Day 286 God's Hands

 

10/13/2026

"Lord, forgive me when I think I know better!"

Me

It took me awhile to figure out if I had the correct date on this post, as I am putting my thoughts for the day a little later than I should. I've been a wee bit tired for several days, and my appetite has been voracious, but I can't see to fill up. Since I'm not a big eater that makes it harder. I've been attempting to get all my ducks in a row, so to speak, plans made, appointments scheduled for me and my son, as I still plan to take a trip to New Mexico as soon as possible. I haven't been back since I moved here almost five years, so I am a little homesick for family, friends, and the mountains. I miss autumn in the Southwest, the aspen leaves turning amber gold framing canopies over earthen roads, and when the trees shed the leaves they fall like golden carpets over the roadways. O how I love autumn, especially in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains - the crisp morning air and dancing with Kenya. And no mosquitoes! 

This morning in the Kehilat Worship Watch at HaCarmel we welcomed autumn and the promised rainfall. We prayed for the many needs of Israel especially for restoration of the people and for the strength and endurance of the IDF soldiers who have been standing their posts for over three years now. As the war continues, Israel is also in the midst of preparing for their elections and the reforming of the government. Tension runs high and feelings are antagonistic and enthusiastic yet cautious. 

Here in America we are in the midst of our mid-term elections, and there is much at stake here in our country as well. The adversary has been busy doing what he does best, but our focus must remain firmly on the Author and Finisher of our faith. When we contend for the faith there will always be attempts to discourage us or force us to give up and quit, but we must stand firm until the end. I refuse to be negative about what anyone thinks or says or the foolish actions people take. I am steadfast in my stand for truth, freedom, a moral government, leaders who walk with integrity. Each day when I turn on my computer, although my news sources are Christian based, I get weary reading about the negativity and the antagonism, vacillating between faith and unbelief. Pettiness and disrespect should be far from leadership, but we cannot have a government that speaks of socialism and communism and forcing demonic oppression upon our nation. This morning in the Worship Watch we sang, prayed, and claimed Scripture over all situations. We chose to look past the evil and focus on what God has to say about it all. It was a pleasant morning, as each Tuesday has become for me. I don't know what will happen next with regard to the war, the elections - here or in the United States, but I do know that God controls all things, and I will place my trust in Him. He is my Peace, my Shalom.

At the beginning I wrote "Lord, forgive me when I think I know better!" Sometimes seasoned intercessors think they know the right prayer to pray, the unique promises to claim, for a given situation or prayer need. Considering the history of the kings of Judah we learn that trust and reliance on God's strength rather than what little we think we have is the only way to go. When we cry out to God, He hears us, and He answers, but His ways are unique, never the same. During these tumultuous days when hatred and contention exists between those who were once friends working together towards a common good  has caused uncertainty to rise and trust to fail, we must rely on God's Word to guide our steps. Psalm 119:105 says: His Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Resting on God's past actions, how He has delivered us from trouble over the years reminds us to rest in His timing. 

Listening to Marty Goetz sing the song he and his daughter Misha wrote, The Plans I Have for You, based n Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope," I can relax a bit, breathe, and remember:

"Here I am, waiting once again; on my knees, listening and then, in a moment, a voice so clear speaks in a whisper, the words I need to hear. I know the plans I have for you, you're always on my mind, and all the thoughts I think toward you are lovingly designed, to bring you through, and to give to you, a future and a hope. They're for your peace, they're for your good, the plans I have for you." 

The song continues to offer peace and rest, the kind God expects His children to have. Marty and Misha are Messianic Jewish believers and have a blessed musical ministry. If music stills your soul please check out the songs. You will be blessed beyond measure. 

Remember, God holds us in the palms of His hands, and He has HUGE hands! He is after all the God who created the Universe. He is righteous in all His ways. 

Day 285 First Love

 

10/12/2026

"Nevertheless, I have this against you...."

