January 17, 2025

As humans, we tend to give up if our good intentions are not reciprocated or accepted. For this reason, Paul encourages us to stay the course and not give up on our doing good. There will always be those who don’t appreciate the good things we do for them. However, we are not to stop our efforts, excommunicate them, or count them as enemies but admonish them as brothers. We’ve all had instances where having a good heart has backfired on us. Instead of getting the thanks we deserve, the person we helped accuses us of not loving them or for being the reason they are not thriving rather than being grateful for the help they received. Such a response tends to make us want to give up on being helpful, but the scriptures tell us not to give up on doing good. Just because you helped someone who is ungrateful doesn’t mean the next person will react the same way. Continue to love and do what God has called you to do, and He will handle them if they have a negative response to your help. Leave their reaction in the hands of God; He will give them exactly what they deserve, good or bad. 

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

January 16, 2025

Some are saying that we will be raptured before the antichrist is revealed. Where is that information coming from? Paul is clear that there will be a falling away before the son of perdition is revealed. 

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Study the scriptures with your eyes wide open and rid yourself of past teachings that may not have been true. You need fresh eyes to see the truth, and if you keep falling back on what a preacher from your past has told you, you may fall into a delusion and may have been sold a lie. Don’t read into the scriptures something that is not there. Many have done this and are waiting for something that’s not going to happen, leaving generations unprepared. Don’t get too comfortable! Study God’s word like the Bereans and pull out the truth for yourself.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11

January 15, 2025

The time will come when those who have been mean to you or given you grief for being a Christian will have to pay for what they did. God promises to recompense the wicked, and not only a temporary reprimand but it will be eternal. His promise to pay back the evil done to you is throughout the Bible, but in 2 Thessalonians 1, it is written in language that is easily understood, straightforward, and clearly worded. Though the following example is not eternal, it is a clear warning that God’s tribulation against the wicked might look like the burning mansions in the Pacific Palisades. Though the fault might be arson, God can use any means necessary to carry out His plan. Many of those people were put in place by the enemy to deceive the masses through their acting and the televised pushing of harmful chemicals and injections that many people thought necessary for good health, only to find out they were poisoned. Those who are putting toxic chemicals in our food and injecting our children with unnecessary pharmaceuticals can also expect the recompense of God for causing sickness and disease. It may seem hard at first, but do your best only to consume whole foods where you are the one mixing them to make a tasty meal, and do not depend on the processed items in the grocery stores to be healthy. Take control of what you consume and watch your health return to what should be. 

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

January 14, 2025

When Richard’s dad passed away, he and his sister inherited some commercial property in the next town. With it being a short distance, there was no way to keep close tabs on it, so we installed cameras. Yesterday, a homeless man wandered onto the property, thinking he had found a good place to set up camp for the night. Unbeknownst to him, there was a camera pointed directly at him. Of course, Richard called the police because we were too far away to handle the situation ourselves, and you never know how someone will react when forced to leave. He was comfortable, thinking he had found peace and safety, and he spread all his bags around him, getting ready to hunker down for the night. Suddenly, the police showed up. I began praying for the policeperson because the man was quite belligerent because he was being removed from the premises. 

Imagine the day of Jesus’s return and all the people living peaceful lives without expecting sudden destruction. It will be much like this man who thought he was safe, but unless the grace of God saves them through Jesus Christ our Lord, their end will come, and they will be escorted off the property that belongs to God’s children. As God’s children, we are taught to watch and prepare for Jesus’s return, but because we don’t know exactly when, we should always be ready. Are you ready? The signs are there, and it could take place at any time. Don’t get too comfortable.

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4

January 13, 2025

We are entirely free in Jesus but are to follow his commands, not commands added by man who may be trying to control us. However, God expects us to walk in holiness and purity because He is holy. If we continue in sinful behavior unbecoming of our salvation in Jesus, the Holy Spirit may be quenched. How devastating would that be? How far down in the depths of sin do you have to go before you stifle him? Do you really want to find out? Walk carefully in the steps of Jesus, harming no one with your actions, not even yourself. 

