Day 303 The Vultures are Circling

 

10/30/2026

 "Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain."

Psalm 127:1

 

For the past two or three weeks I've been outside attempting to get the yard cleaned and the new shed painted. I love to paint, but this shed has been a nightmare in so many ways. I'm not a painter, but I have painted my house, and even the outside many years ago when I wasn't timid about climbing high. Still at the risk of falling off the ladder, we did enlist the support of a friend who was a house painter, among his other talents. So since then I've limited my painting to walls and my art work. I always paint trim first before tackling the main job, which may be counter to what a true painter would do, but as an artist, I am able to draw a straight line, and I can do fine work near the edges where the two colors blend quite easily. With this job, however, the edges are rough and sanding is impossible, so that's makes it much harder not to slop paint all over the place. My son thought we should paint the shed first before the trim - wrong, but I allowed him to have his way. Now I'm cleaning up the mess. I'm also the one on the ladder, as my son has medical issues and a fear of heights, so being the acrobat in the household, I inherited the task.

For several days while painting I noticed that vultures were circling overhead. At first I thought my cat Alex was on the menu, but they soon disappeared, and Alex showed up to eat. But this went on for days. Finally, I looked up to the sky and asked the vultures if they knew something I didn't. After all I'd been to the doctor for blood work, and my doctor had shown concern over my recent CT scan. So I laughed, but I became curious about the habits of these scavengers and decided to research their habits. I found that vultures ride the rising columns of warm air that allows them to remain in flight without expending energy while they scout for food. Birds are amazing creatures anyway, but I wouldn't think that a vulture had delicate, thin wings, but they do. God is a master creator! When I went back outside the next day, the little rascals were circling, so I greeted them cordially, but I reminded them that I was living, so I would not be on their menu. Soon they lost interest and flew away. I imagine if the neighbors heard me laughing, talking to vultures they were wondering about my sanity. I already give them plenty to think about as it is.

My research also revealed that there are spiritual meanings given to seeing vultures circling. Traditionally it "symbolizes transformation, patience, spiritual renewal, and the natural cycle of life and death." Alternative views suggest that in folklore this action can be a warning or call to watch out for possible harm or malicious intent. There are other suggestions leaning towards interpretation of dreams and other mystical interpretations. The imagination can take us to places we dare not go. 

While natural predators do exist in our natural world as part of creation, they serve a God-created design and plan just as all creatures and birds of the air and fish and critters of the seas and oceans. God's creation blows my mind and a deeper respect for our Giver of Life. But there are human predators and those who are within our nation who are posing as wolves in sheep's clothing and predators in the pulpit. David Wilkerson of blessed memory wrote a book about deception creeping into our churches, and Jesus warns that many will come in His name, but they are false prophets, teachers, and pastors. He warns of things to come before His return for the church. He calls us to be busy for the Kingdom but conscious of the snares of the enemy.  

"And Jesus answered and said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying "I am the Christ," and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.'" (Matthew 24:1-14) 

Anyone who reads what Jesus told the disciples will note that these things are happening today, increasing daily. As we approach the mid-term elections, the behind the scenes work of opposing parties and factions have been secretly engaged in unthinkable, intensely evil strategies intended to destroy our government system and our nation as we know it. They want to rewrite our Constitution, get rid of our Senate, as well as an entire list of plans that have been in the works for years, and all of it is public information. My heart is broken to think that we have elected leaders in office who want to destroy America and have a socialist/communist government. That is not what America is. These people say all the right things for the trusting people who think these leaders mean what they say, the ones who are not alert to hear what is truly being said or bothering to check out the truth. And that is truly disheartening. I have always been a trusting person, hoping people mean what they say, but I have learned that this simply is not so, even in the church. There are pastors running for office who are compromising the Word of God. How can that be? Truly these are the last days, as the days are darker each day. 

This reminds me of an episode of the Star Trek series, Into the Darkness, where an evil man and his followers, threatened civilization based on revenge and a lust for power. It's never really for the good of all, only for the benefit of the few. Captain Kirk was making a speech to christen the new starship, and he gave the following speech:   

"There will always be those who mean to do us harm. To stop them we risk awakening the same evil within ourselves. Our first instinct is to seek revenge when those we love are taken from us. But that's not who we are. We are here today to rechristen the USS Enterprise, and to honor those who lost their lives nearly one year ago. When Christopher Pike first gave me his ship, he had me repeat the Captain's Oath, words I didn't appreciate at the time. Now I see them as a call for us to remember who we once were, and who we must be again. And those words: Space the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Her five year mission: to explore the strange new world, to seek out life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before." 

