Day 294 In His Presence

 

10/21/2026

"In the Presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace,

troubles vanish, hearts are mended,

in the Presence of the King."

 In the Presence of Jehovah  

written by Geron and Becky Davis

 

If you're looking for a perfect sense of peace for about an hour on Wednesday evenings, tune in to An Hour with Jesus, with Terry MacAlmon. My days can become stressful between the affairs of the world and the events in my own life, so relaxing with Terry for an hour or so before going to bed, is just what the doctor should order for everyone. His opening song begins with the lyrics, "I want to sit at your feet and worship You, my Savior and my Friend. You are altogether lovely; Your mercy never ends. I wanna fall in love with You all over again." That's the perfect song to begin a worship session! Later he sang a portion of Andrea Bocelli's famous song, The Prayer. How my cup overflowed!!

In my blogs, posts, and general conversation I speak candidly and often about being in the presence of God, setting at the feet of Jesus, listening to what He has to say about everything and anything. In Philippians 4:6 Paul reminds us not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything. God cares about all things that concern us. Before Jesus went back to heaven He told His disciples He would send the Comforter, Holy Spirit, so they would have Him with them always. He wanted them to know His words were true. He told them to wait for The Promise of Holy Spirit who would guide them into all Truth.

I don't think many truly understand what being filled with God's Spirit, Holy Spirit, means. They understand being born again, the water baptism, being raised from death to life and breathing in the breath of Holy Spirit when they arise to new life in Christ. But, I am becoming aware of how few understand what the infilling of God's Spirit on the Day of Pentecost truly means. It has become such a contentious subject in church circles about the meaning and application of Jesus' words. That's why it's so important to become intimately acquainted with our Abba Father who desires to fellowship with us. He walked with Adam in the Garden in the cool of the evening, and Jesus often withdrew from his disciples and the crowds to spend quality time with His Father. If anyone had the weight of the world on His shoulders, which He literally did according to Isaiah 9:6, it was Jesus Christ. We need the quietness of the shadows, away from the crowds, away from social media and constant scrolling. I say that a lot also. James speaks of not being tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine (James 1:6), but when lacking wisdom or understanding to ask God. Too many times people consult books written by pastors or other theologians to learn the answers rather than consulting the best source of all wisdom and knowledge, The Holy Scriptures. Or they prefer to listen to a podcast or video teaching, not really knowing if it is true information or doctored to give the information one desires to receive, thus tickling ears. Why not consult the Bible first? Ask Holy Spirit to illuminate the passage and bring light. He does, and He also shines that bright light on areas where we fall short. 

In my Weekly Worship in my read through the Bible, the side comment reminds us: "No one fully comprehends God, but God fully comprehends us." I've been studying the Gospel of Luke, trying to walk through familiar passages very slowly so I can pick up on things that I may have missed. It seems that each year when I read through the Bible that familiar verses of passages I've studied for years literally jump off the page like fresh manna just out the oven, warm, savory, and so good, especially with a generous splat of butter on it! My journal is full of notes to myself about "wow" passages when I discover something I've missed. The sides and upper and lower areas of my Bible are loaded with more notes and comments about the insight I've been given. I love being able to have the time to devote to more time alone with Abba and sharing it in my daily blogs.

Today's meditation included the Psalm of the week, Psalm 113 by David. It contains the words of one of my treasured songs, Adonai written by Nathaniel Bassey (verse 3): "From the rising of the sun, to setting of the same, Your Name is to be hallowed, Adonai. Beginning my quiet times with praise and ending in worship for me are like taking a walk in the woods with Abba, enjoying the scenery while listening to stories of the Kingdom. Like Mary of Bethany I would find comfort being with Jesus skipping the meal, because being with Him there's no hunger and no thirst. He is Living Water and fresh daily manna.

Day 293 Cracks

 

 10/20/2026

"Ring the bells that still can ring / Forget your perfect offering / 

There is a crack, a crack in everything / That's how the light gets in."  

