212 End of a Normal Day

 

7/31/2026

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper,

and every tongue which rises against you

in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage

of the servants of the LORD, and their 

righteousness is from Me," says the LORD."

Isaiah 57:14  

 

My sleep has been very poor lately. I am used to getting up in the night trotting to the bath room after drinking too much water or even a glass of tea for supper, and I am used to be awakened during the night for something special - prayer for someone. The latter occasions I am very alert, so I don't have problems remaining awake, regardless of the hour and how late I had gone to bed in the first place. But last night I seemed to be up and down a lot, so it was easy to fall asleep again. Honestly, I really didn't want to get up, that is until I heard a voice sharply say "Linda!" and I shot up like a light! If I had heard "Linda Susan" I would have known I was in deep trouble, but this wasn't an angry voice, but a command, the best I can describe it. It was not even 5:30 am, and although I'd gone to bed too late, or early, I wasn't tired, and I knew I was meant to get up then. 

I remember being quite concerned about some information I had read in one of my devotionals yesterday, recalling also the conversation with my neighbor about not trusting anyone. Some other strange events had also happened in the evening, and I began to really sense the difficulty people are having and how closely they may be coming into these same feelings of despair by allowing distractions into their lives. The enemy is very deceptive, and he's cunning and smooth as butter on hot corn on the cob. I know, because I got caught up more than once into his snares, laid every so craftily, the players in my life primed and ready to go. Gratefully, God has always been my constant, so I was freed, and finally those doors closed tightly behind me. But I am more cautious now where my feet travel and whose company I keep. But it also made me more alert to what is going on around me. One friend recently told me that I might have a spirit of Issachar. Issachar was one of the sons of Jacob who, the scriptures say in 1 Chronicles 12:32 "were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do;..."   

What she was saying to me, I think, is that I knew things, but all I know is what God says is happening, and I am learning to discern by what I see and have learned. I don't think about having any special gifting when it comes to the prophetic. I do know that Holy Spirit tells me what to say when I am sent into a situation where I know I am about to be "set up" or falsely accused. I know what it feels like to deliver the message, almost get booted out of the house, only to be called two weeks later in a sort of apology to let me know I had spoken the truth - about something I had no clue about. This is how the Lord teaches me things I need to know sometimes. Only God knows why I must endure these weird experiences in order to deliver a word to someone who is hurting others. Someone who, interestingly enough, was a false prophet. I was still young in learning about the supernatural at that time. Little did I realize at the time how quickly my life would change as I grew in intercessory prayer. 

Later yesterday afternoon I read an article by Mario Murillo calling out a person who had likened their healing ministry to that of Kathryn Kuhlman, a person who had never met Miss Kuhlman, but Mario had known her. Actually I believe Mario said the person said "they were the next Kathryn Kuhlman."  Wow, that's pretty presumptuous of anyone to say, I thought. I'm glad Mario made the point that there can only be one Miss Kathryn Kuhlman, because God made her unique, and her gift of healing was not in her power, but Holy Spirit who lived inside of her. Many times I have listened to her speak and heal. All she talked about was the power of Holy Spirit in the room with her, not being able to minister without the presence of God living in her, and this is exactly what I speak about - dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. If we are serious about the call of God, about a relationship with Him, we must know and experience His presence. 

With evening services and Shabbat beginning soon, I decided that I needed to hustle out and cut the grass, but before I was to pull on my hiking boots and grab my cap and gloves, the phone rang. I answered to the troubled voice of my friend in New Mexico, obviously shaken by something, so I settled back down in my chair to listen. The grass could wait! My friend is a little younger than I am, and her husband is now in his 80's and his health is up and down, so my first thoughts were of him. They've been working on the well for about a week, and that's the last thing he needs to be doing in a drought, in fire season, inhaling the smoke of nearby wildfires. Thankfully, her husband was doing okay, other than still no luck getting the problems with the well sorted out.  

