This week I got behind in my normal practice to read and pray with GiveHim15 by Dutch Sheets. Wow, I am catching up tonight and it’s so good I want to share The Invitation with you! I hope you will find it as inciteful and encouraging as I did.
To get things started, here is a paragraph from the article, which by the way you can watch on YouTube as well.
The Invitation
God loves being with us. Consider the following invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). The Almighty, the Creator, the Everlasting God of heaven and earth wants some time with us.
Go to the link above to read the rest!
Also, read this wonderful Psalm and give Him praise — He is a good God!
“God! Arise with awesome power, and every one of your enemies will scatter in fear! Chase them away—all these God-haters. Blow them away as a puff of smoke. Melt them away like wax in the fire. One good look at you and the wicked vanish. But let all the righteous be glad! Yes, let them all rejoice in your presence and be carried away with gladness. Let them laugh and be radiant with joy! Let them sing their celebration-songs for the coming of the cloud rider whose name is Yah! To the fatherless he is a father. To the widow he is a champion friend. The lonely he makes part of a family. The prisoners he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy. This is our Holy God in his Holy Place! But for the rebels there is heartache and despair. O Lord, it was you who marched in front of your people, leading them through the wasteland. Pause in his presence The earth shook beneath your feet; the heavens filled with clouds before the presence of the God of Sinai. The sacred mountain shook at the sight of the face of Israel’s God. You, O God, sent the reviving rain upon your weary inheritance, showers of blessing to refresh it. So there your people settled. And in your kindness you provided the poor with abundance.” Psalms 68:1-10 TPT
Hineni (הִנֵּנִי) is a Hebrew word that most simply means: Here I am, Here am I, or Behold, I.
With the murder of Charlie Kirk, who became a martyr for Christ on September 10, this word has taken on new significance for many people who are now saying, Here I Am, just as Charlie did.
Many have become hungry for God — seeking to know Jesus, to know that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. Churches are growing. Some people are coming back after being gone for long, others coming for the first time, Bibles are being bought and read. Many lives are being changed as they come to Jesus.
For many Christ followers it is a call to remember whose we are, who we are in Christ and that He has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. That we cannot be silent, the good news is ours to share.
As His, I am reminded that my aim is to live Hineni — Here I Am. To keep my heart tuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit. To be available to act whenever, however and wherever, as He directs. To be mindful that I get to choose to let His love flow through me, and that I may be the only Jesus someone sees.
As a result of this it is my joy and honor to share this truth with you:
“Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new. And God has made all things new, and reconciled us to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God.
In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips.
So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.” For God made the only one who did not know sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God through our union with him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 TPT
There is nothing you can do to make him love you less, or more. Ask Jesus to come into your heart, receive the forgiveness for your sins that he offers, be reconciled to the one true God, He loves you perfectly and completely.
“Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed. [Ps. 34:22; Isa. 28:16; 49:23; Jer. 17:7.]” Romans 10:9-11 AMPC
I cried when I learned he had been shot and killed at just 31 years old. It was both shocking and heartbreaking.
I did not know him personally, but I greatly admired his faith in Jesus Christ, love for family, dedication to speaking truth, and his love for America.
I understand that Charlie wanted to be remembered for his courage and his faith. I believe that he is and will be remembered for both of those things, as well as for his passion for the youth of this nation. His impact was significant.
It’s amazing to hear, read about and watch all of the prayer vigils (world wide), the overflowing churches and to hear leaders in our nation worship and give honor to God at the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service at the Kennedy Center, 9/14/2025.
Tomorrow (9/21/2025) it’s expected that 100,000+ will gather in a stadium in Glendale, AZ for a final memorial service to honor Charlie Kirk. Millions more will watch via network television, YouTube, Rumble and more.
All who are there, or watching or listening will hear from highly respected leaders, but more importantly, they will hear the gospel.
Please join me in praying for:
Erika and the Turning Point family to experience the grace, strength, peace and comfort of God, personally.
The protection of all speakers and attendees and that any plots, plans, and schemes of the enemy to disrupt the memorial will be exposed and thwarted. And for great wisdom and insight for all law enforcement and security personnel.
Pray for Pastor Rob McCoy, that God anoints and uses him and the message he shares.
Souls saved, hearts open to truth and for a great and long lasting revival and impact to reach college and high school students with the love of Jesus.
No technical difficulties and no online hindrances will affect live streams of the service.
I am expecting a great move of God. I am grateful that He can take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good. It has already begun and I expect it to continue to be a turning point toward God by many.
In continuing to research the word, Hineni, I read and have been thinking the story of the Prophet Samuel, and his impact on the nation of Israel.
I remember Samuel from the Bible story in Samuel 3:1-21 that I often heard as a child. It talks about Samuel being dedicated to God as a small child, and that one night (at about 12 years old) he was awakened by a voice calling several times and how he got up to answer it. He thought Eli the Priest was calling him, so he went to Eli and said, Here am I (Hineni). Eli recognized after a few times that it must be God calling and told Samuel that when he heard it again, to say, “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening.”
