Day 217 My World

 

8/5/2026

"Prayer should be free, spontaneous, vital fellowship

between the created person and the personal Creator, in

which Life should touch life. The more that prayer becomes the

untrammeled, free, and natural expression of the desires of

our hearts, the more real it becomes."

 

O. Hallesby

 

 

I think better after getting a haircut. I've been long overdue one, so maybe that's why my mind's been a little fuzzy lately. Chocolate also makes me feel a bit clearer, too, so I sent my son to the store to buy me a Butterfinger. Maybe ice cream would have been better, but the candy and the Dr. Pepper helped tremendously. He also bought Sour Patch Gummies, but he hid those from me. Smart move, as I can't handle too much sugar, and Dr. Oz would not approve!

 

It was another very early morning, but it was quiet and prayer time more real than it's been lately. I always pray - I don't give Abba many free moments, especially with all the requests for prayer. I made a promise that I wouldn't resort to "pat answers," but I'd wait for His direction. Not that I have any answers. I rely on the strength of His word, and the Bible is full of powerful promises. Knowing how to apply them is the key, but having a pure heart is the secret. Not a well-kept one, as God freely gives when we ask.

 

As I've mentioned previously, many fiery darts of the wicked one have been headed my way, and before one thing is acknowledged, four more arrows fly my way. I feel like a target after everyone has had their shot. Thankfully, not all are bull's eye! I'm trying to be patient and trustful, but I admit that I have been feeling a little weary some days. I think I tend to over compensate with menial tasks such as trying to rid my bushes of the Virginia Creeper, and once more I see that I may have poisoned my arm. I'm not too certain what has happened, but so far the poison seems isolated to one area, or so I'm calling it. I call it one more little dart of the enemy. I tried the Rambo effect of applying extreme heat to the area to cauterize it, after using Epsom salt straight on to ease the sting and itch, but I think I may have overdone the abuse. So much for thinking I'm all that and a bag of chips, as the saying goes! So I decided to try a more conventional means of soothing a wound by cleansing with Sovereign Silver and slapping a cloth bandage on it. Actually, it worked for a while.

 

This morning after the prayer call we headed out to purchase our refrigerator...again! This time we asked all the right questions and received more information than the first time. We had to pay a little more, but God ensured we received our 18 months without interest - a sure blessing for this retired ole lady. I love wriggle room. My daddy taught me how to finagle a deal, how to save up and buy things with cash when possible. I miss him, and I sure which he could send me some notes from heaven about this house. He was a fixer-upper, and he was a genius when it came to using what he had on hand when he didn't have the money to buy a new part. Sometimes sons think their dads are not too smart, but let me just say, my dad was an Einstein or smarter!! And mama made the Proverbs 31 wife who stayed up all night, her candle never going out, doing this and that look like a bored housewife. Mama was quiet and very kind, but she was sharp as a tack, and daddy counted on her sewing skills and savvy to work some miracles. 

 

I always love the close of my days on Wednesdays. They can be power-packed with two late Bible studies after a 7 pm prayer call, an 8 pm Hour with Jesus with Terry MacAlmon and his wife Liz. but this week I fudged a little and hung out with Terry and Liz, blogged, and watched an action movie - a blast from the past. It may seem as if I'm watching a lot of movies, but I prefer music while I'm reading and talking to Abba. But somehow I've needed to step away and be more normal. Is that even possible for my life? But then, my life is normal for me. It's just the rest of the world, other than my fellow intercessors, who have the other lives. I'm not tied down to grandchildren - other than a noisy little kitten and two demanding adult cats, one lazing inside and the other outside on my window sill meowing for me to come out and play at 3 am. I don't have a husband, and bless my son because he likes his quiet time also. His is quite the opposite of mine, but no worries. I know he loves Jesus and talks to God in his own way. I'm not so certain that he invites Abba to watch movies with him, like I do, but he's wise enough to know what God likes and what he doesn't. Actually, spending time with Jesus is what I do. I'm certain He loves movies, popcorn, Junior Mints, and Mexican Coke...in moderation, of course. He knows Dr. Oz quite well! In fact I'll be President Trump asked God if Dr. Oz was the right pick for the CMS position. Go figure!!

