Day 97 1000 Cubits

4/7/2025

Besides being behind, dazed and confused, and other dizzying effects from staying up late, not eating correctly, and biting off more than I can chew, I am lagging behind in My Daily Walk read through the Bible. I have been "walking through the Bible" with a new friend who is part of my Thursday Harvest study group, and reading the book of Daniel daily with another prayer study group, along with my personal study of Hebrews, and on and on, but I think today's "catching up" revealed an answer to a previous dream. Sometimes God only gives me one or two words, maybe three. I won't go into the dream, as it is detailed, and I don't completely understand fully, but the last words I heard that day were "1,000 cubits." Then I woke up. I'm thinking, "What does that even mean, Lord?" I could not recall the number 1000 being used in scripture, except maybe horses or number of men fighting, but my search brought one result from Ezekiel 47:3-8:

³ And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. ⁴ Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. ⁵ Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed. ⁶ He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river.

⁷ When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other. ⁸ Then he said to me: “This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed.  

The book of Ezekiel, who is a priest and a prophet, ministers to the people of Israel who have been exiled for 70 years in Babylon, and the rebuilding of the temple, but it is also prophetic in the restoration of Israel in the final days and the return of the Lord. In regard to what I feel my dream was a call to go deeper, to surrender wholly unto the Lord. Like I said there was more to the dream, but in considering my reading today, and what I feel God is showing me, I know that God is trying to awaken the church to His purpose and not their own, and this applies to each of us. I know that each day of my life I am trying to focus more, not on man's opinion of what I should be doing or even praying about, but on what the Lord is speaking to me. This is the relationship that He longs to have with each of His children. He is separating the sheep from the goats.

The book of Daniel also gives a glimpse into the prophetic, as Daniel dreams a disturbing dream, and as he prays and fasts for 21 days, the angel appears telling him that God answered his prayer the first day he set his face to seek him, but that spiritual warfare in heaven hindered the messenger from getting through. Daniel was given a glimpse into the future, the end time, and we are witnessing the birth pangs of those moments he saw. These are perilous times, and we can even see what is happening if we are discerning the times and hearing the voice of the Lord. But it is not a time to fear, unless you are not ready to meet Jesus, because God is setting things in motion. Even our new President and his administration, all of it, is prophetic. This is a time to seek the Lord, to find our place in what God is doing. 

I began my blog speaking about my running behind, but actually I think I am right where I am supposed to be. This morning I picked up my Daily Walk Bible to get caught up, and I am stalled on the very day where I left off. In the commentary, the writer is speaking about Solomon's temple, and in 1 Kings 8 he says to God: Why, even the skies and the highest heavens cannot contain you" (8:27). "The Lord is God, and...there is no other god at all" (8:60. "Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises proclaimed by his servant Moses" (8:56). Then the writer asks the question "What size is your God?" 

I think it goes back to the prophetic word I shared two Saturdays ago, when God spoke through his servant during a service telling the people to humble themselves, allow time for worship, not to put God into a box or stifle the move of Holy Spirit. This is surrender to Him. Yielded to His service and to His timetable. Being clean before Him, ready to forgive, repent, to obey. This is our God, and He is Holy. It's time that we become serious about choosing to walk with Him, denying ourselves, picking up our cross daily, and following Him. It will become harder in time, as the path is risky, but following Him is worth any risk. In the end, it can mean death, as it has already to so many who choose to follow Him. I post almost daily news regarding martyrs in the faith, and it is increasing. But in Revelation 12:11 it says: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." There's a cost to following Jesus, but we get to choose! So, what size is your God?

Day 96 Sunday Insanity

4/6/2025

Sunday is my second favorite day of the week, Shabbat my favorite, both days of rest from all work, free of stress. I have the best of both worlds - Gentile and Jewish. I welcomed the day and thanked Abba for the new day. I fed the cat and said "good morning" to my son. We even played around with our little (stuffed) Grinch, animating the grouchy little fellow and bantering playfully back and forth. Silly little game we play that may seem childish, but we need to be childish some days, most days. I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed back to my room to spend some quiet time with Abba before the GPG start of my day. I've spoken of the time I spend alone with God, listening, worshiping, and studying the Bible. This is important for my day, and for my life as my desire is to grow closer to Him. When I got back to my room with my coffee, I don't know what happened, but I felt so confused. All these disturbing thoughts were going through my head, and I just seemed a little discombobulated. I remembered the dream I had about having to start and stop whatever I was doing, and start again, never accomplishing anything. There was a long line of work stations, and I would go to one, then the next, and on and on, never really finishing the one before. I couldn't remember all of it, but it seems as if something was missing or something amidst. My mind got jumbled from the previous night, wondering, as always, what some of my dreams are about, and if they have any meaning or relevance for today. This one seemed important somehow, so this confusion was disconcerting to say the least.

