How Then Shall We Live?

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The view in our yard, the glory of God shown on an autumn day

Yes, God is on the move in a mighty way. We are called to a high standard as those who profess Jesus Christ as Lord. It’s imperative that we learn from those who go before us. Let’s look at some passages from the book of Colossians, which the Apostle Paul wrote from prison to a congregation deep in the midst of secularism.

Captivity

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Hollow & Deceptive Philosophy

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Hollow and deceptive philosophy? Think of the worldly wisdom coming from all angles on social media, advertisements, TV shows… many human traditions… even legalism in churches.

Each day,  I hear another  “doctor ” who knows just which foods or supplements, exercises or sleep things you should never do… or should always do. “Just watch this video to find out this simple household trick you can do to loose pounds.” Which leads to their special formula for supplements that will cost you $49.95 for a month’s supply. It’s sourced from the best things on earth, and you’d better order multiple bottles, because supply is limited. Then you’ll see ads connected to this video in your Facebook feed, as well as your YouTube watching.

Human Tradition

2:16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

In Paul’s time, he was talking about the Jewish leaders and idol worshippers. Today, all religions get caught up in these things.

2:17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Elemental spiritual forces

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Elemental spiritual forces? Do you remember the earthly elements God attacked with the 20 plagues in Egypt? All the things they deified and worshipped. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of Matchu Pechu in South America.  [Spell Check didn’t even balk at this name, it’s currently so popular] What about aliens, the occult, crystals, “global warming”, Yoga, Reikei… calling in the elements to work for them, especially for healing the body and the earth.

2:20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.

Living in Jesus Christ

Set Your Heart On…

3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Questions: What things is your heart set on? What is your mind dwelling on? What kind of fruit is developing in your life from those things? How deep is your connection with Christ Jesus?

Devote Yourselves To…

4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Paul repeatedly speaks about thankfulness and gratitude in Colossians.  This is God’s will for us, to be prayerful, watchful, and thankful. Doing these things leads us away from grumbling, complaining, depressive, worldly thoughts and actions.

Be Wise…

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5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Pastor Josh Gmmiter reminds us to “see the one in front of me”. If we minister to that one with what the Lord has given us, we will share a supernatural encounter with them. You never know how you might bring down from heaven just what that person needs.

Your Conversation…

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

What does this look like in our lives? Grace means not being critical or judgemental.  Seasoned with salt means sharing something that might irritate, but helps that soul thirst for the Word of Truth. Being tapped into the Holy Spirit helps you know what to say in each situation.

In Conclusion

May we all strive to make the most of each day, living in the grace and admonition of our Savior.

Grace be with you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

What a fragile thing faith is!

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The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.
Proverbs 11:30

… every generation must determine its own commitment                                        [to the LORD God Almighty],                 and the fibers of faith are so fragile that a single misguided leader can entice the hearts of believers to worship lesser gods.

Daily Bible page 877

[Note: I started this post July 10th, today is December 9th, 2025]

A Good King

Hezekia was a good  king in Judah. He listened to the prophets God sent. He repaired the Temple of the Lord, called the Priests and Levites back to consecrated living, and led the people to remove all idol worship and the evils of their fathers from the kingdom.

His reforms of worship and cleansing of the holy things gained God’s favor. As his ancestor David, he was a man after God’s heart, quick to humble himself and repent when he realized he’d done wrong, which he did.

 2 Chronicles 32:26 Then Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Chapter 33 says Hezekiah died and was buried in the upper tombs wth the sons of David, and all the inhabitants of Juda and Jerusalem honored him. They all respected that he had turned them back to the LORD, and He had caused them to prosper under King Hezekiah.

An Evil King

Then comes his son Manasseh, who was 12 years old when he became king. We all wonder if Hezekiah did not train him well, if he had bad advisors, or his mother was an evil influence. Whatever the case, God attributed the evil choices to Manasseh.  The revival and renewal from his father’s time quickly eroded.

2 Chronicles 33:3 But he [Manasseh] did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.

Manasseh even brought pagan worship into the house of the LORD  and led his people to follow, even sacrificing his own sons in the fire. He turned out to be more evil than the pagans God had wiped out. This king reigned over Judah for 55 years! No wonder the LORD was provoked to anger and sent them into exile.

Wayward Children?

