Day 144 We Remember

 

5/25/3026 

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” 

John 15:13  

 

Today we remember those who have given their lives in service to America so that we may enjoy freedom. Many prayers cover the spouses, of those who have lost their lives over the years. So many children grow up without knowing their fathers or mothers. We also pray for those who have been deployed, scattered all over the world, leaving behind their loved ones. My heart goes out to those who wait, and for those who grieve.

Once upon a time I was a military wife, and I worked at Fort Lee as a civilian employee where I met my husband. I learned much working at Fort Lee in the Race Relations Office for Lieutenant Colonel Edward Arrington and a fine group of young men. It seems as if I've always stood in support of those who are treated unfairly. Later when God placed me in case management, I worked with many veterans assisting with their support in receiving the needed medical support and assistance they needed. Over the years I watched as the government services were cut back, so I am very grateful for the new administration's attempts to ensure that our selfless veterans receive the needed care and support they so richly deserve. Many have suffered great emotional, mental, and physical trauma. I also appreciate the Gold Star Family program and the honor shown to the family members of those who have loved ones who died in the line of duty. 

I graduated from high school in 1968 during the Vietnam War, and I watched many of my male friends drafted into the service. This was a war where the returning veterans were not welcomed home warmly, as this war was a very controversial time. It breaks my heart when I remember the ill treatment imposed on those who weren't given a choice to serve, and yet they went, only to be scorned. 

I generally watch parades and listen to true life accounts and documentaries honoring our military, but today I was unable to do so. I did watch the tribute given by USAA, as I am associated with this group. I enjoyed the tributes given by the Presidential Prayer Team and read the account from the White House Prayer Group. Today was a day of introspection and prayer, as I consider the present day needs of our military, especially those deployed to the Middle East conflict. Many in our nation do not understand the need for the support of Israel and the Iranian people against evil, but the threat of nuclear war is very real. I pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders at this time. I also surround the military serving there with divine protection and cover them with the blood of Jesus Christ. May they be blessed. 

As I end this day, I lift up all our special loved one who are grieving and those who wait: 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Day 143 Shavuot & Pentecost

 

5/24/2026

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven,

as a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house

where they were sitting."

John 2:2

 

Yesterday we celebrated Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, one of the three pilgrimage feasts that require all men appear before the Lord in Jerusalem annually. As I shared in my previous post, after Passover, also one of the three pilgrimage feasts, was over, the Lord instructed the counting of the Omer, a measure of grain, to be used in counting the days to Shavuot. In Leviticus 23:15-17 the Lord instructed Moses:

"And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD. You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD."

Shavuot also is a day of remembering the giving of the Torah or law of the Lord to Moses on Mount Sinai. After the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt, they traveled fifty days in the wilderness, arriving at Mount Sinai where God met with the people and wrote the commandments on tablets of stone with His own finger. God told Moses to have the people gather at the base of the mountain on the third day where He would meet with them. "Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled." (Exodus 19:16) 

Today is the Day of Pentecost for the Christian Church, the day we celebrate the outpouring of Holy Spirit as told in Acts 2. Jesus was crucified on Passover, as our sinless, spotless Lamb who gave His life so that we could be saved. When He arose on the third day, He appeared to His disciples and He remained with them for forty days teaching them many things. Prior to his death He had instructed His disciples that He would not leave them alone, but that the Father would send a Comforter, Holy Spirit, who would be with them. Before He ascended to Heaven on the fortieth day, He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem until they were endowed with power from on high. In Acts 1:1-3, 7-8 Luke says, "The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God....And He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'"

The timing of these events was critical. The disciples had come for Passover, not realizing that Jesus would be put to death, although He told them many times prior. So when Jesus arose from the dead, during the forty days He was with them, this was the time of the counting of the Omer up to Shavuot, the appointed feast when all men were in Jerusalem as commanded by God. The disciples were in the upper room, waiting for the Promise of the Father to come, when the day arrived:

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4) 