Later, I began thinking about the blog I had posted the night before, as I was finishing up another one for the next day. I had gotten behind, and my notes on each day seemed jumbled to me. This has never happened to me to this extent, not since my last blow to the head. I thought I had forgotten a day, and I thought I'd mixed up the posts from the actual days. I had my notes for each blog, but I had not been able to find the time to just finish it. I was a mess! I tried talking to my son, Daniel, and I think he became concerned about my mental health. So I decided to just take my shower and get ready for church, as the prayer call would begin soon, and I wanted to be ready to leave for church services right after the meeting ended. It's such a beautiful day, I thought the walk to church would do me good. Clear my head!

I sorted out my mess with the blogs, and I discovered that I had put my cleaning blip on the wrong day, but that wasn't a big deal, as it fit into what I was writing and added a bit of whimsy. I always have crazy thoughts as it is. I fumbled my way through the prayer call, and afterwards, I walked to church without falling into a ditch or being hit by a car or truck. I even crossed the highway without stopping traffic. Pastor John has been teaching from Galatians, and this will be my third study of the book this year. I should be an expert by the time we're finished. There are so many events going on at the church that trying to keep up confuses me. But all is well. After I returned home, I had some time to rest a bit, eat a little and think about my debacle over my memory. I realized that I have not eaten well for two days, and my body and mind have been effected. From now on, I am going to ensure that I have something ready before I go to services, because I have multiple things to do, and eating has never been high on my list. Now at the end of the day, I am finishing the blog of the day on the right day, relating the correct thoughts. I'm sure I left something out, but there's always another day, or so I hope.

Be blessed!

Day 95 Shabbat Shalom

4/5/2025 

I'm always saying that God is on the move, and I must say that each day it becomes more and more obvious that He is purifying His church, preparing His bride to do the work we were put here to do until His return. The Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast is an annual global gathering of government, civic, and religious leaders from around the world who meet together in Jerusalem to pray for peace and solidarity, seeking solutions for global challenges. It was organized in 2017 by Albert Veksler, CEO who wanted to see Christians and Jews working together to strengthen and encourage one another while working for the common good. Michele Bachmann, former United States Congresswoman and current Dean of Robertson School of Government and Knesset Member Robert Ilatov co-chair the organization. One of our panelists in the GPG prayer call today had just attended the breakfast held in Norway, where antisemitism has risen high, but at this meeting the Norwegian church and courts came together to make a stand of solidarity with Israel, seeking repentance for the sins of Norway and declaring that they want to go the other way and stand with Israel. Other countries were present who also came to stand in the gap for Israel, seeking forgiveness for the sins of their nations. Repentance is the first step to reconciliation and wholeness which then leads to transformation and healing, then sparks revival. This is so badly needed in this world today. If each of us would have this heart, a broken and contrite heart, asking God for forgiveness, things would change.

Once again, Shabbat service at my online fellowship, Jacob's Tent, held surprises. Paul Wilbur and his wife Luane, were visiting, and Paul participated in worship, then shared the message with us. He and Luane will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this week, and they are taking Bill and Beth with them on a secret getaway, a time of rest, refreshment and friendship. Bill is our shepherd, although he does not like to be called anything except "Bill." Paul was joking about that, because he's not our pastor, although he is, and he is not our Rabbi, but he is, and I doubt he'd even like the word shepherd, but since sheep are lowly, stubborn, and not too bright, how can he argue?!