 

Well, this is a wrap and the end of my day. Thanks for the visit. Leave a comment. Isn't that the way most podcasts end?   

Day 216 Time

 

8/4/2026

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, 

break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, 

till He come and rain righteousness upon you." 

Hosea 10:12 

 

As I attempt to makes sense of my notes I have scribbled on the pages of my journal, so I can finish writing this blog, my thoughts begin to wander, thinking about the events of the day. Today was a very important day for Virginia as we gathered at the polls to vote for the primary election for a Senate seat in Congress. The incumbent's seat was uncontested, so the other party had three candidates running. The curious thing about this primary is that it was not listed on Pray the Vote, and the only way I knew about it was I received an email that made me ask questions. Even a poll worker did not realize that we had a US Senate seat open. The polls had been open for early voting since mid-June, but fortunately I was still able to cast my vote a few days early. I also made certain that I posted this information, so other voters could know. The sad thing is that many people don't vote primaries; they wait until the general election. Then when things don't work out their way, they complain. There are no words. 

 

I had awakened very early in the morning, but rather than get up I decided to just lie still and talk to God about some things that were troubling me. I've been concerned about a friend who is not living the life God has for him. I had a conversation with someone, remarks were made, and I couldn't understand the insensitive manner in which this person was speaking of my friend. I wondered if somehow I had provoked the conversation with my comments about my life, and yet I really don't think this had anything to do with me. Perhaps it was the alcohol being consumed. I left feeling very disheartened, and although it has been several weeks now, I can't get it out of my mind or heart. I feel broken.

 

I just finished reading through the book of Isaiah, and I must say that it is a long and rather difficult study. Don't misunderstand, as I love the book, it is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, but Isaiah had a tough job prophesying to a rebellious people who eventually were lead away into captivity, because they chose not to repent. Today I began the book of Jeremiah, better known as the weeping prophet, who was sent to warn Judah of its coming judgment. As I am reading through these passages I see shadows of what is happening now in my own country. Things I would never have imagined happening in a nation founded on godly principles, and yet I've been reading about the children of Israel. I must say that sometimes it becomes too much to bear.

 

Each day I have to weed through my emails trying to clear out the tragic news from reputable, Christian journalists who are informing of recent events for prayer. As of today we have been standing with Israel on the wall for 1033 days since the massacre on 10/7/2023. The good thing is that there haven't been any attacks in Israel or trips to the bomb shelters for a while, and I pray that stays that way. But the reality is that it will not last forever, and the uncertainty can cause much anxiety.

 

Much is going on all over the world, and much evil is raising its head in America. Over the years the threat has been here, but now it is out in the open, blatantly obvious, yet ignored. Those who understand and who can spiritually discern the signs, are making attempts to warn the church leaders, but they either do not believe or they do not care. The silence from the church is deafening. The increasing danger in our country is becoming so great that a well-known comedian attempted to openly share on his show the lies and cover ups, exposing the truth, that no one wanted to believe. Nonetheless, he did it, and I pray all the people who finally realized he was not joking, but in his own way was attempting to warn the people, will wise up and listen up. This man is very popular, so perhaps if the secular world becomes aware, the church will follow suit. And here I always thought the church were the leaders?!

 

I can't help but think of the words of George Whitefield again shouting the words "AWAKE, O SLEEPER!" Who knows, maybe someone is listening!

Day 215 Fresh Wind

 

8/3/2026 

"And He said to me, 'Son of man,

can these bones live?'"  

Ezekiel 37:3 

 

The parable of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 is about the restoration of God's people in the land of Israel. When this vision was given to Ezekiel he was in Babylon where the Jewish people had been exiled by God, using the enemy Babylon as His agent of judgment against his people for their sins.  Ezekiel was a priest and a prophet who was called by God to minister to Judah during their 70 years of captivity in Babylon. God spoke His message through Ezekiel using prophecies, parables, signs, and symbols to dramatize His message to His exiled people. As noted, God is giving Ezekiel another glance at the future and restorative hope of Israel.

