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.

Day 279 Wake Up

 

10/6/2026

"Satan's fundamental deception is that

obedience never brings happiness."

Daily Walk

 

Interesting, isn't it, how we choose to believe the worst about a situation without taking the time to check the facts or the validity of the words being spoken or written and by whom?! This has become the habit of most today. While it is evident that the news provided through these less than honest outlets are only writing controversial and inflammatory accusations in order to create more chaos, anger, and resent and to stir up more conflict inflicting the already too fragile souls who follow these sources religiously, no one bothers to check the validity of the information. And even if or when the truth is revealed, depending on who voices the truth, it is ignored, because the ones listening are already conditioned to believe lies. Wouldn't it be nice if people would sit down and discuss things rationally and respectfully. I imagine that is outdated manner of handling things according to the world's view and what is seen in governments today. Everyone quarrels and threatens. When will God say "ENOUGH!"

Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the massacre of over 1200 innocent people in Israel by Hamas on 7 October 2023. Finally the people are beginning to speak out about what actually happened, but although governments condemn the people who committed the crimes, they still allow false accusations and persecution to infiltrate their countries, and nations are turning their backs on Israel. Even in the United States antisemitism is increasing, and horrible crimes are being committed against the Jewish people and those who support their just cause all over the world. I am very grateful to be associated with ministries and organizations that are providing support and healing to the victims who have been so traumatized by this evil. I cannot understand how people can be so cruel and heartless, nor can I understand why the church remains so silent while others suffer.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the events so clearly revealed in scriptures are happening at a very fast pace. When Jesus' disciples asked Jesus "when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3), He responded:

"Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying 'I am 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." (Matthew 24:4-9) 

If what is happening in our nation is the beginning of sorrows, I don't want to be around when the full blown sorrow arrives. Right now in France the students are rising up in protest wreaking havoc throughout the streets burning, fighting, destroying property and violently protesting, and the news sources are either not reporting these things or they are calling the protests civil and peaceful when they are anything but that. Communism is eroding our governments, schools, and the young are being indoctrinated into believing that this is the way to go. Islam is taking over in America also, and it has been doing so silently, as has communism for many years now. No one wants to confront the truth. 

Young people say they want to embrace socialism and communism when they have never studied or even read what these words actually mean. It's the same for the Islamic belief where people are being supportive and accepting of this takeover, yet they are living lives that are clearly against the Koran that are punishable by death. So this is what Sharia Law will bring to society if it is left to take over our nation. People are ignorant of the truth, and no one is bothering to enlighten or educate them.

The enemy is very cunning, and he does sneak around seeking to devour the people of all nations. All while the church is sleeping. It is a very sad thing to watch, but there is always a remnant of true believers who are standing on the wall. Watchmen. The hour is late.  

 

 

What's the answer? One way is to vote and pray that God will not give this nation what we deserve for turning our backs on Him, as He did Virginia the last election. We must show up at the polls and vote for righteous and just government. We must know who we are voting for - educate yourself, and rather than vote politically, vote Biblically.

The choice is yours. I am praying for God's mercy and grace, and I am seeking His will not my own. 

Day 278 Adonai

 

10/5/2026

"Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,

that glory may dwell in our land."

Psalm 85:9 

 

For days and days now I go to bed and wake up listening to the same melody in my head. All throughout the day when my mind rests from a task, and I become quiet, or when I glance out my window, or check the news as I stand on the wall the lyrics remain the same - taken from scripture:

 

"From the rising of the sun to its going down

Adonai's name is to be praised."

Psalm 113:3 

 

I have been so undone by the simple melody and sound of the words that as I was praying for a friend who recently lost her husband, I dared to take a chance and call her, although it was very early in the morning where she lives. She didn't answer, as I expected, but I attempted to share with her the feeling I was experiencing as I prayed for her. I knew she felt strength in my prayers, God's prayers for her. So I went out on a limb. That was two days ago, and I have had no response. I try not to take things personally when I share from the depth of my soul, because no one seems to understand, or they want to make it sound as if I am "otherworldly," when I am only me. I have a heart on fire, deeply in love with our Savior.

