Home? Why Settle Here?

 

 

God Promised Something. Why Settle?

This came to me as I read Numbers chapter 32.  I’ll explain why.

I would also like to dedicate this to a friend named Amy, who says she wants to “go home” but doesn’t even know where home is.

A very small part of her story is in the JesusRx Prescription for Life Podcast, episode 29, titled "Amy K. Unafraid of God, Why? Listen to her answer.”

In Numbers 32, the children of Reuben and Gad owned a lot of livestock, and they saw that the area of Jazer and Gilead was a good place for livestock. They went to their leader, Moses, to ask if they could settle in that land.

They had not yet reached the promised land, and many wars lay ahead before they could get there.

Isn’t that like our life? We have many wars to come as we walk this life. The flesh is always battling the spirit until we reach our promised land.

It is not uncommon for us to battle this way. Paul in the book of Galatians speaks of this.

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[a] you want.

Our promised place is heaven. This place is not our home. We are told that if we have Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit in us to fight the battle.

We see this in Romans 8:5-9

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

The children of Reuben and Gad went to their leader Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the leaders of the congregation. They did well in letting them know what they wanted to do.

They said, “If we find favor in your sight, let the land be given to us. Do not take us over the Jordan.

The leadership knew this would discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going into the land. They had been discouraged once already when spies were sent over, and some reported it would not be possible to overtake the people and dwell in the land. They gave false reports. Most importantly, they believed man was stronger than God. (See Numbers chapters 13 and 14 for details).

I know I am to move forward where God leads me and see the promises for me as His child fulfilled.

I need to continue to cross over armed for war and battle His way. The battle belongs to the Lord, and He prepares me with armor. (See Ephesians 6:10-18 for details).

The Gadites and Reubenites ratified the agreement as servants of Moses and ultimately God. They wanted to set up homes for their families. It was a big thing to own land. It is still a big thing today. Some families are so wealthy they have homes for all the family members in the same place.

It was important for them to have land they could call their own.

Moses understood this. He consented with a positive and a negative. He told the people

He said, "If the children of Gad and Reuben cross the Jordan with you, every man armed for battle before the Lord, and the land is subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead as a possession."

If they did not cross over armed with you, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

By joining with God's people and fighting in the Lord's battle, they would inherit the land they desired and asked for. They would have a place to call home.

My dear friend Amy, and others like her who say they just want to go home, but have no idea where home is, please remember this.

If you have received Jesus, as my friend Amy has, His love for her and her inheritance is in Him; there is truly no earthly place to call home.

Her home, like mine and others who are following Jesus to our promised land, is not here where everything will fade, where moth and rust destroy. Where our health, wealth, and even people leave us (while they are still alive) (Matthew 6:19-21)

Continue to fight the good fight and look forward to the place we are to inherit. Don’t discourage the heart of others from going into “our promised land” by settling for anything else.

In Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, we ask for daily strength to fight the battles we encounter, desiring to call a place home that is not ours.

 

 

 

 

Who Taught Us To Cry (and why I cried at 1:15 and 2:45am)

 

Who Taught Us To Cry?

And why I cried at 1:15 am and 2:45 am

I was thinking about all the emotions we have. Did anyone teach us those emotions? Does anyone teach us to be happy or sad? At what point does a child know that he’s crying because he’s sad, hurt, angry, or stressed about something?

I don’t think any of our emotions are bad. I had a coach I worked with at one time, and she asked me why I had to turn my sad into mad. I told her because I don’t like being sad, so I decided it was better to be mad. After I said that, I realized how ridiculous that was.

I guess, like with any “medical condition,” we want to label it so we know how to treat it. I was trying to fix my “emotional condition” by labeling it. Emotions are funny. You can experience several at one time. It’s the same thing with medical conditions. You can experience several illnesses at once, not realizing they may stem from a single root cause you may not want to deal with.

Most emotions I can feel rising up within me. There is that one called grief that comes up without warning. I know I can take my thoughts captive when anger arises and most times put out the flames of anger before it rages into an all-out destruction zone.

Grief is not the same. Of all the emotions I’ve experienced, that one I don’t try to fight or hold back. Emotions can teach us so much about ourselves and where we are in life. Is it really healthy to hold back any emotion? What do you think?

I know I used to feel uncomfortable around people who cried. I would feel helpless and didn’t want to cry in front of others, not because it made me look weak, but because I didn’t want to make them uncomfortable.

