Tag: Christian Living

God, What Are You Doing???

musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

I visited Smithville Baptist church the Sunday they hosted Jesus in the Passover. Laura Barron, from Jews For Jesus, presented excellent visuals as she explained what goes on in the Jewish household for Passover and how it relates to what we have in Jesus. 

This connection with Laura connected me with Karol Joseph, who is working with Laura on sharing Yeshua with Haredi women. [Strict version of Judaism].

Well, Karol offered a study she wrote: Counting The Omer Journey. This is the 50-day time between Passover and Pentecost, following the Israelites’ journey from Egypt toward the Promised Land. I get each week’s study in my email and print it off.

Karol takes me into the story, encouraging me to identify with the Israelites and how it relates to my own life story.

Exodus 13:17 When Pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them [the Israelites]by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said,”Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt. “

Three weeks into the journey, God has told Moses to have the people double back to encamp near the Red Sea. God said He was going to bring glory, but no one knows how yet.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In Exodus 14, the people went out boldly, buoyed by the miracles God had done to release them.  Pharoah hardened his heart and gathered all his choicest military might to go and drag them back into slavery.

Exodus 149 The Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

When the Israelites see this great army, they turn on God and on Moses. Forgetting that God is stronger than the might of Pharaoh, they are sure they will die on the shore.

We all know the great miracle God did. I encourage you to read chapter 14 of Exodus to get into this miracle our Lord orchestrated to show His great glory.

What about us in this era? The enemy is rattling its sabers and the world seems to have gone crazy! Can we trust our monetary system? Our government? Our vote and advocacy make some difference,  but ultimately,  if God does not do a miracle, all is lost.

Will we be like our ancestors in the wilderness and despair? Will we look to the arm of flesh and worldly comfort? Will we choose to remember the  LORD and in Him our confidence place?

We see from their example that we can not lean on ‘Egypt’ and go back to the leeks, onions, and flesh pots. Manna, the food of angels in heaven, is a perfect food. It’s just not as appealing to the senses as what they had in Egypt.

The slave mentality had its advantages because they were used to being told what to do and being provided for. But, complaining and unbelief kept them in the wilderness.  How much have we been enslaved by our culture? Our schools, our media? Our outlook on life is a major thing. Our abundance and comfort lull us and can make us forget where these blessings come from.

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels.com

This study I’m doing makes me wonder how God is going to save us by His mighty right arm this time. How much longer will the enemy rage? How much of it is our part? How much hangs  on our faith, our prayers, our actions to walk, in the light and love, of Christ?

Let us recount the great miracles we have read about. Also, ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind the great things He’s done in your own life. It is our obligation to share our testimony and encourage others in faith.

Remember, mighty angels are waiting for us to tell them what to do! Use your power and authority in Jesus!

It’s May!

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Celebrate! It’s May, and God is on the move! I want to honor my youngest grandchild, Ashlynn Hope. Today is her 8th birthday 🎂. Friday the 10th is my youngest son Alex’s birthday. On May 14th, I will be 61. Then, on May 18th, grandson Jackson will be 12. Not to mention, my niece Kristen’s birthday is on the 17th, and don’t forget Mother’s Day on the 12th! What a busy month of blessings from Father God!

Photo by BECCA SIEGEL on Pexels.com

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The nation of Israel’s anniversary is May 14th. Let all those who love Israel rejoice and be glad, for the LORD’S promises are truly Yes and truly Amen!

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels.com

Joel 2:21 Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.

We have been experiencing a lot of rain these past few months. A few days ago, the above scripture came to mind. In the natural, I sense that the Lord is sending both the early and the latter rains at the same time! In the Spirit, I believe this corresponds with the reapers overtaking the sowers of the Gospel.

John 4:35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

Souls are so ripe for the harvest that many are eagerly accepting salvation with very little prompting. Check out testimonies from Iran Alive http://www.IranAlive.org and Voice of the Martyrs http://www.vom.org Ministries for some examples. Also, Crossroads Prison Ministry is looking for Spanish-speaking mentors because they have an increasing backlog of Spanish student lessons waiting for them. Most of these students have questions about their identity and salvation. They cannot wait! http://www.cmcarcelario.org