His sister moved over to New Mexico from California, and has been living in a nursing home in Santa Fe that costs a mint. My friend has to help take care of her, because they do not have adequate or competent staff in Memory Care to take care of the residents. The concern in my friend's voice was regarding his sister and the nursing facility. My friend had received a telephone call informing her of a meeting she had to attend regarding charges against her for smacking the resident in front of so-called witnesses. Had she not been so upset I would have laughed at this ludicrous accusation and obvious slander by some unhappy staff member who had been caught with her fingers in the pie, and called it a load of garbage, but I patiently listened to the story. Of course with cameras in the rooms, insufficient information, and on and on, it is easy to see that my first reaction was true - a load of garbage! Since I've known my friend for so many years, and I also was the case manager for her mother, I know her personality and mannerisms, as do many, many professionals in long term care, who also know her character, her patience, her kindness in responding to those who do not provide adequate care for residents. As a matter of fact, there have been many complaints voiced to her about this facility, and many have relocated their family members elsewhere. A plan of appropriate action was discussed based on my experience with such facilities, she was calmed, and I was able to pray for her. Monday she'll be able to deal with the situation peacefully, and hopefully the matter will be resolved. The devil has been busy once more, as the tell tale signs are obvious, but as with all trials, we must endure to the end. My friend is locked and loaded, spiritually speaking, for bear!

This is the first time I have prayed confidently, speaking God's words boldly with an individual since the death of a friend. I have been able to pray with groups where there's a leader, and we corporately agree with scripture, but not within a small group, other than my Thursday night online meeting. Naturally I talk to Abba about daily needs and long lists of prayer requests, including prayer points for Israel, Iran, American, and other countries and situations, but I've been dealing with some suppressed feelings that needed to be examined a bit more closely. But God knows that I've been MIA (missing in action) in some cases, and He's gotten my attention back on one to one ministry. I dropped out of another private group, because I felt that I didn't fit in, and whereas that may also be "a load of garbage" staged by the devil or my own insecurity at times, it may have been the best solution for me, although I do miss the people and appreciate the opportunity. Corporate prayer has in many ways distracted me from feeling able to pray one-on-one. I know that sounds lame, for lack of a better word, but I think you get the idea. Plus, each day the enemy unleashes more and more distractions, and I become fatigued by the condition of the sleeping church and by people who don't seem to call a spade a spade. I'm probably using old colloquialisms, but again, you get my meaning! 

I finally managed to get outside and cut the grass, except for one side. I got busy moving some things out of the way, so I could cut an area I failed to clear completely before the rains came, so I had to leave it for Monday. I must say it does look nice, but my Sabbath rest started at 6 pm with Shabbat in the Home, so all work ends and rest begins. Prior to that I enjoyed a meal cooked by my son, who is a huge help to me, and later on I watched a movie. Yes to popcorn, Junior Mints, and Coke! It was a perfect way to begin another day of rest. I'm anxious to see what tomorrow brings!

211 Strength in Weakness

 

7/30/2026

"To say prayers in a decent, delicate way is not heavy work. But

to pray really, to pray till hell feels the ponderous stroke, 

to pray till the iron gates of difficulty are opened, till the mountains

of obstacles are removed, till the mists are exhaled and the clouds

are lifted, and the sunshine of a cloudless day brightens - 

this is hard work, but it is God's work and man's best labor."

 

Some days, most days here lately, my journal is full of ramblings about a world gone mad, pastors and their flock going another way, and once stronger Christians losing faith, weary from the lateness of the hour and the ignorance of those who watch it happen. So where do I fit in the list? 

It's disconcerting to hear my once strong neighbor speak about everyone being corrupt, not being able to trust anyone, and wanting to escape where there's no news. Sadly, there's no such place. Technology has even reached the backwoods of my securest hiding places, so we have to determine to shut devices off and learn to relax. Many are being told that God is in control, so we don't have to be concerned, but we do need to be aware and pray. I won't repeat myself about being a doer of the word, but more action is required if we want to resist the devil and be a voice against the evil in this lawless society. 

My neighbor is much younger than I am, still working, but the office has its own drama. Recently she lost her precious puppy of nineteen years, and this has had a devastating effect on her. Her heart is broken, and rightly so, as pets are so innocent and dependent on their humans that it's like having another child and a best friend. Dogs listen when we're sad, and they cheer us up when nothing else can. It's their unconditional love. Shortly after Fido's death, she learned that a close friend, who had been diagnosed with cancer, had passed away. She admitted that she just didn't think she could handle much more.

