Sunday, November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

There are plenty of events happening to show us that we are at the end of the end times, but some things seem to jump off the pages of scripture. Look at the following verses:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 1 Timothy 4:1-3


I can’t make this up! Do you see how these verses point to the people lighting up social media with their disappointment over the election outcome? They are all joining forces to abstain from s*x*al relations for the next four years as a protest against their perceived loss of rights. I know of “Christians” who are voicing their disappointment, too. They may be drawn away from the faith by seducing spirits. One side clearly hates Christians; how could these “Christians,” in good conscience, side with that party? At least the other party acts as if they care about us. The verse that says “forbidding to marry” may be pointing to the Catholic Church, but it may also have prophetic undertones suggesting that what we are seeing indicates at what point we are in the end-times timeline. Remember, the Bible is the living word. 

Saturday, November 9, 2024

November 9, 2024

We are learning that our behavior plays a crucial role in how others view us. Watching people fall apart when challenged is a sign of a weak character and shows us that they are not someone to follow; instead, they are someone who needs to learn to control their emotions. It’s okay to be disappointed but not to lash out at others for doing their civic duty. In 1 Timothy 3, Paul writes to Timothy to share the characteristics of an overseer and a deacon. I would go a little further and say that everyone should adhere to these characteristics as servants of the Most High God in whatever capacity. We are representatives of Jesus and should exhibit behavior worthy of him. 

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 1 Timothy 3:2-4

It also says he should not be prideful and be of good report with the poor. The office of deacon is very similar, but adds that they must be bold in their faith. In light of the current societal issues, it would serve us and others well if we had compassion for those who are not emotionally mature rather than condemning them. We know they need the healing touch of Jesus; he is our ultimate psychiatrist. Also, all the remedies for emotional maturity can be found in God’s Word. That’s why it’s so important to read the scriptures daily.

Friday, November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered why Paul felt the need to expand on why women are subject to a man, look no further than the behavior of liberal women over the outcome of the election. I can understand them being upset because their candidate didn’t win; none of us like it when we don’t get our way, but to video your reaction of crying and screaming shows us that the decision made by the people was the right one. Now, many of them have made a pact to not have sexual relations for the next four years because they perceive they won’t have access to ab**tions. I hope they stick to their pact. Maybe the amount of women using that form of birth control will decrease, and we won’t have such women teaching their children their dismal behavior. Some of them are shaving their heads as part of this ritual. I call it a ritual because it seems that their behavior may have demonic influence because they seem possessed in some of their videos. If they weren’t under some demonic influence, they would grieve in privacy like most rational adults. Can you imagine such people leading our country? 

In this chapter of 1 Timothy 2, Paul encourages us to pray for all people. He points out that we should pray for kings and all in authority, which is what we must continue to do because of the instability of our country right now. Pray for these women, the current administration, and the new one coming to power in January. Don’t forget to pray for yourself, your family, your pastor, and your church. God is good and has never failed us.


I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2


Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 1 Timothy 2:11-12

Thursday, November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Be careful who you listen to, whether for worldly news or biblical teaching. It’s easy to get caught up in information that piques our interest, but sometimes, that information is tainted with lies or misinformed predictions. The recent election is a good example. You would have thought a bomb was going to be dropped on election day by what some were saying, causing many to fear. “Vote early and be careful at the polls.” It seemed like business as usual to me. I didn’t hear of any rioting or protesting afterward, which means much of what was said was to instill fear and make people stay home rather than do their civic duty. 

We have nothing to compare worldly news to other than history; however, with Bible teachers, we have God’s word as a comparison to make sure what is being taught is trustworthy and true. If you hear something new about godly things that entice you, it’s best to search the scriptures to find confirmation for what is being taught. F.B. Meyer posed this question to determine the truth: “The question always is, Do these words of theirs promote the health of the soul, and above all, love out of a pure heart and a good conscience?” If you can’t find their teachings in the scriptures, it’s probably not true. Be a Berean and diligently search the scriptures.


Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:  From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1 Timothy 1:5-7

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

We are now hopeful that our newly elected president was assigned for a purpose by God to bring the wicked oppressors to justice and much of the disgusting display of heinous acts brought to an end. Maybe the out-of-control spending will stop, the prices of goods and services will become affordable again, the poison will be removed from our food, the pharmaceutical companies will be controlled, and the depressed state of our country will become a happy existence again. However, we must continue to pray that his speaking the name of Jesus is the truth and that he is not part of the evil plot to bring about the new world order.