The New Testament, written by the Jewish people, was written in Greek, and the word "Pentecost" means fifty. Later in the account of the baptism of the Holy Spirit of the apostles in Acts 2, is the account of the crowd of people who heard the apostles speaking in different languages, testifying of Jesus. The Jews who were present in Jerusalem for Shavuot were of different regions, tribes, and dialects, and they heard their own individual languages being spoken. When Peter addressed the crowd that had gathered (Acts 2:14) he called them "men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem." Then he explained to them that what was happening had been prophesied by the prophet Joel (Acts 2:16-20). After Peter preached the gospel to these men, testifying from the prophets, he told them to repent and be baptized for their sins. About three thousand received the word, accepted Christ, were baptized, and joined the church that day. It is important to note here that when Holy Spirit was given on this day of Pentecost, the promise of the Father was given to the Jewish people. At this point Gentiles had not been included. In Acts 11 in Antioch the Gentile believers were called Christians, so the original church were Jewish believers in Christ.

Pastor Peter from Kehilat HaCarmel Church shared that it wasn't until 1908 when the Azusa Street Revival broke out in Los Angeles, California when the baptism of Holy Spirit was poured out in America. This was the beginning of the Pentecostal Movement. Seventy years later, another revival broke out in California, the Jesus Revolution, and this was the beginning of the Charismatic movement. Today the two movements include about 700 million people who identify as Pentecostal and/or Charismatic.

The history of these two celebrations, Shavuot and Pentecost, are Biblically significant to the Jewish heritage and to we who have received Jesus as our Savior and Lord who have been grafted into the olive tree and are included in the promises of God. In previous posts I have shared about the confusion in the church today and the introduction of Replacement Theology which teaches that the Church has replaced the Jews as the chosen people. This is nonsense, yet it is taught in seminaries and in many denominations today. This has aided the rise of antisemitism all over the world.

So much more could be said, but that is for another time. I encourage readers to seek the truth found in the scriptures for yourself. Study to show yourselves approved unto God, workmen who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) 

Day 142 Shavuot

 

5/23/2026

"Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them:

'When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap

its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits

of your harvest to the priest.'"

Leviticus 23:10  

 

This year's Jewish holiday Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, began Thursday evening and ends today in the evening in Jerusalem. According to scripture it is to be observed 50 days after the day after Passover, and the days are numbered by counting the Omer according to scripture:

"And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; they you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD." (Leviticus 23:15-16)

This feast is one of the three pilgrimage feasts of the Lord when all the men were commanded to come up to the mountain of the Lord in Jerusalem. It is a holy day unto the Lord, so there is no work done on this day. This day is a reminder of the children of Israel's release from slavery as they make their way to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, the book of the law. This is also a celebration of the harvest time, so the book of Ruth which is a story of sowing and reaping is read in synagogue on this day.

The book of Ruth is a story of redemption set in the period of the Judges. It is the story of a Moabite woman who gives up her pagan heritage to follow the God of Israel. The story begins in the land of Judah where there is a famine in the land, so Elimelech, who lived in Bethlehem, and his wife, Naomi and two sons moved to Moab until the famine had passed. Elimelech died, so Naomi and her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion remained in Moab. The two sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years Naomi's two sons died, and only the women survived. Since the famine was over, Ruth decided to go home to Judah, so she told Ruth and Orpah to return to their homes, so they could marry again. Orpah left and went home, but Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi:

"Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me." (Ruth 1:16-17)

So the women continued on to Bethlehem where Naomi was greeted excitedly by her friends and welcomed back into the community. It was the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi sent Ruth off to work the fields, and it so happened that she met Boaz, a relative of Naomi's husband, Elimelech, who was very wealthy. Boaz was very kind to Ruth, as he had already heard that Ruth had forsaken her country and her pagan gods to live with Naomi and worship the God of Israel. This is a romantic story of Ruth and Boaz who eventually married and had a son, Obed who became the father of Jesse, the father of David, the King of Israel. It is also a story of a Moabite woman being given a privileged position in the lineage of Christ. Boaz is a picture or type of kinsman redeemer as Christ came to as the Savior to redeem us from sin and death. There are so many parallels in the scriptures, and it is so interesting to see the timing of this Shavuot with the Christian observance of Pentecost. This will be covered more in my next blog.

These are exciting times as we watch history and prophecy unfold right before our eyes, and I pray that it will cause a greater revelation of the destiny of Israel and God's chosen people.  