Leonard Cohen - Anthem 

 

Until these lyrics from Leonard Cohen's song, Anthem, were shared by one of the leaders at the Kehilat HaCarmel Worship Watch, I don't recall ever hearing of this Jewish Canadian songwriter who wrote about life's brokenness, the human condition, faith, and hope. One of his songs I've heard many artists sing is Hallelujah, a song that deeply touches my soul as it does so many. I want to make it a point to listen to some of his other songs, as I dearly love being introduced to people with true compassion for others and passion for life anchored in faith and hope. May his memory be a blessing.

Today's watch was devoted to worship and silent meditation more than shared Scripture readings. The elections are coming up on the 27th in Israel, so many prayers are being offered for a unified government. The political system in Israel has a single legislature with the 120 seat Knesset which is Israel's parliament. Many parties or coalitions, and only a percentage gets the seats, representing the  new government. I really don't know how they figure it out, but it can be messy, and there are many vying for the right to be heard. With the war continuing there needs to be consistency, but only God knows what is best. I love the Prime Minister, and I pray he remains, but not my will but God's be done. The scripture says that man makes plans, but God is the one who delivers (Proverbs 16:9). 

The same is said of America. Evidence is coming out of nefarious plans to overthrow our current government and carry out seditious plans to topple our government, rewrite our Constitution, remove the Senate, pack the Supreme Court, promote socialism, and destroy our republic. Events never happen overnight, so when proposed schemes come to light no one wants to believe the truth. It doesn't take much wisdom to see the seriousness of the hour, as so much is being done in clear sight, if only we would look and see it. It's easier to believe a lie, or so it seems. One thing is certain - we need prayer and repentance. Most of all we need God's mercy and His help in protecting and unifying our government and pulling it out of the grasp of evil, and snatch leaders out of the depth of the hell they have already descended.

What's happening in France is not the wrath of angry students. It is a very well thought out strategic plan by sinister actors planted in the country and in others to ruin them. Mostly it is an affront to Christianity, and sadly and tragically it was brought on by the country's own government system that came against Israel. By studying Scripture can the truth be revealed. Sad to say that in spite of all that has happened to bring light to the darkness, people failed to see the truth and have accepted  the lie.

What is the answer? 

Day 292 Testify! Testify!

 

10/19/2026

 "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; 

He cannot deny Himself."

2 Timothy 2:13

 

In preparation for my group Bible study this Wednesday night I provided my ladies with a copy of a Spiritual Gifts test so that they could determine their gifting from the Lord according to the responses they give to the questions. Each time I take the test I seem to always score the same or similarly, but the first gift is always the same - Evangelism, followed by the gifts of Faith, Intercession, and Mercy. In taking the test I can say one thing about my answers, I am passionate about a great many things, with the one exception of leadership. I've no desire to lead anyone, as I prefer to be unseen. I can hardly lead myself much less others. I'm also great at advising people about ways to accomplish goals, setting plans, and such, but can I follow my own counsel? Not so much, it seems. My children have always been in the forefront instead of me when it came to ministry. I loved hiding behind a puppet stage where I could become a character in the stories I'd write to illustrate a Bible story or truth. Perhaps I should have been an actor. In truth, I did consider that vocation, but God's call to missions was much louder. But, choices I made did not allow me to take the road to the missionary field, except for one brief summer encounter in the jungles of Belize. That trip made me all the hungrier for missionary life. Not even the jungle with all its inconveniences could deter my focus. I still have the passion and the ache, but for now God says America is my mission field.

