September 23, 2026

To the followers of Christ: If you've ever met someone with the gift of prophecy, or you may be that person, you will recognize them because they are quick to call out sin, and they don't hold back. If they do hold back, it's purely because the Holy Spirit restrained them. They may not have refined grace. For example: John the Baptist was a prophet sent to introduce Jesus, and while he was baptizing, he called the Pharisees and Sadducees a generation of vipers; they earned that distinction, but you can see that he was quick to call them out, and he was brutal with his words. Sometimes the best way to get your point across is to go straight for the truth. However, what may be lacking, especially when it comes to speaking to those who are saved, is grace. Grace has many definitions, but the one that seems to go best with this lesson is this:

Grace: The application of Christ's righteousness to the sinner. 

Isn't that good? We would all do well to understand it this way. Grace is preferred above the Law of Moses. I know that's a bold statement, but it's the truth. Moses' law is terrifying, threatening, and full of penalties to make people comply, but the Gospel of Jesus is happier, and "it has all the beneficial uses of the law, but not the terror, for it is grace."

The point is that if you are tempted to call out someone's sin, and sometimes it's necessary, remember to apply the righteousness of Jesus to the sinner. Tread carefully; you don't want to venture into sin yourself while correcting someone else.

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17

The quotes above come from the Matthew Henry Commentary.

September 22, 2026

To the followers of Christ: Have you ever been a witness, sat on a jury, or been questioned by a judge in court? It can be intimidating and make you a nervous wreck. Once you realize the judge is just another human trying to uncover the truth, you calm down somewhat. As Christ-followers, that is what we do daily. We are witnesses to the grace and truth that came through Jesus; we study the evidence as a jury, and we answer questions about his deity like witnesses in a trial. Not only do we have the evidence in our hands, the written Word of God, but our experience of his grace and mercy serves as the truth of who he is. 

Did you know that there are usually twelve jurors seated in either a civil or criminal case, chosen randomly from everyday people? Did you also know that Jesus had twelve disciples as witnesses who were typical, relatable, everyday people? He didn’t call priests or kings as his disciples, but people who could spread his message of grace and truth. They may have been intimidated at first, but once they realized that Jesus was God in the flesh, they willingly submitted themselves to whatever challenges they faced because they believed in him. Because of your faith in him, you can hold your head high, knowing the One who holds your everlasting life in his hands, and you can fiercely testify to the truth that Jesus Christ is our Savior and King. 

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

September 21, 2026

To the followers of Christ: Have you ever dug into your lineage? I traced one of my lines all the way back to the 1500s, but that’s as far as I could go; it stops abruptly after that. What was I looking for? Royalty. I didn’t find any in my lineage, so why have I always felt set apart, even as a child? 

Somehow, lately, the algorithm has been sending me videos of the British royal family, and I couldn’t help but watch them. Turns out, they don’t do anything. Their purpose seems to be to show off the royal jewels and show up to be seen. They don’t seem to be in charge of anything but themselves. 

Jesus, who is royalty and always was, was rejected as such. The people who gave him his royal lineage rejected him as King. Remember, only a few accepted him as their King; the rest crucified him. They crucified his body, but couldn’t get rid of him! He came back to life, proving that he wasn’t ordinary. 

Look at this: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13

We are royalty, not by flesh, but because we have received Jesus and have been born again into God’s royal lineage. We are not just ornaments like the British royal family; our royalty comes with responsibilities, and we have a purpose. We are commanded to tell the world about Jesus, and how could you not brag about what he has done for you? It’s as simple as sharing your testimony. Tell your story of redemption, brag about your royal family, and show off your jewels- that sparkly light of our Savior. 

September 20, 2026

To the followers of Christ: Remember the children's song "Deep and Wide"? I remember singing it way back in Sunday School. We did the motions with our hands, which helped us learn the song.

Deep and wide

Deep and wide

There's a fountain flowing deep and wide

Deep and wide

Deep and wide

There's a fountain flowing deep and wide

Jesus is that fountain. I posted a picture of my new, old fountain a couple of days ago; we recently placed it on our back patio, and it's dry and still needs a good cleaning. Without Jesus, we are like that dry and dirty fountain, waiting to be filled from his overflowing grace.

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. John 1:16

Jesus is so full of grace that it bubbles over onto us, fills us up, and spills onto others; we are the vessel, like the fountain, that shares that grace with others. So, when you are offended by others- and believe me, it happens all the time- remember that you are full of the grace of Christ, and it's your job to let that grace spill onto the offenders. You don't have to be their punching bag, but if you offer them grace and they reject it, they will pay the price. Jesus will top off that grace you gave them with more. That is grace for grace. 