Paul brought the fellowship a report on the Jewish Lemba Tribe in Zimbabwe, who are part of my family. They have dug 84 wells, each one serving a community of 10,000 people, including Muslims. The wells are dug near the schools, as I have mentioned in a previous blog, so the children don't have to walk so far looking for water that is polluted anyway. This is clean, fresh water. Such a blessing. They'll be going to visit the tribe soon, and they will be taking others with them. I'd love to go, but I'll hang on to the dream.

Paul also said that he'd been awakened around 3 am this morning, and Holy Spirit had changed the direction of his message. Bill also had been awakened, and he went outside and paced up and down the woods, praying. The message was about repentance. Last Shabbat, the Lord had moved on the congregation in a mighty way resulting in seeking forgiveness from others. Repentance is a beautiful gift of the Lord, and we need to exercise that gift each day. Bill had not had a chance to mention last weekend to Paul yet, so this was an appointed time. Jesus is returning soon for His bride, and we must be ready with clean hands and pure hearts. 

Next weekend will be Passover, and prior to this holy remembrance of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, the house must be cleaned and swept of any leaven. In Biblical times the Lord instructed the people not to use leaven to rise the bread, because they had to eat the Passover meal quickly, and there was no time to let the bread rise. Remember the blood of the sacrificial lamb had to be placed over the doorways and lintels of the home, so the death angel would pass by, hence "Passover." The Jewish people still observe this law today. I believe some of the Messianic believers also follow the tradition to remember and show honor to God. I am learning and observing, but the food is my challenge. I need to focus on baking some of their goodies. I don't think I have much leaven around. Maybe some packets of yeast and baking soda, but I don't think I will go that far. I need to get rid of the dust balls first, I think. 

Passover marks the beginning of the new year for the Israel. I must admit that I get confused with having two calendars, the Jewish calendar and the Gregorian calendar. One day we'll only go by God's time - eternity. What a glorious day that will be. It's also a time when the flowers bloom, and everything is fresh and alive. The smell of the earth is so wonderful. The Lord promises in His word that when Israel is restored, the land will flourish with lush meadows and brilliant colors, fruit on the trees. We have already seen this happening, even in the time of war. Certain areas near the kibbutz were untouched by the battle and the horror. The Lord is good, and He is faithful to his promise to Israel. 

Shabbat Shalom.

Day 94 Victory

4/4/2025

Today the Jerusalem Marathon 2025 will be held in Israel, and I understand that 40,000 people are participating this year. Among those who will be running will be former hostage Karina Ariev, who was released from Hamas captivity on January 25, 2025 after spending 477 days in the tunnels in Gaza. She began the race encouraging the runners by saying, "As you run, feel the freedom, the comforting embrace of your surroundings." She will be running in the 5K race along with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion who shared: “In these challenging times, we choose life. We choose to run,” he said. “Many runners participate to honor a cause, in solidarity with hostages and bereaved families.”

 "But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness

shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out

and grow fat like stall-fed calves." 

Malachi 4:2

In spite of all the horror, with resulting trauma, experienced by the hostages who have been freed, who are sharing their stories, hope still runs deep, as they attempt to begin their lives again, rebuilding, healing, and waiting for the release of all the hostages. The Israeli people are a rare breed of people, blessed by God, who mourn when others mourn, and to laugh when others laugh. In spite of hardship, pain, struggle, Israel stands steadfast, and her friends stand with her. Runners from more than 50 countries to include Kenya, South Sudan, and Morocco joined the race this year marking a new high in participation.

Passover begins next weekend, and then Easter is celebrated the next. There's something special this year in the way God aligned the calendar so that Resurrection Sunday and Passover coincide. I know He is on the move for a mighty work, and I remain expectant. Passover is a time to remember the exodus of the children of Israel from the slavery of Egypt. It also commemorates Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb given to save us from sin and death. Jesus was our Passover Lamb. Easter is His resurrection, and we, as believers remember we are now alive in Christ. So, this week I have a Passover meal to plan, plus a Seder if I decide to do it again this year. I may leave off the horse radish, as it was not a favorite last time. I have been considering going to a local synagogue Seder, but again, I am deciding, as I don't know anyone. I celebrate Resurrection Sunday differently from others, as I don't like Easter egg hunts, but I will have a nice dinner. We're not very elegant around here, but on special days, I clean off mama's china and glassware, and even may use cloth napkins. Even if the only guests are my son and I we will celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and Lord with songs of praise and hallelujahs on our lips. My prayer is that all of Israel will be blessed by the release of their dear ones, and I pray that all will come to salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, our Messiah. What a glorious day it will be!