Day 141 Musing

 

5/22/2026

"It's all about You, Jesus"

Matt Redman  

 

Another rainy day, so I will unable to finish my work outside, but perhaps that's a good thing. I haven't yet decided. I don't seem to get very much accomplished in the house, and this has become a source of great dissatisfaction. I've attempted to hire a couple of workers, but although I get promises of calls backs, the calls never come. But this is not a reflection on me, as I understand from others that this is a common problem. Perhaps my simple needs are not exciting or rather too demanding. When I lived alone I was far more energetic and enthusiastic about getting things done, even if I had to do it all myself, which was usually the case. I'd been alone for so many years that I learned to be independent, especially when I was still working. I had to make decisions by myself, and of course I did pray about everything. I seem to have less "want to" these days. Those words make me smile. I was chatting with a younger lady on the phone, and we were talking about older people who didn't seem to age as quickly as others. She mentioned that her dad had always been young at heart; he didn't take a lot of medications, as most seniors do these days, and he was positive and energetic. It was surprising to everyone when he had a stroke, and his life changed. I didn't have the heart to ask if he was still living, but I have a feeling he had passed on. He was in his early 70's at that time. We had a good chat, and it seemed to do her heart good to talk to someone who reminded her of her dad's love for life and lack of concern for chronological age. I'm glad I brought a bright spot to her afternoon.

My life is a bit complex, so I have to remain flexible, because I have unexpected meetings, plus the daily one, so it makes it difficult to plan things. I was asked about two events for this week that required me to travel, so I declined. These days travel has not been easy for me due to some health imbalances, and that has been frustrating. I hope I'm not using it as an excuse, or at least I don't think I am. Honestly, there used to be a time when I was more spontaneous, eager to hop in my car and drive across the country alone. I miss that part of me, and I pray that she hasn't gone away, as that would be very sad.

When I'm "thinking" about things, and I feel myself wandering, the only way to snap myself out of this "spirit of heaviness" is to put on the garment of praise according to Isaiah 61. I turned on my music, and I began to feel the melancholy lift as I drifted into His presence. Listening to Matt Redmond's song Heart of Worship brought me to the place I needed to be:

 "When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come. Longing just to bring something that's of worth that will bless Your heart. I'll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself is not what You have required. You search much deeper within through the ways things appear. You're looking into my heart. I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it, when it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus."

This song touches my heart, because it seems as if we can get so burdened down by what is going on around us that it becomes meaningless, and when the noise lessens, and we're left alone in our thoughts, there's an emptiness, a void that can never be filled by anything other than Jesus. We cry out to Him for answers, but we already know the answer. What's missing is Him, but He never leaves us, so the distance has been on our part, not His. He goes on to sing:

"King of endless worth no one could express how much You deserve. Though I'm weak and poor, all I have is Yours, every single breath. I'll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself is not what You have required. You search much deeper within through the way things appear. You're looking into my heart. I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus. I'm sorry for the thing I've made it, when it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus."

Busyness robs us of time alone with Jesus, and nothing is as important as that. I know for myself that if upon rising in the morning from sleep I don't immediately get alone with Abba, distractions come that make it harder to quiet myself, and my time is not the same. But if I grab a cup of coffee, set out the cat's food and hurry into my room, turn on the music and settle down, my day begins without the noise and interruptions. He is my one thing, because my life is all about Jesus. At least this is my interpretation of what the author of the song was saying. If not, at least it brings me back to where I need to be, as many songs do, back to the heart of worship.

Day 140 Only One Thing

 

5/21/2026

"I have one thing to do today...

follow Him."

Matthew, The Chosen 

I'm listening to Steffany Gretzinger sing All Hail King Jesus, and it takes everything inside of me to keep myself seated and not jumping and leaping and praising God. It's hard to focus on what I'm trying to write. In fact I'm not certain what to write, how to write. I was struggling trying to play catch up, getting my notes written into blog posts, as I'm running behind again. For some reason I've been in a lot of pain, so I can't sit still long enough to finish typing. I can walk and pray, but I can't walk and type. Listening and singing, praising God at the top of my voice or in calm assurance, makes it difficult to focus when I can sit still. This is my life. 