September 19, 2026

To the followers of Christ: How seriously do you take your temple? If our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God, the special gift sent to us by Jesus after he departed from earth, why do we continue to treat it as if that wasn't true? Jesus entered the temple at two different times to drive out the merchants who were using it to make money. What might you be doing that would disappoint him in the way you use your body? If you go back to the Old Testament and read about the temple services, you will see the importance placed on keeping it holy because it was where God dwelt among the people. A priest had to be thoroughly cleansed, both inside and out, before he could enter the Holy of Holies. If he weren't clean enough to minister before God, he would be struck down, and the other priest would have to drag his body out by the rope attached to him. Yet, here we are treating our own bodies as if we weren't carrying the precious cargo of the Holy Spirit. Today, let us consider what we do, reflect on the Holy Spirit's indwelling, and begin honoring him as he deserves. One specific thing you can do is repent quickly when you sin, so your temple stays clean. 

And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. John 2:15-16

September 18, 2026

We have the building plans for a small strip center. After we finalize the plans and submit them to the county for approval, we have to remove the sheds and prepare the land. But before that, we still have to clean out the stuff my father-in-law had collected before he passed. He loved going to auctions and buying whatever his heart desired. So one of the first things we had to do was find places for all those things. We wanted to keep some things, but others had no place and might end up in a landfill. One thing he had collected was a huge fountain, which we decided to keep.

God has a plan for your life, just as we have plans to build a shopping center. The process has an order. You must submit your life to Jesus first; much like getting your plans to the county for permitting, though it’s easier to give your life to Jesus. Only after salvation do you begin cleaning up and removing junk, such as past hurts, sins, traumas, and more. Jesus is the clean-up man. You were given gifts from the beginning, so you want to keep those, like the extra nice things that won’t end up in a landfill, like the fountain. That fountain is like the Holy Spirit; for it to flow, it needs a good cleaning and a new pump to get it going, and so, like the water, the Holy Spirit can flow through you.

So think about this story if you are still on the fence about turning your life over to Jesus. There is no better time than now. Don’t leave this world without him; that would be a tragedy that you will regret for eternity. 

Jesus said:

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

September 17, 2026

To the followers of Christ: Did you know that prayer can change your attitude? When your feelings are hurt, or a situation stirs up your emotions, and you begin to drown in self-pity, you can reach out to God and ask Him to bring you peace so you can overcome the issue disturbing you. 

The story of Elijah is long but good. In 1 Kings 19, Jezebel is after his life because he took the lives of all her "prophets." Elijah fled to Beersheba, a province of Judah, left his servant there, and continued on a day's journey. He sat down under a juniper and asked God to take his life. 

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 1 Kings 19:4

He was depressed and fearful of Jezebel and didn't want to continue, so he went to sleep. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, woke him up, and brought him something to eat. He ate, drank his water, and went back to sleep. The angel came again with more food, meat that would sustain him for 40 days. 

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. 1 Kings 19:8

Elijah spent some time recovering from his depression at Mount Horeb, then God let him hear His voice, which was barely a whisper, but it was enough that Elijah heard God's instructions on what he was to do next. He continued in the strength God gave him. 

From this story, you can see that prayer, rest, and a little nourishment will refresh and strengthen you to do what God called you to do, so don't linger too long in self-pity. 

September 16, 2026

To the followers of Christ: I planned to continue to show you information that we are living after the time when the people ruled and reigned with Jesus here on earth and that we may be living in Satan's short season, but it seems that because of the Roman Catholic teachings that have also colored the Protestant Church, many minds are seared into believing that we are still waiting for that to occur, so this is likely the last time I will mention it. 

And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. Revelation 20:7-8

In the 1599 Geneva Bible supposedly brought over by the Pilgrims escaping Catholicism, the commentary shows that those things have already happened. Even the Matthew Henry commentary on Luke 21 reads as though the thousand-year reign has already happened. Signs throughout the world suggest that extraordinary beings may have lived and built structures we are incapable of building today. Could that have been when Jesus reigned here on earth? If true, what does that mean for us today? We are waiting on Judgment Day and the gathering of the Saints for war against Satan to finally throw him into the lake of fire. The season of deception is obscuring all the details and making us believe we are still waiting on the Thousand Year Reign. But isn't that just like Satan, the great deceiver? The timelines are all wrong. For instance, look at the Statue of Liberty; it has a broken chain at its ankle and may depict Satan's freedom from the pit. The only way to see the truth is to overcome the lies that history has taught us and see things with new eyes, opened eyes, with scales removed. These are thoughts to get your minds working. Believing this is not going to send anyone to hell; it's just expanding knowledge and revealing things that have been hidden for a very long time. Do a little research. Once you see it, you cannot unsee it. 

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28

September 15, 2026

To the followers of Christ: Building a new temple in Jerusalem so that it can be destroyed makes no sense. We are not waiting for that prophecy to be fulfilled; it has already happened. Around 70 AD, about 38 years after Jesus was crucified, God brought about His vengeance through the Roman occupation of Jerusalem, for what those people did to Jesus.

