Day 127 Free to Be

 

5/8/2026

"Verily I say unto you, except you be converted,

and become as little children, ye shall not

enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 18:3

 

Jesus loves children, and they loved to hang around Him, listening to every word He said as if He was speaking directly to them in a language only they understood. I love the way Dallas Jenkins portrayed this image in his first season of The Chosen. Abby and her young friend Joshua were the first to discover Jesus as He camped outside the city in the woods near the lake where the children loved to play. They were so captivated by this friendly man who was fun to be around that they brought several friends with them the next morning. They spent the days with Him doing tasks, while Jesus worked with them and taught them valuable lessons and skills. I can imagine that this actually did happen, because Jesus always had time for curious children. He made time for curious adults as well! He still does.

As Mother's Day approaches, I remember my mama and my grandmother and their influence on my life. I usually find a place to hide out on Mother's Day, because I miss my mama and grandmother, and they  missed my family so much when we moved to New Mexico in 1987. The feeling was reciprocal, as I spent as much time as I could with each of them, and they were actively involved in my children's lives. It seems odd to me to be living in my parents' home now, surrounded by their things, without them being here. I dare say that they'd be a bit squeamish about our world these days, but I pray that they'd be happy about the person I have turned out to be in spite of many years of constant turmoil. Choosing to keep on and never giving up may speak to their hearts, as they faced multiple challenges each day, and they kept running the race. Every time I hear one of their favorite hymns I stop to sing along. Tomorrow we remember our mothers, and there have been many tributes to mothers, with many to follow tomorrow. We should always remember the good things in our lives, even if unexpected events happen to redirect our path. Without those how else would we grow, especially in relationship with our Father.

My day began with a phone call from my doctor's office telling me that my insurance denied payment for my last visit, because I still have an open medical claim for a permanent partial disability on a workman's comp case from 2016. Occasionally this unfortunate incident rears its ugly head, and I have to go through the hoops answering absurd questions from a case that was closed in December of 2018. So I had to make the usual calls just so my follow up visit to my PCP can be covered. It seems as if there are many such distractions that attempt to keep me from what I need to do. I always try to play by the rules, and I find it irritating when others make things complicated when they don't need to be. Thankfully, it did not ruin my day, although I admit that I did have a few uneasy moments. So now I breathe, and I wait.

Later in the evening after enjoying Shabbat services and waiting for the next, I had another twist and turn, but again, I chose to focus my eyes on resting. I was reminded of a word from the Lord I received one day while living in New Mexico during the early days of our moving there. The Lord told me that satan wanted to sift me like wheat. At the time it seemed a crazy thing, as I was nothing special, no threat to him, and yet the years have brought many insights of how God can use broken vessels to accomplish His work on this earth. I guess I've just been too broken to be able to see the fruit of my labor, but I sure hope there is some. It would be terrible to go through life without really producing fruit for God's kingdom. 

I've been reading the book of Nehemiah in the Bible, and the question for today was "Are you in the mood for a challenge today?' They also gave a statement to consider: "When everything is coming your way, Look out! You're probably in the wrong lane.'" Matthew 5:16 exhorts us: "Let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father." Whatever we are told or taught to do in this life, we are told to do for Jesus. If we are not making positive change in the lives of others, we definitely need to check our motives to ensure that we do what God has called us to do. 

I began my thoughts today with God saying that unless we become like little children, then we cannot have a place in His kingdom. It sounds harsh and a little contradictory, especially when we are told to grow in Christ, study His word and become more like Jesus in thought and deed. But entering the kingdom as a child would be entering in simple faith and obedience.  Children view life so simply and non-judgmentally, unless people try to indoctrinate them in things their childish minds should not even consider. Children are accepting, and they love and trust easily. Doesn't sound like our world today at all. And I imagine that even in Jesus' time on earth, they had to be careful. It's hard to think about Israel as a holy nation having evil, but as long as the world has been in existence, evil has existed. One day we will have a place where evil does not exist, a place where love abides, where we are free to be who God designed us to be. It is too much for my finite mind to consider. One day! A perfect day.

Day 126 National Day of Prayer

5/7/2026

 “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples” 

 1 Chronicles 16:24

 

This has been an exciting day as we bring our nation before our Mighty God in prayer today for the 75th National Day of Prayer. The National Day of Prayer broadcast was hosted by Kathy Branzell, the National Day of Prayer Task Force president and Will Graham, grandson of the late Billy Graham. It was held in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol and hosted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who shared of the mighty work God has been doing and sharing his own faith and walk with the Lord. He is a great lover of God and his consistent walk with the Lord has brought a new Light into the House - the Light of Jesus Christ.  

