Day 45 Valentine's Day

 

2/14/2026

 "Dear friends, let us love one another,

for love comes from God. Everyone who loves

has been born of God and knows God."

1 John 4:7

 

Today many are celebrating Valentine's Day with their special someone, a day widely celebrated all over the world. It is one of Hallmark's best sales days, as I warmly remember when we owned our shop in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Children still enjoy giving out valentines to others, and stores are full of the favorite cartoon characters they enjoy. I remember those days in elementary school when we swapped valentine cards. We may even have shared candy, although I can't remember if we did or not. I used to buy myself candy on these special days, so I'd be certain that I got the kind I liked. This year the day kind of slipped up on me, but I'll catch up one day once I get out and about again. 

My memories are selective, but I am always amazed at how much I do remember about school days. I can actually "see" scenes in my mind, but that is not always a good thing! I am grateful for my sharp memory, as so many people think once we reach a certain age that the mind begins to go. Thankfully, in spite of receiving several blows to my head over the years, I can still think and reason. How great is my God!!

I was so caught up in my concerns I was dealing with that I forgot to buy cards for my family. Not everyone has a cell phone, so I cannot send "gifs" in place of cards. I have one friend who faithfully sends me a card each year. I really need to do better. I always think of my daughter, but not even she got a card from me. I hope I can make up for these errors. Love covers a multitude of sins, I understand. Everyone likes to be remembered, but it doesn't require a certain holiday to send a card or do something special for someone. I remember a time when my children were young that I made a cake as a Happy Un-birthday celebration. I don't know if anyone has ever done that before me, but it sure was fun, and the kids did not expect it. Spontaneity can be a good thing. I always loved surprises, especially when I was dating. I don't believe I ever received many flowers, except for dances or special occasions, but I used to treat myself to wild flowers, particularly sunflowers, when I shopped in Santa Fe when I was working. Trader Joe's still carries lots of fresh flowers all year around, so I enjoy picking up some even now as an older person. 

There are so many people who have lost their spouses, and these days are particularly hard for them. I wasn't able to visit this year, as I still don't have a car, but I hope to be able to visit folks and bring some joy into their lives. While I've been stranded at home these two months I've thought a lot about what I'd like to do with my spare time. Not that I have a lot of it, but there are 24 hours in a day, and I need to use mine more intentionally. Perhaps that is what I am supposed to learn. Have I been selfish with my time? I sincerely hope not, as I never want to miss special opportunities, divine appointments. Maybe God was trying to show me what He wanted me to be doing. Not that what I do is not good, but perhaps it's time to step back. Time will tell.

It's now the close of the day, so I think I'll treat myself with a movie. Perhaps one of my favorite ones from the past? I wish I could share the time with my daughter. We used to watch movies together often, but since we live further away from each other, now we choose one, then watch them alone, yet together, in our special way. It's not perfect, but at least it's something. Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers! Remember to share the love! 

Day 44 Sabbath Rest

 

2/13/2026 

"The generous soul will be rich, 

and he who waters will also be watered himself."

Proverbs 11:25

 

My week has been so hectic, decisions to make, and things to do, but at 6 pm my Sabbath rest begins, and I can settle down, listen to Shabbat in Your Home with Paul Wilbur Ministries and relax. It's a nice family gathering to sing, share the Sabbath meal, and listen to a devotional that encourages and strengthens. It's a wonderful way to relax in preparation of the weekend that follows. At 8 pm it's time with Marty and Jenny Goetz for an hour of worship and sharing. Can you think of a better way to kick start Sabbath and Sunday rest?

I have really needed a little relaxation, because I have been a little upset, because I saw another stray cat, who has visited here before, but now his eyes looked infected. This broke my heart, because he was meowing, but he runs away when approached. Alex seems to be a friend to White, and it was as if Alex was asking me to help his friend. The cat eventually ran away, so I was unable to examine him more closely. I did learn later that there's a neighborhood "cat lady" who traps stray cats and takes them to be neutered or spayed, so I mentioned this problem, as word was that she was coming to try to capture the cat. I pray that she got the cat, and someone will be able to help him. At least I know he's sleeping in a garage, as it has been so cold. I care about little creatures who suffer, and apparently this big guy has not been loved.