Revelation 2:4  

Sundays have always been special days for me, as I have wonderful memories from childhood of family gatherings at my grandparent's home each week after Sunday school and church services. All the uncles and aunts would gather, regardless of where they lived. One lived in Texas, so we didn't see them except on holidays, but I grew up around a large family. I miss those days, but I remember them well. Sundays remain special for me although I seldom see my family, but I attend services locally and online, and I also attend services on Saturday. I take the command not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together seriously, plus I love hearing the Scriptures read and applied to our life today based on Biblical prophecy. I never get tired of learning, and I learn something fresh and new each day. The Word is alive and active!

According to the Barna Group, a Christian research organization, church attendance has significantly decreased in many circles, and yet there are reports of the hunger for truth in the Gen Z youth. It's exciting to hear that the youth in this chaotic world are seeking truth instead of listening to lies and becoming involved in destructive activities. In recent months there have been many professions of faith and baptisms are happening in increasing numbers in many locations. It is exciting to see older people, such as myself, excited about evangelism. This is what we are to be doing, as it is what Jesus commanded before ascending to His Father.

Since the Covid pandemic church attendance still has not improved in some denominations, as people find it easier to watch online. Since Covid modern technology with Zoom meetings and YouTube videos have become widely used, so many feel they don't need to go to in-person services. In this way technology has hindered the cause of Christ, as people are becoming lazy, and they are missing out on the fellowship so necessary for spiritual growth and maturity. This is very disconcerting.

More than once today in my Bible studies I have been reminded of Jesus' message to the 7 Churches in Revelation 2 and 3 as relating to the condition of the worldwide church in this day. John begins with the message to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2: 1-7:

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: "I know your works, your labor, your patience and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember, therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."'

The people in this church were actively busy in doing church, but they had forgotten to be the church, and they lost the personal relationship with the Lord so necessary in order to strengthen their own faith and discipleship of others. The modern church is often very engaged in this program and that, but as far as individual, personal time alone with the Lord, daily Bible reading and other personal devotions are put aside due to busy schedules. The prayer life becomes hurried and routine homilies. As an intercessor I am very hard on myself, and I ask Holy Spirit to search me and try me to see if there are any wrong ways in me. The prayer needs of our nation and world are so overwhelming, and we must never forget our families, friends, and others. I thank God that Holy Spirit dwells within the believer of Christ, and He is our Intercessor or Mediator with Jesus, who is interceding for us in heaven. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, and when we fall short we have only to cry out for help.

Because the time is getting closer for the return of Jesus we must be ready, our lamps lit, watching. In the messages to the church the Lord always encourages the churches, but repentance is needed to ensure we are on the right path. We need a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit, and we must return to our First Love. I recently heard a song First Love Fire by Leeland. In closing I share the lyrics:

First Love Fire 

"I remember when all I knew to do
Was sing Your name
And I remember when all I longed to do
Was give You praise
Jesus, light the first love fire in me, again

 

I wanna fall in, I wanna fall in
I wanna fall in love with You again
Back to the start where it
Was all about one thing
I wanna fall in love with You again
Wanna fall in love

 

And I remember when
I couldn't wait to tell someone
I was lost within the joy
And gratitude for all that You've done
Oh, to be thankful again, Lord
Jesus, light the first love fire in me again

 

I wanna fall in, I wanna fall in
I wanna fall in love with You again
Back to the start where it
Was all about one thing
I wanna fall in love with You again
With You again

 

Bring me back to my first love again, Jesus

 

Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire
Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire

Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire
 

Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire again

I wanna fall in, I wanna fall in
I wanna fall in love with You again
Back to the start where it
Was all about one thing
I wanna fall in love with You again
With You again

 

Oh back to the start, yeah
Back to the start where it
Was all about one thing
I wanna fall in love with You again
Back to the start where it
Was all about one thing
I wanna fall in love with You again
With You again

 

Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire
Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire

 

Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire (be my one desire again)
Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire

 

Oh, sing it again
Jesus, light the first love fire
Come and be my one desire again

 

I wanna fall in, I wanna fall in
I wanna fall in love with You again
Back to the start where it
Was all about one thing

I wanna fall in love with You again

 

Back to the start where it
Was all about one thing
I wanna fall in love with You again" 

Day 284 Sweet Fragrance

 

10/11/2026

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, 

and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved

 and among those who are perishing." 

