July 14

God’s timing is perfect. Early in the morning, while on a quick trip to my favorite little island paradise, I’m awakened by this vibrant light peaking through the blinds. So I get up and look out the window and there it was, the most glorious ball of fire making its appearance on the horizon. I get excited every time I see it! If I had slept just a few minutes more, it’s brilliance would have been diminished because of the flood of light that comes with it. It quickly goes from bright orange to almost white. There is no denying the works of God! As Christians, we are privileged to have been given some understanding of the magnitude of the Almighty God through the Holy Spirit and His written word, but it’s not hidden; even to those who have no understanding of who He is can clearly see the intricate details of His creation, and it testifies to a being that’s more majestic than one can imagine. Aren’t you thankful that you are a part of His kingdom? Give thanks to Him today because it’s an honor to be called a child of God.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20

July 13

You know, you’re not going through anything that Jesus himself hasn’t been through. The specifics may be different, but the challenge isn’t. He defeated the enemy at every turn! He came after Him when He was weak and alone, but when Satan quoted scripture telling Him that He could jump from the pinnacle and the angels would save Him, Jesus reminded him, by quoting scripture, that you are not to put God to the test. Do you see what He did? Satan lied to Him and He reminded him of the truth through the use of scripture. Don’t try to battle the enemy without that portion of your armor, it’s your sword! Of all the pieces of armor, the sword of the spirit - which is the word of God, it's the only defensive weapon. It is so powerful that it is able to cut to the core and easily divide between soul and spirit, joint and marrow, and discerns the thoughts and the intentions of the heart. Brandish your weapon when the enemy starts telling you that you are unworthy, no good, ugly, unredeemable, or when he tries to instill fear, or haunts you with your past. Remember what God says about you - you are worthy, you are good, you are beautiful, I’ve redeemed you, and you are my child!

Heb 2:18  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Eph 6:17  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Mat 4:6  and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

Mat 4:7  Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Heb 4:12  For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

July 12

I was honored to be able to read a new book that is in the final steps of being released. It’s called Soul Survivor, by Scott McIntosh. Everyone needs to read this book! I’m a person that has dealt with all the traps the enemy has laid out for me, at least, I thought I had until I read this book. God knows when it’s time to dig deep into that trunk full of junk, all the way to the bottom, and pull out the one thing you’ve been hiding that you don’t want anyone to see. I thought my trunk was empty, but there it was, hiding under a sheet! By me keeping this hidden deep in my soul, the blood from that wound is eventually going to seep out, especially if someone decides that they need to rip the bandage off! Thanks Scott...I think. Don’t get too excited, it’s not fodder for juicy gossip. After my son’s father died, and I was left a widow, my life changed dramatically. He died of a dreaded disease that God had spared me and my son from contracting. There was the initial trauma of finding out, then there were several years of living with the illness before it took his life. I chose to shove it down inside, only to bring it out when convenient. Don’t get me wrong, God was so good to me through this process, but I think He’s decided that it’s time for me to bring it out and work through it. God wants us all to be free from the things in our past, that’s why He sent us Jesus. We’re just responsible for giving it to Him.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

July 11

Road work is never easy to deal with, especially when they are working in front of your house and you have to park a block away. Most people are dealing with it in an adult-like manner, but others, not so much. Volunteering to be on the homeowners association is challenging and maybe something I’m regretting just a little, however, I know God has a lesson in it for me. So I get a call early in the morning from someone who is very upset about the situation. I had given my phone number so that anyone who may have health issues and needed to park closer could call me. Parking closer wasn’t good enough for him, he wanted us to postpone it. I guess he thought I was going to let him run over me like a bulldozer, but I didn’t! He was nice by the end of the conversation. The point of me telling you all of this is, you will never please everyone. Your best bet is to spend your limited days on this earth pleasing God, because in the end, He’s the only one that matters. I’m not mad at that cranky, miserable old man, I just feel sorry for him.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8

July 10

When you have pets, you realize that humans are not the only creatures that God gave a mind of their own. As I was sitting in my recliner, not wanting to get up, I called my dog Coco to come over to me. She looked at me from three feet away and just sat there. She’s not dumb, she knew what I was saying. She knows my voice, she saw my lips moving, but she chose to ignore me. Calling us His sheep, Jesus said that we would hear His voice. We tend to do the same thing - we know when He’s speaking and calling to us, but like my dog, we get a dumb look on our face and just sit there. How many times have you thought you should do something, then ignored that prompting? I know I’ve done that more than once! Then you see someone else jump in and do what you know God told you to do. Sometimes His voice is so quiet that you’re not sure if it’s Him, but if the voice is telling you to be kind to someone, you can bet it’s Him. He won’t tell you to do something that is contrary to biblical teaching. So I challenge you to clean out your ears and begin listening for His voice.

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

July 8

I’m sure you hear this often, but it’s true, life is short. Once you hit fifty you realize that you’ve probably lived half your life, I say probably because my great grandmother lived to one hundred and two! Time seems to begin to tick off a little faster and things that were once very important to you have become part of the background. Why does it take us so long to realize that people are most important, and the pursuit of “things” is just a way to pass the time? I love being surrounded by beauty just like anyone, but if you don’t have people around you to enjoy it with, what’s the point. Your children don’t want all the things you plan on leaving them! Jesus had nothing but the clothes on His back and yet He lived the best life. He loved people during His journey and He loved them hard, even unto death. The first mentioned fruit of the spirit is love. The greatest command is to love. Love people while you still have the time.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39