I was telling Abba just last night that I haven't been able to be in this place of sitting in His Presence, waiting, listening, because of the distraction of the pain. But this evening, I sat on heat, on ice, I did whatever I had to do just to be still long enough to finish my work. Turning on my music I heard Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe singing Psalm 63, and I knew I was on my way back into His Presence. Now I'm babbling as I try to worship and write, not wanting anything I feel to escape, desiring to share my heart, wanting more. The pain is still present, but it's as if it's insignificant, and His Presence lifts me above it, away from the distractions, away from the noise.

The song Mikhsi U'Magen (Hebrew for my shelter and shield) is playing - Shelter Me (Psalm 91 - and the lyrics say:

"When the night is dark and weary, and I cannot find my way, You come close and whisper gently, 'Child, I'm with you every day.' Through the shadows and the silence, when my heart begins to break, You remind me of Your promise, that You never leave nor forsake."

"Ruach Elohim fill my heart with perfect peace. Yeshua you are my refuge, in You all my fears will cease. Shelter me beneath Your wings. El Shaddai my hiding place. Hold me close within Your love, and let me see Your holy face. 

I am safe, I am loved, in Your everlasting arms. You will carry me through, You will keep me from all harm. In the desert of my longing, when my soul is dry and bare, You provide the living water. Show me that You're always there.

When the storms of life surround me, and the winds begin to blow, You are my anchor and my fortress, You're the only hope my heart can know. 

Adonai rohi You restore my weary soul. Yeshua You are my portion. You have made my broken whole. Shelter me beneath Your wings. El Shaddai my hiding place hold me close within Your love. Let me see Your holy face."

It's really strange, but I didn't remember putting this playlist together, and when I checked, it appears that YouTube put this mix together for me based on my preferences, I imagine. It's a little weird to think that this program knows me so well, but I guess things could be worse. Actually, it's not a system that knows me or can read my moods or preferences, it's Holy Spirit ministering. I won't call it coincidence or by any other name other than what it is, an appointed time with my Lord. I can do nothing other than follow Him, praise Him, show Him my love, nothing else matters. "Jesus have it all, Jesus have it all! To You belongs the glory, blessing and all honor, majesty and awe!"

In my earlier reading today I read the following quotation by O Hallesby:

"Jesus is moved to happiness every time He sees that you appreciate what He has done for you. Grip His pierced hand and say to Him, 'I thank Thee, Savior, because Thou hast died for me.' Thank Him likewise for all the other blessings He has showered upon you from day to day. It brings Joy to Jesus."  

There's no other place I'd rather be than in His Presence, and it's why I seek out prayer rooms and 24/7 worship. This is the best part of my day. It's my one thing! I love to share my testimony, remembering all the things He's done for me. Today I had a dental appointment, so I had an audience. People need to know!

I'm listening to Upperroom Church, which is a 24/7 prayer, praise, and worship room in Dallas, Texas: 

"I don't know how to say exactly how I feel, and I can't begin to tell You what Your love has meant. I'm lost for words. If there's a way to show the passion in my heart, can I express how truly great I think You are. My dearest friend, Lord, this is my desire. To pour my love on You. Like oil upon your feet, like wine for You to drink, like water from my heart, I pour my love on You. If praise is like perfume, I'd lavish mine on You, til every drop is gone, I'll pour my love on You." (Pour My Love on You)

This song is my heart's cry. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for meeting me in this place. Lord, I pour my love on You! Now and forever! No place I'd rather be than here in Your love! May the reader find shalom.

Day 139 Hineni - Here I Am

 

5/20/2026

"For the ignorant, old age is like winter;

for the wise, it is a harvest."

 

Almost daily I either hear or read a derogatory remark about older people, as if we are of lesser value, social standing, or mental and physical capability than those younger than ourselves. Personally I have never given into the "age delineation," because I have always had a childlike mind and am drawn to the wonder of life and God's creation. I am not affected nor influenced by how another responds to life and living it. I simply am myself, so I function as myself focusing on what I am doing rather than on what someone may say or think I cannot do because of age. I spent far too many younger years being told what I could not do to be ensnared once more in that debilitating and egregious lie! Therefore, I encourage my fellow aging friends to focus on what scripture has to say about things, rather than man's opinion. One has only to consult the daily news to see that is a true statement. This is a year of harvest! More directly a year of spiritual harvest, as we are beginning to see what we have been praying for is certainly coming to pass.  