I don’t know about you, but my children have turned from the Lord and are finding it hard to come into right relationship with Him. It is difficult watching them suffer, choosing  what the world has to offer them, when Jesus paid the price to give them a more abundant life, and eternity in heaven to boot!.

When I look at my own life, I am not completely surrendered to Him either. I spend time on things that distract me from a deeper relationship with my Messiah, and from the things He has for me to do. One example is the manuscript for my second book, which is languishing unfinished on my computer. Altough… it’s all about God’s timing!

A Testimony

Today,  I had a checkup at the nephrologist office. I have asked Jesus to heal my kidneys and had a friend whose kidneys have been healed to pray for me. I’ve worked to stand in faith and believe He is healing me. When I first went into this office, I was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease. The next visit, I was stage 2.  Six months ago, I was stage 1. Today, [July 2025] a year from my first visit, I was pleasantly surprised when the tests show I have normal kidney function, and the nurse practitioner moved my next yearly appointment to October 2026, praise Jesus!

Faith Is…

Faith is not just believing Jesus can heal us, but trusting that He will. So why is it surprising when Jesus actually answers our prayers? He is stronger than our hearts, which often betray us. He is patient to let us come back into right relationship.  Even when we’re unfaithful, Jesus remains faithful, interceeding before the Father for us.

Surrender

So let us surrender to the One who holds the stars in place and sustains our lives. Humbly I bow, offering myself anew to the Lover of my soul. In this time of manifold blessings in our nation, despite conflict from the enemy, let us live faithful, surrendered lives.

Bounty

A small taste of the bounty of the Lord,
fresh raspberries from our garden.

That was yesterday’s bounty, here’s what the bushes gave me this evening! It reminds me of growing up with a large raspberry patch in our backyard. It’s a treat to be growing some to enjoy with breakfast again!

Thankfulness

I am filled with thankfulness and praise to the Lord, as I think of all the wonderful produce that came from our garden.  We were able to give food to family, friends, neighbors, and many baskets full were taken to church on theweekends. It is truly a blessing to share bounty that comes from the provision Father God supplies.

Shalom, my loved ones –

Until we meet again.

Fall Glory in our backyard

Battle Tactics From Nehemiah

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What an excellent book to be reading at this time, the book of Nehemiah! Today, I am using the NIV, reading in chapter 4. Join me as I lead you through.

The Enemy Taunts

In Nehemiah 4:1-3, Sanballat and Tobiah the Ammonite, in the presence of the army of Samaria, were taunting the Jews… “Even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

Is anyone taunting you? Despising you?

The godly pray

The Godly Pray

Nehemiah prays, “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.” (4:4)

Note: Jesus tells us to do good to our enemies, bless and do not curse. These days, we hear testimony of how taunting captors surrender to Jesus through prayer and love.

Angry Plots

After Nehemiah prayed, the Israelites worked with all their hearts.  Sanballat, Tobias, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod heard the repairs continued. They became very angry, plotting together to fight and stir up trouble against Jerusalem.

Is anyone trying to stir up trouble, angry with you, or plotting against you?

Pray And Guard

Nehemiah tells us, “We prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”

Oh, that we may pray to God, our help and our salvation, and do our part to guard what belongs to us as His children.

Discouragement

Meanwhile, the people of Judah were discouraged.  “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we can not rebuild the wall.”  On top of this, the Jews living near, ten times over, said, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” This hopelessness reminds me of Job’s wife telling him, “Curse God and die!”

What or who is causing you to despair?

Our children, our children’s children, their children’s children…

Remember God/Generations

Nehemiah posted families with weapons at the most exposed places. Then, after looking things over, he said,“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Currently, the Sprit is putting emphasis on the generations and our responsibility towards those coming after us. Discern your vulnerable places and don your Spiritual weapons. Let faith and love keep your fear away. As Pastor Josh Gmmiter said in his sermon October 18 & 19, we should fear the Lord God Almighty more than we fear anything else!

Be Aware & Prepare

Their enemies heard that they were aware of them and that God had frustrated their plot. The people returned to work, half of them building and half guarding. Those who were carrying materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

Identity In Christ

How do we go about our day? Do we realize the war that’s raging in the spiritual world as well as the natural? Daily putting on our godly armor will equip us for what’s ahead. Wisdom is discerning who we are in Christ and who He truly is to us – relationship!

