Category: encouragement

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

Wow! So much happening!

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Philippians 1: 6 … being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

So much has happened since my last post. The Lord will need to let me know where to start. I have been back from Uganda since the 14th, and as my husband John says, I’ve been on “couch duty” several of these days. We’ve had snow events, inauguration day, and more during my days of reverse culture shock.

A winter sunset in Henderson, NY

With head cold type symptoms since our final flight to Syracuse late last Tuesday evening, it’s been difficult to start anything. Of course, physical things came to a head- looking like thrush in my mouth- during the holiday weekend. Then we were snowed in yesterday, so I finally got to the doctor for diagnosis and medicine today.

Along the road in Uganda

Coming home two weeks into our church’s 21-day January fast, I wasn’t sure how to join them, but God knew! We fasted our regular diet and living conditions while in Uganda, then I’ve been having smoothies for breakfast, only eating two meals a day, because of my sore mouth since I returned. The reason for fasting is to buffet your soul to let your spirit rise up. That mission is accomplished!

This is the book I’m currently working on. Carlie really puts forward a good explanation of the basis of fear, beginning with Genesis 3. Eve had an identity crisis. We need to understand our identity in Christ. Through the 10 spies, she shows how we fear because we think we’re responsible for taking the land the Lord has for us.  No matter how many mighty acts God performs, we fear because we forget He is able. Through examples from the Bible and personal experiences from her husband Ashley, other friends, and her own life, I recommend this book as a primer for living a life free of deception and fear which come from the enemy

I’m deciding what to use for my devotions again this year. I knew I didn’t want to start while I was busy on our trip, which is why I started Carlie’s book. Yesterday, I was watching a friend on LinkedIn (sorry, I can’t find her videos I watched or think of her name). She’s a biblical scholar and was talking about how to read the Bible. She recommends using The Daily Bible, and it sounded like a good place to start for 2025. I found the Daily Bible in large print on Amazon, and they tell me my delivery will arrive on January 29th, so I look forward to working my days around the daily readings through January 2026.

What are you using for your own devotions this year? Read any good books lately? Let’s start a conversation.

This is my David’s Kidz sponsor child, Winnie

I will share about my actual mission trip in my next post. I pray that your year is starting well and that the Lord’s favor shines brightly for you.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Overcoming Challenges: God’s Promises Explained

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Glory in the Sky!

Here we go with a smattering of things I’ve encountered in the past week. I hope you can make sense out of what I’m putting together. I am reading several books so I can decide which to take with me to bless the people in Uganda when I go in January, I will share two of them here.

God has heard the cries of the children. All the enemy is doing is aimed at destroying the children! We need to boldly rise up and destroy all the enemy’s plans with the truth. Of course, in the power and authority of Jesus Christ, we shall overcome! Riots shall come, but don’t give them any attention and they will fall apart (most of the people involved are paid to riot). 

Psalm 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion;
3 May He remember all your offerings,
and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah

There is a banner of victory over the lives of God’s elect, declaring, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place” 2Corinthians 2:14.                                   From: Called To Breakthrough. by Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider p. 103

Having Jewish blood myself, I enjoyed reading Kirt’s story. He’s had an amazing life so far, mixed with joy, angst, and persecution. In the last chapter of the book, he gives keys he’s found to truly living with our Messiah. I want to concentrate on these things he points out as I prepare to head to Uganda.

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

In The Gift for all people; Thoughts on God’s Great Grace, by Max Lucado, he shares the above passage from Romans. Let’s parse this out.

God is for us,

God is for us,

God is for us,

God is for us…

Go ahead. Read each line, as you emphasize the word in orange.

Now, if God is for us, let’s read each of the following:

Who can be against us?

Who can be against us?

Who can be against us?

Who can be against us?

I break in here to share about The Gift for All People. You may notice this book is smaller than average. I’ve read most of it in the past hour or two. I think it may make a wonderful gift for someone on your Christmas list? Here’s the book in a nutshell, from the back cover.

“More than anything, God wants you to be with Him. The God who designed your world, the God who placed you on the planet, simply wants you home with Him, and to bring you home. He offers you a gift… the gift of eternal salvation.

My prayer is that through the pages of this book you’ll see His gift like you’ve never seen it.