I can’t make this stuff up. The following paragraph came from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible for James 5. It’s almost eerie how this came up perfectly and right on time. If you don’t think God is in control of our everyday lives, read this:


“The Lord of hosts, who has all ranks of beings and creatures at his disposal, and who sets all in their several places, hears the oppressed when they cry by reason of the cruelty or injustice of the oppressor, and he will give orders to some of those hosts that are under him (angels, devils, storms, distempers, or the like) to avenge the wrongs done to those who are dealt with unrighteously and unmercifully. Take heed of this sin of defrauding and oppressing, and avoid the very appearances of it.”


Those of us who trust in the Lord are a blessed people; he will see us through to the end and protect us from the bad guys.


Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:7-8

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

We have no idea how this election will go today or whether or not an outcome will even be decided today. Here is some good news! God already knows the outcome and has a hand in what happens, so there is no reason to be afraid. We have relied on His protection until now, so one particular day will not change His plans. Our King and Savior is Jesus; no other can compare to him, and he is the only one who can save us! We must get this right. Pray not for the outcome but that His will be done. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring and must not act like we do. Remember this verse:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6


The key point for today is: “the government shall be upon his shoulder.” No man or woman can take power out of his hands. We are to trust that God knows what He is doing and rely solely on Him, not some makeshift government that seeks to oppress us in whatever ways possible. God’s kingdom is freedom whether man enslaves us or not. Our prayers should always include, “Your will be done,” because ultimately, it’s His decision. 


For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. James 4:15

Monday, November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

I'm going to offend everyone with my commentary on this next chapter, and maybe I should bridle my tongue, but not today. Like it or not, we all talk too much! James 3 hits hard for those who have difficulty controlling their tongue. He compares it to fire. The tongue releases the thoughts in your head, which can be frightening for those who don't control it. Wild animals can be tamed, "but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." The Bible doesn't mince words regarding the fire that comes from your mouth. However, the text gives a solution; it suggests that you pray for wisdom, and I couldn't agree more. Though I'm peace-loving and reserved, and it takes a lot for me to act on provocation, there are times that my tongue gets me in trouble. However, sometimes people react with offense when I keep my tongue bridled, and they read into it what I didn't say, and it's usually those who don't control their own mouth that get offended because they think they know what I'm thinking. They might be correct, but I didn't say it; if they didn't run their mouth so much, they might not experience my "lack" of reaction. James probably should have included facial expressions in this chapter; that may be where I get in trouble. Remember, you use that same mouth to bless God; think before you speak; if Jesus didn't respond that way, you shouldn't either.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:17-18


If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

Sunday, November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

James and Paul have slightly different ideas on the subject of works. Today, I will reconcile the two to help you understand that they are both right and do not differ but complement one another. It is relatively simple, but they seem to contradict one another on the subject of works. Here are the scriptures:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9


Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:18


You were not drawn to Jesus by anything you did. It was purely Jesus who drew you to himself. There is nothing you could have done that would have made you good enough. However, once he drew you to himself, you gained sufficient faith through the Holy Spirit to believe that he is the son of God and is God. Now that you were given the Holy Spirit, you are compelled to praise and worship him, which are forms of works. But it doesn’t stop there. Our hearts are so grateful for our salvation that we want to do more. Our minds, souls, and spirits work with the body to do physical things to draw others into the kingdom of God and help them recognize their need for Jesus. 


One example of which I’m very proud is my church, which quickly jumped in to help our community that was devastatedduring Hurricane Milton. Nearly everyone was without power and tired of eating hurricane snacks. So my church, which was also without power, got with a special member who owned a meat market; they and my pastor prepared a pulled pork lunch and, together with our membership, served a hot meal to anyone who wanted one. It was an overwhelming success. Not only did they have their needs met, but they could see God’s people acting in love and doing what God’s people should be doing. Faith and works reconciled!

Saturday, November 2, 2024

November 2, 2024

I’m getting a late start today because Rudy, my sweet little dog, kept me up with a stomach ache most of the night. Since he sleeps with us, he woke me up when he started moving around. This late-night trial was timed perfectly since I decided to cover the Book of James. Even though it is a minor trial, it serves as an example for the following verses:

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4


I can count this as a trial because it caused me to sleep later than usual, which threw off my rhythm for the time I spent alone with God praying, studying, and preparing my daily posts. God used my overnight trial to teach me patience with my dog and perseverance for still doing what He called me to do even though I had to do it a little sleepy. This was only a minor inconvenience; nevertheless, it became an excellent example of persistence while depending on God to assist in our calling in our times of weakness. Yes, there was the temptation to skip it and stay in bed, but I overcame it because God’s rewards for following His commands outweighed my need to cater to my physical well-being. Hang in there when the world gets tough because God sees how you handle its inconveniences.


