Caught in a Fog

 

3/30/2026

"Once upon a time...."

  

Have you ever been caught up in a daze of confusion, like your head is spinning out of control and you're wandering through a thick forest trail with tree limbs smacking you in the face, landing you on your seat, and there doesn't seem to be a way out of this wooded maze? Well, that's me! I've been in a dense fog going into the fourth week, and all this, I am convinced, has happened because of my thorny experience. So round and round I go, accomplishing very little. I even find my self itching again, but it must be an internal reaction, as I do not see an angry rash as before. I feel as if I'm in the Twilight Zone. Since I haven't been able to accomplish very much, I spend much time thinking. That can be good or bad. This being Holy Week, plus I'm binging The Chosen and trying to exercise while watching Out of Africa, so I feel like an emotional basket case on top of every other feeling. And NO! this is not age-related.  I have a friend who attributes every mood swing or change in temperature with getting older.

It's already past midnight by a few minutes, but I'm determined to finish something today! Actually, I have been attempting to clean the bathtub and clean up the bathroom all day, so I pushed on, and I did accomplish the task. It was with a great deal of trepidation, as every time I leaned over the tub, I had to steady myself from falling headlong into the tub. For some reason, this is part of the reaction I have been having to taking medications in a chemical free system. I remember one time, when I was in a great deal of pain, and I couldn't relax my legs, so I would dance around the house, listening the worship music or movie soundtracks. My husband, feeling helpless and wanting to help, gave me muscle relaxers hoping to calm the spasms in my body, and I reacted to them so fiercely that he had to haul me to the emergency room. I literally was having some sort of hallucinations, as I vaguely remember lying on the table in the emergency room with my legs straight up in the air, kicking them and laughing. Besides that, in his haste to get me to the ER, he allowed me to dress myself, and let's just say that underclothes were on the wrong side of the body. When I calmed down, and the medicine was out of my body, I heard about it. It's a wonder I've ever had the nerve to show my face in public again! Hopefully, and eventually, these steroids will be cleared from my system, and I'll be able to repair the damage. I'd hate to go another four weeks in this condition. 

I'm feeling like the bear at the top of the page, minus the wine, as I don't drink, but then, perhaps it might be something to consider given my present state of mind. Nope, won't work, as I'd be even worse! I can't even imagine what that would be like, but I can identify with the little fella otherwise. I feel wasted!

And with that last note, I will say goodnight to all my adoring fans. I do have adoring fans, right?! Well, if someone happens to run across this silly little post, just know better days are ahead, and although I am a little...okay, a lot, out of my head, I will overcome this, and it will provide more laughter, because so much has not been shared. I am indeed fearfully and wonderfully made.

Night all!

Day 90 Holy Week - Day 2

 

3/31/2026

"It is written, 'My house is a house of prayer,' but you

have made it a den of thieves.'"

Luke 20:46

 

Jesus has entered Jerusalem, wept over the city, and afterwards He went rogue in the temple, throwing out the money changers and breaking up the tables selling animals for sacrifice. The temple had become a place of making extra money for the synagogue, no doubt to pay temple taxes to Rome, but it also went to the opulent lifestyle in which the religious people lived. Jesus did not mince words when it came to calling out the scribes and Pharisees for their form of godliness. In Matthew 23 Jesus was speaking to the disciples and the multitudes which included Pharisees and other religious spies who followed Jesus around. 

Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees

23 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, ² saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³ Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. ⁴ For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. ⁵ But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. ⁶ They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, ⁷ greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ ⁸ But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. ⁹ Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. ¹⁰ And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. ¹¹ But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹² And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

¹³ “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. ^14 [g]Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

¹⁵ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

¹⁶ “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ ¹⁷ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? ¹⁸ And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ ¹⁹ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? ²⁰ Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. ²¹ He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. ²² And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.

²³ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. ²⁴ Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

²⁵ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. ²⁶ Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

²⁷ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. ²⁸ Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

²⁹ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, ³⁰ and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’

³¹ “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. ³² Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. ³³ Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? ³⁴ Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, ³⁵ that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶ Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Jesus Laments over Jerusalem

³⁷ “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! ³⁸ See! Your house is left to you desolate; ³⁹ for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

 

As one would imagine this did not bode well for Jesus, but it was necessary as part of God's plan for redemption. I don't want to sound overly critical, or judgmental at all, but if Jesus appeared in our services, what would he find? And what should He find? I understand the need to be prepared for a Sunday message, but what if Holy Spirit decided to mix things up. How would that be received by those in attendance? We always say that we want to invite the presence of Holy Spirit, yet we sing a few songs, and we get on with the next item on the bulletin. There's always a program set for a certain amount of time, as people don't want to linger long. Their stomachs begin to complain. I remember a time when we waited upon the Lord, and we cried and prayed for the needs of the people. There was no set time, yet God in His mercy always allowed that man should eat. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the Living Water. He is our bread and meat. Quite often I have spoken about the younger kids rushing to the churches, Bibles in hand, hungry for the Word of God. Hardly anyone brings a Bible to church anymore, because it is printed on a screen before them. Personally, I want to hold the Word of God in my hands. I want to reference it, follow along in it, mark it, and write notes on the sides. How well I remember those days of endless worship, as it happened to me. I was insatiable, and thankfully, I still am. Sometimes when I'm listening to Jesus Image, and the Presence of God is so tangible, I have to lie down on the floor, and I could stay there for hours. This is rare today. I'm not talking about denomination. Jesus didn't have an organized, labeled church. He had followers who went out and taught and made more disciples. What are we doing?

I've been considering where to attend Resurrection Sunday this weekend, if my health allows, because I don't want to go where everything is rushed, including Communion. I want to rejoice, because He is alive! He has risen from the dead! I don't need pancake breakfasts or entertainment. I just need Jesus! He is more than enough for me. 

How will He find us? How do you want to be found? Will there be oil in your lamp? Dearest Lord, purify our hearts, and make them holy and true. 

Hoshianah! Lord, save us!

Day 89 Holy Week - Day 1

 

3/30/2026

"Now as He drew near, He saw the city

and wept over it."

Luke 19:41

 

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He was greeted with the crowds waving palm leaves, laying clothing on the street, shouting "Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!" The Pharisees and religious leaders tried to force Jesus to silence those who welcomed Him, but He responded to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." (Luke 19:40) In Matthew's account, the chief priests and scribes were indignant when the children were heard crying out in the temple and saying "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:15). Jesus silenced them with words found in Psalm 8:2, "Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise." The religious leaders knew that they were welcoming Messiah, recognizing Jesus as King, because scripture said that God had established an everlasting covenant with David, and that the Messiah would rule from Zion. Jesus rightly said to them that they "strain out a gnat and swallow a camel." Isaiah 53 is never read in the synagogues. One portion of the Old Testament erased. Interesting and sad for supposed scholars who spent their entire lives studying the law of Moses.

In the midst of the praise and celebration, Jesus wept, because He knew what would happen, and He lamented that they did not know the hour of their visitation. I wonder how much has really changed? I am not speaking of Israel, although for the most part they do not recognize Jesus as their Messiah. It has always baffled me how spiritually blind people can be when the whole of scripture speaks of Jesus. I'm sure that if Jesus rode into many cities, He would wept. 

