Saturday, June 13, 2020

June 13

If you think the Bible is not political, you are completely wrong! As I read about the kings in the Old Testament, I can’t help but compare what’s happening in the current environment, to the replacement of a dead king, especially when the replacement was Josiah. Josiah was one of the few kings that the Bible said did right in the eyes of the Lord. After he found the Book of the Law of Moses, and realized the error of the past kings, Josiah began tearing down all the idols and high places, that were built, and allowed by the previous kings. He plowed through the sinful things, and reinstated the Passover. In other words, he cleaned house! Can you see it? It’s no wonder the people of today are upset; the current temper tantrum displayed by the previous political rulers, shows that someone’s toes are getting stepped on, and their idols are being removed, just like taking a toy from a child. Our current president may not be squeaky clean like King Josiah, but he’s headed in the right direction, and seems to be trying to restore what others have torn apart. It is our duty as Christians to reach out to God in prayer for our leaders, and representatives, they have a rocky road ahead of them, and they need us to stand in the gap between them, and God.


Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him. 2 Kings 23:25

Friday, June 12, 2020

June 12

This word from the Old Testament is relevant to what is happening today.


Back in the days before Josiah the king of Judah, it seems that they were living without the book of God’s law, but one of the kings men found it, and read it to Josiah. He was a good king, and when he heard the words, he tore is clothes, because he knew they hadn’t been following it. He sent his men to Huldah a prophetess, to inquire of the Lord, and it was bad news. God intended to pour out his wrath upon the people because of their disobedience, but told Josiah that he wouldn’t have to witness the disaster that awaits them, and that he would die in peace, because he repented. I can’t help but notice how this resembles the lawlessness we are now seeing.


“because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the LORD,... and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD. Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.’” And they brought back word to the king.” 2 Kings 22:19-20


Huldah’s words to Josiah, are good words for us today. If you haven’t yet repented for not following God’s law, turned from sin, and accepted Jesus, today might be a good day to do that. The world can’t continue in disobedience, and expect to avoid God’s wrath. It is up to us to humble ourselves before the Almighty, and ask him to have mercy on us.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

June 11

I had an appointment with the doctor. Upon entering his facility, they took a reading of my oxygen level, took my temperature, and required that I wear a face mask. It was not a problem, I didn’t mind complying with their rules. As I was talking to him, he commented on my mask, and began telling me about bike riders and the type of mask they use, he was also a bike rider; but me and my big mouth didn’t pick up that he also wore a mask while biking. Being from Florida, the humidity is oppressive, and it can sap the breath right out of you, so wearing a mask in the heat, seems foolish to me, believe me, I’ve tried it when walking to my car from the grocery store. At this point, I only wear a mask if required by the store or facility. Of course I expressed my concern, and he looked at his assistant and said to her, “You can’t put in what God didn’t give them!”, so instead of educating me with the facts about why he believes this way, he insulted my intelligence. We need to be more patient with others who believe differently than we do, and take the time to educate, rather than call them out on their lack of knowledge. I will continue to believe that it is foolish to wear a mask to workout in the heat, when there is no one around to spread the disease, because he never tried to educate me, or give me scientific proof for why that is important. 


preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

June 10

We are all going to die sometime, but we don’t want to die until we’re old and worn out. Hezekiah, who was king of Judah, was sick, and had a boil; it is likely that he was only in his forties. Isaiah told him that he was going to die; but Hezekiah wept and prayed, and God sent word to Isaiah to tell him that he had heard his prayer and that he would live fifteen more years. He also told him that he needed to take a cake of figs, and lay it on the boil so he could recover. The wheels of my mind begin turning, and wondering what kind of vitamins and nutrients are in figs that could help heal a boil; it also made me realize that sometimes healing requires that we take certain steps, and responsibility. God was going to heal him, but he must also do his part. We cannot neglect to seek the assistance of a doctor when we are sick, but we must first go to the Lord in prayer for ourselves, trust God, and believe in his power. It won’t always work like it did with Hezekiah, he still died eventually, but to have another chance at life is worth every sincere prayer, and tear that you may shed. Reach out to the Lord first, and let him guide your steps as you seek medical attention. Who knows, he may link you to the perfect doctor to take your case, and you may find healing like Hezekiah did. Don’t let the sun set on your life without going before the Lord in prayer.

“Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, and I will add fifteen years to your life. ... ” And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.” 1 Kings 20:5-7

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

June 9

Even in a time where we face overwhelming challenges, there is still good to be found. I’m reminded of a verse that says, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” The sun rises to bring fresh hope for a better day, and even if your situation doesn’t seem to change much, you still have life and breath. Though your life may be waning, and your breath short, we must believe that we were spared for a reason. Do not fear what man can do to you, or let it cripple you, rest your hope in Jesus alone. Bring your request before the Lord, so that he may show you his mercy. If you can’t find the words to pray, the Holy Spirit knows the prayers of your heart, and will intercede on your behalf, but don’t let the day end without reaching for him; humble yourself, because he sits on the throne of grace, and will have mercy on you. Remember that what you have in mind for an outcome, may not be the same as God’s, but in the end all that matters is God’s plan; trust him, and his plan.

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalms 30:5

Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. Psalms 118:5-7

Monday, June 8, 2020

June 8

My neighbors, and my husband and I, are switching houses, because they’re buying ours. We have started the process, so we don’t have to do the whole thing all in one day. Yesterday, we swapped patios, and yard stuff. It’s aggravating, but there was a plus, they have a bird feeder that is now in my yard! Those cute little creatures have found it, and have already begun to flit around it, and settle in for a meal. I had a bird feeder at one time, but have since decided against it because the seeds in the feeder are still viable, and  will grow new plants underneath, and create a rather weedy area. I have enough weeds to deal with without adding more. Here’s the lesson I learned from my observation: we the church can continue to feed those who come to the table of Jesus, and enjoy their presence, and expect that we might get a few that spread their negativity, or we can close up the church, and no one gets fed. The enemy will be there to sow weeds among us, but Jesus tells us to allow them to grow with us, and he will sort them out later. Some of us will be harvested, but the others will be thrown into the burn pile. Don’t be discouraged by all that you are seeing and hearing, some will come to know Jesus because we are still inviting them to our table.

He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” Matthew 13:28-30

Sunday, June 7, 2020

June 7

My mind is so busy this morning; I had some trouble focusing on hearing from the Holy Spirit. The rain has finally stopped for the moment, and everything is clean and beautiful outside, which caused my distraction. Then it hit me, that’s God’s point today. The cleansing rain that comes as summer arrives promotes new growth, and washes away the dust that has accumulated on the leaves of the trees, and plants. The rain creates renewal.

Let us all ask for God to send a cleansing rain, a washing of the nations with the Holy Spirit, a cleansing that can only come from the Almighty. May righteousness abound, and the chains of slavery to the underworld be demolished, strongholds from our ancestors be broken, and may the scales from our mind's eye fall off to reveal the truth. We are set free through Jesus, and no longer a slave to unrighteousness; let everyone believe this truth so that peace may be restored throughout the world.

"“Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the LORD have created it."Isaiah 45:8