Day 210 Lord, What If?

 

7/29/2025

 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him

ask of God, who gives to all liberally and

without reproach, and it will be given to him."

James 1:5

  

After almost three-quarters of a century of living, one would think I would have more confidence in myself, but, sadly, there are times when wondering comes in. Not the good kind of wonder as in "Wow, look at that beautiful sky!" when I'm admiring the gifts of creation. No, this is more of a "I wonder if I said the right thing, or if I did the right thing? What if someone thinks I'm dumb? What if? What if?" That  kind of mind wondering that is not always beneficial. Tonight, for example, before our prayer meeting began, the leader called on me to pray. She was substituting for the group leaders who were out of town, so she wanted to open in prayer. Many times after I pray in a group that is still relatively new to me, with new members coming in all the time, my mind goes blank. This is really silly, since all I do is talk to the Lord like I'm talking to whoever is reading this blog. Fortunately, I did just that, and all was well. I was so relieved. I know the word very well, and I have memorized it all my life, so I can share it, such as in prayer. But sometimes little things get me wound up.

It's not that I doubt God, I doubt myself sometimes. I've never been shy about asking God to explain  things to me that I don't understand. In fact, I talk to Abba about everything, all the time. I remember my son thinking I was talking to myself, when we first started living together. Especially, when I laugh at what I think God is saying back to me, or almost visualizing Him shaking His head, as if to say, "There she goes again!" We have a good time laughing at me, but when I "wonder" I ask Him.

There's so much insanity and division everywhere these days, that I can understand it if someone ran and hid in a hole. Many times I have felt like that myself, just dig a hole and climb in until the "crazy" is over. But, it's not that easy these days. Many people are searching for truth in a world full of lies and cover ups. When the truth is exposed, people still want to doubt it is true, because it's easier to believe a lie sometimes. The enemy of this world has blinded the eyes of so many Christians, that the name "Christian" is getting a bad rap. Why is it easier to believe a lie than to simply ask for answers? Is it easier to believe someone whose answers are veiled in secrecy? Those who are attempting to find out the truth get scoffed at, branded as conspiracy theorists, and blamed for things falsely to throw the attention off on someone else. This is a mad world!!

The Lord, on the other hand, is always available to teach us the right way, tell us the whole truth, and answer our doubts, without accusing us of being ignorant, or the questions as being stupid, irrelevant, or any other insult; God does not heap on  condemnation. We can go to Him, ask Him anything, and He will gladly help us. Sometimes the answer is as simple as picking up our Bible, our spiritual guide book - God's word, so it is 100% accurate and trustworthy. Perhaps, He'll seem to whisper in your ear, or the whirlwind of your mind, as He did Elijah, when Jezebel tried to kill him, or when Moses was asking God for help at the Red Sea, with Pharaoh and his troops on his heels. God simply asked Moses what he had in his hand. Many times, he'll ask us questions like that. He told me to get up off my face from the rug, that He needed me for something. That was shocking to me. Again, doubt. But I'm glad I did, and I haven't been down that rabbit hole since. There are times when the answer does not come right away, as there's something to be learned, perhaps? It's a matter of "trust Me."

David, the Shepherd King, often cried out to the Lord, doubting, not knowing what to do. In Psalm 42:5 David asks: "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." Then again in verse 11, he repeats the question: "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." David realizes that there is hope in God, and he picks himself up with praise on his lips. David spent a lot of time shepherding his sheep, getting to know and trust His God. In Psalm 32:7 David calls God his hiding place: "You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." I can't tell you how many times these verses have been a comfort and a song in my heart. The scriptures  call God our Rock, our Fortress, our High Tower. All day on Tuesday I kept singing the words of Proverbs 18:10: "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe." Over and over I sang and repeated these words. Then when we had our prayer meeting that night, these words brought reassurance to someone else. That's the way God works. All we need to do is trust Him. He will show us the way.

Right now I lack wisdom about a great many decisions that need to be made concerning this home. In the great scheme of things, this is a small problem, as the weight of the world is much heavier than my home getting repaired. But God cares about even the small things that matter to us, so I simply ask for Him to direct my steps, to order them aright, as the word says do. The word says if anyone lacks wisdom, so I'm asking. I can ask Him anything, anytime. May He receive the glory, the honor, the praise. 

Day 209 Remember Your Roots

 

7/28/2025 

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower, 

the righteous run unto it, and they are safe."  

 Proverbs 18:10

 

Today's my baby sister's 69th birthday!! I cannot believe life is going so fast. It seems like yesterday when she was a teenager, lounging out in the sun on weekends, greased up with oil, fit to be fried. I never joined her in those adventures, as I was busy cleaning the house. But I really wasn't a lie-in-the-sun person. I preferred swimming under the water when I went to the beach or pool. I had to be doing something, not just lying around baking my skin. It's a good thing, because my freckles are not treating me well in old age! 

Since I moved back to Virginia, my sister and I have had a few adventures. We only live about 45 minutes from each other, so to me, after living in Northern New Mexico for 35 years, traveling long distances to visit clients or get anywhere, that is a breeze. Besides, I can always entertain myself looking at all the green trees and foliage. Virginia truly is a beautiful State, and the topography of the land dips and sways, twists and turns, rolls and waves. Although I have not yet found my hiding place, I do have some scenic places I love to stay. I don't have to do anything, except sit and commune with God and nature.

My sister has four adult children who will be honoring her day by taking her out to a favorite restaurant. It seems as if they love one called Mexico Restaurant, that has six locations in the Richmond area. She knows that I don't like the cuisine of most Mexican restaurants, as I much prefer the taste of New Mexico's southwestern tastes. My favorite food by far is a large plate of green chili chicken enchiladas prepared by Chef Linda in North Dinwiddie, Virginia. I'm not well-known by locals here, but many know and appreciate the flavor and zest of my creation in New Mexico. This is why, each season, I order 25 pounds of hot green chiles from Fresh Chile in Hatch, and we roast our own, so I can prepare my feasts. Anyone desiring to taste and see, let me know.

I must say I do enjoy Don Quixote Restaurant, located near my home, even though they do serve green chili sauce rather than the actual chopped green chili cooked into the dish. What I enjoy mostly with this restaurant is the customer service. When I walk into that place, I am greeted warmly with a welcome back, and I only go once a month at best. The main waiter knows what we enjoy from the menu. It reminds me of El Parasol in Ohkay Owingeh where I used to go several times a week just to get green chili chicken tacos with guacamole!! The young waiter there smiled when he saw me coming, because he knew what I wanted. I told him once that I was going to trip him up, and I did and ordered a side tamale! He only laughed at me, but the point is that he knew me, and over the years, we became friends. This is making me homesick, but hopefully I'll see my friends soon, as I really hope to make the journey this autumn. I can't wait to see the aspens in color! 

My birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks, my 75th year! Just think - a quarter of a century!! I would love to celebrate this joyous occasion with friends in New Mexico, but at the same time, I'd love to find my hiding place here, so I can have some quality "think time" with Jesus. That may not sound like a birthday celebration to most people, but over the many years of living alone, I have learned to cherish those little getaways with the Lord. Since Sipapu is rather far to travel for a couple of days, I will have to find another place to lay my head, swing in the shade of the evening (without mosquitoes), and enjoy the countryside. Virginia offers so much, so I just need to spend a little time looking. Maybe I'll just pack a bag and strike out on an adventure on my own. I have been known to do that before!

When I was younger, my Papa used to take me to Gretna, where his sister Gracie lived. My Papa's family roots go back to the Cherokees, so maybe this is why I loved to visit. I remember Aunt Gracie making hoe cakes, a rather large biscuit, and for dessert she made jam cake. Yummy! Papa would also take me to Goshen Pass, and we'd have a picnic with the family. I believe the last time we went was right before TJ, my second child, was born. That's 50 years ago! Can that be possible?! If that is the case, then perhaps that is where I should set my sail. Wherever I go or whatever I do, it has to be memorable, as I will never pass this way again. Sadly, for my 70th birthday, the pandemic restrictions were in place, cramping my style. I had planned a Zoom birthday, but I only had one visitor on that call. My dear friend, Irma, who is now with Jesus enjoying all the joys of eternal life! This time must be different.

