December 2

What has God given you to do, that you are not being obedient to fulfill? Before I started writing this daily devotional, I made a commitment to post a verse or inspirational message daily. Many times the words are helpful to others, even teaching a simple understanding of the scriptures in a modern world, but the notion that God is using me to get His message out to the people of whom I have contact, is the biggest blessing of all. The wealth of this world is measured financially, but God measures wealth by the fullness of His love in our hearts. What is stopping you from being filled to capacity with the riches of God’s love? If you know He has commissioned you to complete a task for Him, begin taking baby steps to accomplish it. You will bring others into the kingdom while receiving the abundance of His blessing.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19=21

December 1

Setting up a home after a move is quite a chore. Imagine settling in a land that isn’t your own, setting up camp, getting comfortable and then the Lord tells you to move! Really Lord, right now? Israel wasn’t a tiny family either! Not only did they each have to pack their own things, but they had to pack the tabernacle, carefully! Our church does this very thing every week, setting up, having a service, tearing it down, and then packing it away again. You’ve got to love our Levite team for their dedication. Our church is rejoicing because God has called us into a place where we can set up and stay! When some look at it, they will see the giants, but those of us who understand God’s favor will see the abundance of fruit and the endless possibilities for bringing salvation and the love of Christ to the multitudes! Face your giants and reap your harvest!

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. Isaiah 61:7

November 30

Many years ago on this day, I became a widow with a five year old son. It wasn’t a surprise because my husband was very ill, but that didn’t make it any easier. The challenges I faced were nothing in comparison to the devastation I had just lived through. Watching a healthy man crumble and wither down to nothing is forever etched in my memory. The thing that still brings me to tears today is that my son would experience his accomplishments without the man who loved him more than the world itself. I didn’t know it at the time, but God had a wonderful plan to change my mourning into gladness and to exchange my ashes for a beautiful crown. Though no one could replace the man we had lost, God blessed us with a family that has filled our hearts and gave us new life. If you are going through a challenging time, just wait, God has a gift waiting on the other side of your pain.

to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3

November 29

The height of the season is in full swing and the celebration of our Savior’s birth is underway. Most have forgotten the reason why we celebrate. It is up to us to remind others that our efforts are for Jesus and not about a mythical being that brings gifts to the good children. The miracle of Jesus birth is something to be celebrated and a step to understanding His deity. God, walking and communing with us! Oh, how awesome that must have been! His willingness to lay down His life and take on the sin of the world for a people undeserving is incomprehensible. But, that’s not all! He rose from the dead and walked among the people, showing them His risen body. Incredible! He still walks with us today; He left with us the Holy Spirit as our companion. There are days that I wish I could see Him, but we are to believe with our hearts and He will show Himself true.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17

November 28

Oh the antics! I’d been packing for another move and had carefully lined up my recently filled boxes near the door so I could load my truck for a run to the new house the next day. During the early morning while it was still dark, I traipsed through the house to take the dog out, like I do every morning, when suddenly, the dog flew out of my arms and I landed on the floor! Thankfully, I’m okay and that no one saw me! Heck, I didn’t even see it myself! Only then did I remember the boxes by the door. The Lord has a lot to say about becoming a stumbling block to others. It’s important that you watch your behavior and keep your testimony clean; otherwise someone may end up losing their eternal life to the enemy. Watch your mouth and your actions! I can guarantee you that someone is watching your every move, and if you profess Jesus, they will follow you and believe your bad behavior is acceptable.

You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:14

November 27

We all know the dreaded feeling we have when it’s time to get back to the grind after a long weekend of festivities. Facing work again, even if we love our job, can be depressing and make us long to be with our families again. Thankfully, during this time of year we have another holiday to look forward to. However, we must remember that this time of year can also be a reminder of those who have passed, the missing person at the table who has gone on to eternity without us. Though it should be a cheerful and joyous time, we should take a look around and notice those who may be hurting and pray with them and offer them comfort. It may be all they need to help lift the sorrow from upon their hearts. There is a great build up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus our Savior and a lot of fun to be had by all, but we must remember why He came and the love He has for the broken-hearted.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

November 26

Little Gasparilla is an island that I love getting away to regularly. It’s remote, and with the exception of a few structures, it’s been kept very natural looking, like a picture of old Florida. There is no bridge, so you can only get to it by boat which makes it even more intriguing. It’s a great place to rest a weary soul and watch the sunrise as the day begins and see it set as the day ends. My mind is at peace and I somehow feel closer to God and can focus on His goodness while visiting there. Some days the beach is completely empty and I look at it as a gift from the Father, He knows I will praise Him out loud if no one is around to hear. Maybe that’s why I love going there, I feel more free to worship as I please. If you don’t have a place to openly worship, I recommend that you find one. Prayers get answered, joy is returned to your soul, and the Holy Spirit flows freely if you let Him.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35