When the Pharisees asked Jesus about the kingdom of God, desiring to know when this would happen, Jesus answered them by saying: "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21) He told them that before anything happened, man would search for Him, but He would not be found. He spoke of His suffering and rejection by that generation. "And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man. They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all." What Jesus is saying is that life will be business as usual when He comes, but I wouldn't want to be caught in that position doing "what every man considers right," when Jesus returns. And yet, this is not being taught. 

My prayer for the nation of Israel, for my own nation, and for those around the world is that God will divinely visit each person, shining the Light of His Presence al over us, that we would finally see our sin in all its ugliness and repent. We have been praying for a mighty outpouring of God's Spirit on all flesh, and that all would be drawn to Him. May the people of Israel, God's Chosen People, recognize their King!

This morning I was swept away up into worship with my King of Glory, while visiting Jesus Image and playing the song "Only the Blood of Jesus Christ." I believe it to be sufficient for the day: 

"Blood of Christ
Wash over me
Wash over me
Though sin has stained me

Blood of Christ
Come speak for me
My covering
It is Your Glory

CHORUS
We need the Blood
We plead the Blood
Receive the Blood
The Blood of Christ

We need the Blood
We plead the Blood
Receive the Blood
The Blood of Christ

VERSE

Perfect Lamb
And Highest Priest
Poured out Yourself
For all to drink

The Offerer
And Offering
You took the cup
And so will we

CHORUS
We need the Blood
We plead the Blood
Receive the Blood
The Blood of Christ

BRIDGE
What tore the veil
What empties hell
What never fails
Only the Blood

What testifies
What prophesies
Your Death is Life
Only the Blood"

May we all be waiting in anticipation for the day of the Lord, the return of Messiah, when He will split the eastern sky, and all will know, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Lord of all!

Day 88 Palm Sunday

 

3/29/2026 

"As the echo of the crunching of apple

was still sounding in the garden [of Eden], 

Jesus was leaving for Calvary."

Max Lucado

And the Angels Were Silent

 

For three weeks now I have been experiencing unusual mornings. I haven't been well, because of an exposure to something that poisoned my body, so this has made me even more sensitive at times as physical discomfort can be challenging and a bit of a distraction. My quiet time while somewhat different has still been special, as I must have time alone, in the secret place, or I really don't function well. Sitting at the feet of Jesus, being in the Presence of Abba, has become my life, so any change is hard. I'm jealous for this time alone with God.

This morning as I awakened, I reached for my phone, so I could turn on a song. I had been running The Chosen App, so one of the episodes was playing. It was the scene where Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus' feet with oil of spikenard, an exotic and expensive perfume, and she wipes his feet with her hair. She is preparing Jesus for His burial, without realizing it of course, but this is how He explained it to the ones who were troubled by her worship. It was hard to pull my eyes away, knowing the story so well, but I did close the app, and I turned on my worship music. I Enter the Holy of Holies by Paul Wilbur began to play, and immediately I was taken back to the scene of Mary worshiping Jesus. "I enter the holy of holies, I enter through the blood of the Lamb; I enter to worship You only, I enter to honor I Am. Lord, I worship You. I worship You. Lord, I worship You, I worship You. For Your Name is holy, holy, Lord."

I began to remember the very first solo I sang in church. It was Palm Sunday, and I was singing the special for the morning service. I recall how anxious I felt, so I prayed silently for God to just take me away, allow me to get so caught up in the song, that the presence of the people would not distract me. So, I decided to close my eyes as I sang. The song was Via Dolorosa, and I was singing it in English and Spanish. If you're familiar with the song, it is quite haunting, as it mournfully cries of Jesus carrying the cross to Golgotha where He will be crucified. He's being pushed by soldiers who are trying to clear the streets of people crowding the sides of the street, watching, perhaps shouting. Jesus had been beaten severely, bleeding, weakened by the torture, hardly able to stand much less carry the cross. As I write this words, I can see Him, and the memory becomes more finally chiseled into my mind and cuts into my heart. I am a visual learner, with a creative mind, so I see things that I cannot unsee. I don't want to forget what He did for me, not that I could.

So my quiet time this morning was spent in tears, writing feverishly in my journal, attempting to capture my feelings on paper. So here I sit, ready to tell the story, and yet the words cannot come. I remain intensely emotional, even as I think about this entire day. And I don't know how to share what I am feeling with others, for fear I will be misunderstood, but I imagine I already am that...misunderstood or considered a nutcase because of my passion for Jesus.

I wonder sometimes if anyone really understands how much God loves them, and how far He went to prove the point. As I sat there this morning, another song came on, a worship medley, by Jesus Image. Sometimes when I need to sit quietly and think deeply about some things on my heart, I listen to their worship songs, as they are not timed. Before they begin to worship, they have prayed, and the Presence of God is so thick, even in the music. Holy Spirit leads the worship, so there is no hurry to move on to the next thing. There's no pretense of being anyone other than someone hungry for God. I understand that insatiable hunger for more and more of His Presence. It is tangible. And this was my morning.

I wasn't able to attend church services locally because I was still very ill and weak, as I would have loved to do, but I did attend online services at a couple of churches I attend weekly. It was a very full day, and I am grateful for the blessing. Tonight I watched a special event with The Chosen, as we await the showing of the sixth season, Jesus' final day filmed in a series of eight episodes. This series has been a wonderful adventure over the past five years as I've journeyed with those portraying the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. And as I have testified before, it is masterfully done, and it has added great meaning to my life, as well as touching the lives of thousands of people around the world. The impact has been tremendous, and so many lives have been changed.

And that was my day. As I prepare for bed, before I close my eyes, I'll think about the day, wondering what morsel of truth I can glean from the intensity of it. I'll turn on The Chosen and begin the fifth season, as we're still binging for Holy Week. The one thing that carries me forward is my express desire to finish well for Him. I don't want to fail Him by not doing the one thing I was born and put here to do for His glory. I want to Honor I Am. We each have a destiny unique to ourselves. I pray I am successful in His call.   

But, for now, I rest.

Day 87 Remember...!

 

3/28 /2026

"Remember the Sabbath day, 

to keep it holy."

Exodus 20:8

 

Sabbath service begins extremely early for me when I make the effort to join the Kehilat HaCarmel service at 4 am on Saturday mornings. I could always tune in later, after my regular service, and I often do, but there's something special about attending when everyone else is there. This is the second week where the air raids and restrictions have prevented attendance of all regulars, however. This morning, as the Pastor and his wife were driving to the church on Mount Carmel, the sirens were going off, and since this is in the northern region near Haifa where Lebanon has been attacking, it can become quite tense not having a place to stop for safety. But the Lord is always merciful and gracious, and everyone who could attend made it safely. 

This week Passover will begin, so the schedule will be modified unless God divine intervenes, and this war ends as it needs to do with freedom for all from the threat of Iran. Only God knows what each day will bring, so we focus on Him. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith!

The message was very similar to the short teaching that we received at the global prayer call this morning about why it was important that Jesus share the last Passover with His disciples prior to His death. 

