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.
“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 READINGCONNECTIONS
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 thecovenant 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.
SHADOWVS TRUETEMPLE
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!
SHALOMto Jerusalemand to all Israel! And Shalom to all of you! [Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com]
Welcome to my latest musings dear readers! As I continue reading through the Psalms with my daily readings, I think the most repeated verse is “Praise the LORD” and its companion, “Praise the LORD, my soul.” Notice: NIV does not capitalize Lord or he, but I usually do.
Note:AI wants me to add more personal testimony to this, but I think that would make this into several posts! What would you like me to expound about in a future post?What do you think of the title AI generated?
Praise
First things first, let me praise the LORD a bit. Lord, You are faithful to me. My family is blessed beyond measure with children, finances, homes, vehicles and jobs. I have everything I need. I am growing in Christ Jesus and blessing others by His Spirit in me. What can you praise Him for?
Faithful
We serve a faithful God. He tells us to ask for what we need/want. I asked to go to Africa, He supplied all the needs I had for finances, health, provision and grace-twice! Seek and you will find. I sought the Lord and I found Him. I sought for what to write today and I found it. We learn to trust Him as a good Father, and He responds. How has He been faithful to respond to you?
Matthew 7:7a “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.NIV
ASK the Lord
What have you asked of the Lord? This is the thing David asked for:
Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. NIV
I have a hope for heaven and look forward to an eternity to dwell with the LORD and gaze on His beauty. Do you? If you do, is that hope secure?
K.P. Yohannan
Metropolitan K.P. Yohannan went to be with the Lord one year ago. The prayers of his mother brought him to the place where God gripped him with a call he could not shake for the rest of his life. What did she ask of the Lord? That one of her six sons would serve the Lord. K.P. was the one God chose who was willing.
Memorial
Here I share part of the memorial to him and if you click on the link at the end, you can also hear K.P.’s tribute to his mother specifically, and to all mothers wherever they may be.
“K.P. Yohannan was more than just a man with a mission—he was a man consumed by the heart of God. He dreamed limitlessly because he knew that his God had no limits. He lived with reckless faith, believing that God would provide the entire way. And He did.” http://www.gfaworld.org
Every day, nearly 70,000 people die without ever hearing the name of Christ. K.P. Yohannan
His Consuming Vision
“…he lived every day with one consuming burden: the fact that millions were perishing without hearing the name of Jesus. This reality broke his heart, and he could not turn away from it. He believed that following the call of Christ meant more than just knowing Him—it meant laying down everything so that others could know Him, too. “
A mother is appointed and equipped by God to bring up a child He has sent to her. Natural mothers, good or bad, show a facet of God’s design for this world. Many of us need to forgive our earthly mothers; none of us is perfect!
Grace comes from mothers, grace needs to be extended to them as well. We bless Mary, the obedient mother of Jesus, we bless the faithful mother of K. P. Yohannan.
Blessing
I bless those of you who are spiritual mothers, I bless the one who is barren to rejoice as the mother of many. May your quiver be filled with souls to mother, no matter how they come into your life, no matter when.
I bless all women in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to prosper in the things God created them for.
Encouragement
Psalm 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.NIV
In conclusion: we serve a faithful God who is worthy to be praised every day. Our hope is in Him alone, the One who holds our future. Remain confident and keep your eyes open for His mighty acts to be displayed!
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.
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!
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?
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.
Exodus 31:12Then 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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
2 Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.
Jesus frequently went into the temple and taught the people who gathered there. His ministry was not done in secret, and neither should ours!
3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.”
Here come the religious leaders, dragging a trembling woman into the midst of Jesus’s teaching. Note how they plan to catch Jesus with the law of Moses.
And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”
Was the woman dragged from the bed, clutching a sheet? Did they allow her to grab her robe? Her hair was probably loose, uncustomary for that culture. Full of shame, fear, consternation, maybe? I’m sure she already knew the law and consequences. I’m sure she did not know the compassion Jesus had for her, a sinner.
6This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
Jesus spoke without a word. He knew their hearts as well as He knew the Laws of Moses. We all wonder exactly what Jesus was writing with His finger in the dirt.
7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
We all know what happens next. The leaders turned around and left, in shame. It began with the elders, ending with the youngest. I assumed because the eldest had more time to rack up sins.