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Sorry, I realize I have a book review page, but I’m going to share some reviews on this post. I recently connected with author Noel Williamson. His first book I read is, Love is Like a Bag of Popcorn. In this book, Noel shares from personal experience from his first attempts to ask a girl out, leading you through popcorn, sports, movie, TV shows, and pertinent Scripture references, all the way into his newlywed days. I recommend this book for everyone from teens to adults who are looking for tips on godly relationships, whether you are married already or not.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com
Photo by John Finkelstein on Pexels.com
Photo by Chan Walrus on Pexels.com

Next, I read Job Loss AppleSauce Trusting God after Job Layoffs and Finding Comfort in Applesauce. You’ll need to read to the end of the book to find why he capitalized the S in AppleSauce! The way Noel handled things will help others navigate the job market and other life changes. As with the popcorn references in the first book, Noel was clever with his apple references continuing in every chapter! I read each book in an afternoon [of course it was raining] they are short, interesting books. In the same Amazon order, I acquired Willamson’s third book, A Salad Bowl of Wisdom Life Advice from a Diverse Group of Adults. He begins with interviews from a couple people in their 90s, then a friend in her 60s and another in his mid-50s. His original plan was to interview people in their 80s, 90s, and above, but realized his younger-older friends have a lot of wisdom also! I have not had time to get far in this book yet [we were blessed with a dry day], but his easy, personable style is refreshing. I recommend you check out Noel Williamson on Amazon!

By the way, if you have read my book or listened to my audiobook, Musings Along Life’s Journey, please leave a review on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, or anywhere you post reviews. I thank you in advance!

If I wish you Jesus and Shalom, I wish you everything! May you be blessed and be a blessing, finding joy in all you give and receive from the loving hand of Father God. Until next time, Shalom!

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 Hebrews

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

In this edition of this series, we delve into the new Priestly Service we have obtained through Jesus Christ.  Just a basic taste of the riches we have in His sacrifice.

New Priestly Service
8:1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, 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.

Who have I in heaven but You? Our ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, has now been seated at the right hand of our Heavenly Father in heaven. This is not the earthly tabernacle that was destroyed in 70 AD, but one that will never be destroyed. The earthly tabernacle was a shadow of the one we have now.

3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.

Paul is clarifying, comparing the earthly high priest with what we have in Jesus. What did Jesus offer?

4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, 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.”

God commanded Moses to follow His pattern, a copy/shadow of what is in heaven. Jesus came to earth to open the way to the actual tabernacle in heaven. Because Moses was obedient to all that the LORD instructed, we have a good idea of what it is. Although we need this background to understand what we have in Christ…

6 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.

He is now our Mediator, and we have a better covenant and better promises. Let’s see what this means.

A New Covenant
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—

So, the first covenant did not fit the bill, so a second covenant needed to be made. We are now in the days when we are heirs of this new covenant, along with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In this new era of God, it’s time to stand up as manifest sons and daughters of God and let His glory shine through us until it fills the whole earth.

My children Christopher, Harold, Eliza, and Alexander

We were blessed to have our four grown children together on Easter Sunday.  If you have read my book, I introduced them with their families in the introduction. I pray that you experience a deeper intimacy and appreciation of the rich blessings we have in Jesus, our Christ. Shalom dear ones!

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 2Corinthians

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to the next edition of this bible study. 2 Corinthians chapter 8 tells us of the grace God blesses us with as we give ourselves to the Lord and then give what we can. This section is a major truth of living with God and supporting each other that holds true even today. Let’s work through these verses.

Abundant joy! We attended Lauren Daigle’s concert at PPGPaints arena in Pittsburgh on March 8th

2Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 

So, the churches of Macedonia were experiencing great afflictions and trials. They experienced deep poverty. Yet, they abounded  in the riches of the grace of God because they found His joy and gave liberally out of the things they had.

3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 

Abundant blooms as only our God can create!

Their hearts were in such a place, in love with fellow believers, that above and beyond their ability, they freely wanted to give to minister to the saints. I just read news from ministries that I am involved with. The Joshua Fund is ministering to those amid the war and chaos going on in Israel. Iran Alive is ministering through electronic means to the people of Iran who have had enough of Islam and their government.  They hear the good news of Jesus and are eager to follow Him, even if it’s dangerous.

Also, Crossroads Prison Ministries, reaching those incarcerated with Bible correspondence lessons and mentoring. They are celebrating 40 years of ministry,  multiple testimonies from Crossroads students, volunteers, leaders, and mentors. All these ways to sow into what God is doing these days, the ones I’ve mentioned are a very small portion of avenues to be part of what is spreading the gospel in these days

5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.