Each day I receive numerous emails and text messages asking for prayer for someone with a new diagnosis of cancer. One mention of that diagnosis, and a person flies into a panic. Then the next thing is to ask for prayer, and although they are asking many times for healing, the undertones of doubt are evident. A sense of hopelessness fills the church.

So where do I stand, or fit, in the list above? I haven't changed my point of view, because I know my Redeemer lives, and I know that He conquered death, hell, and the grave, because He said He did. I believe His word, and I stand on it. With all my heart I try to think on the "good, the pure, the lovely, the things of a good report; if there's any virtue, if there is any praise, I think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Many things are happening in our world, in our country, but we must keep our focus fixed on Jesus Christ, and be in the word of God. If we are going to walk in faith, we must know why we believe in Christ and put our trust in God in the first place. It's very important to be part of a local church, the body of Christ, with a pastor who teaches the uncompromising word of God. We can't pick and choose scriptures, so when we read and study the Bible, study the scriptures in context. Unless we are grounded in scripture, it becomes increasingly easy to become confused when the enemy brings doubts into our minds and to deviate from the plan of God for our lives. 

Things are happening that I never thought possible, although scripture said it would happen. It's easy to become discouraged when we see well-known men and women of God become ensnared in unholy actions. But rather than become involved in gossip and criticism, use it as an opportunity to pray for others and for restoration. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Each day I ask God to set a guard over my thoughts and mouth. If we are to be salt and light in this world, representing Christ to those who do not know Him, then we must examine our hearts daily. We are called to be His hands and feet, reaching out to others. 

In order to do our jobs we have to be rested up and ready to move when God said "Go!"  

Day 210 The Language of Faith

 

7/29/2026 

"A great leader never sets himself above his followers

except in carrying responsibilities."

Daily Walk

 

"Jeg gør det på min måde, og det er okay" is a Danish phrase that means "I do it my way, and that is okay." It expresses personal freedom, self-acceptance, and confidence in one's own choices."

I stumbled across this photo, and I thought that it expressed my idea of freedom - one who is content in their own skin, someone who doesn't conform to social norms, someone who feels free enough to be who she or he truly is - unique. Although liberated in style, this lady is modest, just casual and comfortable. Personally I love her boots and socks. It reminds me of my wardrobe when I lived in New Mexico. Now that I'm older, I haven't really changed who I am or my style, I just don't have the opportunity to go many places, and my wardrobe has gotten limited and extremely old, but not too tattered to continue to wear. One of my dreams is to create fashion with a creative flair, just like this lady, but the textiles are not readily available. I have been wearing my hiking boots to work in the yard and cut the grass. Walking over mole-infested earth is like taking a trek up a muddy slope, only more sinking than slipping. Fortunately, the little varmints have moved on to the neighbor's house up the street since we got our new earth-friendly pest control. Now I just have to contend with the irregular lay of the land. My boots make it easier and so much fun!  

If my hiking boots were clean, and not green from grass stain, I'd probably wear them to church. I enjoy walking to church, even on hot days, so I wear tennis shoes most days. My "earth shoes" feel like walking barefoot, but sadly they fell apart after twenty years - imagine that! Nothing lasts forever anymore! I've always worn long skirts, and most of those are still hanging on after thirty-five years. Rayon is hard to find these days, but the fabric holds up and looks well for years. My home sewn skirts can attest to that! My tennis shoes may clash with my Sunday best, especially the red ones, but they cushion my feet for the walk and are still acceptable.