Jesus asked the woman where her accusers were. They all left! He told her that he did not condemn her [see John 3:17] but warned her to go and sin no more.
One question that arises: Where was the other half of the adulterous couple? Was he one of the leaders?
This passage of Scripture sets many people free, especially women in Muslim communities. Jesus was demonstrating the value God puts on women. Many cultures and religions put no value on women. Note: one false version of the Bible ends this story with Jesus killing this woman because he was the one without sin, giving him the onus to stone her to death.
This brings me to my reading from yesterday’s devotions, Matthew chapter 7. I think judgement is the crux of John chapter 8. as well as Matthew 7.
Do Not Judge Matthew 7:1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
All of us have been guilty of transgressing the law at some point in our lives. When we humble ourselves, we can see clearly. Religious piety is normal for our human bent. We experience something of God and the Spirit, then we want to hold onto it. We make it a dogma to follow.
Humanity loves having boundaries. The freedom we get from Christ and the love of God can make us uneasy. It’s much easier to have rules to follow and parameters to hold us in although, we also want to push those boundaries. Pay attention to what brings judgmental thoughts to your mind; it is probably your plank.
Coming back to Matthew 7, we like to judge those who are different, who are doing something/being something we don’t think is right. We must be careful to have a true estimation of who we are in light of Christ and God’s love.
All of us are guilty, bound for judgement by a righteous God. We have forgiveness in Jesus. Do not take it lightly! Extend it to others as you speak the truth in love. You want mercy and forgiveness, so does the one you are condemning by your thoughts/words/ actions. I leave you with these thoughts. The photo is me, getting ready to identify with Christ’s death and resurrection in baptism. I pray you get time to seek the LORD and find His Shalom. Until next time, be a blessing as you are blessed by God!
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
Deuteronomy 34:7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished.
Pastor Cheryl’s mother is turning ninety-nine years old soon. She still remembers when she was three, playing on the kitchen floor. She asked her mother how to be saved, and mom helped her accept Jesus into her heart. Through two husbands, twice widowed, a heart attack and stroke, the death of a son, and so much more, she has stedfasly trusted Jesus. She still lives in her own home, with some help, encourages others, and shines with a holy light.
My friend Joan just turned ninety two. She still lives on her own in a small apartment. She doesn’t go out often due to intestinal problems, but she still rejoices in the Lord. She has friends who visit regularly, and her daughter gets her groceries and rides to doctor appointments. I stopped a few months ago, just when she needed help getting her porch windows set for winter. She has come to realize her limitations and how much she can do at a time. She is experiencing Emmanuel, God is with her, and just started a new Bible reading plan. Her librarian friend supplies her with good Christian books.
I visited my friend Avril. She’s in her upper 80s. She has a beautiful home on the lake. She has a cat that keeps her company and crafts she makes for charity. Avril had just used her riding mower/snowblower to clean her driveway and shoveled from there to the house. She’s recently gotten a Kindle and has 100 books downloaded. She knows when to ask for help and recently found a new church family. She drives 20 minutes to this church. She’s slowed down, but not much.
Fred and Jean are 86 & 87. They drove down to Florida mid- September, and they say it’s for their last time. A large family, I think 4 generations worth, take good care of them. They prepare the house here for Fred & Jean to occupy in the spring, then weatherize it when they leave in the fall. The family visits often and helps with what they need. We go out to dinner with them, he still goes out fishing, we play cards together, and have long chats. They know their limitations.
My brother-in-law Wes recently turned 87. Two years ago, he bought a classic car he enjoys working on. He and his wife Barb travel to lots of car shows during the season. Their house is full of trophies! He never thought he’d live this long. He is affected by his younger foolishness, but he still enjoys a good game of cards and seeing family. I believe the Lord is being patient because Wes hasn’t surrendered to Jesus yet.
After Noah’s flood, the LORD decided one hundred and twenty years is enough time for man to live with the evil flesh.
Genesis 6:3 And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”
NOTE: Science is pushing the boundaries to extend human lives. I do not want things injected into me to change my DNA. I don’t want the enemy’s way of longevity, I want it straight from my Father’s hands.