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner was also in attendance, giving an encouraging testimony of the power of God in his life. He shared that when he was 10 years old that his family was split apart when his parents were divorced. He was playing football in a children's league then, and he promised his mom that one day he'd be playing for the Washington Redskins, and he'd taken care of her. He said he waited thirteen years before that dream came true. While in college he had not received an offer from a team, but he never gave up on his dream. So he continued to run up and down the stairs at the university, and he waited. He decided that he'd run the 40 yard dash, but after running it in 4.2 seconds, which is record speed, he received a letter from the Redskins and fulfilled that dream. His story was much better and more detailed in his talk today, but it inspired me, who is considerably more aged than he, to continue to hold on to my dream and never give up. Just today I was talking to God about it - again. So God sent me His answer though Scott Turner and National Day of Prayer. So I will hang on.

Chaplain Grun Kibben, of the House of Representatives, also shared a prayer. Afterwards, Kathy Branzell shared a bit about the distinguished military career of Chaplain Kibben prior to her becoming the chaplain of the House. She served in both the Navy and the Marines, holding high positions, serving as chaplains in multiple wars. She has an amazing testimony of service to God and to our nation to which we owe her a great depth of gratitude.

Many more guests shared about the history of our nation, lead in prayer, in worship, and it truly was an inspiring and wonderful time of prayer and praise to our God and King as we rededicated our nation to God, repenting of our sins and asking for His guidance and counsel as we move ahead.

Kathy Branzell authored the 2026 National Prayer for America:

"Almighty God, King of Glory, we confess our sins and repent of our pride that sought our own glory and comfort, allowing evil to take root instead of Your fruit in our hearts, homes, culture, and country.

Please forgive us.

Now, with this declaration of rededication, we humble ourselves, pray, and seek Your face, turning from our wicked ways, that You would heal our lives and our land. Please purify and renew our hearts with holy attributes, affections, attitudes, and actions - to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We give You glory as we repent and rededicate our lives and our nation to You. For 250 years You have guarded and guided America in wisdom, grace, mercy, and love. We praise and thank You for our Founding Fathers, for all who sought You in fervent prayer throughout history and answered Your call to defend justice and freedom; to protect and serve, preach and teach, innovate, communicate, learn, work, worship, and establish our laws.

May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done in our lives, our Families, the Church, Education, Business, Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and Media as it is in heaven. We prayerfully commit to 'Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.'"  

May we continue to pray for our nation as we prepare for the next event to be held on May 17, 2026 when our nation will be rededicated to being One Nation Under God. The event will be held at the National Mall in Washington DC with many in attendance, hosted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. May we see you on the Mall! 

About the National Day of Prayer The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. The next National Day of Prayer is May 6, 2027.

Day 125 A Place for Us Now

 

5/6/2026

"Godliness with contentment is great gain."

1 Timothy 6:6

 

Last night as I listened to Marty Goetz sing the theme song from the musical West Side Story written by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, Somewhere, I found myself back in time - remembering. The words so familiar: "There's a place for us, somewhere a place for us. Peace and quiet and open air; wait for us - somewhere." It's the love song of Tony and Maria - "a desperate yearning for a peaceful, safe haven where love can exist without violence, prejudice, or societal opposition." Sounds a lot like heaven to me! Just as this play was written in the mid-50's in Manhattan depicting the confusion and extreme period of violence with street gangs constantly at war vying for what they called their turf, so it is reminiscent of our present age, except now we hear the call to prayer five times a day, and the city is observing Muslim traditions. Those living in New York City at this time in history may well be singing these lyrics hoping once more for Somewhere, Some Day.

It seems as if whenever and wherever there are those who seek a better life, a life where goodness and justice abide, they are confronted with opposition. When Nehemiah was sent back to Jerusalem by the Persian king to rebuild the walls and gates of the city that had been torn down and burned by King Nebuchadnezzar, the Assyrian King used by God to discipline His rebellious people, the opposition was waiting. But then, so was Nehemiah, except he understood how to fight the enemy in the proper position. Each time Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem the Arab attempted to come against the plans of God, Nehemiah would pray, and God answered! Nehemiah was given divine ingenuity as to how to defend and protect as they were rebuilding the wall in spite of the insults and mockery being hurled at them as they stood and actively worked. Finally the wall and gates were rebuilt, along with the restoration of the people's homes who labored on the wall. God gave Nehemiah a brilliant strategy. 

