Day 102 Short Accounts

 

4/12/2026

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, 

always abounding in the work of the Lord, 

knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

   1 Corinthians 15:57-58

 

Once again a dream woke me up just as the alarm was supposed to go off this morning. This one seemed to be about self-indulgence, or at least I felt that it was. I dreamed about buying donuts, knowing full well that I am not supposed to eat gluten. They were four for a dollar, and besides, I thought about a cream filled donut, and I so wanted one. I can't remember what else I bought, except I did consider my son's favorite. It's interesting that there was a shortage of donuts, but I was lucky enough to find that white-creamed lard donut! But, as it turned out, I lost the donuts, so I didn't have the pleasure of consuming these delicacies and suffering afterwards. Why is it that we always want what is not good for us?! These past five weeks of dealing with this itching rash from whatever it was that I managed to get into should have taught me to stay away from anything that causes me discomfort. I also noticed that I have had a craving for candy! I don't generally keep chocolate candy around the house, as it's not good for me or Daniel. I guess it has to do with having control over something when I don't have any control over what is happening to me physically. But then what do I know. Fortunately, we didn't cave and buy candy. Although tomorrow is another day!

This morning I woke up with a rash on my face, so I felt it may be better not to attend church, not knowing what caused it. Hopefully, it's just from putting my hands on my face or rubbing my face into the pillowcase while I was sleeping. Tonight I'm going to put on a clean pillowcase, just to test it out. And when I pray, I'm going to try to keep my hands away from my face. I seem to have many bad habits, plus I have a bit of vanity in wanting my face to clear up before I go out. I promised my friend that I'd apply for my passport, so I really want to look my best. When I got my driver's license when I first moved back to Virginia, I was not prepared for the photo, subsequently, I looked like a ragamuffin with stringy hair and a "just that the photo" face. I am not very photogenic, but I look like a vagrant! At least I get smiles from anyone who sees it. 

Pastor Greg's message for this morning was called The Lord's Prayer, a model prayer given to the disciples by Jesus, as they wanted to know how he prayed when He went off into the hills to be alone with God. Each day I say this prayer as a corporate prayer for intercessors, including myself, my family, my friends, the nation's leaders and the world leaders. We have our priorities in prayer, but God knows what we truly need. I want my prayer to align with His will, certainly not mine. I memorized The Lord's Prayer as a child, but I have begun saying it daily as I meditate over each verse. I never want to do something routinely. I want every scripture to be considered appropriately. Later, when I watched Jesus Image's morning worship service, I learned that this prayer is not spoken in some churches, as some churches are uncomfortable saying it. I am not, and I cannot imagine a Christian who feels this way. So many things I never thought I'd see or hear are happening, just as the prophets foretold. It can become overwhelmed, especially if one relies on social media for news. It's hard to know what is real or imagined or fabricated by AI. The days are indeed wicked. This is why we must pray always and consult the Bible as the authority and source of all wisdom. James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

This is indeed a time to seek the Lord while He may be found. Sitting at His feet, learning from the words that He speaks. Have a heart of forgiveness and extend mercy towards others, just as God extended great mercy and forgiveness upon us.