 

Day 93 Resting Place

 4/3/2025

 "There are times when to speak is to violate the moment...

when silence represents the highest respect. The word for such times is

reverence. The prayer for such times is 'Hallowed by Thy Name.'"

Max Lucado

Once more our Global Prayer Gathering brought a smile to my face. Our leader has been hosting Thursday morning calls once again, even though his healing is not yet complete. He always lights up my heart, as his wisdom and discernment is so clear and deep, and his closeness to God is so obvious. This morning his teenage daughter presented our worship songs, and her sweet voice reminds me of her mother. There was a praise report right at the start, as we heard of a recent retreat and how God is moving to bring unity within the Messianic and Arab Christians in Israel. My heart is always lifted when I hear of brethren walking in unity together. What a world we would have if everyone followed suit!

Joshua, who is over the prayer ministry, shared about a local retreat held for pastors called Sitting at Yeshua's Feet. As I said, it was a gathering of pastors from the Messianic and Arab Christian churches in Israel for a time to share their experiences during this war. Josh shared a vision he had during one of the sessions. He said he saw a man's back, open for surgery on the spinal column, the vertebrae needing fusion. Then he saw a hand reach down and begin the process of repairing it. He said it was if God was doing surgery on the participants at the retreat and within the church, knitting the vertebrae or fusing the vertebrae back together into one strong, whole column - unified. As I thought about it, with my medical mind, I saw the nerve plexus extending off the spinal cord. The nerves in a human spinal cord branch off into organs of the body and the extremities and innervate the muscles and cells to produce responses and functioning of the individual parts, so they function symbiotically. It reminded me of the description of the functioning of the church, the body of Christ that Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians. Each member of the church body has a function, a purpose, a gift, and just like the human body, each part works together for the good of the entire body. We cannot function properly if our toe is sore, as it affects the foot, and if painful, it can affect the entire body, and so it is with every tissue, organ, cell, and extremity. God knie us together, according to Psalm 139, in an extremely intricate fashion. What a masterpiece. Each member of the body of Christ works together, each one with an individual gift and calling that joins the church together, functioning in unity. This is what Josh's vision called to my mind. How wonderful will it be when churches work together for the common good, sharing love, like brothers and sisters who love the Lord should. It reminds me of the early church in Acts, and I believe that is what God had in mind. 

This report confirmed the prayer points for our meeting, plus it spurred the exhortation to participants on the call to be focused on what was being discussed and praying along with the one praying to be united and agreed in prayer. Staying on topic is not something that has been happening on this call for a very long time, and I had been turning off the chat on my end, as it was irritating to me. I feel it is disrespectful to have a free for all during a prayer service. But then it seems that this is a common thread in many other meetings, during Sunday services even, when people are talking, drinking beverages and eating food, on their cell phones, during the service. I have even observed this behavior by pastors and elders during prayer. I am not a fan of cell phones in the meetings especially church services. I think a Bible should be carried in one's hand into a meeting, rather than using a cell phone or i-pad or any device. I understand the value of them being used where it is dangerous to be caught with a Bible, but I think we take it too far. I just received an article from a spiritual leader I know that said the material had been AI generated. This is dangerous, and I do not feel that it is God inspired. I am grateful for leaders who exhort their followers to behave honorably and respectfully. I was beginning to think I was an old grouch who was just being "me." Thankfully, God felt the same way.

It's interesting that recently I've seen many discussions among friends on the discipleship site I use in conjunction with my group I host, where the questions pertain to appropriate or Bible response to various situations. I hope we all learn from scripture how God views things, and we receive the godly response so our behavior is as unto the Lord. People are watching our reactions. I have my own challenges that I have mentioned in previous posts along these lines, but the best defense is to remain in the word and abide in Christ's presence. Finding our resting place and doing everything to ensure that it is a consistent part of our lives. There are people who actually schedule quiet time, but I let God create that deep desire within me, so much so that I cannot wait to talk to Him in the morning, spend time with Him in my day, discuss everything, even the mundane or crazy ideas I get in head from time to time. He cares about everything. Yesterday He helped me clean the living room, and we even watched a bit of Ant Man while we cleaned house. He's partial to Marvel, I think, but, like me, He's disappointed that they killed off Iron Man. Not a great idea. I'm just being silly, I hope you know, but realize that Holy Spirit does dwell within the heart of the believer, so we need to examine everything we do each day. Asking ourselves "Does this honor God? Or is it taking time away from spending quality time with Him?" Examining the heart is a good thing, a practical thing. I do not want to be an unsuspecting idol worshiper.