Many times we see that the answers take longer in God's plan to complete, and our job is to trust and do whatever He asks, even if it becomes monotonous doing the last thing He instructs us to do, over and over and over again. I know this feeling, as did the prophet Habakkuk who cried out to God saying, "O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, 'Violence!' and You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds." (Habakkuk 1:2-4)

The Lord responds to him by saying "Look among the nations and watch - be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you." Then God goes on to tell the weary prophet just how He will raise up the evil Chaldeans to be used in His strategic plan. So Habbakkuk is quieted, knowing that He serves a God who keeps His promises. "I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected." (Habakkuk 2:1) 

To "stand my watch" is a cry to all intercessors who have been called to make up the hedge and stand as watchmen on the wall for Israel, or for their own countries. This is what we do as Americans fighting the many, many battles that are being waged on us from within our nation and without. Few understand the significance of what is going on today. They innocently and ignorantly, because of lack of effort on their part to find out what is true or a blatant lie, are being sucked in like a tornado pummeling the earth pulling everything without a strong defense into the funnel of destruction, being misled and deceived by heads of state and other governmental influences who control the media and subversive groups who for the price of a scam infiltrate and cause mayhem and destruction. Like flies to honey. Like sheep to the slaughter. And yet this has gone on for so long that few understand and continue to trust evil and fight good.

Norwegian theologian O. Hallesby said: "As soon as the Spirit has taught us to pray in the name of Jesus, He will teach us plainly that what we lack in fervency, solicitude, love and faith are not the things which prevent us from being heard and answered when we pray. These things merely reveal our helplessness."

I am comforted by the old hymn Because He Lives: "Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone, because I know, I know, He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because He lives."

I hope those priceless gems and inspiring words bring comfort.   

Day 124 Same God

 

5/5/2026

"Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; 

break forth in song, rejoice and sing praises."

 

Psalm 98:4

 

 

Tuesday mornings are special times for me, as I get to join my friends at Kehilat HaCarmel for their weekly Worship Watch for Israel with fellow intercessors standing on the wall. My attendance is online only as I do not live in Israel, but perhaps one day! I wish I could say that I am learning the Hebrew language, but I have not made the time to consider that adventure, although I love the language and am able to participate in some of the readings and songs by memory. When Jesus returns and sets up His kingdom on Mount Zion I would love to be ready, but then I'm sure we will know how to speak the language intuitively, as all His ways are perfect, plus He equips! 

The overall theme, or thoughts on the minds and hearts of those at the prayer watch was the fact that God is changeless. He is the same God who walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in the evening of the day; the same God who parted the Red Sea as Moses was leading the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land; and He is the same, the one and only God to whom all praise is due! He is the Eternal King and Creator of all things, and if we did not praise Him, Jesus said that the rocks would cry out! I believe that. In Psalm 98 the psalmist begins with the words, "Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory." All creation praises Him, as seen in verses 7-9 that testify: "Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity."

Many of the Psalms of David mention nature and how the land rejoices and actually sings and praises God will a loud voice. When the wind blows here, the trees and flowers, the grass in the fields bow before Him to honor His Presence. The wind chimes play melodies to witness and give praise. Before David became King of Israel, and even after becoming King, he would steal away to the countryside where he's watch over his father's sheep, and he would play, sing, and listen for the whispers of God. He knew the importance of sitting in the secret place of the most high, surrounded by His glory, taking the time to sit at His feet. Andrew Murray shared this thought:

"The connection between the prayer life and the Spirit life is close and indissoluble. It is not merely that we can receive the Spirit through prayer, but the Spirit life requires, as an indispensable thing, a continuous prayer life. I can be lead continually by the Spirit only as I continually give myself to prayer." 

Today let us worship His majesty in song and prayer, making time to quiet ourselves in His Presence, safe in His holy place, the secret place where Christ abides with us. 

Day 123 What Fuels Your Christian Life?

