Day 101 A Heart Like His

 

4/11/2026

“Spiritual work is taxing work, and men are loath to do it. 

Praying, true praying, costs an outlay of serious attention and of time, 

which flesh and blood do not relish.” 

E. M. Bounds 

 

This has been an exceptional Shabbat! After the global prayer call on Saturdays, I anxiously switch over to my online church, Jacob's Tent, but I guess it was canceled due to a flu outbreak that seems to plague the church, so I tuned into the Messianic synagogue in Richmond, Tikvat Israel. I've never taken the time to visit, but I do follow through weekly newsletters and special updates. I always receive the YouTube link to their service, but I've only tuned in one time. But today, I decided I'd listen in, and I am so glad that I did. I really like Rabbi David, as it is obvious that he has a close relationship with his church members and with the community. I haven't visited, because I love Jacob's Tent so much, but then as wonderful as it is, they are not local. This morning, Tikvat had a guest speaker, Randy Martinez from MAPS Global located in Richmond. Imagine that! But it gets better and more personal for me. This ministry understands what it means to go into all the world, beginning with your own community, and teach the Gospel to those in need of the only good word. This ministry has been right here, under my nose, and I didn't know it. Perhaps this is the answer to my prayer. 

When Randy began to speak, and his message was based on Matthew 9:35-38, I knew this message was for my ears. This scripture speaks of the compassion of Jesus:

"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to his disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"

Randy shared that the feeling that gripped Jesus when He looked at the crowd was gut wrenching, twisting Him up in literal knots in His guts, the feelings were so intense, because He saw their spiritual needs. He could see to the very core the true needs of this multitude, and He knew their needs were not being understood, nor realized. He said they were like sheep without a shepherd. The common reaction a person experiences to a truly needy person, is generally disgust pointing out the individual's obvious disrespect for their own appearance. Or it can be the smell a person may exude that is unpleasing. I had never thought about it until this moment, but perhaps this is one reason God had me travel this road as He was restoring me from my years of mistreatment and abandonment, by giving me jobs in caring for others. I remember as a health care supervisor my job was to schedule caregivers with the clients. There were some clients that were hard to staff, because of personality, location, or less than agreeable circumstances. In other words, the physical needs were too much to handle. Generally, those with some form of mental trauma tended to be challenging for some, but I learned even more about those unique opportunities when God graduated me to case management. I have witnessed people living in filthy conditions, and although the authorities knew, they did not correct the situation, so I had to provide for them the best care that I could. Often I was the one intervening. Fortunately also, there are many compassionate people who care for others, because I know it is not for the money. 

His three points that he made were about the worthiness of Jesus, Jesus' heart of compassion, and the anointing of Jesus. He spoke about the importance of true worship, not simply singing a few songs as a warm up to the sermon, but fully lingering in the presence of of a God who is worthy of praise and adoration. Sadly this is missing in most churches who think they're doing this, but the "feeling" soon leaves. Trust me, when in the presence, nothing else matters and time is irrelevant. All that matters is Him.

Jesus has a heart of compassion for the lost and broken. I have often spoken of asking God to break my heart for what breaks His, warning others not to pray it unless you're sincere, because He answers. Randy mentioned the same. Sitting before Him, waiting in His Presence, not simply praying a list of needs, but seeking His direction, asking Holy Spirit to speak. Believe me when I say many things grieve the heart of God. It begins with our own hearts. Repenting for seeking our own desires, or own ways of doing things. Surrendering afresh and truly asking Him to break our hearts, so there is none of us and all of Him.

Randy said that "you become what you behold," and this is so true. Things we think are important, things that take up our time when we should be focused on others. Seeking God for a fresh anointing for the harassed and helpless of this world. This extends to every nation, but particularly to those areas that are the least covered regions. Right now we have a war going on in Iran. The Middle East is one of those areas that is without Christ and in need of the Gospel message. I have shared before that Isaiah 19 speaks of the restoration of Egypt and the Assyrian nations with Israel. Iran is home to the largest and fastest growing underground church, even in war. God cares about the Muslims, and the Buddhists, and all peoples. And He tells us to go, witness, and lead all men to Christ. We need to pray for a heart of compassion, a love for others, as Jesus has for all men. Many times we don't even consider others, because many times the truth is not widely spread on secular news. 

