Category: prayer

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.

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

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]

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!

Pray For… And Prepare!

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Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Psalm 122:6 tells us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem… May they prosper who love you.” Do you pray Shalom for Jerusalem? I do, and I realize this is the major reason that my family is prospering… not just financially, but in all ways.

This morning, my devotional chapter is Genesis 43, when Jacob finally lets his sons take his youngest son, Benjamin, to Egypt.  Katie Davis Majors says this chapter marks the beginning of God’s redemption story for Judah… and ultimately, I say, us! It always overwhelms me to tears with the great love and restoration of our God displayed. I like what Katie said,

“How often we hold on to something we believe to be precious, only to realize later that letting go yielded a much better result.”                                                            -Our Faithful God Devotional p. 249

Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 … indeed, I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…  that I may gain Christ.

Are you holding on to something God is asking you to give to him? I’m asking the Holy Spirit to show me what -and how- to give up what I’m holding on to… and what that thing  is! I realize that there’s nothing in my life that didn’t come from God. I also realize from  God’s Word that in Christ, all things consist, and all things come from Him and go back to Him.

What do you need to give up to go deeper in the things God has for you in Christ Jesus? I just read Eddie Hyatt’s book:

Turns out, God has kept a remnant through all generations that have experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Those who moved in the Spirit, spoke in tongues, and exercised the gifts of the Spirit, such as healing, were often written out of history. Alternately,  their stories were written from their detractors’ point of view. They were branded heretics, witches, or of the devil. They were put out of the church, lost family, friends…, burned at the stake, persecuted in many ways. To this day, those who won’t deny Jesus, who move in the gifts and speak in tongues, are persecuted in these ways. God doesn’t change, and neither does the devil and his tactics.

From reading Hyatt’s book, I found Phoebe Palmer. Her book is an account of Phoebe and her  travels with her husband to England, Scotland, and Ireland in the mid-to-late 1850s. They were part of the revival that was happening in the U.S.A. at this time, and the churches in the British Isles begged them to come spread the fire.

Watch and pray, get deep into the Word, and release your heart and life from the dross of the world that’s built up. We need to cleanse ourselves to run freely.

I found you can get the Kindle edition of this book for $.99 or a hard copy for an exorbitant price. You know which I chose! Some of what occurred has been repeated in revivals since then, like the contemporary Toronto Blessing. The Sword of the Spirit was piercing hearts and laying many out as they wrestled with the sin in their hearts. Afternoon meetings ran into evening meetings. Bars and stores closed.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Well, I believe another heavy move of the Spirit has begun. Out of the turmoil we’re experiencing, I believe people’s hearts are going to be [and are] touched, and multitudes will come running and ask us how to find Jesus! Are we ready?

I leave you with my Scripture for 2024, which I haven’t referred to recently. Hold on to this as you walk through the coming days.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

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.

Vengeance?!

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Romans 12:19 NKJV
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

This was a motor home one of our neighbors brought to their piece of property down the hill from us. Notice that the front and the side window sill can still be read : VENGEANCE. Sorry, I took the photo with the trees in the way; this vehicle went all the way back to where it looks like it was!

When we left for an early morning testing run, this abode was in pristine condition.  On our way home from the run, we wondered why the garage doors on the firehouse were open. Then we drove past this motor home. Apparently, one of the rear supports sparked, and flames quickly spread from back to front. By the time we saw it, there was no fire, just a burned out shell..

I’m not sure why my neighbors chose this phrase for their temporary home, but apparently, the devil took full advantage of a flaw in the construction. Kind of reminds me of the insurance ads with “Mayhem” in them, reminding you to buy their insurance to protect your car from mayhem.

Apparently, the neighbors had insurance. There’s now a much smaller motor home parked on their property. Needless to say, it does not say VENGEANCE! Now it’s MALLARD and a bit shorter from front to back. Can anyone say, “Humbled!”?

What about your life? Are you usurping God’s authority and seeking vengeance of your own? Is there anyone you are holding a grudge against, despising, bitter against, or unforgiving? Maybe a government official, abuser, or accuser?