 

5/4/2026 

"Mission flows from intimacy"

Fred Weymouth

 

Yesterday I decided to attend services at my sister's church, which I used to do quite often before some changes turned things around. When I walked into the back door I was greeted by friends who seem to genuinely appreciate my being there. I felt as if I was "home." When I strolled into the sanctuary, making my way to the back, greeting old friends, my sister was surprised to see me, as I had not mentioned that I was going to come. I love surprising people and hopefully making them happy. This is the first time I've ventured this far since my son's accident in early December. My Nissan Sentra didn't make it, so I acquired an older Mercury Milan, and it has taken time to adjust to an American car made from metal. The trunk is so heavy that it takes some effort to get it up and down. My dad would love this car, and I know that he is smiling from heaven! Nonetheless, and back to my story, I decided at the last minute to hop in the car and attend services. I am so glad that I did.

Pastor Ken announced that they had a guest speaker for the day, and I was pleased to hear that it was Pastor Fred Weymouth from The Fix Ministry located in Tappahannock, Virginia, an outreach for those who are struggling with drug abuse and other addictions in their lives:

"The purpose of The Fix Ministry is to save lives. We show men & women how to change their lives by furthering their relationship with Jesus Christ along with their education in the areas of social and biblical studies. This, along with our vocational and in-action discipleship training properly prepares them for a future in the job market or ministry as well as general self-sufficiency."

My sister had been telling me about Pastor Fred and this ministry for a while now, as she felt that it may be something helpful for son who suffers from guilt and shame of past drug and alcohol addiction, and the local church ministries have not been able to help him, sadly. He felt condemned and unsupported, and even when he shared his testimony with those trapped in the same sins, he was accosted by someone in the group, and the pastor and other group leader, along with my son, did not assist or provide support to my son or silence the offender, so he eventually stopped trying to offer help to others. In seeking out support groups and pastors or lay people to walk beside and help my son, I realized that the needs are not going to be addressed by those who have never walked in the same shoes. My son was once a very strong Christian, but things happened in his life, bringing discouragement, and his friends were unable to help him and could not understand, so he found new friends who taught him a way to cope with hurtful and traumatic situations. But the entire fault can not be placed on the church, as he did not receive the compassion and understanding from his dad, and although he talked to me about some feelings he had, I did not realize things he wasn't telling me, things he was told not to share with me, things he kept secret. 

Watching my family suffer and working with at risk kids and all ages with mental health conditions and abusive behaviors in my work, has opened my eyes to the great needs that exist today. And in my walk with the Lord, I see how poorly the church has been equipped to walk beside those in need. Church youth groups and field trips or camps will not reach someone who cannot relate to the others in the group who have never had these experiences. That's why I appreciate the ministry of The Fix, because Pastor Fred has walked this walk, and he has found that that Jesus is the only true "fix" for our sins.

The scripture he shared was found in Luke 4:16-19 where Jesus ministers in Nazareth:

"So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 'The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.'"

After reading this, Jesus sits down, and in response to everyone's inquiring gaze, He added: "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 

One of Fred's opening remarks was "Mission flows from intimacy." In order to have the compassion, the heart for missionary work, especially in the darkness found on the streets, you must have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. And you can only develop this deep love and respect for Christ if you spend time in the secret place. Our love for others is the "overflow of union with Christ." Another thing he shared, and I have come to understand this deeply is that heaven or salvation is for those who know they deserve hell. Without grace, without belief in and acceptance of Jesus and His blood shed for us, for me, we would be destined for hell. Fred knows this, I know this, and every disciple of Christ should know this reality. The proud that fill our churches have not come to that realization I am afraid. Heaven will be filled with sinners saved by grace, saved from messy lives. Because we know what Christ did for each of us, our love for the lost is fueled by that desperate need to tell others about Christ. We talk about what and who we love. Charles Spurgeon said this:

"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for." 

What fuels your life? 

Day 122 Cleansing Hearts

 

5/3/2026

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope 

without wavering, for He who promised

is faithful."

Hebrews 10:23  

 

Reinhard Bonnke, a German evangelist, was an enthusiastic intercessor who was determined to see Africa saved. He said that when he first started to pray about Africa years ago and speak of the country in his crusades, people thought he was crazy, but no one is beyond being saved. Today, Nigeria alone is one of the largest Christian nations in the continent of Africa, and they are the most heavily persecuted. I was listening to a message of Bonnke's today, and he mentioned Africa, but since he was in an America, in the State of Florida, at the time this event was filmed, he was claiming that all of America would be saved. Although he is no longer with us, I will continue in his stead and say that all of America will be saved. I'm a lover of Africa myself, as I've spoken about often, and I also love Israel. I know all of Israel will be saved, because God said so, and He's not a man, so He does not lie or exaggerate. I know He wants all to come to salvation, so I think it's safe to say that would include all of America and every country in this world to be saved, sharing the love of Christ. It's our mission - our "Samaria" and the uttermost parts of the earth.