Apparently I am not the only one who has a big heart for animals, because I was sent a text about legislation to save pets from being taken from owners or some kind of legislation in the works having to do with regulation of pets. In investigating I discovered that these requests were not quite accurate, but there are concerns. Things are changing here in Virginia so rapidly concerning all of our rights. But the most disturbing fact to me is that more people are concerned about our four-footed friends than about all the unborn babies who are slaughtered daily. I don't know what we're in store for regarding governmental changes or battles, but I do know that my trust and my faith are in Jesus. This will not change, and I pray that as I stand in the gap in prayer and repentance with many others called to do the same, that we will be forgiven, God will hear our prayers, and He will heal our land. But we need all of God's people to wake up and pay attention. More people are interested in what's in it for them than even considering how it will affect others less fortunate or who are alone. God has much to say about taking care of widows and orphans. May we wake up while there is still time.

In 1 Kings 17 God told Elijah the prophet that there would not be any rain because of the evil reign and wickedness of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in Israel. The LORD spoke to Elijah and told him to go to the Brook Cherith which flowed into the Jordan River, and there ravens would feed him meat and bread in the morning and evening, and he could drink from the brook. Elijah obeyed God, but after awhile the brook dried up, so God told Elijah to go to Zarephath, which belonged to Sidon, where he'd find a widow who would care for him. Elijah found the widow gathering sticks, so she could prepare the last meal for her son and herself, then they would die. This was because of the famine in the land with no rain. Elijah instructed her to prepare the meal, because the LORD God had told Elijah that the bread and oil would remain until He sent rain. So the widow obeyed. Clearly this is an example of sowing seed on good soil that produces 30, 60, and 100 fold return when we are faithful to obey God. Proverbs 11:17 says that "a generous man sows to his own future." Because of the widow's obedience to the Word of the LORD through Elijah, they ate daily, and it did not run out. 

Many people are concerned about inflation and everything that has been happening in our nation, but slowly changes are being made. The problem existed before this administration, and there are many things that need to be straightened out. People listen to wrong voices and are easily swayed, which leads to worry and anxiety, but if we put our trust in God instead of man, He will sustain us. Jesus addressed this very issue in the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 6:25-34:

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Believers in Jesus Christ know that God's Word is true, and He watches over it to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12), so we must choose to walk in faith and unity. When we see our neighbor in need, we need to respond in love and kindness, providing for their needs, as we are able. We must also be ready to give the reason of hope within us, and we must share the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus. Just as the widow shared, so we are called in obedience to help, and in so doing we will reap a harvest, because we have chosen to honor God. This is the life I want to live, and the hope I want to share. "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again"  (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

Day 43 Nuts & Bolts

 

2/12/2026

"Preserve me, O God, for in

You I put my trust."

 

Psalm 16:1 

 

Starting each morning with worship lifts my spirit and always encourages my day. Lately, there have been some mornings when I open my eyes, I sigh, not wanting to begin a new day. I've had so many things pressing on my mind, and I just can't think straight. It's exhausting. Immediately, I repent, thanking God for good sleep, rest, and waking up to the new day He has given me. I repeat Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Those words and the prayers that follow are enough to brighten my day, but when I put on worship music and pick up my Bible, that's when my real day begins. Although I've had a lot on my plate lately, I have not forgotten who makes all things possible, the Author and Perfecter of my faith! As I am writing these words, the song Amazing Grace is playing, and I think "How like You, Father!" His grace is amazing, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I'm found, and I was blind, but now, thank God, I see!

The little devotional I received from Guidepost Magazine in the mail is obviously for caregivers who are taking care of loved ones who are more senior than I am, but they do remind me of the sweet people I provided care for when I was a home health caregiver. I really enjoyed helping people, even when it could be uncomfortable at times. I've met so many wonderful family members and dedicated non-family members who selflessly give of their time and rapt attention to those they love. When we give of ourselves to others, we are the ones who receive the greater blessing, I feel. We all have gifts and callings God has given to us, and knowing where we fit in His plan for mankind is what makes things as they should be.