The Captain spoke from a heart of integrity and a longing to live a moral life, fulfilling the purpose given to those who were entrusted with preserving a civilization and the hope of including other civilizations for the common good. There was no malice or evil intention, just good will and freedom, a world where men lived in unity and shared a common dream. Where neighbors helped each other. Perhaps I'm adding to the text here, but this is how I feel when I think of how our lives should be lived. But we can never live a moral life, one of integrity and concern for others, until we know the God of creation, the one who created us in His image and who desires to have fellowship with us. The one who said the two commandments were to love our neighbor as ourselves and to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Our nation was established on His principles, and they are the best ones. Our leaders took oaths based on the words of the Constitution. But there are those who have infiltrated our nation and who have influenced the weak minded into believing the government is illegitimate, failing, broken, when there are wicked people undermining every action taken, setting traps and deceiving people. What is happening in France and other nations was not caused by school children. It was carefully planned years in advance, people brought in, their plan of action to destroy a country set in motion. It foreshadows what has been put into motion in our nation. We need to wake up. 

I read a quote that said "Human institutions never work. God's work lasts forever." We can do nothing with God's influence in our lives. May we wake up before it's too late. The vultures are circling. 

Day 302 Declaring the Sovereignty of God

 

10/29/2026

 "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver,

the LORD is our king; He will save us."

Isaiah 33:22 

 

Yesterday has drifted into tomorrow, and I sit here exhausted from sifting through my daily mail, deleting old news and attempting to quickly glean what I need to know from others. Events are happening, and so many people seem clueless, yet the signs are all around them. Some are waking up for the first time, realizing that a shift is forming and their life is about to change, a life they never considered possible in a privileged culture, a new threat that is so outside their ability to understand. A life they have heard about, but really never gave it serious thought of ever happening in their country. Suddenly they panic, desperately trying to find a way to escape what has not yet happened, yet terrorized with great fear at the thought of what may be. Scrolling on their cells phones to catch the recent news, finding nothing to cause alarm, yet the unsettling feeling and the rise of anxiety from what they heard through the grapevine has overtaken all reasoning. Panic begins to boil within them, and they cannot breathe. 

My life is a continuous merry-go-round of honest reports backed up by prophetic scripture, although what could be may become true in the world around us, I must keep my focus on what I know to be true and on the One in whom I place my trust. Now that may sound too easy, even impractical as we are told to be ready and watching. But a watchman stands on the wall, but he continues to work until the watch is over. 

Although I will not be attending the huge meeting at the National Mall this weekend, I have answered the call to serve with the Nehemiah Alliance in prayer. Many have responded to the call for prayer, and they will be in attendance with pastors and leaders in ministry who will gather there. This meeting will be a gathering of American citizens, Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, who understand the prophetic timelines and who understand the existential threat of what is happening in our nation today. We have been called to 52 days of unified prayer, fasting, and repentance asking God to rebuild the spiritual and moral walls of our nation. Using the example of Nehemiah, the cup-bearer to the King Artaxerxes of Persia, where he had been exiled with the other Jewish believers for 70 years, we are standing on the wall together defending the work God has given us as citizens of a free nation, One Nation Under God. The Proclamation came from the State of South Carolina through the Nehemiah Alliance and Intercessors for America, and our stand began September 10 and will continue up to the election. 

When Nehemiah was serving as cup-bearer to the King of Persia a friend brought a report back from Jerusalem where many of exiles had returned to rebuild the Temple. His friend reported the good news of the completed temple, but he shared that the wall around Jerusalem was still in shambles as the enemy had left it. This news greatly distressed Nehemiah, and he mourned for days about his city being in ruin and unprotected. When the King noticed that his countenance was downcast he inquired about the reason, so Nehemiah shared the news with him. The King allowed Nehemiah to temporarily return to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall and fortify the city. Naturally there were those who attempted to halt the work of the Lord, so Nehemiah had the people working on the wall position themselves along the wall to keep the enemy from attacking. They had a trowel in one hand and a weapon in the other. They kept the line secure, each man building in front of his own home forming one continuous line of watchmen until the work was completed. One had a trumpet charged with the task of releasing a blast on the trumpet should danger appear. At last after 52 days the wall was rebuilt, and the book of the Law was read to all people. The book of Nehemiah chronicles these events.  