So with that, I'll end this rant. Until I visit with you again - remember the important things that make us unique, our roots!  

Day 208 The Good Shepherd

 

7/27/2025

 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep,

and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me,

even so I know the Father; and I lay down

My life for the sheep." 

John 10:14-15 

  

When I was a child, I always looked forward to Sunday mornings, but probably not for the right reasons. Every Sunday morning mama would make pancakes for breakfast, with bacon or sausage, orange juice or coffee, or both! Oh, how I love pancakes to this day. My diet has had to change since then, as I make gluten free pancakes these days, but they still taste the same. Gluten free food has come a long way. Of course, I have always enjoyed going to Sunday School and church services on Sundays, and I even enjoy services on Saturdays. Sometimes I walk to church, even on muggy hot mornings, but there always seems to be a slight breeze to help me on my way. My son says the church is a mere 300 feet from our house, besides I love walking, even on days when my legs don't want to cooperate. Thanks to technology, I can enjoy sermons from my pastor other pastors I follow, any time I want, but Sunday afternoons are my favorite times to soak in the word. God said to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, and that's what I love to do. Sabbath and Sunday. My cup runs over with the goodness of the Lord.

This morning on our prayer call, Pastor Gerald from the Philippines, shared a short message based on Psalm 23, the beloved pastoral hymn of David, the Shepherd King. When I was a child, this psalm was one of the first ones I memorized. I always encourage others to memorize scripture, grafting it within the heart where it is needed in times of reassurance that they are not alone. New Christians are instructed to memorize scripture, and I always encourage the ladies in my Harvest Group to do the same. The day may come when we will not be allowed to have a Bible. Sadly, although we have a President who is trying to change things, there is still persecution here in America for the follower of Christ, and the Bible is not wanted in libraries or schools. In many places, the Gideon Bibles have been removed from hotel rooms. What a shame when the word of God has so much to offer to a sick and dying world. In foreign countries, saints are willing to die than give up their copy of the word of God. What will happen here in America should that day come? God forbid that it should come to that point, but Jesus said that in the end there would be scoffers of His word. This is happening already, increasing day by day. People praying in silence in public places have been arrested and been found guilty of causing riots. Not too long ago, a man was arrested for setting an elderly Jewish lady on fire. What has become of our once moral, respectful nation?! What is the answer? The answer is not a what but a who, the answer is Jesus.

Psalm 23 begins with the familiar phrase, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."  A shepherd cares for his flock, protects and defends them from predators. If they fall down, he picks them up; if one is missing, he leaves the others and goes out to find that one. Jesus is our Good Shepherd, who tends His flock, the believers, and protects them from evil. If one goes missing, He leaves the others and searches for the one who has gone astray. His sheep know His voice and respond when He calls. He sees to their every need in the kingdom. In the parable of the Lost Sheep, found in Luke 15:1-7, Jesus describes His love and care for His flock. It is a parable where He is symbolically comparing believers as the flock, the church. In John 10:1-30, Jesus gives a deeper understanding of the physical and spiritual role of the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep. His sheep know His name.

Verses 2-3, "He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake." In his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller, a shepherd born in South Africa, gives a wonderful study of the psalm from the viewpoint of a modern day shepherd in comparison to the role of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Keller shares four requirements for a sheep to lie down:

"Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they free of all fear. Because of the social behavior within a flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger."

The author, who is a shepherd, makes great efforts to describe his life as the caretaker of his flock, considering the idiosyncrasies of their natures. Jesus as our Good Shepherd knows His flock, and He says that His sheep know His name. Because we have relationship with Jesus, hear His voice and trust Him, we can know that He will care for our needs, comfort and walk beside us, leading us not only to green pastures, where we can rest, but He also relieves our thirst, restoring our souls. In the arid areas of the middle east, it is hot and dry, so water is a necessity. Jesus is the living water. If we drink of the water He gives, we will never thirst again (John 4). He teaches us His precepts, which is the word of God, and leads us in the path that we are to go. Psalm 119:105 calls the word a lamp to our feet, a light unto our path. He restores our souls tangibly and spiritually with nutrition and hydration. Our physical life line, and our spiritual yearning. 

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and staff, they comfort me.

King David spoke of fighting off a bear and lion, courageously putting the welfare of His sheep before his own life. He showed this same zeal when he attacked and killed Goliath. He stayed the hand of his enemies through his trust and faith in the power of the Lord. We have this hope and trust in Jesus who goes before us daily, setting His angels guard about us, hearing and responding to our prayers of faith. Protecting those who abide in Him and call on His name. The terrain in Israel can be hazardous, because of the mountainous paths and deep ravines, and deep streams of water. If a sheep falls into water, his lush, wool coat absorbs it and weighs him down, making it impossible for him to get out of the water, so he can easily drown. The shepherd uses his rod and staff to guard the sheep from such hazards and as a means of pulling them away from danger with the crook of the staff. Our Good Shepherd calls out to us, comforts us, and strengthens us when we fall or stray off the narrow path that He has set before us in His word. He draws us back, and He comforts and renews. He restores, and He corrects. I have felt the "crook" of His staff warning me many times.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Before the spring season comes, when the shepherd takes the sheep to high pasture lands - table lands - he must go and prepare the area to ensure it is safe for the sheep. As the snows melts, the shepherd searches for poisonous plants that may have taken root, removes stones, makes the way safe. In our lives the Lord goes before us and keeps us from evil. The word promises in Psalm 91 that His angels encompass around us, and in Psalm 27, He is our refuge and our strength. Many times in scripture He assures us of His presence and His great love for His people. In 1 Samuel 17:47 David tells Goliath that "the battle is the LORD's," and many times in scripture the word testifies that God fights for us.

Sheep are susceptible to pests, and during "fly time," a season when the flies are particularly ferocious, the shepherd has to remove pests that get into the thick wool, and they treat the sores with oil that soothes and heals. In James 4:14, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." Oil represents the presence of Holy Spirit, and Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with oil - a fragrant rich perfumed oil called nard - prior to His death. Oil is also used for cooking and for lighting the lamps, and as a soothing balm for healing. On the night Jesus was betrayed, He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane means "oil press" in Hebrew. When oil is squeezed from olives, a big stone is used to press the oil, requiring great strength and pressure. In the Garden, Jesus asked for the cup to be removed, if God so willed. The agony, the pressure/squeezing was so great that Jesus sweat drops of blood from broken capillaries.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

A good shepherd takes care of his flock in all the ways described above, and he tenderly cares for them. Our Good Shepherd leads us, protects us, and watches over us, as we walk in obedience to Him. Our Good Shepherd paid the ultimate price for us with His death, taking our place on the cross. He died, was buried, arose the third day, and now sits in heaven seated at the right hand of our Father, making intercession for us. One day He will return for us, and together we will live for all eternity, dwelling in the house of the LORD forever. Oh, what a day that will be!  

Day 207 Sabbath Rest

 

 

7/26/2025

 

Life should be simple for a child. Children should never see or hear anything disturbing to their innocent sensibilities. They should be protected and guarded from every harmful influence. They should be allowed to grow up happy and free, enjoying the beauty of life, dancing in the sunlight. I see myself, as a child, and I know that although my life had problems, I did not realize it. I am so grateful for that. When my mind, even in the early days, remembers, and I can see myself, I only focus on the things that made me smile. I want that for all children on every continent, in every household. No more digging in trash heaps, drinking filthy water, being awakened by screams and guns firing, or seeing machete blades swinging and homes being burned. No unpleasant dreams, no horror, hatred, and destruction. Lord, why is it that this happens in remote areas, amidst the beauty of Your creation? Why is it, Lord, that I was given a life in a country that where such things are not allowed to exist? We, in America, land of the free, home of the brave, are so blessed. And yet, and yet, even here, hidden behind closed doors, in alleys, in dumpsters, in absolute filth, ugliness and horror exists. 