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

Stay as clean as possible and repent daily because the door seems to be opening for the return of the Lord. We may not know the day or the hour, but there are signs. When he comes, we will sit as "assessors with him in judgment, approving and applauding the sentence he will then pass upon the prince of the power of the air and all the wicked, who shall be doomed to destruction with the devil and his angels." Matthew Henry. The words that we all love to think about these days are:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

January 12, 2025

This life can be very stressful, especially when we become a target of the enemy. If we allow his intrusion and don’t nip it in the bud, he will continue to torment us. He will use anyone and everyone he can to cause pain; no one is immune to his advances. Because of Paul’s commitment to spreading the gospel, he was constantly afflicted. However, he found joy in others, especially when he heard that his gospel message was spreading and that the Thessalonians were holding on to their faith. He was overjoyed to hear of their love for one another and constantly prayed for them. Shouldn’t we do the same? We love our family, but we have a much bigger family of sisters and brothers in Christ, and we need to get to know them and minister to them when they are in need. Don’t go it alone on this journey here on earth; we need each other praying and holding up our arms when we are weak like Moses was at the Red Sea.

Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 1 Thessalonians 3:7-10

January 11, 2025

I’m not going to lie; after reading 1 Thessalonians 2, I thought it would be hard to make a lesson out of it. However, God, in His mighty power, made me aware of His ability to turn anything in His Word into a lesson. We know the power of the Holy Spirit because of our faith in Jesus, and maybe this only applies to us because of our belief that the Bible is the written word of God. If anyone wants proof that God used men to convey His words, Paul makes it clear in the following verse:

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Not only that, but God gives us the ability to understand and believe those words because of the same Spirit. You could use this verse to show someone that the Bible is God’s voice because if they were meant to understand it, the Holy Spirit would be engaged in them to comprehend. It’s worth the try if someone responds that humans wrote the Bible without the inspiration of God. The word of God validates the scriptures!

January 10, 2025

Not only do we need to read the scriptures, but the reading must be accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit to make sense. Anyone can read, but when God’s power manifests through us by His Spirit, we know we are saved. What does that look like? You will begin to rid yourself of your old sinful ways and take on the identity of Christ. Similarly, what were just words on a page before your salvation has new meaning and depth as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth through God’s living words.

What’s more and quite unusual is that you bear with affliction, knowing that tribulations only strengthen your faith. We see God’s power manifest when we are going through trials and come out with new strength that can only be attributed to God. Another point to remember is that we were chosen, which means our strength to endure hardships comes directly from the Lord; he wouldn’t have picked you if he didn’t think you could handle it. Today, thank God for him choosing you for salvation, giving you the strength to endure the process of sanctification, and opening your eyes through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6

January 9, 2025

Did you know that even those who committed serious crimes that received salvation in Jesus have the same spiritual rights as you do? It doesn’t matter if they are in jail or walking among us, they have just as much right to the kingdom of heaven as those of us who have never committed a crime. If the truth be told, they are more thankful for their salvation than we are because they have more sins forgiven and appreciate their cleansing more. Don’t let this fact sting you, but they are also our brother or sister in Christ! Do we have to bring into the fold a saved criminal? You bet you do! If they are saved by the grace of God, just like you, they are considered as free as you are and are part of the kingdom of God. When they first receive their salvation, they are rough around the edges, but that’s where we must give the most grace and embrace them so they don’t fall away. It may be essential to stay cautiously optimistic and use our gift of discernment so we aren’t taken advantage of. If they had plans of harming, maybe our love would help turn them around if their salvation was only a show to catch us off guard. The Holy Spirit should reveal to us if their salvation is sincere. We must love everyone because we don’t know who is part of us. 

Keep God in the forefront of your mind by praying. Pray, pray some more, and ask God to help you throughout your day. 

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:1-2

January 8, 2025

Even though we are not required to keep the ceremonial law, we are still supposed to fashion ourselves after Jesus and walk in his ways. That means we must put on his likeness because he dwells within us. We don’t want to do anything that displeases him, which goes back to his commands to love God and love others. Some people are hard to love, but if they are, could they really be saved? If you are hard to love, you don’t want anyone asking that question about you. If they are not saved, we want to set an example of love and make them want to be like us and have the kind of peace that is only given to us by God. A good example plants good seeds; a bad example plants weeds! If you tell people you are a Christian, follow Jesus’s behavior, refrain from filthy talk, anger, and spitefulness, and say only good things about him. The main point is that you know what’s right in the eyes of God, so do those things and live a life pleasing to God.