Sound The Trumpet

Nehemiah kept the trumpeter at his side because “the work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

Our work is also extensive, and we are also widely separated. Let’s sound the unifying Trump of the Lord. Remember, our God still fights for us! We are to work faithfully to spread the glory, love, and salvation this world truly needs.

Here’s an interesting quote by D. L. Moody, that’s on my calendar: ‘”Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” Lord, thanks for Praying Hyde and Father Nash, two praying saints behind previous moves of God that come to mind.

Pastor Josh Gmmiter, October 18th & 19th,
ACF Church

Transforming Society Through Faith in Jesus

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I just finished reading the latest issue of The  Voice of the Martyrs magazine subtitled,  “HEEDING GOD’S CALL IN COMMUNIST NATIONS”.  We are only an election away from socialists and/or communists coming to power in any country, so no one is exempt.

Our Response?

What should be our response? First, we can never trust that our help comes from those who rule. We as Christians must remember that:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

True Freedom

Second, the best way to change a society is to bring people to Jesus.

“Genuine revival among Ethiopia’s Christians led to Communism’s defeat in their country… Scripture, history, and today’s persecuted Christians bear witness that ultimately only Christ, enthroned in the hearts of our people,  can make and keep our nations free.”               VOM President, Cole Richards

A Sound, Disciplined Mind

Wednesday evenings Women’s Group at our church is beginning a book study, A Sound, Disciplined Mind by Nancy Dufresne.  As Nancy says on the back of the book, you can live free from worry, fear, doubt & depression… not matter what is going on around us.

When we accept Jesus:  your spirit is renewed, but your body and mind are not. They need to be disciplined to come into alignment with the renewed spirit within; your heart that belongs to Jesus. (P.12)

Right Thinking

“When you think wrong, believe wrong, or speak wrong, you give place to the devil… When you have right thinking, then you’ll have right believing and right speaking, and you will keep the door closed to the devil.” (P.15)

Renewing Your Mind

Start by reading God’s Word. Don’t just read Scripture, but think deeply into the Word. Mutter it to yourself. (This is true meditation) Talk to God about His Word. Thank Him for His Word.

Speaking in Tongues

Dufresne recommends speaking in tongues daily. I find doing this encourages my soul to praise the Lord and opens up my mind to connect with my soul. You can’t just try to get the devil’s suggestions out of your thoughts. You need to flood your mind with the truth of the knowledge of God’s Word and flush out the other thoughts.

Testimony

I encountered a woman manning a booth at a festival I went to this summer who practices Kripaula yoga, Reikei healing, tarrot cards… and has a group who have begun a “church,” and she’s got 30-some state certified healers. She said they believe in the Bible.

Well, I began speaking in tongues. She told me I was messing her up. She was trying to get a word for me but couldn’t.  I told her I was speaking in tongues, asking the Spirit of God who to say to her. She let me hold her hand, and I prayed that the Lord would reveal to her the true Spirit of God.

My Takeaway

First, I witnessed that the spiritual battle is real, and if we have the Holy Spirit of God, we have an effect on others. Second, the more we grow in our relationship with the LORD, the more like Jesus we become, and the more we can bring heaven down to earth. All for His glory!

Conclusion

I’ve only read the introduction and first chapter in this book so far, and we haven’t had a meeting yet to discuss it. So far, I can tell you:  get into the Word, apply it to your life, and make sure you fellowship with the congregation God wants you in, that helps teach you the Word. The more you put in, the more your heart and mind align with God’s Word and the more the kingdom manifests and the devil gets put in his place.

Shalom, dear readers!

From my new publicity in progress

The New Covenant: Jesus and the Ark of the Covenant

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“By Jesus’ work on the cross, He satisfied the demands of God’s justice with regard to our debt, our state of enmity, and our crime.”      R. C. Sproul

BIBLE READING CONNECTIONS

I found this quote posted on my Facebook feed. Since my Daily Bible readings these days are in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, the LORD God Almighty is listing His people’s harlotry, which creates enmity between God and man, committing the crimes of unbelief and idol worship on every hill and in every village…

Each section reveals their debauchery and causes me to pause and realize that I am no different from them, except for the sacrifice of Jesus. It’s a good chance to search my heart, with the illumination of Holy Spirit, to cleanse my ways and turn back to full devotion to the Lord.