"When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. The He said to them, 'With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.' Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, 'Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' And He took bread gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me' Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to the man by whom He is betrayed!'" (Luke 22:14-22)

The Passover celebration remembers the Exodus from Egypt, and the beginning of the covenant life promised to Abraham. Each year when Passover is observed, unleavened bread is eaten. This is particularly significant as leaven had to be purged, because it symbolized sin, just as the lamb had to be a spotless lamb, free from sin or blemish. Jesus shared this meal with His friends before going to the cross where He would bear the sins of the world, past, present, and future. The perfect, sinless Lamb of God would lay down His life, suffering on our behalf, forgiving our sins, so we could have eternal life in the Presence of a Holy God. This is why He wanted to share this meal with them, as He had been trying to make them understand that He was going to suffer and die. I wonder sometimes how much we as believers in Christ fully understand and appreciate all He suffered for each of us. The weight of the sin He bore for everyone, but particularly for each.

Today I wanted to spend time resting, fully enjoying how God wants us to enjoy the Sabbath day that He gave us to cease from our labors. Because I have the prayer calls, and I also attend online Shabbat services, I still need to use my computer, but today, although I was aware of the news, I chose not to share very much. I'm still not well since I contracted this skin infection that has affected me in more ways, so I felt it was a perfect time to just be and to reflect. It's been quite nice actually, and I can truly understand the need to separate ourselves from life at times. As intercessors we do not cease to pray, but we can still be alert and aware. God's ways are always higher and have meaning, so it does us well to obey. And He said to remember to keep the Sabbath daily holy, set apart.

Shabbat has officially ended now, and if I began to celebrate Sunday according to Jewish time, it would be the beginning of my second day of rest. Not everyone can have two days to worship God in this way, although I imagine if one wanted to set aside the time there may be ways. For me, this was a much-needed time of inner peace and spending time with Abba and my family. Family time is very important on Sabbath. We still have not quite mastered the meals on the Sabbath, as we still tend to use the microwave or the stove, but soon we'll get the hang of not working. Life is a daily lesson, and I quite enjoy that! When we stop learning, we stop living, and I desire to live the fullness of the life Abba has planned for me. I want to know that I finished well!   

Day 86 His Face

 

3/27/2026

 "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore."

 Psalm 16:11

 

The early morning call did not go unheeded. It was welcomed, but the weak condition of my body did not allow me to linger long. For that I felt ashamed, and I asked forgiveness once more. I don't like being unwell, physically challenged, and I have been that way for almost three weeks now. I feel that this is not a time to rest, because there is so much going on at this time not only in the world, but so much is going on in my personal life. I am not a stranger to sickness and pain, but I am not one who easily gives into weakness. My stamina has always been so great, and despite any temporary illness or a lingering one, I have always been able to persevere. Not so today, and perhaps this is God's way of telling me I am not as strong as I make myself out to be. I feel as if I am being taught yet another lesson. From mountain top to valley, plunging into the darkness of the desert for a brief tenure in a dry and empty land where there is no water. But I know I will leave much stronger.

Perhaps these thoughts are just the senseless babbling of and ole lady who is badly in need of a nap. Only God knows. What I do know is that in spite of the way I feel at this moment, I still listen, and I still hear His voice calling me. 

As I pick this up, it is sundown and time for Shabbat service followed by worship with Marty and Jenny Goetz. It's raining here, but the weather is fresh and slightly cool, somewhat refreshing to me, and I am generally cold. Perhaps it's another affect of this medication, although the nap did make me feel a little better. I am grateful for that. Marty is singing Some Enchanted Evening, and it brings back the memories of the movie South Pacific, actually one I consider a favorite. I've always been an old soul, I think. Of course Marty is interjecting Yeshua for the stranger being found in the song - "Some enchanted evening, you will meet Yeshua...once you have met Him, never let Him go!" I like it. Actually, Marty is talking about when he met Jenny at the Vineyard, a church he attended when he was saved. I love hearing about how people who have been married for many years met and the fullness of their lives. Marty and Jenny are special people, and I hope one day I'll be able to meet them this side of heaven. I've had so many people drift into my life over the past almost three years particularly, and it feels like having family, even though we've never really met face to face. God always makes a way. Psalms 68:6 says "God sets the solitary in families...." So we don't have to feel alone anymore.

It's hard to believe that Passover begins next week. Right now Jewish families are doing their spring cleaning by clearing out all the leaven that they find in the house. The celebration of Passover is in remembrance of the first Passover in Egypt when God used Moses to deliver the children of Israel from Pharaoh's stronghold. The people were in a hurry, so their bread did not have time to rise, and they follow this same process each year in remembrance. Of course Messianic Jewish believers know that Jesus was the Passover Lamb who took our place and cleansed us from our sins and removed the curse of eternal death and separation from God. Christians will be celebrating Palm Sunday this weekend when Jesus road into Jerusalem per prophecy, followed by His crucifixion, and Resurrection Sunday when He rises from the grave. One day all of Israel will be saved, and they will realize that Messiah has come. I can hardly wait! So it's a busy time, and a blessed one, especially for Christians. And even in the midst of war, the Jewish nation remember the appointed times and follow the laws. I wish others could be as faithful to remember our God, and all the blessings He has given us. 

I remember what I shared yesterday - we shall be like Him when we see Him face to face. What a glorious day that will be, and it's a wonderful way to end my day, remembering that one day soon He will appear, and He will take us home. O, I say it again, what a glorious day that will be, when my Jesus I will see! When I look into His face, the one who saved me by His grace! What a day, wonderful day, that will be!

Selah. 

Day 85 Steadfast Love

 

3/26/2026

"My heart is steadfast, O God, 

my heart is steadfast; I will sing 

and give praise. "

Psalm 57:7  

 

This morning when I woke up, I picked up my phone to turn on my music while I read my Bible, and I happened to see an old favorite by Keith Green, Oh Lord You're Beautiful. As I began to listen to Keith talk about writing the song which actually began as a letter to God about the way he was feeling at the time, some struggles he was having, my heart broke. Listening to the heartfelt cry of my brother in Christ triggered a reaction in me that followed me throughout the day. Even this evening as I am writing this post, remembering Keith Green, who passed away in 1982 at the age of 28 years, still brings tears to my eyes and blessed memories. He and his wife, Melody, began Last Days Ministries in 1977, and I was connected to that ministry in a small way, meaning that I wrote letters and received signatures for the sanctity of human life, but the ministry was to provoke love and good works in all areas of life and ministry. Keith wanted to see everyone pursuing God with full passion realizing what Christ has done for us. The sacrifice He made. When Keith accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, his life became one of No Compromise, which is the title of the book written about his life. 

The song stirred me to begin praying for parents and children, especially those whose children have left the faith. I have a prodigal son myself, so I know the heartache and the waiting for that one to return to the Lord. But then there are so many young people flocking to the Lord, as I have written about many times recently. These kids are tired of compromise, and they want to see authenticity. They are purchasing Bibles, especially young men, and going to church to seek answers, to seek truth. They want word by word, line by line, precept by precept, as opposed to a watered down version of the gospel message. It is an exciting time, and the church needs to be ready and on fire!