Friday, November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

There is something sweet about meeting other believers in Christ; I can describe it as love for strangers you didn't know you had. I am somewhat reserved; one evening at a local concert, I met a woman and her husband, who were also Christ-followers. She went over the top in excitement upon meeting me as another Christian. It was such a joyful meeting; though we were strangers, there was an immediate bond as sisters in Christ. As the body of Christ, we meld together when we meet. It's like our mouth realizing that the hand feeds it; we need one another, and there is joy associated with knowing the other parts of the body. 

I've had two encounters with angels I know of, and those meetings were a little different than meeting a Christ-follower; they were messengers during a great time of need. I thought, "Who was that, and what just happened?" There is a different spiritual feeling involved. That's why the Hebrew writer clarifies that we should love everyone; you never know who you will meet.


Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:1-2

Thursday, October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

There couldn’t be a better time to cover the encouraging chapter of Hebrews 12. God knew we would face many trials and tribulations, so He gave us scripture to refer to that helps us endure and persevere. We may not have yet had to endure the shedding of blood; nevertheless, what we are experiencing from the wicked tends to throw us off our game. Jesus understands us more than we realize because he suffered for our sake and endured under the pressure of evil. That doesn’t mean we won’t have to suffer the loss of blood, but he will give us the ability to handle it if such suffering becomes necessary. I pray that we are protected from such a trial. Scripture tells us to lay aside every weight that hinders us from running the race, which includes our concerns for our flesh, which inhibits us from growing closer to God spiritually. Our flesh is what feels natural, but the truth is our spiritual nature is more real than our bodies, which only hold us back from reaching our full potential in Jesus. For this reason, Jesus said we should deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow him. Keep working on growing closer to Jesus; that closeness is the treasure we should store and is all we will have left when our body gives way.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1


Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hebrews 12:4


And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Living in this time in history takes a lot of faith to believe that God is in control, that everything will pan out, and that His plan will prevail. The writer of Hebrews covers some of the people he considered key players whose faith didn’t fail, and they believed in God for the outcome of their situation. These people were like us because they were ordinary people whom God used as examples to help us consider strengthening our faith in Him. We can all write stories of where our faith prevailed and are still writing it because it takes faith to believe the Holy Spirit is with us and to maintain our belief that Jesus is who he says he is. We’ve seen the works of His hands in our lives as a testament to that faith. I find it comforting that God rewards those who seek Him because it’s easy to stay in communication with Him throughout our day simply by praying and having the faith to believe that He hears you. Hold on to what you have; it seems we are nearing the end.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1


But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

The law of Moses was a shadow, and that shadow was of Jesus. Do we follow the shadow or the being casting the shadow? Jesus fulfilled the law, and we have a better picture of what God meant by that law because we have the light itself rather than a blurry gray area blocking the light. When you have faith in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, you receive a download and are compelled to do the right thing because God’s laws are then written on your heart. Mind you, it helps to study God’s Word, but the Spirit will show you the right thing to do because of his infilling. Because Jesus was the perfect offering, there are no more pleasing sacrifices to God; it’s Jesus or nothing.

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:16-17

Monday, October 28, 2024

October 28, 2024


Our family has gone through a couple of years of probate, dealing with the estate of Richard’s dad. It took so long because he didn’t set up a trust or a will, which would have helped the process. I always thought he didn’t take the time to set it up because he felt he wasn’t going to die, but it may have been that it was overwhelming, so he left it all for Richard to sort out, and it’s been a nightmare. There was debt that had to be paid so that the disposition of the estate could be completed. Nevertheless, a person must die for a will or trust to go into effect. I’m sure I may be oversimplifying it, but for the New Testament or covenant to begin, Jesus had to die.


Another point that helps us understand is that when a will or testament is written, if changes are made, or the will is re-written, the new will takes the place of the old and the old one is no longer valid. The same can be said about the New Testament replacing the Old Testament. There is much to learn from the Old Testament, but when it comes to our inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, the New Testament will take precedence. Unlike Richard’s dad, Jesus settled his estate before he died on the cross. The blood he shed paid our debt, so we wouldn’t have to be responsible for it. We should be grateful that Jesus settled his estate before he passed; it’s a bigger deal than you might think.


For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Hebrews 9:16-17 

Sunday, October 27, 2024

October 27, 2024

Are you dealing with the regret of past sins? I have good news: if you are beating yourself up or suffering remorse. Because of your salvation in Jesus, God doesn’t remember your sins! It is time for you to let them go and heal. If our All Mighty God has put your iniquities behind Him and out of his mind, why should we continue fretting over them? How do you do that? It’s a matter of praying and asking God to help you forgive yourself. The best way to live without regret is to use your experience to help others. Your testimony of God’s forgiveness and Him no longer holding your faults against you is the best way to bring others to Jesus and to help you heal. I am so thankful we are not under the old covenant, the law of Moses, and held responsible for our inability to keep every detail of it. Our new covenant is wonderful and full of God’s grace and mercy. We are so fortunate to have Jesus.

