Day 209 My Sister - My Friend

 

7/28/2026 

"God specializes in using little-known people

and lightly-valued objects to accomplish

great feats to His glory."

Daily Walk

 

Today is my sister's 70th birthday, and much like mine, almost six years ago, the day was just another day. That's how it goes as we become older. Our children are older, so birthdays becomes common and not as special, not even for the one celebrating. At least that's the way it is in many circles of life. I want to change that! I think birthdays should always be special, and each year more expressive. I am determined to do something about it! Perhaps we'll enjoy a day of relaxation and utter surprise. We have had some times like that, so that's one of our secret schemes - getting away and enjoying places we both love that are closer to home. Not too long ago we went to Blacksburg for her grandson's graduation from Virginia Tech. That was our second visit to that great old college, our brother's alma mater, but I don't remember attending his graduation.  

My sister told me once that she had dreams of being a nurse. It makes me sad that she lacked the confidence to follow her dream after her children were grown. Some have pursued college after having children. I did. Age doesn't matter as much as it used to, and people are returning to school later in life. That opens many doors of possibilities...or it should.

When we settle for life as it is, and we get so busy just trying to get everything done during the day that  we need to do, we have little time for anything else. My sister would have made a wonderful nurse. She has always been very quiet, calm, and easy-going. Although she is six years younger than I, we did play together growing up, but I wasn't much of a dolls girl. I'd much rather be outside, in a tree, riding a stick horse, or roller skating. As we grew up and had our own friends we really didn't do things together. Neither one of us learned to drive a car until after we graduated. I always had my nose in a book, but I was also very sickly with migraines. My sister has told me that she has little memory of her childhood, and I guess we all choose to forget things. 

After we were both married and had children, we spent more time together taking the kids to the park or the zoo. I was very involved in my children's schools, volunteering, and I also worked and volunteered at church. She was always there for me when I needed a babysitter, as my husband worked 3 - 11 pm shift at work and often didn't come home until the morning. My sister had her own tales of woe, but she, like I, managed to get through, do what we needed to do, raise our children, and find time to enjoy life. We make our mistakes in the process of living, trying to find purpose, but we keep going. It's what my mama always said to do - keep plugging. As I write this, I wonder...did we plug on too much? We should have taken the time to do other things, pursue other goals. I always tended to burn the candle at both ends, but I was so busy surviving my life that I wonder how much I actually helped my sister survive hers.

After high school I went to college, not the dream I had, one of the first to be discouraged, but due to illness I had to stop. Later, when my children were small, I went back to college in an attempt to pursue my dream, and although I graduated, it was a struggle - not at first - but later, as things at home became difficult, mistakes were made with poor decisions, so I settled into another path. Little did I know that this "settling" would gain me a wealth of education useful later in life, but sadly, I did not understand that it could have been the answer to my dreams, had I only had the confidence. In this way my sister and I are very much alike. She probably doesn't see that characteristic in me, as she sees me differently, as having great experiences in life and education. And yes, God has given me an education, and yes, I've done a great many things, many out of desperation and survival, but there's been a high price paid. We learn to hide our feelings, put on a smile, and treat life as if all is fine. We become good actors. As I write these words I wonder how she does see me now. When I see my sister's life, I see a much more accomplished individual than I could ever be. I admire her quiet consistency, her loving nature, and her desire to always make life better for everyone else.

We lost a lot of time together, times we both needed each other desperately, when my family moved away to New Mexico. I was 36 years old at that time. Our children also lost close friendships with their cousins, but we go when we have to, and we follow our husbands when they say go. I wonder how Sarah felt when God told Abraham to pick up and leave their home to go who knows where. Women don't have a choice really, a say so or opinion, as wives we support our husbands and pray that things go well. My sister has always been a dutiful wife, and she only came to visit us in New Mexico once, the first time our parents visited. My parents returned twice a year, and I came back home to visit them as much as I could. The only other time my sister came to New Mexico was to make the drive to Virginia when I moved home, thirty-five years later. Although I spent time with her while I was home, my time then was mostly with mama and daddy. Over all those years, even though we kept in touch as sisters do...or should...we missed much of each other's lives. I regret that. I wish I could have been with her when she really needed me. I wish I could have encouraged her more to pursue her dreams. I wish...I wish!