Hearing this message today stirred my already stirred up heart. I care so much for the lost and dying world, and each day I pray and ask Abba to tell me what I am to do next. I am already 75 years of age, and I don't want to waste a single moment of my life out of His will. So this message rings true to my heart and my ears. I hope it does the same for others, because time is getting short. 

Day 100 He Came Once For All

 

4/10/2026

 "We now have this light shining in our hearts, 

but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. 

This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 

2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT

 

I awakened early this morning to find Alex in the kitchen, waiting by the door, wanting to be off on his morning tryst. He wasn't interested in food which leads me to believe he had already eaten earlier. No, Alex had bigger plans for his morning. Reluctantly, I opened the door and freed him, only to have him back at 7 am for his morning snack. He's been in and out all day, but so far he has not returned to spend the night. Cats definitely have minds of their own.

This morning the first person who came to mind was Jill, and her untimely death greatly disturbed me. Knowing she's with a great crowd of witnesses, in heaven, with her mom, should bring me peace, but the loss of mother, then daughter, has been very hard. I decided that I needed to get busy and see if I could muster the strength to clean to keep my mind from dwelling on this great sadness. Thankfully, I was able to vacuum and dust and scrub a couple of floors, not without events, but I did get the jobs done. I even vacuumed off my plush collection that sits along the top shelf of my bookcase. It was a good beginning. Now I just need to keep the momentum going.

As I was reading this morning, I happened upon a statement made by Dr. J Vernon McGee, who used to have a radio show call Thru the Bible. He had a monotone voice, rather high pitched, but pleasant with a country drawl. I used to love to hear him read through the Bible, then he'd explain the scriptures very clearly. The quote I read was this: "This is God's universe, and God does things His way. You may have a better way, but you don't have a universe." I imagine that statement stopped some people in their tracks. He was referring to man's idea of who a Savior should be. Sadly the church has much to do with people's mixed idea of why Jesus came and just what salvation includes. Even writing those words seems ridiculous to me, because it is blatantly obvious in the scriptures why Jesus left heaven to become man, so He could die a horrible death, to save us from our sins, so we wouldn't rot in hell, eternally separated from a God who loves us. After all, we didn't deserve this sacrifice. People have a hard time swallowing that truth too, but we are all sinners. Hebrews 9:27-28 puts it this way: "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."

For me, that's great news! Knowing I can do nothing to earn salvation, but all I have to do is accept Christ's great sacrifice and surrender my life to God's perfect will. For me there is no better news, no better gift. I come empty-handed, in humility and with thanksgiving. The only treasure I need in this body is God's Spirit living within me, and the joy I feel is in sharing Him with others. Like I did with Jill and with her mom, and now they are enjoying His Presence with so many others. And although I'm here, waiting for my day to come, I want to continue to live daily in His Presence, listening for His leading, obedient to His word and His call.  

Day 99 Not What I Wanted

 

4/9/2026

"My heart is steadfast, O God,

my heart is steadfast; 

I will sing and give praise."

Psalm 57:7

 

I'm fighting to hold back the tears that I've been hiding inside all day. Each day I put on my smile that hides the deepest pain within my heart. I don't dare share my pain with anyone other than Jesus, because honestly He's the only one who can understand and respond in the appropriate way. He's the only one who truly knows me!  

This morning in the global prayer call we laid our feelings before the Lord, calling on His wisdom, recommitting ourselves to remain active as watchmen on the wall of Jerusalem. Today marked 916 days of daily prayer calls for Israel. We truly have witnessed countless answers to prayer and supernatural, divine intervention, and we fully realize that before all is said and done in this long battle, all men will come to the realization that only God could have done it! Only God is the one who can change the course of a nation. Throughout scripture this truth is repeated over and over and over again. Man can only do so much, but God will not share the glory with man. God alone receives the praise, honor, and glory!