If you’ve already accepted it; you’ll thank Him again. And if you’ve never accepted it, I pray you will. For it’s the gift of a lifetime. A gift for all people. – Max Lucado

SOOO… If God is for us, who can be against us? God Is… not maybe, not has been, not would be, but… Right Now, God is FOR you!

As God told Rabbi Kirt, “Ascending the day.” It’s our calling.

Let’s get out and rejoice, spreading the Glory of the Lord from soul to soul, spirit to spirit. May our days ascend in Christ, not descend into the worldly trials of the day.

I leave you with a blessing from one of Rabbi Kirt’s favorite Hebrew sayings [translated]. (As found in Psalm 84:7) “May you go from strength to strength.” 

Shalom, dear ones!

Are You Ready?

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This time we’re in isn’t what we think. Listening to Donna Rigney, our Father has heard our cries. Yes, we’ve been in the middle of a war since early 2020. He said that war is ending, contrary to what some other prophets are saying. The Lord told Donna that the prayer warriors have awoken. The earlier warnings from the Lord of calamity have been avoided.

Who… Me?

Are we ready? According to what Randy Kay heard from God, this election will come down to Christians standing up and backing God, not just a candidate. As I’ve been saying,  we need to pray, seek the truth, and get out to vote!

What Father shared with Donna Rigney is that people will come looking for Jesus in droves. Are you ready to be busier than ever, sharing Jesus and making disciples of new believers?

Are you ready to handle the riches that are coming our way? Something like the riches the Israelites got from their Egyptian neighbors on the first Passover? Remember, they used those riches to form a golden calf to worship before they brought more of the riches forth to build and equip the tabernacle.

We must stay in faith. Don’t let fear come into your realm of life. If you watch the news, pray through the whole time. Our enemy is working overtime because he knows the importance of this time in God’s plans. This is a good time to practice these Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 10: 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

I am already hearing people being found out, their sin and duplicity being exposed. Evil can run,  but it can’t hide from the light of Christ. He does not condemn, but the unrepentant are already condemned as Jesus said in John.

John 3;17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Yes, pray for their souls, but do not rejoice when they fall. Some will even lose their lives. Instead, rejoice that God is good and is saving this nation and bringing the kingdom age, which will redeem the things that evil has stolen from our people.

Here is Donna Rigney’s video with the full set of prophecies she shared titled:                       Days Of Thunder And Glory Are Coming Soon! The Son Will Shine!

https://youtu.be/p4QvYmIlHPo?si=pKyH3R3jyKlKtZm9

Here is the video link for Randy Kay’s full visions from the Lord titled:

America’s SHOCKING Top Job Choice Revealed! It’s not what you think!

https://youtu.be/1nvqlK_dJCc?si=RgDYRkxx1gxYbLYp

I’m excited to see how God parts our “Red Sea” and leads us into our promised land. Be constant in prayer and digging into the Scriptures so we won’t be excluded from the glory ahead

.

Photo by Frans Van Heerden on Pexels.com

And again, I say make sure you’re registered and exercise your right to vote! Get educated, and stay connected to the Lord. Pray in the Spirit and with understanding… get ready to dance in the streets as Miriam did after the original Red Sea crossing… when the glory is revealed!

Psalm 5 and What’s going on?

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A visual for the battle… spiritual and natural

Welcome to this week’s musings. A battle is raging on earth and in heaven.  Many are asking where God is in all of the turmoil. You probably guessed that Psalm 5 was my Wednesday chapter in my devotions this week.  Let’s take a look at what David had to say… to… and… about God in this Psalm.

A Prayer for Guidance
To the Chief Musician.                                With flutes.                                                           A Psalm of David.  

5 Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
2. Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.

In the first two verses, David implores the Lord to hear and consider what he’s saying, thinking, and agonizing over. He reaffirms the Lord as his King, his God.  He knows from experience that no one else can help him.


3. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You,
and I will look up.                                         David knows where to direct his voice.  He knows the morning is an apt time to seek the Lord. Notice that he directs his voice to look up to Him.

4. For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.

David has a track record with God. He knows God is not pleased with wickedness, and evil can not abide with Him. Next, David shares what God thinks of the boastful and those who work iniquity:
5. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.

