Day 252 The Cost

 

9/9/2025

"We have the idea that prayer is for special times,

but we have to put on the armor of God for the continual

practice of prayer, so that any struggling onslaught

of the powers of darkness cannot touch the position of prayer."

Oswald Chambers

 

Have you ever been in a room full of people, whether it be a classroom, a family get-together, or a private or personal event, with multiple conversations going on - loud, joyous, anxious, laughter - all happening at once like a swarm of bees busily at work - an atmosphere of spontaneity and caution. Standing there, seemingly in the middle in the room, no one notices the expression on your face suddenly changes, as if a weight falls, and overcome by a deep awareness that causes you to suddenly begin to cry softly, yet  uncontrollably. Perhaps others are unaware, but the difference in the atmosphere has changed for you. You cannot explain it to others, because they will not understand. The feeling that overcomes you can be deep sorrow as if aware of something deeply troubling, or it may be from an overwhelming awareness that Someone has entered the room, the atmosphere, for you, has shifted.

A friend who had visited Billy Graham's Training Center at the Cove had an experience similar to what I am describing as she walked around the premises. She explained it as a sudden feeling as if she knew that she was standing on Holy Ground. I understand that feeling very well. What if you could experience that feeling every day? It is possible when you learn to abide in the secret place, and the secret place can be anywhere, as with my friend, where His Presence is hallowed.

God continues to deal with me about certain things that He wants me to examine or perhaps put aside - distractions that may be impeding His direction in this new season He is calling me into. It's difficult to articulate or express my feelings, and perhaps I am not meant to delve into it, but the feelings are real and precious.

So much is going on in the world, and quite honestly, unless you understand Biblical prophecy, many things that are happening will be missed. Certain groups or movements want to blame unexpected events on weather change, but this is predicted, and if the environment has changed, it is due to selfishness on our end, as we have not stewarded the upkeep of the earth entrusted to man by God very well. Sadly, no one wants to admit responsibility for anything these days, and accountability is not something we have witnessed in the government until the current administration. I do believe, no I know, that God showed His mercy and grace toward America when He chose the present administration. He gave us another chance to turn from our wicked ways back to Him. God had been taken out of everything, but now, thanks to the goodness of God, things have changed. We have a President and administration who believe in the power of prayer, and they are not afraid to speak the Name of Jesus in press conferences, on videos, or on the front lawn. They recognize that without God, our nation is lost. They realize that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Our President is not afraid to speak up and say that someone who makes foolish comments about the insignificance of prayer, should not be in government. And I am in the agreement that anyone who is openly anti-American, anti-Israel, and who speaks out against Christians, inviting attacks and even death, should be removed from that office as a traitor to our country. There is so much evil being planted in this area, and it is difficult to weed out the tares without harming the wheat.

Today I witnessed the release of a young girl who has been held captive in Iraq where she was doing college research since March 2023. I've had her face on my bulletin board since that time, and today our President finally secured the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov from Iraq. I was ecstatic, as I finally saw someone released from the wrongful actions of Hezbollah. Thanks and praise goes to Jesus!

I again call upon the church to wake up and speak out for those who are imprisoned for their beliefs or because they are Christians or Jews. Do not be afraid, because fear is not of God. Right now people are saying that on September 23rd Jesus will return. This is the Lord's Feast Day celebrating Rosh Hashanah, on the next month of the Jewish calendar, 1Tishrei announces the Jewish New Year, the High Holy Day, Yom Kippur. September 23rd will be Feast of Trumpets, and some religious people are saying Jesus will return on this day. One church has even printed a booklet entitled Emergency Guide, Millions of People Missing, Read This. This church was passing these booklets out for those who will be left behind when the Rapture occurs. In the past there have been people who had made the same claims about Jesus' return, even written books, bringing fear and possibly false conversions. Jesus Himself said that no one knew the time or hour of His return, not even He knew it, only the Father. Why do we profess to know what our Lord Himself has said no man knows. Wouldn't it be better to live for Christ in freedom and truth, loving Him, and esteeming Him, fearing God in His holiness? Please read the Bible for yourself. Jesus is indeed returning, and I hope it is soon. But God does not want anyone to perish, but all to come to eternal life through Jesus Christ. We cannot force another person to change their minds by words, coercion, bribes. God has given man free choice to decide how he wants to live, so where he spends eternity is up to him or her. So we train up our children in the way they are to go, as the scriptures teach, and if we made mistakes it is never too late to talk to your children. The best example is to show them your changed life, live it out before their eyes. And pray. Contrary to the belief of some politicians prayer does work, and it is the BEST we can do. Jesus is the Only Answer.

This blog post is being finished a little later, because there was another that needed to go first. Besides which all these days are blending into one for me, as I write, as I cry out His Name. I pray someone cares enough to pick up a Bible and talk to the Lord for himself. Selah.