This morning I was awakened by an unsettling dream, the meaning I still do not understand. I am reminded of a very cruel voice message I received from someone I love very much. It's not unique in that I have received so many messages like this, and things said to me directly. I know that the words are demonically inspired, but I feel so helpless to stop them, other than to separate myself for a season and devote the matter to prayer. The dream I had involved three newborn puppies, whose fates did not fare well, except possibly one. I pray for clarity if this dream is from the Lord. I know that I've been subjected to so many vicious attacks over the past four months that the enemy can also invade my dreams. I immediately remembered a time in my life when a little white kitten, who was blind, was used to torment me. But the dream unsettled me. I was able to worship and spend time with Abba, but I kept remembering and have been unable to fully put it to rest.

Later in the day I made a call to friend, and the conversation was interrupted several times by losing the call, because his phone needed to be charged. We persevered, and as he shared, I listened intently, as his words were so similar to what I am experiencing in my life. This brought some encouragement, as I mentioned previously, I do not talk to people easily. He challenged me to take a step of faith, as he had just done, to apply for a passport, so when, or if, the time comes, and God says "Go" I will be ready, as will he. Peter is an intercessor, like me, and he has been a spiritual father, for many years. He lives in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and he lost his beloved wife Rebekah not too long ago. I know the loss is great for him, and it is also for me. I know she is safely in the arms of Jesus. That is our joy, but I know he really misses his handmaiden. I pray that I will be able to see Peter this side of heaven, but he is advancing in age way past me. What I realize more and more is that only God knows the length of our days. I shared with someone else today, who lost his wife also, that God must not be finished with us yet, as we remain behind. My only desire, other than seeing Jesus face to face, is to hear Him say, "Well done, My good and faithful servant," knowing that I completed the work He has for me to do. I believe we all feel that way.

After feeling better just for hearing from Peter, I decided to call my young friend, the daughter of my dear friend Irma who passed away shortly after I moved here in 2021. The circumstances were so disturbing that I do not go a day without remembering, the loss is still so great. Her daughter has been very close to me, and we have stayed in touch. Her birthday was the other day, and I hadn't heard back from her, so I tried to call her. She didn't answer my texts, so I was concerned. I finally called her dad, and I found out that Jill had passed away before Easter from pneumonia. Words cannot express the loss I feel. As I write these words, it's the first time I have been able to grieve. I loved her dearly, and although I could never take the place of her mother, she was like a daughter to me, and I knew that she loved me too. Her life had been one of many hurts, especially after losing her beloved husband, Jesse unexpectedly about ten years ago. But, in recent days she had been living life again, enjoying her children, the older a mother of two children. Her daughter Grace graduated last year, and her son may be graduating this year. I spoke to them not that long ago. I have such special memories, and I am grateful for those precious times, but the loss is more than I can bear at this time. I seem to be losing many people I love. 

We all have dreams. We all have hopes. I always wanted my children to have what I was denied, and I always supported their dreams. Sadly, I was not told certain things, and I cannot change what followed. But even if things happen in life, and our dreams seem to be over, I do believe with God all things are possible, and He can make a way where there seems to be no way. Scripture bears that truth. I hang on to that truth from His Word, because I hang on to my dreams. My life is not what I wanted for my myself, not what I had envisioned, but there is nothing I can do now except continue to take each step, each day, and live my life totally for Him.

So, I write, and I wait, and I learn from Him in the secret place. The closer I feel to Jesus, the more love I have for others, and the more I want to see them succeed in their lives. These turbulent days are so unsettling if one focuses on the negative, but if we put our trust in Jesus, and if we spend time in His Presence, we will be able to live in His peace and share this peace with others. That is a much better way to spend our days, as opposed to tearing each other down or listening to social media berate others. It's time to grow up and wise up and see the Lord while He may be found. He is the only truth! 

Day 98 By Faith

 

4/8/2026

"The same heat from the sun both hardens

the brick and melts the butter."  

