Saturday, October 17, 2020

October 17

Because of a cold front coming in, we had a mostly overcast day while “leaf looking” in the mountains. We could see the colors, but because of the lack of light, they were somewhat muted. As the day wore on, the clouds broke, and the sun came from behind the clouds and lit up the trees so we could see the spectacular reds and yellows. Though we had some good color in the foothills, we decided to travel to a small town called Highlands; I like Highlands because it is meticulously manicured, and I like things clean and neat. My friends have a home there, so we decided to drive up and look at it. They didn’t tell me that the road was steep and had a few hairpin turns before getting to it. I had to get out of the car once we got there to settle down a bit before the drive into town. They have a breathtaking view of the mountains! When we got into the higher elevations, the colors took on a dramatic change and were vivid; the cooler temperatures must have brought on the color a little earlier than the lower elevations. Though the road was winding and steep, we saw the most striking beauty on that short detour before heading home. My analogy of this day is the closer you get to God, the more beautiful the scenery, but I’m not referring to your physical elevation; I’m comparing it to our growing love for the Lord, the closer you get to him, the more beautiful he becomes, and the life we live upon this earth has a real purpose. 

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalms 27:4-5

Friday, October 16, 2020

October 16

I’m intrigued by the waterfall beside the cabin. One thing that can be seen is two small creeks that run into a small lake that then spills over to create the cascade of the waterfall. You would expect that a raging river would make such as this, but that is not the case for this fall. What is the explanation for it? The lake is merely a pool that holds the water before it is funneled toward a dam that directs it to run in a specific direction, which, in our case, is right by our cabin. It creates such beautiful scenery that I can hardly get enough of it. If you think about it, that’s how the Holy Spirit works; he begins as a trickle when you first become saved, but as you increase in the knowledge of God, your faith increases and in turn the Spirit within you advances. The sound is soothing, and because it’s flowing down from a mountain, it’s cold, crisp, and refreshing. I hope to someday become like a gushing waterfall, spilling over, and flowing into a raging river of living water. It’s a worthy goal, and will be accomplished as long as I keep my eyes on God. Consider setting a spiritual goal, and watch as God works with you to achieve his purpose, and sends a rushing flow of living water that spills on everyone you meet.

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38

Thursday, October 15, 2020

October 15

My mom and I are headed up to the mountains to see the seasonal color of the changing leaves that we don’t get to see here in Florida. So as I prepared, I decided to clean out my car and run it through the car wash; because I don’t want complete strangers judging me on my filthy car. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat in my car as it goes through the cleaning process. As it began, I glanced down at my phone for just a second, and when I looked back up, it was dark and scary! The brushes, foam, and the water spraying caused the car to become completely covered, and I couldn’t see a thing. It finally rolled closer to the end, and the sprayer began to rinse the suds, and the blower began to dry it off, and I could see the light at the end. What a grueling process! If I didn’t know what was going on and where I would end up, I would have been full of fear. 

Here is the lesson I learned; living in the world is not easy, and it’s becoming a lot harder to live in, especially as a Christian, but God has us encapsulated, like me being safe inside my car. In the end, we will be clean and living in the light of Jesus. Put your fear away, and trust that God is in control.


Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

October 14

We’ve had some trouble with the reception on our television lately. It’s a smart TV, but its connection to our internet seems a little sketchy. It’s getting a bit obnoxious when watching, and suddenly you get that twirling ball and a blank screen.

There are days when I feel like I’m getting that twirling ball and a blank screen when trying to hear God’s voice, and I’m unsure of myself and question my reception; am I tuned in or out of tune? On those days, I rely heavily on the scriptures and the perception of a trusted commentator and Bible scholar. That keeps my teaching on-point and truthful. Consulting the scriptures is the right thing to do; even when you are sure you hear God’s voice, it helps to confirm and keeps you from taking God’s Word out of context. The scriptures are God’s voice, and you can guarantee that what you hear him say to you will not go against what the scriptures tell you. 


I don’t mean to pry into your lives, but I’m seeing a lot of twirling balls on your screens, and believe you need to plug in the cable and consult the scripture for clarity. Don’t go another day with a fuzzy screen and a twirling ball.


All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

October 13

Lately, those who’ve come out fighting are doing it to disguise their lies. The darkness is being uncovered and brought into the light. Scandal after scandal on the evil side of politics is exposed. When real journalists begin following the money, the truth comes out and what we are experiencing here in the United States becomes clear. For too many years, the American people have been gullible, and taken advantage of by the political swamp. Now that we have a no-nonsense leader, the swamp is getting drained like the Everglades. Soon we will build on prime property. The hypocrisy is unbelievable. I’m blown away by the number of Christians who have fallen for the deceit. God has a plan for all of the turmoil we are experiencing, and like it or not, he will prevail, and his plan will go forward with or without the help of so-called Christians. Pray that you are on the right side. Pray that you’re following biblical principles as you maneuver through this political climate. Pray that you have ears to hear. God help you if you follow the murderous into hell. 

Remember the lynch mob sent to get Jesus? They had nothing but lies to find him guilty, but eventually, the truth came out and the darkness was brought into the light. Our President is not Jesus, but he has been sent to help the real Christians.


The following scripture is happening right here, right now, just like in biblical times!


For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Mark 4:22-25

Monday, October 12, 2020

October 12

My computer was malfunctioning; it became locked in a thinking state with a twirling rainbow ball spinning and spinning. It sat unused for months because the Apple store shut down because of COVID, and the repair business they refer to was too backed up to take on new clients. Apple finally opened, and I made an appointment to have it checked; there was good news and bad news. The good news is that it was repairable; the bad news was that the memory would be wiped clean. Now I start fresh, but because most of my business files were on that computer, I will have to retype all my lease forms and create all-new spreadsheets, financial statements, and property lists. The good thing about this is that everything will be fresh and up-to-date, and I will have clean, verified information going forward. 

When you became a Christ-follower, your slate was wiped clean; fortunately, but unfortunately, we get to keep our memory. That’s why it’s up to you to reprogram yourself and start clean. Just like me rewriting my forms, I will use them as a guide, but will make them better, and learn from them; you must also rewrite your life, using your old life as a guide, but now you have a clean copy, without the sin from the past blocking your blessings. Isn’t it amazing what Jesus can do? Learn from him.


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Sunday, October 11, 2020

October 11

As a Christian, you are a servant of Jesus; he is your master. Each of us has received a substantial gift from him that he expects us to invest in others. If you think Jesus is passive, you have mischaracterized him! He doesn’t chase us around with a whip, but he does expect us to be obedient and invest our gift to increase his power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. He is worthy of all of these things, and every faithful servant should increase them. Some will increase the gift, but unfortunately, many will bury it and bring it out when he comes to rule on the earth, but that will be too late; those who hid the gift may end up in hell. 

I know what you are thinking; what gift did he give us that we haven’t invested? The Holy Spirit! We each received the special gift when we accepted Jesus as Savior, but if it sits dormant and doesn’t increase, in the end, he may say that he never knew you. It would be like receiving a ticket to the Super Bowl, but locking it away in a vault and never using it to get into the game. Is Jesus’s investment in you increasing? If not, it’s time to use that ticket to get into the game!


How do you get into the game or invest the Holy Spirit? It’s steps of faith. The more you trust him, the more trust he gives you. When your confidence in him increases, you are less likely to worry about what others think of you, and you will tell everyone about him. The more people you bring, the more they will bring, and so on. That’s how the Kingdom increases. Start with your children and family; they are your first order of business; it’s like putting money in the bank!


For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Matthew 25:29


Read the full parable in Matthew 25.