Day 49 As the World Turns

 

2/18/2026

 "Thy words were found, and I did eat them, 

and Thy word unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart,

for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts."

Jeremiah 15:16

 

Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the countdown to Easter. It is also day one of the thirty days of Ramadan for the Muslim people. This day began with a 5.5 magnitude earthquake in the ancient Persian city of Shushan in Iran. This is the city where Queen Esther lived and where the enemy of Israel, Haman, was hung on his own gallows meant for Mordecai, Esther's cousin, who raised her and was living in Persia with those exiled from Israel. Haman hated Mordecai, because he was a despised Jew who would not bow to him as he passed by. At that time Haman was the high ranking prime minister to the King of Persia King Ahasuerus, his trusted assistant. The Feast of Purim, celebrated in the month of Adar, which began yesterday, will be be observed March 2-4 with fasting and prayer. The month of Adar is a month of celebration and happiness, in spite of what is happening in Israel and in Iran today. 

This is also a time when the young people and certain groups within Israel are fasting and prayer up to Passover for revival in the land. Many are seeking the face of Messiah Christ Jesus in repentance and for salvation for the people who do not yet know Him as Savior and Lord. This is also the American season of Lent leading up to Easter, as I briefly mentioned previously. It is a time when many consecrate a fast, but many give up something, withhold a pleasure or make some offer, in respect and observance of this holy time of the year. 

Much is happening in this world that is not consecrated unto a holy God, nor is it a time of seeking peace and revival. It is a time of uproar, chaos, and much confusion. While I stand in the gap for my nation,  Israel and the Iranian/Persian people, I stand in the gap representing the persecuted nations of this world. It saddens me, as I know that it saddens God, to see all that is happening, and to receive daily news of devastating events or political decisions or mandates that are contrary to His laws. Watching our government here in the United States of America slowly fall, while our present administration is trying with all its heart to see America return to One Nation Under God, as our forefathers established in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, I feel the urgency to provide encouragement. I must say sadly again, there are so many educated people who do not know what is written on the pages of these documents, nor do they take the time to look before they cast their votes against a good work, falling much deeper into darkness for the unwillingness to know the foundational beliefs of our country that made it a great nation and a free one. The news that is being broadcast, opening the eyes of those who desire truth, is deplorable, unconscionable, and unholy to the extreme, as are many decisions being made by our government today. Why is it that man prefers to listen to man, and he does not take the time to ask our Sovereign God, or even to take the time to read the documents for which they support. Our enemy is a deceiver, and he parades as an angel of light, deceiving many, even the church leaders who spread the deception ignorantly on to their flock. It is a sorrowful thing to see.

I want to encourage those who are standing with our God and Savior, those who truly want to walk in holiness and righteousness towards God and man, by enclosing the following words from teachers and pastors I have grown to trust and God's Holy Scriptures:

"If we wish to pray with confidence and gladness, then the words of Holy Scripture will have to be the solid basis of our prayer. For here we know that Jesus Christ, the Word of God, teaches us to pray. The words which come from God become, then, the steps on which we find our way to God." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Would that we might learn from our Lord Jesus how impossible it is to walk with God, to obtain God's blessing or leading, or to do His work joyously and fruitfully, apart from close unbroken fellowship with Him who is ever a living fountain of spiritual life and power!"   Andrew Murray

"In the beginning was the Word, and The Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" John 14:6 

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.'" John 13:34-35 

"He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit." John 15:9 

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. God therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

"This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5

 

Day 48 Character Shaping

 

2/17/2026

 "Reputation is what others think you are;

character is what God knows you are!"

Daily Walk

 

Over the past several months I feel as if the Lord has been pruning me, reminding me of things I had locked deeply away, causing me to remember painful memories, and getting me to check my motives and refocus my thoughts. This morning in my devotional reading the following questions were asked:

"What circumstances has God brought into your life to build your character: a difficult relationship? a conflict at work? a physical or financial problem?"

