February 11

My husband and I, both had several projects going on at the same time. Juggling them and trying to meet other obligations can get hairy at times. Occasionally, some things had to fall to the wayside or be put on the back burner while we handle more immediate matters. Then, even though it was gradual, it seemed as though things suddenly fell into place. The projects were not over, but we reached a pinnacle where approvals were granted and the bigger project could now get underway for an extraordinary finish. Why this happened all at once, only God knows! It was as if we had stayed Goliath! If you know the story of David, you know that it took a lot of time before he became king. He was refined, like pure gold before God set him on the throne, but he had victories along the way. So if you are wondering when the refining will end, it won't. Just rejoice in the small victories; our ultimate victory awaits!

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

February 10

There has been a shift in the atmosphere. Do you feel it? I believe God is moving on behalf of His children, the ones who love Him and call Him Father. If you're still in the midst of a trial, it will get better, and you may even see a dramatic turn. God is at work among us and is putting things into position to favor us. God does not revel in our misery, but longs to bring us peace and give us our desires. But, like any good father, He guides us with discipline and allows us to deal with the consequences of our actions to help strengthen our character and to learn to draw closer to Him. As with our life, trials are only temporary. God has amazing things in store for you so be patient during your affliction, His plan for you is greater than you ever imagined. So until you start seeing the doors of peace opening, give Him all of your praise, worship Him with every fiber of your being, and do not stop praying.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

February 9

This time of year reminds us of days gone by. County fairs are popping up all over the place. The smell of fair food wafts through the air and the sounds of children laughing brings back memories of sweet times from our own childhood. For me, this meant showtime! I grew up in a cow town and my dad arranged for me and my siblings to show steers each year. It taught us responsibility, how to compete, consistency, accounting, how to win and how to lose. It was just like having a job. All of our experiences as children teach us how to be adults. Jesus began teaching His disciples using experiences that happened to them as they went along; He also used parables as a teaching tool. If you want to learn from the Master, follow His footsteps through the Gospels. His lessons will teach you how to be a disciple. If you will open your eyes you will see that your own experiences are also lessons.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40

February 8

During this time of year, with it being somewhat cooler, we tend to stay in the sun a little longer. It feels great to be outside! The problem with that is, you can still get sunburned. We lose track of time not realizing that, even though it's nice outside, we still need to protect our skin. When I was a teenager, February was my favorite time to go to the beach. I felt like it was the kickoff for the summer. One time, my friend and I laid out on the beach all day with no protection. I had been taking a powerful medication for acne but never gave that a second thought. I got really burnt. By the next day I had water blisters covering every bit of skin that was exposed. It looked horrible. We need to look at Jesus as our sunscreen. So, put on your Son-screen daily for protection from the harmful burning rays of life and the devastation of eternity in Hell.

and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 2 Peter 7 & 9

February 7

Sometimes we are put into situations just to see how we will react or handle it. Does God test us and if so, and does the enemy have a role to play? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes! I have a friend who creates these magnificent displays that are called Sailors Valentines. It is art made from tiny seashells. She entered her artwork in a contest and received first place ribbons on all three of her entries. She was so honored to have won, but very humble. Her friend took pictures and shared the photos with everyone. They went back the next day and one of her awards had changed to second place. It was a crushing blow. Why would you do that to someone? The excuse was that the award was placed on the wrong artists' work. My friend was very gracious in her disappointment, but never soiled her reputation or testimony during the process. She passed the test! Are you passing the test?

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. Job 23:10-12

February 6

There are days when I feel that it's important to remind you why you're saved at this particular time. God could have left you to wallow in your sin until right before your very last breath, but He chose to save you now for a reason. We have no need to fear "the day of the Lord". We will be caught up before the impending wrath of God takes place. But, if you want a sobering reminder as to why we need to evangelize and bring others into the saving knowledge of Christ, just do a quick search on the internet for "the day of the Lord". The wrath of God is not something we should take lightly. If you think that what's going on now is bad, just take a look at what's looming for those who do not know or have rejected our Savior. The devastation and the eternity that awaits them is quite overwhelming. If you truly have the heart of Jesus then you will want to save them from that wrath by telling them about Him. 

For us: And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5

For Them: I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Zephaniah 1:17

February 5

It is so exciting seeing God's hand at work in our lives and the lives of our friends. He makes His presence known by showing you things that can only be attributed to Him. What I'm talking about are the prayers you've prayed when there is no hope of a good outcome, you are weak and vulnerable and God answers it like only He can. My friend had been battling and insurance company over an issue that they said she wasn't covered for. They had decided that they would no longer pay for her treatment. On top of that, they wanted repayment for what they had already treated her for, which was well beyond her ability to pay.  She was hopeless over the situation, but faithful that God would intervene. Because of her humble spirit and her dedication to prayer, He came through! The debt was canceled and her treatment continues! In our weakness, God shows His strength and we receive His mercy.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9