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Colossians 3:8

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:12-13

January 7, 2025

Matthew Henry opened my eyes to something significant that happened when Jesus was crucified; the Law of Moses and the fence laws that were put in place to keep the people from even getting close to breaking the law were nailed to the cross with him. When you cross out a law or put a nail into it invalidates it, which is what Jesus did for us. We are more free than we ever imagined. We still have to follow the law of the land, but more importantly, we are to follow the ordinances that Jesus gave us, which, boiled down, amount to loving God and people and bringing others to know him. The ceremonial ordinances in which Jesus wants us to participate are communion and baptism. Are those things too much to ask when he wiped out all our sins? All the other requirements from the law are not required, like the new moon ceremonies, the food you are allowed to eat, and the sabbath requirements. We should still walk in an upright manner that is becoming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, but because it is impossible to keep all the law, Jesus set us free from it. What a relief! Watch out for those churches trying to make you keep the Law of Moses; they have probably been infiltrated by governmental authority and are trying to control you. If you don’t understand Colossians 2 in the KJV, read it in the ESV, it makes these verses seem clearer.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Colossians 2 16-18

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:20-22

January 6, 2025

Since there is currently emphasis placed on spiritual beings, which some are calling aliens, and since this first Chapter of Colossians mentions them, I thought I would share an interesting verse:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Colossians 1:16

From this verse, we can see differing levels of these unseen creatures. God created all creatures, even the evil ones, and if there are aliens, He made them too. I believe aliens are one of these levels of creatures. God uses these creatures to complete his plan and to test our faithfulness. Are you passing His test? Have you set your eyes on Jesus, rejecting evil temptations? Clinging to Jesus and placing our hope in him is the best way to overcome the challenges of the world and become free from temptations. 

True freedom comes when we set our hopes on the heavenly reward rather than earthly treasures. Think about where the desires for worldly things came from; if you hadn’t seen it on television or on social media, would you even want it? Jesus is who we should desire and emulate; he is the head of the body and the church and is the firstborn from the dead, not that he was the first brought to life from the dead, but the first to raise himself and conquer death. 

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:17-18

January 5, 2025

This last chapter of Philippians has so many good lessons that I had difficulty choosing which one to elaborate on. 

*Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

*Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5

*Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

*And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

*Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:9

*I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

*But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

All these verses are memory verses; can you believe they are all in one chapter of Philippians? I decided to pull one verse out to cover because we all tend to look at the worse side of others. How quick are we to assess a person's behavior without looking for the good in them? One thing I do is look for something positive in them rather than the negative. I also ask the question, "Why are they acting unreasonably?" And, "What kind of trauma have they had to deal with that has made them act the way they do?" Instead of lambasting them, have some compassion. In your mind, point out a good characteristic, like a nice smile, or maybe they didn't see me or mean to cut me off in traffic. If you focus on the positive, it will de-escalate the situation, and rather than have a bad outcome, you've changed your focus and made it easier to forgive their mistakes and made it less likely that you will have to pull a weapon or have them draw a weapon and have it end in tragedy. Think about these things!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

January 4, 2024

Through social media, I have met many people who are former atheists, witches, and others who were intertwined in evil practices. They are former because they have turned their lives over to Jesus and have left that lifestyle behind. They are on fire for Jesus and know more about the Bible than most people who were brought up in Christianity. They can see the forces of darkness we don’t recognize because they appear as light. Many of the traditions we value are practices in the occult. We are blinded to it because it seems harmless when, in fact, it is a type of worship and homage to the devil. The holidays that we love all have some strings to the occult. Our eyes are blinded, and we hold on to them because we love them. Even our traditional “Happy Birthday” song is rooted in the occult. When the Bible tells us that the enemy is disguised as a beacon of light, we need to believe it and start deprogramming ourselves and leave everything behind to follow Jesus. Paul gave up everything for Jesus and never looked back. We need to be willing to do the same thing. Do some research and take a trip down a few rabbit holes about our American traditions, and you won’t believe how disturbing they are. 

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Philippians 3:2

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Philippians 3:8

January 3, 2025

It is very hard nowadays to find a friend who has the same like-mindedness as you but also has the mind of Christ and passes their understanding through the love of Jesus before sharing their thoughts with others. When you find that person, you stick with them like glue and forgive when harsh words are spoken, or their actions don't meet your expectations. Sometimes we strive over things that don't matter. What does matter is that the light of Jesus shines through us and that we depend on him for the words that come out of our mouths and the hearts we show to others. Filter yourself like you have the mind of Christ, and the only way to do that is to study his ways and actions. Though he was sometimes harsh, he was also very loving and taught us what was sincerely important: to love others and love God; everything else falls under these two commands. If someone hurts you and doesn't use Jesus as their filter, reach out to him in prayer; he will comfort you and bring you peace. 