My thoughts went back several years ago to a couple of situations involving the job I was working, challenged by different personalities and situations. Remembering back to a time when I was accused of saying some things in my new position, supposedly exalting myself. I didn't understand where this accusation came from, as I always quiet, and I hardly spoke a word. I was insecure in my position, so I definitely had no interest whatsoever in a higher one. I was devastated as I endured three horrendous first months in that position, until finally the person who had falsely accused me left the job along with everyone else. I was the last man standing, but I persevered. I didn't run away and hide, although I cried enough tears to float a boat. I'll never understand why this happened, but I certainly was relieved when I was vindicated. After that incident, there came another time, a few years later, when a disgruntled employee tried to include me in her vendetta, but I squashed that attempt face on. I didn't go behind anyone's back, I handled it straight on and politely. When the manager called me, she told me that she never thought I'd been involved, as she knew my character. That meant the world to me, as I represent Jesus, and I am very low key, mind my own business, try to be helpful, and do the best job I can. We are to do everything as unto the Lord, and I have always tried to follow that command. I can also be my own worst enemy by over thinking every decision I made then and do now. I just want to honor God, because I've not always been the person He has made me today. 

I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and Holy Spirit is faithful to let me know when I am missing the mark. I've had and continue to have difficult relationships. I try to guard my heart and not react defensively, but I have failed. Right now I am waiting for someone to return my call who becomes upset with me often, but I pray that when the call does come, things can be resolved. My heart is easily broken, because I don't like wasted time.Time is precious, and we are told to number our days. 

The greatest recent challenge I have faced happened in early December with the loss of our vehicles. My son was involved in a type of hit and run accident, where another vehicle knocked my car off the road into a ditch, thankfully not injuring my son or taking his life, but my car was totaled. Then our back up vehicle, my dad's old car, had seen its last days, so it could not be repaired. It took a couple of months to get through all of that, and we finally located a good used car that was delivered today. We are thankful for the blessing, and we hope to get on the road soon to check out our investment. There were many stressful days, involving side issues with health, but I pray that our wait is indeed over, and that we made a good decision. Time will tell. I must say that the enemy tried to cause some problems from every conceivable direction, but our faith remained strong. I'm not certain why all of this happened, but I know that it has been a special time of introspection, sitting with the Lord, listening to His counsel. Perhaps it was meant to be a time of quieting my spirit, so that I could sit with the Lord a little longer. I don't know, but what I do know is that I learned many things, and I was able to look within myself and see some things that needed to be changed.

Not too long ago the Lord gave me a vision about going further out into the deep, and I believe that this is part of that vision. There is always further to go, and while I am listening and walking in obedience and faith, I realize that the enemy is going to bring in more distractions. I can almost sit here and list the number of arrows flying past my head, attempting to throw my attention off of Jesus onto other things. But I know that my victory is in Christ, and He has already won the battle. The battle is never ours to fight. It belongs to the Lord who made heaven and earth, and He never slumbers nor sleeps. 

Day 47 Seeing is Believing!

 

 2/16/2026

"For the earth will be filled
With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,
As the waters cover the sea."

 Habakkuk 2:14

 

When Moses sent the twelve spies into the promised land to spy it out, he asked them to make a list of what they saw. They traveled about all the country for 40 days, and when they returned they brought back one branch with one cluster of grapes that needed two men to carry it on a pole. They also brought back samples of pomegranates and figs. They reported that the land was certainly a land flowing with milk and honey, but they reported that the cities were fortified and giants roamed the land. The caused the people to fear, especially when the ten naysayers said they had seen giants in the land that made them look like grasshoppers! Fortunately, two of the spies were very positive about the land's richness, and they believed without a doubt that they could conquer the land with God's help. But, the crying and moaning led to rebellion, and even though Moses and Aaron interceded for the lot, the ten spies lost their lives, and the whole generation, except for Caleb and Joshua, lost their lives in the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness - one year for each of the 40 days - because of their unbelief. 

Sadly, things haven't changed much in modern days, as there is a LOT of moaning, complaining, and much disbelief. In fact many do not believe in the power of an Almighty God, even though He has proven Himself over and over. In Moses' day it wasn't enough to witness the defeat of Pharaoh and his armies at the Red Sea or to receive the manna and meat God provided each day, as well as the protection of His Presence in the cloud by day and the fire by night. God never left them alone; He accompanied them all the way. The wilderness years proved God's faithfulness over and over, His daily provision of food continued right up until they entered Canaan. He helped them fight the enemy more than once, and He sent angels into the Promised Land to chase out the enemies. God's covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continued, as did the covenant made with Moses at Mount Sinai. God is faithful to His word. 

