4/9/2025
The enemy roams around seeking whom he may devour.... This is one of those days when I feel like he's trying to pull me away and isolate me from others. I've had to fight so many thoughts entering into my head for good reason, but not allowing these distractions to dominate my actions, or reactions. So I decided to take a little journey today and get some fresh air and a clear perspective. Now I know those statements may not mean anything to most, as I am talking in circles here, but hopefully you get the gist of it. The enemy was hot on my heels today, but he did not succeed. I am wise to his nonsense.
I woke up a little later today, but I was able to catch Pastor Jack's five minute prayer. In five minutes he can say so much. The main takeaway today is to stand firm in the Lord. I think that is the most important bit of encouragement and advice that we can receive and follow, especially with so much happening so fast. Evil forces are attempting to turn the hearts of many away from truth or clear thinking. People are following the crowd with crowd mentality dominating rather than using common sense and making responsible stands. Again, I may be speaking in circles to some, but for the more observant and enlightened reader my words will be understood.
I went to see The Chosen The Last Supper Part 2 this afternoon by myself. Plans to go with friends fell through, so I decided at the last minute to go alone. I used to do everything alone when I lived in New Mexico, and I discovered that I can still enjoy it. I'm glad I went, because it's a compelling story, well written and well acted. I've followed this series since the beginning, and I still watch and re-watch the episodes over and over, as it settles my heart, especially when I need to climb up into Abba's lap and just rest awhile. Be still and know moments. Season 5 as I have mentioned in previous blogs is based on the time period of Jesus entering Jerusalem on the young donkey through the events leading up to the crucifixion. Eight episodes covering one week in the lie of Jesus and His apostles. Intense!
As we get closer to the Passover celebration this weekend and Palm Sunday, we mentally prepare as some tangibly remove the leaven or chametz from the homes. This is part of the Jewish tradition of removing anything containing leaven from their homes for the seven days of the Passover observance. It is in remembrance of when they had to hurry to leave Egypt. They did not have time to prepare homemade bread, as it required time to rise, then it had to be baked, requiring additional time. When they were fleeing Egypt, they did not have the time to wait for the bread to rise. They were to kill the Passover lamb, putting the blood on the doorposts and lintels of the doors, so the death angel would pass by, not killing the first born. This was the last plague before Pharaoh allowed the Jews to leave Egypt. They were to eat the Passover meal hurriedly, ready to leave when the time came. Jesus instructed the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, but He was not referring to baking products. He was speaking of the condition of their hearts. So we are to avoid or remove anything that is not pleasing to God from our hearts and lives.
Catholics and Christians observe the 40 days of Lent, and traditionally one gives up something that is a cost or sacrifice for them during this time leading up to Resurrection Sunday or Easter. This has become rote for many, as they give up something that will not be an inconvenience to them simply because if they are good Catholics, meaning they attend Mass every Sunday, then it is required to give up or sacrifice something. One man I know gives up candy, but he is not really a chocoholic, he just enjoys a piece of candy now and then, so I'm not quite so sure this is a meaningful sacrifice. Many are not taught the benefit of fasting meals, but then, many are always fasting, because they are part of a group, and it is required. I don't want to do anything just because someone other than God is requiring me to participate in something. God sees and knows if we are sincere, and I am trying not to do anything without His express approval. Fasting separates us from any distractions so that we can become focused on the Lord, seeking Him in prayer, waiting before Him. Normally this is abstaining from food in varying ways and for differing time periods, but now it includes abstaining from other things, such as tv or social media and spending that time with the Lord. In this day and age that could be a very good challenge or sacrifice. Whatever we do or don't do, sacrifice or not, we do all for the glory of God the Father. I want to be holy before Him, and I don't want to waste time rehearsing. I want to be intentional about what I am doing, truly making a sacrifice for Him.
This is a holy time for me, as all the feasts of the Lord have meaning. I want to know and understand everything. I never want to take His word for granted. So, I'm leaning in, focusing on, and listening to His voice. I have much to learn as I sit at His feet.