Personality is very important, and we are each unique in God's eyes. He created us in His image to represent Him to the world. Right now the world has veered so far off the straight and narrow road that old-fashioned ways I grew up with - like respecting God's house  - have been compromised to make people feel "comfortable" which somehow makes them feel more accepted. I didn't realize that it took a cup of coffee and a bagel to do that. Silly me! I thought I thought a friendly "welcome" and a hug made people feel good. I thought our food and drink was the word of God. I don't eat in church, unless I'm having a meal in the fellowship hall. I feel this is respect for God's house where He meets with us. Also,  our body is the temple of Holy Spirit, so we should always be concerned with our appearance and the manner in which we conduct ourselves and live our lives. Jesus welcomed all just as they are, but once we accept Christ as Savior and Lord, we give of the best to our Master, and our appearance chances - inside to outside. We are called to be salt and light to this world lost in darkness, and our celebration of the Lord's Supper is not a eat all you want time, rather it is a time to remember His sacrifice for us. Children need to understand this observance.

I'm not here to criticize or dog on anyone. I am attempting to convey the thought that while individuality is a good thing, when it becomes compromise, even if it begins with the purest of intentions, can turn things away from what God intended. In churches, church growth is necessary on a practical sense to keep the lights on and the doors open. As I attempted to say in an earlier blog, God wants us focused on building His kingdom than adding numbers to our individual churches. The book of Acts is the clearest example of the church God ordained, even to the flow of the gifts of the Spirit, but that is another subject, perhaps for another day.

God's desire is to see His kingdom come. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, His first words were: "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven." God's desire from the beginning was to dwell in relationship with us, but man had his own ideas. They wanted a king like the heathen nations, so God chose Saul, whose pride was his downfall, as is often a detriment today. There are two scriptures that clearly speak of leadership:

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." (Romans 13:1)

"And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." (Daniel 2:21)

The scripture in Romans is often misinterpreted as meaning we are obligated to agree with whomever is in leadership, regardless of what they are saying, doing, or legislating. But this is not totally accurate. We are to be law-abiding and live in peace, and we respect and pray for our leaders, but we obey God rather than man when things are contrary to His will and direction. So when there is a choice to be made, as believers in Christ, we follow God. This is not to say we are rebellious, it only means that we stand on the side of righteousness. As followers of Christ, we must be bold and courageous and never fear man, but we are to respect positions of authority. Colossians 4:5-6 says: "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." 

Our language should always be the language of faith in God's word, and our actions should represent our trust and hope in Him as the Author and Finisher of our faith. One way we make a difference and have a positive voice in our world is to become involved in the working of our government, whether in leadership or volunteer service, but we do not base our decisions on a party or political thought, but on Biblical statutes. What does the Word of God say. One way we have a positive voice in our nation is to vote, and it is a freedom and civic duty afforded us as citizens. Rather than complain, we can participate and engage. This is being a doer of the word and not a hearer only. 

I just read in Daily Walk that "God specializes in using the obscure to accomplish the awesome." We don't always have to be wealthy, or know the right people, or have endorsements of others in leadership to be chosen by God to do His work. He asks for surrender, obedience, and faith. Confidence in being who He has called us to be, even when we may feel foolish in the eyes of the world. But the Lord feels differently:

"For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence." (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) 

Let us walk in the confidence He has given us and do the things that are pleasing in His sight - in faith!

Day 209 My Sister - My Friend

 

7/28/2026 

"God specializes in using little-known people

and lightly-valued objects to accomplish

great feats to His glory."

Daily Walk

 

Today is my sister's 70th birthday, and much like mine, almost six years ago, the day was just another day. That's how it goes as we become older. Our children are older, so birthdays becomes common and not as special, not even for the one celebrating. At least that's the way it is in many circles of life. I want to change that! I think birthdays should always be special, and each year more expressive. I am determined to do something about it! Perhaps we'll enjoy a day of relaxation and utter surprise. We have had some times like that, so that's one of our secret schemes - getting away and enjoying places we both love that are closer to home. Not too long ago we went to Blacksburg for her grandson's graduation from Virginia Tech. That was our second visit to that great old college, our brother's alma mater, but I don't remember attending his graduation.  

My sister told me once that she had dreams of being a nurse. It makes me sad that she lacked the confidence to follow her dream after her children were grown. Some have pursued college after having children. I did. Age doesn't matter as much as it used to, and people are returning to school later in life. That opens many doors of possibilities...or it should.