Many threats have been disclosed, and the enemy has been busy perverting justice and turning the minds of many towards evil through lies and coverups. I like to check out the facts about those running for governmental positions before I cast my vote. I have visited the Democratic Socialists of America website, and it makes socialism sound so good, but this is the deception, but many have been influenced wrongly. I remember when a friend of mine voted in 2020 she believed the advertisements on television were honest. She was taken into the lie and the opinions of non-believers and even her own family. As Christians, believers and followers in Christ we must always base our decisions on what God says about everything. We cannot sit on the fence or compromise. Sadly, my friend voted wrongly, and as things began to play out, seeing the decline of our nation, she was so remorseful. I was reminded today that these are not the days of John Kennedy. Values have definitely changed, and he and his contemporaries would be so aghast at the things that are happening. My heart breaks.

Regardless of what does or does not happen, our God reigns, and He cares for His children. Psalm 91:1-2 reminds us that: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."

In the book of Ecclesiastes King Solomon concludes the book with these words found in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14:

"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil."

Selah.

Day 301 Who Else is Worthy?

 

10/28/2026

"Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming

with a loud voice,

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

Revelation 5:2

 

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

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

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

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

Day 300 Little Flock

 

10/27/2026 

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

and ask for the ancient paths, where the good

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

Jeremiah 6:16

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 299 Abundant Provision

 

10/26/2026

 "God does all that He does, because

He is all that He is."

 Daily Walk

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 298 Eyes on You, LORD

 

10/25/2026

 "O our God, will You judge them?

For we have no power against this great multitude

that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do,

but our eyes are upon You."

2 Chronicles 20:12

 

Quoting from Shakespeare Act III, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar - "Mischief, thou art afoot." Somehow it seems to fit the current circumstances of our day. Shakespeare was very astute in describing certain events and responses to them. There are a great many historical leaders and theologians who have adequately described what transpires when man loses his way and dives headlong into the lust for power. I've been watching the story of George Whitefield, the evangelist, who lit the colonies on fire with the message of Christ's love and coming judgment. I wonder if he'd be as successful today boldly and unashamedly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our courts and Congress. Perhaps he'd be able to free the tongues and convict the hearts of the sleeping church he preached about. Or would his words fall on deaf ears or apathetic ones much as his words could not elicit a change in the heart of Benjamin Franklin, his dearest friend, or so it seems. Only God knows a person's heart, but I pray that Franklin did accept Christ as Savior and Lord and is enjoying fellowship in heaven with Jesus and with the friend who led him to the Truth.

I feel a great sadness for the country of Brazil tonight, as I just learned of the election results. The existing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the election, and the precious Christ followers in the country will live under the same left-wing government. If the people of God do not awake from their slumber and speak out, pastors teach and warn their flocks, and vote Biblically, the same evil could befall our nation. It has already filtered in, and no one noticed. It is now openly in front of their eyes, evil voicing their plans and schemes, and yet, no one is the wiser. "As in the days of Noah...."

I sat in a meeting this afternoon listening to opinions from several men invited to share insight on both the elections in Israel and those here in America. Over the past few days I've heard many statistics, and the logic and analogies are a bit over my head. So, I continue to do what I do which is pray about everything and leave the results to God. But I am in no wise sedentary in my prayers or speaking out. Jesus told us to occupy until He returned, use our gifts, be a light in the darkness, and that is what I intend to do. 

At the end of the movie, A Great Awakening, Benjamin Franklin, grieved by the death of his close friend George Whitefield some years earlier, remembering his words of truth urging him to accept Christ, a segment was shown of the Constitutional Convention still debating about what to do. The debates were ugly, dividing, much ranting and raving, reaching no conclusion. It appears as if not much has changed in all these years. But on June 28, 1787 in Philadelphia, PA, amidst all the squabbling, Benjamin Franklin arose from his seat, walked slowly to a window to draw back the curtains, the room flooded with light. His actions were noticed by George Washington who is presiding. He recognized Dr. Franklin who gave the following appeal:

"Mr. President:

The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other -- our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.