Daily Walk

 

The weather has become so unpredictable, one day warm, the next much colder. It's also flu season, I understand, so I'm certain it is having a roller coaster effect on people, making them sick. It's interesting that although my immune system is compromised, I don't really get sick, or at least flu, colds or such. But I am still wrestling with whatever poison has attacked my body causing these rashes; it seems relentless. The good thing is that I am not scratching as much. I guess I'm getting used to the itching. That's a sad thought! I decided I'd take my chances and go outside and tackle some yard work. I can't hide forever, and whatever this malady is will eventually get out, or I sincerely hope so. Life sure can be fun!

I have discovered that Virginia has a Creeper! In fact it hides in bushes and trees, and it sneaks down to its unsuspecting prey and infects it with poisonous venom! It's a green five leaf vine that really infected my bushes by twisting and turning and attaching itself with vines that wrap around every twig and spreads underground. It's not as poisonous as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, but it can cause bad reactions in its victims. So this is one source of my problems, but it is not the thorn that stuck me, so that remains a mystery. Regardless, it is tenacious, and it will not go away. It is wearying, as any malady can be, but I am doing my best to get on with life, as much as I can.

I must admit that I've been having trouble focusing on writing today. It took some thought to get through yesterday's post, but once I began, it pieced itself together, at least as far I am concerned. I'm still asking Abba what it is I am supposed to be learning from all this isolation. My thoughts always go back to what we lost when we moved from Virginia to go the New Mexico, against God's timing. God is always true to His word, and today here I am, still picking up the pieces of lives, including my own, but He is with me. I don't understand, and I am beginning to realize that I don't need to know everything. I just need to trust Him. It's all He's asked of me, for the moment. James 1:2-4 gives us another perspective:

"Dear Brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete." 

I always felt as if I was ready for anything, but then something happened. That's the way it goes. Confidence doesn't come easily, then when it does, the glow of the victory fades quickly. Is this my doing? Perhaps I didn't encourage myself enough. Did I become lazy and neglect the word? Did I not dwell in the secret place? Neither, thankfully, yet even so, there has been a quietness, and I know God's listening. I know He hears, and I know He listens. Miracles are everywhere, and each day is fresh and alive. All it takes is for me to open my heart, breathe deeply and enter into His Presence. All that is required is faith, the unwavering kind, even when an answer doesn't come: 

Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 AMP

"Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible."

"But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him."

Having faith only requires me to obediently continue to heed God's counsel, follow Him step by step each day, and share the love of Christ with everyone. He also instructs us to love others, do good to everyone, especially to those who treat us wrongly. My calendar quotation for the day says: "I have resolved to pray more and pray always, to pray in all places where quietness inviteth, in the house, on the highway, and on the street; and to know no street or passage in this city that may not witness that I have not forgotten God." (Sir Thomas Browne).

Timely advice. 

Day 97 Moon River

 

4/7/2026 

"Let the Spirit of God teach you what He is driving at

and learn not to grieve Him. If we are abiding in Jesus Christ

we shall ask what He wants us to ask, whether we are

conscious of doing so or not."

Oswald Chambers

 

As the days become darker and the world continues to spin out of control, I find my life becoming more peaceful in unexpected ways. I often feel as if I am doing something wrong, so I ask God to forgive me for whatever I am not doing. Why is it that I feel I need to always be doing something?! Can't it be enough to sit at the feet of Jesus and linger awhile, listening, even if hearing nothing, just resting. Why is silence so difficult for some? I've always loved being hidden away from everyone, tucked into a little hovel in the midst of a dense forest, mountains providing a canopy of majestic trees towering high against the bluest skies of heaven. A sea of color splashed against God's natural canvas of nature.  

I am reminded of Tolkien's story of The Hobbit - Bilbo Baggins - who lived in the woods in a Hobbit hole, but it was a fine, wooden cabin tucked into the side of the mountain, charming in every way. It seems so idyllic, and comfortable, inviting, as surely it was meant to be. It reminds me of times when people visited each other more often. I remember my daddy always took us to visit his sisters each weekend. We never traveled any further than a two hour drive to Alexandria where mama's great aunts lived, but as a child, I always loved visiting older relatives. Perhaps I am an old soul, but the trips were special. I especially enjoyed my second cousins, because we'd either go swimming or we'd roller skate up and down the sidewalks that rolled like hills. I enjoyed family. Now, unless I force the issue and make the connections, we don't visit, unless there's a funeral. That's kind of a dismal thought. Back then, I knew the names of everyone, but now, my cousins are grown, their children are grown, and their children have children. Trying to memorize faces and names of all these people is very challenging. Still, I make the effort. It would be nice to know the stories behind the names. I would love for someone to want to know who I am. I often wonder if my parents even knew who I had become. I lived so far away for thirty-five years, and although they visited me and I, them, it wasn't the same as living close. When I was alone, and my life changed so much, I doubt that they really knew who I had become, if I can put it that way. Or what I did for a living. Who I was and who I am. 