I think that’s where the Bible story ended back then, with the lesson being, if we were willing to say, Here I am, and to serve God, he would lead us. That’s a good lesson for a child, or for anyone to learn. But the story is so much richer if you take some time to look a bit deeper.
I read about Samuel’s mother, Hannah, in Samuel 1 & 2, and based on that I began to think about her impact on Samuel’s life. She only had him with her for 2-3 years, and after that she gave him to the Lord. Reading of her story and her faith, I can imagine her holding Samuel close during those years. Singing to him, praying over him and telling him of the God that had great plans for him. I can also imagine the love she poured into the garment she made and gave to him each year as he grew up in the service of God, and her joy in seeing him each year.
Think about it, God used Hannah to lay the ground work for Samuel’s faith and his willingness to listen to and serve the Lord. I believe God also hears our prayers, our heart’s cries, and He will use us if we will listen and say with a willing heart, Hineni Here am I.
Below is a condensed version of Hannah’s story, but I highly recommend reading it for yourself.
Hannah (whose name means, favored) was very was loved by her husband, but she was barren, distained and embarassed by her husband’s other wife, and desparately wanting to have a child.
During a yearly visit to sacrifice at the temple she made her appeal to God. Crying inconsolably she prayed and vowed: “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid and remember, and not forget your handmaid but will be me a son, I will give him to the Lord all of his life; no razor shall touch his head.”
Eli the Priest saw her praying and thought she was drunk, but when she explained she was praying, he said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” Hannah believed it! She took that as her prayer answered, now that’s faith!
Hannah was soon pregnant, and she named her son Samuel (Heard of God). When she had weaned him (estimated at 2-3 years old), she took both him and an offering to the Lord’s house at Shiloh, and brought him to Eli, saying: “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition… therefore I am given him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is given to the Lord,” and they worshipped the Lord there. Before leaving Samuel to minister to the Lord before Eli the priest, Hannah prayed this wonderful faith-filled prayer:
My heart exults and triumphs in the Lord; my horn (my strength) is lifted up in the Lord. My mouth is no longer silent, for it is opened wide over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.There is none holy like the Lord, there is none besides You; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let not arrogance go forth from your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children languishes and is forlorn. The Lord slays and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He lifts up. He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked shall be silenced and perish in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge [all peoples] to the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king (King) and exalt the power of His anointed.
Not only did Samuel hear the voice of God as a child, he went on to be a mighty Prophet of God and Judge of Israel. And, it was also Samuel that God used to anoint Saul (the 1st King of Israel) and King David. Here are some verses that speak about him:
Samuel 3:19-21 Samuel grew; the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord continued to appear in Shiloh, for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh through the word of the Lord.
Samuel 7:8-15. And the Israelites said to Samuel, Do not cease to cry to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines. So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord; and Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a great voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and smote them as far as below Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and he called the name of it Ebenezer [stone of help], saying, Heretofore the Lord has helped us. So the Philistines were subdued and came no more into Israelite territory. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The cities the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel rescued [the cities’] territory from the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites. And Samuel judged Israel all his days.
My prayer is that I will hear whenever He calls, and that He will hear me say, Hineni. Here am I. Whatever He may ask, I know that He is good, He is faithful, He is kind, He IS LOVE. Oh how HE loves YOU and ME!
I am back! I’ve been really busy for the last few months, getting ready to retire, writing work instructions for a job I did for 12+ years, and then training my replacement. I officially retired a few days ago, so now I can get back to writing. I am grateful.
I woke up earlier this week with this lovely hymn on my mind. I haven’t sung it for years and years, and yet I remember the words so well. That’s true of many of the precious hymns I sang as a child.
I felt compelled to hear it and learn about its history, and while searching I found this wonderful blog by a fellow believer. I haven’t been able to contact him, but I am sure he won’t mind me sharing this link to Barry’s Hymns, which he has been writing for many years. There are so many, and he shares his thoughts and the stories of each one. Here is what I found:
(1) O what a wonderful, wonderful day-Day I will never forget; After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend-He met the need of my heart; shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart!
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away, And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
(2) Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine, Justified fully through Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made When as a sinner I came, Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer-He saved me, O praise His dear name!
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
(3) Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure.There in those mansions sublime. And it’s because of that wonderful day When at the cross I believed; Riches eternal And blessings supernal From His precious hand I received.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
This song also reminds me of the angel’s declaration, when He and Heaven came down:
“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miraculous sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in the feeding trough!” Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.”” Luke 2:9-14 TPT
As I reflect on celebrating the birth of Jesus next week, I am keenly aware of His great love for all of us. My prayer for all of us is that He will reveal more of who He is and how very much each one of us are deeply loved by Him. That in knowing His love, it will be revealed through us and our world will be impacted.