When Jesus was on this earth He shared parables with the crowds, but they did not understand, the scriptures say, but somehow I pray they did. To this day the contextual meaning of Christ's words go over the heads of the most learned, most educated ones with five or six degrees and a line of achievements after their name. I am discovering that titles and degrees mean little and certainly do not reflect the person's heart. 

I have discovered over the years that I am not the dummy many have accused me of being, including teachers, one in particular, whom I pray now rests in peace. I hold no hurt or ill will for what she said to me that day so long ago. It took me many, many years to move past the emotions, the trauma, but I eventually learned that I am quite gifted academically. That's not said to brag or to say I consider myself elite by any means. I say it to encourage others who may be troubled over similar events in their lives to look past the pain and shame and live the life God created you to live. Each of us is gifted and unique, and God has a plan for our lives. We have only to ask Him, as He is waiting to hear our voices call out to Him. And never fear being yourself, saying the things you know He wants you to share from your heart of love towards others. Never be afraid to share His love with others who are hurting - His love and compassion which comes from a heart overflowing with His goodness. His Name is to be hallowed - Adonai!

Everything is about our life hidden in Christ. From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, we hallow His name. A life hidden in Christ may seem impossible or one not understood, but we need Him. Our world needs Him. We who are called by His name must turn our hearts towards Him, and share this love, and live the life He created us to live and share with others. Then perhaps true repentance followed by revival will come. He is the only way, the only truth, the only life. Adonai!   

Day 277 Rising Sun, Setting Same

 

10/4/2026

"From the rising of the sun to its going down

Adonai's name is to be praised."

Psalm 113:3 

  

Although the Feast of Tabernacles is over in Jerusalem, and most of those in attendance have returned to their own countries and homes, I continue to bask in the anointed teaching and worship from my window seat in my prayer room. People who have visited Israel to attend God's appointed feasts or for other events hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem or other venues say that once a person goes to Israel and steps on the land and experiences the life, their lives and hearts will be forever changed. I realize that this does not apply to all who go there, especially those who want a stamp on their passports or a notch in their world traveler belt, but if one goes with their heart for Israel desiring a deeper and clear revelation of God's land and walk the steps of Jesus and experience personally God's presence in the land, they will be forever changed. Although I would have loved to attend the feast in person this year, when I asked Abba, I felt as if "not yet" was the response. Things here continue to be unsettled with regard to health concerns, but that would not be a reason for me to remain home if I was the only one affected. Besides which, I still do not have my passport, but that will be taken care of by the beginning of the New Year, as it is important for me to do so. No, I would drop everything and answer God's call wherever He wanted me to be regardless of my issues. My only concern with going to Israel is that I will not want to return. I belong there. I know this in my heart, and my love for Israel and her people grows daily. I just wonder whether an old lady like me could find a place to serve, or if I'm too old to be useful. I guess we'll see what God does with me. For now I'm here, and I am content to follow His plan.

There were two evening events this year dedicated to The Next Generation with worship and special guests. UpperRoom Worship from Dallas, Texas led by Pastor Michael Miller provided the worship and ministry on the first evening. The worship music was amazing, and Pastor Michael spoke about what it means to tabernacle with God. He asked the question: "Have I fulfilled the desires of God on the earth in my life?" Explaining the Greek and the Hebrew meanings of the word "tabernacle" he examined what God meant in Revelation 21:3: "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.'" John is speaking of the time when the new Heaven and new Earth come down God dwells or makes His home with us in Jerusalem, Zion, where King David lived, called the city of God. The scriptures are so ripe with meaning, and Pastor Michael challenged the young people, and older ones as well, to dig into the Word of God and eat the word, devour it! There is life in each syllable. 