 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

 

Awakened in the early morning before the sun was even considering poking its head up through the trees, I got up drawn by a sweet-smelling aroma lingering in the air near my room. I thought it may be my son up for a very early breakfast snack of his cookie cereal, but as I glanced down the hall it was quiet in the house, and with each step I took away from my door, the scent could not be detected. My first response when I opened my door was "Lord, is that You?" but I really had never smelled such a sugary sweet aroma quite like this one before. Could it be?

This is not the first time I have sensed God's presence in this manner during times of worship. The lingering outside my door in the hallway did not come from the open window, and it faded the further I went from outside my doorway in the hall. Another mystery of the goodness of the Lord, I imagine. I am learning to understand that God will always let me know things, as He feels I need to know them, so I am simply trusting Him. This is the way I want to live my life - leave the guess work to those who have the inclinations. 

I've been trying to finish up the online sessions I've missed from the Feast of Tabernacles hosted by the International Christian Embassy in Israel, and each one has been uplifting in one way or another. Tonight, I listened to a concert for the Next Generation featuring Solu Israel and a group of other artists and dancers. It was a collaborative effort of sheer joy, a group of young adults with one desire - to worship the Lord! Proclamations were made over the nations who came up to the mountain of the Lord to attend this year's feast. There were many people who attended for the first time who sold cars and other property just to make it to the feast in Israel this year. In Genesis 10 Scripture lists the nations from Noah's sons - Shem, Ham, and Japheth and all the sons born to them after the flood. From their descendants came 70 nations with the genealogies leading up to Abraham. God told Abraham He would make him a great nation, and he would become the father of many nations. Prior to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), the Day of Atonement was observed, the day the High Priest went into the Holy place to offer sacrifices as an atonement for all of the nation of Israel. But the Feast of Tabernacles is an appointed time, a Feast of the Lord, where all nations are to come up to the mountain of the Lord and worship. God made a lasting appointment for all men to gather together at this time each year.

I am purposing within my heart to make the trip to Israel next year if God works everything out for me. The first thing to do, however, is to apply for my passport, so that is my next thing on my list to do. That way I will be ready to go without excuse. Isaiah 2:3 and Micah 4:2 say:

"Many peoples will come and say: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.' For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.'" 

May the praise on our lips arise as a sweet smelling fragrance to our God and King.

Day 283 Bereshit - In the Beginning...God!

 

 10/10/2026

"Then God said, 'Let there be light';

and there was light!"

Genesis 1:3  

 

Today is the beginning of the new Torah cycle for Israel beginning naturally with Genesis. The portion is called Bereshit meaning "In the beginning," and it begins with the history of creation. 

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. The God said, 'Let there be light;' and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day" (Genesis 1:5).

As we continue the reading of Genesis considering each day's creation process, we can notice God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit functioning as one unit culminating in the formation of man made in their image as noted in Genesis 1:26-27, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

The deeper we delve into history we begin to understand that everything God does is intentional and has a distinct purpose. After creating man God placed him in the garden where he was to have dominion over every living thing. There were two trees in the middle of the garden, The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The question posed for consideration regarding the two trees was why did God put the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the garden if He knew that man would fail the test or did the adversary plant the tree as a tare, as a temptation? After man ate from the forbidden tree, he was not allowed to remain in the garden, because if he ate from the Tree of Life after his eyes were opened to sin, he would be eternally cursed. So God removed him and set two angels in the Garden to keep Adam out. But then, God already had a plan in motion to ransom man from sin. This brings up so many questions, but God has a plan, and God is good. The Bible speaks of the many mysteries of which we know nothing, and this is just one of the questions we will one day discover the answer to once we rest in our eternal home.

When God created the living things he did so that they would bear much fruit and prosper including the plants, trees, animals and man. As believers in Christ we are told in Matthew 15 that we are to abide in Christ and bear fruit:

"'I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. if anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (Matthew 15:1-8). 