In reading through the Gospel of Luke he records the life of Christ and his healing of those who flocked around Him. He was always surrounded by crowds who followed Him everywhere He went, even waited for Him to return from across the sea. When He withdrew to pray in the mountains alone, the crowds would be waiting. Jesus had compassion on the people as He said they were like "sheep without a shepherd." But He could also be very abrupt with the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders who always wanted Jesus to show them a sign to prove His authenticity as a prophet or a Rabbi. They questioned Him on His upbringing in Nazareth, and totally missed all the words in the Bible announcing His arrival, His position, and His mission. In reading through the Bible it still is a wonder to me how these religious leaders could miss the obvious. In Israel today the Jews who faithfully obey the words of Scripture are anxiously awaiting for Messiah to come, and regardless of the influence of the Messianic Jewish community, which is small in comparison, some adamantly refuse to accept that Jesus was the Son of God. They misinterpret the words of the prophets or totally ignore them. But we don't seem to do much differently today, so it appears, or else we would be wiser to the signs of the times.

Jesus was criticized, because He sought out those who wanted to be saved, healed, and delivered from their bondage. He came to set the captives free, but not in the sense that they wanted Him to. Still His coming and the tangible work that He did testified of Who He is and that He was in fact the Son of the Living God. In following His example and that of those whom He healed we can testify to a hurting, hungry, drying world of the Good News by sharing our testimonies. Nothing speaks more loudly than actual experience, and that is one thing that I do have under my belt is experience. Experiencing the mercy of a loving Father who picked me up, dusted me off, and set me back on the path He had planned for me before the beginning of creation. That just amazes me. And the same can be said of all who will simply accept Him at His word.

The Bible speaks of the woman at the well near Samaria whom Jesus encountered one day as she was getting water in the middle of the day, all alone, because she was not allowed to draw water when others were present. She was not living a righteous lifestyle, had been married seven times, and was living with a man who was not her husband. In John 4 Jesus encounters her and invites her to drink of the living water only He can provide. Her response was to go into the village testifying of the man who told her everything she had ever done. The people came out to see for themselves, and they experienced the mercy of God's love as did she.

Throughout Scripture Jesus healed, cast out demons, and raised some from the dead. A review of the Gospels will remind us of all the miracles He performed. Many times he asked that they remain quiet, but the people were so excited, so full of awe, wonder, gratitude that they told everyone. They testified of His greatness. This increased the crowds, increased the miracles, but it also drew the attention of those who were jealous of Him, the Pharisees and religious leaders, and others whose lust of power blinded them to the truth of the Word, the Living Word, Jesus the Bread of Life.

In Luke 8:26-39 we read the story of the demonic man of the Gadarene whom Jesus delivered of a legion of demons and sent them into over the cliff into the sea. The people of the village were so afraid and fearful that they begged Jesus to leave. The man who had lived such a horrible life, naked, feared, tormented, abusing himself for so long fell on his face thanking Jesus for what He had done for Him. He begged Jesus to allow him to go with Him, but Jesus told him to go and testify. So he went gratefully into the ten cities known as Decapolis testifying of the mercy and grace of a loving Father and God, and the Son of God, Jesus the Messiah!

We are told in Revelation 12:11 that we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and we love not our lives to the death. Jesus told us in Luke 9:24 that if we wanted to save our life, we will lose it; but if we give up our life for His safe, we will save it."

So, whether I'm truly an Evangelist or not, I do know that I am here to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News. So I will testify of His saving grace each opportunity I get. It's my decision and my mandate! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

Day 291 Fitting In

 

10/18/2026

"The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar

tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they thrive in 

the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age,

healthy and green, to declare, 'The Lord is just; he is my rock,

and there is no unrighteousness in him.'"

Psalm 92:12-15  

 

I've been extremely tired lately, and I don't seem to have very much energy. I'm very enthusiastic about desiring to do things, but my body doesn't want to cooperate. I've always been someone who loved to hike and bike and camp, and just enjoy being outdoors, especially this time of year. But lately I have become discouraged and at times discombobulated, because I fall asleep at the drop of a hat. A cup of coffee used to make me perk up, but now if I sit down in the rocker I'm dozing off mid-cup! Could I be getting old faster? Or is there a reason behind this change in my rhythm?!