I must admit that I speak to the Lord way too many times about the remaining days of my life on this earth. I wonder if I should return to work, because so many people don't want to work if they can get paid to stay at home on welfare. But, this error in reporting is soon to be extinguished, as many able-bodied younger people are being evaluated to see if their claims to assistance are legitimate. Besides working and earning a wage and livelihood based on hard work and sweat is honorable and rewarding. Many of the available openings are in the field of social work or related case management positions, so I am perfectly suited and qualified. Recently I noticed that the new dental complex close to me were hiring, and I thought "I can do that!" After all I am a affable person with good customer skills, but I figured the owners would prefer a much younger person with a whiter smile. I figured that although I am quite computer literate and used to problem-solving, I'd much prefer a less public job anyway. But many older people are returning to work, because they aren't suited for retirement, only working hard, making a difference, or at least striving to do so wholeheartedly.

When Paul the Apostle was writing to Titus about setting up the church in Crete he said, "But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine; that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things - that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." (Titus 2:1-5) In other words, older men and women were valuable as they had lived their lives well, using the gifts and callings of God, and they had faced and overcome difficulties or challenges in their lives that younger people would encounter. They could benefit the younger men and women with their life knowledge and learned skills. Even younger children learn from older adults, grandparent models, whether they have one parent or two, extended families where each person is a vital part of the child's life. The need in the foster care system is extensive, and that's why I am so excited to see our First Lady Melania Trump's program to assist these foster care children in growing up in a caring, loving environment, receiving the proper education and support to be able to succeed in life. 

When I read reports about things going on in the nation, people going astray, uncertainty about one's identity, the shortage of teachers in the public school system, illiteracy in high school graduates, and a whole plethora of problems, it makes me want to sign up to help save the world. I think back over the lessons I've learned and the experiences I've gleaned in all these years of life, and I wonder if I have anything to offer someone, somewhere. My mind begins to explode with ideas, and my heart hope again. Is there anyone who needs anything I can offer. If so, here I am, Lord, send me! This is the echo of my heart's cry!   

Day 138 Wilderness Witness

 

5/19/2026

 "Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends

of the earth, neither faints nor is weary."

Isaiah 40:28

 

Waiting for something to happen, whether for good or for bad, is not a pleasant place to dwell. In all of life, at various times in our journey, we will experience waiting. In Genesis when Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, because they were jealous of him, although he was taken to Egypt and became the slave of government leaders, he found favor. Even when he was imprisoned under false charges, he found favor with the guard. When he was eventually set free he gained favor from the Pharaoh and became the second highest ranking official in Egypt. He never wavered from his faith, and he saved his family and the nation from starving during the famine. Even though what happened to him was unjust and undeserved, the Lord already had it planned out for His glory.

In Psalm 25:4-5 David is crying out to the Lord for deliverance and forgiveness, and he said: "Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." In many of David's psalms he cries out to the Lord for help and encouragement, even though as a shepherd he walked with God daily. In the quiet places in the field and in the wilderness, He knew his God.

This past week's Torah portion was called "Bamidbar" which in Hebrew means "in the wilderness." The reading began in Numbers 1:1 where the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai when He gave Moses the commandments and laws. Moses went up on the mountain to receive the Torah. The word "midbar' taken from "bamidbar" means "to speak." When Elijah was running from Jezebel, he went through the wilderness to Mount Sinai to find God. Just as with Moses, God spoke to Elijah, just as He spoke to Moses on the mountain. Prior to meeting with God, they had to go through testing. Moses had been wandering in the desert with a lot of grumbling and complaining going on. Elijah spent a 40 day journey through the wilderness to talk to God, and the angels ministered to him, so that he would have the strength to endure. Spending time in the wilderness is necessary for preparation and testing. And with preparation and testing comes long periods of waiting. But in these times, our hearing becomes more sensitive to the voice of God. In order to grow spiritually and mature in our faith we must endure the heat of the wilderness, the dry places in the desert, and the depth of the valleys. These are places of great victory.