July 8

When God nudges me to wake up at five thirty in the morning, all I want to do is go back to sleep. I roll over thinking it was just my imagination and that He couldn't possibly want me to get up this early, especially since it was Saturday! It was impossible, I couldn't go back to sleep! So I grab my coffee and go sit in my usual place; and there it was, the most beautiful thing my eyes could behold. I hear Him whisper to me, "Who hung the moon and the stars for you?" Then I knew why He had awakened me. It was as if He were eager to give me such a lovely gift that He couldn't wait for me to get up and see it. I was overwhelmed with its beauty and I felt so honored that He had thought enough of me to share the sight of that big red moon. What are you missing by ignoring God's voice? He speaks to you all the time, but you haven't tuned in. His voice is in those fleeting thoughts that you later regret not putting action to. Pay attention or you may miss something amazing.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Psalms 8:3-4

July 7

When you see your children go through a rough patch in their life, it breaks your heart. Your instinct is to jump in and handle the situation for them. The problem with doing that is that they don't learn to manage their life for themselves. It's okay for them to deal with situations on their own and it's okay for you to console them, but it's better for them to learn that life isn't easy as children rather than become an adult that runs to mommy and daddy every time life challenges them. These times are also good for teaching them to pray and to rely on God and His power to overcome evil and adversity. Children are very pliable and if you teach them at an early age that God is their source, it could help them stay free from the bondage of hurt and emotional distress. Imagine how your life would be now if you had learned to rely on Jesus in your youth. Jesus loves the children and He is merciful to them, help them to understand that.

but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

July 6

Every now and then the Holy Spirit will highlight a few words in a verse making it impossible for me to ignore. I was reading the Book of James chapter 5; the context of the scripture was about patients. James compared waiting for Jesus like the farmer waiting for the early and late rains to produce his crop. The early rain of the fall, waters the seeds he has planted, and the latter rain in the spring, right before the harvest, plumps up the fruit. I couldn't go past it; I was stuck on the beauty of comparing Jesus to rain. We've all been through a drought where every drop of rain is precious; when it finally makes its appearance, all you want to do is dance in it. Those of us who are ready will welcome that thirst quenching rain, but those who didn't notice the drought will be overcome by it. Imagine that day when our Savior makes His appearance and we are able to dance in His rain; be patient, it will happen!

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:7-8

July 5

When you market your house you go through and clean, paint, declutter, and make repairs. Once you find a buyer, you've only jumped the first hurdle. The next and most important hurdle is the home inspection. The first hurdle was like taking a bath and getting dressed, but the next hurdle is like going to the doctor for a physical. However, if you have a home that you want to unload quickly, you discount the price and sell it "as is" without going through the trouble of making repairs. An investor will come along, make the repairs and get it back into good condition and will probably sell it for a profit. Jesus is like that investor. He saw our potential, paid the price though it wasn't cheap, cleaned us up, and moved us into His neighborhood. We were that broken down, "as is" house, and we didn't have to do anything to prepare, He did it all. 🎶Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow🎶.

knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19

July 4

Though we are a nation separated from the State of Great Britain and free from the tyranny that was once placed upon our thirteen colonies, we are not totally and completely independent. The appeal for this independence was made to "the Supreme Judge of the world" whom as we know is God. If you are of total independence, why would you need to appeal to "the Supreme Judge of the world?" Because the men who agreed to this separation knew that our ultimate allegiance is to God and that He would make a way when there seemed to be no other. As we celebrate this day we must also give thanks to God for His intervention in the life of our country and that He continues to keep us from a cruel and oppressive government. We must continue to appeal to Him and intercede on behalf of these United States of America, that we remain free to worship Him, the creator of Heaven and earth.

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. Psalms 5:8

July 3

As Americans look forward to celebrating independence, there is a long standing tradition of blowing things up. It gives everyone a thrill to see the sky lit up with the colors of the rainbow as we watch the "bombs bursting in air!" I love that we are now friends with the country that we fought so hard to gain our freedom from. It's interesting to watch as they seek independence, though they did it through a vote. Whether you are captive or free, as a Christ follower, you have your own personal freedom through Jesus. He has set you free from the bonds of sin and you are no longer a slave to it. Though it is nice to be in a country where we are free to worship Jesus as we please, that freedom is slowly being eroded and we must value it and fight to keep it. We are not the enemy. The enemy is anyone who comes against Jesus and if you open your eyes you can clearly see who that is. Stand up strong for Jesus because without Him, there's nothing worth fighting for.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

July 2

Hold on to what you have! The day of evil is upon us and is here! We must remain steadfast and strong in the Lord. Strengthen your faith and know that God is God and that Jesus is your salvation. Don't just talk the talk, take that knowledge deep into your soul and do not waver to and fro. It's imperative that you take Jesus seriously and that your talk is not just worthless chatter. There may come a day that you are asked to choose between life and Jesus, choose Jesus, He is life! Do not deny Him! Those who choose wisely will be rewarded in Heaven. We are in a very unstable world where we see everything and everyone who belongs to Jesus having to fight against the evil of this day. Do not fear, Jesus prevailed against the enemy and we will reign with Him one day and the forces of evil will be banished from our presence. I say again, do not fear! Being prepared by putting on the full armor of God will be your best defense! Armor up!

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11