Since I've been home these five years, we haven't been able to spend as much time together as I wish we could. She is so busy with her church, her grandchildren, her garden, and taking care of her husband and her younger son, who suffered head trauma after graduating from high school, pursuing his goals. Life has a way of changing in ways we never imagine. For both my sister and I our lives have been challenging, but each of us has survived with testimonies of a God who loves us, who holds our hands, who leads our way. My sister's faith is tender, and the greatest joy I have is to see her so busy giving of her time and service to others. In her own way, she has been and is a nurse. The highest honor of a nurse is to comfort those who are sick, giving hugs, holding hands while listening, bringing goodies and loving them when their families have other things to do. Just as my dream of becoming a missionary doctor has been realized in a somewhat different path, my sister's gifts are being enjoyed by many in her church and community. I am so proud of the life my sister lives and her service to our Lord and Savior. She truly is the hands and feet of our Jesus, and she makes many hearts smile, mine included.

As with all of us, or at least all who will be honest, we wish things could have been different, but when we stop to truly look at our lives, noticing God's hand on us in the hardest of times, He has never failed, and in many ways our lives have been better. We cannot relive the past moments of childhood and do things over, or make up for the lost moments in time - years in our case, but we can go forward and learn to know and experience life now. 

My sister and I each have our experiences in life, our tattered dreams, our misguided decisions, but we have the most important thing in common - we both love Jesus, and our joy is serving Him daily, whether it be loving her husband, supporting and encouraging him when she'd rather be out playing with her grandchildren or giggling with me or arranging flowers at church to take to the shut ins. I may have more miles and greater adventures in life, but my sister has a life I wish I could have had, and I am so proud of all she has accomplished and continues to do to make our world better and in service to our King. I love you, Dee! Thank You, Abba, for giving me one of Your chosen ones as a sister. May I bring as much joy to her life as she brings to mine. Happy Birthday!  

Day 208 The Kingdom

 

7/27/2026

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things will be added to you."

Matthew 6:33

 

For two mornings now I have been visited by a beautiful blue bird, clothed in a deep shade of cornflower, who has been gracing me with its presence. The first morning it flew past the kitchen window while I was praying, and it lit on the lawn directly in front of me, it seemed to look in my direction as we locked eyes,  then off it flew just as quickly as it appeared. The next morning it appeared as I was sitting in my chair in the bedroom, looking out over the field. It's as if the bird wanted me to know someone heard my prayers. Maybe Holy Spirit uses blue birds as well as doves as messengers to let us know He's listening. I've noticed that we have many cardinals, too, and it reminds me of my mama, as she loved cardinals. A nice memory.

Many times as I am praying, the words of Psalm 24 come to mind as I gaze out the window taking in the beauty of creation. I've learned to take nothing for granted, especially the gifts of His incredible love for us which are visible in every sunrise, moonbeam, chirping cricket, and even hot, muggy days in Virginia. There's always a reason to be thankful, a reason to praise the Lord. When I begin to feel "less" because my kitchen floor is splitting and buckling, and the plastered walls are cracked, I have to repent, because many people do not have a home. Holy Spirit gently reminds me that Jesus did not have a place to lay His head. Watching The Chosen is a constant reminder that Jesus lacked all luxuries, even a rusted refrigerator that leaks - another of my treasured relics inherited with the house. It makes me smile, chuckle actually, when I am impatient about getting repairs and replacements or asking someone to help or at least advise me. These are temporal matters. Even so, I know He expects us to take care of what He has loaned us, so He tolerates my momentary impatience, that is as long as I quickly return my focus to what is truly important.

In our study before our prayer call this morning, Peter Tsukahira, one of the pastors of Kehilat HaCarmel Church, shared his testimony of how he became a citizen of Israel. He is a Japanese-American, raised in Boston who has been living in Israel for 30 years since God straightened out his theology regarding His chosen people and His redemptive plan for Israel in the end times. I remember Peter saying once that he had to relearn everything he learned in seminary in America. He has been a strong spokesman on behalf of Israel and the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, attempting to educate churches and pastors about the false doctrine called Replacement Theology that claims that the Church has taken the place of the Jews, that the covenant between Israel and God has been broken, and Jesus made a new covenant with the church, or some nonsense like that. I'm not a theologian, but I can clearly see the error in this teaching made abundantly clear by Paul the Apostle in Romans, Chapters 9 - 11. In fact if one carefully reads the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation God's feelings are very clear, and He changes not!