I was watching one of my favorite movies, Ragamuffin, about the life of Rich Mullins, as I love to re-visit old friends to glean wisdom and fresh revelation. Each time I watch this movie, watching the intense struggle Rich had in trying to find peace and fulfillment in his life, it helps me as I try to encourage others who may be going through similar challenges or struggles. Rich was an amazing talent, and although he may have been criticized for his talking at concerts more than singing, I don't think anyone minded one bit. It's rare to receive such insight from an artist who was only interested in pleasing God rather than man. When he was asked how he came to faith in Jesus, he made the following statement:

"I'm not a Christian because of a song I heard or a book I read, much as I love to read. I came to experience the realness of Christ through going to church. I'm not a Christian because somebody explained the nuts and bolts of Christianity to me, but because people were willing to be the nuts and bolts." 

I know that in my life, it was by the actions of others in the church that I learned what true Christianity, being a true follower of Jesus Christ, was all about. I also learned that to be His disciple we are to be servants to all. The example He set was that of someone who preferred others to Himself. This is why He told His followers that they would be known by their love for one another. I wonder if the younger generation is desirous of seeing true love witnessed through our behavior to others. I know that they want to see truth, and not in our words so much as in our actions. Right now, much of the confusion has been so meticulously planned out and planted into the hearts of these impressionable young people by sinister hosts of darkness working in our world, that they don't know who to believe. The devil comes as an angel of light, weaving his deceit, and many are falling for the lie. Where are the nuts and bolts of the church today? 

I have experienced my own share of frustration with the organized church, but that's not as important to me. What is important is that we wake up and do better, as many lives are at stake. Confusion regarding Israel and her place in the end time church is not being explained, and this is the case mostly because of the ignorance in the church. Again, a sign of the times about which Jesus taught. This is an exhaustive subject, and I have already spent much time trying to clarify it, but tonight I don't want to gum up the works, so to speak. I would like to see more hunger for the things of God, just like Rich. In response to a question posed to the church by the pastor one evening where Rich was ministering, "Would Christ be pleased with your life?" Rich was silent, considering the question, then spoke saying that being a Christian wasn't about perfection. He felt that the most profound words of teaching were: "Yes, Jesus loves me; yes, Jesus loves me...." I agree, but I would also add the words "For God so loved the world that He gave...." Without the mandate from heaven, Jesus would not have responded to this sinful situation for all mankind. But, as the scripture says in Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The joy set before Him of entering His glory, giving His life for ours, reconciling us with our Father in Heaven. When we decide to follow Jesus, He tells us the requirement is to being His disciples is "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). Jesus never promised easy, but He promised He'd always be with us. And He is true to His word. In Paul's letter to the church at Philippi in Philippians 3:12-14 he said:  

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

He continued his thoughts in verses 20-21: 

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."  

Let me close with the words of a faithful friend, found in an old hymn: 

"All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all; all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 

All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; let me feel the Holy Spirit. Truly know that Thou art mine. I surrender all, I surrender all; all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 

All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; fill me with Thy love and power, let Thy blessing fall on me. I surrender all, I surrender all; all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all." 

Day 42 Restoration

 

2/11/2026

 "Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to Your Name give glory,

because of Your mercy, because of Your truth. Why

should the nations say, 'Where, then is their God!'

But our God is in the heavens; He does

whatever He pleases."

Psalm 115:1-3

 

The first words I heard this morning as I turned on my computer were the old hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour. Words so familiar to me, from childhood, hearing my mother singing, "I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord; no tender voice like Thine can peace afford. I need Thee, O I need Thee; every hour I need Thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee." Such sweetness filled the air, the scent of heaven. My immediate prayer, as I often pray, is for the Spirit of Truth to rule and reign in my life. O, how I need direction every day, just to keep myself strong in the Lord and able to withstand whatever comes my way. In Hosea 6:1-3 the prophet Hosea is calling Israel to repentance and healing: "Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight. Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth." 

At this time many are praying for true revival to hit the church, like a tsunami wave, just as in the 1970's during the Jesus Revolution. Many smaller revivals have been sparked in the earth since that time, and many are coming to know Jesus in the current generations that many say will not turn their eyes upon Jesus. Only God sees the heart of a person, and I do not claim to know who is legitimately saved or not, as it is not my position to judge. But what I do know is that many young people, particularly young men are running to the churches in search of truth, and not a few, but in droves! I mentioned this briefly in yesterday's post. Young men, future heads of their households, priests in their home, are the first to seek for truth. They're not looking for a watered down version of the Word or looking for a Sunday party to join. They want the to know Jesus Christ and Him crucified. When Hosea speaks of the former and latter rains on the earth, it is a type of rain like Holy Spirit falling on the disciples in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost where the true church of Jesus Christ was birthed, and true revival and reformation were born. Many were added to the Lord on that day, and this was just the beginning the the movement of Jesus Christ through His disciples. From that point on the world was turned upside down by the teaching of the Word by the disciples and those who were taught by them. The harvest is ripe for harvest right now, but the church has been asleep. Now is the time to arise and shine. 