As born-again believers through faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah, we are praying for the eyes of the Jewish people to be opened to this prophetic words, as well as those in Isaiah and other prophets who prophesied of the coming of Messiah, but who missed the hour of His visitation. While the non-Messianic Jews pray for Messiah to come and restore the kingdom on earth, the Messianic believers join us in prayers for salvation of the Jews and the God's kingdom to come, as Jesus prayed while He was here on earth. As born-again believers, we have been given the right to become sons of God and heirs, joint-heirs. In Romans 9 - 11, Paul speaks of Gentiles being grafted into the vine, Jesus Christ, and we are able to share in the blessings God gave to His chosen people through His covenant with Abraham. Many people have misinterpreted the new covenant Jesus spoke about with his disciples on the evening of His betrayal, regarding the new covenant of His body and His blood. Jesus told them that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, He came to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). God has not forsaken His people. He severely punished them, but as I write this blog, prophecy is being played out with the return of the Jews to Israel, the land that God gave to them. Many prophecies have already been fulfilled, but there is much to come. We all have a part to play in the restoration of Israel, returning the Jews to the land and provoking them to jealousy so they will look on the One whom they pierced as according to Zechariah 12:10, realizing Messiah has come already. Then their eyes will be opened, and all of Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26). The days are getting shorter while most of the church sleeps or is in denial or in fear and unbelief.

As we prayed today, we asked God for a fresh wind to blow over us and over Israel. We need a bold shaking of the church - a spiritual earthquake to uproot the lies and false doctrines being taught in our churches, synagogues, seminaries, and elsewhere concerning the restoration of the Jews to their God-given homeland and their right to be a country. We pray for the scales to fall from the eyes of the Jewish people to see that Jesus is the Messiah, come in the flesh! We all need a fresh breath from Holy Spirit to blow over all of us - a fresh breath of life - and a fresh call from Jesus Himself saying "Follow Me!"    

One intercessor said that we needed a "chiropractic moment" where the body of Christ is put back into alignment with God's will and purpose on this earth at this time. I have been reading Isaiah, and I have wept so many tears for the lost, some in churches, who do not know the Savior. I weep for those caught in the snares of sin who think God is okay with it. If it's written in the Word of God that it is sin, then God is never okay with it! The entire point of all of this wrong teaching and lifestyle is that God is not a man that He will lie, He changes not, and He does not ever, EVER, go against His Word, or else He would go against Himself. How many times in the scriptures did He say He had done something so that "they would know that I alone am GOD!" He is Holy, and we are called to be holy and live a separate life, different from the world and the culture, surrendered to His will yet free, for whom the Son sets free is free indeed!

Fresh Wind

by Hillsong Worship

 "Spirit sound, rushing wind
Fire of God fall within
Holy Ghost
Breathe on us, we pray

As we repent, turn from sin
Revival embers smouldering
Breath of God
Fan us into flame

 We need a fresh wind
The fragrance of Heaven
Pour Your Spirit out
Pour Your Spirit out" 

Day 214 Stop and Consider

  

8/2/2026

 "Come and sit and ask Him whatever is on your heart.

No question is too small, no riddle too simple.

He has all the time in the world.

Come and seek the will of God."

Max Lucado

 

It reassures me and makes me feel as if I'm not too far off the mark of following God's lead and purpose when I hear someone say the words I have spoken so often. Day in and day out, wherever I go, and whatever I do, I voice the same concerns, whether it be to myself, to another whom I feel may understand, or to Abba, because I talk to Him about everything, as it should be. But hearing someone, of importance in the ministry, recognizing that one of the main problems we have is too many distractions happening at the same time, in different places, with one reason, to take our focus off God's plan, really took me by surprise. It seemed as if the light bulb had been turned on. And yet, I have had this same one speak of being cautious and not quick to jump to the conclusions of others. He realizes that the enemy's greatest game plan is to divide and conquer, although people are becoming wise to it. But what does it take to come to this place of clear vision?!