A couple of weeks ago I was at an event with friends enjoying music from our high school years, laughing about school days, music, events. Back then we didn't have the rebellion prevalent in these modern times. We weren't the horse and buggy generation, but living in rural America, going to church regularly, and hanging out with family members each week and on holidays and special occasions was definitely a grounding experience, and we enjoyed being around each other. Now it's so hard locating my cousins, and if so, getting together is harder. I imagine there were times when I was growing up when I thought my parents were overly strict, but in the end I think it spared me from many hardships. I am grateful for my family, and I wish they were here. Not a day passes by that I don't wish I could talk to my daddy or my papa. At the same time, I don't think they'd be too happy about this world we now live in. So much has changed, and America, even rural areas is just not the same. I often wonder if I fit in this crazy mess of a world. Do I make a difference for the Kingdom of God?!

At Harvest Ministries Pastor Greg has been teaching about the gifts of the Spirit and where we "fit" as members of the Body of Christ. Over the many years of my life I've worn a great many shoes only because no one else wanted to do it. Pastor Greg shared that serving in different areas of the church community narrows down and eliminates things we are not exactly suited to do. When I think of service now I figure I can still clean the church, even if one look at my house may not prove that I do it well. I used to be a fanatic about cleaning and vacuuming weekly, but now my priorities have changed. Plus I have an excuse because my home is in the process of being renovated. This is the home I grew up in, belonging to my parents before me who kept it so beautifully, with my help as their chief domestic engineer specializing in dusting and dish washing. Of course over time I graduated to the higher skills of laundry and cooking. I excelled at cleaning up after the dog who tended to be quite naughty at times. Still I made it work.  

With regard to spiritual gifts I've been coerced into taking the spiritual gifts tests in previous ministries, and I tend to always fit into the same categories. Things like that scare me - labels - as I just want to be all God wants me to be for the furtherance of His Kingdom, nothing for me, all for Him. Since I have to prepare for my group study this week I decided to send my little flock the spiritual gifts tests, so they could see where they fit into God's plan. I'm a dreamer, so it is always fun to see if I've had any changes, but no, same ole me, or so it seems. The positive thing in regard to my test results is that I am using the gifts God has assigned me each day, and I'm certain if any changes are forthcoming He will let me know. So for now I will muddle through and keep on doing the last thing God instructed me to do, to the best of my ability, and for His glory. I am content to remain behind the scenes. Hidden. I think it's where I do my best work! 

Day 290 As in the Days of Noah

 

10/17/2026

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD."

Genesis 6:8

 

Life had gotten pretty ugly in Noah's day, much as it has in our present age. So bad in fact that God said He was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and Scripture says that God was grieved. So, He decided that enough was enough, and He decided to destroy the every living creature including the birds of the air and all of mankind. All except for one man:

"This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark....'" (Genesis 6:9-14).

Everyone is familiar with the story of Noah and the ark, even those who do not attend church. Yet the story holds so much symbolism when we consider how miraculous the event was and remains as an example to us today. It shouldn't be surprising, as there are so many mysteries hidden within God's Word, and we will have an eternity to understand.

Up until the floodwaters came from God there had never been rain on the earth. God had watered the land with dew and his own sprinkler system. While Noah was building this boat per God's instructions he was also busy preaching to the people around him, trying to warn them of the coming disaster, hoping they would mend their ways and change their fate; however, this didn't happen. It took Noah at least 100 days to build the ark, gather the animals, and load everything up on the ark. Finally God told him it was time, so after everyone - Noah and his wife and his three sons and their wives - and every creature was onboard, God shut the door and the floodgates opened. I imagine there were many people trying to get inside the ark, but God had made His decision. For forty days it rained until the entire earth was covered, and every living creature destroyed. Imagine what was going on in the minds of those onboard knowing they were the only people alive. It was an incredible journey they were on. 

It took considerable days for the land to dry out before God opened the doors and all departed to begin a new life on a new earth. Noah built an altar and dedicated burnt offerings to God. The LORD was pleased and He promised Noah the following:

"And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Than the LORD said in His heart, 'I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.'" (Genesis 8:21). 