Something else he said rang true to me, because I pray about it often - continuously actually. Even though it is obvious that we are living in the last days, especially with increased antisemitism, lawlessness, perversion, wars and rumors of war, severe climate changes, and many other "birth pangs" Jesus mentioned would happen, pastors are turning a blind eye to the scriptures. They do not want to discuss "politics" and don't want to upset anyone, especially those who oppose Israel. Besides they are building their churches and their membership, following the command of Jesus, but really are they? Yes, Jesus said to go into Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth and preach the gospel, but what else did He say? Make disciples, of course, but more. After John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus began his public ministry, and his words were: 

"Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.'" (Mark 1:14-15)

Jesus spoke of building the kingdom of God, a kingdom that is not of this earth. He spoke of the kingdom of God in the parable of the sower and the seeds in Mark 4:26-29. In Luke 13:18-21 he shared about the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven. And in Luke 17:20-21 He said:

"Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation: nor will they say, See here! or See there!. For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.'"

The message Jesus taught, and the building of the church as in the book of Acts, was not to birth super churches or plan programs. The spreading of the gospel Jesus taught about was about the kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 the Apostle Paul explains it as:

"I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality."

It appears that we must begin to think about what Jesus is saying and become more concerned with people outside of the church that we attend. And yes, I know about community outreach, but how much is to build the kingdom of God, and how much is to fill our pews? We need to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn to do things God's way. Standing with Israel is one huge adjustment many need to make, as the media and others have brought in much confusion with regards to supporting Israel and continuing the war with Iran. Also, when many of us attempt to share about God's plan for Israel's restoration in the end times, pastors take offense. The enemy has blinded their eyes, even to scripture. This makes me so sad. If we as the church can understand our position as being grafted into the vine as wild olive shoots (Romans 9-11), then the rest should be obvious. But it is not to many, those whose eyes are blinded by satan who is the master deceiver. I say this not in criticism, as I am not an accuser of the brethren, but I cry from my heart for us to awaken from our slumber and heed the counsel of God. Jesus came as the Light to the world. The church is not God's kingdom, but His way to the kingdom, the kingdom of God within us, the kingdom Jesus preached. We are called to be His lights to the world, drawing them to the kingdom of God, the message of heaven that Jesus came suffered horrendously for our sins - all sins, past, present, future - and He gave His life, was buried and He arose from the dead just as He said He would. He ascended to heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us. And He is coming again to gather believers in Christ, and then, after the tribulation, He is coming to judge the world. The role of the church today with regard to Israel is to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and through our faith in Christ, to provoke the Jews to jealousy so they will recognize Jesus as Messiah! God has said, and His word is truth - all of Israel will be saved!

I don't know if I worded any of that correctly, but I cry out from my heart to read the scripture in deep humility, laying aside what we think we know, and yielding to the power of God's Holy Spirit who resides within us. Read the Bible in context, and cover to cover, praying for clarity from Holy Spirit who reminds us of what Jesus taught us through the disciples and the word. The Kingdom of God is at hand! 

Day 207 Chosen People

 

7/26/2026 

"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,

and He who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not,

for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name;

you are Mine.'"

Isaiah 43:1

 

Baby dedications are very special times for parents who have given their lives to Christ and who desire to raise up their children according to God's ways. When a child is dedicated to the Lord, it is not the same as baptism. Baptism comes when a child is old enough to understand what it means to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, when they surrender their lives and dedicate them to a life hidden in Christ. When a child is dedicated to the LORD the parents, along with the support of the church, are promising to raise the child in a life that is separate, training them in the ways of God as described in the Bible. I don't know if there were baby dedications when I was born, but I do know that besides my parents, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles, my life was influenced by many people, and I was guided by Sunday School teachers and family friends who taught me and kept me on the straight and narrow. I have so many precious memories of my life, and the friends at Central Baptist Church.

