Day 278 Be strong!

 

10/5/2025 

 "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."
—Francis of Assisi

 

 I was so anxious to get to church this morning, but after my long, wearying day-trip of yesterday, this ole gal was feeling a big haggard and worn! Still I gathered my thoughts, and I spent quality moments with Abba before the embassy call and preparing for church. My stomach was a bit unsettled from eating differently, as one does when on a fun-filled adventure with excited ladies and hungry men. Although we ate at a place that generally caters to the taste buds of everyone, it is not the case with my troubled gastrointestinal system, and a diagnosis of celiac disease (gluten sensitivity to the nth degree), which I was told could be deadly if I did not stick to a strict diet. My doctor tended to get a bit upset seeing how I was "almost dead" or "should have died" (his words, not mine) by the time I was diagnosed. Isn't the medical profession fun?! But, alas, I am still very much here, and after years of a better diet, I am healthier, I feel, regardless of aches and pains. So, once up and running, no pun intended, I pulled out a dress from the back of my closet, hoping to show off to a friend who thinks I only wear skirts. When I asked my son if it looked okay, he noticed that there was a small hole in the front, so off that flew. Then a series of failed selections, due to changes in body structure over the years, causing some things not to fit the same. So I ended up, pulling out one of my usual skirts made about 35 years ago (no joke), and threw something together. It's a good thing that I'm not much of a primper, as my friend was at the house to pick me up in no time. I left a stack of clothes on the unmade bed, and ran out the door. We arrived just as Pastor Jonathan began the announcements. Whew!!

After the incident happened to me on Friday, and all the drama of trying to get out the house bathed and dressed this morning, I wasn't shocked to discover that the sermon title was "Dealing with the Demonic." I knew that everything, beginning with Friday, was an attack of the enemy, so I guess he just didn't want me to know that I had a pastor who understood that evil is real and that the devil is alive and well and kicking up his hooves in the world today. When we began the praise and worship songs, I realized that I had not yet put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), so I quickly prayed, and I pleaded the blood over the service and pastor. It's interesting that I had written about a song I'd heard called "Blood of Christ" on Thursday, and then on Friday I was verbally assaulted. That night I kept dreaming of the person, and I would wake up every two hours hearing the words "We need the blood, we plead the blood." Then once more, I'd go to sleep, and the same thing would happen, three times in a row. The last dream was about another person who was upset with me and has been taking it out on my son. I don't understand why, except maybe my being here limits his access somehow. I live a quiet life, try to be kind and inviting, welcoming, even if it may not be the best of circumstances. Things happen, and I get blamed, or so it seems. I imagine the devil just wanted to toss in more condemnation into the dreams that night. So, the sermon reassured me that I have a pastor who understands spiritual warfare. We are studying the book of Mark, and Jesus had more than one encounter with a demoniac. So, I was encouraged that in spite of all my morning trials, I made it to church.

In the afternoon, after giggling with my son over our usual silliness, I watched Pastor Greg's message, so I could prepare for my Harvest Group meeting on Thursday. His message was called "Wrestling with God," and it was the story of Jacob and Esau taken from Genesis 32. I had a Zoom meeting at 3 pm, and this afternoon I have been trying to play catch up on Bible study questions and putting my blogs together. I had so many emails, so I had to delete, delete, delete. Later this evening I caught a premiere of a pastor who has been in the process of restoration for the past sixteen months who is passing the baton to his son, while he will seek out the next season of his journey with the Lord. It is always wonderful to see a happy ending, as the world, even the Christians, love to criticize and find fault, making it difficult for anyone of any importance to fall down and get back up. Thankfully, this story had a happy ending, and I for one am eternally grateful. No one is perfect, and as Jesus said, in this world we will have troubles! With Him there is forgiveness and reconciliation.

So now, I'm ending my day, all tasks done, with a little time to read and relax. Until we meet again, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!