Day 334 Advent

 

11/30/2025

 "Earnestly contend for the faith."

Jude 1:3 

 

Words fail me. There's so much I know, that I wish I didn't know. When I finally hear someone identify a problem that I have somehow known existed for a long time, and people are just now admitting it exists, it confuses and angers me. It troubles me that no one took the time to notice the obvious, before young kids started to take their own lives. So much more is happening these days, at a much more accelerated pace, that awareness is beginning to peak. Could things have worked out differently had someone taken notice sooner? Had someone seen the writing on the wall? If parents had taken more time listening to what was being said without it being voiced? I wonder a great deal about a great many things. 

This morning I attended my local church, very happy to be able to attend after so many days when health did not allow. I always have my online communities, and while that is satisfying, it doesn't hold a candle to up close and personal. With the advent of the Christmas holidays coming, everyone is being caught up in the hustle and bustle of finding bargains and the perfect gifts for the special people in their lives. I have a hard time thinking about shopping when there are more important things I feel need to be done. I've been composing a list of names of people I've known, whom I've not seen nor visited in quite a long time. They don't live near me any longer, as I moved away, but they are forever in my heart. And for some reason they are in my thoughts more lately, so I need to call. I've missed out on speaking to some for one last time by not acting on these feelings. Then sometimes I wonder if I may be the one whose time here may be drawing close to an end. That is one certainly in life - we do not know the number of our days, only God does. But I do know that we are to make the most of each day and every opportunity to share the love of Christ.

Today Pastor Greg reminded me of an old saying I grew up hearing - "You're the only Bible some will ever read," and the rest of the saying goes - "yours the only words of life some will ever hear." As time is important, so are words. I remind myself daily of the proverb that warns us "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21). The book of James talks about the destructive use of the tongue, a powerful weapon, or it can be a life bringer. I certainly try to guard my mouth and my thoughts, and I admit that sometimes it is very hard to do. People disappoint, but God never. I'm realizing many things about the people around me, involved in my life, and family members. People are very competitive or perhaps it is not so much that as defensive. I imagine that comes from being unnoticed or feelings of being "less than," which I know a bit about myself. But unless a person is secure in whose they are, it makes conversation difficult, and it makes what is perceived at times impossible to defend.

I know someone who asks me questions, but once I begin to say the right thing I am cut off - even in prayer there seems to be a competition. I don't know why that has to be. Why ask me a question if you don't want a complete answer? I prayed about it, because it makes me feel helpless to offer comfort to this hurting person who has given everyone with whom she speaks the idea that she is much younger and has been abandoned and neglected. This certainly is not true, but it continues, and not only is it harmful, it is a lie, a deception that distorts truth and wrongly accuses others. I feel so helpless in so many situations these days when the answer to many questions is simply - Jesus! But that's something people have to want to figure out. And generally it takes being mired down in the quagmires of life until our hands reach up to grab His hand. 

I received a call this afternoon requesting prayer for a friend who is walking a dangerous path. There are so many voices rising up to deceive and manipulate those who want so desperately to be used in God's service, looking for signs and wonders from anyone who professes to walk in the supernatural. This is nothing new, as false prophets have always been around, and many times they have led unsuspecting, trusting people into dangerous situations and even into death. I was sharing with a group I lead last week about being careful what they read or become interested in learning. I once warned my younger son, who was a young teenager then, that there is a difference between information and fascination when considering the supernatural. The latter can lead someone into a journey into darker places. Today, the evil is becoming more obvious to me, but then I have seen the darker side of evil, and not because I was looking. At the time some things were happening, and in my walk with Jesus, I asked Him for answers to what I was witnessing and the truth of what I was reading in God's word. Always go by what is in the Word of God, and do not become deceived by anyone who tells you a different story or that they have a new revelation. These are indeed perilous times, and the enemy is out the steal, kill, and destroy. But we walk in the light of the truth of God's word. We hear our Shepherd's voice. So listen intently and spend time with Him every day. Help those who are becoming inquisitive about advances in technology. Protect those you love, especially your young children. 

I'm sorry if I sound melancholy tonight. It's not that. I just feel protective, so I am reaching out to whomever may chance to come across my blog. It's important for us to be ready, because Jesus is coming back for His bride, the church - not "a church," rather a remnant of people who are surrendered to His will and purpose for our lives. Whatever distracts or confuses or takes time away from being in His Presence and learning of Him, growing closer to Jesus, is not important. We must have our focus on Him. He is our salvation, our cornerstone, our place of refuge in the storms that come. Pursue truth no matter the cost.