Saturday, July 13, 2019

July 13

The persecution of Christians is happening all around the world. Because we are the body of Christ, those doing the persecution are killing Jesus all over again. Some might say that it’s not the same, however, Jesus looks at it as if it was the same. Look at Paul, he was zealous about finding those who followed the Way so he could bring them back to Jerusalem bound. He was so evil that Jesus paid a special visit to him on the road to Damascus. His words to him were “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” There will be an extra hot place in hell for those who persecute Jesus, by persecuting us. If you ever have to face it, your strength and ability to endure will come from Jesus who resides within you. Until then, continue to strengthen your faith by studying the Bible, staying prayerful, and offering praise to Him daily. Thankfully, God had an amazing plan for Paul, because most of the New Testament was written by him. Saul and Paul are one in the same, his name change happens in Acts 13.

And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Acts 9:4-5

Friday, July 12, 2019

July 12

The people who keep bringing up the past sin of a believer, they themselves, most likely, remain in sin. They do not know the love of Jesus, or that the people they accuse have been forgiven. We see this daily, especially when it comes to our current president. Yes, he has sinned in the past, but haven’t we all? If Jesus can forgive him, so can I, and so should anyone who calls themselves a Christian. I’m so thankful that my past sins are not being highlighted everyday in the public eye! If any Christian speaks ill of our president, clearly they do not know the Word of God, if they do, they are being defiant. Jesus is King and is over all the leaders that are appointed to be heads of government, whether good or bad, it’s not up to us to decide. Tread carefully my friends when critiquing others, and insure you do not enter into sin yourself. 

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13:1-2

Thursday, July 11, 2019

July 11

Where is your heart? Is it bent towards Jesus? If it is, and the Holy Spirit resides in you, then you should care about people, because Jesus does. There is a war raging for souls, it is not a war of the flesh, it’s a spiritual war. To try and combat the enemy with human tools, is to lose. I’m overwhelmed with disgust over what’s happening in our world today, and measures taken by the enemy to destroy souls at an early age, either by abortion, by slavery, or by sexual abuse. Though these are all physical attacks, the spirit becomes crushed, and the enemy knows that the victims are likely to blame God or doubt His existence because they were ravaged. The enemy’s dark schemes are being brought into the light and he seems to be reveling in it. The only hope for the world today is the return of Jesus, and hearts turning to Him. God help the children who are being destroyed at the hands of sick people full of darkness, help them find Jesus and accept His salvation and the freedom that comes with it. 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

July 10

Where is your boldness? Who has a grip on your courage? We must speak up about the saving power of Jesus. Steven was one of the disciples that was chosen to help feed the hungry of the church, and fill in the gaps so the apostles could continue to preach. He was spreading the news about Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, and doing signs and wonders among the people, when he was seized. They lied saying that he had spoken ill about Moses and God. He was brought before the high priest and gave account from the beginning of all of the wrong they had done to the beloveds of God, including what they had done to Jesus. He triggered them with his speech! No one likes to have their sins brought into the light, but it may be the only way to reach those who have yet to follow Jesus. Steven looked up to heaven and could see Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He was proud of Steven and was there awaiting his arrival. Take courage, and bring the good news of Jesus and may He stand when you enter the kingdom!

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:8

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. Micah 3:8

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

July 9

Be careful of arrogance. I have an elderly friend whose husband has been in the hospital, but is recovering. She explained that she and her husband are in church every Sunday, and sit in the same place each week. She further explained that the preacher hasn’t come to visit, and they were very dissatisfied with him. I asked her if anyone else from the church had visited, and she named off a stream of people, and that they had offered to bring food, and had been very attentive to their needs. I just want to remind everyone that the preacher is appointed to lead the church, equip the saints for services, to bring the message of hope, and teach the ways of God. There are others who are appointed to handle the sick, those who have the gift of healing, but especially the elders, they are in charge of the sick! I’m not saying that the preacher shouldn’t visit, but when God is sending His servants to you, remember that you are probably getting those who are appointed for such a time as this. As for my friend, it seems as though her congregation is doing exactly what they have been trained to do.

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14

Monday, July 8, 2019

July 8

On a day when I’m trying hard to hear the voice of the Lord, I hear silence. I prayed for Him to give me something that could help someone today, but all I got was crickets. I went back to my Bible to see if I missed something that He wanted me to expand upon, and found a psalm of David. He was encouraging us to recognize the power of God. He must have been witnessing a thunderstorm, much like we’ve been having lately. This reminded me of my recent experience. I was outside digging in the yard when it began to get cloudy, and thunder began to clap all around me, but I was determined to finish what I was doing. I was working to clean up the yard of the rental we just purchased, and had begun to uncover a cobblestone walkway and fire pit. I didn’t want to stop, because it’s exciting finding beauty in the rough, but lightning kept clapping all around me, and though I know my usefulness to the Lord and know He would probably keep me safe, I decided that it was a good idea to get out of it. Lightning is scary! The mighty power of God is nothing to be toyed with, we should be careful not to make light of it. I know He loves me, but should never put Him to the test. Don’t take God too lightly, He is serious and powerful!

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. Psalms 29:2-4

Sunday, July 7, 2019

July 6

Better late than never! I guess I needed and extra hours worth of sleep; the week's activities have finally caught up with me. The commitment I made to my Savior doesn’t end. You see, the pressure for me to have this post written by nine a.m. comes only from myself, my loving Father is not forcing me to contribute, He’s allowing me to contribute. It’s my honor to be able to bring His love to all of my friends. Neither you nor I should ever feel pressure to perform for God, our salvation comes from His love for us, not from the things we do for the kingdom. You cannot buy your way into Heaven, nor can you work your way into Heaven. Now, I will say this, you will have a tugging on your heart to do something for Him because of your gratefulness to Him for your salvation, but at no point does He require it of you. When you figure out your place, not much will stop you from fulfilling your purpose, but you shouldn’t feel stress, that’s not His way.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

July 7

My porch and everything on it is wet from the July rains. It’s my happy place when I’m away from the beach, that is, until the sun begins peaking through the trees, and the blazing heat begins to steam the water. Though while the day is still early, the sounds are beautiful and interesting. I can hear the bullfrogs in the nearby swamp, the Cuban tree frogs just outside my door, and the birds that make their home in the woods near my home. Their sounds are soothing and peaceful. Make sure you find time to seek the joy of the Lord, and refresh with the works of His hand. We get so consumed by the challenges of everyday life, that we forget to slow down and enjoy His creation. Make today the day you commit to praise Him for giving you breath, and waking your senses. Make today the day that you acknowledge how wonderful He is. Praise Him with heartfelt thankfulness, for He is good and His love endures forever.

*A Psalm for giving thanks.Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
*Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
*Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
*Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
*For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 100:1-5