I admit that these days I have felt as if I'm holding on by the fingertips some days, and my fingernails are breaking, and I'm losing my grip! But even so, I'll still be praying if I happen to fall off the edge. If Paul the Apostle could revive Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12), who fell out of the window asleep while Paul was preaching and died, I'm sure an angel will catch me and bear me up, so I won't crash. Many times I'm sitting here praying over the new requests and news that is pouring into my email or text messages, and I have actually fallen asleep praying. That sounds horrible, but I assure you it is not from boredom, it is sheer exhaustion. But, I'm easily revived, most of the time, and I wake up still praying. If not, God sends Alex to the window meowing to get in or else he jumps up onto me while I'm asleep when my son lets him in. He does not like to miss a meal or feel ignored or left out in any way. I am just not a cat person, but the Lord is still trying to win me over to these endearing fuzzy critters, and sometimes, as in waking me up at the right time, he is helpful. So, yes, Lord, I am grateful for my demanding, fuzzy Alex!

Bonnke was preaching about the blood of Jesus in a short video clip I saw the other day. We are the righteousness of God ONLY through the blood of Jesus Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:21. Before going into the Holy Place, the High Priest had to be cleansed with the blood for his consecration. The blood was applied to his right ear lobe for sanctified hearing; to his right thumb for sanctified service; and right large toe for sanctified walking. Leviticus 17:11 reminds us that the life is in the blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). The High Priest could not go behind the veil until his sins were covered by the blood, or else he would die. He was only allowed to enter the Holiest Place on the Day of Atonement which was once a year for all the sins of the people of Israel. The High Priest used the blood of animals for the sacrifice, but Jesus poured out His own blood for our atonement. Jesus is our Great High Priest, and when He died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn in two. Now He is seated at the right hand of our Father God, where He makes intercession for us. We no longer have to shed the blood of an animal, because when He took all our sins on Himself in His death on the cross, shedding His perfect blood for all, it was finished! 

When we think about how God had all this planned before the foundation of the world, knowing that Jesus left His seat in glory to come to earth, be born as a baby, so He could live as we live, suffer as we do, and be tempted as we are YET without sin, it is too wonderful to imagine. God loves us so much.

I'm still making my way through Andrew Murray's book The Holiest of All, a bite at a time. I guess I'm following in the footsteps of Pastor Jack Hibbs, as it often takes him years to complete a series on one book of the Bible. I love that way of teaching, as many people do not read the Bible, and if they do, they don't understand it. In Hebrews, Chapter 10, after it speaks of the insufficiency of animal sacrifices, the author tells us to hold fast to our confession of faith:

"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."  (Hebrews 10:19-25).

Andrew Murray points out that "A true heart - a heart sprinkled; you see everything depends upon the heart. God can do nothing for us from without, only by what He can put into the heart. Of all that Jesus is and does as High Priest in heaven I cannot have the least experience, but as it is revealed in the heart. The whole work of the Holy Spirit is in the heart. Let us draw nigh with a true heart, a sprinkled heart, our inmost being entirely and unceasingly under the heavenly power of the blood." 

Because of Jesus Christ we can come boldly to the throne of grace, with pure hearts, washed in the water, washed in the blood. Bonnke knew this. 

Day 121 What's Worth Fighting For?

 

5/2/2026

 "For the Christian, this world is an arena,

not an armchair."

Daily Walk

 

Popcorn sounds like a good idea to me right about now! Hot air popped to perfection, very little butter, and a lot of salt. I can see faces cringe, but salt is actually very beneficial to me. I lived with migraines for fifty-seven years, and later on in life I learned that salt actually helped me get some relief. A few sips of Dr. Pepper and slowly dissolving Lays Potato Chips in my mouth, availing myself of the salty content. A swig of the doctor and holding a salted chip in my mouth brought a short time of respite, and other times, it calmed the tension right down so I could sleep. I don't like to make a habit of drinking Dr. Pepper with high fructose corn syrup as the main ingredient, but in such times, such dire straights, why not give it a go?! Oddly, my closest friend uses the same trick. What are the chances, because we seem so vastly different in personalities. It has to be our love for others, as she certainly has been here for me whenever I needed her. It's a bit harder now with two thousand miles separating us, but there is always the telephone.