But just as exciting is the fact that the largest growing underground church is in Iran where the evil regime has made it impossible to convert to Christianity for 47 years. Many have been imprisoned, tortured, and murdered for accepting Christ as Savior and Lord. In this present war, many of the Christians have taken to the streets in open protest, and they have given their lives for the freedom to worship Christ and live a life of dignity. The battle for their freedom, as well as the freedom of those who do not yet know Christ, continues daily. Our prayers continue, and we stand for total freedom and a new life for the Arab and Persian nation.

Tonight in my group Bible study we discussed the message from Sunday by Pastor Greg Laurie entitled Only Jesus. It was based on the scripture in Luke's gospel about the transfiguration of Christ, and it reveals the true appearance of Jesus and His certain identity as the Son of God, God in the flesh, who came to earth to dwell as a man in order to give us eternal salvation, thus saving us from eternal death. He took three of His disciples with Him up the mountain when He went to pray - Peter, John, and James - but they fell asleep while Jesus was praying:

"As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decrease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem."  (Luke 9:29-31)

About that time Peter woke up from sleep, as did the others, and they saw these two men standing with glorified Jesus, Peter just had to say something, as he always did. It was then that God spoke from heaven, and told Peter, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Luke 9:35) This is not the first time Peter had to be silenced for talking without knowing what he was talking about. This was Peter - impulsive. But when Jesus looked at Peter, or any of the disciples, He didn't see him as he was, but only as he would become. This is the love of God. He is patient and abounding in grace. For that I am eternally grateful!

When Jesus appeared in His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, He was giving the disciples a preview of coming attractions, as Pastor Greg described it. The Bible says that when Christ returns for His Church in the Rapture, which prophetically could happen at any time, those who are dead in Christ will be caught up first, then we who are alive and ready will be caught up, as in a twinkling of an eye, and we will be like Him. Imagine that! A new, glorified body! I can't even begin to imagine how that will be, but just seeing Him face to face will be enough for me. 

We also spoke about having present day "mountain top" experiences, encountering the Presence of God, that prepare us for the times we are living in the valleys. After all we can't remain on a mountain top every day, can we? Certainly not in this age. But, I must say from my experience that each day I have a taste of glory. I do not mean to sound presumptuous in saying that, but when we see the brilliance of a sunlit morning and smell the flower-scented breeze or even the scent of freshly mowed grass, isn't it a taste of heaven? When we open our eyes and behold the sun, that's the first blessing of the day. Some don't have that ability, but I have also learned that those who are physically blind see much better than many who are sighted. 

We have so much to learn, and we have so much that we need to understand about the gifts God has given us. I know times are difficult right now, and more than likely it will become a bit worse. But freedom isn't free, and if we love freedom, we must respect the right of each one to have freedom to exist. Everyone makes a choice in this world, and that is a freedom. We need to choose wisely and live gratefully. For me Jesus is the only way! Even in the darkness He brings light, and it is my prayer that everyone comes to that knowledge while there is yet time. There is true freedom in Christ alone. The hope of glory!

Day 84 All in God's Good Time

 

3/25/2026

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways 

My ways,' saith the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than

the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and

My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

Isaiah 55:8-9

 

In Isaiah 55 God is giving Israel an invitation to abundant life in Him, reminding them of the covenant He made with David, and everlasting covenant, and God never breaks His covenants. He urges His people to seek Him while He may be found, to return to Him, and He will "abundantly pardon." The same applies to us as believers in Jesus, as we have been grafted into the Vine through our faith in Jesus. As Gentiles, our acceptance into the Beloved is not by birth, but by faith in Jesus Christ. We are blessed when we surrender our lives to Him, desiring the life He has set aside for all who believe. God reminds us in verses 10-11 that just as the rains come down, watering the earth and bringing forth seed to the sower, so His word goes forth, and it accomplishes what He sends it to do. His words and promises are not in vain, and He always accomplishes His purposes. These words should offer considerable reassurance especially when considering the present world situation, and the crisis state all appears to be in, for many reasons. Although many of our human problems are of our own making, God has always prepared a way out, when we are obedient to His word. Why is it that man always wants to do things the hard way, and he always seems to be in a hurry to do it?

I was reading about David's life in 2 Samuel when he finally ascends to the throne after Saul's death. It's important to note that David never forced the issue of his being anointed as King while Saul was still in the role. Although the anointing had been removed from Saul and placed on David, Saul was staying put. David served Saul faithfully knowing that God had anointed him as king. Even when Saul was trying to kill David, and David spent so much time on the run, he never wished Saul ill. On two occasions he could have taken Saul's life, yet he never did. One time David repented for cutting off a piece of Saul's robe when he was in the cave where David and his men were hiding. The story is amazing. David wasn't perfect by any means, and his moral failures were many, yet God called him a man after His own heart, and his covenant with David is everlasting. The lineage of Christ coming from David's line is something to marvel over. I've written many times about the interesting people in the line of Christ. God had all this planned before the foundation of the world. 

David had a dream to build God a tabernacle, a place to dwell, but God did not allow him to fulfill this dream, because David was a man of war. So God used David's son, Solomon, to build Him a house of prayer, a place where He would dwell among them. Even when God refused David, he didn't grumble or complain, because he already knew how blessed he was to have been chosen for the position he served. David couldn't believe that God would choose him as king, much less promise to him an eternal destiny:

"Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, 'Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family that You have given me all this? For all the great things You have already done for me are nothing in comparison to what You have promised to do in the future! For now, O Lord God, You are speaking of future generations of my children being kings too! You speak as though I were someone very great. What else can I say? You know that I am but a dog, yet You have given me these wonderful promises because of Your own great heart. O Lord, there is no one like You - there is no other God. In fact, we have never even heard of another god like You!'" (1 Chronicles 17:16-20 NLT)

With regard to not being allowed to build the tabernacle for the Lord, the commentary put it this way: "Personal ambition yielded to sovereign direction." David recognized God's sovereignty, without question and with gratitude. The commentary also made the point that: "The hardest territory to hand over to God is the heartland of your dreams." 

I have personally faced what appears to be death of a vision I feel the Lord had given to me. Many times God has shown me things, or reminded me of visions/dreams, and I wonder if I am hindering them coming to fruition. I have questioned myself many times, but I cannot get the image or the words from my mind and wonder - "If this is You, Lord, then when? How? Did I miss it? I'm not getting any younger here!" It's not that I am upset or angry with God. I just don't want to blow it! In this recent illness I've been going through, where I have to actually force myself to rest - not easy for me to do - I am listening more attentively, or I certainly hope I am. The thing with obedience is that we learn to take steps and make the effort in faith, but we must leave the timing up to God. In David's case, the temple would not be built until after David's death, so he wouldn't even see it, but David did know that his son, Solomon, a man of peace would have the honor. God has His ways, His plans, and His timing. And He knows best! David obviously realized that and accepted it graciously. Perhaps I need to do the same! 