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. Luke 21:22

Jesus warned his disciples about what would happen, giving them the full rundown of the schedule of events. He told them that when they saw the desecration of the temple, they were to flee to the mountains, and that’s exactly what they did. The Roman soldiers brought their idols into the temple and set them up as a way to dishonor God; that was the desecration of the temple, not a pig, like we’ve often heard. The tribulation for the people that didn’t flee created the most horrible atrocities that had ever happened. The Christians fled to Pella in Perea, just as Jesus had warned them to do. They were not raptured, but they did live to see what happened. 

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Matthew 24:34

Why would Jesus say that they wouldn’t pass until those things were fulfilled? Because it happened during that generation. He didn’t lie to them, because that prophecy was fulfilled. 

Stay tuned if you want to learn more; I’ll cover some key points over the next few days.

September 14, 2026

To the followers of Christ: Does anyone else find gardening satisfying? Watching seeds sprout and seeing plants grow makes me happy. I just planted a fall garden. I haven’t done that in several years. Some of the plants I planted came from a garden center because I decided too late to start them from seed, but others I sowed right into the garden beds. I’m concerned the seeds I planted may not be viable, as most should have sprouted by now. If they don’t show any progress, I will start again with new seeds. 

Doesn’t this sound familiar to how we minister to others trying to convince them to call on Jesus as their Savior? We plant a seed in their minds, but sometimes it doesn’t take, so we try again later, hoping the new seed will take root. Don’t give up if you have a friend or family member who hasn’t submitted to Jesus; keep trying, and one day, they will hopefully realize how amazing it is to live for him.

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:8

September 13, 2026

Shedding the World: Come Down From the Mountain

If you plan to follow Jesus’s command to go and tell everyone about him, you will need to be among people. I know what you’re thinking, but you can’t always avoid people. After his sermon on the mountain, a multitude followed him. Even though his teachings were to the point and maybe a bit hard to swallow, he taught with authority, so they knew he was the real deal. He came down and began his healing ministry.

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. Matthew 8:1

The most famous man/God of all time spent time with his fans. Not like today’s “gods,” celebrities, politicians, and sports heroes, who hide out and avoid people for fear that they will be harmed. No, Jesus was not fearful, and even spent time with individuals, teaching and healing everywhere he ventured. I’m a little envious of those people who got to meet him in the flesh. Can you imagine being able to worship without fear of crossing the line into idolatry because Jesus was the One True God? Even now, especially now, it’s okay to celebrate him and raise him above others. Worship and praise him with all your heart because he is worthy. 

September 12, 2026

Shedding the World: The Authority of Jesus

The people who followed Jesus knew he spoke with strong authority. Jesus came and set the record straight; he challenged the religious authorities, clarified the law, and removed the unnecessary process those authorities burdened the people with. Unfortunately, those same authorities exist today, taking Jesus' authority out of his hands and placing it upon themselves. Even though Jesus taught about the change that would come after his resurrection, and his taking power back from zealous religious leaders and giving it to the people through the power of his Holy Spirit, churches today operate much like Rome and the Jewish powers from back in his day. God is spirit, so we must worship Him in spirit and truth; when Jesus walked with the people here on earth as God in the flesh, he taught us about true worship, and he has the final say on how we worship. 

Our bodies are now the temple of God's Holy Spirit. I attend church because I love the fellowship of other believers and appreciate our pastor's teaching, but I have a more powerful time of worship when I'm alone with Him, combing through the Scriptures and talking to Him as a friend. You aren't going to be free from the draw of worldly activity unless you spend some alone time with the One True God, getting to know Him for yourself, and worshipping Him in spirit and truth every single day! If you truly want to shed the world, you must replace your worldly thoughts with godliness and aim to please Him rather than people, and to do that, you must spend time with Him.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:28-29

September 11, 2026

Shedding the World: Build Your House on the Rock

Our family recently bought an old house built in 1920 that borders our property. It was rough around the edges and needed some tender, loving care to bring it back to life beyond its former glory. It's not one of those pristine, Victorian-style homes you see in magazines; it's what we lovingly call a Florida Cracker house, with character reminiscent of the past. To bring it up to our expectations, every inch needed portions to be either removed, restored, or coated with a lot of paint. Our daughter has painstakingly touched every inch of that home to ensure that her family is comfortable there when they move in. It's a work in progress. As old as this house is, it's hard to believe it's still standing after weathering many storms and hurricanes. It is sturdy and strong! 

This house describes the character of a person who builds their life like a house with Jesus as their foundation that withstands the test of time and lives in obedience to him. Following his guidance is imperative to standing strong in your faith and becoming unbothered by worldly trials because your hope is founded in him. Doing what he says and living for him is what he calls building our house on a rock rather than on the loose soil of the earth. Put all your hope in him; everything else is wasting time, and one day you will regret time spent on unnecessary things. Jesus is all that matters, and doing his will is what will draw you closer to him and help you shed your worldly aspirations.  