God later sealed this promise with the sign of the rainbow establishing a covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:8-17). He told Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The rainbow was a sign of the covenant between God and all creatures of the earth that He would never destroy the earth by flood again. 

Sadly, because of man's fallen sin nature, evil and violence exists today, and I cannot imagine at times how much more horrific things can become, yet Scripture paints a pretty graphic picture of just how bad things will turn before Jesus Christ returns. When Jesus' disciples asked Him when the end would come, He told them only His Father knew when that day would be, but He described the signs to watch out for (Matthew 24:3-8). He later adds, "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." (verses 36-39)

We like Noah have been given a work to do - an ark to build - in order to prepare ourselves for the return of Christ. We have things we need to do to prepare our hearts, get our lives in order. Each day a new struggle comes with corrupt leadership threatening to destroy our nation, take away our freedoms, rewrite the Constitution and erode our justice system. It can be terrifying to consider, if anyone is even giving it a second thought. I know that God will protect His people, those who surrender their lives to His care and provision, but my heart cries for those who do not know Him, who have not found peace and salvation in Jesus Christ. Like Noah we know the storm is coming, and this time it is a trial by fire. So like Noah we must be busy trying to reach lost souls with the Good News, so they too can have eternal life in the world God intended from the beginning. I am so anxious for that day, but even so, it will be much happier the more people come with us.

Until that day may the true days of Noah be the fruitful ones. 

Day 289 Fruit Bearing

   

10/16/2026

"There's a difference between work and fruit in the Christian life: 

a machine can do work; only life can bear fruit."  

Daily Walk 

 

Just for fun I decided to google myself! It turned out to be an adventure, as I am no one and certainly not a name to be searched for, but finally the perseverance was worth the effort, as I approached the search from different angles. In reviewing some of my earlier posts about 10+ years ago, I  discovered that in the past I wrote some pretty good stuff. It made me begin to wonder what happened?! If I'm so terrible at expressing my thoughts or writing meaningful literature, why are so many people looking at my blogs? I don't have any advertisements nor do I post for pay, so how is my stuff being seen, and by whom? I see the stats, and honestly, it is baffling. So whoever you are, could you please do me a favor and let me know what you find so interesting or appealing about my posts?! And feel free to make a comment.

Perhaps I should think seriously about doing things differently, but the whole reason I began to blog was because I felt compelled to do so. Actually, I heard God's voice saying to "write the story," the story I am still trying to figure out. So, in obedience to God's word to me, I began doing something. Recently, however, I have taken strides towards finding the time to devote to writing what I know I am to share, other than the content in these blogs. And, I have prepared a spot for writing, but I have to reorganize some things in my spare bedroom first. Thanks to little Fae, the kitten, who decided she'd dig in the dirt in my flower pot holding my Christmas cactus, I have dirt to remove from my desk. Fortunately she was unable to move enough dirt to leave me any small surprises. I am  grateful. My male cat Alex, who prefers outdoors living, however, decided to leave me the remains of a bird he killed earlier in the day. He often leaves me "gifts" of his love - a half dead mouse and a snake, so I have to have another chat with him. I'm always careful not to injure his pride or hurt his feelings with ingratitude. I do honestly appreciate his love for me, but I just wish he would express it differently. I've decided that we need to spend more time together, so I plan on pitching a tent outside on the lawn where we can camp out together. I hope he'll accept my invitation and stick to my menu for meals.

The messages I am receiving from church services continue to lift my spirit and excite my soul, even though Holy Spirit continues to press me about motives. It's not because I have impure or sadistic motives, but He is pressing the need to stay on guard with regard to forgiveness of others in the days ahead. In my group study we are now examining the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, and how we are to walk in the Spirit as God's ambassadors to others. Sometimes I wonder if I even "fit" anywhere in service within the church, as I do not belong to a church here formally, meaning I do not hold a membership - yet. I have mentioned before that I did join a fellowship when I first arrived, but I may have done so hastily, or perhaps not. These are things I am seeking an answer. Please don't misunderstand, as nothing is wrong with the fellowship I joined. My call to Israel and the daily Zoom calls after 10/7/2023 interfered with attendance, so I began to attend local services across the highway where my parents attended. Both bodies teach the Word of God, and the churches are growing, and the fellowship with friends I grew up with at my parents' church has been very rewarding. 