"The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times" (Psalm 12:6).

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, make wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7).

"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89).

When speaking of truth, Winston Churchill said, "Panic may resent it, ignorance may deride it, malice may distort it, but there it is."  

My devotional put it this way: "Truth is unchangeable." Why don't we believe God? Why don't we take Him at His Word? Isn't seeing believing?

Day 46 Step Out!

 

2/15/2026

"How is God stretching your faith today?" 

Daily Walk 

 

It seems as if everyone has an opinion about just about everything these days! I was just talking with my son about the possibility of a new adventure - a job opening that offers national and international travel. It's involving books, and I love to read, although I must admit that I haven't had much time to read anything other than scriptures and prayer points lately. I do have my quiet time in the morning, but in the evenings I am generally trying to finish my blog, or trying to catch up, and I have to prepare for my group meeting on Thursday or another event. Still, I do manage to squeeze in a chapter or two of a missionary story now and then. I want to do better this year, so I am stacking the books in a pile on the window seat in my bedroom. Maybe that will encourage me to read more, or at best, to dust more. Sometimes my life gets a bit intense...well, maybe it is intense, but I do watch an occasional movie to wind down and prove that I am normal - whatever normal is! But then, I had to repent recently for asking God to make me normal, and I don't think that is His plan for me. At least not in the sense that I wanted normal to be.

My son didn't think that this job would be a "fit" for me, because he said I didn't fit the mold! What does that even mean? When I asked him that question, he flat out told me that I'm too old! "People want Gen Z," he said. Imagine that? My son saying his mother is too old to get a job. It makes me want to apply just to see if he's right. I told him that I could clean up very nicely, thank you, Mister, but he only smiled. He doesn't think I understand what he is trying to convey to me, but I really do. Still, my competitive spirit wanted to show him he was the one who did not get it. I may yet have miles to go before I sleep!

This is a fine introduction to my question noted above about how God is stretching my faith. I did make a recent decision to change some things with my finances, not that I really have any true money coming in. But I'm stepping out in faith, plus I have been asked to consider another possibility as well. I'm still waiting for my car to be delivered, and that has proven to be another step for me that has been uncomfortable. I was so used to my car, because I had Nissie since his infancy, so we grew together over the years. Right now, as a retired person, not as "fluid" in cash flow as I was when I was working, I can't afford to take risks having debts and car payments. Life is full of daily surprises, and God is teaching me that He provides for my needs, which I already know, as He's been taking care of me all my life. He's the one who gives me opportunities, so perhaps He's the one I should consult about the job I mentioned above. And, everything I have, including money, is His anyway, on loan to me. But one step at a time. 

This weekend Pastor Jack was teaching from Romans 15:30-33 finishing the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans he was writing from Corinth. In this portion of the epistle Paul is sharing his desire to meet with the Christians in Rome, asking them to come along with him through the Lord Jesus Christ through the love of the Spirit of the Lord within them, striving together with him in prayer. His one desire is to preach the gospel, the message of Jesus Christ to anyone and everyone who will listen. He wants them to share the same enthusiasm and love of Christ that he has. Of course hanging with Paul, preaching the good news, became dangerous, as not everyone received the message. Paul had no problem with angry crowds. Pastor Jack said that in studying he found out that Paul was a little man, frail, older at this point with bowed legs from walking so much, and of course he had been beaten, stoned, ship wrecked, and jailed in chains many times, but he was still a power house for God. He was beheaded in the end, but the fact is that he was so transformed from the proud, arrogant younger man, Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted, tortured, and put believers in jail, was that his obsession for the old man became a passion for the new man crucified with Christ. He wasn't afraid, and death held no sway over him. When Paul was being transferred to Rome, he had 270 armed soldiers traveling with him, and he was chained, as they feared for his life. Remember he's a frail, older man at this stage, humble, non-threatening yet with a powerful message of the cross of Christ. Although Paul was humble and surrendered to God, knowing that he did not have to rely on any man's support, because God provided all the resources he needed, still God put him to the test.