When we settle for life as it is, and we get so busy just trying to get everything done during the day that  we need to do, we have little time for anything else. My sister would have made a wonderful nurse. She has always been very quiet, calm, and easy-going. Although she is six years younger than I, we did play together growing up, but I wasn't much of a dolls girl. I'd much rather be outside, in a tree, riding a stick horse, or roller skating. As we grew up and had our own friends we really didn't do things together. Neither one of us learned to drive a car until after we graduated. I always had my nose in a book, but I was also very sickly with migraines. My sister has told me that she has little memory of her childhood, and I guess we all choose to forget things. 

After we were both married and had children, we spent more time together taking the kids to the park or the zoo. I was very involved in my children's schools, volunteering, and I also worked and volunteered at church. She was always there for me when I needed a babysitter, as my husband worked 3 - 11 pm shift at work and often didn't come home until the morning. My sister had her own tales of woe, but she, like I, managed to get through, do what we needed to do, raise our children, and find time to enjoy life. We make our mistakes in the process of living, trying to find purpose, but we keep going. It's what my mama always said to do - keep plugging. As I write this, I wonder...did we plug on too much? We should have taken the time to do other things, pursue other goals. I always tended to burn the candle at both ends, but I was so busy surviving my life that I wonder how much I actually helped my sister survive hers.

After high school I went to college, not the dream I had, one of the first to be discouraged, but due to illness I had to stop. Later, when my children were small, I went back to college in an attempt to pursue my dream, and although I graduated, it was a struggle - not at first - but later, as things at home became difficult, mistakes were made with poor decisions, so I settled into another path. Little did I know that this "settling" would gain me a wealth of education useful later in life, but sadly, I did not understand that it could have been the answer to my dreams, had I only had the confidence. In this way my sister and I are very much alike. She probably doesn't see that characteristic in me, as she sees me differently, as having great experiences in life and education. And yes, God has given me an education, and yes, I've done a great many things, many out of desperation and survival, but there's been a high price paid. We learn to hide our feelings, put on a smile, and treat life as if all is fine. We become good actors. As I write these words I wonder how she does see me now. When I see my sister's life, I see a much more accomplished individual than I could ever be. I admire her quiet consistency, her loving nature, and her desire to always make life better for everyone else.

We lost a lot of time together, times we both needed each other desperately, when my family moved away to New Mexico. I was 36 years old at that time. Our children also lost close friendships with their cousins, but we go when we have to, and we follow our husbands when they say go. I wonder how Sarah felt when God told Abraham to pick up and leave their home to go who knows where. Women don't have a choice really, a say so or opinion, as wives we support our husbands and pray that things go well. My sister has always been a dutiful wife, and she only came to visit us in New Mexico once, the first time our parents visited. My parents returned twice a year, and I came back home to visit them as much as I could. The only other time my sister came to New Mexico was to make the drive to Virginia when I moved home, thirty-five years later. Although I spent time with her while I was home, my time then was mostly with mama and daddy. Over all those years, even though we kept in touch as sisters do...or should...we missed much of each other's lives. I regret that. I wish I could have been with her when she really needed me. I wish I could have encouraged her more to pursue her dreams. I wish...I wish!

Since I've been home these five years, we haven't been able to spend as much time together as I wish we could. She is so busy with her church, her grandchildren, her garden, and taking care of her husband and her younger son, who suffered head trauma after graduating from high school, pursuing his goals. Life has a way of changing in ways we never imagine. For both my sister and I our lives have been challenging, but each of us has survived with testimonies of a God who loves us, who holds our hands, who leads our way. My sister's faith is tender, and the greatest joy I have is to see her so busy giving of her time and service to others. In her own way, she has been and is a nurse. The highest honor of a nurse is to comfort those who are sick, giving hugs, holding hands while listening, bringing goodies and loving them when their families have other things to do. Just as my dream of becoming a missionary doctor has been realized in a somewhat different path, my sister's gifts are being enjoyed by many in her church and community. I am so proud of the life my sister lives and her service to our Lord and Savior. She truly is the hands and feet of our Jesus, and she makes many hearts smile, mine included.