 Mike Huckabee, our Ambassador to Israel, former Governor of Arkansas, and a wonderful Christian man of God and pastor, spoke this evening, and offered a truly expiring message from the Lord. The message to the young people challenged the youth with three points: a. Be Bold, b. Be Biblical, and c. Be Balanced. He shared about not fearing what others had to say, because God gives us the strength to be bold, without fear. Life will offer many challenges, but we don't base decisions or actions on what we feel, how others perceive things, or even what we believe to be so. A Christian bases every decision on the response to the question: "What does God's Word say?" The Bible should always be our guide. And finally, living a balanced life means "Stop Scrolling" (my words), and remember that we represent God, so our lives must be based on His Word. The old question when I was a teenager was "What would Jesus Do?" 

This morning as I was listening to one of the morning sessions there was a brief pause for worship by NorthWorship, a group from Norway, whose leader is a part of ICEJ working with the Next Generation. As they began to sing a song written by Nathaniel Bassey, a worship leader from Nigeria, called Adonai, I became totally undone. I was swept into God's presence as I wept and worshiped the LORD of Lords. The words of the simple melody, repeated over and over, quietly and reverently before our LORD were:

"Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah, Ah Ah Adonai, Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah, Ah Ah Adonai, From the rising of the sun, til the setting of the same, Your Name is to be hallowed, Ah Ah Adonai."

My spirit joined with God's Spirit, Holy Spirit, and together we soared to Heaven. I have experienced the presence of God daily, but there have only been a few times since moving home that I have felt such a connection with Adonai like this one. It's not easy to explain what living in the presence of God is like, except to say it is Holy Ground. The Scriptures speak of dwelling in the secret place of the most high, or as Pastor Michael attempted to explain, with great frustration at times I might add, it means tabernacle with God. King David spoke of it in Scripture often:

"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." (Psalm 91:1-2) 

"You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7)

These verses speak of intimacy with God that comes through relationship, and it is what He desires to have with His people, including Gentile believers. I hope that those words do not cause a problem or do not settle well with anyone, as I realize that many who are in the church, who have grown up in the church still do not understand that we can actually have an intimate relationship with our Father as if He is some plasmic ghost set so far above us that He would never condescend to come to earth. Not so, Jesus left His throne in Heaven to come and dwell with us. He lived, died, rose again, and then He ascended back to Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. But He was faithful to His word, and He sent Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity to dwell within us. It still remains a mystery, but one day, when we are with Him in our new home in Jerusalem, we will understand. Until then I can rest on what I have learned from Scriptures and from what I have experienced. It feels like Heaven!   

Day 274 Enduring

 

10/1/2026

"People many times must eat their words, 

but God will never eat His."

Daily Walk

"For I am the Lord - I do not change!"  

Malachi 3:6

 

Today I began reading the New Testament beginning with the Gospel of Matthew, a Jewish tax collector who became a follower of Christ Jesus. As a disciple chosen by Jesus to follow Him Matthew wrote a detailed account of the life shared day by day as His follower, beginning with the account of the lineage of Christ beginning with Abraham. I have always loved discussing the descendants within Jesus' family tree, as it gives me so much hope and assurance that God can work miracles and give grace to all. He mentions the mothers in some instances which further is reason to give glory to God, as each named has special significance in the story. 

Over the months I have attempted to "write the story;" I don't know how many times I have mentioned the need to do so, as it is the last thing Abba told me to do. And it has been continuously echoed in my spirit as I seek Him daily for direction. Coming back to this Gospel only reinforces His words forever engraved upon my heart. "The Story" is truly "His Story," the one written on my heart concerning who He is and for evermore shall be.