This morning, Pastor Jack shared about his perfect, restful day on Friday. Living in Chino Hills, a suburb of Los Angeles, where a raging war of hatred and crime is ongoing, he exalts God's glory in describing his day as having "a spectacular sunrise, cool temperatures, good visibility, light breezes, coolness in the shade, a touch of heaven, and a strongly blessed day." He may have called it "paradise" a some point, nonetheless, Pastor Jack praised the name of our Lord for the gift of the day. This is as it should be. Glorious, in spite of turmoil, war, crime, and all that befalls a nation and a world. Our five minutes of praying the word back to its Author and Finisher of our faith. God's word is life.

The scripture he shared this morning comes from Ephesians 3:20, but I include verse 21 so it will flow contextually: 

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Pastor Jack remarked that Governor Newsom hated the church, and so it appears, in every indication of his outworking, that he does. He tolerates and even exalts every profane thing, welcoming murderers, morally depraved, pedophiles, child traffickers, and every evil contradiction of faith in God to have a heyday in the city. He denies permits for church events, and in the rare occasion that he has already signed a permit allowing the event, at the last minute he withdraws it. By this time every protestor has been loosed in the area or bussed in by instigators. But what really disturbs me is the fact that these protesters are really agitators who perform lewd, promiscuous acts in front of young children, who are innocently attending an event. Why is this permissible? What makes it acceptable to people? Tolerated by anyone with any moral compass. One does not have to be a professing Christian to care about the welfare of their vulnerable, impressionable children.

Today's message at Jacob's Tent was a double portion from Numbers about the journeys and the tribes who were inhabiting the Land of Promise. In short the Torah portion spoke of possessing the inheritance. Bill, our shepherd, reminded us that we would all go up to Mount Moriah on our journey with the Lord. Mount Moriah is the place where Abraham offered up Isaac as a sacrifice to the Lord. It is also the site of the threshing floor that King David purchased for the building of the first temple by his son, Solomon. It is even believed to be the site of the Garden of Eden. Bill also shared that we would also be called to our Gethsemane as the Lord continues to cleanse us and purge the dross, the unacceptable things that are no longer permitted. Gethsemane, you may recall from a previous blog, means "oil press." As a follower of Jesus, as we grow and mature in our faith, things that were permissible will no longer be so, as the Lord guides us. As His followers we are allowed to go through trials that refine our faith, that prune us of anything that takes our attention from or distracts us from God. He presses us, squeezes us, until we are ready for the next step. The process is painful, but it is necessary and beneficial, as our character is being transformed into the likeness of Christ. It's a process, and it is all worthwhile.

Sometimes it seems as if life is unfair. Why are trials of faith necessary? Why is sickness allowed? Only God knows the whys and wherefores of life, because it is His good plan. Maybe it doesn't seem fair, but if we got what we deserved, we'd be in hell. Without Jesus, we would not be redeemed from the curse of destruction. But Jesus said things would happen, life would not be perfect. How could it be unless sin was completely eradicated from this world, and peace reigned. All I can say is give it time, as it will surely come to pass in God's good time. Believe me, His timing is perfect. Don't try to hurry Him along.

Paul spoke of the thorn in his flesh, and although it is never identified, we know that it was distressing to Paul. So much so that he asked God three times to remove the problem, but God said that His grace was sufficient. Now that's tough, and yet He does the same to us, in different ways, but things happen. Listen to Paul and be comforted:

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when i am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) 

Another to consider as we run this race is that we are not only prone to patting ourselves on the back, as may have been a trait Paul hinted at when he said "lest I be exalted above measure," but many times we are never satisfied with our physical appearance or status in life. The appearance part can be something that is very hurtful when dealing with children, especially. I know, because a comment was made to my daughter about clothes she should never wear, and she remembers it to this day. The person who made the remark is now with Jesus, and I know she did not mean to hurt my daughter's feelings, but it did. Young girls are particularly susceptible to negative comments and can be drawn in by too much attention being paid to looks. I think Beth, Bill's wife put it very nicely when she said "Don't criticize God's artwork!" In Psalm 139 David writes: 

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfullly and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them." (Psalm 139:13-16)

God planned everything about us, because He knows the plans He has for us. Plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I don't know why children are born with conditions, but I do know that God loves us, and His promises are true. I think of Helen Keller - her life is a testimony to the miracle-working power of God. I just re-watched The Miracle Worker, a movie about Helen's early days. It always brings a feeling of warmth and gratitude, and as Helen laughed at her new found abilities, I rejoiced with tears and laughter as I celebrated her life and memory. Even accidents happen in life, and we ask God "why?" Understandable as in Joni Eareckson Tada's story. She had a hard time, struggling with wanting to live, but through faith in Christ she made it, and she continues to overcome each hurdle thrown her way. These women are two more of my heroes in the faith. So, ladies, and gentlemen, boys and girls, let's stop criticizing God's artwork! When we are weak, then we are strong. I am trying to remember that myself.

I think that's a good way to end my Sabbath rest. Shalom! 

Day 206 The Cleansing Blood

 

 7/25/2025

 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 

'This is the way; walk in it.'"

Isaiah 30:21

  

For the last three or four days I have been unable to rest my legs, making it extremely difficult to focus on my blogs. By the time I get around to finishing my thoughts, I cannot make sense of them with all the discomfort. It's easy to become discouraged, but I do believe that there is something I am to learn from this period of inconvenience, my little "aside," I call it. My devotional calls it "a fork in the road." Life hands us opportunities to challenge our thinking, and God uses them to see what we're made of, if we mean what we say. This is just a speculation on my part, but I know that God allows little roadside circumstances, perhaps distractions, to test our tenacity. Even the Apostle Paul had his moments:

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed - always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 

In my study of the book of Hebrews using Andrew Murray's classic guide, The Holiest of All, I have been inching through the verses line by line, as the writer brings life to each syllable, each thought, provoking deep reflection on my part. Chapter 9 compares the earthly tabernacle with ordinances of service, limited under the first covenant. The priest was the only one allowed to go beyond the veil to the altar of God, and then only once a year. Before going in, he had to atone for his own sins, before he could do so for the people, and he had to be first sprinkled by the blood of a spotless animal himself before bearing the sins of the people. The heavenly sanctuary with Jesus Christ as the Great High Priest has no such ordinances, because He became the spotless Lamb, His blood offered as the atonement for our sins. Verse 14, "how much more shall the blood of Christ cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." It is hard to wrap my mind around the idea that because of Jesus, we who serve Him, share in His sacrifice, becoming priests, as part of His inheritance. I'm not even certain that I can express in my own words the depth of what the author of Hebrews is saying. In 1 Peter 2 we, who are believers in Christ, are called "living stones," being built up into a spiritual house - a holy priesthood. Verse 9 is a well-known verse: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

As I continue to stand in prayer with Israel as this war continues, seemingly without end, sensing the deep suffering of the people, the turmoil of the government, I have felt so unworthy to consider myself chosen, as part of their inheritance. I know that because of the mercy of Jesus, in extending this great blessing to Gentiles believers, I have a part in the scheme of things, prophetically speaking. I understand that the Bible was written by the Jewish people, chronicling the history of their life and suffering, the story of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation, and I realize that only because of my acceptance of Jesus Christ as Messiah and my belief in the report of the apostles He taught, that I have been grafted into the family of God. It all comes through His shed blood, the price He paid for our sins, and because of the rejection of His own people, the chosen race of Israel, Gentile believers have been given a chance to be part of the story. This is indeed glorious news to a believer who through faith receives the report. But, we have a calling to stand beside the chosen race of Israel, encouraging, strengthening with our prayers, and tangibly offering assistance as able. Not all know Christ, so not all understand the hope they have to endure this suffering, their inconsolable grief consumes them. Our faith gives them hope, and hopefully opens their eyes to the gospel, the living, breathing word of life - Jesus Christ the Messiah.

