Saturday, February 9, 2019

February 9

It’s tax season, and it’s the first year I’ve had trouble getting everything together. Our house is hectic, which makes this task that I normally don’t mind, into a chore, and I’d rather be doing something else, anything else! The unrelenting pressure has me overwhelmed. So, today’s message is to me. In my distress, I cry out to the LORD! He is on my side! What can man do to me? He can’t kill my soul! The Lord will not let me fail. The plans of the earth will not take me down, I am saved, and will live on into eternity. 

Just writing out these words has brought me back from the depth of despair. My reality is not that harsh, and getting my taxes ready is not going to kill me. Even though I’m in the Word daily, there are times that I need counsel too. Thankfully, I am loved, and the LORD sees fit to come to my rescue. The lesson: reach out to Him who holds your life in His hands, and He will relieve your stress.


Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?... I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. Psalms 118:5-6 & 13

Friday, February 8, 2019

February 8

Way back, nearly twenty-seven years ago, I did a study called Master Life. I dug deep into God’s word, memorized scripture, and began growing closer to the Lord. One of the studies led us to Galatians, and a memory verse that I’ve never forgotten. It took many years later to finally understand its meaning because it was being  taught in a church that was not entirely free. This is a reminder, because sometimes we forget how free we are. Even Peter, the guy who walked on the water, had to be reminded! He would act one way with the gentiles, then switch back to the law when he was with the Jews. Paul wasn’t having that, and gave Peter a stern warning about being two-faced. This is just a reminder for you not to revert back to the religion from your past. So many of them are very strict and condemning. Jesus died to set you free from the law, and you have been justified by your faith in Him.


For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:18-20

Thursday, February 7, 2019

February 7

We’ve had a very hectic start to the month. Four of our tenants moved out, causing four homes to need refurbishment. That’s a lot of work! Today is the seventh, and they are all completely done and already rented! When you have the favor of the Lord behind you, things get done quickly! We’ve learned to never underestimate the power of the Almighty. His power is concentrated behind those who love, and trust in Him. Don’t get me wrong, you still have to work, and be diligent in your efforts, but when you know that you are powerless without Him, your work, though still hard, will be rewarded. So if you are freaking out about your workload, just stop, take a deep breath, and say, “I trust you Lord.” Believe that He has everything under control, then rest assured of His help. It’s also important that we give Him credit, be thankful, and praise Him. 


Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalms 90:16-17

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

February 6

As a grandparent, there is something special about being able to read the Bible to your grandchild, explain their dreams, and wage war on their behalf. Do yourself, and your family a favor, and become knowledgeable in God’s Word so that you are proficient in the fight. There are prayers we must pray, praise we should offer up, evil that must be removed, and a battle that must be taken up on their behalf. We must teach them to armor up, because the devil knows the call on their life, even if you don’t, and he will do whatever it takes to impede their progression. There are people around them that won’t help in their advancement, that have been specifically placed in their lives by the enemy as a stumbling block, watch for them, and give warning. We must be mindful of the plans of the enemy, and pour as much of the Lord’s promises into them as you can to help them know their worth. More of God and less of the enemy.


This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 1 Timothy 1:18

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

February 5

By order of our insurance company, we had to remove some limbs that were hanging over our house. The issue for me is, I’ve created this beautiful shade loving garden, and to take those limbs away will bring more sunlight into that space. I’ve seen this happen once before at my previous house. Our yard was similarly tree covered, until late one night a humongous branch fell, making me think it was time for the rapture! After removing the debris, the area became full sun, causing all my plants to wither. They never got used to the bright light and looked sad most of the time. We all know people who are so accustomed to the shade that when they are exposed to the light of Jesus, they run. They don’t want to hear it, they fight against you, and they try to cover you with their shade. Believe me, when Jesus appears, and the darkness is removed, all of those shady people will wither. Our job is to pray that one day they will tolerate the Son, and flourish in His light!


Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:11-14

Monday, February 4, 2019

February 4

It’s moving day for my daughter, and the last thing she has to do is empty the refrigerator. What do you keep and what do you throw out when the place you are going has limited space? She got up early and began sorting through everything, and only saved what was necessary. For most people, moving is a time to de-clutter, but for some it is a time to reminisce about the past, and to save that cherished plastic cup, left over from a former adventure, and ensure it survives the trauma of being sorted into the pile headed to the trash. Moving day is getting close for those of us who are in Christ. It’s not too late, the moving truck hasn’t pulled away yet, there is still time, but not much. Soon, Jesus will call to His cherished, the ones called by His name, and we will be whisked away to an amazing party waiting for our arrival. While you still have time, make your reservation. It’s a party that you don’t want to miss! There is a bouncer at the door, but all you have to do is accept Jesus as your Savior, believe that He died and rose again to cleanse you of your sins. Guess what? This is your formal invitation to join us!

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”Revelation 19:9 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Sunday, February 3, 2019

February 3

My sugar free diet has me feeling better than ever, yet, there is something lingering that I can’t put my finger on that has me spiritually concerned. It’s like my computer when it’s running slow because there are windows opened in the background, or like having a two year old and things get really quiet; they’ve either fallen asleep, or they’re up to something. I have spiritual gifts that usually give me a heads-up about the movement of evil near me, but right now, I don’t see anything. My thoughts are that either God is doing something, or the enemy is regrouping for an attack. He obviously has things rolling in his direction for this country, with all the sinful madness going on right now. So, here’s what you do in a situation like mine, you engage with the Lord. You draw closer to Him. He is your covering, even when you’re not sure what’s going on. He will either protect you or rejoice with you. There is no better place to be than resting in the comforting arms of the Lord. Stay connected with Him, whether times are good or bad.


But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. Psalms 5:11-12