Surrender as Christ did

The Macedonians show a critical step we all should follow. First, they gave themselves to the Lord, then to the will of God, and finally, to others. The Apostle Paul is encouraging others to follow their example and experience this grace for themselves.

 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

In Christ, we are meant to abound in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, in our love for others. As we aspire for these things to manifest and develop in our lives, we should be diligent to sincerely love others as Christ loves us all.

A testament to the faith of another generation

Right now, our church knows God wants us to expand our church greatly.  With human understanding, there is no way our 300 people can raise the funds necessary to make this expansion a reality, aiming toward a facility that will accommodate 1,000 people.

But God! I get multiple appeals to help others most days in my mail and email. Add to this the desire to contribute to our church building project and community needs, and it’s overwhelming.  But God!

What if it is my job not to give money, but to spend time in prayer for each of these needs? Am I doing right in praying for others to give financially where I can not? Is this a time for me to examine my use of the abundance God blesses me with?

I think we are to first dedicate all we have to the LORD whose hands it comes from. Then, we should ask for wisdom to decide what is our part of blessing the opportunities that the Lord allows in our lives. We are not obligated to give to every cause that comes to us. There are many good things to support, but what is your responsibility? Only God knows, so ask Him.

Mark 14:7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always

This verse comes from Judas Iscariot saying the expensive oil Mary poured out on Jesus’s feet should have been sold and the money given to the poor. This is where discernment is needed. The appeals for our money and time and resources will never cease this side of heaven.  It is good to give to the poor in body and spirit, but Jesus said we can give to them whenever we want. Of course, this doesn’t mean we are to go into debt by giving to everyone who asks or demands. Again, discernment!

I bless you to abound in all things as God allows, according to his riches found in Christ Jesus. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He cares about each one of us He created. Look to Him alone for your provision, and may you abound in all that Christ purchased for you. Shalom, my fellow pilgrims!

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 book of Romans

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to the next installment in this Bible study.  Let’s see what the Spirit highlights in the eighth chapter of Romans.

A group artwork from the Shetler family’s ministry in Africa.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,

Make note: if you are in Christ, walking in the Spirit, there is no more condemnation, no more punishment As Jesus said in John 3:17, He did not come to condemn us but to reconcile us to Father God. We now have access to the law of the Spirit, which is life in Christ Jesus. This frees us from walking in the law of sin and death, the law we were born into through the sins of the fathers, stretching back to Adam. This is why Jesus condemned sin in the flesh by coming in human flesh.

4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Do you walk in the righteous law of love? Love for your God and loving your neighbor as yourself? We can muscle our way into acting out this love by our own human effort, but is that truly denying your fleshly lusts and desires?

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

If we only think about what to eat, what to wear, and having the best “necessities” in life,where is our spiritual life? We can do good deeds, but if it’s to rack up points, trying to get on God’s good side, how are we any different than the heathen unbelievers around us? The carnality of our human side is set against God and the love of God in Christ.

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

I find when I hear all the facts, if I fail to look towards the truth in the Bible, I fall short. With our human understanding, we hate those who fight against us. In God’s Sprit, we can love even our enemies! But is this wise? What does God say?

1 Corinthians 2: 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

So we must be careful, walking circumspectly in this evil time we live in. It is clear that we are on the path to death and destruction when we look to the world and our own strength and understanding.

Proverbs 14:12 & 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Remember to ask for your daily manna from the LORD. This includes all the things required for what each day demands. We have a heavenly Father who knows what we need, but still delights in his children, when we ask him daily to provide. This includes daily food, shelter, and clothing. Also, grace, mercy, and love. Don’t forget peace in Christ Jesus, more than we could ask for! Remember, you need more to sustain you than physical needs. Without daily food from the Bible and the Spirit of God, we starve our spirits.

So live each day in the Spirit, denying your fleshly desires. Walk in love and understanding as you grow in the things of God found in his Word. If you fail, as we all do, quickly repent and apply the precious blood of Jesus. Continue renewing your mind and remember the old chorus:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.


Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Helen Howarth Lemmel
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus lyrics © Curb Songs, Littleberace Music, Okapione Music, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, New Spring Publishing Inc., Mercy/vineyard Publishing

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 passages in the Gospels #3 Luke

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to the third installment of Bible Chapter 8:1-8. Chapter 8 of Luke begins with naming the women who followed Jesus’s ministry. Just before this, Jesus has his feet washed and is anointed by the woman with the alabaster jar of nard and her hair and tears.