I believe that if we find favor and strength in the LORD, 120 years is possible. That’s why I want to work with the Lord to live as healthy as possible for as long as possible. I want to fulfill my purpose on this earth and see signs, wonders, and miracles. I want my inheritance to be a multitude of lost souls translated into the kingdom. As of January 2024, these are my thoughts on living a very long life.
The Brownville, NY church Charles G. Finney spent a winter snowed -in at, preaching and praying in the1800’s revival at its infancy.
New Year’s Eve, I spent about 6 hours at this old church, experiencing a taste of heaven on earth and the burgeoning revival in our area. I rejoiced in seeing people from my former church involvements and many from my current congregation, as well as many I met for the first time. Just thinking about how in eternity, we can fellowship with Everyone who follows Jesus!
What excellent fellowship we enjoyed as we packed the church sanctuary. The worship team was excellent, the Spirit heavy, and prayers effective. Baptisms were performed, and many children and young people were there, all behaving well for such a late evening! Oh, did I mention older saints and people from several different churches attended as well?
Our church has begun our annual January fast. Our concentration this year is Immanuel; Our God is with us, and we are with our God. You can check out http://www.myacf.orgfor Pastor’s sermon about this fast. I decided to begin fasting at sundown New Year’s evening, only drinking water. The Spirit and fellowship made it easy to pass up the snacks that were there at the church. This year, I decided to concentrate on no wheat, no dairy, and no sugars. I eat enough to take my supplements in the morning, then liquids until after 4 p.m. Liquids continue after sharing a curtailed dinner with my husband, John. The main idea is to take 21 days to make room in my life to grow closer to the Lord, feeding my spirit more than my flesh. Our church does not mandate that members fast or dictate how to observe it, but it helps knowing others are abstaining from food at the same time.
Now for the book reviews. I remind you that there’s a discount for my Musings Along Life’s Journey Kindle version starting January 17th, only 99cents!
The Lost Arts of Christianity by Mike Bartholomew is my current read. I met Pastor Mike at a joint prayer evening last week at our church. He pastors at a sister church in our area. This book was published in 2009 but still holds good advice for coming back to the truths of Christian Living many of us have left off from. Mike covers:
Beginning Correctly, Salty Living, The Spirit Filled Life, Self-control, Patient Faith, Serving, Hospitality, Disciple Making, Praying, Forgiving, Giving, Recognizing the Times, Loyalty, Contentment, Hard Work, Loving the Truth, Joyful Living, Discretion, Unity, Parenting, Submission to Authority, Finishing Correctly.
You will find I covered a few of these topics in my memoir, but Pastor Mike Bartholomew fleshes them out a bit more, since he’s been a Pastor as long as I’ve been a believer, which gives him more examples to share. If you want to find out how to help others find God’s way of living this Christian life or confirm/challenge the life you’re living, I recommend this book, which can be purchased on Amazon or Walmart.com.
The second book I want to share is the new devotional I started today. It’s Our FaithfulGodDevotional by Katie Davis Majors, 52 Weeks of Leaning on His Unchanging Character.
Katie says,”… we aren’t going to cover the whole Bible in a year. But we are going to read different parts of the Old and New Testaments, soaking our hearts and minds in God’s Word as we look for evidence of His unchanging character throughout the ages.” (From the introduction). Each week, you read one Scripture each day for four days. On day five, you read all four Scriptures. Two days a week, you can meditate/re-read the Scriptures, or use them as catch-up days. Katy starts each day by setting the stage for the chapter you will read, then offers questions to help you apply it to your life.
This seems to be a good place for me to start this new year. I have christened a new journal and look forward to what the Spirit will do with Katie’s prompts. My first assignment is to read Genesis 1 and start a habit of noticing God’s goodness all around, trusting Him to make the dark areas of my life light and good. This means seeing God as Creator of all, still speaking light and life, still declaring His creation is good. My second day, I read the first chapter of Matthew.
As I conclude these thoughts, I speakShalom to you, my readers. 2024 is a year of expectation. God is on the move, and we are blessed to move with Him! Remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as Psalm 122 says, for the good of our brothers and friends. Also, they that touch Israel touch the apple of the Father’s eye. He will not let the enemy go much farther. His judgement is written in the Scriptures!
Musings along life's journey 