MY PERSONAL CONNECTION

This week has been full of times of questioning and standing firm in the peace I have been given. Things in the house were at a boiling point over my planned trip to Rochester area for Elim’s Prophetic Conference, July 31, August 1 & 2. Just as with the Israelites at the time I’m reading about, I have a choice to turn to the LORD or to turn belligerently against Him, going my own way. It all gave me pause to check my motives, to let Holy Spirit search my heart and illuminate any wrong ones.

ROAD TRIP?

I realize that I cannot drive by myself in the Rochester area, so I have been asking women I know that may want to go, to accompany me. Well, after about ten women not able to go and six week’s time, I was waiting on a woman to get back to me. Only ten days before the event, I tried three more women friends; none of them were willing/able.

One friend said she could go, then chose to stay home because she’s trying to unpack from a move cross – country. The woman I’ve been waiting for finally connected with me, she can go, if nothing comes up. I declare that nothing more will thwart this planned trip.

THE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS?

Amid all this, I found out I’d booked a hotel for the wrong weekend, non-refundable, and a runaround with the app I used & the hotel. Out $210 and deemed a “No Show” for a room I didn’t realize I’d rented, I claim that God has my back and will restore what the enemy has stolen. To top things off, our KIA needs service- the day before I leave- parts will need to be ordered. John would rather I don’t take his truck OR drive the KIA if it’s not working well.

BACK TO BIBLE STUDY

Oh, the Blood of Jesus, which washes white as snow!

This winter display reminds me of
The Blood covering us!

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

I have seen several movies and expedition shows searching for the Ark of the Covenant of God. I realize most seek the earthly riches of gold and precious metals. Today, this is what I read.

Jeremiah 3:16-17 NKJV
“Then it shall come to pass, when you are multiplied and increased in the land in those days,” says the LORD, “that they will say no more, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ It shall not come to mind, nor shall they remember it, nor shall they visit it, nor shall it be made anymore. [17] “At that time Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem. No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts.

The Ark of the Covenant is no longer needed. It was the place in the earthly temple where the LORD dwelt between the cherubim in the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest could enter once a year, to plead for the LORD to forgive the people’s sins.

I’m not sure exactly when the ark ceased to be here on earth, but I have an inkling that God either took it up to heaven or destroyed it. [see REVELATION below] People will not stop looking for this valuable item, but I believe they will not find it because Jesus’ sacrifice made it obsolete.

SHADOW VS TRUE TEMPLE

Hebrews 8:1-2 NKJV
Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest [Jesus], who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, [2] a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

The Ark of the Covenant was needed for the priests to minister in the earthly temple, but this temple was only a copy or a shadow of what has always been in heaven. God allowed Moses to see the heavenly temple so he could make the earthly tabernacle according to God’s pattern.

Hebrews 8:4-5 NKJV – …since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”⁠

In Israel, the Temple Institute is working to recreate the earthly temple and begin blood sacrifices.  In the hotel lobby in Samaria, I saw a display case with all the items for the temple that have been created by modern artisans. They are working to breed the red heifer for the sacrifice; I think someone has already been successful at this. BUT…

THE NEW COVENANT

Through Jesus, we have a new covenant with God, removing the need for the earthly temple and its trappings.

Hebrews 8:6-7 NKJV – But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
A New Covenant
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

REVELATION

Yes, the book of Revelation says that the temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and there will be sacrifices offered as in the old days. But this will be short-lived. At the return of Jesus, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Revelation 11:19 NKJV
Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.

TRUST & OBEY

Back to my road trip plans. I spent a couple days with my husband in a tizzy. The thought of me going on this trip- being away for our anniversary- does not sit well with him. Losing the money, needing to pay for another hotel room, the vehicle situation… it was all too much.

I laid down my desire to go to the Prophetic conference, my right to go further with my plans. I told the Lord, “I thought this desire to go came from You, but I lay it down before you.” I bless our marriage, our finances, our vehicles and all that is encompassed in this planning. I choose peace in the face of anger, fear & unrest. I chose to get on to tasks at hand instead of dissolving into a pool of tears, faith instead of the fears that are crowding around.

RESTORATION

As with the new covenant, I see the way clear to go to this conference! I have a friend going with me, a hotel booked for a reasonable price, God will take care of the vehicle decision, and my husband has settled down and blessed my trip.

To top it off, I am able to bless so many people with the bounty from our garden as I prepare for this trip!

PRAY

My dear ones, Psalm 122 tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It is God’s will that none would perish, but He knows the hardness of hearts. It’s up to us to work towards His kingdom here on earth.