Aside from stuffing myself with popcorn and enjoying Mexican Coke with real sugar, plus a few Junior Mints, I enjoyed another episode of The House of David, now streaming on Prime. Although it deviates from the scriptures a bit, it is quite good, and I recommend it, if you can tolerate bloody battles, very graphic in some details. When Samuel the prophet killed Agag, who just happened to be an Amalekite, whom King Saul did not kill, Samuel hacked him to pieces which the Scripture confirms in 1 Samuel 15:33. God told King Saul not to spare anyone or anything in that battle, but he did not listen. This and another incident following caused him to lose his kingdom. The second season begins after David kills Goliath and enters the service of King Saul, although he has already lost his anointing, and David has been secretively anointed as the next king by Samuel. Life has always been complicated, and if you have never read the Bible, you are missing out on a true adventure, and the story continues today. But, unlike most stories, we know how this one ends! Hallelujah!!

I'm still reading about Ezra's journey back to Jerusalem to restore the temple of God. As always happens, there's someone who opposes what is being done to make things better or bring improvements. The country had been laid waste, the gates and temple destroyed in Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and the people of Judah hauled off in exile, leaving only a few poor people and others transplanted by the Babylonians in the area. Nothing had been restored during this time, as Zerubbabel and his entourage were the first to return to the land of Israel. In all there were seventy years of exile for the people, so the land rested. The commentary states that Zerubbabel knew that they were on divine assignment from God, using King Cyrus of Persia, so any offers from the enemies of the land to help were not accepted. This did not bode well for them, therefore, the work on the temple was delayed for fifteen years as the people in the land opposed them, by writing to the King of Persia. Over time, perseverance in writing the kings of Persia, who checked through the records, plus the encouragement of two prophets of God, helped to clear things up and speed things up. When the enemies were told not to interfered, threatened by the king, and told to back off and to help with the cost out of the Persian coffers, the work was completed quickly, followed by another national celebration. 

Sometimes we have to stand up for what is right, and many times, as we've witnessed in our nation, it takes an inordinate amount of time to get things done, wasted time. But it seems as if no one really wants to rock the boat except for a few bold, courageous people who sign briefs and even a few pastors who instruct their flock about what is going on, rather than allowing them to sit comfortably on their pews knowing God is in control, and they are not to worry or be concerned. Well, I'm not one of those people, because I read my Bible, and I know what it says we are to be doing. I align with those few people, but it is getting to be risky to speak out, and that scares people. I never thought I'd live in a country, whose pledge of allegiance is One Nation Under God, and witness that this is not the feeling of the majority. Thankfully our President wants to correct that sentiment, and I am grateful. 

The commentator in my study of Ezra asks the reader to make a list of five or more things we considered worth fighting for today. Perhaps off the top of our heads most may say "family, faith, country" as starters. Zerubbabel and his company were faced with a decision, and they were willing to give their lives to defend their freedom. The same thing is happening today as Israel continues to fight for the freedom to exist, a right God gave them, but many critics disagree. If they read their Bible they would know, but then, many pastors and believers do not understand what the Bible teaches when it comes to Israel. They have been deceived into believing that since the Jewish people did not accept Jesus as Messiah that Jesus replaced them with the Church. How absurd a notion when the scripture so clearly states the opposite. This shows how easily people, even leaders, even theologians can be deceived and deceive others. This is happening in our government, and not just about Israel. 

I'm only one person, and I know that God has called me to be an intercessor - actually He calls everyone, but few want to do it, because there's a heavy price to pay. He has also called me to write, so this blog for now is my avenue, as well as the letters I write to government leaders, and forms I sign. Facebook is my podium for getting the word out, as well as evangelism and spreading the Good News with messages from pastors I support and music that honors and lifts up the Name of Jesus. I support missions, and I love helping my community. Although I don't really have a local church that I call home - yet, I do attend a local church, plus I attend my online Messianic Jewish-Christian church and others. I'm a Saturday and Sunday follower of Christ. The services I freely share, because the messages and lessons are well-taught. I love Jesus, and I can't think of a better way to spend my time than to talk about Him and sit in His Presence. My sister says I should be an evangelist, and who knows, maybe I am. But I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because He is life!

So, what do you think is worth fighting for? Time is getting short, so it's time to choose! Don't be left behind!