Before going to my church this morning I checked in on another local body, Pastor Stan at Cloverhill was doing baby dedications in the early service. The children were young, and they didn't really say anything, or at least I did not hear them speak. I love it when young children grow old enough to understand salvation, and before they are baptized they are questioned as to why they are being baptized. It is a wonderful thing to listen to the purity of a young life dedicating themselves to Jesus. I remember my baptism when I was eight or nine years old. I know I accepted Christ at age eight, but sometimes the baptism does not happen immediately. Although I was young, I know that I knew who Jesus was and is, because I feel that He's always been a huge part of my life. He has been and remains my life. When my children were born, they were each dedicated at Central Baptist Church, and later they were baptized at Colonial Heights Assembly of God. Amazing memories - ones the enemy would love to destroy.

I was reading today that "Neuroscientists have discovered that as the brain develops during the adolescent years, the prefrontal cortex, which is the decision-making center of the brain, develops a mechanism through which impulses are filtered and not instantly acted upon." 

Psalm 139:13-16 in The Living Bible describes our amazingly designed bodies as:

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in Your Book!"

We have to do everything we can to guard and support our children and grandchildren - all children! They are a blessing from the God of all Creation! 

Day 206 See What the Lord Has Done!

 

7/25/2026

"One generation makes known Your 

faithfulness to the next."

 

Isaiah 39:19b 

 

Nathaniel Bassey, a Nigerian pastor, singer, and worship leader, who can blow a mean trumpet, opened our global prayer call this morning with the song, "See What the Lord Has Done." He is such a gifted young man who can call heaven down to earth, and the peace of God fills the house. It opens the way nicely for our Sabbath day remembrance of Jesus by the breaking of bread and drinking of wine, or in my case, grape juice. I love sharing communion with my friends each week, as we remember together. His sweet presence is with us as we gather together, especially on these days.

Yesterday, our worship song was an old-time favorite of mine by Paul Wilbur, whose ministry I support, and who goes back to the early days of Integrity Music, like Don Moen and Terry MacAlmon, two other artists I treasure. The song by Paul Wilbur was "In His Presence," and the lyrics go like this:

"In Your presence, that's where I am strong; in Your presence, O Lord my God. In Your presence that's where I belong, seeking Your face, touching Your grace, in the cleft of the Rock, in Your presence, O God.

I want to go where the rivers cannot overflow me, where my feet are on the rock. I want to hide where the blazing fire cannot burn me, in Your presence, O God.

I want to hide where the flood of evil cannot reach me, where I'm covered by the blood of the Lamb. I want to be where the schemes of darkness cannot touch me, in Your presence, O God."

It's such a peaceful song, as is the one by Nathaniel Bassey. I love quiet worship, especially when I'm relaxing on my day of Sabbath rest. We are reminded today by Moses in the Torah portion of scripture today to remember all the Lord has done for Israel and for we who believe in Messiah. In the book of Deuteronomy Moses is reminding the people of Israel of the Lord's presence with them beginning with their journey from captivity in Egypt all the way to the Promised Land where they are about to enter into, after wandering the wilderness for 40 years due to disobedience. Moses will not be going with them on this last leg of the journey, because he disobeyed God's command in his anger towards the people who were constantly grumbling and complaining. Rather than speak to the rock for water, Moses struck the rock, so God punished him by not allowing him to enter into the land of promise. 

 

In Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Moses begins with the Shema that is spoken daily in Israel in synagogue reminding the people that there is One God, and He alone is God:

 

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

 

Moses is instructing the people to pay heed to the word of God and to fear and reverence Him as Holy. He reminded them to teach the children God's precepts and to love and follow all His laws and commandments faithfully. All throughout the pages of this book, Moses repeats these words several times, because he does not want them to sin, to fall into disobedience and cause the wrath of God to fall upon them. Moses has just spent forty years traveling the wilderness with these people, so he knows how they can be. We are instructed to follow the same rules, so we will live in peace and prosperity. But we, like the children of Israel, do not always obey God's perfect law. We think we know better, and we tend to grumble and complain wen things go wrong. We were born in sin, so it is part of our human nature, but as born-again believers, we must do better and follow the example of Christ Jesus.