REMINDER & CHARGE

REMEMBER! Jesus did not come to condemn the world, and neither should we. It is not our place to point out faults, but to love as Christ loves us.

Continue to pray the will of God, speak up every chance you get… with words of peace, encouragement, and salvation. Continue to speak the truth in love, and give freely to the work of the Lord. For the time is short, and there’s much to be accomplished!

SHALOM to Jerusalem and to all Israel!
And Shalom to all of you!
[Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com]

How Seeking God Leads to Personal Blessings

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Welcome to my latest musings dear readers! As I continue reading through the Psalms with my daily readings, I think the most repeated verse is “Praise the LORD” and its companion, “Praise the LORD, my soul.” Notice: NIV does not capitalize Lord or he, but I usually do.

Note: AI wants me to add more personal testimony to this, but I think that would make this into several posts! What would you like me to expound about in a future post? What do you think of the title AI generated?

Praise

First things first, let me praise the LORD a bit. Lord, You are faithful to me. My family is blessed beyond measure with children, finances, homes, vehicles and jobs. I have everything I need. I am growing in Christ Jesus and blessing others by His Spirit in me. What can you praise Him for?

Faithful

We serve a faithful God. He tells us to ask for what we need/want. I asked to go to Africa, He supplied all the needs I had for finances, health, provision and grace-twice! Seek and you will find. I sought the Lord and I found Him. I sought for what to write today and I found it. We learn to trust Him as a good Father, and He responds. How has He been faithful to respond to you?

Matthew 7:7a “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. NIV

ASK the Lord

What have you asked of the Lord? This is the thing David asked for:

Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple. NIV

I have a hope for heaven and look forward to an eternity to dwell with the LORD and gaze on His beauty. Do you? If you do, is that hope secure?

K.P. Yohannan

Metropolitan K.P. Yohannan went to be with the Lord one year ago. The prayers of his mother brought him to the place where God gripped him with a call he could not shake for the rest of his life. What did she ask of the Lord? That one of her six sons would serve the Lord. K.P. was the one God chose who was willing.

Memorial

Here I share part of the memorial to him and if you click on the link at the end, you can also hear K.P.’s tribute to his mother specifically, and to all mothers wherever they may be.

“K.P. Yohannan was more than just a man with a mission—he was a man consumed by the heart of God. He dreamed limitlessly because he knew that his God had no limits. He lived with reckless faith, believing that God would provide the entire way. And He did.” http://www.gfaworld.org

Every day, nearly 70,000 people die without ever hearing the name of Christ. K.P. Yohannan

His Consuming Vision

“…he lived every day with one consuming burden: the fact that millions were perishing without hearing the name of Jesus. This reality broke his heart, and he could not turn away from it. He believed that following the call of Christ meant more than just knowing Him—it meant laying down everything so that others could know Him, too. “

https://www.gfa.org/memorial/

What is a Mother?

A mother is appointed and equipped by God to bring up a child He has sent to her. Natural mothers, good or bad, show a facet of God’s design for this world. Many of us need to forgive our earthly mothers; none of us is perfect!

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Grace to Mothers

Grace comes from mothers, grace needs to be extended to them as well. We bless Mary, the obedient mother of Jesus, we bless the faithful mother of K. P. Yohannan.

Blessing

I bless those of you who are spiritual mothers, I bless the one who is barren to rejoice as the mother of many. May your quiver be filled with souls to mother, no matter how they come into your life, no matter when.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

I bless all women in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to prosper in the things God created them for.

Encouragement

Psalm 27:13 I remain confident of this:
 I will see the goodness of the Lord
 in the land of the living.



14 Wait for the Lord;
 be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. NIV

In conclusion: we serve a faithful God who is worthy to be praised every day. Our hope is in Him alone, the One who holds our future. Remain confident and keep your eyes open for His mighty acts to be displayed!

The End of One and Something New

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The final leg of the journey home

Some days, I think it’s not good using The Daily Bible for my 2025 devotional. I did  extra readings the days King David’s son, Absalom, attempted a takeover of his throne behind his back. Then came King David, setting things up for his son Solomon to succeed him, amassing the things Solomon would need to build God’s temple.