Let's maintain the focus and keep it on the Author and Finisher of our faith, resting in the safety of His arms.

 

Day 92 Anchor for the Soul

4/2/2025 

 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. 

It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

Hebrews 6:19

 

My heart is always burdened with the needs of our nation and world. I've been trying to stand in the gap, supporting anyone who needs help or encouragement for more years than I can tell. I see a need, I receive an email, or see a news bulletin, or an alert, and instantly I'm transported to the point of origin. I am able to "see" many things others cannot, and this can become a burden at times, because as I have said before, the mind cannot unsee what one sees. The other day I found an article about a young college student in Pittsburg University who had been abducted off the beach where she and friends were vacationing in the Dominican Republic on March 6, 2025. Surveillance cameras showing her leaving with a man. Tonight I heard her parents asking to have her declared dead, as they needed closure in their lives. Her mother was in tears, as her husband spoke before a crowd. She was studying to be a doctor.

Over the years my compassion for others has grown more deeply, and I am able to forgive and forget more easily. The pain I once experienced is no longer there. I only see how blessed and sheltered I have been in spite of the obvious trauma and harm. I smile and accept that, although not really my first choice for my life, I came from the fires of affliction mentally unscathed. I wish that were the case for others who find pleasure in playing the victim, while lies and cover ups are protections. It's took me a lifetime to get to this point in my life, and I know that I owe it all to my Best Friend, the Anchor for my soul, Jesus.

I received some news today that disturbed my thoughts, because I don't believe in impossible situations.   A friend has been told he is dying, and my first instinct is to fight. I have become so angry at the enemy's attempts to steal life, inflict pain, and make widows. I have been given death sentences more than once, and because of what I know of the power of life and death being in the tongue, I make a stand and petition heaven for a miracle. I have been blessed with so many, and I so long for someone in this world to know what I know and see what I have seen. So once more and always I fight this invisible enemy of fear and dis-ease.

"When a man is at his wit's end, it is not a cowardly thing to

pray; it is the only way he can get in touch with Reality."

Oswald Chambers

"Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry."

Psalm 39:12

 

Something has happened to me over the last few days. Remember how excited I was to see The Last Supper, Season 5 of The Chosen? Well, something has shifted inside of me, and my focus is no longer on any sort of personal entertainment. I need to write, even if I think it is bad writing, because that is what I was told to do. My focus has to be on the battle, and I need to hunker down and listen intently for Abba's voice. These times are uncertain, and I am seeing a shift. I cannot explain it other than to say a change is coming. I don't want to sound ominous, because I live in inner peace, and although shaken at times, for the most part I have learned to be content and wade my way through the floods. I always loved to swim against the current! I remember when Abba first spoke to me about writing "the story," I'd hear the words of Isaiah 43:1: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." At the moment I did not find that very comforting, but I have learned first hand that God is faithful to His word. The fire singes me a bit at times, but I can fan the flames rather easily.

One thing is for certain in my life, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me." John 8:28. The only thing I need to do each day is abide in His presence, listen for His voice, and do what He says do. I don't need to listen to the latest prophecy or teaching; I don't have to hear a prophetic word. I just need Him, and every day, I can find direction and His plan for the day. I've learned to be patient, although I do have my moments when I've had enough, and I have to say something, but I do try to guard my tongue. Remember..."Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words" (Proverbs 18:21). 

I'll end with another quotation from Oswald Chambers, "We have not the remotest conception of what is done by our prayers, nor have we the right to try and examine and understand it; all we know is that Jesus Christ laid all stress on prayer." 