In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul describes how he was given visions and revelations of the Lord. He didn't know if he was in the body or out of the body, but he says that he was caught up into Paradise to meet the Lord and shown things about the future. He later states that just so he would not become proud or feel "exalted" that he was given a thorn in the flesh, described as a messenger of Satan to "buffet" him. There have been many speculations about his "thorn," but no one knows for certain where it was physical or otherwise. Paul was indeed a very humble man, compassionate, eager to share the gospel message, and he was grateful that he was chosen to take the message to the Gentiles. I have wondered if perhaps I have been given a thorn in the flesh with this incessant noise in my head that gets louder some days than others. I in no way can be compared to the man of God Paul was, but sometimes I wonder if God uses such things to get our attention. He chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, so I don't know. 

Paul's entire journey in faith, responding to the plan of God for his life, was one of stepping out, not looking back, focused on the call of God, directed by the voice of Holy Spirit leading him and holding him back, if he wanted to go before it was time for him to go. This is the life I want, and I pray it is the life that I am living for Christ, as I yield myself to Him daily. My attempts to blog is a lesson in faith, and of often going way past my comfort zone. God has drawn me into some tight circles of friends, although I'm unknown to them, but they consider me and the others like me, to be family. I don't understand many things in my life, I just try to be obedient to His voice. Maybe that is my normal?! 

 

 

Day 45 Valentine's Day

 

2/14/2026

 "Dear friends, let us love one another,

for love comes from God. Everyone who loves

has been born of God and knows God."

1 John 4:7

 

Today many are celebrating Valentine's Day with their special someone, a day widely celebrated all over the world. It is one of Hallmark's best sales days, as I warmly remember when we owned our shop in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Children still enjoy giving out valentines to others, and stores are full of the favorite cartoon characters they enjoy. I remember those days in elementary school when we swapped valentine cards. We may even have shared candy, although I can't remember if we did or not. I used to buy myself candy on these special days, so I'd be certain that I got the kind I liked. This year the day kind of slipped up on me, but I'll catch up one day once I get out and about again. 

My memories are selective, but I am always amazed at how much I do remember about school days. I can actually "see" scenes in my mind, but that is not always a good thing! I am grateful for my sharp memory, as so many people think once we reach a certain age that the mind begins to go. Thankfully, in spite of receiving several blows to my head over the years, I can still think and reason. How great is my God!!

I was so caught up in my concerns I was dealing with that I forgot to buy cards for my family. Not everyone has a cell phone, so I cannot send "gifs" in place of cards. I have one friend who faithfully sends me a card each year. I really need to do better. I always think of my daughter, but not even she got a card from me. I hope I can make up for these errors. Love covers a multitude of sins, I understand. Everyone likes to be remembered, but it doesn't require a certain holiday to send a card or do something special for someone. I remember a time when my children were young that I made a cake as a Happy Un-birthday celebration. I don't know if anyone has ever done that before me, but it sure was fun, and the kids did not expect it. Spontaneity can be a good thing. I always loved surprises, especially when I was dating. I don't believe I ever received many flowers, except for dances or special occasions, but I used to treat myself to wild flowers, particularly sunflowers, when I shopped in Santa Fe when I was working. Trader Joe's still carries lots of fresh flowers all year around, so I enjoy picking up some even now as an older person. 

There are so many people who have lost their spouses, and these days are particularly hard for them. I wasn't able to visit this year, as I still don't have a car, but I hope to be able to visit folks and bring some joy into their lives. While I've been stranded at home these two months I've thought a lot about what I'd like to do with my spare time. Not that I have a lot of it, but there are 24 hours in a day, and I need to use mine more intentionally. Perhaps that is what I am supposed to learn. Have I been selfish with my time? I sincerely hope not, as I never want to miss special opportunities, divine appointments. Maybe God was trying to show me what He wanted me to be doing. Not that what I do is not good, but perhaps it's time to step back. Time will tell.

It's now the close of the day, so I think I'll treat myself with a movie. Perhaps one of my favorite ones from the past? I wish I could share the time with my daughter. We used to watch movies together often, but since we live further away from each other, now we choose one, then watch them alone, yet together, in our special way. It's not perfect, but at least it's something. Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers! Remember to share the love! 