In summarizing this one verse of scripture from Hebrews 9:14, this is what I know to be true, because I have accepted the free gift of salvation through His death, burial, and resurrection, and I have surrendered my life to be used by Him:

"Jesus owns me. Although I live in the flesh, I am not my own. My inward man grows, though outwardly, I perish."

"Spiritual man outgrows the physical body, but I do not lose hope even though the heart may faint."

"Inwardly I am being refreshed day by day."

One day I will finish my race, and receive the prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ. Andrew Murray's last words of encouragement to the reader encourages me to stay the course:

"Oh to realize it! Christ went into the Holiest, not for Himself, but for us. And we go in, too, by His blood and in His Spirit, not only for ourselves but for others." 

  

Day 205 Life in the Wilds

7/24/2025

"This is the day the LORD has made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

 

Guess what I did today? Any ideas? (Hint provided above!) You're right! My anticipated wait is over, and the green chiles have arrived, early! My son, Daniel lugged out the grill, while I crawled haphazardly up into the attic for the large pot, and then I readied my kitchen. Daniel had purchased charcoal, as we do things the old-fashioned way, plus I doubt anyone here has a roaster! Besides, that takes away half the fun of watching Daniel sweat in the hot sun! Actually, it wasn't a particularly hot or humid day, and he survived rather well. My job was to peel and pack for freezing. We always buy the extra hot chiles, so after he roasts, throws them into a pot of water to loosen the skin, I peel. The peels took awhile, as we had 25 pounds, so, wearing heavy-gloves, I peeled, coughed and hacked from the fumes, while I sneezed, snorted, and my nose ran. As anyone who peels chile knows, we dare not touch any part of our body with chile hands, as the oils in the chile burn something fierce. I did not use gloves the first time we roasted chile, and I thought my hands were going to melt or burn up from the pain. Old skin absorbs faster, so I soaked my hands in milk, water, baking soda, scrubbed with every "remedy" recommended, all to no avail. I had to wait for the burn to leave. It took a couple of days to die down, but I could function after the first day. Trying to sleep with that discomfort was difficult, but I lived to peel another year. Now I am much more careful. Other than hacking up a lung, that is, and having to stop several times, carefully remove the gloves, carefully avoiding contact with my bare hands (after I washed my hands with the gloves on), so I could blow my nose profusely, and carefully put the gloves back on! This is a hazardous to your health job! But one that is well worth the effort if you, like we, enjoy this wonderful vegetable God has provided for our enjoyment. You haven't lived until you've tasted my green chili chicken enchiladas or my chili and cheese fries. Nothing better!

I also spent some time outside admiring my crepe myrtle trees - no longer bushes - the very ones I risked life and limb for getting that nasty vine out that was killing my trees. They hadn't bloomed, and it was late in the season. This vicious vine had wrapped around the tree trunk and lower branches, and it had vines that covered the top of the trees. But now, they are so beautiful and full. 

 

I still have to work on back side of the yard, as there are overgrown, half-way dead bushes with that vine entangled in the top of the tree and vines wrapped around. After I mowed the lawn, I spent considerable time messing with that tree. Sadly the only answer is to cut the bushes down, remove the vines, and save the tree. There are some bird nests in the bushes, but I think they are almost finished with their nesting. They seem to have found homes in the gigantic maple tree in the back yard, so hopefully, I won't disturb their homes. After all, they have squatter's rights! 

Being out in the bushes all afternoon, pulling down those nasty vines, brought dust and critters down on me. I love coming in and taking a nice soak in the tub. But I am scratching my skin off from the voracious  mosquitoes that seem to love me. I am still wondering why God created mosquitoes, but I know He has a purpose for every creature. I should have paid better attention in my botany classes and in the study of insects - entomology. I remember studying the life cycles of certain plants, ginkgo biloba being one. While it was interesting, the field trips fun, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I preferred bodies or even better, microbes. I was great at identifying unknown bacteria. I wish I knew how to identify this vine!! Did you know that there is actually a cell phone app to diagnose sick plants? What will they come up with next?! Actually, I'm a little afraid to ask, as I do not trust AI, and there are some risky social media apps, as well. But that's another rant session for another day.

While I was reading over my post to ensure I had spelled words correctly and that it made sense, a tiny little mosquito-type fly flew by me, a no-see-um I am told. But I saw um, and I squashed it!! Their bites are worse than mosquito bites, as they itch more and last longer. I identified the bites on my arm beside the mosquito bites. I guess I'm the meal of the day!

Once more the time has crept by, and I need to rest these ole bones. Rest properly so I can live to write another day. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring an equally pleasant day. Selah.

 

Day 204 "Follow Me"

 

7/23/2025 

"As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus 

sitting at the tax office, and He said to him,

'Follow Me.' So, he arose and followed him.

Mark 2:14 

 

What was it that made Matthew (Levi) leave his job, no doubt a lucrative one, and follow Jesus? Just like that?! There's no indication in scripture that he had previous contact with Jesus, so what happened? 

I enjoy watching the series The Chosen, and the story of Matthew presents a possibility that seems plausible. Tax collectors were not well liked or respected, and choosing this profession, working for the Roman government brought shame on the entire family. In the series, the character of Matthew is portrayed as being autistic with noticeable quirks in his behavior, nonetheless a young man of unique capabilities - strategically sound wisdom, unmatched organizational skills, and a genius mathematically. He has done well for himself as a tax collector, and has become quite wealthy, but his father has disowned him, because of the shame he feels for Matthew's chosen vocation. Alphaeus, who once had his own business, lost it for the same reason, disgraced by his son's choices, so he had to travel from home with his new line of work. Once a respected member in the community, he also lost his status. But things changed when Jesus asked Matthew to "Follow Me." 

In the series, Matthew had observed Jesus with the people as He taught and performed miracles. He also witnessed the huge catch of fish Jesus had provided for Peter and Andrew. This was enough to peak Matthew's interest and bring more confusion to his troubled mind, as Matthew did not understand nor could he reason out the miracle he had witnessed. When Jesus passed by, looked eyeball to eyeball, and Jesus said "follow Me," Matthew heard the call and accepted it. Just like every other disciple. In John 10:27 Jesus, speaking to the crowd, said: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." Somehow Matthew and each of the disciples heard and understood, and they chose to follow Jesus.

Whatever made the difference in Matthew's life, gave him the desire to radically change his life, giving up wealth, possessions, and a position with the Roman government, it took courage to throw it all away, to accept a life of poverty, having no home, traveling places where they may not be welcomed, entering the unknown. The other disciples had their own questions, I imagine, as total surrender did not come easy for any of them, and yet, He changed their thinking in an instant. For many, their testimonies are similar. When they encountered the living Son of God, they were blown away. The decision to follow Him was spontaneous.

For some, it comes naturally, no one's conversion to Jesus Christ has ever been the same. I was eight years of age when I made my decision to follow Jesus. For me it was an easy. I grew up going to church whenever the doors were open. My Mama and Grammy read their Bibles daily, served in church teaching the little children, giving to missionaries, tithing, and all the other things we are taught to do. They taught me to love the hymns. They taught me to pray, although I began to talk to Jesus at a very early age. He was my friend as I have testified before. I imagine it is the same or similar for many who are raised in the South, in country or rural areas, where we are protected from the outside in many ways. That is, until we become teenagers, and we become more aware of what was happening outside our four walls or those in the area around us. Our schools were country schools with teachers who lived in the area, were friends with our parents and grandparents, and many were school teachers, principals, deacons in our churches, or known locally. That's the way it was in rural America for me. I did not realize what a privilege it was until later in life. I wish more children were able to grow up loved and guided in this way. We still made mistakes, but we knew we were loved. But then, there are always exceptions, varying influences. Sadness and trauma. I know a bit of this also.