As with all of us, or at least all who will be honest, we wish things could have been different, but when we stop to truly look at our lives, noticing God's hand on us in the hardest of times, He has never failed, and in many ways our lives have been better. We cannot relive the past moments of childhood and do things over, or make up for the lost moments in time - years in our case, but we can go forward and learn to know and experience life now. 

My sister and I each have our experiences in life, our tattered dreams, our misguided decisions, but we have the most important thing in common - we both love Jesus, and our joy is serving Him daily, whether it be loving her husband, supporting and encouraging him when she'd rather be out playing with her grandchildren or giggling with me or arranging flowers at church to take to the shut ins. I may have more miles and greater adventures in life, but my sister has a life I wish I could have had, and I am so proud of all she has accomplished and continues to do to make our world better and in service to our King. I love you, Dee! Thank You, Abba, for giving me one of Your chosen ones as a sister. May I bring as much joy to her life as she brings to mine. Happy Birthday!  

Day 208 The Kingdom

 

7/27/2026

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things will be added to you."

Matthew 6:33

 

For two mornings now I have been visited by a beautiful blue bird, clothed in a deep shade of cornflower, who has been gracing me with its presence. The first morning it flew past the kitchen window while I was praying, and it lit on the lawn directly in front of me, it seemed to look in my direction as we locked eyes,  then off it flew just as quickly as it appeared. The next morning it appeared as I was sitting in my chair in the bedroom, looking out over the field. It's as if the bird wanted me to know someone heard my prayers. Maybe Holy Spirit uses blue birds as well as doves as messengers to let us know He's listening. I've noticed that we have many cardinals, too, and it reminds me of my mama, as she loved cardinals. A nice memory.

Many times as I am praying, the words of Psalm 24 come to mind as I gaze out the window taking in the beauty of creation. I've learned to take nothing for granted, especially the gifts of His incredible love for us which are visible in every sunrise, moonbeam, chirping cricket, and even hot, muggy days in Virginia. There's always a reason to be thankful, a reason to praise the Lord. When I begin to feel "less" because my kitchen floor is splitting and buckling, and the plastered walls are cracked, I have to repent, because many people do not have a home. Holy Spirit gently reminds me that Jesus did not have a place to lay His head. Watching The Chosen is a constant reminder that Jesus lacked all luxuries, even a rusted refrigerator that leaks - another of my treasured relics inherited with the house. It makes me smile, chuckle actually, when I am impatient about getting repairs and replacements or asking someone to help or at least advise me. These are temporal matters. Even so, I know He expects us to take care of what He has loaned us, so He tolerates my momentary impatience, that is as long as I quickly return my focus to what is truly important.

In our study before our prayer call this morning, Peter Tsukahira, one of the pastors of Kehilat HaCarmel Church, shared his testimony of how he became a citizen of Israel. He is a Japanese-American, raised in Boston who has been living in Israel for 30 years since God straightened out his theology regarding His chosen people and His redemptive plan for Israel in the end times. I remember Peter saying once that he had to relearn everything he learned in seminary in America. He has been a strong spokesman on behalf of Israel and the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, attempting to educate churches and pastors about the false doctrine called Replacement Theology that claims that the Church has taken the place of the Jews, that the covenant between Israel and God has been broken, and Jesus made a new covenant with the church, or some nonsense like that. I'm not a theologian, but I can clearly see the error in this teaching made abundantly clear by Paul the Apostle in Romans, Chapters 9 - 11. In fact if one carefully reads the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation God's feelings are very clear, and He changes not!

Something else he said rang true to me, because I pray about it often - continuously actually. Even though it is obvious that we are living in the last days, especially with increased antisemitism, lawlessness, perversion, wars and rumors of war, severe climate changes, and many other "birth pangs" Jesus mentioned would happen, pastors are turning a blind eye to the scriptures. They do not want to discuss "politics" and don't want to upset anyone, especially those who oppose Israel. Besides they are building their churches and their membership, following the command of Jesus, but really are they? Yes, Jesus said to go into Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth and preach the gospel, but what else did He say? Make disciples, of course, but more. After John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus began his public ministry, and his words were: 

"Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.'" (Mark 1:14-15)

Jesus spoke of building the kingdom of God, a kingdom that is not of this earth. He spoke of the kingdom of God in the parable of the sower and the seeds in Mark 4:26-29. In Luke 13:18-21 he shared about the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven. And in Luke 17:20-21 He said:

"Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation: nor will they say, See here! or See there!. For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.'"