 

Bill Cloud, the shepherd/pastor at Jacob's Tent where I attend services online on the Sabbath, taught from the same Torah portion, and he also reminded us of the importance of heeding the word and counsel of the Lord. In scripture we are commanded not to add to or take away from God's word:

 

"You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:2)

 

 "Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." (Proverbs 30:6)

 

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." (Revelation 22:18-19).

 

Moses again repeats the commands in Deuteronomy 4:15-19. He warns Israel about compromising their relationship with God by following the pattern of the culture rather than obeying God. We are called to be holy, set apart people surrendered to God's will, and yet we follow the same wayward path. As God's chosen people, grafted in by the grace of God, we are not to conform to the world's way of doing things, because God has given us a far, far better way to live. We have only to lift up our eyes to see all that the Lord has done!

Day 205 Good Morning!

 

7/24/2026

"And one cried unto another and said, 

'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.'”

Isaiah 6:3  

 

I have to laugh, as I think about the way my days often begin. My first "Good Morning" is for Abba as I open my eyes and thank Him for a good sleep, even if it's been somewhat restless, because I wake up, and a new day has begun. As I walk into the bathroom, I glance out the window and see the familiar sight - Alex sitting on the grass, looking up at the window, waiting to see me. He's naturally happy to see that I finally decided to show up, and he lets me know that he's hungry. Fae, our new little kitten is meowing now, because she's heard my footsteps, and she's heard my voice. So, as I hurry into the kitchen I am greeted by Mia who is sitting by her bowls, obviously dissatisfied that she has not been first to get my attention. When I decided to move back home to Virginia I hadn't counted on having cats as part of my life, but I can't complain, as they do bring laughter to my life. Once I satisfy each of the cats' needs, I grab my cup of coffee and head back to my room for my morning quiet time. 

A cool, fresh breeze blows across my face, as I gaze out of the front bedroom window. An older lady is slowly and quietly walking her dog in front of my house. I watch her as her little dog leads her around the corner onto the next street, as she disappears from sight, only to reappear shortly thereafter, as she heads back past my house from the direction she first came. I've never seen her before, and I didn't get a careful look, but I'll remember the little pup. Perhaps she's someone who lived here as a child, like me, or maybe she's new to the neighborhood. I hope I see her again, as I want to get to know the people who live here.

In the distance I hear a plane overhead from the US Army base only a few miles from my home where I used to work as a civilian employee. Much has changed I'm certain after so many years away. The old hospital buildings have long been torn down, and new accommodations provided for the growing military inductees and their families. The base has grown, and they have modernized with their own bank and fast food restaurants on base. I'm sure it would take quite a bit of time to find my way around the facility, as it's grown so large. They have changed the name also, probably when all the changes were being made nationally over inappropriate names or the reasons behind the names. I don't think there was any prejudice involved in the naming of of the base initially as Fort Lee, but many things went berserk when streets were ablaze a few years ago. Not something I really want to remember, and yet, it continues in our streets and across our nation and world today. 

Thankfully, the sun is shining, and I'll have the opportunity to get my grass cut and a few other outside chores completed. I'll send my son to Food Lion for a few supplies, while I complete what's needed to do here. I'm excited to finally get outside after all the rain we've had, but perhaps I needed those days to complete my writing for one thing, plus the extra rest was good for me. 

The green chile I pre-ordered from New Mexico in March is also arriving this afternoon, so we'll have to be ready to roast and freeze it on Monday. There are few smells as wonderful as roasting green chile as the wind blows and gently wafts intoxicating smell across the yard. I miss familiar smells, but at least I have a small bit of New Mexico here, and I am able to enjoy many of our dishes cooked by my hands here in Virginia. Heaven on earth!

It's a wonderful way to ease into my Sabbath rest!  

Day 204 Slow Leaks

 

7/23/2026

"We live by demands when we should

live by priorities."  