Television was not available to the public at large until the late 1940's and early 1950's, and I do not recall the first time our family had one. I was born in 1950, and we were not well off financially, so we may not have been able to afford a television until much later, and my Daddy was very protective of us when we did have one. Strangely, I do remember when Sputnik was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, but as a small, tender child, I could not fully understand the significance of entering the space age. Children see "outer space" as the beautiful heavens we can see with our innocent eyes - sun, moon, stars, like a window to glimpse the face of God. We are taught of the kindly "man in the moon." Blessed with many creative gifts, my imagination had no boundaries, so I dreamed big dreams. God moved on my heart in so many ways back then in my early years.

I do not remember the first television evangelist, but I do remember attending every revival Central Baptist Church, Church Road, Virginia held when I was a child until my early adulthood. That's a lengthy legacy, and I am so grateful. When Jesus called me to give my life to Him, to follow Him, I was eight years old, and I approached the pastor to the following familiar words:

"Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!"  

If my experience is like Matthew's, minus the mental challenges, although my son may say otherwise, then the power of the spoken Word, and the mysteries of the Gospel concerning Jesus Christ and His miraculous sojourn on this earth, are alone sufficient to draw a hungry and thirsty heart to Jesus when they hear Him say, "Follow Me." 

Day 203 Jesus, Have It All!

 

7/22/2025 

"He who dwells in the secret place of the

Most High shall abide under the 

shadow of the Almighty."

Psalm 91:1

 

My life is so full. And yet, a conundrum, a cacophony, a fractal. The important thing about my less than normal life is that I know that God smiles on me. He knows everything about me, naturally, because He created me to be "me." He knows what I'm thinking or if I'm not! He knows how I'm going to begin each day, and how it will end. He knows that even if I get a bit distracted and walk around in circles that I'll always be pulled back. Right now He knows that it's late, my legs are aching, because I cut grass and cut branches, and walked up and down the basement steps with laundry. He knows that I missed two prayer calls, one by mistake and the other from sheer exhaustion. He knows that I can "see" distractions, that I understand danger ahead, and He knows that my heart is aching for those who wait, who grieve, who are suffering, who need Jesus. He knows I'm spent, at the end of my proverbial rope as it relates to my family. He knows my heart, and He sees and loves me. I belong to Him. He is my Beloved, and I am His.

So I run into the secret place, and sit under the shadow of my Almighty God, and I silence my mind, crawl into His lap, and we discuss what's next.

"Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

 and hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity."  

I received a text message Friday from my closest childhood friend, who at this moment in lounging with her family in blue Hawaii. And believe me, the waters are so blue and clean and amazingly beautiful. How I wish I could be there enjoying the grandeur of God's creation. And yet, I have traveled to so many places within our country, and regardless of whether the road takes me through lovely pastures with rolling hills, past countless lakes and streams, or through a dingy, dirty, traffic packed city, there is always something that is beyond imagination - "beautiful beyond comprehension; too marvelous for words" - when we consider the worlds His hands have made. Yes, I admit to having a tinge of jealousy, but it soon disappeared, and I can be content with where I am in this moment of time. I'm glad that she has a family who enjoys getting out of Dodge on occasion, and that three sisters, and sometimes the fourth, can enjoy time together for a much-needed rest.

After a morning of resting in God's glory, abiding in His grace, I soon return to the thoughts of the day. The Worship Watch at Kehilat HaCarmel in Haifa was a bit heavy, as was the prayer call with the embassy. Even my devotional, 60 Days of Prayer, urges us to be a voice for the voiceless, advocate for justice and compassion, and embrace the calling with joy. It's hard to think of suffering with joy, even harder to imagine when someone else is going through it, and we have no clue as to how it actually feels to walk their walk. On the call this morning, we had a mother of an IDF soldier/reservist who has been on active duty the past 270 days straight. She also has grandchildren in the service, so her heart is heavy. As Hannah spoke my heart ached for what she must feel and the strength she must have as she waits and watches. She said that the soldiers have to endure intense heat from the sun, dressed in their uniforms, armed with their weapons, although they do not always have the weapons they need. She shared that often they do not have enough food or water. There are those who are faithful to carry food to some areas, but they do not make it to all. The soldiers are not allowed to take their boots off while they are serving, for weeks on end. She prayed for protection and for their mental health. There have been suicides. Chaim Malespin, Sergeant Major of one of the ground units, who also runs the Aliyah Return Center, has been involved in the conflict since day one. He often speaks of the "lone soldiers" who are fighting in the war, but who do not have any family in Israel. The Aliyah Return Center provides rooms and support for these soldiers. Sadly, one committed suicide a week or two ago. Perhaps more, as there have been others who ended their lives, because they could not endure the thought of continuing in such a long conflict. Today marks 655 days since the war began. My heart bleeds for them, for their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, and children. For the lost and grieving. For the hostages who are in dark tunnels far beneath the ground, without proper nutrition, water, sanitary conditions, enduring torture, going without medical treatment. Hannah is a Messianic Jewish believer, so she has great faith to believe and trust God for her family's safety and return. But others do not believe, and this is another reason I am sad. Some of the released hostages have returned to serving God, but they still do not know Jesus, their Messiah. My hope, my prayer, is that as their faith in God has returned, so their hunger and thirst for more and more will lead them to find Jesus.

This evening I turned my focus to worship, as this is where I find my rest, my peace, my enduring hope, especially after such a heavy day. I was listening to Jesus Image, Sunday evening service, where Steffany Gretzinger was speaking about seeking Jesus. Jesus as our living water, our source, our well. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus said: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) When He encountered the woman at the well in Samaria He said to her: "Whoever drinks o this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14)

Because this woman heard the message Jesus spoke, understood, and accepted Him as the Source of all living water, as Messiah, upon her testimony, and entire village came running to hear the Good News from the Author and Finisher of our faith. 

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe."

Proverbs 18:10

This woman at the well became the first evangelist when she spread the Good News throughout her town. Before she encountered Jesus at Jacob's well, she was a notorious sinner, shunned by her own people, as you may recall from her story in John 4. But Jesus changed her life, and He changes ours. I know He changed mine. The message is "never stop seeking Jesus." He alone is the giver of life who satisfies all our longings.

 

Day 202 Walking Well

 

7/21/2025 

 

Yesterday I spoke a little about the early church, and how the disciples turned the whole world upside down sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When Saul of Tarsus, whose name was changed to Paul, encountered Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus on his way to arrest Christians, his life changed dramatically. Paul, a Pharisee, persecuted the early Christians, dragging them out of their homes, arresting them for believing the message of Jesus Christ. When he met Jesus, all that changed, and Jesus called Paul to take the message to the Gentiles. I find it interesting that there has been a misunderstanding regarding God's chosen people and Israel's importance in end time prophecy. Replacement Theology has infiltrated the church and theological seminaries teaching that the Christian Church has replaced the Jews as the chosen people, and the Old Testament writings are thought to be no longer of importance. When the disciples set out to share the gospel, they did not have the New Testament, so they shared from personal experience of knowing Jesus and witnessing the miracles, hearing His teaching, and from the writings of the Old Testament prophets. The entire Old Testament prophesies of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and from their testimony and the Word of God many were added to the church daily. Based on their experience and the writings of Paul, it is hard to believe that the church could become so confused. Paul write the book of Romans in response to wrong doctrines infiltrating the early church, and Romans 11 clearly states God's truth regarding the Jews as God's chosen people. This will never change, and the Old Testament as well as the New testifies of this truth.

On Mondays on the Christian Embassy call from Jerusalem, Dr. Jurgen Buhler, our CEO, has been sharing about how antisemitism seeped into the church nearly 1700 years ago when the the Council of Nicaea met to safeguard foundational beliefs, such as the identity of Jesus Christ and to set the date of Easter. Prior to this, Jews and Christians were on friendly terms, and they even worshiped together and were allowed in the synagogues. The Nicene Creed was written, but rather than make the relationship stronger, it lead to division. Fast forward to today, and we can see that the division has increased with antisemitism on the rise. It is important that the church get back to their Judeo-Christian roots.

