Friday, February 7, 2020

February 7

For whatever reason, I was having trouble sleeping, and I was feeling itchy from the bug bites I got when we walked through Weedon Island, which caused me to move around too much. All I wanted to do was settle down and go to sleep, and my own movement was preventing it. I began thinking about the verse that says, “be still and know that I am God,” which led me to thinking about the verse from a couple of days ago that said, “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” The King James Version says to “hold your peace,” for the portion that says to be silent. It’s hard to hear the Lord’s voice when we are constantly moving, and disquiet, hence my lack of sleep. I settled for a moment, let go of my mind, and prayed; then I heard him speak to me through these verses. Thankfully, it worked, and I went to sleep shortly after hearing his voice. I’m going to try this and maybe you should too; when things get wonky, and your mind wanders into infinity, stop moving, quiet your mind, and think only of Jesus. He is God, and he has saved us from every thought that we have. Be still, hold your peace, and feel the comfort of his presence wash over you.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalms 46:10

“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”  Exodus 14:14

Thursday, February 6, 2020

February 6

My daughter and I decided to visit Weedon Island Preserve, which is a mangrove covered area with many trails and boardwalks that lead you on an adventure throughout the island. During our walk we came across armadillos foraging for food, and were witnesses to the mating ritual of Gopher Tortoises; we felt like we had walked onto a scene in National Geographic!

Imagine venturing out into the wilderness as the Israelites did when they left Egypt; their paths weren’t beautifully carved out like that of the preserve we walked through. They eventually ran out of water, and began to grumble, and wish they had never left Egypt, even though they were slaves there. Many people, after deciding to follow Jesus, will turn and go back to the life they once knew, because the path seems easier to follow. Being a slave to sin is not easy; the enemy will tell you that lie just to hold you captive. Once you realize that with Jesus you are free, and unencumbered, you will never want to go back to Egypt again. Allowing Jesus to be in control will enable you to live your best life, and he will provide for your every need just as he did for the Israelites.

Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:6

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

February 5

Many of us struggle with battles that no one knows about; whether it’s disease, relationship trials, financial issues, or whatever it might be. Most of the time we try to handle the situation ourselves without reaching for help. The enemy will use our pain to try and cause us to lose our faith in God, and to rely solely on our own capabilities, which can become a disaster. 

As the Israelites stood at the Red Sea with the Egyptians closing in on them, they began to cry out in despair, because they were trapped and saw no way out. Moses told them to “fear not and stand firm!” Then came the famous words that we all know, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Those are great words to live by, but the words in the next line, may be more important than those, “... go forward.” You must move forward with faith, and God will part your “Red Sea,” and allow you to walk on dry ground.

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Exodus 14:13-15

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

February 4

We all make plans for our day, it’s our nature, and how we get things done. There are days when we make a plan, and due to circumstances, the plans fall through. This is the busiest time of the month for our business; people pay their rent, and I get busy paying bills. I made a plan to get my bills paid by 1:00 pm yesterday, but here I am today, with the same plan, because it didn’t happen. I had an agenda, but had forgotten about an appointment, and it ruined the days production. 

God has a purpose for each of our lives, and no matter what you have in your mind, his plan for you will prevail. For this reason, he tells us not to be anxious about anything, but pray about it, and let him know what you want. Don’t get upset if things don’t work out in your timing; you can bet that things are falling into place as God has planned.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." Proverbs 19:21

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

Monday, February 3, 2020

February 3

When I first started writing devotionals, I began by posting scripture pictures. I did that for a year or so before working up the courage to post short commentary. Even then, I wouldn’t have done any of it if I hadn’t started hearing God’s voice. Don’t get me wrong, I had always heard his voice, but didn’t realize it was him. He had been preparing me all along, because most of what I wrote about in the beginning, came from my history. God called me to do this for the social media generation, but I was reluctant and fearful. 

When God called Moses to save his people from Egypt, he spoke to him through a burning bush. Even after hearing his voice and seeing the bush burning, and other signs, Moses asked him to send someone else because he was not eloquent in speech. Moses went anyway, but had the help of Aaron. How many times have we done the same thing? We know God wants us to complete a task, but are reluctant and fearful? We should fear God, not fear what people will think of us. If you know God is asking you to step out and do a task for him, trust that he will get you through it. 

Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” Exodus 4:12-13

Sunday, February 2, 2020

February 2

While we were cleaning and getting ready to leave Little Gasparilla Island, my husband took the dogs with him to lock up our golf cart. He came rushing back in a panic, because he couldn’t find Rudy, and he needed me to help him. We searched the entire property, the mangrove, and the beach, with no luck. It wasn’t like him to run off; he usually stays pretty close to us. Richard retraced his steps, looking around the golf cart, and there he was, looking at him and wagging his tail from inside the storage. He had followed him when he was locking it up; he’s pretty stealthy, so he hadn’t seen him sneak in behind him. 

When someone you love is lost, you do everything you can to find them; you search high and low until they are found. When they are found, nothing can contain your excitement and joy. Jesus says there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. This parable makes so much sense when you’ve experienced it. Keep praying for those you love who are lost, and do your best to plant seeds, and one day the heavens will erupt in joy when they turn from their sin. 

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7