Daily Bible in its carry case

An Invite

The good thing about the extra readings is that I caught up to the actual date in the readings. That date has been off since I began this Bible after my trip to Uganda. Speaking of which:

I was invited to a luncheon at my son Alex’s church on May 10th. I will be the featured speaker, sharing about the Uganda 2025 trip. If you’re in the Malone/Helena area, contact me, and I’ll get you the details.

Devotions

In The Daily Bible, I am reading through the Psalms. Each day’s reading is up to 6 psalms long. This means I could write many pages from what the Spirit is sharing, but as I decide to, I’m on to the next day’s reading, and there’s more I want to share!

Such is my writing journey. Many times, it’s not a LACK of things to write, but deciding WHAT to write from my many thoughts! This is just as immobilizing as “writer’s block.”

A Trip

Here we are, on our last trip to the Finger Lakes area for Onsite Testing Services. [Monday/Tuesday] Long days because we’re testing mostly school bus drivers, who can only be tested between bus runs. This means breaks in the schedule of several hours.  We can only spend so much of these times finding places to eat and eating.

Although the foods we had today were good – we just had a fish fry from Mark’s Pizzaria in Geneva – where we’re spending the night – it was good to park at a ShurFine parking lot for a little nap early this afternoon. We turned in all our equipment at the office this evening when we completed our two days in the Finger Lakes area.  Another era of our life completed!

A Questiion

A common question resurfaced recently.  If God is good, why is there evil? And the companion question… If God made everything, why is there evil?

I am working on a lesson from one of my students from Crossroads Prison Ministry.  He’s working through the course “Biblical Truths In Depth”. This is Lesson 3, and I’d like to share some Scriptures that may settle these questions.  Caution, this may not fully satisfy!

Bible-study

In God’s providence and plan, “Though it is a great mystery,  even evil and human sin are somehow  included within this plan, yet God is perfectly good.” Biblical Truths In Depth  – Lesson 3, p. 29.

Job 2:9 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”
10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

Peter said of the crucifixion under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration:

Acts 2:23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

Even this heinous crime carried out on God’s Son was according to the Father’s plans.

Does this help us understand this verse? Ecclesiastes chapter 11:1                                    As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

There is one thing clear from my reading of the Psalms:  we must bow in humble adoration before the great and mighty LORD we serve. His plans are good, and He is always faithful!

An Interview

This is the Randy Kay interview I just watched. Robert shares something that makes sense to me. He said time did not begin until the fall of Adam and Eve. Before sin entered mankind, all was eternity. This is why we can’t make sense of the timeline of creation.

Thank you to those who support me by reading this blog.

Family Moments and Travel Preparation for Uganda

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I began this post as I was busy preparing to leave with David’s Kidz Uganda 25 in December. I’m just cleaning up my unpublished posts and finishing them. Here’s what I wrote with updates.

Packing

These are photos of what went into my checked luggage, staged for packing. Of course, a lot of it did not come back with me!

Welcome to my most recent musings. Christmas is coming, and I leave for Uganda in 12 days. Gathering things to pack, shopping with my husband, and wrapping gifts. Pleased to meet our granddaughter Faith at the train station, readying paperwork for tomorrow’s early run on the way there.

We had a good chat with our lovely granddaughter, Faith, a beautiful young woman excited to have time off from college. She was eager to share about her first trip into the city with friends. We had a good visit and meal with her family and animals when we got her home.  it was a blessing to see them all and share our bounty of Christmas gifts with them.

Vehicle problems?

Did I mention that Faith used our KIA Telluride during her vacation because her mom’s car broke down on the way to pick her up? Which is why we headed down after our early run for work. A couple weeks after, they got a used minivan at a good deal from an individual. 

Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.com

With a bit of cleaning and fixing,  it served them well. Until Joanna was driving Steve to a doctors appointment, and someone backed into it coming out of a driveway. Alex was able to fix it. But in February, he was waiting for new parts to put in, when he was coming home from work and got swiped by a woman at a corner. The van was totaled, but God is good! We were at his house for Steven’s birthday, so when he called, John and Joanna went to rescue Alex. Caleb & I were able to stay with Steve. SO, we plan on picking Faith up from college for Summer Break. Please pray for the transportation needs of their family.

Books

I have read three or four books and am halfway through another. I think I’ve said that I’m reading books from my stash to pick some to take to Uganda and leave rather than send them to Love Packages.