In the afternoon I turned on an episode of Little House on the Prairie, about Nellie Olsen meeting the love of her life, which had always been the desire of her parents, particularly her mother, Harriet, who often is the life of the series with her antics. In this episode Nellie has already met and married Percival Issac Dalton Cohen, and his parents are coming for the birth of their first child. Harriet is upset about the parents being Jewish and if they will accept Nellie and her family. She is discussing this with her husband, Nels, when she makes a comment about their heritage. She said everyone had a country, but that the Jews were scattered all over the place. That made me sit up and take notice, and it made me think about how things are today about the country of Israel. People can grow up reading the Bible, and yet, they cannot understand that God gave the Jewish people the Promised Land through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I don't understand how this can be difficult to understand, as I have mentioned many times. I pray that this will change. Soon. For the sake of America.

I forgot to mention that yesterday, after Pastor Jonathan's message about service to one another, someone reached out to me in kindness. I had walked to church, as I live across the road, so it's not that far to walk, and I enjoy it. My cousin usually attends the first service, so we usually cross paths as he is leaving, and I am arriving. Everyone said it was hot, but I guess I don't notice it as much having lived in Northern New Mexico in dryer climate. Besides, there was a nice breeze. I had crossed the highway and was headed down the road when a truck almost passed me, but it stopped, and the young man asked if I wanted a ride home. I noticed that he was the man who generally sits behind me during the service. I thanked him, and told him that I lived just across the way and pointed to my house, as I was almost home. He insisted that it was too hot to be walking. I assured him that I was enjoying my walk, but I did appreciate his kind offer. He eventually went on his way. My legs were aching from work I had done in the yard on Friday, but I still was pretty brisk as I ventured along. Still it's nice that someone heard the message, and better still that someone reached out to me. It gave me hope.

Many thoughts pass through my mind. It seems as if my mind never rests, not when it comes to human suffering. I champion the rights of those the Lord loves and calls as His own, those who choose to walk the narrow road I have talked about so often. Each day Pastor Greg has a question from his daily devo or from the most recent message. The online community is growing and considering questions we cover in our groups. I think questions can be very beneficial for anyone, at any stage of their walk with Jesus. This is how we grow or why we stagnate. The one for today was:  "How do you know if you’re on the right road, spiritually speaking?" So, any thoughts?//

 

Day 201 Love Costs

 

7/20/2025

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud 

of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, 

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking

unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set 

before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down 

at the right hand of the throne of God." 

 Hebrews 12:1-2

 

Last night at Angel Stadium Harvest Ministries hosted their annual Harvest Crusade with 45,000 in attendance. This is Pastor Greg's 35th year of holding these crusades, but this year they had to turn people away, as the stadium was already filled to capacity! This morning we learned that 6500 made decisions for Christ. This included in person and those viewing online. At Angel Stadium there were so many people coming forward that the Fire Marshal had to stop the crowd. This is also a first, Pastor Greg shared. This should be exciting news in a world where there is such bad news daily; however, later today fellow Californian, Sean Feucht, a young worship leader, who founded the ministry Let Us Worship during the pandemic, sent a message saying that there have been disparaging comments posted by social media  regarding the Harvest Crusade. Sean has been holding his own meetings in every state and in certain countries in the world. He's excited about what God has been doing in California, as many have been praying for a great end time revival, but he is growing tired of the rude, judgmental comments of others, especially those who are in the body of Christ. Sean is not a stranger to criticism, but it never seems to stop his momentum, his zeal for the Lord. Still, his concern is well understood and well-said, as the Word of God is very clear about criticism made against His anointed. Life and death are indeed in the power of the tongue. 

The mission statement of Harvest Ministries is "To Know Jesus and Make Him Known." The crusade will be followed by baptisms at Pirate's Cove on August 16. Pirate's Cove is the site of the Jesus Movement baptisms and the location of the movie Jesus Revolution, detailing this movement in the 70's. This gathering for baptism at Pirate's Cove will be the 3rd Annual Jesus Revolution Baptism, where thousands of people will flock to take their next step of faith in their walk with Jesus. During the filming of Jesus Revolution, many spectators who were sitting on the rocks watching the baptism scene, and many who were in the crowd observing came forward to be baptized themselves. There have been other groups baptized at Pirate's Cove, and I have heard similar reports. It is amazing to watch what God is doing in the hearts of many today, mostly the youth. May the fire continue to fall!

Harvest's message this morning was entitled "Now What?: Being a Disciple & Making Disciples." We are ending our study of the book of Jonah, where the nation of Ninevah witnessed a mass revival in response to the reluctant prophet Jonah's call for repentance or destruction. Ninevah was a brutal nation, and they were given 40 days to change their ways. I believe that America has been given another chance to change our ways, but many do not seem to notice or pay attention to the many signs God is sending us. In my writings I have mentioned many times the increasing advance of the prophetic time clock as relayed by scripture. They are not my words, rather those spoken by God Himself in the Bible, God's written word. Jesus said many, even the very elect, would turn away from the truth, and I must say that I am witnessing that happen with increasing alarm. Jesus said many times in scripture that things hidden would be revealed, and they are. 

The early church formed by the disciples of Jesus, after He resurrection and ascension, was said to set the world on fire. The book of Acts describes the devotion of the early believers and their growth as they went out and fulfilled Jesus' last words found in Acts 1:8: "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." But following Christ came with a huge cost, as the religious leaders and others did not receive the message, as they did not while Jesus was on earth. All the disciples, except John, gave their lives for the Gospel. Although the enemy tried to kill John the Apostle many times, once by boiling him in oil, he was unsuccessful. John was eventually exiled on the island of Patmos where he authored Revelation - the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Jonathan, Western Heights Baptist Church, continuing in our study of the gospel of Mark, spoke Sunday on The Cost of Compassion. The text is found in Mark 1:4-45, where it relayed the message of Jesus' encounter with a leper, who was supposed to remain a safe distance from others, and not to be seen in public. Leprosy was an incurable disease that presented with whitish or yellowish spots on the skin, then spread over the body. As the condition advanced it would literally eat up the tissues and bones causing extensive disfiguring and loss of finger, toes, and other parts of the body and face. Because it was highly infectious, the ill had to be quarantined. One location where lepers were isolated was the island of Molokai, an island of Hawaii. Pastor Jonathan mentioned Father Damien, the priest who served the lepers on this island, the priest I mentioned yesterday in my post on My Heroes of the Faith. His story is quite remarkable, and his life was one of selfless devotion to the most vulnerable of his time. After contracting the disease himself, he chose to remain on the island serving the people he loved, rather than leave for treatment. He died among those who loved him and whom he loved. His one request over the years he was on Molokai was for nuns to come and assist him. Prior to his death his dream was realized.

The cost of discipleship is indeed very high. There are many ways to serve, as not all can go to the mission field, and not all are willing to put themselves in harms way. I learned also this morning that Pastor Khaled Mezher of Good Shepherd Evangelical Church in Suwayda, Syria and his family and others were brutally murdered in church, during a proposed cease fire. Pastor Khaled had been converted from the Druze faith to Christianity for several years and was well loved. Over one hundred others have been murdered by this tyrannical regime now in power in the country of Syria, and in spite of the cease fire, the murders continue. This is one modern day example of the cost of living for Jesus. The author Tertullian said "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church."

Silence in the face of such brutality has been the normal response. I make every attempt to post current news, but honestly, it comes so fast, from every country, every direction, that my head swims. It literally makes me sick knowing such brutality exists in this world. A world that has so much to be grateful for, yet it is never enough. The thirst for power is so great and so corrupt. I have said many time that there will come a time when a line has to be drawn in the sand. Jesus is coming back. The time to draw the line is now! 

Day 200 My Heroes of the Faith

 

7/19/2025

 "Each of you should use whatever gift you have

received to serve others, as faithful

stewards of God's grace."