Nearing three years of daily prayer with Israel has taught me much about God's chosen people, about the restoration of Israel in the end times, and about the land covenant. The more I read my Bible in my quiet time, away from distractions, asking Abba questions, then hearing the same questions asked by another, has made me wonder who truly reads the Bible and understands it. It is inconceivable to me that even the professors at seminaries do not have a clear understanding of what the scriptures teach when it comes to Israel and God's irrevocable covenant. How many times did God say that He changes not! And if they do not see clearly regarding Israel, how then can they clearly regard what Paul explained about the Gentiles being grafted into the vine as wild olive shoots! These things must first become knowledge in our personal walk with the Lord. Many people talk about getting alone with the Lord, and yet, where is the fruit that Jesus said we would see! Where are the miracles? Why then so much hatred and antisemitism, and now Christian Zionism hatred. Does anyone even know what a Christian Zionist is? Well, if you don't, I'm not telling you. 

I realize that there are many who do witness and receive miracles daily, and there are those who live in the miraculous all the time. By that I mean the supernatural feeling of the presence of God regardless of what is going on in life. This does not happen without a high cost. I'm sure some reading, perhaps most, will not understand what I am trying to say, but the important thing is that it is said. Sometimes I think I talk too freely about things, and people may consider it drama, but what I see and hear has never been that. I get way too excited when people ask me about my life, because, first of all, I don't get out that much and have the opportunity to share my life with old friends or family, and God has done so much for me; and secondly, I love to talk about Jesus, and He's the reason for the life I've lived, every crazy twisted path has been His doing - maybe undoing of my messes - to get me back on His direction. My life has been intense, but it has been amazing. Now, would I want to repeat any of it? No, not really, because I would rather have done things God's way at the get go, but my heart was too compassionate, and my mind was too young and inexperienced. Yet, I learned - the hard and painful way. But, I learned!!

Something else that really blows my mind is how trained, educated with degrees, a Spirit filled Christian counselor cannot spiritually discern when someone is not telling the truth. And why would they encourage a Christian patient, who is obviously filled with unforgiveness, hatred and anger to curse without restraint, because it has to get out of their systems, no matter how many sessions it takes. Somehow it seems that the Word of God would be better than evil communication and dwelling on the past. I don't understand that. But then, who am I to know?!

Friendship is another mixed feeling for me. A friend is one who sticks closer than a brother, according to the Bible. Jesus called Judas friend as he betrayed Him. A friendship should remain steadfast even if there has been time between visits or a distance between due to one moving away. Over time they lose touch, but once they are reunited, it should be as if nothing has changed. Perhaps the years have brought changes physically, even emotionally, with many experiences - such as marriage and children - tucked in between, but the connection that was real should still be there. I have such relationships, and I treasure them. But there are times when we think someone is a friend, we even call them friends, but it is one-sided. I guess I've answered my own question in mulling this over, as I was wondering why a friend wouldn't invite me to a wedding or let me know great news firsthand. Now I understand, and it's okay. I am still overjoyed. 

I wonder if I should write my own book of questions or thoughts, like Solomon's Ecclesiastes, but I wouldn't agree with his seemingly negative manner of speech. In the end he gets it straight about God's way being the only way, but all the rest I'll just talk to Abba about. For me, that seems the better way. I know He's my Friend, but I won't allow anything to come between our friendship. It's too precious. I wish it could be that way in every case.

Day 213 Sabbath Rest

 

8/1/2026

"And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 

So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'”  

Mark 2:27-28 

 

Remember when we were kids, and the teacher was given the excuse that "the dog ate my homework" was often used by a student who neglected to do their homework? Well, I can say that I have a kitten who is learning the new habit of chewing up the pages of my journal, and she has been honing in on my notes and Bible ribbon book markers. She's a crafty one at eight or nine weeks. Where will her mischief take her next?! 