Day 44 Sabbath Rest

 

2/13/2026 

"The generous soul will be rich, 

and he who waters will also be watered himself."

Proverbs 11:25

 

My week has been so hectic, decisions to make, and things to do, but at 6 pm my Sabbath rest begins, and I can settle down, listen to Shabbat in Your Home with Paul Wilbur Ministries and relax. It's a nice family gathering to sing, share the Sabbath meal, and listen to a devotional that encourages and strengthens. It's a wonderful way to relax in preparation of the weekend that follows. At 8 pm it's time with Marty and Jenny Goetz for an hour of worship and sharing. Can you think of a better way to kick start Sabbath and Sunday rest?

I have really needed a little relaxation, because I have been a little upset, because I saw another stray cat, who has visited here before, but now his eyes looked infected. This broke my heart, because he was meowing, but he runs away when approached. Alex seems to be a friend to White, and it was as if Alex was asking me to help his friend. The cat eventually ran away, so I was unable to examine him more closely. I did learn later that there's a neighborhood "cat lady" who traps stray cats and takes them to be neutered or spayed, so I mentioned this problem, as word was that she was coming to try to capture the cat. I pray that she got the cat, and someone will be able to help him. At least I know he's sleeping in a garage, as it has been so cold. I care about little creatures who suffer, and apparently this big guy has not been loved.

Apparently I am not the only one who has a big heart for animals, because I was sent a text about legislation to save pets from being taken from owners or some kind of legislation in the works having to do with regulation of pets. In investigating I discovered that these requests were not quite accurate, but there are concerns. Things are changing here in Virginia so rapidly concerning all of our rights. But the most disturbing fact to me is that more people are concerned about our four-footed friends than about all the unborn babies who are slaughtered daily. I don't know what we're in store for regarding governmental changes or battles, but I do know that my trust and my faith are in Jesus. This will not change, and I pray that as I stand in the gap in prayer and repentance with many others called to do the same, that we will be forgiven, God will hear our prayers, and He will heal our land. But we need all of God's people to wake up and pay attention. More people are interested in what's in it for them than even considering how it will affect others less fortunate or who are alone. God has much to say about taking care of widows and orphans. May we wake up while there is still time.

In 1 Kings 17 God told Elijah the prophet that there would not be any rain because of the evil reign and wickedness of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in Israel. The LORD spoke to Elijah and told him to go to the Brook Cherith which flowed into the Jordan River, and there ravens would feed him meat and bread in the morning and evening, and he could drink from the brook. Elijah obeyed God, but after awhile the brook dried up, so God told Elijah to go to Zarephath, which belonged to Sidon, where he'd find a widow who would care for him. Elijah found the widow gathering sticks, so she could prepare the last meal for her son and herself, then they would die. This was because of the famine in the land with no rain. Elijah instructed her to prepare the meal, because the LORD God had told Elijah that the bread and oil would remain until He sent rain. So the widow obeyed. Clearly this is an example of sowing seed on good soil that produces 30, 60, and 100 fold return when we are faithful to obey God. Proverbs 11:17 says that "a generous man sows to his own future." Because of the widow's obedience to the Word of the LORD through Elijah, they ate daily, and it did not run out. 

Many people are concerned about inflation and everything that has been happening in our nation, but slowly changes are being made. The problem existed before this administration, and there are many things that need to be straightened out. People listen to wrong voices and are easily swayed, which leads to worry and anxiety, but if we put our trust in God instead of man, He will sustain us. Jesus addressed this very issue in the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 6:25-34:

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Believers in Jesus Christ know that God's Word is true, and He watches over it to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12), so we must choose to walk in faith and unity. When we see our neighbor in need, we need to respond in love and kindness, providing for their needs, as we are able. We must also be ready to give the reason of hope within us, and we must share the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus. Just as the widow shared, so we are called in obedience to help, and in so doing we will reap a harvest, because we have chosen to honor God. This is the life I want to live, and the hope I want to share. "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again"  (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

Day 43 Nuts & Bolts

 

2/12/2026

"Preserve me, O God, for in

You I put my trust."