1 Peter 4:10 

 

Yesterday I shared about the cost of following Christ, and I spoke of serving others as our highest call as followers of Christ. I spoke of intercessory prayer as it relates to laying down our lives, standing as mediator on behalf of another. Using the gifts God has given us in service to others. I ended by saying that I had heroes of the faith, those men and women, foreign missionaries, who have touched my life, because of their selfless love. I'd love to share a few with you:

 

 Father Damien de Veuster of Molokai

1840-1889 

  

 

 

I was first introduced to Father Damien from a movie about his life, Molokai - The Story of Father Damien, available on Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube. I have watched that movie over and over, and today I will watch it again. As I have said so many times, since early childhood my heart has been two fold, missions and prayer. When I see a movie about someone who risked it all for others, it captures my eye rather quickly. From the movie's account Father Damien was the only priest who accepted the call to go to America's only leper colony located on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai. The colony was controlled by the government, and people diagnosed with leprosy were relocated and quarantined, often without the needed medical supplies or suitable living conditions to make their lives as comfortable and up to human standards, meaning they lived in squalor. Not only did Father Damien selflessly go to the aid of these precious people, but he physically embraced them. He, like Jesus, was not afraid to touch them or breathe their air for fear of contracting the then incurable disease. "In September 1881, Princess Lili'uokalani, the future Queen of Hawaii, visited the leper colony of Kalaupapa n Moloka'i to present Father Damien with the Royal Order of Kalakaua. She was deeply moved by the suffering she witnessed and was unable to deliver her prepared speech, instead expressing her profound sorrow. This visit significantly increased awareness of Damien's work and the plight of those living in the settlement, leading to increased support from both within Hawaii and internationally." Father Damien served the citizens of Molokai for 16 years. In 1884 he contracted leprosy, but he refused to leave, remaining to care for the people he loved. He died from the painful, debilitating disease six years later. I will never forget him. How I wish I could have known him. 

 

 

I have long been acquainted from books with Jim Elliot and his wife Elisabeth, whose devotionals I enjoy and share on Facebook on occasion. I have read Jim's journals written by Elisabeth (The Journals of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot) detailing their lives as missionaries to the Auca Tribe of Ecuador, the Waorani or Huaorani people, along with four other evangelicals and their families. The journal, however, details Jim's earlier life, his call, his passion, his friendship with Peter Fleming, marriage to Elisabeth, and continues until the end of his life. The four missionaries accompanying Jim to Ecuador were Pete Fleming, Nate Saint,  Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian. Their deaths in January 2, 1956 shocked the world. After their deaths, Elisabeth stayed and lived and served as a missionary for two years in the very village of those who murdered her husband. Elisabeth Elliot has written many books since that time, Through Gates of Splendor being one of my particular favorites. Although Elisabeth died in 2015 her devotionals and books are loved by many, including this writer.

 

 Mother Teresa

 

 

 Saint Francis of Assisi

Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, known as Francis of Assisi, was an Italian aristocrat who fell in love with Jesus through the help of a leper God strategically placed in his life. His father was a wealthy merchant of cloth, so Francis was accustomed to a life of affluence. After meeting a leper, Francis gave it all up to serve the underprivileged and poor, and he became a friend and caretaker to all animals and a nature lover. He founded the Franciscan Order in the Catholic Church and became an itinerant preacher. Later, he was called Patron Saint of Animals. He did not live an easy life, as he was called to live in poverty, and his family did not take kindly to this extreme transformation. There are several movies available on his life and ministry, as well as one regarding his friendship and love for a nun named Clare. I have not delved into this friendship, but the movie shows the close relationship they shared. I believe there is also a movie called Clare and Francis. Francis was famous for the quote: "The deeds you do may be the only sermon someone may hear today." He was also quoted as saying, "Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words," but there has been some dispute regarding whether he said these words or not. They are, nonetheless, in keeping with the initial quote above.

 

 

Betsie ten Boom 

 

Corrie ten Boom

 

 

Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie are very well know from Corrie's popular story The Hiding Place written about her experience during the Holocaust. Corrie was a watchmaker along with her father, Casper ten Boom and lived in Nazi-occupied Netherlands with her father and sister, Betsie. During the Nazi occupation the ten Booms sheltered 800 Jewish citizens in their home, and they were successful for four years until in 1944 a Dutch informant turned them in. They were transported to the concentration camp in Ravensbrück, where both her father and her sister died. Corrie was miraculously spared by a clerical error in the records, and she was released on December 30, 1944. Her book is a memoir of this experience. Corrie has written several books, traveled, and lectured for many years until her death in 1983. I still love listening to her conversations that can be found on YouTube. She lived a remarkable life, and God has used her to teach others what it means to forgive those who mistreat and abuse others. In fact, at a meeting she attended, Corrie met and forgave the man who mistreated and horribly abused her sister, Betsie, while in the camp. He was a transformed man who had found the forgiveness of his Savior and would find forgiveness from one of those he mistreated at the camp. Corrie had said in her talks that she never thought she would be able to forgive the one responsible for her sister's death, even though before her death, Betsie forgave him and asked Corrie to do the same. Betsie's soft-spoken words to Corrie were: "No, don't hate, Corrie. You must love and forgive." God provided the opportunity, and both Corrie and the former Nazi soldier found the peace of God.

 

 

 Katie Davis Majors

 

 

Katie Davis (later married to Benji Majors) is probably not known by most people unless they are familiar with the story of a young, 18 year old young lady who made her first missionary trip to Uganda in December 2006. In short, Katie fell in love with the people and after returning home from her missionary trip, she returned to Uganda in less than a year to stay, and she founded Amazima Ministries in 2008. Her story is incredible, as she used the money she had saved for college to accomplish the impossible. Because of the severe needs of the area, the poverty, lack of nutrition, homes, and the people's need for medical attention, Katie began to champion the rights of the people of Jinja, and she eventually became the mother of thirteen young girls. Today she is the mama to 15 beautiful children and her adoring husband, Benji, her best friend. If you desire to read an incredible story, read Katie's first book, Kisses from Katie. Katie had other plans for her life, but on her first missionary trip Jesus showed her a better plan.

So there you have the names of only some of the people I've come to know, missionaries who selflessly gave of their lives for others. How I wish I could have been Katie back in the day, as she is living the dream I had for my life. But God...! Somehow every opportunity that came my way from youth to adulthood did not lead to the path I had chosen. God in His grace and mercy finally made a way in a series of disappointments for me to experience ten days of service to the Mayan Indians in the jungles of Belize in 1986, before we moved to Northern New Mexico, where I remained for 35 years before coming home to Virginia. But God had done so much more for me on my path, my right road. Since I have been alone, God has healed my health and restored my life in ways I could never have dreamed possible. As I have testified before, He made it possible for me to be handed jobs where, though I did not hold the required proper credentials, yet the experience in life God had provided along the way proved of greater value than academic accolades. Jesus always makes a way where there seems to be no way. I am a living testament. 

This year in August I will welcome 75 years of life, and although it has not been an easy one, it has been one amazing adventure, and although I would never want to repeat one day of it, I thank God for my life. It has taught me to love Jesus as my first Love, my only Love. Without Him I would never have lived, and He has given me so much more love for other people. We live in a depraved world, devoid of love, true love. If I can give back something to others, even if only one learns the love of Christ, my life will have been worth it all. Never give up on your dreams. I won't, and I'm not done yet!

 

Day 199 It's All About JOY

 

7/18/2025

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, 

acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed 

by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove 

what is that good and acceptable and 

perfect will of God."

 

Romans 12:1-2 

Today, when I was trying to look back over my blogs, I realized that I had never posted the one for the 7/13/2025 Embrace Silence. I attempted to read back over it to make sure it sounded right, but my efforts were fruitless, as I couldn't remember the point, until I looked back through my minimal notes and added a closing remark. Hopefully, it makes sense, but then, there are those times when I wonder if anything I write makes sense. I've been trying so hard to get posts written daily, but it seems that all my best efforts are not cutting it. One day, when my book is written, or perhaps a few of them, I will laugh when I remember how frantic I was just trying to be obedient in my "day of small beginnings." Somehow, knowing the Lord, as I believe I do, I don't think He's nearly as concerned with my messing up as much as He is about my obedience. He sees the desires of my heart, and He knows my intentions are pure, so I guess I just need to breathe, and keep writing.