David continues to enumerate the things God abhors:
6. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

In light of his knowledge of the Lord, David now turns to Him with his response to the situation.

7. But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You, I will worship toward Your holy temple.

David realizes that he can’t overcome his enemies on his own. He asks God to lead him and make his way straight because he knows God’s right-ness. As you read on, think about what we are dealing with these days.                 8. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
make Your way straight before my face.

9. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.

Are you watching the debates or the news commentators?  Maybe you have a battle above and beyond the election fracas? Read  the next verses with this in mind.
10. Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.

Thank God for the grace sinners have because of Jesus Christ.  Are you rejoicing in the midst of what’s swirling around you? Read on as David shares a godly way to respond to these people.                                                                  11. But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.                                       12. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor. You will surround him as with a shield.

A God who blesses us with such glory in the clouds should make us pause and meditate on things. What an awesome God we serve! He loves us so much. He can handle our cries and complaints, but temper them with magnifying His Name. He truly is worthy!

I leave you with  Luke 23:34.

23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.

Love them anyway…  the paraphrase on a sticker on the back of my phone case. Even our worst enemy doesn’t deserve the dark, evil, torturous, eternal fires of hell. Rescue the perishing and speak life where death is trying to overcome. Let the light of Jesus Christ break through the darkness that encroaches.

Until next time, Shalom to you all.             Don’t forget to pray and vote!

Did you know?

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Did you know… came to mind this morning.  Did you know that there’s a lot going on in the spiritual realm? Like a game of chess, the devil is on the move, but so is God!

Jesus conquered sin and death on the cross. Are you living in light of the power and authority He bought for you and for me?

The following Scripture passage occurs when the disciples return, jubilant with triumph, after being sent out with a small measure of the power and authority Jesus shared with them.

Luke 10:18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

They were amazed, but what did Jesus direct them to? Look at the next sentence Jesus spoke:

Luke10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Did you know that at this time we are living in, the veil between Earth and Heaven is quite thin?  That things can change quickly if we ask Jesus to bring Heaven down? Jesus said:

John 16:23 … Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Make sure you stand in faith when you ask, rejoicing that God heard you and is answering that prayer. Even if it takes half a lifetime to come to pass, believe that it will be accomplished in His perfect timing. Let’s look into 1 John chapter 5.

1 John 5:4 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

1 John 5:3 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Are you born anew through Jesus? He was born of God, and now we are also.

5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

If you believe He hears us, that you are born again, and that Jesus is the Son of God, you are made to overcome! Are you abounding in faith? Are you trusting Him? Are you triumphant over evil? Let’s look at the wisdom from Psalm 4. No matter what is going on around you, verses 4&5 are an appropriate reaction to anger:

Psalm 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. 5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.


Do you have a gladness in your heart? If not, ask the Lord to put it there as He did for David.
7. You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

Are you asking God some version of the next verse? Notice the entreaty on the back end of the verse. 6. There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

In the midst of these times, do you lie down in peace and sleep? If not, trust the Lord:
8. I will both lie down in peace and sleep;
for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Are you trusting God to act on our behalf?  Do not give up just before your prayers are answered, or your answer may never come. Never doubt our prayer- hearing, prayer-answering LORD!

I leave you with a link to Donna Rigney’s video I just watched. God’s word is true, and great things are ahead for us! Watch to the end if you want to soak up the Father’s glory she releases!

Communism won’t take over our nation! God is coming to rescue us! Donna Rigney https://youtu.be/DUflPbp8KZg?si=NtmObMovxdCd7CZC

Note: Could we be in this mess because only 33% of professing Christians exercise their right to vote? I do not trust in man, so I’m not telling you who to vote for. I urge you to find out where the candidates stand on issues pertaining to life and sane living. Make sure you talk with the Lord [pray!] and then vote.

* Originally shared on Facebook

Psalm 3 & A Hymn

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Welcome to another Musing, this time on God’s faithfulness and awesomeness. The Psalm was my reading for the day. The first stanza of this hymn is one that lodged in my thoughts today.

My view from our vehicle on the way home a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I enhanced it to capture God’s amazing glory in the atmosphere.

