October 5

There is a lot of hatred in the world today, mostly without cause. Lately, it is due to political differences, and the assumption that because you are a certain color, or nationality, you believe a specific way. The upheaval is mostly felt because people are living vicariously through the eyes of those reporting the “news.” The news is not truthful anymore, and you can’t count on it being reported fairly and unbiased, because each station bends it in their own political direction. Some stations are even biased against Christians, and cause hatred towards us because we love Jesus. There is some good news though, if you live and follow the words of Jesus to love others, and love God, you will find that all of that hatred is located right inside that box you’re peering into. Outside of that box, for the most part, you will find people genuinely caring about one another. Use wisdom, and search for the good that dwells within all of us, and don’t let the enemy win!

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. John 15:18

October 4

There are some hibiscus planted near the edge of my yard. They’ve been there for a while and are fully grown. The problem with them is that because they are planted in the shade of the oak trees, they lack sun and seldom bloom. If those plants were on my property, I would probably take them out and plant something shade tolerant. Their lack of bloom makes them nothing more than a hedge plant. As a follower of Jesus, we are planted in the sun, and should bloom and produce fruit, so the truth about him spreads to the world. Did you know that Jesus is the vine and our gardener is the Father? He will prune us and cut off any branches that do not produce fruit. That’s a little scary! Don’t worry! If you love Jesus, you will produce fruit. Some till the garden, some plant the seeds, some water, and others harvest the fruit. All are an important part of the kingdom of God. Remember, just because you are not active in ministry right now, doesn’t mean you are not producing fruit. Maybe you’ve brought up your children to love Jesus, and they are producing fruit. I know that I could quit right now without fear of being pruned because of my children. I don’t want anyone to be frightened, I just want you to know the scripture.

"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit."  John 15:2

October 3

We all have things we like to collect, I have a passion for plants, art, and decorating. All of these things require some amount of work, and toil. I’m currently studying Ecclesiastes, and John. They may not seem to go together, but the words of Jesus are all wisdom! Solomon says that the gathering of stuff, and toiling over it is vain, and Jesus says to store your treasures in heaven. How? It’s about redefining yourself. You can’t take your possessions with you into heaven, unless your possessions are stored in your heart. Jesus doesn’t give to us the way the world gives, his gifts are matters of the heart, and the results are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Rather than toiling over possessions that you can’t take with you, start collecting spiritual gifts. If you want to collect something meaningful that doesn’t rot, toil over the souls of your friends and family, and maybe a few strangers, and gather them into heaven. Those are possessions worth attaining. 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."  John 14:27

October 2

After posting a video yesterday, I began criticizing myself over some of the details, like, why was I looking off, why didn’t I do something with my hair, I need more makeup, and so on. Self talk can be such a downer. Then it hit me, I was criticizing one of God’s magnificent creations! Who am I to be critical of the Father? When you put yourself down, aren’t you also putting down his masterpiece? He created you! Who are you to judge the Almighty? We are created in his image, you wouldn’t tear God apart the way you tear yourself apart, would you? At some point in your life, the enemy whispered lies to you, and you believed him. Make it a part of your mission to praise God for his creation of YOU. You have a purpose, you belong to him, and he deserves credit for creating you. You have to take care of yourself, but let go of the things you cannot change, and praise him for the vessel he has given you. Also, remember that God is the creator of other humans too, don’t hurt them either.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."  Genesis 1:27

October 1

Thank goodness it’s nearing my birthday! I shattered the screen of my iPad! I use my iPad to do all of my writing, and will probably get Richard to buy me a new one as a birthday gift. I can justify this purchase with God, because it helps me move in my spiritual gift. Speaking of spiritual gifts, it just so happens that I’m in the study of John where Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, imagine that, what a coincidence. The tragedy of my broken screen gives a way for me to bring up the gift of the Holy Spirit. Did you know that this gift, came with an “if?” Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments, and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper, to be with you forever.” If you want the Holy Spirit to dwell within you, you have to love Jesus! And if you love him, you will keep his commandments. He makes it easy, but the key is that you must love him. The commandments will fall into place, as you build your love for him. The Spirit is a magnificent gift, and I wouldn’t want to live without him. Love Jesus, and the rest will fall into place.

"Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”"  John 14:21

September 30

When I have guests coming to visit, I become a crazy person, working and cleaning to make my home more presentable. For the most part, I maintain it daily, but the anticipation of guest encourages me to go beyond, and clean things that they probably won’t notice anyway, like the top of the refrigerator and baseboards. I know I’m not the only person that does this, but why? I think it’s so we can relax without worry of being labeled a slob. The thing I notice most when I’m a guest in someone’s home is how they treated me upon arrival. Was I welcomed by them, or were they pre-occupied with preparations? When I have guests over, I have everything completed before their arrival, so they have my full attention, and I’m not off in the kitchen making preparations. I went to a party one time, where the host never greeted me, and I’ve never forgotten it. People are more concerned about how they are treated, and accepted by you. Make it a point to clean up your personality, and put on a friendly face; that’s what people will remember the most about being your guest.

"Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ."  1 Peter 5:14

September 29

You are not going to reach your God-given destiny and purpose if you continue to listen to the accusations of the devil. It is very important that we deny Satan power over us, by seeking forgiveness of our past sins, and accepting that forgiveness. Some of our potential is diminished because we are chained to him, and he keeps reminding us of our captivity, and his hold over us. You will continue to be tormented by your past unless you seek the counsel of Jesus, and go before the throne of God to silence your accuser. Until you have dealt with your past sins, the devil will continue to throw them in your face. There is a simple way to find out what the enemy is holding against you; ask God, and he will tell you. Ask, then listen, don’t keep babbling on and on. God will impress upon your heart the areas of your life that need repentance. You may have asked forgiveness for your unknown sins, but the enemy will use whatever he can to throw you off track, and keep you under his power. Ask, listen, seek heartfelt forgiveness, and this will silence your accuser.

"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."  Proverbs 28:13