The message Jesus taught, and the building of the church as in the book of Acts, was not to birth super churches or plan programs. The spreading of the gospel Jesus taught about was about the kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 the Apostle Paul explains it as:

"I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality."

It appears that we must begin to think about what Jesus is saying and become more concerned with people outside of the church that we attend. And yes, I know about community outreach, but how much is to build the kingdom of God, and how much is to fill our pews? We need to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn to do things God's way. Standing with Israel is one huge adjustment many need to make, as the media and others have brought in much confusion with regards to supporting Israel and continuing the war with Iran. Also, when many of us attempt to share about God's plan for Israel's restoration in the end times, pastors take offense. The enemy has blinded their eyes, even to scripture. This makes me so sad. If we as the church can understand our position as being grafted into the vine as wild olive shoots (Romans 9-11), then the rest should be obvious. But it is not to many, those whose eyes are blinded by satan who is the master deceiver. I say this not in criticism, as I am not an accuser of the brethren, but I cry from my heart for us to awaken from our slumber and heed the counsel of God. Jesus came as the Light to the world. The church is not God's kingdom, but His way to the kingdom, the kingdom of God within us, the kingdom Jesus preached. We are called to be His lights to the world, drawing them to the kingdom of God, the message of heaven that Jesus came suffered horrendously for our sins - all sins, past, present, future - and He gave His life, was buried and He arose from the dead just as He said He would. He ascended to heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us. And He is coming again to gather believers in Christ, and then, after the tribulation, He is coming to judge the world. The role of the church today with regard to Israel is to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and through our faith in Christ, to provoke the Jews to jealousy so they will recognize Jesus as Messiah! God has said, and His word is truth - all of Israel will be saved!

I don't know if I worded any of that correctly, but I cry out from my heart to read the scripture in deep humility, laying aside what we think we know, and yielding to the power of God's Holy Spirit who resides within us. Read the Bible in context, and cover to cover, praying for clarity from Holy Spirit who reminds us of what Jesus taught us through the disciples and the word. The Kingdom of God is at hand! 

Day 207 Chosen People

 

7/26/2026 

"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,

and He who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not,

for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name;

you are Mine.'"

Isaiah 43:1

 

Baby dedications are very special times for parents who have given their lives to Christ and who desire to raise up their children according to God's ways. When a child is dedicated to the Lord, it is not the same as baptism. Baptism comes when a child is old enough to understand what it means to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, when they surrender their lives and dedicate them to a life hidden in Christ. When a child is dedicated to the LORD the parents, along with the support of the church, are promising to raise the child in a life that is separate, training them in the ways of God as described in the Bible. I don't know if there were baby dedications when I was born, but I do know that besides my parents, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles, my life was influenced by many people, and I was guided by Sunday School teachers and family friends who taught me and kept me on the straight and narrow. I have so many precious memories of my life, and the friends at Central Baptist Church.

Before going to my church this morning I checked in on another local body, Pastor Stan at Cloverhill was doing baby dedications in the early service. The children were young, and they didn't really say anything, or at least I did not hear them speak. I love it when young children grow old enough to understand salvation, and before they are baptized they are questioned as to why they are being baptized. It is a wonderful thing to listen to the purity of a young life dedicating themselves to Jesus. I remember my baptism when I was eight or nine years old. I know I accepted Christ at age eight, but sometimes the baptism does not happen immediately. Although I was young, I know that I knew who Jesus was and is, because I feel that He's always been a huge part of my life. He has been and remains my life. When my children were born, they were each dedicated at Central Baptist Church, and later they were baptized at Colonial Heights Assembly of God. Amazing memories - ones the enemy would love to destroy.

