Saturday, March 28, 2020

March 28

Do you like to watch mixed martial arts (MMA)? Even though it can sometimes be bloody, it's also quite exciting. In this sport, there is no mercy. A fighter could have their opponent's arm in a position to break it, and that's exactly what they are going to do. It is merciless! There is only one thing that they can do, and it's what could save their arm, and it is to tap out. It makes you cringe when you think that pride is getting in the way of them receiving mercy. When they can no longer take the pain, you'll see them give up and tap their challenger; then the fight is over. But, what if the underdog fails to tap? They will be shown no mercy, and it will be a long time before they can fight again because of that broken arm. As Christians, we are always to show mercy. How do you show someone mercy? Show them Jesus or they will face judgment where there will be no mercy. Doing this will allow them to tap out!

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13

Excerpt from Jesus Will Meet You In The River Swamp: A Devotional For The Followers of Christ - March 28

Friday, March 27, 2020

March 27

Stay at home! For an introvert, this is a welcomed relief, but to an extrovert, it’s like being held captive in your own home. With all the people who are terribly sick, and hearing of many passing away, it’s the least we can do to prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus, and other diseases. We will all be healthier for it. Passover and Easter are coming, use this as a time of rest, and renewal, but also as a time to worship our Creator, who will ultimately be the one who sends protection for you against such disease. If you get it, pray for a mild case, consider that as your protection too. We may all have a bit of of obsessive-compulsively when this is all over, as we become mindful of the surfaces we touch, and the people we come in contact with. Remember, the Lord said that we are to follow the law of the land, and I expect that you will follow God’s word. Pray over the entrances of your home, windows, and doorways, anoint them with oil, so that no plague will enter your home. Read Psalms 91 out loud inside your home, so the devil will flee from you. 

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, March 26, 2020

March 26

Over the past few days, we have been moving, painting, decorating, and settling into our new home. Though it is exciting, it is also exhausting. Thankfully, I was encouraged by the Holy Spirit to hunt and gather the things I needed for this transition more than two months ago, or I would have had to wait because of the current situation with this virus. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to tune into his voice so we stay out of trouble. If you get a feeling that you shouldn’t go here, or should stay away from there, don’t go, it may be a warning; no one wants to become ill. If you get a desire to get certain things accomplished, do not neglect that feeling. The Holy Spirit is soft spoken, and will nudge you, but won’t force you. 

As an example; we were supposed to have cable installed, but were never given a time. When the technician didn’t show up early in the day, my husband knew something was wrong. Sure enough, our order had been canceled by mistake. If he hadn’t called to get a time, we would still be looking at a blank television screen. Jesus told us that he would give us a Helper to be with us, make sure you are listening carefully to him.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

March 25

My view is a little different this morning; I’m getting a bit of a late start and the noise of traffic is breaking my usual peaceful surroundings. But God, in his amazing love, is still giving me tidbits of his creation to enjoy. Over the sound of traffic, I can still hear the seagulls laughing as they look for their morning bite to eat, and I saw a flock of pelicans changing locations to increase their chances of finding their next big catch. The light glistening off the water, and the sun reflecting the sand on the beach, remind me of how great God is. Wherever you find yourself today, be grateful for the reminders of God’s love for you. How can we complain when he’s giving us rest?  Let him work out the details of things to come; he loves us and will never fail us or let us down. 

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— " Ephesians 2:4-5

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

March 24

What is grace? It is free and unmerited favor. Look at the order of things God has set in place to bring you to where you are now. If you're currently going through a hardship, it will pass, and you will see that it was by God's grace that you managed to get through it. I know that it's not easy to look back, and just like everyone, there are some things in my life that I would rather forget too. But, even in those difficult times, I can see a silver lining and a piece of the plan God had for my future. When King David was just a shepherd, he didn't know that the difficulties in his life would lead to him becoming a great King, but he used every trial as a testimony. What are the things that led to your salvation, and how is He using you now? Everything you have gone through is your testimony of God's grace, and He will use it to help bring others to salvation. So, don't forget to share your testimony.

"Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:39

From Jesus Will Meet You In The River Swamp - March 24

Monday, March 23, 2020

March 23

Don’t be afraid. Never have we seen a time where we couldn’t gather to worship, or a time when we couldn’t enjoy one another’s company. I see revival coming! When the enemy blocks believers from meeting together as a community, the desire for God becomes stronger. Because we are commissioned to go into the world, we must seek other ways to reach the unsaved. Now is the time, there is a harvest coming, and workers are in short supply. People who wouldn’t otherwise reach out to God, suddenly fear his retribution, and are seeking his forgiveness. The world is turning to him, and asking for his help, in the hope that he will hear them and intervene. God turns his face away from the sinner, and their only way to communicate with him is through those of us hidden in Christ. Just as a reminder, we are all sinners, but as Christ followers, we can reach out to God because he sees Jesus covering us. You were placed on this earth for such a time as this. Help those who are afraid by intervening on their behalf; also pray for their salvation.

"We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him." John 9:31