Psalm 3 is titled:

The LORD Helps His Troubled People

A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

3 LORD, how they have increased that trouble me. Many are they who rise up against me.   2. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah

Selah… think about this. Are you troubled by the people around you? Maybe by the bad news and dire predictions swirrling around? Does anyone say that God can’t help you/us? Imagine being King David. Your son has arisen to usurp your throne. He’s gathered his cronies to be coronated before Dad can stop him. How does David handle this?

3. But You, O LORD,  are a shield for me. My glory and the One who lifts up my head.         4. I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

Selah… think about this. Are you assured that God hears you? That He can bring glory out of even this trial? David has a track record with the LORD, his God, who has been a shield of protection. He knows God hears his cry for help.

5. I lay down and slept, I awoke for the LORD sustained me.                                                       6. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Do you have ten thousand people,  or more, set against you? Are you surrounded? Can you sleep? Can you trust the LORD to sustain you as you sleep, then wake you in the morning?

7. Arise, O LORD; save me, Oh my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek bone; You have broken the teeth of the  ungodly.                                                                 8. Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah

Selah.  Do you trust the LORD  to be your avenger?  Do you believe that His blessing is upon you? Upon those things/people you care about?

Now, let us turn to the Hymn that rested in my thoughts earlier today. I could only remember the first stanza, so I looked it up on YouTube.

Luke Powell  introduced this hymn by telling that the queen of England requested it for her 60th anniversary of her coronation. For the author, Walter C. Smith, this was the only hymn he wrote that became popular. Immortal, invisible… fhas a focus on the Light of God, as evidenced in the above photo. I’ll share the link to Luke’s video at the end.

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise.              in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,      most blessed, most glorious,                            the Ancient of Days,                                 almighty,  victorious,                                         thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,    no wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; thy justice like mountains high soaring above thy clouds, which are fountains.                       of goodness and love.

3.  To all life thou givest, to both great and small;                                                                      in all life thou livest, the true life of all;        we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish,                                     but naught changest thee.

4. Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight; all praise we would render, O help us to see, ’tis only the spendor of light hide the thee.

Words From hymnary.org

HYMN HISTORY/LYRICS ANALYSIS                 by Luke Powell

This hymn reminds me of the evening I took this photo from our deck across the yard.

Selah, I think it’s a loaded word. It’s kind of like a “pregnant pause” people talk about. In these days of wonder, waiting for God’s move, it behooves us to pause at the awe of the LORD.

Declare His will over this land, over your family, over your area. Look up, for our salvation is near. God shall defend the faithful. He is not slow as man considers it, but patient and long suffering. Awaiting the perfect timing for all to fall into place, all for His children’s good, His glory shall be revealed!

Shalom to you all, until next time.

So Much Hapening!

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On the road again, on Father God’s path!

Sorry to take so long getting back to this post, but it’s the”lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,” as that old song by Nat King Cole goes. Well, maybe not so lazy for us here! I’ll explain why.

ACTIVE LIFE, OR BUSY LIFE?

Planning for my brother Karl’s memorial service at the Presbyterian church in Lowville at the same time as a double graduation party at our house and lots of visiting family to coordinate, on top of my weekly cleaning job, our traveling job, and work cleaning at the motel. On top of tending the garden, replacing our septic tank, helping at the historical society, and so much more daily stuff.

Flowers for Karl and the church women feeding & serving us well after his memorial service and burial.

I am learning [slowly] to say, “I’m active,” instead of “I’m busy!” It’s a blessing and a privilege to have all these opportunities from the Lord to minister to others. Even though it can get tiring, I thank Him for the strength for each task He puts before me.

This is a great message from Facebook!

BOOK REVIEW

If you are connected with me on Goodreads, you’ll notice that I’m on a reading streak in the midst of all this life going on! One of the books I read is Valery Comer’s new book, A Sunny Sweetheart For A Cowboy. I enjoyed getting back to the Sweet River Ranch with the Sullivan crew to see a  prickly cowboy softened by a  sunny cowgirl. She’s got ADHD that she’s covering with a positive attitude, trying to crack this tough nut of a cowboy. She’s broken when a call from her sister flings her back into her troubled family. Will she and the surly cowboy overcome the past and trust that God truly is good?