Day 91 Tribute to a Friend

4/1/2025

Everyone who knows me and reads these daily blogs knows that I love Israel, and I have been on the daily global prayers calls with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem for 543 days as of today. This has been the honor of my life, standing with others from all over the world who love Israel and are standing as watchmen on the wall, praying for the peace of Jerusalem as we are instructed to do in scripture. I have met many precious people who are panelists from the different branches of ICEJ as well as others who are associated with the Embassy or who have served in Israel at one time. I am one of 500 - 1000 attendees who have participated for all these days, and who carry the prayer needs to others. My blogs and Facebook page have been my platform for relaying updates and prayer requests, and posting the faces of the hostages still being held by Hamas.

It gets very difficult at times, especially as we wait for the release of the hostages. I can only imagine the torment their surviving loved ones feel, especially the waiting, knowing the evil being done to those who are still alive and being held by Hamas. There are days I can hardly think of anything else, or the weight of my own personal torments, family concerns, and other battles I am facing almost get the best of me. But the global prayer call keeps us going and builds us up. I am also encouraged and strengthened by being a part of a weekly prayer call hosted by a couple who used to live in Israel and still are a part of ICEJ and serve as worship leaders. They now live in the Alabama, and they are very active in governmental concerns, especially the stand for the sanctity of human life. They have been in Washington DC this week praying with on site prayer teams at the Supreme Court. I feel honored to be asked to join their small group. It's a mystery to me how that came about. I guess God has a plan and purpose.

Before we begin our prayer calls we always enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. You've heard me speak of my own times of personal worship and the importance of being in the presence of God, listening for His voice and direction. This is a daily necessity. One of the worship leaders, Ken Soltys of Project 7th Trumpet Ministry, has been my absolute favorite worship leader, who can bring us into the presence of God where we can meet with Him and spend time being empowered to stand and fight the good fight of faith. Ken wants to let all believers know that they could experience the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, as it is in Heaven. His music, his wonderful trumpet sounds and shofar blasts ushered us into heaven. His ministry is international, and he has ministered in Israel at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Ken passed away after ministering in a church on Sunday from what we were told. He had been having health issues, and God had miraculously intervened with healing on so many occasions. Sunday Ken wanted to rest before the next service, and they found him later, resting in the arms of his Savior. He is now in heaven rejoicing with the Lord. One member of our group said he probably went right to the trumpet section with the angels. I have never been a fan of trumpet music, but he played beautifully. He was so alive, pleasant, warm smile, always smiling, even on the days with the worst news. His secret was living in the presence of his Lord, listening for His voice, experiencing His love. This morning, before the call, I had asked God to please have Ken be in charge of worship, because I needed a huge surge of anointed worship. Ken always had scriptures, and as he sang, playing his keyboard, it released any anxiety, any hurts, any sadness I felt. The word of God in his songs touched my heart, lifted me up, and the scriptures he shared even confirmed what the Lord had earlier spoken to me. He soothed my tortured soul so many times.

My one regret is not meeting him face to face, getting to truly know this blessed man of God better. And yet, I do feel that I knew him in Christ and will always know and cherish his memory. I know I'll meet him one day, and hopefully, we will truly get acquainted face to face. I have grieved, and am still grieving, this terrible loss I feel. He didn't know me personally, but he was my friend, my brother, and I will sorely miss him and the wonderful times of worship. I know all of ICEJ and anyone who had the blessing of knowing him feels the same. Of course, his music is available on YouTube and for purchase, so I can listen him as often as I want or need.

I won't say goodbye to Ken, I'll just say "See ya later. Enjoy Heaven, my friend!"

Day 90 Show Me Your Face

 

3/31/2025

Each time  I begin to enter my thoughts for this day, so that I can keep my promise to God daily, I get slam dunked from another direction. Sunday night was a wonderful night of worship, and hearing answer to prayers on behalf of the hostages who have been released, listening to their testimonies over these weeks of how some, who were not serving God, came to know that God exists and that He had been with them in the tunnels with Hamas. Even when tortured, they felt God's presence, and while alone in the darkness, the light was present within their souls. One man, who had never prayed, began to bless any crumb of food he was given, and now he leads his family. Another had called himself an atheist began to realize God existed and was with him. He is now studying Torah. Now my prayer continues that they realize that the light of God's Holy Spirit was present, and Holy Spirit can now draw them to belief in Jesus Christ as Messiah. Scripture recounts over and over again that God never leaves us or forsakes us. Romans 8:28 has proven true over and over of how God can take the ugliness and turn it around for good. The verse actually says "God makes all things work together for good for those who love Him, and who are called according to His purpose." His hand is always extended, and He would have none perish, but He wants all to come to eternal life. So we continue to pray and stand firm in the faith. In the beginning of this ordeal I had a vision of the hostages being lead out of the tunnels by the Angel of the Lord. I've seen other visions and had other dreams, but I pray that it will happen soon, and I hold on in faith. They are my family, and I see their faces daily. I won't forget them.