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

January 2, 2025

Since we do not know how long God will put up with the folly of the worldly people, we should be prepared for whatever happens next. We also don’t know the truth about the timing, and we should live and continue to be productive members of society, but keeping in mind that we belong to Jesus, and our productivity should be focused on our efforts to bring others into the kingdom of God by sharing the gospel whenever possible. It feels like our time has shortened, and we are on the cusp of something big. I prefer to focus on living for Jesus because he is the one pulling us along and helping us keep our faith in him. Another aspect of living for him is having confidence in what he started in you and being fearless about what comes next.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

Yes, the things happening around the world will make you shudder. However, we are not of this world, though we live parallel to it; our motive for living is much more in-depth, and we have good reason to carry on but aren’t afraid to die for the cause of Christ Jesus if necessary. How do you combat those feelings? All fear disappears when you offer up praise. Let your praise be a prayer, and feel your fear diminish. 

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

January 1, 2025

Big things will happen this year, whether good or bad, it should be a year to remember. I prefer a positive outcome, and that is what my mind is expecting, so if we all stay optimistic and ask God’s blessings on this “new year,” I’m sure He will hear us and faithfully fulfill our prayers. 

At the end of every year, I ask God for a word for the new year. There has only been one time, and that was last year when I didn’t get a word until about three months into the year. Usually, as soon as I think about asking, a word pops into my head, and it’s not something I would think of, so I know it’s God’s voice rather than my own thoughts. This year, He gave me an unusual word, and I had to hold a conversation with Him to understand what He meant by it. Before I tell you, remember, as Christ-followers, we are to become small and fade into the background so Jesus can shine through us; for that reason, I was taken aback at the word He gave me. The word is “famous.” Why do I always get a weird word? He’s already famous, but he made it clear to me that He would become famous with those who’ve never heard of Him, and my daily devotional post may be a catalyst for that. Even though I write to Christ-followers, unbelievers may become curious about Jesus and read these devotions. If you asked God to give you a word, please share it here so we can all pray that God shows you what He means by it and bless you through it. 

I will post a video I saw a couple of days ago on hearing God’s voice. Look for it on my profile if it doesn’t appear in your feed.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27

December 31, 2024

The fight against the powers and principalities of this world is real. Though most people cannot see into the hidden world of the enemy, we are affected by their presence. They wage war against us in the shadows, sometimes using other people as tools to throw their fiery darts. The enemy has to disguise himself and taunt other people for them to do his bidding against you; that's why you must stay aware and know where the fire is coming from. We must remain vigilant and decisive in our efforts to fight them. However, as Paul explained, we do not go to war as others do; we put on God's whole armor. Remember, the armor covers all of our front parts but doesn't cover our back, so we must never turn our back on the enemy, or we will be exposed. In other words, you cannot ignore him; if you do, you will lose. We must engage if the forces of evil come against us. Our advantage is scripture; we should use it as Jesus did, as our weapon against enemies' taunting. Unless you are cognizant of the enemy's ways of war, you may be at a disadvantage. Make sure you understand how he operates so you are ready when the time comes, and be brave and bold in your stand against them. God has given you everything you need for the fight! Be strong and courageous, put on the whole armor of God, and stand firm, mighty warriors!

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

December 30, 2024

If you are on some social media platforms and watch various videos, you could end up watching people specifically there to trip up Christians and place doubt in your minds. There is a lot of evil mixed in with the good. Make sure you are cautious and skeptical, measuring the words against scripture. If you don’t catch it in the first video, at some point, they will say something that will give you clues that they are insincere and are there on assignment to lead you astray. You must be suspicious of motives. There are too many on these video strings sent to do harm and get people to stray from God rather than bring them close. Sometimes, it’s hard to discern, especially when their words and tone are what you expect a Christ-follower to sound like. However, they will eventually say something that gives you clues to their motives. As soon as they show their true colors, stop watching and don’t watch anymore of their content. Remember, the devil appears as a beacon of light, will be sensational, and will feed you what your itchy ears want to hear. Pray for early discernment so you don’t spend too much time listening to someone whose ideas come straight from the devil. 

Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are yelight in the Lord: walk as children of light:(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Ephesians 5:7-13

December 29, 2024

In most cases, I can summarize a Bible chapter in a couple of paragraphs or at least hit the main teaching point. However, Ephesians 4 covers a lot of territory! I haven’t read as many do’s and don’t since the commandments in Exodus. Paul also mentions five ministry gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, preachers, and teachers. These are given for the building up of the body of Christ. 

The do’s and don’ts:

We are not to behave like Gentiles who are alienated from the life of God and haven’t learned Christ and thus act full of deceitful lusts.

Put on the new life of righteousness and true holiness.

Don’t lie. Speak the truth because we are members of one another.

Put away anger that leads to sin so you don’t give place to the devil.

Do not steal; use your hands for good.

Carefully communicate. Use edifying words that minister grace to hearers.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

The rest are summarized in these last two verses:

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32