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. Matthew 7:24-25

September 10, 2026

Shedding the World: I Never Knew You 

Those words seem harsh coming from Jesus, but we must remember that some people use his name without ever having a relationship with him. Remember Judas and the sons of Sceva? They did the works of Jesus, but never knew him. We see a lot of this type of “salvation” today, where people recite the words of a prayer, thinking it will save them from the fire, but they don’t pursue a relationship with the One who saves. How do we fix that situation? You get to know him through the scriptures, you draw close to him through prayer, you cherish him, and learn his ways. Your salvation is a big deal; treat it that way. The point is that you don’t have to try harder; you have to have a genuine relationship with him. It’s a friendship, and it comes naturally if you put a little time into it. 

I have a new friend, and even though we know that we were meant to be friends because we like the same things and have a connection, the time we spend together draws us closer. If we didn’t cultivate that relationship, it wouldn’t go anywhere; we would still be friendly, but time spent together increases the value of that friendship. If you value your relationship with Jesus, you will spend time with him so that you never hear him say to you, “I never knew you.”

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-23

September 9, 2026

Shedding the World: A Tree and Its Fruit 

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matthew 7:15-16

A false prophet is a religious imposter. You've seen them, especially those in the entertainment industry and among athletes. When they win, they proclaim to thank God, our Father, and sometimes use the name of Jesus. However, when you look at their actions and how they live, it is obvious they don't know Him at all. They proclaim God and continue to live an indulgent lifestyle. We have to ask ourselves, who is the god they worship? Is it our God, the Almighty, or someone else? They say they love God and honor Him, but their fruit tells us something else. 

These people, if that's what they are, are the ones Jesus speaks of when he tells us that they will be cut down and cast into the fire. It's not just the stars and athletes; it's many evangelists and religious singers, which scares me most because they bring a seemingly good word in the name of Jesus but come from the same tree as those stars and athletes, and can easily lead many astray. Discernment is key. 

I call this series "Shedding the World" because I've found that much of what I think is good may have an evil beginning, and I'm drawn to it because it's attractive. It's made me question everything that I find fascinating. The enemy presents himself as an angel of light; question the light and examine the fruit. Discernment is imperative. Here's what Jesus says:

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:19-20

September 8, 2026

Shedding the World 

The Golden Rule 

I titled this series “Shedding the World” because, in this world, many issues are thrown in the face of a Christ-follower. We are tempted by shiny objects meant to distract us from our goal of separating ourselves from worldly influences. Things we think are good and well might be detrimental to our faith. That’s why, as much as we tread carefully in this world, trying to follow Jesus exclusively, we encounter people and things that distract us from him, even causing us to sin by accident. 

Important side note: ask forgiveness daily, even if you don’t think you did anything wrong. 

For example, as I was writing this devotional, I heard a knock on my window. It was a bird reminding me to give them some seeds. That little bird, as cute as it was, interfered with my study. If I hadn’t been able to use this distraction in the devotional, I would have blamed the enemy, and it may well have been, but since God can use anything for His good, I shouldn’t be too irritated.

It’s hard to stay on the narrow path as Jesus commanded; even so, we need to do our best to remain faithful to him and live out our faith with fear and trembling. 

In this portion of Scripture, it tells us to treat people the way we want to be treated and to stay on the narrow path. If you aren’t already trying to do that, have you truly changed your direction from evil to good after accepting Jesus as your Savior? The Holy Spirit should be convicting you of these things. Here is what Jesus said:

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:12-14

September 7, 2026

Shedding the World 

Ask, and It Will Be Given 

I can remember that as a child, I wanted certain things. God knew what would make me happy and draw me closer to Him. When I grew up, He answered some of those prayers by giving me a husband who could help make them happen. I've always loved the beach; it's my happy place. I take long walks, talk with God, look for shells, soak up the sun, and find overwhelming peace. Without a doubt, I know that it was God who set into motion a way to answer that prayer. 

When I say I hold conversations with Him, it's seriously a chat. I ask Him questions that He answers immediately, and sometimes before I get the question out of my mouth. How do you tell the difference? The answers are quick and decisive, not wishy-washy, and often come before you finish your thought, and they line up biblically. Intrusive thoughts and negative self-talk are not from God. 

The point is to ask God for your heart's desires, whether physical or spiritual, make them known to Him, and He will answer. If He doesn't give you the answer you desire, know that it would have become something harmful for you. Our Father only gives us good gifts. Knowing this, showing Him gratitude, gratefulness, and thankfulness goes straight to His heart and will encourage Him to keep giving you your heart's desire. Here's what Jesus says about it:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. ——-If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:7-8 & 11