, and revival will be spread across Virginia and the entire nation. If our nation is going to be saved - brought back to God - it must begin with repentant hearts, beginning with each individual. James 4:17 exhorts us: "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if  it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"