Saturday, June 17, 2017

June 17

It is something else to witness the deeds of a servant heart than it is to hear worthless chatter of intention. Jesus did not come into this world to be served, though He could have rightly demanded it. No, He came to serve! I've had the pleasure of hearing the account of a real servant in action. I'm referring to an old fashion foot washing. Not your average foot washing, but the deeds of a man who loves his church so much that he's willing to groom the ground that they walk on! When a leader of a church is so appreciative of those working with him that he mows their yard, you can be sure you have been placed in the right family. Actions speak louder than words, and when you teach servitude and are willing to act, that speaks volumes about your character and about the spirit that resides within. This leader kept it a secret, but I figured it out! Are you serving others as Jesus did? Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk.


For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

Friday, June 16, 2017

June 16

Is there a special place that you go where once you are there you never want to leave? My favorite is this country place surrounded by water just across from a salty little sea town. It's a place where I can breathe deeply and exhale all of the worries of my day. I can watch the sunrise in the morning and when it gets ready to set I can meander down a short path an see that too. Though it's a dream of mine to live where the salt water meets the sand, the possibility appears to diminish each day. That's okay, it may not be part of God's plan for me now, but I have the hope of living my dream in eternity, and it's a place that will bring me even more peace. Are you satisfied to know that God has your best interest at heart? Things don't always turn out the way you imagine them, but isn't that what makes life exciting? New adventures every day! Don't fret or be dismayed, God's plan is much better than your own.


But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"— 1 Corinthians 2:9

Thursday, June 15, 2017

June 15

My feisty little dog Rudy, thinks he needs to protect our yard from the ducks. Every time I let him out he runs around the yard looking for some to chase. When the lake got low from the drought, he began jumping down from the sea wall onto the bank of the lake chasing the ducks as far as three houses down. There are some fierce creatures that live in our lake just waiting to devour that tasty bite sized morsel. So I leave Coco, hoping she doesn't find her way to the road, and I run through my neighbors backyards after him. Do you see where this is going? Yes, Rudy is my lost sheep! Jesus trusts that the flock will remain where He left them while He searches for and brings back the one who is missing. Just as Jesus rejoices when a sinner turns from his sin, I am happy to get Rudy back in our yard! I don't love him less because he does crazy things, so you can be sure that Jesus loves wholeheartedly that repentant sinner.


Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

June 14

For some reason, there was a dead spider sitting on the floor right in front of where I sit in the morning. It was there for more than a day. Spiders are creepy things that I do not want near me, so why didn't I clean it up as soon as I saw it? I don't really know, I guess it's because I hadn't gotten the vacuum cleaner out. Here's my question for you: what old, dead things have you yet to clean up? I'm not just talking about your sinful past, although that needs to be cleaned up too! What I'm referring to is past hurts, those things that trigger an emotional response, maybe deep-seated anger or self pity. It's time to do some house cleaning! Jesus blood is the best way to clean the temple. I know this seems too easy, but a simple prayer, to ask Him to wash away your pain and tears, is all you need to do. Don't let the fear of letting it go, stop you. But, if you want to keep looking at that dead spider, you go ahead.


Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

June 13

We decided that it was time to change auto insurance companies. The rates were just getting too high for the one we were using, plus, the customer service was terrible! So I called a very famous one here in Florida and got an amazing rate, until, she pulled my record! That's when my past came back to haunt me. She reminded me of my lead foot and then decided to punish me for that again, as if a ticket wasn't enough! That's when you realize how amazing it is to have a Savior to forgive your sins, never to remember them again. If only the insurance companies were like that! Humans don't forget. That's why it's so important that we turn from our sin and begin to change into the image of Christ. But, isn't it like Jesus to want to move from one place to the next at an alarming rate? I wish! Unfortunately, we still have to obey the law of the land. The lesson in this is to turn away from your sin, others are watching!


"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42

Monday, June 12, 2017

June 12


I live in a great neighborhood. It's truly a place where "love thy neighbor" is an easy commandment to obey. Though we are only minutes away from the big city, it feels as though you are still in the country. Our house is up for sale and it's a custom in real estate that the seller leaves while potential buyers look at the home so they can speak freely. So, we grab our dogs and go sit on our neighbor's porch! That has been the highlight of my experience! How amazing would it be if everyone treated their neighbors with such love. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. The enemy has set us against one another and it's getting out of control. It's failed communication and he has infiltrated every form of it, and the narrative is against the good. It's time for us to put down our devices, turn off the television, and have a real conversation with the people around us. There is common ground! We just need to find it.


There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

Sunday, June 11, 2017

June 11

When I was going into the sixth grade, my parents sent me to a private Christian school. I think it was probably to make the transition of to going to school in another town easier. The learning would probably be comparable to the Florida Virtual School, where you need self motivation to achieve a goal. I was not a self motivated child so I didn't do very well there. However, I was pushed to learn the 23rd Psalm, which has now become an important part of my prayer life. I find it quite amazing how God will give your life a detour just to set in stone something for Him. When I feel anxious or fearful I turn to that Psalm for comfort and let God's own words settle me. We must remember that the Bible is a compilation of God's words written by many men, imparted by one Holy Spirit. I know that I'm thrilled when my kids have remembered something I've taught them. Imagine how God must feel hearing His own words being quoted back to him.


All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17