January 18

We’ve had beautiful weather throughout the entire month here in Florida, however, the forecast warns of a cold front coming. Seldom do we have to worry about the cold because our climate is generally mild, but occasionally, during the winter we will have a cold snap that makes us all rush around covering up the tender vegetation in our yards, and pushes the farmers to get in gear to protect their crops. Technology makes it easy for those in that field of work, to give us warning of what is to come so we can prepare. 

When it comes to predicting the exact time of the return of our Savior, we can’t, but we can look for signs of the times, and be prepared. It’s important the we don't fear or worry, because we hold fast to Jesus, he will deliver us when we call to him, and he will rescue us because we know his name. Keep your chin up, but don’t let your guard down.

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. Psalms 91:14-15

January 17

Who is this billionaire funding certain aspects of the Southern Baptist Convention, and giving money to the Catholic Church? He is a puppet master, making puppets out of the leaders, and turning millions against righteousness, when he himself is a puppet of the enemy. He’s been hiding in the shadows hoping to deceive and destroy those who were once avid followers of biblical precepts of those religions, by using his money as a weapon against Jesus. 

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

When I read these verses I couldn’t help but think about George Soros. Mr. Soros doesn’t do signs and wonders, as written about further down in the text, but his money creates the illusion of a divine nature, maybe not to everyone, but certainly to his benefactors. He may or may not be who Paul is talking about in these verses, but this man certainly fits the description written here. We see big name evangelist, who have a form of godliness, who’ve been leading for years in evangelical circles, leaving their stand on abortion, and instead promoting the ideas of this man. Be aware! There are deceivers in our midst. It’s time we stop doing human written “Bible Studies,” and start studying the Bible. Wake up, because something has gone terribly wrong, and it has the enemies fingerprints all over it.

January 16

It’s hard to know who to trust when it comes to teachers of the Word. Many have come, saying they represent Jesus, but teach something contrary to what is written in the Bible. You may think you are safe to buy something in a Christian book store, or from the “Christian” section of the secular book store, but not everything on those shelves lead you in the direction of Christ. There are a few who have been filling those shelves for years who are now echoing the words of the secular media, causing questions about their beliefs, and invalidating their past teachings. A leopard doesn’t change its spots, fingerprints will always expose identity, and the enemy will infiltrate our ranks; remember Judas. 

How will you know? Their roots will be exposed! However, if you’re finding it hard to tell, ask God for discernment, and listen to the check in your spirit; it may be the Holy Spirit guiding you. Know the scripture! If you diligently read and study God’s Word, you will be able to determine the truth, and the enemy will find it harder to change your direction. The day of the Lord is upon us, don’t get distracted.

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 1 Thessalonians 5:1

And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. Matthew 24:11

January 15

When my husband died, who was a strong believer in Jesus, I was judged, and criticized over laughing as others were telling stories from his past. He was relieved from his suffering, and no longer held down by his mortal body. I was sad for my loss, and for my son growing up without his father, but I knew he was with Jesus, and I couldn’t be more thankful than I was.

David grieved over the sickness of his child, but as soon as he died, he shook it off because he knew he would see him again. After the child’s death, he understood that no amount of grief or lamenting would bring him back, and that he would go to him when he died. He cleaned himself up, ate, and got on with his life. As followers of Christ, we are not without hope. Those who die that are part of our faith, should not be grieved as those who are not. It’s not wrong to grieve for ourselves over our missing piece, but prolonged grief may show signs that we lack hope. It is up to us to show the world that we are strong in our faith by rejoicing over our loved one’s entry into the realm of Jesus. 

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

January 14

My car has been in and out of the shop lately. First with the crash, and then with issues stemming from the crash. But now, I’m dealing with a noise that is obnoxious that only happens when the technician is not in the car. I sat for two hours waiting for them to correct the issue only to have them tell me that they didn’t hear anything, so I left. On the way home, it started again, but it kept doing it, so I went back, and finally someone heard the sound it was making. 

This same thing happens to us physically, and mentally. Sometimes our mental trouble stems from something physical going on in our body. However, there are things that go back to past hurts or trauma that stems from someone else’s sin, or even our own past sin. You may also be dealing with fear; maybe you’re dreading something that’s coming up. Rejection always causes pain; you may be trying to tough it out, but God knows the truth. So now you see why the technician needed to hear the issue with my car! How can you eliminate the problem if you don’t know its cause. We have a technician who knows everything, but he needs you to ask him for his help. If you feel troubled, the next time you are alone with God, ask for help, and then trust him for the outcome.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1

January 13

Do you ever feel off, or out of sync? Maybe you’re having a hard time getting it together, and wonder what you’ve done that’s causing your dilemma. For several days, I’ve been fighting off a cold. For me a cold can lead to asthma because of all the coughing and drainage, so I don’t waste time, I start medicating right away. The side effects of the medication cause other issues, and make it harder for me to hear God’s voice. So if you noticed a difference over the last few days in my writing, that’s why. The enemy will intervene in any way he can to stop the message of Jesus from going out. 

Paul was no different. He had to contend with being a prisoner, and the whims of his accusers. He had longed to see the church of the Thessalonians, but had been hindered because of the enemy and his schemes. Just know this, the enemy will use anything he can to prohibit God’s message from going out, and will even throw roadblocks in your way to prevent you from living out God’s plan. Keep pressing forward, muddle through it if you have to, but don’t stop. 

because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 1 Thessalonians 2:18

January 12

My mother, along with my daughters, and I, took a day trip over to DeLand to tour the Stetson Mansion. It was a beautiful old house that the owners decided to open for visitors. If you’ve seen a real mansion, this one pales in comparison, and I’m not sure why they even called it a mansion. They wanted to make sure you got your money’s worth so they dragged out the tour with ridiculous stories that had no historical significance at all. The owners are just a couple of guys trying to pave their way into society without lifting a finger. Remind me the next time I want to tour an old house, I just need to go look at a couple of listings in a historical district.

Even though our initial purpose was to go and see this “mansion,” the day ended up being a success! Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” The ride was two and a half hours there and back, so we got in a lot of girl time, full of laughs and conversation. It gave us a chance to catch up. We need to look at our walk with Jesus the same way; instead of looking at it as our destination to heaven, we need to focus on our relationship with him.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:2