Day 83 Valleys

 

3/24/2026

 "If we pray for anything according to the will 

of God, we already have what we pray for the moment 

we ask it. We do not know exactly when it will arrive; but we

have learned to know God through the Spirit of God, and have

learned to leave this in His hands, and to live just as happily 

whether the answer arrives immediately or later." 

O. Hallesby

"Before they call, I will answer; and while they

are yet speaking, I will hear."

Isaiah 65:24

 

I fell asleep peacefully last night listening to the fifth season of The Chosen. As I mentioned, we have been watching the entire five seasons during Lent in preparation for the premiere of Season 6, but much more than that! Walking with Jesus during His three years of ministry, in an abbreviated manner, and getting to know the personalities of His followers, or at least considering their many feelings and struggles as His disciples, makes the Bible more alive. Dallas Jenkins has done a brilliant job in putting this production together, and it gives me comfort being part of a worthwhile project. I have always loved movies, because I could escape into life, dream, discover love, or find support during a difficult time. I have always been very selective in what I watch, because I don't want to watch filth, plus Jesus doesn't want to watch it, and Holy Spirit is right here inside of me, sharing the popcorn and Junior Mints, if that's possible. 

Alex came in for breakfast and decided to stay awhile, finding his spot near my Bible and devotional while I enjoyed a cup of coffee and listened to music. It's really interesting to me how both Mia and Alex enjoy listening to music, sleeping on my bed. Since Mia is taking up his spot on the bed tonight, he wanted to go back outside, even though it's cold. Too bad, because he missed one of his favorite worship singers on Tuesday nights. He will actually come up closely to the computer, and he loves it when I sing along. Mia just enjoys sleeping. Does that mean that Alex has more class than Mia? I better not visit that thought!

Tuesday mornings I tune in to the Kehilat HaCarmel Worship Watch in Israel and join in the prayers for Israel. They have endured repetitive alerts and bombings over the last few days as they are situated near Haifa on the shore, and the nuclear research facility there was a target. Besides that they were being systematically targeted as were Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with rockets from the areas mentioned in my previous post - Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran. Today they did not have to interrupt the watch to dash to the bomb shelter, so it was a wonderful time of worship, prayer, scripture reading and sharing. It's a great way to begin my day, followed an hour later by the global prayer call. Before the first and in between the other, I spend quiet time doing what I do, basically more of the same. I love my life, and I am jealous for my time with Jesus. It seems as if Israel has become more of my church than any I have attended locally here, as it is all consuming. I may not be seen or known, but they are my family, the Messianic family of God.

Josie from the worship watch was sharing the tense times they were enduring, but she looked past any worries or concerns to see the greater picture. She said when they were tested, their faith grew; as their faith grew, they were strengthened spiritually and emotionally. Because they would contact each other as they sat, sometimes for hours, in the shelters, the bonds with each other grew even deeper, and she said they even found things to laugh about and lessen the intensity of the moments of waiting. It has even helped give them empathy for the others nations who are being attacked by Iran, and their love for the resilient people of Israel and love of the land has increased. Contending for the faith increases their ability to remain vigilant and steadfast, stubborn and determined not to give up. The capacity to endure intensified, and they became more aware of the spiritual benefits. She said "Above it all is Jesus!"

It seemed as if everything God gave me to read today reinforced the other thoughts, and the prayer calls each reinforced the other. When we pray it is not simply for Israel, because we know the significance of prophecy and of everything happening at this time in history. Although it may be an intense time, one of uncertainty especially when bombs are dropping everywhere, there is also a peace that indeed transcends all understanding. Karen, who leads worship, said that as she played the piano, the booms and the flashes of lightning and thunder, as this is their rainy season, called Isaiah 30:29-32 to mind:

"You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept, and gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty One of Israel. The LORD will cause His glorious voice to be heard, and show the descent of His arm, with the indignation of His anger and the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, tempest, and hailstones. For through the voice of the LORD Assyria will be beaten down, as He strikes with the rod. And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the LORD lays on him, it will be with tambourines and harps; and in battles of brandishing He will fight with it." 

This passage speaks of the Lord bringing judgment on Assyria of which Iran is a huge part, along with other Middle Eastern countries that made up Biblical Assyria. As I have mentioned many times God has plans to restore Assyria and Egypt with Israel in end time prophecy. Scripture reveals amazing truths, and when we look at the words of the Lord spoken to His chosen people we can understand that this is a righteous war, and the one waging the war is not Israel, it is the Lord God Himself. We have to understand that the Bible was written by the Jewish people, for the Jewish people. The Church has not replaced Israel, the covenant belongs to them; however, when we receive the gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus by faith, we share in their covenant, not by birth, but by faith. We need to remember that. We are grafted in, and I am so grateful. Once this truth becomes alive in our hearts, the love for God's chosen people and the desire to see them receive Christ as Savior and Lord, as Messiah, becomes our great desire. 

All the promises of God are yes and amen, but the timing of these are in His eternal plan. We are obedient, surrendered to His will, trusting that His plan is better than ours. In our society today everyone wants a quick fix. In the Christian life we journey across the desert, through the valleys, before we can climb up the mountain to the top. It has been my experience that once God brings me to the top of the mountain, I am only allowed a brief respite, because after the joy, there always comes another step I must take, and that can only happen in the valleys of life where we learn to persevere, grow in His grace, and grow spiritually. I am much older now, but I find that each day is an adventure, and I am forever grateful that He is with me, leading me, guiding me, so that I can in turn share with others, fulfilling His great commission to "Go...!"

Day 82 Purify Our Hearts

 

3/23/2026

"You are my hiding place; You shall 

preserve me from trouble;

You shall surround me with songs

of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7

 

As I write, Iran continues to pummel Israel with rockets, ballistic missiles, and drones in heavily populated areas where citizens reside. They are strategically aiming at innocent citizens, exactly as Israel has erroneously been accused of doing. It doesn't seem to matter how many true reports and prior warnings Israel has given to protect civilians, the media and those who trust it as gospel, do not hear or see the truth. The family members of the fallen American soldiers, who willingly laid down their lives to protect others in Iran, Israel, and from future attacks on American soil. asked one thing of President Trump - "Finish this!"  They shared these words not vindictively, but to ensure the death of the soldiers who proudly served our nation and the nation of Israel in this battle did not do so in vain. 

My morning began with a quiet encounter with the Lord, and once again I had to ask forgiveness for not diligently pursuing Him in the night watches. I am very hard on myself, especially when I lack the stamina to continue on when my flesh is being tortured. Even now I find it difficult to focus, because I know my friends in Israel are under continuous warnings with alerts and actual hits. Last night and yesterday were difficult days for my friends, but God's hand is always upon Israel, and He will keep His people safe and victorious. The Lord likewise will save the Arabian and Persians people, and the Isaiah 19 highway prophecy will be fulfilled in God's appointed time.