8:1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—

From birth to cross to resurrection, 33 short years!

I believe Jesus sensed how short a time he had on earth. He made the most of that time. As his repeseatives on earth, we need this sense of urgency as we minister during the relatively short span of time we are here on this planet.

–Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

Look at the devotion of these women. They lived in a culture that placed little value on women and their contributions to society. Jesus set them free from the bondage of demons, illness, infirmity, and insignificance. These liberated women joyfully provided for his needs of sustenance and lodging.

4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable:

Notice that Jesus waited for a crowd to gather. What follows is an oft quoted passage for sermons, pertinent in light of those we share the gospel with and needs for discipline them. Keep in mind the agrarian society these people lived in.

“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.”

Have you been trampled down and devoured? Did you spring up quickly without much nourishment, withering away? Have you been choked out by weeds? Did you spring up in a fertil place with a loving mentor?

When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Do you have ears to hear what Jesus was saying? In other moves of God, many fell by the wayside. Many false religions and teaching rose up to fill the spiritual hunger caused by times like we are living in now.

This era of God’s move is meant to be sustained. Revival is meant to continue. We are to realize the failure of previous moves, and all of us are necessary to make this move of God’s Spirit continue. I leave you with two words: love and discipleship.

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 passages in the Gospels #2 Mark

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to the second episode of my Bible study. You may notice that I have added more pages to this blog site. With help from WordPress support, I have created a page where you can find where to purchase my books. There is a second page where I will publish book reviews to share what I’m reading. I hope the upgrade of my site is useful for you. Now, let us study Mark 8:1-8.

What does 4,000 look like?

Feeding the Four Thousand
8:1 In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar.”

Compassion… the Bible often points out that Jesus was moved with compassion. He is still the same today. Jesus knew what it was like to have nothing to eat, about being far from home. This compassion was more than empathy. Let’s look at what happened next.

4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?”

5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?”And they said, “Seven.”

We often look at a situation and wonder how it can have a natural solution. Jesus often challenges us by asking what resources we already have.

6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments.

Jesus commanded the multitude to sit on the ground. Apparently, most of them stood while Jesus had been speaking for three days. Isn’t this a picture of how Jesus calls us from the fray and invites/commands us to sit at the table as he prepares the meal for our souls?

Jesus begins with giving thanks for the loaves of bread. He broke them, foreshadowing his broken body. If not broken, the bread can not be shared. If his body, the Bread, had not been broken, there would be no wholeness for us.

Notice the qualifier on the fish- small. We bring our small offerings to his table, and he will multiply them. Can we trust him?

Humanly, we are inadequate for most tasks that come our way. If we are bold enough to trust our Father’s provision, to believe he can multiply what we bring to the table, we will experience abundance to share.

What are you needing the Lord to multiply or increase in your life right now? This story of the miracle feeding assures us. Give thanks for what you have, and put it to good use. Watch and be amazed with what turns out!

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

Ready to Roll?

musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

We experienced gale force winds and weather on Tuesday evening. Many trees and branches were down and many people without power. We did not lose power, but our neighbors 1/4 mile from us, all the way to the lake, have not had power for two days. The only damage we had was a tree at the front of our property that fell in the yard, missing anything but grass. Also, we are supposed to be having a snowstorm today, but only spotty, light showers. The Lord is faithful to keep us in the storm, if we trust Him. In fact, Father allowed me to visit a couple people in need before the storm on Tuesday, and to go clean for Joe and get John’s milk at the farm before mixed precipitation and more wind started on Wednesday.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I am going through the files on my computer, preparing to work on my next book, and I found this day I’d recorded a couple years ago. It is so similar, although from December, I want to share it with you here. I think the conclusions I came to and exhortation at the end are still relevant for 2024!

From Tuesday, December 7, 2021: Sunday, about the time we went to bed, it started raining. It was very windy, and we heard a thousand people in the area lost power for about an hour in the middle of the night. The temperature hovered just above freezing, so we had no snow at our house.

When I awoke, it was still raining steadily and windy. I had an eye doctor appointment at 9:05, so John and I both packed up a traveling breakfast because he wanted to stop at the lab and get his fasting bloodwork done for his next appointment. He also planned to go home that way from my appointment so he could get a haircut. We left the house at 7:30, which should have been enough time to get across the city to my appointment. When John walked into the building for the lab, he found a line of people waiting. He realized he would not get done in time, so we headed right to the eye doctor’s office and sat in the parking lot to eat breakfast.