At the writing of this account by Matthew, from the words spoken by Malachi the prophet to Israel, there have been 400 years of silence before John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the Messiah, begins his ministry calling for repentance, announcing that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Many responded to the words of this wild, rough around the edges wild-man who dressed in burlap with a rope around his middle and ate locusts and wild honey as his food. John didn't care about what he looked like or about anything other than the message he was anointed to speak to the people of Israel. He did so at great peril, and his boldness led to his death at the hands of Herod, a Roman king who bowed to the whims of a woman, who had brought further shame upon his name, rather than listen to the urging within his own soul. 

After the baptism of John, Jesus is led into the wilderness by Holy Spirit where He was tempted by satan before He emerged victorious over temptation, to begin His ministry on earth proclaiming that the Kingdom of God was at hand. He called for repentance, but now He offered much more as He was and is the Promised Messiah who takes away the sins of the world. 

In Malachi 3:1-4 the prophet gives the warning to the people of the coming of a Messenger of God:

"'Listen, I will send my messenger before me to prepare the way. And then the One you are looking for will come suddenly to His Temple - the Messenger of God's promises, to bring you great joy. Yes, He is surely coming,' says the Lord Almighty. 'But who can live when He appears? Who can endure His coming? For He is like a blazing fire refining precious metal and He can bleach the dirtiest garments! Like a refiner of silver He will sit and closely watch as the dross is burned away. He will purify the Levites, the ministers of God, refining them like gold or silver, so that they will do their work for God with pure hearts. Then once more the Lord will enjoy the offerings brought to Him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as He did before.'"

The same message spoken then to a generation of people who had turned their backs on the living God resounds in our nations today. Jesus comes to offer salvation to those who hear His voice crying in the wilderness to prepare us for the coming Kingdom of God. Everything we do, every person we meet needs to hear the Gospel message, the only message of Truth in this dry and empty land where there is no water - no spiritual life. Even the church that has been given this Good News to spread abroad, across our nation and beyond, has grown cold or lukewarm, straddling the fence, afraid to speak out for fear of retribution, persecution, or worse. In the book of Revelation it is recorded that the saints overcame the enemy by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimonies, and they loved not their lives to the death (Revelation 12:11). Many fear those last words "and they loved not their lives to the death." There is coming a time, and indeed that time may be here, when we may be required to make the choice to say "Yes" to Jesus and "No" to anyone who asks us to make the other choice. I have already made that choice in my family, but I will never deny Christ. He is our only reason to live, as God alone is the Giver of Life. The message must be shared. How will you respond? 

Day 276 Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah

 

10/3/2026

"Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation."

Isaiah 12:3  

 

As the seven days of the appointed Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot ends, the 8th day of assembly called Shemini Atzeret, an independent one day celebration, begins today. It is a festive holiday where no work is allowed, the businesses are closed, no traffic is allowed, and the same rules apply since this day is on the Sabbath. The women light candles and recite special blessings according to the Chabad, and there are prayers for rain. This day is followed by Simchat Torah which means "The Joy of the Torah," that marks the end of the reading cycle of the Torah and the beginning of the new Torah cycle. It is a festive, joyous occasion with special foods prepared that represent the Torah such as rice and meat wrapped in cabbage leaves to resembled the Torah scrolls. Again, no one works, and there is dancing in the streets as the men dance carrying the Torah scrolls and men dance with their children on their shoulders.

This is the beginning of the rainy season, so the prayers are for rain. The rainy season only occurs twice a year in Israel, so it is much needed for the crops. In Isaiah 44:1-5 we read of God's blessing on Israel:  

"'Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant, and Israel whom I have chosen. Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you: 'Fear not, O Jacob My servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring; they will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses.' One will say, 'I am the LORD's'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; another will write with his hand, 'The LORD's,' and name himself by the name of Israel."   