I picked back up my little study companion by John Eckhardt entitled Daily Declarations for Spiritual Warfare" to reinforce my prayer, and I was not surprised that God was once more telling me to "Focus!" The first lines of the devotional said, "You will be sober and vigilant against your adversary." I admit that I had to chuckle to myself, as I am struggling so badly against this allergic reaction, and it is like having a tormenting demon in my skin. That's when something clicked inside my brain, and I began to see the battle spiritually. "My child, remember that you are not living in darkness, but I have made you aware of the evil schemes of the devil. Stay awake and watchful, for you should not be surprised by anything the enemy may try to do." No truer words could have been spoken to me than those words, as my health has been under attack for a few months. And I am not surprised at anything that the enemy of our soul does - it's as if a switch goes off in my brain, and I can "see." As King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes in 1:9: "That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun."

The truth is that I am not surprised, as I know that people cannot make deals with the devil, or as I put it "dance with the devil!" He cannot be trusted, but people fall prey quite often, and admittedly, I became ensnared in his cunning once upon a time, but thankfully, not for long. He is cunning, but we must always remember, he has been defeated. Jesus has won the victory with His blood! He has provided us the spiritual armor and with the Word of God to protect us as we stand.

Whereas the mandate I received was to remain sober and vigilant, alert in mind, even though I may have to suffer a little. I had been asking God to purify my heart earlier, and as I waited, I sang the words of this song and made it our prayer: 

"Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

 

Refiner's fire,
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will

 

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within

 

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will"

 

Together we stand committed to live for Jesus and bring glory to His Name. Lord, purify our hearts and make us truly Yours. 

 

Day 81 Sunday Thoughts

 

3/22/2026

"As the deer pants for the water brooks,

so my soul pants for Thee."

Psalm 42:1  

 

It's Sunday evening, but I am not quite ready for bed. I just finished listening to a message on waiting on God's timing, not mine. I must admit that I sometimes struggle with feelings of my life being close to the end and having nothing to show for it. There have been many times that I've compared my life with others, even their financial position over my small, meager savings. Because I am divorced I feel that I have nothing of value to offer anyone who needs support in their marriage or in life in general. I am grateful and share the joy of couples who have been married for many years, and I silently wish that I could have experienced that life. I still wonder what I did wrong. And round and round we go, stuck in the tornado funnel, spiraling down the rabbit hole...again! I kick myself, because I thought those days were over, and that I'd finally stop blaming myself for the problems that have been heaped upon me. The merry-go-round goes round and round, and I want to scream STOP! I WANT TO GET OFF!!

I think one reason that I am slipping a bit here in even entertaining that garbage is because I have been sick for almost two weeks dealing with this skin rash. Not knowing what caused this allergic reaction causing my skin to whelp and itch and feel like I'm sleeping on a bed of nails is only half the problem. The other half is that my doctor doesn't even know what caused such a violent reaction. I'm not used to taking medications for any ailment, only natural supplements, so that has been different and a bit scary. What if I react to what my doctor prescribed due to my super sensitivities! I always think about stuff when I don't feel well. So I need to stop entertaining this demon that is plaguing my life and move on. That's what the message was saying, focus on the race I'm running, and stop wondering about things I cannot change. Again the Lord says, "Focus on Me!" Time to count my blessings!  

Mia, my son's calico cat, is sleeping on my bed. She hadn't been sleeping in here until recently, although when Alex favors us with a visit, she will slink in to check to see if he's going to stick around for a while. But the other night I was awakened by the sound of my squeaky rocker, and sure enough Mia was back reclaiming her old territory. Alex only visits for his meal, then he's asking to go out again to play with the other cats in the area who stalk at all hours. Now that the weather is getting warmer I probably won't see him unless it rains. That's Alex, very self-absorbed. But then cats aren't as congenial as dogs.

Not being able to really go anywhere or do anything because of constant itching, I thought I had missed Palm Sunday. It wasn't until later that it finally dawned on me. When my life is thrown out of kilter I seems to get confused, and I guess I've been thinking about Resurrection Sunday being right around the corner. Every day I think about that day and all that led up to the grand celebration, and I certainly don't want to miss it. I had wanted to invite someone over for a meal, as I've not entertained since I've been home. Not that I've done it in many years. When I was married, living here in Virginia before our untimely move to New Mexico, we had so many friends, and we'd open our home for a block party. Each guest would bring some meat and a side dish, and we'd make a day of it. The children were still young, so all the kids from the block would come along with those from the church families we'd invited. There was so much food, hamburgers, chicken, and hot dogs on the grill, and homemade ice cream. It was nice as people flowed in and out all day and well into the night. No raucous noise or behavior. Everyone played nicely, even the adults. I miss those days, and again, I begin to wonder...what if?!

I guess this is a day of self-reflection, as my health heals, and as I try to take it easy today. The message Pastor Greg presented today was based on Luke 9:28-36 where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to the mountain to pray. As usual they fall asleep - the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak - but they wake up to discover Jesus praying with the appearance of His face altered and His clothes radiant with light. He was talking to Moses and Elijah about His death in Jerusalem. Impulsive Peter blurts out a statement, and God admonishes him by saying "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" He'd already been scolded by Jesus for trying to change the course of events to come. I know if I heard God's voice I'd pay heed! Peter had that sort of character, but then Jesus had nicknamed John and James "sons of thunder." Quite an interesting trio this inner circle, but Jesus saw not who they were, but who they would become. That's the good thing about God. He loves us so much that He's patient in putting up with our ridiculous outbursts or behavior. I can well imagine that He shakes His head at some stuff I say or do. I'm so glad He does, especially when I have days like this one.

There's so much that needs to be done, and for some reason, I cannot seem to awaken my creative spirit. My dreams seem to be slipping away, and even though I remember the words God has spoken to me, I wonder if He still feels the same way about me. Have I wasted too much time? Has someone finished what I was supposed to do? I don't really know, so I'll think about what I do know. I know that God has a plan for my life, for each person's life. He decides these things before He even knits us together in our mother's wombs according to Psalm 139. I know that although my life may not have turned out as I would have liked, I know that I have been gifted with an amazing journey. Although I miss my old life in New Mexico, and I miss the land that I love, I know that wherever I am is home, because God is here. Holy Spirit living in me gives me perfect peace, even when my skin is crawling and itching never gives me a moment's peace. But then, that's temporary, or at least I certainly pray it is so. I'm content here, living with my younger son, even living with the cats, but I realize that there is more to come. So I wait, sometimes impatiently, eager to discover all the things He's planned for me, for my family. It's time they turned the page on some things in their lives too, but that is best left at the foot of the cross. I trust in God to finish that work. 

I think it's time to rest for the night, put my thoughts aside and dream of things to be.  

Day 80 Live Life Well

 

3/21/2026

 “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our 

common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you 

exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once 

for all delivered to the saints.” 

Jude 3

 

Yesterday morning after a time of refreshment with the Lord, while checking my mail for prayer and news updates pertaining to the ministry, I happened upon the news that Chuck Norris, age 86, died 3/19/2026 after a sudden hospitalization from a medical emergency. The family did not elaborate and asked for privacy.When a celebrity passes away I am always interested in their spiritual condition, but with this man, I already knew about his legacy of faith. I knew that at the moment he passed into eternity all of heaven was applauding his homecoming. It's a victory for a child of God to pass into the eternal arms of Our Father, and although the family realize he's living his best and eternal life now, a life without sickness or pain, and without having to endure any of the chaos in this world as it intensifies before the imminent return of our Savior, they grieve his loss. His wife, Gena, especially grieves the passing of a life partner, one who shared every living, breathing moment for so many long years. What a legacy!