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:12

Saturday, October 26, 2024

October 26, 2024

When Jesus was made High Priest and King, God removed the priesthood from the tribe of Levi because Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. Because of the change in the order of the priesthood, it changed the law. Levi and the rest of us came from the loins of Adam, who was corrupted because when he sinned, the seed of nations was within him, so his sin sullied us all. However, Jesus’ Father was God, which means he had no corruption in him, and because he never sinned, it made him the perfect sacrifice to cover our sins. The law required sacrifices by a sinful man who had to also make sacrifices for himself before offering one for the sins of others. The whole thing seems so complicated. I’m grateful that we have Jesus as our Priest. He was sinless and made the ultimate sacrifice for us, so there is no longer the need for a sacrifice or a faulty intercessor between God and us because we have Jesus.  

For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:14-16

Friday, October 25, 2024

October 25, 2024

Jesus is the foundation of your Christian life. We aren’t called to replace the foundation or start over; once is enough. Doing so is like crucifying Jesus all over again. We are to build upon his firm foundation, not lingering on the simplistic things of Christ, but grow, leaving the milk of a suckling babe and going on to consume meat. 

My husband is a builder. We had bought a piece of property years ago that we intended to build duplexes on. The first thing he did was clear the land and prepare the ground. Once it was ready, he began with a solid concrete foundation. Though the foundation was nicely laid, if he had stopped there, we wouldn’t have the nice income we now have. The point is, once you experience the activity of the Holy Spirit, you don’t go back to start over again. The foundation is the milk; the walls and roof are your security, the meat. Like the income we receive from our rentals, the benefits of building on the firm foundation of Jesus pays well, and the benefits are endless. You can’t just stop with the foundation; you must add on and grow in Christ Jesus. 


Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2

Thursday, October 24, 2024

October 24, 2024

We are entering into a season of awareness. Knowing that much of what we were taught about our history is compromised and may or may not be accurate, we must proceed cautiously and sift through what we learn with eyes that discern. As we awaken from our stupor, we realize that biblical truths are what we must cling to to keep a sound mind. The world is mad, and we must stay suited in our armor to fight the forces of evil because they are no longer hiding. Here's the good news: Jesus is our intercessor and High Priest and infallible. He was tempted and resisted but lived as a human just like us, and God gave him to us as a pathway to reach Him with our request and as the propitiation for our sins. We cannot go directly to God unless we pray "in Jesus' name." Jesus learned obedience by suffering, so who do you think you are that you shouldn't face trials? Count it all joy when the enemy tries to stop you; why would he bother coming after you if you weren't a threat? Keep the name of Jesus on your lips and invoke it when the battle gets fierce; the demons will cringe at hearing it, and if you resist the devil, he will flee.

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:8-9 

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

October 23, 2024

We know that we are nearing the end of time because of signs. What does that mean, "end of time?" To those who believe in Jesus, it is the end of the body that limits us, and we don't have to keep track of time anymore, but for others, it means the continuation of torment in an unimaginable place. If we truly understood the peace and tranquility promised to those who believe in Jesus, we would be living in that kingdom, not emphasizing the body's ailments or allowing the world to rattle us. We are at rest, but many are not. Therefore, we must continue to plant seeds and work with the Holy Spirit so he can draw in those who are to become part of the kingdom of God. It is becoming more crucial that we spread the word about Jesus because his return is drawing near, and it is imperative that all who were chosen be brought near so they too can rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus from the weight of sin, care, and worry, that causes anxiety. If you are still struggling with these things, you need to pray that God will help you overcome your unbelief; because of Jesus, you should rest from your striving. 

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:9-11

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

October 22, 2024

As we contend with the evil day set before us, do not be troubled; these are trials, so stand firm in your belief. The enemy will taunt you and tempt you; do not give in. Live your life knowing the kindness, goodness, and grace given to us by the Father through our belief in Jesus and the assurance that it is truth given to us through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God is grieved by those who sin and continue to sin. Look at the Israelites whose carcasses fell in the wilderness while they wandered for forty years. The only people who came out alive were those who held onto their belief in God. Stand firm in your commitment to Jesus, and don’t allow the words of false teachers to sway you in the wrong direction. Write down all the beautiful things He has done for you so you don’t forget during hardship. Rest easy knowing He will handle the details, and it will all be glorious in the end. 

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: Hebrews 3:7-8