About fifteen minutes early, I headed through the rain from the parking lot to the appointment. The assistant and doctor kept me busy with multiple examinations and I lost track of time. When they finished, I had an excellent report, an appointment for eleven months later to repeat the vision field test, and another for twelve months to do the yearly testing. Heading back into the rain, I found my way to our vehicle. John had been sitting for over an hour and had a revelation: scrap plans for his haircut, head out of town the other way, deposit my check, eat at Cracker Barrel, and Christmas shop.

What grace Father God showered on us! We noticed the rain, but it didn’t hinder. John usually gets completely undone by the end of Christmas shopping, but his good mood hardly wavered. As we cruised several stores, he kept saying, “It’s alright, we’re not in a rush and I’m with my honey.” I want to remind you all, the Bible says, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus”. [Philippians 1:6]

As we pulled into the Walmart parking lot, we saw fleets of electrical bucket trucks amassed. John said National Grid was setting up to send them where needed because they expect many wire problems with the wind and rain; possibly turning into an ice storm. Our area previously dealt with a couple of major ice storms, and this shows they have learned from those experiences.

As in the natural realm, so in the spiritual, the saying goes. National Grid and our weather people are preparing for a major catastrophic event. The prophets have been speaking about a major event likely coming from the power grid being damaged. I believe the power of our spiritual enemies also has impending damage. Also, the rain and wind, which turned to sleet in the wee hours of the night, stopped after about twenty-four hours. I’m reminded that God promises in Psalms that weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

The time is ripe for a move of God. Are you ready to roll with the punches and come out victorious? God’s plans are good, and this time of tribulation shall come to an end soon! We will see the victory if we do not faint before the end. I ask for and receive grace from Father God each day. It keeps me in His peace in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4]

I hope you can grab on to His strong anchor and hold on. If your job is to be the “bucket trucks” with boots on the ground, step up to it. If your job is to be the one on your knees, drop down and pray in power. If it’s your part to write encouragement, then get to it. Man the positions God has planned for you since before you were born! We’re going to see the victory if we stand firm and do the good works before us.

Rejoice in the LORD always and be led by the Holy Spirit. Shalom, dear readers!

The Hammer of God?

musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

This is what I saw in the sky on September 25th, 2023, on our way home from Brasher Falls, NY. God is doing a new thing in the earth these days, the beginning of the Kingdom age, when the sons and daughters of God shall be manifest on earth. He is putting down the hammer, the holy gavel, letting us know that judgment is here for those doing evil. It’s not time for the end time rapture, but the time for God’s people to tear down the dividing walls of religion, traditions, and offense.

There’s a great and mighty spiritual army in the earth today! We Believers are part of it!

In the words of a chorus I learned years ago: There’s a great and mighty army in the earth today, dressed in splendid armor, they’re in full array. The host of darkness tremble as we walk their way, there’s a great and mighty army in the earth today!

SO, let’s shout the victory. The enemy is under our feet… Great is our king… great is the King of kings!

As Kat Kerr says, Roll up your rapture rug and rule!

In other news, I was blessed to have my sisters, Gretchen and Trina, spend the weekend with me. They both live in Virginia, and we three haven’t all been together for a number of years. They were here to attend the burial service for our brother Karl’s wife, Debra McCoy Stahl. It often takes a cataclysmic event to bring family members together, but I’m not sure that’s the way God desires to bring us together.

We were able to sign Karl out of the hospital and take him to the service. It’s so hard when a loved one is confused and not understanding fully what’s going on. Reminds me a bit of traveling with our young children. My son Chris and his family also attended, which was a good help getting him out of the vehicle, settled in a graveside chair, and finding blankets to warm him.

I think it settled Karl to be there for the service, seeing Deb’s family, and hearing what the funeral director had to say. The ride back to the hospital was easier for us. We got Karl back in time for his lunch, visited our brother Fritz in the nursing home, and had a good meal together afterward at a local restaurant.

I was thankful for the day and enjoyed having Gretchen and Trina with me at our evening church service. It was a peaceful ending to the busy Saturday.

Yesterday, Sunday, my sisters helped John and myself organize things from Karl & Deb’s apartment. Gretchen suggested we go out to dinner to celebrate Trina’s birthday, which is today, October 2nd. So, after a long day of sorting and organizing, we went to Outback Steakhouse. We had an excellent waiter named Karl. I didn’t ask if his name is spelled with a K or C, but I did ask if it’s the joy of the Lord that he was sharing with us. He said, “Definitely! Please ask for me by name next time you come!”