Over the past few months, almost daily I'd see a commercial pop up on my screen with Chuck talking about the new health regimen he and Gena were following that added so much energy and new vitality to his life. He was still practicing karate and exercising daily and living life enthusiastically and gratefully, so it was surprising to learn of his sudden decline and death. The important thing is that he lived life, and he loved life, and he shared that love with everyone. Greg Laurie posted a brief description of his time spent with Chuck, as did Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Donald J. Trump. It is significant to me that he was such a great supporter of Israel, and this is because he understood covenant and was acquainted with the whole counsel of the Word of God. In 1990 he started a program for kids called Kickstart Kids, his own Education Karate Program recognized by the Texas Education Agency, "a physical education program that teaches character through karate." Personally, I will remember him in his great movie Delta Force and the television series, Walker, Texas Ranger. Besides being a karate champion, he was also a veteran having served in the United States Air Force. He also was named an honorary Marine for his support of the military. He will be missed, but one day, we who wait will see him again.

Today's news reported that Nicholas Brenden, age 54, who starred as Xander in Buffy, Vampire Slayer series, passed away of natural causes in his sleep. According to the news report, Brenden had problems with substance abuse and mental health issues, and a history of a heart attack, a congenital heart defect, and a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. His family posted the following:

 “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was. While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing. Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”

I did discover that he had exposure to Christian and Mormon beliefs, and that he had a tattoo of a cross on his shoulder. An article also said that he no longer attended church. Sadly that is becoming the norm. I was looking at Brenden's artwork posted on his website, and it mostly consists of photographs he has taken, generally with one person walking down the street or people alone. It's almost as if he understood the loneliness felt by those who feel alone in this world. It's always sad to hear of the passing of someone who is passionate about the gifts that God has given us to share with others. His family shared that "his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was." My prayer is that He met the living God who loved him enough to die for him so he could have eternal life. Only God sees the heart of another and knows their deepest and truest selves. I pray that this young man met Jesus face to face today, because without Jesus life has no true meaning: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Luke 9:25) 

Day 79 Tarry...until!

 

3/20/2026

"In the midst of all our zeal in the work of the Church,

of all our faithfulness in preaching and conversation with

the people, we lack that ceaseless prayer which has attached to it

the sure promise of the Spirit and the power from on high."

Andrew Murray

"Tarry...until ye be endued with power from on high."

Luke 24:49   

 

The morning began quite energetically, listening to wonderful worship music while enjoying a quiet moment before the busyness of the day. I woke up feeling much better, my skin feeling less itchy, so hopefully the medication and Epsom salt baths are helping. It would be nice to know what exactly caused this fiasco resulting in this excessive rash, but there are still weeds to cut and grass to be cut, so I have very little choice but to cover up every inch of skin and finish the job, unless I can find someone who actually wants to do yard work. In spite of this recent attack, I generally enjoy being outdoors, working in the yard, cutting the grass, burning the branches and grass. I've always enjoyed nature, as I find it very relaxing, unless of course bad things, like the attack of the thorn monster occurs. Still, it's about the only time I get to visit with my neighbor, who is younger than I, so she is still working. I remember when I worked long hours that the last thing I wanted to do was visit, but then I traveled, and I always had computer work to complete. The main thing was that I lived alone, so I didn't have to schedule meals or do anything unless I wanted to do it. I've enjoyed having my son around, and I am becoming used to his cat Mia who is a house cat, and even the visits from Alex, who is becoming quite fond of sacking out on my bed all afternoon after prowling all night. Cats are indeed very self-centered.

The world condition appears to be rapidly imploding, and it seems as if people are turning against each other, so many things are at a standstill. I am not referring only to the political arena or the geopolitical one. I am very grieved by the silence of the Church, that seems to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to speaking out on matters that go against the Word of God. Very little is being said from the pulpit about Israel or even about challenging matters in our own State government. Whenever I come into the room when the television is one I hear ads attacking our sitting President, twisting his words, and deceiving the public into believing what they are saying is true and for the welfare of our State or country. For four years we had Christian leaders in our State government, but now the opposite is true. Even things that were promised, were immediately changed the moment they were put into office, and in an extreme way. I felt as if I needed to ask God for forgiveness, repenting of my lack of prayer for my State government leaders, because I was too busy in prayer meetings for the federal government and Israel, and I didn't pray each day for the Christian leaders in our State at the time. Of course I prayed, but many times I am so involved with what is going on in Israel that other matters take a back seat. As intercessors we need to ensure that we have sufficient time alone with God asking Him to set our pace for the day, not just hurriedly taking calls. I feel confident that being a watchman for Israel is my call as an intercessor, but I also know that praying for all in leadership is just as important, especially in these last days. We are in a time in history where it is becoming increasingly obvious to those who have not bothered to concern themselves with daily happenings, that we are in a huge battle. To clarify matters we are engaged in a spiritual battle between good and evil, and unless the Church wakes up and uses the authority Jesus gave to her, and unless pastors educate their sheep on what is happening in the world and how we as Christians need to respond according to God's word, then matters concerning the welfare of our nation will continue to decline.

Although I have deep feelings about the outcome of the 2020 elections, it is actually a blessing in disguise, as God knew what the future would hold. God strategically gave President Trump four years to prepare for his current position as our Commander in Chief, and the time has allowed him to become closer to the Lord. It has also allowed time for the truth to be uncovered, and hopefully justice will eventually prevail. His current administration has also been strategically groomed and placed in their positions, but sadly, the process of approving the right man or woman for the position has been seriously hindered by the opposing party. It seems such a sad turn of events when a nation is unable to get along, especially with the current situations in our world. 

With regard to the war in Israel, what is happening is prophetic, and God is the One who puts men into positions and takes them out. God's hand is on everything that happens, and we need to draw closer to God in our quiet times so that we are clearly able to discern the voice of God. The Lord commands us to pray for our leaders in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." Regardless of who is sitting in positions in leadership, we are told to pray for all leaders. God does not want any man to perish, but He wants all to come to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Our prayers are important, and although God does not need anyone's help in accomplishing His will on earth, He desire a relationship with us and our obedience. Prayer is powerful, and it can change the course of a nation.

Day 78 Nisan - First Month

 

3/19/2026

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word

was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:1  

 

Traditionally, on the Jewish calendar, today marks the first day of the new year of Nisan, the beginning of God's redemptive calendar, a year of new beginnings. In Exodus 12:1-2 scripture reveals God's plan for His chosen people Israel.

"Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 'This month shall be your beginning of the months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.'"

The Lord then gave Moses and Aaron instructions for this night, as God was preparing for the exodus of His people from Egypt. He gave Moses instructions for the people for their first Passover that is still practiced today in remembrance of the day God delivered His people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. It reminds them also of the miracles He performed for Pharaoh who did not heed the message, therefore, facing the judgment and consequences of his sin.