God could not allow mixed fruit to remain in the Garden, a Garden God had created to function perfectly, without sin and chaos that evil brings. But God had a plan that He speaks about and foreshadows in every book of the Old Testament. I have often wondered how the Pharisees and teachers of the Law and the Prophets could miss the details of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection, as they are clearly detailed in Scripture, especially by the prophets. 

One day, perhaps sooner than we think, we will be able to sit at the feet of Jesus with all the prophets and teachers of old, accompanied by the apostles and all the saints who overcame by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimonies, and who loved not their lives to the death, and hear the wondrous stories of life in every detail. Until then we can study and learn, and in abiding in Christ, dwelling in His presence, learn and grow in the knowledge He has for us as co-laborers in the Body of Christ. May we bring Him glory and bear much fruit until He returns! 

Day 282 Fresh Encounters

 

10/9/2026 

"To everything there is a season, a time for

every purpose under heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

  

To everything there is a season...! 

Tonight I decided to move outside my comfort zone and accept a friend's invitation to attend a benefit for a ministry I strongly support. The Pregnancy Center for the Tri-Cities sponsored an event called           "Dancing Through the Decades," celebrating the past and looking to the future. A meal was provided by Outback Steakhouse, and there was DJ dancing with music from the 60's, 70's and a little beyond, plus a silent auction. It was held at Destination Church in Hopewell, and there were several in attendance from my church, Western Heights Baptist. My friends were more enthusiastic about dressing the decade than I, but it was enjoyable remembering popular fun music without the innuendos of rebellion of the age. It was a Christian event actually, but there were a lot of Baptists twisting and shouting! I laughed, but I didn't join in on the actual dance floor action until the song Dancing Queen was playing at the very end, and I just couldn't help myself. I've watched the movie Momma Mia too many times to pass up a few theatrics.

I think it did me a world of good to go out on the town, so to speak, in a limited way, and actually enjoy being with friends, if only for one night. Generally on Friday evenings I am participating in Shabbat services prior to attending Messianic Jewish services online on Saturday as Sabbath is celebrated from Friday evening until Saturday evening in Israel. But I didn't want to disappoint my friend who is always inviting me places, and I never go. My main concern was disappointing God by going, but somehow I don't think He minded a change in my routine. He knows my heart, and He cares about all things concerning my life. In fact earlier in the day we discussed many things, and I'm ready for some fresh encounters.

I really don't like change, because I've had my life upended so many times, and I've had to move more times than most military families move from base to base over the period of a lifetime, and that includes the short time my husband was in the military. I began to remember words spoken to me, wondering whether I'd actually traveled the route I was meant to go already. I've been afraid that if I changed anything in my life that I'd somehow miss what God had planned for me. I'm always advising others to step out in faith and dare to dream, but I felt as if my dreams had been detoured or lost. Then I picked up a little book I'd read before, deciding that I'd revisit a friend, as I consider certain books worthy of re-reads, and a light bulb lit up the page. Now I know that I can't dilly dally around any longer, and I need to get down to the business at hand.

Praying for others often opens my eyes to things I need to do in my own life, in a strange and roundabout way. I'd felt guilty about not praying for certain people as often as I should using the excuse that I have so many prayer requests that come daily on top of those that are ongoing. Just considering the prayers for our nation for the midterm elections and standing against the spiritual darkness that has entered our country so contrary to our national life, or so I had thought. Watching world events explode into total chaos and near disaster in some areas with increasing threats to life and liberty. Standing as a watchman on the wall for Israel and praying for the needs of the persecuted church. Praying for the needs of family and friends and families and friends of others. The condition of the church, and the need to wake up as Jesus commanded in Revelation 2 & 3 in the letters to the churches. These are indeed perilous times, and the lack of concern or action on the part of those who should be aware is daunting. As an intercessor my heart has been overcome with deep anguish and near despair at times, but because I have faith, I have hope, so I will never give into despair. There are many times that my prayer is simple - "Abba, help!" And that is sufficient, because Holy Spirit knows the needs before I ask.