I was reading today that "Neuroscientists have discovered that as the brain develops during the adolescent years, the prefrontal cortex, which is the decision-making center of the brain, develops a mechanism through which impulses are filtered and not instantly acted upon." 

Psalm 139:13-16 in The Living Bible describes our amazingly designed bodies as:

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in Your Book!"

We have to do everything we can to guard and support our children and grandchildren - all children! They are a blessing from the God of all Creation! 

Day 206 See What the Lord Has Done!

 

7/25/2026

"One generation makes known Your 

faithfulness to the next."

 

Isaiah 39:19b 

 

Nathaniel Bassey, a Nigerian pastor, singer, and worship leader, who can blow a mean trumpet, opened our global prayer call this morning with the song, "See What the Lord Has Done." He is such a gifted young man who can call heaven down to earth, and the peace of God fills the house. It opens the way nicely for our Sabbath day remembrance of Jesus by the breaking of bread and drinking of wine, or in my case, grape juice. I love sharing communion with my friends each week, as we remember together. His sweet presence is with us as we gather together, especially on these days.

Yesterday, our worship song was an old-time favorite of mine by Paul Wilbur, whose ministry I support, and who goes back to the early days of Integrity Music, like Don Moen and Terry MacAlmon, two other artists I treasure. The song by Paul Wilbur was "In His Presence," and the lyrics go like this:

"In Your presence, that's where I am strong; in Your presence, O Lord my God. In Your presence that's where I belong, seeking Your face, touching Your grace, in the cleft of the Rock, in Your presence, O God.

I want to go where the rivers cannot overflow me, where my feet are on the rock. I want to hide where the blazing fire cannot burn me, in Your presence, O God.

I want to hide where the flood of evil cannot reach me, where I'm covered by the blood of the Lamb. I want to be where the schemes of darkness cannot touch me, in Your presence, O God."

It's such a peaceful song, as is the one by Nathaniel Bassey. I love quiet worship, especially when I'm relaxing on my day of Sabbath rest. We are reminded today by Moses in the Torah portion of scripture today to remember all the Lord has done for Israel and for we who believe in Messiah. In the book of Deuteronomy Moses is reminding the people of Israel of the Lord's presence with them beginning with their journey from captivity in Egypt all the way to the Promised Land where they are about to enter into, after wandering the wilderness for 40 years due to disobedience. Moses will not be going with them on this last leg of the journey, because he disobeyed God's command in his anger towards the people who were constantly grumbling and complaining. Rather than speak to the rock for water, Moses struck the rock, so God punished him by not allowing him to enter into the land of promise. 

 

In Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Moses begins with the Shema that is spoken daily in Israel in synagogue reminding the people that there is One God, and He alone is God:

 

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

 

Moses is instructing the people to pay heed to the word of God and to fear and reverence Him as Holy. He reminded them to teach the children God's precepts and to love and follow all His laws and commandments faithfully. All throughout the pages of this book, Moses repeats these words several times, because he does not want them to sin, to fall into disobedience and cause the wrath of God to fall upon them. Moses has just spent forty years traveling the wilderness with these people, so he knows how they can be. We are instructed to follow the same rules, so we will live in peace and prosperity. But we, like the children of Israel, do not always obey God's perfect law. We think we know better, and we tend to grumble and complain wen things go wrong. We were born in sin, so it is part of our human nature, but as born-again believers, we must do better and follow the example of Christ Jesus.

 

Bill Cloud, the shepherd/pastor at Jacob's Tent where I attend services online on the Sabbath, taught from the same Torah portion, and he also reminded us of the importance of heeding the word and counsel of the Lord. In scripture we are commanded not to add to or take away from God's word:

 

"You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:2)

 

 "Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." (Proverbs 30:6)

 

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." (Revelation 22:18-19).

 

Moses again repeats the commands in Deuteronomy 4:15-19. He warns Israel about compromising their relationship with God by following the pattern of the culture rather than obeying God. We are called to be holy, set apart people surrendered to God's will, and yet we follow the same wayward path. As God's chosen people, grafted in by the grace of God, we are not to conform to the world's way of doing things, because God has given us a far, far better way to live. We have only to lift up our eyes to see all that the Lord has done!