Daily Walk

 

My time spent in Isaiah becomes richer and sweeter each day, even though the messages are strong and difficult to hear. I cannot imagine all that the prophet Isaiah endured as he answered the call of God to go to the people of Israel and deliver these harsh messages, then watch as they refused to listen and hardened their hearts. The commentator states with confidence that "Before God can use a person greatly, He must bruise him deeply." I believe that the Apostle Paul could certainly attest to that bit of truth. He endured so much hardship that in 2 Corinthians 1:8 he said, "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." While it is said that Isaiah went through the process of declaring the wrath of God against Israel and the nations fearlessly, he did not do so tearlessly, as he was concerned for the welfare of others, particularly his own people. He had foreseen the destruction of the Temple and the carrying away of the ark of the Lord that held God's presence, or was a symbol, as God's presence can never be contained. He wanted to see Israel turn back to God, and I hope that I can have the same passion today as I pray for my country to turn back to God and for Israel to realize that they missed the Messiah's first arrival. Don't miss Him again! 

What the commentator was describing was the "melting season." Again, although I have read and re-read the Bible in its entirety annually for many years, each day I am made aware of a fresh insight. This expression was one of those "misses." I was recently reading through one of my older journals where I noticed a comment where a pastor had prayed for God to "melt me." At the time I had no idea why someone would pray like that. I recall the words of the old hymn Spirit of the Living God Fall Afresh on Me, with the familiar chorus: "Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me; break me, melt me, mold me, fill (use) me, Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me." I remember singing those lyrics over and over, and I still do from time to time. Still, I'm not fully understanding the pastor's prayer. The only reason I had asked for prayer was for my husband's needs at the time, not haughtily, but very quietly, meekly, like a good little wife. Perhaps he saw deeper into my soul. So, I never questioned it, like many things I continue to wonder about. Later in 2 Corinthians in Chapter 12 Paul mentions that God gave him a thorn in the flesh (v7) lest he become exalted - too persnickety - concerning the dreams and revelations he was having at the time. It's important that we have the right motives and examine our hearts daily. So, as I go through my "melting seasons" I continue to pray and sing, "Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me!"

Israel was being warned of the suffering she would endure, the siege and calamity, because of the idolatry she had been drawn into by compromising God's word and carelessly indulging in the sins of those who formerly inhabited the land. Many times Israel had fallen into the same traps of the enemy and had to be disciplined harshly, and each time they had repented and mercifully been forgiven by God, promising never to stray again, to be obedient, only to fail once again. God's patience was growing thin! The commentator aptly put it that "No nation plans to collapse," rather it is a "slow leak." This can also be witnessed in our lives of "little foxes" that ruin the fruitfulness of our witness to the world. One little habit or mistake that removes our ability to be salt and light. Sadly, this is becoming more and more prevalent in our churches today as they compromise, allowing the culture to infiltrate the church, rather than the opposite effect. We are told to go out into the world and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, making disciples of all nations, not to follow the example of the world where lawlessness and doing things that seem right to a person is the way to show our love and acceptance to a lost and hurting world. We are taught in scripture to live a holy, separate life, set apart so we can represent Jesus to those looking for the only Truth, Way, Life!

Life gets very busy, and many of us are called to wear multiple hats, but the wise commentator once again sheds light on the subject saying, "It has been well said, 'Our days are identical suitcases - all the same size - but some people can pack more into them than others.'" Also, "In the midst of your busy schedule, never lose sight of the fact that God is busy, too - on your behalf!"   

When I was much younger I used to sing special music in church, and I loved the song by Steve Green, People Need the Lord, and it adequately voices the call of God, the life we are told to live vicariously for God, always sensitive to the needs of others:

"Every day they pass me by, I can see it in their eyes; empty people filled with care, headed who knows where. On they go through private pain, living fear to fear. Laughter hides their silent cries only Jesus hears. 

People need the Lord, people need the Lord. At the end of broken dreams He's the open door. People need the Lord, people need the Lord. When will we realize people need the Lord.

We are called to take His light to a world where wrong seems right, what could be too great a cost for sharing life with one who's lost. Through His love our hearts can feel all the grief they bear. They must hear the words of life only we can share.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord. At the end of broken dreams He's the open door. People need the Lord, people need the Lord. When will we realize, people need the Lord."   