Well, I did get several books read and also purchased two Bibles to leave. I was able to give the books to Michael & Esther, who help Bishop Makka. Esther loves to read and couldn’t wait to read my book! [Bishop’s wife, Brenda, is also eager to read my book] I gave them the two Bibles, Esther claimed the blue one and Michael claimed the black one. I am so blessed to be able to bless them with tools for their ministry.

Uganda 2025 Davids Kidz

You will have to check out previous posts to find more of my writing about the Uganda 25 trip. It was an amazing time of adventure and growth. I encourage you to look into joining a short-term mission trip, as the Lord leads. There are lots of excuses for not going. The Lord can take care of them all if you are willing! “Here am I LORD, Send Me!”

Wise men & women still seek Him!

Who Has Bewitched You?

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Good day, Readers. I have finished several days of reading The Daily Bible section that goes through the Law of Moses at the end of the Israelites forty years in the wilderness. In this section, the LORD made it clear. His chosen people are a stiff- necked, obstinate group. I am also reading 60-day Holy Spirit Devotional by Dr. Kevin Zadai, so I will take you through Galatians 3:1-3 Day 6, The Just Shall Live by Faith.

Blessings

Blessings and Curses

He spells out the abundant blessings that will come to them if they obey;  if they continue to choose to follow the LORD God Almighty, who brought them out of Egypt. The curses on the nations they will drive out are just the opposite of the promised blessings, which will come upon them when they rebell. So that they would understand and pass down to their children the blessings and curses, He gave Moses a song to teach them. You will find this song in Deuteronomy chapter 32.

Curses

Galatians 3:1 Foolish!

Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians!

Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

People in our day are excavating the past. They are spending decades of their lives digging up the people and cultures that worshipped the sun, moon, stars, and multiple idols & false gods. They investigate the cults and gnostics that deny the truths of the Bible, promoting the idea that Jesus didn’t really die but was taken away by Joseph of Aramathea to another country and had children with Mary Magdalen. If Christ did not die on the cross as the sinless Lamb of God, we are all dead in our sins!

Galatians 3:2 How Did You Receive the Spirit?

2 I would like to learn just one thing from you:

Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?

The Israelites showed us how we can never fulfill the Law of Moses. Why would anyone want to work for a free gift? How did you get the Holy Spirit?

Galatians 3:3 Foolishness of Fleshly Living

3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

We have a choice, just like the children of Israel. Are we going to flow in the Spirit that the LORD has given or strive in our own strength and wisdom?

“Remain obedient to what the Spirit of God and  His Word are saying.  When evil spirits come, their purpose is to get you to  strive in the flesh and slow down your momentum.  Don’t fall for it! Instead, be vigilant and aware of these tactics.  God is the opposite; He wants to empower you to finish your race. Use discernment and stay in the Holy Spirit.  You will overcome!”

60-Day Holy Spirit Devotional p. 14       Dr. Kevin Zadai

Conclusion

Our LORD is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. We are His creation. We did not make ourselves. I am no better than my ancestors, all the way back to Adam and Eve. The difference is that Jesus Christ has given me the gift of salvation. In Him, i find grace for each day, and Father sent down the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me. I love the way He brings songs to mind and Scriptures as needed.

May the LORD bless you and keep you. May you find the grace to walk in the Spirit and fulfill the plans for your life that God  wrote before you were born. Be encouraged on your journey! Shalom, Heidi

Uganda Part 2, The Camps

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Welcome back for part two of my David’s Kidz Uganda 2025 trip. Today, I will start with a short video I took as our first camp began in the church at Walukuba.  On the left side is the registration table.  That’s Dr. Moses in the blue shirt.  Triage is the table next to it, then the medical & dental clinc area, next is the pharmacy area, then the prayer corner on the right where you will see two members of our intercessory team, Aneysa and Mary Ellen, flanking two of our interpreters.

We had two days “cutting our teeth” on Walukuba, finding out what worked and what didn’t.  In this village, the prayer tent where people were ministered to as they waited, and also the children’s ministry, were outside. We returned to the hotel for lunch from this village, because it’s close. This is Bishop Makka’s church. He leads David’s Kidz Uganda.

Bishop Fred & Brenda Makka’s church podium

Prayer was the glue that held this whole mission together.  Pastors John & Kristy Camp, founders of David’s Kidz, start planning and sowing for the next trip as soon as they return… if not on the travel home! We had a prayer list several months before we left, with specifics added to our prayers as time went on. We all appreciate the prayers from our team at home! Thank you all. We felt the prayers lifting us up and enabling us.