God has promised to bless Israel double for her sins according to Isaiah 40:1-5:

"'Comfort, yes, comfort My people!' says your God. 'Speak comfort to Jerusalem and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.' The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.'" 

Right now in Jerusalem young people are gathered for their annual forty days to fast and pray for revival in Israel. The prayers include the born again Christian Arabs who live in Jerusalem who are at this time experiencing persecution. It seems as if the whole of the Middle East is ripe for harvest. As the Persian people of Iran are protesting for freedom from the dark regime who has terrorized them for so many years, the underground church of Iran is exploding in growth. The fields are truly ripe for harvest. While this is an intensely evil time, as the demonic gods are roaming around seeking whom they may devour, our God is moving and has been doing so mightily. We as the church must pay heed to 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 and repent, humble ourselves corporately before the LORD, seeking Him, turning from our wicked, evil ways, so that He will hear our cries, and heal our land. As Jesus hung on the cross for the sins of the world, as the sinless Lamb of God, His last words found in Luke 23:34 were: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Dying, hanging on the cross, before those who betrayed Him, He cried out in mercy for all of us. We are all guilty.

In Psalm 85 the sons of Korah pray for the LORD to restore favor to the land, and these prayers, and the promise of the Father, resound in the whole of scripture. God has a plan for restoration of Israel in the end time church. We who are believers in Christ, mercifully grafted in as branches, must pray for the restoration of Israel and the salvation of her people. We stand in support, and we pray, grateful to God for extending His mercy and grace to us.

"I will hear what God the LORD will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway." (Psalm 85:8-13). 

Merciful Father, hear our prayers, O LORD, and heal Your land. Pour out the power of Your Holy Spirit upon us, we, Your people; hear our cries of repentance, as we turn from our sins, heal this land. Save Your Chosen People Israel, and awaken the Christian church, so she will rise and shine, giving You glory, honor and praise. May we stand united in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem that we may prosper who love her. Forgive us, O LORD, we pray, and restore us with Your mercy and righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.  

Day 41 Clarity

 

2/10/2026

 "Be still before the Lord and wait

patiently for Him."

Psalm 37:7

 

Here I sit, pen in hand, phone beside me, much like the my little teddy bear above. So much happens in my day it seems, and I am surrounded by clutter, stacks of papers, not knowing which pile to sort through first. My computer does not have the capability that I need for some correspondence, but I did discover an alternate way around one dilemma. There always seems to be something happening, changes needing to be made, and continuous warnings about my computer being cluttered, even after I have cleaned it and had to reload all my passwords! I also have something new popping up on my computer screen wanting to take the place of my current browser that I'm using. I'm skeptical of changes, because there is so much fraudulent activity going on, plus I always feel that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I realize that my English grammar is incorrect, but then, that's the cliche!

My cat, Alex, who seems to stay inside the house more lately, is plopped on my bed, lounging as if he feels this is "his" house. Mia would differ, as my son has had her much longer than my occasional visitor. Plus she seems to roam freely, and attempts to push her way over to his food bowl, when she is the only one who gets special treats for seniority. Cats are strange creatures, but somehow they seem to endear themselves to many people. As for Alex, he's not fully vested with me, so he has times when he's put outside, and he seems to enjoy his freedom to come and go, so it works out.

I've been following the daily Facebook posts of a dear lady in North Carolina whose husband has been going through a difficult health issue. It's scary how things can go from normal to unimaginable in a very short period of time. Such is the case with this lady's husband's health, but through it all her faith has sustained her. She has wonderful church support and so many friends. It's wonderful to see the body of Christ come forward to stand beside and tangibly help a brother and sister in need. I wish it happened more often here. Perhaps it does, and I am not privy to it, but the church, sadly, is not as it should be. Too many are burrowing their head in the sand, waiting out the evil that has been unleashed into the world. We can't hide from it or treat it as if it is going away. Jesus told us it was going to happen. He gave us the warning signs. I feel so helpless to get people to understand that we need to become bold like the very first church of the apostles. 