After a wonderful Sunday I turned back on my phone. I felt that I needed to have a quiet day, shutting out the noise, so I could focus on Jesus, and what He was saying to me. I mentioned in yesterday's post that another attack of the enemy came at the end of my day. It continues to carry on today as well. It is not a new attack, but a familiar one from the same person, one who tries to make me feel guilty for separating myself, even for prayer for a few hours. This is not new, and I am certain that unless God divinely intervenes on my behalf, it will continue. I remain brokenhearted at this writing, but I do forgive, as I always will, because this is the work of the enemy who roams around, seeking whom he may devour, and he wants to sift me like wheat and blow me to the wind. I do not say this presumptuously, as God told me this many years ago. I guess I need another reminder about messing in his stuff, but I will continue to stand against evil and speak what God says speak. I don't know if you've noticed it or not, but the entire world is either in a state of chaos, one of apathy, or spiritual blindness, or, like me, trying to stay in God's presence, waiting for the next step. We are intercessors, and we are standing on the wall for Israel and for America and the nations. We are praying for the church to wake up. This is not a battle of flesh and blood, but it is spiritual. I have shared this previously, and I imagine I will again. These are indeed perilous times, but amidst the evil, there are moments of revelation, as with the returned hostages. God is moving in our midst, but that is not a surprise to me or any other child of God who is actively pursuing His Kingdom. Many are praying for revival, but it is happening now, so wake up! God is moving in California, as He is many places. Young people are hungry, and they are responding in droves. If you are not seeing it, then you are not looking, or perhaps you are not awake. Before revival can come there must be an awakening of the church, the body of Christ, then revival will come with reformation and change. Then it will explode into our nations. The generation some call disinterested is waking up, and they will lead the way.

This morning in our global prayer meeting for Israel, the opening worship song was one of my favorites, by Paul Wilbur, an artist whose ministry I support, as it is multi-faceted for others I serve. His family is becoming my family, and we share Shabbat in Your Home on Friday evenings together with other friends and supporters who love Israel and other nations. The name of the song is Show Me Your Face, Lord. Listen to the lyrics:

… Moses stood on a mountain
Waiting for you to pass by
You placed your hand over his face
In your presence he wouldn't die
All Israel saw the glory and it shines down through the age
Now you've called me to boldly seek your face

 

… Show me your face, Lord
Show me your face
And then gird up my legs, I might stand in this holy place
Show me your face, Lord
Your power and your grace
I will make it to the end, if I could just see your face

 

… David knew there was something more
Than the ark of your presence
In a manger messiah was born
Amongst kings and some peasants
And all Israel saw the glory
And it shines down through the age
Now you've called us to boldly seek your face

 

… Show me your face, Lord
Show me your face
And then gird up my legs that I might stand in this holy place

 

… Show me your face, Lord
Your power and your grace
And I will make it to the end if I could just see your face
If we could just see your face
Show me your face, Lord
Show me your face
And then gird up my leg I might stand in this holy place
Show me your face, Lord
Your power and your grace
I will make it to the end if I could just see your face
And I will make it to the end if I could just see your face
I will make it to the end Abba show me your face

 

This is my heart's desire, to behold His face in glory. I have seen His face as He hung upon the cross dying for my sins, and I will never forget that moment. He is my one desire. So if I have to have these trials and tests, if I have to be cleansed by the fires to be purified and made holy, I will endure to the end, because all I want is to see His beautiful face, be in His presence for eternity. God says that all who seek Him will find Him, if you seek Him with your whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13). 

Show me your face, Lord, show me Your face. I will make it to the end if I can just see your face.