I've been reading Catherine Marshall's little book, The Helper, about the gift of Holy Spirit who is the Third person of the Trinity, who is God. There's God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the very breath of God and Jesus, sent from above to dwell inside those who are children of God through belief in Christ as Savior and Lord. This book speaks of a deeper, fresher encounter of God's Spirit, a fresh breath of His Life as on the Day of Pentecost. Reading it has reminded me of my adventures in Christ, and encounters with the Living God. Much more it has reminded me of words spoken to me, words of life and leading, words of knowledge, and visions. Reading the Bible each day regenerates my soul, and I'm able to endure the circumstances that come my way, but dwelling in the secret place, listening, speaking about things I want to know, gaining insight, living in His presence, is much more than I can adequately describe. It is the life I live, the life I love, the life I never want to change, but He promises so much more.

Although I'm not certain of what lies ahead and around the bend, I feel that I have a starting point. What that means as far as interactions with others I don't have a clue, but the good thing is that I'm open to any changes that He wants to make in my life that will draw me closer to Him and fulfilling His purpose through my life.

Day 281 Signs

 

10/8/2026

"Some Bible students drink at the fountain

of knowledge; others just gargle."

 

I don't know where I find these quotations, although they have to come from a Bible source, otherwise I wouldn't see them. I used to say that I didn't scroll, plus I vehemently opposed it, but sadly I must confess that there seems to be little I can do to avoid it. For some reason now, when I go on YouTube on my cell phone for worship music, all side hustles come up, instead of what I normally watch. "Short reels" seem to be the thing these days, and they are probably the most fictitious or AI doctored media releases that ensnare unwary scrollers the most. Nope, my quotations are legitimately from Bible referenced sources. If nothing else I say in this blog registers, please heed this warning: STOP SCROLLING!!

Yesterday was a day of remembrance, and while there are additional news releases today commemorating 10/7/2023 in Israel, the truth is I will be among those who will never forget. Today I want to consider the quotation I referenced above which I discovered came from my Your Daily Walk commentary. I am now reading the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24 & 25 which is a portion of scripture that some find difficult to understand according to the side notes in my New Living Translation. I don't understand that, but then I'm not one to reach for a Concordance or Bible commentary to discover what Jesus was talking about. I'd much rather sit and discuss it with Him, which is a concept that is foreign to many and even frightening. I don't understand that school of thought either, as I love to sit and listen, plus my New Kings James Version by Tyndale has the contextual scripture references for the verses noted in the center for easy comparison to ensure I'm getting the jest of what Jesus is saying. Is that too simple? Seems to save time not to mention expense, as Bible commentaries and references cost money. Sitting still and listening to Jesus is free...well, if you care to invest the time, that is. Perhaps that's what "gargle" implies in the quotation above.

In Chapter 24 of Matthew the disciples are questioning Jesus about the events that will signal His return and the end of the world as they would know it (verse 3). In verses 4-14:

"Jesus told them, 'Don't let anyone fool you. For many will come claiming to be the Messiah, and will lead many astray. When you hear of wars beginning, this does not signal My return; these must come, but the end is not yet. The nations and kingdoms of the earth will rise against each other and there will be famines and earthquakes in many places. But all this will be only the beginning of the horrors to come. Then you will be tortured and killed and hated all over the world because you are Mine, and many of you shall fall back into sin and betray and hate each other. Any many false prophets will appear and lead many astray. Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many. But those enduring to the end shall be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it, and then, finally, the end will come.'"

Although Jesus spoke those words to the disciples over 2,000 years ago, they are certainly becoming more and more relevant today as we watch our nations be upended by chaos, lawlessness, and despicable evil. Jesus goes on to provide more expressive detail about those days and the trials and tribulations as outlined in the Bible in Daniel and Revelation in particular. In Chapter 25 of Matthew Jesus teaches parables concerning the Kingdom of Heaven to illustrate His point. He warns them to pay attention, to stay awake. Interesting that in the Garden of Gethsemane not too long after this discourse, His three closest disciples could not stay awake to pray with Jesus as He agonized over the betrayal, abandonment, persecution, suffering and torture He would endure for their sake and ours. How often we do the same when He is desperately trying to warn us through Holy Spirit. We either don't trust the word or heed the warning because of unbelief or apathy. But the time is upon us, knocking at the doors, so we better wake up.