Each day we pray for our leaders, local, State, and federal including all three branches - executive, legislative, and judicial. There is so much ugliness and hatred in our nation and blatant disrespect for our present administration. No longer are public figures afraid to speak threats against a sitting President or his administration. The violence in the States, in the streets, and sheer evil. It really isn't surprising in light of the prophetic time line, knowing that the enemy knows his time is short, so he's calling in more evil to assist him. Regardless of how much harm he causes, though, the battle has already been won by Jesus when He died for the salvation of mankind. The Son of God disarmed principalities and wickedness. So what makes so many people lean towards divisiveness and wickedness? It's exhausting trying to keep up with all the needs, but I refuse to buckle under the load. The battle is not mine or yours, it belongs to the Lord according to 1 Samuel 17:47, and according to Zechariah 4:6 "It's not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." The Lord was speaking to Zerubbabel about the rebuilding of the temple being accomplished only by His Spirit and not by any human power or might. We do well to remember that in all situations, and to remind God of His Word. If pastors would truly teach their flock the power of the Word of God, as the scriptures says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal or worldly, but spiritual, because our battle is not of flesh and blood. Not the true battle that is being waged in the heavens. But we are told to stand in the gap, on the wall, united in prayer fully trusting God to watch over His Word to perform it.

As I am seeking God in my quiet time for the right words He would have me pray, I remember these words:

“But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:62 NLT)

"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 10:38-39)

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that trough my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me." (Philippians 1:20-26)

"My heart says of You, "Seek His face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek." (Psalms 27:8) 

There's another verse that tells us to seek the Lord while He may be found, and right now I think that's a great place to begin! Down on our faces before God in repentance and humility, earnestly seeking His mercy and grace in time of need. Hineni! 

 

Day 40 Seeing and Knowing

 

2/9/2026

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; 

now I know in part, but then I will know fully, 

just as I also have been fully known." 

1 Corinthian 13:12 

 

This morning in our prayer call we were talking about the frustration of trying to explain truth to people who have been blinded by deception. It's a very sad thing to witness what is happening in our world today, seeing once faithful followers of the Word turn in another direction, having been craftily persuaded to think things that are not scriptural. Others are brought up in churches where the whole counsel of God's Word has not been taught. It doesn't make them evil-minded, just uninformed, or as the scripture says unenlightened. Romans 10:14 says, "How, then can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher?" This describes what is happening in Israel when they are not taught references to the birth of Christ, as these sections are not read in synagogue. It is curious to me since the Bible was written by Jewish authors, and the foretelling of Jesus Christ is so intensely described by many prophets who never came in contact with each other. Then again, in modern churches the Old Testament is not taught, because there is the misconception that it holds little relevance to the modern day covenant Jesus spoke about. Replacement Theology teaches that the old covenant given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is no longer relevant, and that the church has taken the place of the children of Israel. Then there is the fulfillment theology teaching that all prophesies have been fulfilled and that Israel does not have a part in the restoration of the church. I may be explaining it crudely, but the church has forgotten that Jesus is a Jew, and neither Jesus nor God, as stated many times in the Old Testament scriptures, would never turn from His chosen people of Israel. All of it seems like utter foolishness to me, as the scriptures seem very clear to me. 

When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus he prayed that the eyes of the believers would be open to the truth of the Word: 

"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:15-23).

Paul is praying for the Gentile believers in Ephesus that they would grow in the knowledge of Christ and understand their position in Him, seated in heavenly places with God the Father in Heaven. I love Ephesians, as it explains the life of the follower of Christ in three simple categories of "Sit, Walk, Stand." I'll leave that for the reader to discover.