A couple of days after arriving, we had team meetings. Our intercessory team met, and we prayed down healing and mighty acts of God. I know the other teams laced their gatherings with prayer as well.

In the camps, I began with the original schedule for the first two days, mornings in the prayer corner with the intercessory team, then helping with the children’s ministry in the afternoon.

In the prayer corner, we prayed with each person as they finished with the clinics. It was important for me to pray blessings over each one and to put the medicine that was in their hands into God’s hands. Not positive exactly,  but by the last camp, we had over 100 documented salvation prayers said in the prayer corner! 

In the Bible Story group, I acted out Eli in the story of God calling young Samuel. We let the children act out the story with us when we finished, so they got several times to hear the story. I shared testimony of how I hear God, Beth shared how she saw a vision of what God wanted her to do. After telling them how God wants to talk with them, we sang a few songs with motions with that group. We asked if any of them wanted to know Jesus, and several did want to.

The second day, I was in the Bible Crafts group.  This group was basically a Bible story told, coloring pages and crayons passed out for them. My sponsor child, Winnie, helped me this day. She is an excellent helper! It was so good to spend time with her.

Winnie and me!

We were in Buyella Wednesday and Thursday at a Catholic church. This village was far enough away that we had boxed lunches out back  of the church instead of returning to the hotel. Each day, the people who came to the camps were fed mugs of porridge for breakfast, and plates heaped with rice, covered with beans and a little bit of meat for lunch. You wouldn’t believe how open people were to the gospel with free medical care, two free meals, and care for their children!

At Buyella is where my schedule diverged. From day three on, I spent both mornings and afternoons in the prayer corner. I felt the Lord’s leading in this. It kept me out of the direct sun and protected from mosquitoes. I am sun sensitive and also allergic to malaria preventatives. Besides, there were so many people coming out of the clinic that it was all hands on deck to keep them from leaving without prayer!

The church at Lugolole

Lugolole was the third village, where we spent Friday and Saturday. This was a smaller church, so the registration area and prayer corner were in this tent in front of the church.  There were also two tents set up on the lawn for the Tent Ministry, where our worship team ministered to the people who were waiting for registration. We had a demon possessed woman delivered at the back of those tents!

I will share one story that sticks out to me. Winnie, my sponsor child, is the average height, build, and structure of young women in David’s Kidz.  With their close cropped heads, it is difficult for me to distinguish Winnie.  So, I would ask each of these girls if she knew Winnie because I’m her sponsor. 

With this connection, I hugged and loved on many of these older girls.  The last afternoon at Lugolole, one of these girls came running to me in the prayer area, telling me I must follow her. She took me to the school where David’s Kidz were in a classroom. The leaders were handing out backpacks to each of them, and I ended up standing outside. 

Well, our youth from our team were getting ready to hand out candy to all the kids before we left. Another one of Winnie’s friends came running up to me and latched on. I held her, snuggled her under my chin, and we just stood there together.  She felt feverish to me, probably had malaria (malaria is not contagious).

This was a defining moment for me. I was overwhelmed in such a good way that the tears were flowing uncontrollably.  Someone standing near us said the girl was sleeping on me. What a privilege to be Jesus incarnate with this precious soul!

On the long trip back to the States, I watched The Blind Side movie, Michael Orr’s story. It’s amazing how it connected me to the kids in Africa I’d just left! I really understood  Michael’s story because black culture in America is not far away from African culture.

I’ve said it before. It’s all about perspective. 

Many people I worked with in Uganda want me to come back next year.  I told them I won’t,  because many on this team will come back. I want to leave room on the next team for new people to go so they can experience and get the vision for what David’s Kidz is doing and how we can help support them and spread the Gospel.

Winnie told me how happy she was when they called her name in church, letting her know her sponsor was here. $35.00 is a small price to pay to change a whole generation of Ugandans.  I encourage you to see about sponsoring one of David’s Kidz if you don’t already.  If you do, seriously think about being part of Uganda 26! They need medical and dental skills, preachers, intercessors, worship leaders, and children’s ministry. Youth do a great job connecting with the kids and young people.

http://www.davidskids.org.html

Uganda 25 team’s Sayonara

This team consists of the youngest man, 15 years old, to the oldest woman, 83 years old. No one needs to be exempt!