The scriptural reference for today was one I had on my mind, then, as is God's way, the same verse was in my 60 Days of Prayer devotional and in a message I heard. That's the way many of these posts begin, with nudging from God. It seems to open up the "theme of the day," so to speak, as my days always begin with a briefing in my quiet times with the Lord. Everything eventually ties in and wraps itself around what I need to know or to pay attention to for the day, or maybe just for a moment, a phone call, or a text message. It's about being ready to give the reason of hope within me (1 Peter 3:15).

This morning Dutch Sheets in Give Him 15, presented a short message called "God's 'Kiss' for Suffering Humanity." Dutch began by sharing about his and a friend's attempts to climb Pike's Peak, with an elevation of 14, 114 feet, a major feat, attempted by many, as it is a popular tourist destination. He shifted to Mount Calvary, and Jesus' amazing "climb" while bearing our burdens on His back, the weight of every "sin, sickness, suffering, despair, rejection" strapped to His back as He hung on the cross and died, sacrificing His life for ours. As Christians we come to Christ, recognizing our sin, seeking forgiveness, accepting His sacrifice, surrendering our lives to a life hidden in Christ, forever changed, transformed! When someone makes a profession of faith, deciding to put off the old life and be born again, the price is high, the sacrifice costly. Jesus does not promise us an easy life. In fact He says that they (the world) hated Him, so they would hate us all the more. That can be a chilling thought, I guess, but somehow, it never registered with me. I never thought about someone hating me, because I chose to follow Jesus, but this reality seems to be more obvious every day, all over this world, and even on the streets of America. 

In sharing the suffering of Christ, the laying of our burdens on Him, Dutch shared that the Hebrew word for "laid upon" is the Old Testament word for "intercession." As intercessors we stand in the gap for others, we "bear the burdens" of another in prayer. We share in their suffering, taking their place in prayer. I've mentioned before how Moses and Daniel stood in the gap for the people of Israel, taking on the sins of the nation, even though they were not personally involved. We approach the throne of God humbly seeking forgiveness, first for ourselves before we offer one prayer. Each day, I ask God to search me, try me, see if there is anything wicked, wrong in any way, and if so to clean me up. I don't want anything between God and me. I need that relationship unhindered by personal sin. So, we examine ourselves daily. 

Recently in a discipleship community we were asked how our lives had changed since becoming a follower of Christ Jesus. Each day has always been a new adventure for me. I've been a Christian for a very long time, but as a child I talked with Jesus about everything! And I still do that. From start to finish of a day, and each time I wake up in the night. Sometimes, when asked to pray, I just start talking to Abba as if I'm finishing up an ongoing conversation. Once I started out like that after reading a few Bible verses, and all of a sudden, I stopped praying, and said, "Oh, Father, forgive me, I didn't even praise You," and then I began to thank Him and praise Him as I do when I begin to pray. I guess they thought, "what is this ole lady doing?!" I can laugh about it now, but at the time, after the call, the enemy came tip toeing in, bringing it back to mind, suggesting I made myself look foolish in front of seasoned intercessors. I must say he had me going for a very brief moment, but then, it really doesn't matter, does it? I'm not praying so anyone can check out my style, or see how "holy" I am. Intercessory prayer is like all prayer for me, because I'm talking to my Father. I don't need to pretend anything. It's from the heart.

What has changed in my life is the compassion and mercy I feel towards others who desperately long to live their lives for Christ, those who are seeking, and even those who don't have a clue! They know they're in trouble, but they need help we know only Jesus can give. When Jesus died on the cross, and when Stephen was stoned, they both said the same thing, "Father, please don't hold this against them! They don't know what they're doing!" And the lost do not understand, they cannot see. The enemy of this world blinds the world from the truth, the truth that can set them free. I've mentioned before that I asked God to break my heart for what breaks His, and He answered that prayer. But again, it is a costly sacrifice. 

While Dutch was talking, I was thinking about my heroes of the faith, who gave up their lives to answer the call of God. I always wanted to go into full time ministry work, a desire since childhood. Reading was one of my favorite hobbies, and reading about missionaries was a regular pastime. In my mental travels I have been on more adventures, even into more hostile countries, but I have always had a heart for the continent of Africa, the small country of Kenya. I love to watch movies set in Africa. There are so many heroes of the faith, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. That's really what we're called to do, isn't it? Serve? 

Day 198 Promises to Keep

 

7/17/2025 

"It is better not to make a vow than to

make one and not fulfill it."

Ecclesiastes 5:5

 

One of the lessons my daddy taught me, one I have never forgotten, is to always keep promises, to be a woman of my word. I remember him telling me that he purchased his home with a handshake before the promissory note was ever written. Things were different back then, but good character was  known and respected. Back then daddy wasn't attending church; that happened later after the birth of his first grandchild, my daughter. How her life made such a difference I will never know or understand, but he was transformed. When I was young he always made sure we were in church whenever the doors were open, and he never forbid my mama or us from attending church services or any event. He worked the 3 pm -11 pm shift, so he slept in on his days off which happened to be Sunday and Monday. I remember we had to practically tiptoe through the house on those days, and oddly, even a friend remembered we had to be quiet when he was home. But I never remember him saying a cross word if we did awaken him, because he did have a tempestuous side, and he could flare up at times.

Things have changed considerably since the days my parents and grandparents lived. People still make promises, but they seldom remember making them, I guess. A handshake may be exchanged, but even so, the promise to get back to you never happens. I think the world moves too swiftly, and most everyone has to balance things and plan strategically. Even then, some things don't work out, and people are left wondering what happened. There is seldom follow up as a reminder of an appointment or an event or pledge to do work. There are fewer reminders of appointments by doctors' offices. We tend to take things for granted, expect people to understand when we never tell them differently, when we don't show up. Sadly, sometimes I feel that my best intentions of trying to keep in touch with folks seldom works out. I feel as if my life is out of control many times, and no matter how hard I try to "fit in" every thing or every person, I can't. It is simply impossible, so I should not expect more of myself than I am able to actually commit to do.

This morning I spent some time thinking about letters I want to write. People I want to call. When I first moved back home I had more time to call friends in New Mexico, but as time went on, the calls became less frequent. Writing has become a lost art, but I do still love to send cards with notes inside. I seem to get lost in my thoughts or prayers often, so what I start I seldom finish. I need to be more intentional. In Ecclesiastes King Solomon says that there is a time for every season:

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: 

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)  

I wonder what season of life I am in. I know that chronologically I am a senior, but mentally I don't feel as if I'm ready to be put out to pasture. Since I've been here I have fallen several times, because of my own antics, not necessarily because I am clumsy from advancing age. God has mercifully kept me safe, and if I did fracture something, at least it healed on its own. The chronic pain from some accidents do come back to haunt me at times, but there is little that can be done, so I have learned to grit and bear it. Plus I bounce back every time, in short order. I am determined to go on and finish my race. Trying not to look back, only forward, focusing on the Captain of the Armies of Heaven. On this one thing I am steadfast.

I don't have promises to keep, at least none that I recall, except those made to myself which do affect others or influence them possibly. God has promises He will keep. I have no doubt. There are things that need doing, and those to get done. People to write and people to see. The Rowland reunion will be a promise to keep, as I would only miss it if there was a reason I could not. Making time for people is never a waste of time. 

When I moved back, several people made promises to visit, to come, to call, and for one reason or another, the promise did not pan out. But I wait, and I won't give up hope. One day I'll be pleasantly surprised. For now, I intend on doing better locally, catching up with friends and family. Planning my strategy for taking a road trip in autumn. My eyes are focused forward, trained on the Captain of the Armies of Heaven. Promises to keep.