I didn't quite make the 4 am Shabbat service at Kehilat HaCarmel in Israel at 4 am, but I did tune in at 5:30 am and enjoyed a quiet early morning worship before the global prayer call, followed by my service with Jacob's Tent Fellowship in Cleveland, Tennessee. The study continued in Deuteronomy as Moses is reminding the children of Israel about their forty years of wandering and the faithfulness of the Lord. As we began reading in Chapter 7 the subject was Blessing & Obedience, from the Torah portion entitled Ekev which means "Reward." Moses continues his speech about obedience to the Lord, and in verses Chapter 8, verses 5-6 he says "You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you. Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him." 

Moses was sharing that obedience to God's commands brings blessings, urging them to listen to the reminders of the past, and to escape the anger of God and the suffering they encountered for their disobedience, grumbling and complaining. Suffering is a manifestation of God's love for His people, as it empowers us so we can face larger challenges. 

Hebrews 12:3-11 reminds us that the discipline of God is for our benefit as well:

"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: 'My son do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.'  If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be to subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." 

Honoring the Sabbath Day to keep it holy was one of the first commands God gave, and He repeated it over and over again, reminding His stubborn, rebellious people of the importance of resting on this day, of honoring Him as the Creator of all heaven and earth. The people of Israel still honor God's word and this command to rest. I have observed this Sabbath tradition all my life, but not until a few years ago did I begin to call Saturday my official day of rest as commanded by the scriptures. I was raised attending church on Sundays, but now I honor both days. I honor the Sabbath day to keep it holy, and I attend traditional Christian services on Sunday at the local church. I have the best of both worlds which in fact are only one world if we rightly divide the word of God. I won't go there today, but I am passionate about God's word.

Today's day of rest was somewhat more placid; and I know that staying away from news as much as is possible, has done me a world of good. I know God does not want us to worry and become upset over any thing that is happening or has been threatened. Our eyes are on him.  

212 End of a Normal Day

 

7/31/2026

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper,

and every tongue which rises against you

in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage

of the servants of the LORD, and their 

righteousness is from Me," says the LORD."

Isaiah 57:14  

 

My sleep has been very poor lately. I am used to getting up in the night trotting to the bath room after drinking too much water or even a glass of tea for supper, and I am used to be awakened during the night for something special - prayer for someone. The latter occasions I am very alert, so I don't have problems remaining awake, regardless of the hour and how late I had gone to bed in the first place. But last night I seemed to be up and down a lot, so it was easy to fall asleep again. Honestly, I really didn't want to get up, that is until I heard a voice sharply say "Linda!" and I shot up like a light! If I had heard "Linda Susan" I would have known I was in deep trouble, but this wasn't an angry voice, but a command, the best I can describe it. It was not even 5:30 am, and although I'd gone to bed too late, or early, I wasn't tired, and I knew I was meant to get up then. 

I remember being quite concerned about some information I had read in one of my devotionals yesterday, recalling also the conversation with my neighbor about not trusting anyone. Some other strange events had also happened in the evening, and I began to really sense the difficulty people are having and how closely they may be coming into these same feelings of despair by allowing distractions into their lives. The enemy is very deceptive, and he's cunning and smooth as butter on hot corn on the cob. I know, because I got caught up more than once into his snares, laid every so craftily, the players in my life primed and ready to go. Gratefully, God has always been my constant, so I was freed, and finally those doors closed tightly behind me. But I am more cautious now where my feet travel and whose company I keep. But it also made me more alert to what is going on around me. One friend recently told me that I might have a spirit of Issachar. Issachar was one of the sons of Jacob who, the scriptures say in 1 Chronicles 12:32 "were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do;..."   

