Saturday, July 18, 2020

July 18

“For such a time as this.” The famous line in the book of Esther that people recite whenever they feel the need to be bold and make a stand for what is right in the eyes of God, though it may not be popular in the eyes of others. Are we living in this day and age for a reason? Have we been called, like Esther was, to stand for what we believe is right? The Jews were to be annihilated in Persia because Mordecai had irritated one person who was high ranking in the king's palace, Haman, and he put out an edict for all Jews to be killed on a particular day in the future so that he could kill Mordecai. Mordecai sent word to Esther, and she put her life on the line by going before the king without being called, to plead for the lives of her people, which was against the rules, even though she was the queen. There is a lot more to this story and many lessons to be learned, but the best part is that the king had mercy on Esther and the Jews because she was bold and stood up for what was right. Are you standing in the shadows shivering in fear, or do you feel called by God for such a time as this? If we don’t stand firm for what is right, we could lose everything that others have fought so hard for, paving the way for our freedom. 


For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Friday, July 17, 2020

July 17

I was watching a wasp as it flew into my screened enclosure, I was sitting there with the door opened so my dogs could go into the yard. Even though it was hot, I was enjoying the outdoors and doing a little reading. Not really paying attention, something else came flying by, and I was sure it was that wasp. By the time I figured out that it wasn’t the wasp, and that it was just a moth, I almost killed myself trying to get away from it, and the moth nearly ended up dead. Doesn’t that sound like fear versus fact? Over and over, fear is shouted, so when the truth comes sauntering along, we don’t recognize it because our minds are set the be fearful. The truth might hurt, but we are better off knowing it, rather than believing the lies fear presents. If we are lucky, the truth is as harmless as a moth. In this day and age, we need to be in communication with the Holy Spirit and ask him to clarify what is truth and what is a lie. There is so much propaganda being shouted that we can’t navigate through it without his help. Ask God to reveal the truth; he wants you to be well informed and will lead you to the answer.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 1 Peter 3:12-14

Thursday, July 16, 2020

July 16

I’m not sure if I’m curious, or defiant, but I want to know why things are done, especially when it comes to religion, I want to know why we do what we do. Why do we close our eyes when we pray? Why do we raise our hands in praise? Why do we bow our heads? Some preachers, including one of my favorite preachers, Steven Furtick, has his congregation stand when he reads the word of God, why? I had all those questions answered today, except the closing of our eyes when we pray; I still haven’t found the answer to that one; I’ve found good reasons for doing it, like helping you maintain your focus, but nothing biblical. The rest of the questions are summed up in a couple of verses from Nehemiah. 


And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:5-6


That’s not all! While Ezra read the book of the law, there were others throughout the congregation, appointed to explain what the scripture meant so that it was understood by everyone. That is why we have preachers, and teachers. God is so good! He never wanted anyone to be left out for lack of understanding. Isn’t this interesting?

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

July 15

Is the Book of Nehemiah a type of prophecy, or reflection of what the United States are going through? The similarities are striking; literally and figuratively! The building of the wall, and the repairing of the gates could be very comparable. The anger of outsiders watching, and jeering, to the point of needing to arm ourselves, as we continue to make way, while trying to bring back the glory of what we once were before greed, and immorality overtook our government. Even the picture of our own countrymen working against us, trying to discourage us and stop the work of rebuilding. This is happening in our country, as well as what happened in Nehemiah’s time. The work must resume! We must not allow those who intend to tear our country apart, to gain control of our government again. This fight is not over, we must continue to work with a sword in one hand, ready for battle if needed. Do not get discouraged, our God is fighting for us, and we will prevail!


And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. Nehemiah 4:14-15

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

July 14

For years we’ve gone to work and wished we were at home, but now that we’ve been home for months, we wish we were back at work. Have you ever looked at this and thought that maybe God had given us what we asked for? He stopped people from working, deflated the economy, and gave the world a Sabbath rest. Maybe God is repaying those who have paid too much in taxes, and he’s leveling the playing field by giving out stimulus money. Whatever the case may be, God is involved, you can bet your last breath on it! God is in the middle of everything, good, or bad. No matter how far you run, you can’t get away from him, he is omnipresent. If we want the world to stop bleeding, we have to turn to him, and beg for his mercy. Christian friends, we must pray that God have mercy on the world. He listens. Speak up!


What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— Romans 9:22-23

Monday, July 13, 2020

July 13

Many of my neighbors and friends don’t understand why we would move into a smaller, middle unit, in our townhouse community. Some people don’t even understand why we would live in a townhouse at all! Here is where my quirks are fully displayed! I like the things around me to be perfectly pristine, and beautifully manicured. I grew up in the country where there were no rules, and you could display whatever you want, right out in the front yard, including toilets, and tractors. That’s okay if you like that sort of thing, and the freedom to do whatever you please, but that kind of thing grinds my nerves. As far as moving into our middle unit townhouse, I couldn’t be happier! Yes, it is sandwiched between two other homes, but the layout, the protective nature of being in the middle, and especially my enclosed yard with a fence, gives protection to my little dogs when they go outside, and it makes this the home I love the most. It checks off all my boxes! Plus, I get to make changes to it that suit my own taste. This is a picture of ministry! The thing that is ideal for me, may not be ideal for you! God creates in us a nature that leads us into his perfect plan, which won’t look the same as someone else. We need to cover a lot of different areas of life to be able to reach all different kinds of people. Relax, it’s not about how it looks, it’s about who you bring to Jesus. So, whether you minister from a mansion, or from an apartment, God will make good use of whatever you do, you can count on it!


"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function," Romans 12:4

Sunday, July 12, 2020

July 12

The house we moved to had no grass, it was all landscaping plants, and mulch, but my husband feels that he must have grass, I guess it’s a man thing. We raked out the mulch, and pulled up the plants, and laid sod, mind you, it’s not very much area, but at least he’s getting some grass. You wouldn’t think that grass could make a difference, but after he put down the sod, it seemed like the temperature cooled. It sure looks better getting the mulch out of there and bringing in something living, plus, it makes me happy having beautiful things around me. Sometimes you need to modify your actions, and move away from the ordinary. If you keep repeating yourself, but you aren’t getting the results you want, change it up. A small alteration can make a considerable difference. I have prayed the Lord’s Prayer daily, nearly my entire life, now I’ve improved it a bit, and added other scriptures. Before I ever begin studying the Bible, I pray the scriptures. I encourage you to add God’s words to your prayers; it’s like raking up the mulch, and laying down grass, it adds something living to your prayer life.


“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 


Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:7-13