Day 243 Greater Things

 

8/31/2025 

 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and 

courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the

LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

 

My older son told me once, in response to my query about how his life was going, that he was irritated, bored, and full of wanderlust. I never dreamed that he'd take off work, book a flight to Japan, stay in a scary side of town, and spend his time wandering through gardens. In fact, he didn't share the plan until he was already there! But this is the way he is, rather reclusive, perhaps even monastic! With him I am never quite certain. I think he got the wandering bug from me, but mine probably is much different from his. Whereas he enjoys civilization, I enjoy jungles. He enjoys hotels, and I prefer tents with mosquito nets! He prefers driving or riding, and I enjoy hiking or walking using a machete to forge my way. He prefers restaurants or at least foods he can identify, when I don't really care about eating, and if I do eat something, it'd be a banana or a bag of nuts or nut bar. I'm just speculating as he's changed a lot since he left home for college back in 1992, heading off to the big city of Boston. He secured a nice scholarship for his prestigious university, but he still had to earn his spending money. Although we were by no means well off, but barely making it, our children always had nice clothes with noted labels, or at least he preferred the labels. But once he left home his taste soon changed from high end to a buck a bag bargains at Good Will. I sewed on many labels for him, but they were sports-related rather than designer. He always did like patches, and he earned a few in Royal Rangers and Cub Scouts. Now he's into his own funky art and fostering cats of all species. He used to be a dog person, like me, and he even had a white mouse name Rodentia once. Things change! and so do people.

When I woke up this morning these thoughts were not primary in my mind. I think the day brought things to mind again, and the photo I shared reminded me of myself. No, this morning I felt so grateful, and I began by praising Abba for another day and restful night, but then my thoughts somehow drifted back again to days in New Mexico. I had been dreaming before I woke up, and although I can't remember what I was dreaming, I remembered that last night when Daniel's cat, Mia, wanted to cuddle, I told her "later." I began to think about the neighbor's dog, Kenya, whom I dearly loved. She had gotten, thin, a little mangy, and seemed to dread each step, except when she came to visit me. No matter how thin she became, or how slow, she always perked up a bit when she and I would chat. She was more a friend to me than most humans, because she actually listened to what I was saying, in her own way. One morning, as I was rushing to go to an appointment with a patient, she came over and wanted to visit a little. I loved on her a bit, but I was running late, so I told her I'd see her later. Later never came. The neighbors didn't want to break the news to me, but she'd been to see them too, before they rushed off to work and school, then she'd gone under her favorite bush between the two homes, and she passed into eternity. That's been so many years ago, but I miss her so much. She stole my heart from day one. A beautiful Alaskan Malamute. I can still see her, smiling. Oh, how I miss her, and I miss my neighbors who always made sure that this ole lady had another dog to love, or two or more, and they watched over me, and they were my friends. We still keep in touch, on the kid's birthdays, but I know they care about me, and they know that I love them. The kids are almost grown, Michael and Gen, but to me, they will always be children, kind and compassionate.

The verse from Pastor Jack's devotional today is found in 1 John 5:4-5: "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" In scripture we are reminded that faith comes by hearing, and hearing, by the word of God (Romans 10:17), herein lies the exhortation to know the word of God and en-graft it onto our hearts. As Jesus is warning His disciples of things that are to come in John 16, in verse 33 He concludes by saying: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." I can't tell you how many I've heard pastors and teachers warn us that the closer we walk we the Lord, the greater the attacks. Now, whereas that is not exciting news, as who wants be persecuted, ill, or face any number of distresses in our lives, yet it is welcoming news to me to know that I make the devil mad, so he has to change his tactics. I much prefer suffering for the cause of Christ, than drifting through life without a care, only to lose out on an eternity of many wonders and adventures with Jesus.

So as Joshua prepares to enter the Promised Land, he has to be told three times to be strong and courageous, and Joshua was a mighty warrior dressed for battle. He also had a visitation by the Angel of the Lord, as I described previously. The Captain of the Armies of Heaven doesn't allow any grass to grown under His feet. Yes, He's in Heaven alright, seated beside Father God at His right hand, victorious over death, hell, and the grave, making intercession for us here on earth, while we are waiting for His return. But, Holy Spirit is right here dwelling within us, in touch with Father and Son, and I believe the Angel of the Lord, or as I was told, the Captain of the Armies of Heaven, is Jesus walking on this earth today. I won't argue the issue, as I've seen Him, face to face. So do not become discouraged, but be bold and courageous as you live Your earthly life for Him. And although I've said this before, and I no doubt will repeat it until I take my last breath or shout my last "Hallelujah!" don't ever allow anyone to tell you that you can't attain the goals you desire in life or that you are too old. Recently, I learned of a man 75 returning to college to complete his Master's degree. Whereas the person sharing the news with me laughed, because he was "old," I rejoiced, because this is what he wanted to do. He wanted to finish what he started. And that's my motivation on any given day - to finish what I start. Next time, or soon, we'll talk about the gifts and calling of God. But, another time. I'll also share about a heathen King named Cyrus, and how God called this king to do great things before he was even born! It's late now, so see ya later, if later comes.