Last weekend I attended a women’s event at Crossfire Church. My dear friend, Pastor Judy Hemmila and her daughter, Tammy Trent spoke.
God knew I needed it, and he met me there. I am being very transparent in writing this, in hopes that someone else will read this and be encouraged.
I had recently received news about my husband’s health, and honestly I was struggling to continue to stand in faith. It will be 5 years in November since he became ill. Through prayer and faith he gained back much of what had been lost, but this news from the doctor made my heart ache. I was shook up thinking of what things were like 5 years ago and not wanting to go through it again.
So, back to the meeting, and what helped me to regain hope.
The message: Wave Walkers
“Peter shouted out, “Lord, if it’s really you, then have me join you on the water!” “Come and join me,” Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus. But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he cried out. Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?” And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased.” Matthew 14:28-32 TPT
“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’ I am Yahweh, your mighty God! I grip your right hand and won’t let you go! I whisper to you: ‘Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you!’” Isaiah 41:10, 13 TPT
Tammy shared:
God was there…and is now.
Never mistake your numbness for his absence.
Stay anchored. Keep going back to the Word, what he as promised, what he has done.
He is the way out.
His intentions are good.
We need his blueprint and his vision. His Direction – Deut 2:3.; He is doing something new – Isa. 43:18-19; His promises are Yes and Amen – 2 Cor 1:20
Judy shared:
What are you rooted in that will help you weather the storm?
Where are we right now in the waters of life – head above? Or below? He keeps us from drowning.
Stay focused on Jesus! With Him all things are possible.
Don’t let your reasoning block you from experiencing the will of God.
Doubt is a friend to unbelief.
Let’s stop looking at what is pulling us down. And look at what is pulling us us up — the Word. (My add – the Living Word, He is Jesus, who loves me unconditionally, who NEVER leaves or forsakes me.)
I know they said much more, but these are the words that reached in and pulled me up, back into the place where I could once again breathe the air of faith.
Their words of faith, and both Judy’s and Linda’s prayers helped me to regain hope, faith, and trust in who He is always – a faithful God.
If you are struggling today, I speak the name of Jesus over you. Close your eyes and whisper His name. As you do I pray that you will sense His presence, reach out to Him and let Him fill you with the peace that only He can give. Know that He loves you, sees you, and cares deeply for you.
I am one among many American Christians praying for Israel.
Will you please join me in praying concerning Israel, its people, leaders, and the IDF (Israel Defense Force) — and against the enemy’s plans?
Father, I call for your angel armies to be released for the safety/protection of Am (the people) and Eretz (the land) Israel. Strengthen and give godly wisdom, insight, and understanding to their leaders, and hearts to hear and heed Your will. Grant unto them grace, help, and victory.
I cancel every assignment and plan by the enemy for harm, I command them to be exposed and undone now! All funding dries up now, and any assistance of the enemy from the inside is exposed, confused, and ineffective. I decree equipment fails, guns jam, and the fear of the Lord falls upon the enemy!
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
In writing this, I am reminded of:
Proverbs 16:6 KJV By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Luke 1:67, 69-75 KJV (the declaration of Zacharias, the Father of John the Baptist) And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied, saying, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
How thankful I am for prayer! For a God who is faithful, who hears and answers, and whose Word reveals His grace, mercy, and His will!
I am praying these words taken from Psalm 20 over Israel. Over all those I know or don’t know. Over all those who have personally experienced or have been impacted by acts of terror. Over the Israel defense force who stand ready to defend their nation and over their leaders.
Complete Jewish Bible May Adonai answer you in times of distress, may the name of the God of Ya‘akov protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Tziyon… May he grant you your heart’s desire and bring all your plans to success… Now I know that Adonai gives victory to his anointed one — he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we praise the name of Adonai our God. They will crumple and fall, but we will arise and stand erect. Give victory, Adonai! Let the King answer us the day we call.
The Passion Translation In your day of danger, may Yahweh answer and deliver you. May the name of the God of Jacob set you safely on high! May supernatural help be sent from his sanctuary. May he support you from Zion’s fortress! May he remember every gift you have given him and celebrate every sacrifice of love you have shown him. Pause in his presence May Yahweh give you every desire of your heart and carry out your every plan as you go to battle!… Yes, God will answer your prayers, and we will praise him! I know Yahweh gives me all that I ask for and brings victory to his anointed king. My deliverance cry will be heard in his holy heaven. By his mighty hand miracles will manifest through his saving strength. Some find their strength in their weapons and wisdom, but my miracle-deliverance can never be won by men. Our boast is in Yahweh our God, who makes us strong and gives us victory! Our enemies will not prevail; they will only collapse and perish in defeat while we will rise up, full of courage. Give victory to our king, O Yahweh! The day we call on you, give us your answer!
Amplified Classic MAY THE Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high [and defend you]; Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh, and strengthen you from Zion… May He grant you according to your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans… May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God. They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright. O Lord, give victory; let the King answer us when we call.
A Grateful Grace-full Life 