Saturday, August 24, 2019

August 24

As I was reading Ezekiel, I decided that I needed to read something more positive, so I picked a verse out of the air. When I went there, it was the verse about Jesus being led to the house of Caiaphas. The only thing positive about todays message is Jesus, and everything He went through to bring us salvation. In Ezekiel’s vision, six destroying angels were ready to be sent out with weapons in hand. Jesus was there and told to mark those who were in grief over the abominations being committed. The six were told to slaughter all who didn’t have a mark. I hope for your sake that the abominable things happening in the world today, bring you grief. It makes me sick to hear of the detestable acts of humans in the effort to prove that they are in charge of their own bodies. Their rejection of God is even more sickening. They think they are wise following their own human desires, but in the end, they will be sent to hell. They can recover from this nonsense, but it will take an intervention by the Holy Spirit. 

And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:33-34

Friday, August 23, 2019

August 23

I finally finished the manuscript for my book! The formatting is complete, the Grammarly editing has been done, and I gave it a name. This time, I stepped out beyond my comfort zone, and presented it to a publisher through a literary agent. It’s a bit nerve wracking, but it’s also exciting! I self-published the first book, even creating the cover using the artwork of a friend. I’m prepared to do that again, and if I get rejected by the publisher, I’m okay with that; I’ve released all control of this process to God, so if He wants this to go beyond me, He will make it happen; I’m content with it either way. To go back and re-read those devotions, was like walking back through time. I didn’t realize how much of my life I poured out for all to see; though I don’t always tell you exactly what I’m going through, or even that it’s me going through it, you do get my raw emotion and a lesson from the Lord. The lesson today, stop procrastinating what you’ve been dreading! If the Lord is in it, He will get you through it. It’s much easier when you let Him take charge.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

Thursday, August 22, 2019

August 22

Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our deepest desires, and can pick through the garbage within us and narrow it down to what’s in our heart. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t know what I want, I think I do, and place a name on it, but is it truth? As an example, let’s say you long to shop in the most exclusive stores, like Neiman Marcus, and purchase whatever you want, including designer exclusives. It is an overpriced store, and some of the things they sell are hideous, but you think it will make you happy. Is it the items you long for, or is it the notoriety you receive because your wealth is on display? Maybe in your heart you want to impress the social-lights, or be invited into an exclusive club. Jesus can see right through all of the unnecessary steps you take to be included, loved, and recognized. He also knows that after you hand the clerk your credit card, and walk out the door, the items in your shopping bag will leave you deflated. He knows you best, and the truth of your desires. Put away the credit cards, and trust Him to bring you joy. 

But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:24-25

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

August 21

I’ve heard God’s voice, not audibly, but I know it when I hear it. He has repeated Himself many times, through other believers, non-believers, and through a nagging sense that I feel inside. I’d convinced myself that it’s too much work, and it is a lot of work, but it’s time. What I’m talking about is editing for my next book of devotionals. I’ve realized that not everyone is on social media, or wants to look up a website daily, so in order to reach as many as possible, I need to offer it in the form of a book. Now that I’ve started the process, I realized that it’s not that hard, except for correcting the “passive voice.” What I post daily is raw and unedited, forgive me. We know when God is prodding us; I knew it was Him, especially after hearing Him three times, but now He’s gone beyond that, so I should probably begin to fear because of my disobedience. The point of me telling you this today is because you know God’s voice; don’t deny Him when He calls to you. 

When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. John 10:4
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, John 10:14
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

August 20

I have a friend who doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. He has a neighbor who professes to be a Christian. My friends water went out so he attached his hose to the neighbors water supply. The water comes from a well, so there is no charge for the water, except for the electricity that it uses, and that is minimal. Yes, my friend should have asked, but he didn’t, and the neighbor was distraught over his audacity. Now, my friend is without water, until his own pump is repaired. I’m sure he must have had a good reason for not wanting to share, but by his actions, he has tarnished the image of Christ. What’s worse is my friend knows the neighbor professes Jesus. Why would anyone want to be a Christ-follower when those who follow Him still act worldly? Think about how your actions affect others. Love your neighbor!

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12

Monday, August 19, 2019

August 19

Aren’t you afraid? I’m not talking about the fear of man, what can he do? He can only take your body and has no control of your eternity.  If there is any fear, it should be what we are doing to ourselves by not believing that the Almighty God is who He says He is. We have made the opinions of others, and how we appear, more important than following the Word of the Lord. We have a fear of not fitting in, and seek to impress the world so we may be looked upon in a different light. We see this all the time, especially in social media, where a person will make sure their BMW, or other fancy vehicle is displayed in their pictures. I’ve even seen it where someone will show other people’s wealth in photos, just to make others think it is theirs! Why in the world would you care? We are heir to the kingdom of God! There is nothing higher than that. Earthly wealth will disappear, or someone else gets it when you die. Study the Lord, learn of His attributes, and seek to please Him.

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

Sunday, August 18, 2019

August 18

Are you striving over disappointments or rejection? Go to a place where you can find peace in the living God, the God of our salvation. It is only through Him that all of our burdens are lifted, but it is up to us to unload the heavy weight; release it to Him and walk away. Stop stressing over the things you cannot control. You have done your best, and have kept from sin, and yet the outcome has still not gone your way; there is a reason, you are not in control, God is! Wait on Him, have faith that all things will work out in His timing, and not before. Trust in Him, and be patient as He works out the details of what is to come. 

If this sounds like you, you're not alone, I am also dealing with disappointment. I have a plan and have done my part, but cannot go on to the next adventure until God makes His move. I know things will work out, but it is in His timing. Waiting is hard, but what else can we do?

"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" Psalms 27:14