In the morning discussion an upcoming conference was discussed about the importance of coming to Israel, getting to experience being in the land, and talking to the people. How a light comes on, and the prophetic end time part Israel will play is revealed by the power of Holy Spirit drawing a person to the awareness of God's plan for the restoration of Israel as spoken of by Old Testaments prophets. When I heard that explanation my heart jumped as I understand, as much as anyone can, the significance of Israel explained in the scriptures. And I have yet to go to Israel. I want to go, and I prayed about it multiple times, but I felt God telling me, not yet. But when I sit in the meetings, or I am involved in other relationships I have with Jewish believers, even though it may be online viewing, I feel the earth beneath my feet, and feel the warm, dry air. God has given a revelation of His great love for His land and His Chosen People. I feel like part of the family already. Imagine how full and complete my joy will be when one day I am blessed to go. How or why I know, I cannot answer, but with that understanding I am trying to educate leaders, so they can in turn educate others. As one man said "Once you see, you cannot unsee," and I fully understand that truth about the identity of the Jewish people and the role of the church. But, there is the cost of knowing the truth that some do not wish to give, because once one becomes a true ally of Israel, persecution becomes very real. Antisemitism is on the rise more each day, and violence can be deadly. When Jesus explained how a true follower must die to self daily, pick up his cross, He wasn't kidding. Many have given their lives to follow Jesus in Africa and other nations, and even in America many want to destroy religious freedom. Many fear the sense of not belonging, but that is something I have felt for many years, even in the established church. With Christ I am never alone. 

When passion for the love of God is all consuming, we don't become concerned about threats or violence or even death. Charlie Kirk lived that kind of boldness, and yes, he paid for it the ultimate price of his death. But he finished his race, the one that God put him here on this earth to do, and now we are witnessing the fruit of his labor for Christ. Many young people, especially young men, are running to the church, buying Bibles, seeking God, being born again. Revivals are breaking out all over the place, but so is a rash of violence. When Harvest Ministries hosted Turning Point USA's Make Heaven Crowded crusade a couple of weeks ago, protestors showed up attempting to disrupt the service, but they couldn't. No one can stop what God has put into place. "A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Psalm 37:5-6 says "Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." When did serving God become so hated in America?

When young David, a young shepherd, heard the giant Goliath blaspheming God, he didn't hesitate to run boldly forward with only a sling and five stones to slay the "uncircumcised Philistine." His eyes were not on the danger, his eyes were firmly focused on God, using the weapon he had in his hands. We may not feel qualified or adequate to do what God calls us to do, as Moses, yet God will always give us what we need to complete the job. Moses had a shepherd's staff that became the rod of God. We are armed with the Word of the Lord which is a powerful sword according to Hebrews 4:12 dividing spiritual truth from error. Paul has already done that in Romans 9-11, but many are not able to correctly divide the word of truth. 

I don't know why God chose me, a mere woman, whom many modern denominations outlaw as teachers much less any of the five gifts of the Spirit. I understand why women should allow men to be the spiritual leaders, because that's God plan, but He also called women. I don't aspire to any position, I only want to be obedient to the revelation that He has given me. That's why I write, and I pray that in doing so it will provoke curiosity in the reader to search out the scriptures for themselves. We should never take things at face value, but search out a matter, go to the source of all wisdom, the Word of God, and sit at the feet of Jesus. If you're seeking truth, it's the only way!   

Day 39 The Journey

 

2/8/2026 

"Give me your tired, your poor, your

huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

Emma Lazurus

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a 

stronghold in time of trouble."

Psalm 9:9

 

Today I happened upon a quotation by Emma Lazurus (1849-1887), an American poet who was known as an activist and a forerunner to modern Zionism. She wrote powerful essays and poems that focused on the Jewish immigrants coming to make their homes in America, and she fought hard for their support and stood boldly against antisemitism. The quotation above is written on the base of the Statue of Liberty which stands as a welcoming beacon to all men and women, immigrants from the sea, seeking a new home in a country that is safe and free. It would appear as if this dream of solidarity offered to immigrants is eroding, but I don't feel that this is the case entirely, and it never could be as long as we remain One Nation Under God. Contrary to what protesters are saying, America stands as an open door for those needing safety and refuge and for those who desire to make a new life in America, as an American citizen. The danger has come in recent years from a blatant disregard for the safety and welfare of the citizens who already call America home. Because of open borders, many immigrants attempting to come here, have become the victims of traffickers and drug cartels. So many children disappeared and many people were killed, because of the wrongful practice of government at that time. Today, in an attempt to make citizens of America safe again, certain actions have had to take place, but the whole story is not being accurately portrayed, and, as in the case of Minneapolis, protesters are strategically being placed there to make matters worse. This has been a strategy used to incite riots and violence over the years, and it has nothing to do with the welfare of others, but of selfish gain. It is a sad thing to witness, but I fear that it may be coming soon to neighborhoods nearby.