Life can get away from us. I'd like for them to know that my faith only grew stronger as did my love for Jesus. That I know they knew, because all I do is talk about Jesus and all He has done for me. They knew that I could sing, because they found that out when they visited me in New Mexico. I did sing in groups, in a choir, and solos in Virginia, but I guess they never heard me sing alone. I think they knew I was a puppeteer, but maybe not. Perhaps coming home after being away for so long is to get to know my family again. The only problem is that everyone is too busy to get together. But, I am determined that I won't let that keep me from trying. 

I was listening to Marty Goetz from House of Worship sing Moon River by Andy Williams. That really brought back memories for me. Even as a child I loved movie soundtracks, and I loved Andy Williams. My aunt gave me a Christmas album by him one year. Oh, how I cherished that record, and I played it over and over again, until someone decided that they would "borrow" it, but it was never returned. The memory still lingers on, so it's okay. I can remember, and I see it in my brain. When I saw the visual shots of the moon from Artemis II space craft, I thought of that song. God's universe is unimaginably brilliant in design and display against a galaxy of stars. I wonder how many people truly recognize how beautiful God made everything! Does anyone take the time to really look and see and appreciate it? If not they are missing out.

I think I'll sit awhile and enjoy the music and the scenery while there's still time. 

Day 96 The Next Thing

 

4/6/2026

"Never doubt in the dark what God 

told you in the light."

Daily Walk

 

As the end of day approaches I find myself exhausted and lost in thought. Now that Easter has passed - Resurrection Sunday - and Passover continues, the counting of the Omer (a sheaf of grain) began the second day of Passover which counts down the days before Shavuot (the giving of Torah at Mount Sinai), and for Christians it counts to Pentecost which is 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ. Does that sound confusing, or is it me? It is becoming increasingly difficult to live in both worlds. And yet, we should understand times and seasons, and one day, our calendar will be the same as the Jewish calendar, as it was meant to be. I will never understand how things became so complicated, but I imagine it is the same answer. Man wants to do things his way and not God's, so new rules. I am grateful that our observances crossed over so nicely this year. One day when Jesus returns, then all of this confusion will disappear. For now I remind myself that we know in part, and we see in part according to 1 Corinthians 13:9.

Today I read about the prophet Elijah and his showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. There had been no rain in Israel because of the sinful acts of King Ahab and his evil Queen Jezebel. Elijah told Ahab to have all the people and the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Ashterah, who were supported by Jezebel, join him on Mount Carmel to determine whose god was truly God. The story of Elisha is found in 1 Kings 17-19 when he shows up and prophesies there will be no rain until he said so. It ended up being a drought for three years, but finally Elijah meets with Ahab on Mount Carmel to have a show down. The story is even amusing in how Elijah baited the false prophets as they danced, cut themselves, and exhausted themselves all day trying to get Baal to respond. Finally, it was Elijah's turn to call on His God. In a mighty display of power, God burned up the water soaked offering from the altar, leaving no doubt that Jehovah is God. After that Elijah asked the people to choose whom they would serve, and those who did not accept God were killed, along with all the prophets of Baal. Elijah had drawn a line in the sand.

What is interesting is that after this mighty display of God's power in using Elijah to do these things, Jezebel became angry and sent men out to hunt Elijah down to kill him, so Elijah became afraid. He  retreated to the wilderness where an angel saw to his needs and sent him on his 40 day trek to the mountains to seek God. When God asked Elijah why he was there, Elijah told God that all the prophets were dead, and He was the last one. God responded to Elijah first in a powerful display of wind and earthquakes, then in a still, small voice. God wasn't angry with him, but He did let Elijah know that he was not the only prophet left who had not bowed his knee to Baal. Instead God gave Elijah instructions which he carried out. 