There are people we might call “criers.” They cry at the drop of a hat, and then there are those who just won’t cry in front of others. There are those in between. I started to write this because of the tears I shed in the middle of the night.

No one around, except a snoring husband and a dog lovingly sleeping on my legs.

I used to be such a good sleeper. I never understood people who couldn’t sleep through the night. As I got older, I started to understand a bit better why some people don’t sleep so well. It could be hormones, pain, sleep apnea, unhealthy living conditions, work schedule changes, the list could go on.

Some get up to go to the bathroom a couple of times; some let life's worries keep them up.

I truly believe God will wake people up because He desires so much to talk to them. Do you ever wake in the middle of the night and ask God what or who He wants to talk to you about? Try it. You will be amazed at what happens.

Often, after a conversation with God, He enables restful, peaceful sleep.

I want to share my experience with you.

There are times our hearts are so full. Full of so many things. So many emotions flood our bodies. Good things happen to us every day. I believe that. I believe for every negative thing something positive can be found. Maybe not in that exact moment, but good can come.

I can spiral down when I dwell on the negative things happening in my life and in the lives of those I love. I cannot change people’s circumstances. I can change my circumstances by moving forward, not by sitting in the past of my mistakes or dwelling on what-ifs. Those what-ifs used to get me and hold me captive. NO MORE does that happen.

I spent the summer in New Hampshire, loving on my grandsons and daughter. I got to see friends and share meals and laughter with them. I even met new people who shared their stories of coming off medications and escaping a life of abuse. I got to speak at a ladies' luncheon about the Prescription For Love.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the little country church we visited. Greenfield Covenant is small, about 80 people, but wow, big on love and putting it into action. They truly felt like family.

It was time to pack the RV and head back to Nevada.

The first night on the road, I woke at 1:15 am. The tears slowly started streaming down my face. Why?  Here’s the list.

I cried because:

I was missing my mom (she entered heaven on 11/4/2025). I knew that when I came back from NH this time, she would not be there to share the stories, pictures, and videos I took.

The day we left was 9/11, the 25th anniversary of the horrible attack on our country. I thought of that day and all the activities taking place in remembrance of the loved ones lost and the evil that ensued that day.

I know my dad misses Mom so much.

I was leaving my grandsons and their mama.

I was leaving friends that love me unconditionally

I was leaving the love of a church family that we haven’t felt in a long time.

I thought about situations where children aren’t in stable homes. They don’t have a loving mother and father in their lives. The parents won’t raise them to know God’s love because they aren’t receiving His love.

I thought about the dogs I walked at the shelter who would not be there when I return. Not because they were adopted, but because they were euthanized. I understand the reasons, but it still hurts.

I miss my younger daughter.

I thought about my friends looking for steady employment and their health.

I thought about all my “widow” (hate that word) friends and how much their lives have changed. For some, it’s been years; for others, they’re just going through it.

I thought of my friend who has “nodules” in her stomach. What are they? Will she be okay?

I thought of all the changes life brings

So many people are “stuck” and unable to live healthy, happy lives.

I started talking to God about all this. All the transitions going on in so many people’s lives. I know how hard we try to strive to make it in this world. It can be exhausting to feel as if we will never rest.

I know that when I choose Jesus, much of my striving ceases. Do I still have worries? Yep! Just look at my list! That was just one day.

I look at friends and family members who choose Jesus, and they don’t strive like my friends who have chosen other ways, things, or people. There is a peaceful confidence that shows up, no matter the circumstances. They know how strong the God they serve is. They know He knows their struggles and still cares deeply for them.

Joy comes amid the chaos. Nothing seems to overtake them. Yes, they get tired, but they don’t get angry or bitter at God.

I never said problems will disappear, but many of them can and are avoided by trusting and living the way God calls His people to live.

That is one of the things that keeps waking me up. I ask God, Why? Why can’t people trust you? He reminds me of the time I had a horrible time trusting churches and many of the people who attended them.

Yes, Lord, that is right, but I never stopped trusting You. The lessons I was taught were so invaluable. I never stopped reading God’s Word, and the beautiful thing is that I can always go to God, just as you can, and ask for revelation and truth.

If we seek truth, we will find it.

As I lay there that night, talking to God, He reminded me of Psalm 23. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still water. He restores my soul, leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake.

Psalm 23 continues to speak of comfort, goodness, and mercy that will follow me all the days of my life, and the best part is that I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Soon, comfort came, and, my mind set on what God says, I was overcome with joy and assurance of His love for me and others.

Whether they want to receive the Love God has for them through Jesus Christ is on them. Not me. They must choose.