 

Psalm 16:1 

 

Starting each morning with worship lifts my spirit and always encourages my day. Lately, there have been some mornings when I open my eyes, I sigh, not wanting to begin a new day. I've had so many things pressing on my mind, and I just can't think straight. It's exhausting. Immediately, I repent, thanking God for good sleep, rest, and waking up to the new day He has given me. I repeat Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Those words and the prayers that follow are enough to brighten my day, but when I put on worship music and pick up my Bible, that's when my real day begins. Although I've had a lot on my plate lately, I have not forgotten who makes all things possible, the Author and Perfecter of my faith! As I am writing these words, the song Amazing Grace is playing, and I think "How like You, Father!" His grace is amazing, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I'm found, and I was blind, but now, thank God, I see!

The little devotional I received from Guidepost Magazine in the mail is obviously for caregivers who are taking care of loved ones who are more senior than I am, but they do remind me of the sweet people I provided care for when I was a home health caregiver. I really enjoyed helping people, even when it could be uncomfortable at times. I've met so many wonderful family members and dedicated non-family members who selflessly give of their time and rapt attention to those they love. When we give of ourselves to others, we are the ones who receive the greater blessing, I feel. We all have gifts and callings God has given to us, and knowing where we fit in His plan for mankind is what makes things as they should be.

I was watching one of my favorite movies, Ragamuffin, about the life of Rich Mullins, as I love to re-visit old friends to glean wisdom and fresh revelation. Each time I watch this movie, watching the intense struggle Rich had in trying to find peace and fulfillment in his life, it helps me as I try to encourage others who may be going through similar challenges or struggles. Rich was an amazing talent, and although he may have been criticized for his talking at concerts more than singing, I don't think anyone minded one bit. It's rare to receive such insight from an artist who was only interested in pleasing God rather than man. When he was asked how he came to faith in Jesus, he made the following statement:

"I'm not a Christian because of a song I heard or a book I read, much as I love to read. I came to experience the realness of Christ through going to church. I'm not a Christian because somebody explained the nuts and bolts of Christianity to me, but because people were willing to be the nuts and bolts." 

I know that in my life, it was by the actions of others in the church that I learned what true Christianity, being a true follower of Jesus Christ, was all about. I also learned that to be His disciple we are to be servants to all. The example He set was that of someone who preferred others to Himself. This is why He told His followers that they would be known by their love for one another. I wonder if the younger generation is desirous of seeing true love witnessed through our behavior to others. I know that they want to see truth, and not in our words so much as in our actions. Right now, much of the confusion has been so meticulously planned out and planted into the hearts of these impressionable young people by sinister hosts of darkness working in our world, that they don't know who to believe. The devil comes as an angel of light, weaving his deceit, and many are falling for the lie. Where are the nuts and bolts of the church today? 

I have experienced my own share of frustration with the organized church, but that's not as important to me. What is important is that we wake up and do better, as many lives are at stake. Confusion regarding Israel and her place in the end time church is not being explained, and this is the case mostly because of the ignorance in the church. Again, a sign of the times about which Jesus taught. This is an exhaustive subject, and I have already spent much time trying to clarify it, but tonight I don't want to gum up the works, so to speak. I would like to see more hunger for the things of God, just like Rich. In response to a question posed to the church by the pastor one evening where Rich was ministering, "Would Christ be pleased with your life?" Rich was silent, considering the question, then spoke saying that being a Christian wasn't about perfection. He felt that the most profound words of teaching were: "Yes, Jesus loves me; yes, Jesus loves me...." I agree, but I would also add the words "For God so loved the world that He gave...." Without the mandate from heaven, Jesus would not have responded to this sinful situation for all mankind. But, as the scripture says in Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The joy set before Him of entering His glory, giving His life for ours, reconciling us with our Father in Heaven. When we decide to follow Jesus, He tells us the requirement is to being His disciples is "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). Jesus never promised easy, but He promised He'd always be with us. And He is true to His word. In Paul's letter to the church at Philippi in Philippians 3:12-14 he said:  

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

He continued his thoughts in verses 20-21: 

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."  

Let me close with the words of a faithful friend, found in an old hymn: 

"All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all; all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 

All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; let me feel the Holy Spirit. Truly know that Thou art mine. I surrender all, I surrender all; all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 

All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; fill me with Thy love and power, let Thy blessing fall on me. I surrender all, I surrender all; all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all."