I love the New Living Translation of Luke 6 where Jesus is teaching the Sermon on the Mount. Luke is paraphrasing a portion of the sermon regarding love for enemies, showing compassion to all men, and not judging others for faults when we ourselves have many more. I always laugh when I hear the jokes about people looking for a perfect church, because there is no such thing. If we feel we have found one, it will quickly change when that person joins, as we are all flawed humans working out our salvation with fear and trembling. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and we will continue to remain in this human flesh with fleshy thoughts until Christ returns and takes us home as the spotless bride. So we need to lighten up and show grace to each other, just as God gave His grace to us.

In verse 43-45 Jesus says: "A tree from good stock doesn't produce scrub fruit nor do trees from poor stock produce choice fruit. A tree is identified by the kind of fruit it produces. Figs never grow on thorns, or grapes on bramble bushes. A good man produces good deeds from a good heart. And an evil man produces evil deeds from his hidden wickedness. Whatever is in the heart overflows into speech."

This is why we are told to guard our speech and our hearts, choosing to eat of the Word of God, and satisfy ourselves in His teachings. Jesus is the Bread of Life, the Living Word, and it is through Him all men can be saved. We will all stumble and slip from time to time, but the Word brings life and God says when we are tempted He's provided a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 warns us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, not of the flesh, and they are powerful in pulling down thoughts that are not in line with God's words. Philippians 4:8 is a great verse to remind us how to protect our thought life:

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

 Seems like wise counsel to me! Shalom!

Day 288 Living Stones

 

10/15/2026

"Remember where you came from....!"

Paraphrase of Ephesians 2:11  

 

Paul, when writing the Epistle of Ephesians was addressing a group of believers who were very strong in their faith in the Lord, yet they did not understand the depth of spiritual wealth they had inherited when they accepted Christ as Messiah and Lord, surrendering their lives to new life by grace. In Chapter 1 Paul begins by reminding them that they are seated with Christ as heirs of righteousness:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:3-6)

He goes on to explain that in Christ they have redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins, through grace. I love one translation that describes that God "lavished" His love and grace on us. Paul says that God predestined us and, all was done for His good pleasure. Verse 13-14 says: "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." Jesus promised that He would not leave the disciples alone, that He would send His Holy Spirit to dwell in them so they would have power to do the work He had given them to do. The same applies to us when we receive Him as Savior and Lord, but there is so much more awaiting.

This message Paul is sharing with the Ephesians is for all of us - Gentiles believers - who have received the richness of God's grace. In Chapter 2 Paul reminds us that we were once dead in our sins, and we are now alive in Christ. Because we died with Him we are now raised up with Him, and spiritually seated with Him in heavenly places. Once again Paul reminds us that we did nothing to earn this great honor, that it is only by faith in belief in Jesus Christ and God's immense grace - unmerited favor - not by works, lest we should boast. It is only by the blood of Jesus, who paid an unimaginable price for our salvation. How could we ever boast?! And yet, in our pride, we do. In verse 10 Paul writes "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." 

It boggles my finite mind when I attempt to think about the depth of those words and the richness of the inheritance we have in Christ, and all of this was part of God's plan before the foundation of the world.  Listen to Paul's words in Ephesians 1:15-23 and mediate on them:

"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 thing 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." 

And as born again believers we are now part of the household of God, with Jesus as our chief cornerstones. We have been described as living stones built and fitted together on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets (Ephesians 2:19-22). 1 Peter 2:4-6 describes Jesus as a "living Stone" and believers as "living stones" being build into a spiritual house. So beyond my ability to understand. All I can say in extreme gratitude it -To God be the glory!