Soon I was rejoicing that I have 2 grandsons. I never asked for them. God knew what I needed. I do know children are a blessing from the Lord. Our family has been blessed. I rejoice that I got to spend 3 months with them.

I go over the Prescription for Children in the JesusRx Prescription for Life podcast, and you can purchase any of the 12 Prescription for Life booklets at the Lulu.com bookstore. The JesusRx Prescription for Life workbook, containing all 12 Prescriptions, is available on Amazon.

In missing my mom, I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 2:9. I know her and other loved ones who received Jesus are experiencing things God has prepared for them. Things we can’t comprehend. Me, my dad, and my widow friends rejoice knowing there is no sadness, pain, or heartache where our loved ones are.

Of course, everyone grieves, and my widow friends go to God daily; He is called their husband. It’s amazing how God can be ALL THINGS!

It takes a repentant heart, a life looking to and living for God, and daily waiting on Him to get us “home.” This place is not our home.

I thanked God for the mom I was given.

I was reminded of all those remembering 9/11 and how so many people came together to help and bring comfort in such a time of need. How 25 years later people still need the comfort of God, and He is there. Jesus left us the comforter, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does more than bring comfort.

I was led to pray for those caring for children who are not being cared for by their parents. I was able to pray for situations as God reminded me of them.

Knowing He is present- that’s the awesome thing about going to God in prayer; He will lead you to pray for what you ought to talk to Him about.

I was so thankful to God for answered prayer, providing a job for my daughter in the field she studied. I then needed to believe, and I did, that he would work the 3 things that needed to happen to get her moved to the new state where her job is. There’s still one more door that needs to open. I leave it with God and know only through the Power of His Spirit things happen.

God is gracious in answering our prayers, even when loved ones may not believe.

At 2:45 am, I woke up remembering to pray for a friend who has “nodules” in her stomach. I checked in on her a couple of days later, and she said they were benign. Nothing to worry about. Praise God.

As we get older, more medical issues arise. I have learned to go to the Great Physician first, asking Him to lead me to any other physicians or treatments I might need. Many times, no other treatment is needed, and I simply eat better, get rest, read His word, and think upon the ways of God.

I began to rejoice in my health and the health of friends.

Some people hate change, some love it. I’ve had about 38 different jobs and moved about 14 times. This would lead some to say I like change.

I was able to thank God for getting me through all the changes in my life. I am so blessed and grateful that the person I married hasn’t changed.

Actually, my husband and I have changed a lot since getting married. We’ve made many changes together to keep us together and to grow together over the last 36 years.

I remember that NOTHING stays the same on this earth, and it shouldn’t. We should be growing wiser with each passing year. I thank God for the experiences I’ve had that enable me to help others.

I talked to God about technology and how I’m supposed to use it.

Talk about change! Microwaves, computers, email, and cell phones weren’t even a thing when I was growing up. We had to wait an hour for a frozen dinner or pizza to cook in the oven. We used a phone attached to the wall. We learned to type on “non-electric” typewriters. Buying stamps to send out paper invitations and keeping an address book were a thing.

I still love to get a card or “paper” invitation. Sending paper invitations was awesome and still is to me. I LOVE PAPER, and I know God will get those who love him through all the AI “stuff”.

I never want to be a “stuck” person. You don’t have to be either. I love the question “Do you want to be well?”

You would think everyone would answer yes, but their actions seem to be saying something else, as evidenced by the unhealthy ways they live and the negative thoughts they continue to hold.

A selfish person will never be well. A person living with regrets replaying past mistakes will never be well. A person trying to live off the good they have done in the past will never be well. I want to be whole as I work through all the changes happening in and around me.

A person who doesn’t feed their mind, body, and spirit with healthy things will always crave “something.” Continue to feed your mind, body, and soul with the things that will keep you growing and changing to make a difference while on this earth.

There is no better way to live.

This saying is so true:

“For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

What thoughts are in your heart? Just as I had so many thoughts in my heart and head that woke me at 1:15 am and 3:30 am, I knew where to take them.

If you need help finding balance and comfort amid life's craziness, I can help.

You have to want it. I will start by cheering you on, then teach you to be your own cheerleader. People will always come and go. You are stuck with yourself. What kind of person do you want to be?

All things are possible with God. Are you ready for what is possible?

If so email me at evapopekjesusrx@gmail.com for a free strategy session.

May you sleep well, cry as often as needed, and know you are loved.

In balanced, whole health,

Eva