Immigration has been a huge part of our history, and this is why America, especially the eastern states has been called a melting pot for many foreign travelers who desire to make America their home and become part of the heritage. I appreciate the dreams of others, as I am a dreamer myself. There are many opportunities if one applies themselves and works within the systems of government or the private sector. Entrepreneurs are always welcome, and we have so much history of inventors in our country who paved the way for success for others. I love the history of America, and the contributions made by others over the years - Eli Whitney for the cotton gin; Washington Irving for storytelling; Alexander Graham Bell for the telephone; Elias Howe for the sewing machine, and Thomas Edison for the light bulb. George Washington Carver was a 20th Century inventor who discovered countless uses of the peanut. Amazing accomplishments from creativity and innate genius gifted by a loving Father. We have much to be thankful for in our country. In considering the contributions made by the Jewish immigrants in early America we have much to be grateful for in their pioneering work in the garment industry, advanced medicine like the discovery of the polio vaccine by Jonas Salk, and even building of Hollywood in the earlier days when modesty was vogue. Our Jewish Americans also led the way with civil rights, worker's rights, freedom of religion, and peace movements. And when we go back to earlier times we have our Jewish brethren to thank for giving us the Holy Bible.

In my connection with the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, I was so pleased to learn of the agricultural project - the Agro-Tech School, where they are building greenhouse classrooms in the Eshcol area of Israel, where you may recall the 10 spies Moses sent into the Promised Land brought back the huge grapes and other samples of the produce from the land as proof of the viability of the land. Quoting from ICEJ regarding the focus of this project: "The goal is to train the next generation of young Israelis so that they can help rebuild the agricultural sector, bring innovation to an industry that remains vital to national food security, and connect with the Land of Israel." It has been reported that many young people are enrolling in great numbers, abandoning the ideas of higher income jobs many desire so that they can devote their time and energy to building up the land of Israel, restoring it to what God intended it to be. God has always been very serious about the land, and He warned in scripture that the boundary lines were never to be moved. Yet, we see contention to this day. 

I just finished reading the book of Leviticus, and in Chapters 25 and 26, God give specific requirements for the land and warning for those who do not obey. Every seventh year the land is to have a sabbatical rest where no crops are planted, a practice still obeyed today, so that the land can replenish itself. If His rules are not obeyed, the consequences can be very great, as He warns in Leviticus 25:17:23:

"You must fear your God and not overcharge! For I am Jehovah. Obey my laws if you want to live safely in the land. When you obey, the land will yield bumper crops and you can eat  your fill in safety. But you will ask, 'What shall we eat the seventh year, since we are not allowed to plant or harvest crops that year?' The answer is, 'I will bless you with bumper crops the sixth year that will last you until the crops of the eighth year are harvested!' Ad remember, the land is Mine, so you may not sell it permanently. You are merely my tenants and sharecroppers!" 

I remember my grandfather and my daddy allowing the land to rest in their gardens in order for the soil to replenish itself. It's exciting to know that God is the one who established the principle, and just as the land belongs to God in Israel, so He owns the land all over the world and everything in it. Psalms 24 begins: "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein." 

My first job when I was twelve years old was working in the tobacco crop - handing leaves, tying, and putting the sticks up in the barn for smoking. I never smoked myself, but I sure enjoyed working in the field. Raw tobacco has medicinal value also, as it is used to draw poison from been stings. Mama used to keep raw tobacco around the house, as I was deathly allergic to bee stings. Papa would take me to the smokehouse in the evening to check on the hams too, and mama would get mad at me when I got into the lye. She was afraid to spank me for fear I'd get lye in my eyes. I used to eat tomatoes hot off the vine, and watermelons were my favorite treats. I love the earth. It saddened me when I moved back home, and I saw fields ripe with harvests of tobacco, corn, wheat left to dry out not being harvested, because the government paid the farmers not to harvest. I never understood the foolishness behind those decisions, and it seemed a shameful thing to me that farmers would bow to the powers that be. Being a farmer was a proud vocation, and I am so relieved to see that we have a Department of Agriculture in our government who is restoring the pride to our nation's farmers. Another great heritage in our nation's history which led to cotton gins and peanuts!

In closing I want to share the poem of Emma Lazurus dedicated to the Statue of Liberty that still rings true today: 

The New Colossus

By Emma Lazarus

 

"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”