Already there are three hurricanes, Rachel, Simon and Isaias in the Gulf coast areas. Rachel is heading to Mexico, Simon to California, and Isaias has already reached the Gulf region of Florida. In my post from Intercessors for America someone noted the following: 

"Rachel is Hebrew for 'ewe,' or female sheep. Simon comes from the Hebrew Shim’on, associated with hearing. Isaias is the Greek form of Isaiah, meaning 'Yahweh is salvation' or 'the Lord saves.' Together, they suggest a striking appeal: 'Sheep, listen! The Lord is your salvation!'"

When I think about the name Rachel I remember the scripture found in Jeremiah 31:15:

“Thus says the Lord: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.’”

I think about how many abortions have been committed in California alone, not to mention the laws they have protecting pedophiles and sexual offenders, calling their life styles and preferences normal and harmless. They do not believe in the prison systems, closed borders, and other protections we have enjoyed in our system of government. Certainly the LORD is crying out for the nations to turn from darkness into the Light. Perhaps God is sending us a message, and it doesn't involve global warming. 

Day 280 Remembering

 

10/7/2026

"From the rising of the sun to its going down

Adonai's name is to be praised."

Psalm 113:3 

 

Today has been a very difficult day for me as I listen to testimonies from survivors and family members of the victims of the 7 October 2023 massacre in Israel by Hamas. This year marks the third anniversary of that tragic day, and although the people of Israel put on a happy face and go through the motions of living each day, they continue to suffer. Ministries to include the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem one of which I connect with is providing so much physical, mental, spiritual, and tangible hands on assistance to the people. There is so much need as the people continue to pick up the pieces of their lives and carry on. One young woman whose sister was savagely murdered along with five of her friends said the realizes that they have to continue on and take care of themselves. The friend who had attended the festival with her sister that day has been dealing with the guilt of surviving, of being able to escape capture and harm. Families had released the text and audio messages received that morning as well as the 911 calls for help. Reliving it was so hard for me, and I am a stranger to them. As a nation they relive it on a daily basis.

Many former hostages are speaking up for the first time about the days of captivity sharing the abuse, torture, and humiliation they suffered at the hands of these merciless terrorists. I pray that through sharing, vocalizing their pain and suffering they will be able to heal. The children continue to have nightmares and many who witnessed unspeakable horror are finding help through therapy with animals. The ICEJ has a therapy center using horses who are trained to offer physical, mental, and emotional support and healing. Therapy animals are becoming more and more useful in the medical field in being supports for children and adults who have suffered much anguish and abuse here in America. I've seen the transformation on the faces of seniors in nursing facilities when rescue dogs come to visit. We shouldn't be surprised when God created animals to be a support and companions to Adam in the Garden of Eden. God thinks of everything.

There have been several hands on support trips organized through ICEJ as well as other ministries in Israel offering opportunities to come to the nation and provide tangible assistance while showing solidarity to the people. While the tourist trade continues in spite of the continuing threat of war, the economy continues to grow, and travel is welcomed, nothing beats the personal contact with the people sharing love and friendship. The recent Feast of Tabernacles event hosted by the ICEJ was well-received by the locals invited to participate, including two concert nights for the next generation of youth. I was only able to attend virtually, but I could sense and see the excitement on the faces of those in attendance, and I know that God is doing a work in the hearts of the young people, and He's touching all hearts with a fresh anointing and boldness to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with God's chosen people.

We must never forget this tragedy of 7 October 2023, but we must also recognize that it is not the first time God's people have endured persecution nor the last, as it continues today all over the world as nations are withholding support from Israel. We must do our support to stand with Israel and to speak out on behalf of the nation. We must always stand with Israel. This is our duty.