The scripture promises that as water nourishes the earth and blesses the ground, so God's spirit will pour out on the descendants of Israel producing the blessing of offspring for future generations. It mentions salvation for all Israel whom God has chosen as His own. As we offer intercession for Israel and for our own nations who have been going through difficult seasons of war and continuous persecution and threats, as we draw life from the living springs of water, we lay down despair, disappointments, and all discouragement that weighs us down. And as Isaiah 12:3 says with joy we draw water from the wells of salvation. As the rain begins to fall we offer thanks to God for blessings over the dry places of our lives, our families, our friends, and our nations. Rain signifies the outpouring of Holy Spirit over us, and Holy Spirit draws all men to salvation through Christ Jesus, our Messiah. God has promised that all Israel will be saved. To this we pray amen and amen!

As we look back over the feast days, all of Israel has been blessed, and we anticipate more and better opportunities to share in the restoration and healing of Israel as a nation still going through the trauma of October 7, 2023. May we continue to stand on the wall as watchman and bring comfort and hope to all.

Day 275 Mighty is Our God

 

10/2/2026

"'If it had  not been the LORD who was on our side,' 

let Israel now say -"

Psalm 124:1

 

Everyone is still reeling from the excitement of the FlyDubai airplane attempted hijacking on Wednesday by the terrorist from Oman who was co-piloting the airplane from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying 170 Israeli passengers. As reports continue to unfold there are more and more reasons to rejoice, as it becomes more obvious that God had His hand on the people of Israel. Psalm 124 speaks of the glory of our God:

"'If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,' let Israel now say - 'If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.' Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

The name of the LORD is indeed a strong tower, and the righteous run into it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). The plumber who managed to subdue the terrorist, took over the controls and righted the plane, as it was plummeting to the ground at such a rapid pace that the tail had already broken on the plane. There were two off duty pilots on board who took over and safely landed it, which was indeed a miracle as it happened so fast. Split second accuracy. While all this was going on the terrorized passengers were praying the Shema, and once the plane was stabilized they were shouting "Am Israel Chai!" Everyone was rejoicing in the air and on the ground.

One of our leaders at the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem who was in attendance at the Feast of Tabernacles grabbed another leader, and they started to dance round and round reminiscent of the dance of the Orthodox Jews dancing in the streets in joyous celebration of our miracle-working God. We giggled from joy when we heard the story retold of our dancing leaders, because this response is totally the opposite of their humble, quiet and reserved personalities. It's true that the joy of the Lord is indeed our strength!! They danced like King David did with total abandon, and he didn't care who criticized him, as David's wife Michal called the king's enthusiasm disgusting. David just danced higher and rejoiced more loudly, and I doubt that our two leaders would have cared what others thought either. They danced from sheer joy and abandon at the greatness of our God. I danced myself when I heard the news, and I continue to do so, but this is the way I am, and the kitten didn't mind sharing the dance.

This should be further proof to those who continue to teach Replacement Theology that our God has never broken His covenant with His Chosen People Israel! He could never forget His people, as He states over and over in His Word if anyone really chose to read it. Our God never changes, and we should rejoice over that fact as well, as through faith in Jesus Christ we've been grafted into the vine and share in the inheritance of our Jewish brethren. Our God never fails! He is a covenant keeping Father! 

This year for Sukkot an invitation was extended to the local Messianic body to join in the Feast of Tabernacles with ICEJ. They were invited to do what they do, but to do it with us, and it has been the greatest participation with the local body in the history of the Feasts hosted by ICEJ. They wanted the people of Israel to know that we stand in solidarity with them, so more local speakers and special guests  were invited, and it has been a wonderful feast with about 2,000 locals in attendance, along with other feast goers. I am still trying to play catch up with my online viewing.

Our greatest desire is for a fresh outpouring of Holy Spirit to fall and embolden each person in attendance much as the fire of heaven fell on the Day of Pentecost. Our desire is to see all of Israel saved and filled with the power of God to go out and do great exploits for the Kingdom of God. What an exciting day that will be! I pray the same for America and for the other nations to catch a fresh wind of Holy Spirit and be transformed by the renewal of their minds and hearts, conformed to the image of our Lord. Nothing is impossible with God.