Elijah is not the only example in the Bible of a prophet or man of God who has encountered times of discouragement, and that serve as examples to us, as we will become discouraged at times. I have many promises God has given me, in His word and otherwise, and often when I think about my age, I become frustrated, because I am not keeping my focus on Him. Numerous times I have mentioned my battle with age when it comes to visions and death to visions. Thinking about the Resurrection of Christ and the miracle of new life in Him, makes me so anxious to step out in faith and get things done. But, right now I have huge problem, my health is being attacked, and it is making it hard to do the next thing on some days. Today was a good day, and I was able to get the bushes cut down. Now I have to muster the strength to complete the job and dispose of the branches and vines. There's always something new that has to be done when one owns a house. It makes me wonder why I put myself in this predicament in the first place, but the home will be for my son, and it's a place where others can come for support. Perhaps it will one expand into my Home for Misfit Toys. Sometimes I wonder if I heard God's voice clearly about the move back to Virginia. I doubt myself often at times, but I don't want to return to life in the rabbit hole. I simply want to complete my purpose. 

Now as night has fallen, and everyone seems to be asleep in this neighborhood except me, I imagine I should call it a night myself. I'm not certain what tomorrow will bring, and that is not a huge concern for me. I'm getting good at take one step at a time and waiting for the revelation to come. Or at least I hope so. I have more on my heart, but I'll leave it at that. Be encouraged and strengthened by the Word of God today. God always keeps His promises. Selah. 

Day 95 Holy Week - Day 7 He's Alive

 

4/5/2026

 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. 

He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live

and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.

Do you believe this?'"

John 11:25-26

 

Scripture says that very early in the morning certain women who had been with Jesus had prepared spices and fragrant oils for His body. The scripture identifies the women as Mary Magdalene, Salome, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James. When they got to the tomb they found that the stone had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty. As they were standing there not knowing what to do, suddenly there were two men standing by them in shining garments. 

"Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."' And they remembered His words." (Luke 24:5-8)

The ladies were told to tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus had risen form the dead and would meet them in Galilee, so they ran ahead. Mary Magdalene waited, then she saw a man that she mistook for the gardener. When He spoke to her, saying her name, her eyes were opened to see that she was speaking to Jesus. It has always seemed appropriate to me that Mary Magdalene should be the first of His followers to appear. Mary dearly loved Jesus, and He had transformed her life. He can still change lives, and He still does miracles.

Today I watched a movie called Risen starring Ralph Fiennes about a Centurion who is trying to find out the truth about Jesus' crucifixion, if He had indeed risen form the grave. The story takes us to the Centurion's encounter with the living Christ, whom he had witnessed dead on the cross. He could not reconcile what he saw with his own eyes, and he wanted it to be true. He located Jesus' followers where they are hiding, and he finds Jesus, alive, sitting with them. Jesus is showing a disciple his nail scarred hands and where his side had been pierced, then His penetrating eyes looked directly at the Centurion. He was blown away, and rightfully so. This pagan man who was always at war, slaughtering people unable to grasp the reality of what he was witnessing. He had paid a tribute to the god to whom he prayed, Mars, the god of war, and he asked for a day without war. This man was tired of his life, and he was seeking new life, without truly understanding or realizing how lost he had become. The story is very well done, and it brings in the humanity of man in his struggle to believe, forgive, and do the work Jesus has given them to do - go into all the world and teach the gospel. It shows the transformation of a hardened soul into a heart of flesh, desiring to know more. All he knows is that he will never be the same.

Isn't this the way we should all feel. To encounter the Living Christ is a transformation, a total turnaround from the lives we once lived. In our search for more and better, we do not see clearly that nothing will be able to fill the void in our lives except Jesus. 

Today we celebrate Resurrection Day! Jesus is alive, and He lives forever more. Let us exalt His Name together!