Day 266 Days of Awe

 

9/23/2025

 "Then Jesus said to him, 'Go and do likewise.'"

Luke 10:37

 

The shofar has sounded in Jerusalem announcing the Feast of Trumpets. According to Leviticus 23:23-25: "Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.'"  This observance leads up to the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year. The ten days leading up to the Day of Atonement are called the 10 Days of Awe, a time of self-examination, humbling ourselves before the Lord, seeking forgiveness and asking forgiveness. The observance began yesterday in the evening, so we are now entering Day 2 of the 10 Days of Awe. Today our focus was pressing to full maturity.

I am joining with International Prayer Connect during this time (9/22/2025-10/3/2025), praying for the 110 regions where the gospel has not reached. Several international ministries join together in coordination with prayer for Israel which has multiple ministries. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the challenge. I've shared about my call to intercession, so I do take it seriously. But, there are times when all I can do is sit quietly, alone with God, and ask Him to direct the prayers. Each day brings its own challenges and, sadly, drama. 

This morning President Trump spoke before the United Nations General Assembly, and he frankly told them they had failed at their job. When the UN was established, it had the great potential of working together for the good of all nations. It's role has been described to "maintain peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian aid, support sustainable development and climate action, and uphold international law." In his speech, President Trump dismantled all the pretenses and spoke honestly about the lack of involvement of the UN in the wars between the Ukraine and Russia and Hamas and Israel. He called them to task and to action. He stood in support of Israel and in the mandate to Hamas to release all prisoners, dead and alive. No other response will be acceptable. I thank God for President Trump's bold stand for justice for Israel, and I pray that rather than get their nose out of joint, the nations will take heed and give support to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to speak to the UN General Assembly, but I have not heard his speech. One thing is for certain - there cannot be a two state solution. This land was given to Israel by God. I have shared these scriptures over and over, and I pray that the church will rise up and stand beside Israel as the prophetic implications are evident.

Tonight in our prayer circle we marveled at the move of God that is happening all over this world since Charlie Kirk was martyred. It has emboldened some to get off the proverbial fence and begin to participate in what God is doing, rather than play it safe. I find it so amazing that the day preceding the beginning of the Days of Awe that Erika Kirk stood before 100,000 people or more and said that she forgave the man who murdered her husband. She knew that this is what God commands us to do, and she also knew that it was what Charlie would do. She said that this man was the type of person Charlie spent his life trying to help. Another remarkable answer to prayer happened behind the scenes in the reconciliation between President Trump and Elon Musk. Elon was quoted as saying, "I was proud to sit with my President again." My cup runs over with joy unspeakable! God's glory was being shed all over that place. I have spoken so much about it and written in depth, so if I'm repeating myself, again, then forgive me again, and for the next time. I love to see God move on hearts. This is the day, folks, don't let it pass you by!

Another thing I heard this evening that brings tears of joy to my eyes is that the State of Oklahoma will have Turning Point USA chapters at every high school in the State. Young people will be encouraged to be the best they can be and learn to be men of God, taking responsibility for their actions, who know how to shape the nation in truth and with integrity. 

This reminds me of what has been lacking in high schools and colleges since I was in school. My parents were very good parents, and they taught me Biblical values, as did my grandparents, but I was never encouraged to pursue my dreams or to believe in myself. And I was always dreaming of things I wanted to accomplish. I dreamed of changing the world by doing good and showing kindness. I wanted to be a medical missionary, join the Peace Corp, and trek the difficult areas of the world. This continued into high school and college and into life. I was told I couldn't do this or that for one reason or another, but that is not what I tried in instill in my own children and in the hearts of the children I was privileged to mentor. Tonight I was thinking about my own amazing journey that I sometimes feel was inadequate, as if my life meant nothing. But that's not true, because as I responded to a question in a Bible study I'm doing online, I began to remember parts of my life that I'd forgotten. When I wasn't able to fulfill my dream, God took me on another path, sometimes torturous, because I always had people against me for some reason. I never wanted to lead, and I was happy to follow, but I had passion and a childlike wonder that still resides within me today. I was sharing with my son today that I am often misunderstood when I am trying to explain things, because I think quickly, so I begin a discussion at the beginning, but then in my excitement to share, I leave others behind, and my story is over before they even understand what I'm trying to say. I don't if I explained it correctly. I think my mind works quickly, and maybe all the head trauma I've experienced in my lifetime is a cause. It's not a bad thing, but I've noticed that even when sharing scriptures, I'm like Jesus in not making the story clear to most. His was intentional, but mine is my inability to articulate perhaps. Sometimes that makes me want to shy away from groups, but God calls us to be involved in fellowship with others. That's how we grow.

When I share try to share my life with people, in response to questions they ask me, I get the feeling that they think I am bragging, but I'm not really. I am astounded that God can take a donkey and use me for His purpose. I have simply been obedient, and many times, desperate. I had a family to feed and bills to pay, so I had to apply myself, and at times get creative. All gifts God has given me. I marvel when I think how He used me in one job, then as I gained new skills, another job opened up, and in a round about way, I gained so many skills that led me to the job I had for the last twenty years. But everything I have learned in college, gained through study and application, has been used to benefit others and my family's needs. Ultimately all to His glory, because as I worked in the world, I was also functioning in positions in the churches I attended. I have never been a pew sitter, and I don't want to be. I want to be busy for the Lord. Giving in whatever way I can. As I always love to say, to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48), and I have been given much more than I deserve. 

Over the past few weeks I have shared with my readers how God has been asking me to examine my motives, the condition of my heart. Now that we are in this season, approaching the day of Atonement, I am joining my Jewish family as we walk through these days humbly approaching His throne of grace, repentant, seeking only to serve Him better, and in turn give our lives for others. When we follow Christ, surrendering our lives to Him, we are told to deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow Him. It's all I want. He's all I need. Selah.