What she was saying to me, I think, is that I knew things, but all I know is what God says is happening, and I am learning to discern by what I see and have learned. I don't think about having any special gifting when it comes to the prophetic. I do know that Holy Spirit tells me what to say when I am sent into a situation where I know I am about to be "set up" or falsely accused. I know what it feels like to deliver the message, almost get booted out of the house, only to be called two weeks later in a sort of apology to let me know I had spoken the truth - about something I had no clue about. This is how the Lord teaches me things I need to know sometimes. Only God knows why I must endure these weird experiences in order to deliver a word to someone who is hurting others. Someone who, interestingly enough, was a false prophet. I was still young in learning about the supernatural at that time. Little did I realize at the time how quickly my life would change as I grew in intercessory prayer. 

Later yesterday afternoon I read an article by Mario Murillo calling out a person who had likened their healing ministry to that of Kathryn Kuhlman, a person who had never met Miss Kuhlman, but Mario had known her. Actually I believe Mario said the person said "they were the next Kathryn Kuhlman."  Wow, that's pretty presumptuous of anyone to say, I thought. I'm glad Mario made the point that there can only be one Miss Kathryn Kuhlman, because God made her unique, and her gift of healing was not in her power, but Holy Spirit who lived inside of her. Many times I have listened to her speak and heal. All she talked about was the power of Holy Spirit in the room with her, not being able to minister without the presence of God living in her, and this is exactly what I speak about - dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. If we are serious about the call of God, about a relationship with Him, we must know and experience His presence. 

With evening services and Shabbat beginning soon, I decided that I needed to hustle out and cut the grass, but before I was to pull on my hiking boots and grab my cap and gloves, the phone rang. I answered to the troubled voice of my friend in New Mexico, obviously shaken by something, so I settled back down in my chair to listen. The grass could wait! My friend is a little younger than I am, and her husband is now in his 80's and his health is up and down, so my first thoughts were of him. They've been working on the well for about a week, and that's the last thing he needs to be doing in a drought, in fire season, inhaling the smoke of nearby wildfires. Thankfully, her husband was doing okay, other than still no luck getting the problems with the well sorted out.  

His sister moved over to New Mexico from California, and has been living in a nursing home in Santa Fe that costs a mint. My friend has to help take care of her, because they do not have adequate or competent staff in Memory Care to take care of the residents. The concern in my friend's voice was regarding his sister and the nursing facility. My friend had received a telephone call informing her of a meeting she had to attend regarding charges against her for smacking the resident in front of so-called witnesses. Had she not been so upset I would have laughed at this ludicrous accusation and obvious slander by some unhappy staff member who had been caught with her fingers in the pie, and called it a load of garbage, but I patiently listened to the story. Of course with cameras in the rooms, insufficient information, and on and on, it is easy to see that my first reaction was true - a load of garbage! Since I've known my friend for so many years, and I also was the case manager for her mother, I know her personality and mannerisms, as do many, many professionals in long term care, who also know her character, her patience, her kindness in responding to those who do not provide adequate care for residents. As a matter of fact, there have been many complaints voiced to her about this facility, and many have relocated their family members elsewhere. A plan of appropriate action was discussed based on my experience with such facilities, she was calmed, and I was able to pray for her. Monday she'll be able to deal with the situation peacefully, and hopefully the matter will be resolved. The devil has been busy once more, as the tell tale signs are obvious, but as with all trials, we must endure to the end. My friend is locked and loaded, spiritually speaking, for bear!

This is the first time I have prayed confidently, speaking God's words boldly with an individual since the death of a friend. I have been able to pray with groups where there's a leader, and we corporately agree with scripture, but not within a small group, other than my Thursday night online meeting. Naturally I talk to Abba about daily needs and long lists of prayer requests, including prayer points for Israel, Iran, American, and other countries and situations, but I've been dealing with some suppressed feelings that needed to be examined a bit more closely. But God knows that I've been MIA (missing in action) in some cases, and He's gotten my attention back on one to one ministry. I dropped out of another private group, because I felt that I didn't fit in, and whereas that may also be "a load of garbage" staged by the devil or my own insecurity at times, it may have been the best solution for me, although I do miss the people and appreciate the opportunity. Corporate prayer has in many ways distracted me from feeling able to pray one-on-one. I know that sounds lame, for lack of a better word, but I think you get the idea. Plus, each day the enemy unleashes more and more distractions, and I become fatigued by the condition of the sleeping church and by people who don't seem to call a spade a spade. I'm probably using old colloquialisms, but again, you get my meaning! 