I've written often about the importance of followers of Christ keeping our focus on Jesus, being careful to spend time in His presence, growing in the knowledge of God's will, transformed into His image - more of Him and less of us. Something that deeply touched my life was a testimony I heard Nick Vujicic share about how he grieves daily about his limitations in not being able to play with or hold his son. Nick is an amazing Australian evangelist and motivational speaker who was born without arms and legs, a rare condition known as Tetra-Amelia Syndrome. He is married to a beautiful woman of God, Kanae Miyahara, and they have four beautiful children. God is using him greatly to bring hope to others who feel "less than," because he knows the way our mighty God can do amazing things! With our God nothing is impossible!

Nick shared these three questions he asks his wife, and she asks him - the same questions that he asks God each day. I share them for our consideration:

 "What am I doing you want me to stop doing; what am I not doing that you want me to start doing; what am I doing well that you want me to keep on doing?"

Questions we should all be asking to keep us on the right path - not succumbing to culture's cries for acceptance that lead to compromise, but focusing on what Jesus said about true love and compassion that cares enough to tell someone the truth in love.

Day 203 Erev Tish'a B'Av

 

7/22/2026

 "I called on Your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit.

You heard my plea: 'Do not close Your ears to

my cry for relief.'"

Lamentations 3:55-56 

 

Tonight is the eve of the commemoration of Tish'a B'Av, the 9th day of the month of Av on the Jewish calendar, the day on which the temples were destroyed in Jerusalem. The first temple built by Solomon was destroy by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E. It is a day of mourning and grief remembering when the temple that housed the ark of the covenant, the Presence of God, was destroyed. It was also a day in history marking other horrible events in Jewish history over the years.

Before the destruction of the temple, this days is a reminder of the twelve spies sent by Moses into the land of Canaan, the Promised Land, to scout out the country when ten of the twelve spies came back and gave a negative report causing the people to fall into disbelief. This resulted in the death of these ten spies and the death of the generation who revolted against God who punished them making them wander through the wilderness for 40 years.  

After the destruction of both temples as noted above, the Romans ended the Bar Kochba revolt and destroyed the city of Betar killing over 500,000 Jews. In 135 CE following the Bar Kochba revolt the Temple site and the surrounding area of the Temple was plowed under. Recently, archeologists discovered burned structures which may have been part of the Temple.

According to a report Tisha B'Av included mourning for several other horrible events happening at this time which include the Spanish inquisition, the Holocaust, the expulsion of Jews from European countries, as well as other cruel and unjust happenings in Jewish history. The book of Lamentations is read during this time of grieving.

The people of Israel have weathered so many storms since God chose Abraham to be the father of the nation of Israel and the nations. Since they became a nation in 1948 the warfare has never ceased, going back to the beginning of the blood libel between Isaac and Ishmael. For 1020 days since 10/7/2023 when Hamas attacked and viciously murdered innocent civilians including men, women, children, and babies, intercessors have stood with Israel as watchmen on the wall praying for the peace of Jerusalem and an end to this time of war and horror. The people have endured so much suffering through the loss of loved ones and waiting for the return of family members who were held captive, the last one released after 843 days, deceased Master Sargent Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police special forces officer who fought bravely and was killed on 10/7/2023 and his body taken captive into Gaza and held. But the grief and the suffering continue for all concerned.

Many of the soldiers have been on active duty since that first day, with little time off to be with their families. They love their country, and this is their duty to protect their country from harm. Many who have been injured during this time are still receiving treatment and many suffer mental trauma, as do those who were held hostage. Finally after all this time the stories are being told, so that healing can begin.

The people of Israel are resilient people, many who believe in God and hold fast to the teachings and promises in Torah. They are a very close-knit people who continue to go on, living their lives, even when they are running into bomb shelters several times a day, for several hours a day or longer. They rejoice when their is a time to rejoice, and their grieve for one another. It has been my privilege and my joy to serve these special people in prayer.

So today and tomorrow we once more grieve, fast, and pray with them as they remember and as they hope for the future that is certain to come. We also pray for the salvation of the people who have not yet received Jesus Christ as Messiah, but who wait for His coming. What a glorious day it will be when they discover that He already came, and He is coming again soon. Then there will be no more pain, no more tears and suffering. O what a wonderful day that will be! 

"For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;

You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices

of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart -

These, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your

good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of 

Jerusalem."

 

Psalm 51:16-18