In this situation of this Assembly groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine Protection. -- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance.

I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without [H]is notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without [H]is aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without [H]is concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall be become a reproach and a bye word down to future age. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human Wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move -- that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service."  (copied from a rending of the original document)

Naturally there were naysayers, beginning with the question of how to pay for a clergyman to come daily when they had no funds available. Such nonsense is always the issue in life, when the Bible says that the gift of God, the words of God are free, but it also says God provides for all our needs. It should be an honor to be asked to pray over this assembly, anytime or anywhere. Prayer did indeed become a daily practice in Congress, and it continues to this day. Sadly, for years the prayers had to be scripted in order to be approved and then presented to those in attendance as approved. I know of one brave Pastor who was asked to pray before Congress whose prayer was changed. When he went to pray, he asked God's forgiveness for allowing the prayer to be scrutinized, and he prayed the prayer Holy Spirit had anointed him to pray, using the name of Jesus Christ liberally. To God be the glory!

We may be wary of what to say and what to do in many circumstances. Evil does exist, and these times are perilous, but we as followers of Christ, do not fear. We stand bravely in the authority Jesus gave us before ascending to Heaven. Our God reigns. He is God, and there is no other! Our eyes are on Him! 

Day 297 Lech Lecha

 

10/24/2026

"Now the LORD had said to Abram:

'Get out of your country, from your family and

from your father's house, to a land that I will show you.'"

Genesis 12:1

 

Our Torah portion or Parsha for this Shabbat comes from Genesis 12 - 17, and it details God's calling of Abram, later to be called Abraham, to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldeans to go to a land that He would show him. Abram's unquestioning obedience to God's request was a huge leap of faith, and it was credited to him as righteousness:

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:8-10).

Lech Lecha is translated from Hebrew to mean "go forth," as the LORD (Yahweh) called Abram to do in Genesis 12:1. God also told Abram that He would make him a great nation, make his name great, and that he would a blessing not only to the nation He would establish through Abram but to all the nations. God told Him in verse 3-4, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran."

We should be so very grateful that Abram obeyed, as he is not just the father of God's chosen people, Israel, but as believers in Christ, we inherit the same blessings. There's so much detail in the scriptures concerning Abram's journey to this land God promised him within this entire portion of scripture, but it is important to note that God recognized Abraham's unquenchable faith in several passages of scripture in the New Testament. His faith is an example to us, as he endured many tests along the way, but he remained steadfast in his  trust in the LORD. The 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews lists others whose faith was noted in the scriptures as encouragement to future followers of Christ Jesus.

While I've never been called to leave my home and go to a new land, I was required to move away from my home to move to Northern New Mexico for thirty-five years, because my husband desired to  return to his home there to be closer to his family. The situation was quite different for us, as the word from the LORD to my husband was not to go, not yet, but he chose to do what he wanted to do regardless. As a result things did not fare well for our family, but I trust God to turn these things around as I seek to surrender wholly to His leading for my future and that of my children. I have returned to my original home in Virginia, but I waited to make certain that God was leading my return. My parents had already passed on to their heavenly home, and although I was happy in the place I was living, circumstances changed, and I feel that God said to go home. So, I imagine I did leave my home to come back to a place that wasn't as I knew it. That's been difficult, but I'm managing day by day. Thankfully my younger son is here with me, so that makes the transition from one culture to another easier.

The question God has asked me is whether I truly trust Him. It's easy to say "Of course, I do, Lord," but when things happen does my faith fail? Honestly, I examine my heart every day to make certain that my attitude remains positive and grateful. Are things as I wish them to be here? Do I feel that I truly heard God's voice and the timing correctly?

It's easy to have doubts, and some are normal, but I do trust God, not only for my life, but I trust Him for my family as well. I have led a long, interesting life, not always of my choosing, nonetheless, I remaining standing, and my faith is steadfast. My focus is completing the plan He has for my life, so I am learning to follow the wise counsel of Matthew the former tax collector and writer of the Gospel of Matthew, as his character is played out in The Chosen:

"You're right, Gaius, I don't I don't know families very well, and I complicate everything. But my teacher, he makes life very simple. Every day I wake up, my fears and ideas are jumbled. I feel overwhelmed with doubt and regret. But if I just pause for a moment and remember, I have only one thing to do today. Follow Him. The rest takes care of itself." 

Selah.