I finally managed to get outside and cut the grass, except for one side. I got busy moving some things out of the way, so I could cut an area I failed to clear completely before the rains came, so I had to leave it for Monday. I must say it does look nice, but my Sabbath rest started at 6 pm with Shabbat in the Home, so all work ends and rest begins. Prior to that I enjoyed a meal cooked by my son, who is a huge help to me, and later on I watched a movie. Yes to popcorn, Junior Mints, and Coke! It was a perfect way to begin another day of rest. I'm anxious to see what tomorrow brings!

211 Strength in Weakness

 

7/30/2026

"To say prayers in a decent, delicate way is not heavy work. But

to pray really, to pray till hell feels the ponderous stroke, 

to pray till the iron gates of difficulty are opened, till the mountains

of obstacles are removed, till the mists are exhaled and the clouds

are lifted, and the sunshine of a cloudless day brightens - 

this is hard work, but it is God's work and man's best labor."

 

Some days, most days here lately, my journal is full of ramblings about a world gone mad, pastors and their flock going another way, and once stronger Christians losing faith, weary from the lateness of the hour and the ignorance of those who watch it happen. So where do I fit in the list? 

It's disconcerting to hear my once strong neighbor speak about everyone being corrupt, not being able to trust anyone, and wanting to escape where there's no news. Sadly, there's no such place. Technology has even reached the backwoods of my securest hiding places, so we have to determine to shut devices off and learn to relax. Many are being told that God is in control, so we don't have to be concerned, but we do need to be aware and pray. I won't repeat myself about being a doer of the word, but more action is required if we want to resist the devil and be a voice against the evil in this lawless society. 

My neighbor is much younger than I am, still working, but the office has its own drama. Recently she lost her precious puppy of nineteen years, and this has had a devastating effect on her. Her heart is broken, and rightly so, as pets are so innocent and dependent on their humans that it's like having another child and a best friend. Dogs listen when we're sad, and they cheer us up when nothing else can. It's their unconditional love. Shortly after Fido's death, she learned that a close friend, who had been diagnosed with cancer, had passed away. She admitted that she just didn't think she could handle much more.

Each day I receive numerous emails and text messages asking for prayer for someone with a new diagnosis of cancer. One mention of that diagnosis, and a person flies into a panic. Then the next thing is to ask for prayer, and although they are asking many times for healing, the undertones of doubt are evident. A sense of hopelessness fills the church.

So where do I stand, or fit, in the list above? I haven't changed my point of view, because I know my Redeemer lives, and I know that He conquered death, hell, and the grave, because He said He did. I believe His word, and I stand on it. With all my heart I try to think on the "good, the pure, the lovely, the things of a good report; if there's any virtue, if there is any praise, I think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Many things are happening in our world, in our country, but we must keep our focus fixed on Jesus Christ, and be in the word of God. If we are going to walk in faith, we must know why we believe in Christ and put our trust in God in the first place. It's very important to be part of a local church, the body of Christ, with a pastor who teaches the uncompromising word of God. We can't pick and choose scriptures, so when we read and study the Bible, study the scriptures in context. Unless we are grounded in scripture, it becomes increasingly easy to become confused when the enemy brings doubts into our minds and to deviate from the plan of God for our lives. 

Things are happening that I never thought possible, although scripture said it would happen. It's easy to become discouraged when we see well-known men and women of God become ensnared in unholy actions. But rather than become involved in gossip and criticism, use it as an opportunity to pray for others and for restoration. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Each day I ask God to set a guard over my thoughts and mouth. If we are to be salt and light in this world, representing Christ to those who do not know Him, then we must examine our hearts daily. We are called to be His hands and feet, reaching out to others. 

In order to do our jobs we have to be rested up and ready to move when God said "Go!"