Check it out at: https://valeriecomer.com/books/a-sunny-sweetheart-for-the-cowboy/

Valerie has a gift for creating characters that hit home. If you’re willing, her books give excellent relationship tools for your own life. I’m glad the quality of Christian fiction has improved these days, and Valerie Comer is one of the best series I’ve read!

GRADUATION

Faith’s graduation cap

So, last Saturday was an excellent day with family, friends, and an abundance of good food  for the graduation party. (Two grandsons spent the rest of the week with us, helping eat leftovers). We had rain most of the day, but a good time between our garage and house. We celebrated our granddaughter Faith and nephew Ethan’s accomplishments well. Thanks to all who were able to come.

Faith showed me her award/achievement cords and sashes, accompanied by brother Caleb & furry friend

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Monday, July 1st, was the memorial service for my brother Karl. Pastor Greg Jenkins did a good job organizing the service at Lowville Presbyterian church, and Iseneker Funeral Home did an excellent job helping plan and execute the day, including the service, transport to the cemetery and back, and an extra container of homemade cookies for us to take home.

The memory book set I chose,
Karl and our Mom’s favorite bird.

It was a blessing to have all three of my sons attend with their families and to have my sisters, Gretchen and Trina, there. With them were Gretchen’s husband Jim and Trina’s son Ethan with his girlfriend Penny. I’m glad our cousin Victor, from Utica, was able to attend also. Small crowd, but I’m glad some of our closest friends were there. Our old friend, Scout Master Scott Gray, honored Karl’s achievement of attaining Eagle Scout, and our friend Jim Deavers shared the amazing dedication and time Karl contributed to Lewis County Search and Rescue [LCSR].

It was a beautiful day to pause and celebrate a life well-lived and the hope and assurance of heaven. Trina and I sang Morning Has Broken together, a tribute to Karl’s love of nature. We all sang Holy, Holy, Holy , Great Is Thy Faithfulness, and Precious Lord, Take My Hand to continue to thank God for the morning and His faithfulness. We concluded with Amazing Grace, since it was one of the last hymns Karl sang, late in his nursing home stay.

This photo includes Jim, myself, Trina, and Gretchen. We are presenting Jim, representing LCSR, a memorial thanks with a hand-made glass cross Trina’s friend made in honor of Karl’s life and his service to the ambulance. You may make memorial donations in Karl’s name to Lewis County Search & Rescue, Lowville Free Library, or the American Heart Association.

Here is a link to his obituary.

https://www.isenekerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Karl-StahlFuneralService

WHAT ELSE?

Exodus 31:12 Then the Lord said to Moses, 13 “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.

Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Photos by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Within less than a month, both Pastor Jenkins and Pastor Josh Gmitter spoke about taking a sabbath each week. It’s not just Old Testament Law, but a blessing from Father God. Turns out, taking 1 day out of 7 to rest, not doing your usual work, and honoring God can extend your life… and more! Pastor Gmitter calls it “corrective rest”.

You can find Pastor Greg Jenkin’s book on Amazon: Get Their Recipe Now: Discover the Legacy of Your Loved Ones [Paperback – November 10, 2018] it’s a unique book to start conversations to get family history down before it’s too late! (He and I swapped books; mine for his)

You can hear Pastor Josh’s sermon here: https://www.airportchristianfellowship.org/sermons/sunday-july-7-2024-corrective-rest/

AND how about that Biblical-magnitude torrential rain that’s shut things down in Lewis County, NY as I write? Here’s a link to a news story that tells more.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/2024/07/lewis-county-gets-more-rain-than-anywhere-in-ny-roads-and-homes-flooded-cars-submerged.html

The prophets have been warning that God is shaking everything that can be shaken. It’s a time to get closer in your walk with Jesus and trust that the Father truly is faithful to His people. I refer you to my previous post: “Trials Shall Come…” It is a great time to record and share testimonies of His goodness that will encourage others and lead sinners to Jesus. Don’t waste a single day that He gives you, but use your time to bless others as you have been blessed, or as you would want others to bless you!

I leave you with one more set of photos. That’s Grandpa with Owen & Logan on their successful fishing charter, the second bouquet of flowers for Karl [I told Jennifer Isenecker lots of colors for the flowers], Faith receiving her diploma, a good portion of our crew on the playground as part of our evening walk in the park, and Faith’s brothers Caleb & Steven at her graduation.