A memory from fellowship in Tanzania

It is a blessing to recognize fellow Christians around us and give thanks to the Father for time together. Our pastor is doing a series called Better Together as we begin Life groups for the fall. If you would like to hear these messages, they are in the sermon archives at http://www.myacf.org. We have 19 different groups planning to meet this fall, which is an amazing number. Do you participate in a small group in your area? If you dont, I urge you to find a group to join or gather a few people together to start your own. I leave you with instruction and encouragement from the Word:

Colssians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him

John and our grandson Steven, on the 25th.

Better Together!

August Update

musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

Well, tomorrow is the day I have my first public outing with my book! My friend Pam is assisting me. We will have a table at the Henderson Heritage Day, so if you can, join us between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., we’d love to see you.

PLEASE READ THE UPDATE BELOW!

PLEASE READ THE UPDATE BELOW!

Update of an Update: The inclement weather forecast for Saturday, August 12th, in Henderson, NY, has caused a cancelation of the Heritage Day activities. BUT the Henderson Museum and the Peters Stevenson Antique Boat Annex, located next door, will be open from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. join us for the silent auction, local authors signing and selling their books, and the pie ladies coming to sell their pies.

In other news, John and I are enjoying blessing others with our garden’s abundance. Everything is outdoing itself, and I took a 5 gallon pail full of green beans to give away at last weekend’s church services. There was even enough for people who attended our new Spanish service on Sunday afternoon, and our pastor’s wife found some left during the week, which she took to bless someone else! This photo is just about a quarter of the pickings from a few days before last weekend. It’s taken me up to two hours to fully pick our bean plants!

What a joy it’s been to give things away this summer ☀️ All things come from the hands of our loving Father in heaven. No matter what your current circumstances are, you have been given something to give away, even if it’s just a kind word. We are truly blessed to be a blessing. I give thanks continually to our wonderful Lord and Savior for the opportunity to receive and then give.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

As my brother and his wife are facing challenging times, I am contemplating with the Spirit what a perfect solution might look like. I remember my grandfather, who I never consciously knew due to dementia. My grandmother took things in stride, caring for him at home until she found him dead. He was in his favorite chair, his hand atop his faithful Irish setter, Rusty, with his pipe in the standing ashtray on his other side.

My aunt and her family from Kansas spent a couple of years living there, which was an immense help when Grandma needed cataract surgery. My other aunt was close by. We visited a couple of times a year, and so did my uncle and his family.

It was another time, another place. Now, my brother and his wife have an aid come several days a week, a social worker that keeps tabs on them both. A couple of neighbors are helping when they can, but it’s not a good situation. Nursing home placement is looming.

My brother is used to doing a lot of walking, helping other people, and having intelligent conversations. His wife is content sitting in bed most of the day and using her phone and tablet. He seems to be declining mostly for lack of stimulus and erratic sleeping schedules. Being on disability, basically a ward of the state, there are few options.

Photo by Sarah Trummer on Pexels.com

These ideas are forming in my thoughts: What if there’s a family, a couple, or a widow that could take them into their home? A loving, godly atmosphere where they could be taken care of, have family meals, interact with others, or be alone for a bit as needed? A garden they could help with, some place safe for my brother to take a walk…

There was a time when family would take in family members, and there was a time when multiple generations lived together or close by. Is it possible to find a new way to create a solution other than a nursing home? Other than a person/couple living in an inadequate situation, spending our tax dollars? Can we find a way to identify those who would welcome others like my brother and his wife, bring them into their home, both sides of the equation benefitting from being together? What do you think?

Part of these thoughts were inspired by a story I heard about The Little Sisters, Disciples of the Lamb, located in the French countryside, whose members were all born with Downs syndrome. A few ‘normal’ sisters live with them to help. I read about this in the recent issue of ProLife Newsletter of Northern New York. You can find this at: http://www.liferight.org

I leave you to ponder how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus right where we are, using what God has given us to bless those around us. Lord, open our eyes to do the things that may be hidden from us. Amen.

Oh, my book can now be purchased at The Little Bookstore in Clayton, NY, where you can pay by card instead of cash or check. Also, please don’t try to buy my book on http://www.zoelifebooks.org until they get things settled with the business after the passing of my publisher. You may buy it from me, since I always have a few copies with me, or I can mail you one if you contact me with your address.

heidi.e.honey@gmail.com