The exact instructions for preparation for Passover were given to Moses who in turn shared with the people. Summarizing the verses to follow ahead, they were told that on the tenth day of the month of Nisan, every man would take a lamb for each household, a spotless male lamb free from any disease or impurities. They were told to keep the lamb until the fourteenth day,  then at twilight the entire camp is to kill the lamb and take some of the blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they are to eat it. The blood would protect them from being destroyed as the death angel went through Egypt killing the first born male humans and animal. This was the final miracle God performed, as Pharaoh did not heed God's command to let His people go. The people were instructed to roast the lamb on the fire and to eat it with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs, dressed with a walking stick in their hands.

The month of Nisan is also significant, because it marks the completion of the tabernacle God instructed Moses to build so that His Presence would be with them.

"And it came to pass in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was raised up." (Exodus 40:17)

"Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:34)

This is the first time that God visibly manifested His Presence to the people since the Garden of Eden when He walked with them in the garden before the fall.This is a sign of redemption and refreshing where God allowed the people to know that He would not leave them, He was going with them. It is the same for us today, He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. 

Today believers in Christ have access to the throne of God only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Few people understand the power of the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and it is only through His blood that we can boldly approach the throne of grace. The observance of this feast day of Passover annually is a day of realignment. God has established other times, other seasons and feasts to observe. These observances are called appointed times, some mandatory, and all to be carried out as God instructed Moses when he was on the mountain for forty days and nights. 

The month of Nisan is also significant because the meaning of it is not only rooted in the past, but it is a foreshadowing of the future. In Ezekiel 43:7, God said to the prophet Ezekiel:

"Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. No more shall the house of Israel defile My holy name, they nor their kings, by their harlotry or with the carcasses of their kings on their high places." 

The tabernacle God speaks of will not be like the ones built by human hands. In Ezekiel 47 God speaks of a temple sitting on His holy hill where water, flowing from beneath the threshold will be healing waters with trees lining both sides that bring healing and life.

"Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the alter. He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side." (Ezekiel 47:1-2)

"He said to me, 'Son of man, have you seen this?' Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river. When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other. Then he said to me: 'This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live." (Ezekiel 47:6-9)

The entire chapter should be read as there is much more contained within the verses. When one enters the temple through one gate, they exit the other. This is reminiscent of the new birth of salvation, where we enter in as the old man and become transformed into the image or character of God. The depth of the waters is significant in that the further out one goes, the depth increases. God gave me a vision of the new temple, and He instructed me to go 1000 cubits. At the time I didn't understand. When I heard 1000 cubits I had no idea what He meant, until I referenced this verse, and I realized that, for me, it meant the further I step out in obedience the deeper my faith and spiritual understanding or growth becomes. For intercessors the month of Nisan is a reminder that God appoints the time and the seasons, and when we come before Him to pray for the new month, called Rosh Chodesh, we come to listen, worship, and realign with His purpose, His covenant, moving forward in a new beginning, a new direction. We do not remain the same, we return renewed, refreshed, and transformed. 

The study of the prophetic meaning of the months, the appointed time, the language of the children of Israel is so beautiful as God leads to greater and greater depth and understanding of His plan and purpose for all who are called by His Name. I feel so wonderfully blessed to be grafted into the covenant with God's chosen people. Abiding in His Presence, sitting at the Master's feet, brings deep refreshment to my soul and an overwhelming, all-consuming desire to know Him more. May we all learn to come and dwell in His Presence and be made brand new, wholly His, healed forever by the living waters and the blood of our precious Jesus Christ.  

Day 76 A Mother's Prayer

 

3/17/2026

 "Go in peace, and the God of Israel

grant your petition which you have asked of Him."

1 Samuel 1:17

 

When Mary, Mother of Jesus, learned that she was to bear the Savior of the world, she prayed the following prayer in Luke 1:46-55:

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever."

Going back in history to the time of the judges, after the death of Joshua, the great general of God's army, there was a man named Elkanah, an Ephraimite, who had two wives, Hannah, and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah's womb had been closed by the LORD, according to scripture. Of course, she was the ridicule of Peninnah, who had sons and daughters. Each year they traveled to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. It was a time of great celebration and feasting, and each year Elkanah gave gifts to his wives and their children. Sadly, Hannah only received one gift, although scripture says it was a double portion. Still, Hannah wept bitterly. One year, deeply grieving, rather than share in the feasting, she went to the temple to pray. Hannah was so distress that she bargained with God:

"Then she made a vow and said, 'O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.'" (1 Samuel 1:11).

At that time Eli was the priest, and when he saw her grieving and crying in anguish, he accused her of being drunk, because he could see her lips moving, but she was silently praying in her heart. She corrected him as follows:

"But Hannah answered and said, 'No, my lord. I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.' Then Eli answered and said, 'Go in peace,, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.' And she said, 'Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.' So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad." (1 Samuel 1:15-18)

So Hannah accepted the word of the priest, so she happily returned to the feast and ate. When they returned home, she conceived, and true to her word to the LORD, she had a baby boy, naming him Samuel, and once he was weaned, she returned him to the temple, because of her vow. Samuel became Eli's apprentice, and eventually he was the last judge of Israel. Like Mary, Hannah offered a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the LORD:

"And Hannah prayed and said: 

'My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. No one is holy like the LORD, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, and the hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble. The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail. The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed.'"  (1 Samuel 2:l-10)

The prayers of mothers and fathers are very important. I touched on that previously about the importance of the father's role in the home. Training our children is very important, teaching them what the word of God says in response to the world's questions or behavior. How I wish everyone would consult God in all matters, but especially in training up our children, being the role model they so badly need. It is important as husband and wife to understand the Biblical standards for this relationship as well. Children mimic what they see, actions not so much as words. Today young people are running back to church to find authenticity, and they are tired of lies. This is a clear mandate for the church to make their election sure.

My children loved to go to church and being involved in activities such as Sunday School, Bible Quizzing, boys and girls individual groups, and Daniel even attended a Christian academy for a period of time; however, that did not work out too well, sad to say. Today, however, because of things that happened, he does not want to attend church. I pray that he changes his mind, because fellowship is very important, and good friends and right relationships can be found at church, if the church is teaching the uncompromising word of the LORD. I thought that I had taught my children all they needed to know, but I have discovered that they either weren't listening as they got older, or rebelled in adulthood. I have discovered many things since returning home to Virginia, but I cannot undo the past, only strive to do better. I was consistent with the stands that I took, and when I needed to ask forgiveness I did and still do. But it is never too late for new habits to be learned and lived, so remember that if you feel that you failed. I do not feel that I'm a failure, just continuously learning, and that is how we must remain, learning each day, growing in the grace and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm leaving the following thought from E.M. Bounds for consideration:

"Woe to the generation of sons who find their censers empty of the rich incense of prayer; whose fathers have been too busy or too unbelieving to pray. Perils inexpressible and consequences untold are their unhappy heritage. Fortunate are they whose fathers and mothers have left them a wealthy patrimony of prayer."