Hebrews 10:30-31 NKJV
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” [31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Those who belong to Jesus Christ are to live a crucified life. His kingdom is generally at odds with what we’ve been humanly taught. This includes forgiving those who wrong us, doing good to those who hurt us, and praying for those who persecute us. I am subscribed to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly magazine. It includes testimonies from Believers in difficult circumstances who are rejoicing in the Lord, loving and forgiving those who persecute them or take away their loved ones. It brings me back to the reality that we must forgive, or we hurt ourselves and we hurt others with our attitude.

Photo by Valeria Ushakova on Pexels.com

We have a multitude of chances to take vengeance ourselves in these days. The world encourages it. My husband is watching a series of Cold Case murders right now. All these families, for decades, are seeking peace by finding the perpetrator. Finally solving the murder and watching the perp arraigned, the family has settled their vengeance, but can never bring their loved one back by the years spent fighting.

Psalm 94:1 O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!

My Lord God, bring us to a place where we can love like You do and forgive like Jesus has forgiven us. We will stand our ground in You, Lord, and look for Your justice to shine in this darkness that so many of us are living in. Keep us humble, at Your feet, and lead us on paths of righteousness, for Your sake. Amen.

I leave you with encouragement from Donna Rigney Ministries:

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 in Revelation

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Welcome to the last Chapter 8 in the New Testament. This passage shares the beginning of God’s judgment on earth and the importance of the prayers of the saints.

Seventh Seal: Prelude to the Seven Trumpets
8 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

Silence! Would you expect silence as the seal was opened? We shall see that it was necessary.

2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.

These seven angels must hold a high status in the kingdom to stand before God. Can you imagine how loud the trumpets will sound after the silence? But hold tight! Before the Trumpet blasts, the angel with a golden censer comes to the altar with the prayers of the saints.

Photo by Vladimir Srajber on Pexels.com

3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.

Our prayers are mixed with holy incense. Just as the incense the priests used in the temple, just a foreshadowing of what goes on in heaven, our prayers are a sweet smell that rises before our God. What happens when our prayers and the incense come into contact with fire from the altar?

5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

This is where people come up with the term, “Acts of God”, awesome destruction and noise from the heavens. NOW the seven angels can blow the trumpets.

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. First Trumpet: Vegetation Struck
7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

Vegetation Struck.  Hail and fire mixed with blood thrown down from heaven, 1/3 of the trees, and all of the grass burn up. In an account from a woman who encountered Jesus in heaven, green is Jesus’ favorite color. Can you imagine Jesus mourning the need to destroy all that green because of the world’s evil, sinful ways?

Second Trumpet: The Seas Struck
8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

After one-third of the trees and all of the grass on the land were destroyed, something like a burning mountain hit the sea. One-third of the sea became blood: think of the plagues in Egypt when the waters turned to blood. Also, one-third of the living creatures and ships in and on the sea were obliterated.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I will not continue with the rest of the seven trumpets here, but let’s focus on the prayers of the saints that started all of this. We have been crying out for God to fix all that is wrong in this life and avenge the evil on earth for many generations. Those cries for help are piling up in heaven.

Worthy Is the Lamb
Revelation 5:8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Golden bowls are full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. We who belong to Jesus are the set- apart, sanctified ones. We are the saints this verse refers to. Our prayers rise up to heaven; at least those prayed according to the will of God do.

Make sure you do not give up on praying the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.  We tend to grow weary and disillusioned.  This can stop us from continuing to pray, often just before breakthrough comes.

My dear readers, be encouraged.  We serve a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God who is faithful to all generations.  Trust him to work on your behalf and keep bringing your concerns before the throne of grace. Evil will not prevail against God’s people. He will keep us through the days of peril and storm as He has done throughout all generations. Remember, Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to [God’s] wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. It is not for us to beg the Lord to act, but for us to pray according to His will and speak out declarations and decrees in the name and power of Jesus. We can’t go wrong using Scripture as the Spirit leads. If we do not take up and use what Christ has bought for us, it will not be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

I remind you; my first major book event is only two weeks away! If you cannot attend, please pray for me to be led by the Holy Spirit.