Saturday, November 14, 2020

November 14

I’m not going to deny it, I’m ready to decorate for Christmas. I’ve been holding back because we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but with all that’s been happening this year, I feel that I need a little extra joy. What will it hurt to celebrate the birth of our Savior a bit early? We certainly don’t know the exact day he was born; we know the season, but not the day, so maybe it was November; my guess is as good as anyone else. I am certainly tired of thinking about the virus and the election; they’ve gotten me worn out! Should we start saying Merry Christmas? Probably not; I’m sure that most are not ready for it like I am. 

When Jesus made his appearance as a baby, the heavenly host rejoiced here on earth and promised peace to all in whom God was pleased (at least that’s what it says in the ESV.) Christmas is a Christian holiday; it is a celebration of Jesus. If the unsaved want to join us, so be it, but it means more to us than anyone else on earth. So, if you're feeling the desire to decorate now, and you want to usher in a bit of peace on earth, by all means, do it! Let’s make the devil cringe with all our Christmas cheer!


And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14

Friday, November 13, 2020

November 13

Look what day it is!! Friday, November 13, 2020. Don’t get caught up in the number today; it’s just the next number in a sequence. God created this day and didn’t give it a specific distinction more than any other day. To give this day an evil significance is mind control of the enemy, and he will use anything he can to take your mind off of God. If you are thinking about what doom will come on such a day as this, you aren’t thinking of God, and you have given in to the rule of Satan. 

I finally got past the first few verses of Luke. Let me tell you; I am encouraged! We are almost into the Christmas season, and what a great start! We need to stop dwelling on how bad 2020 is and start thinking about the positive things of the season. God is in each day, so let go of your superstitions and be prepared to meet with him no matter how you view this specific day. Be of good courage, and read Luke chapter one; it will brighten your day and help kick off this upcoming Christmas season with our minds set upon God.


for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. Luke 1:49-50

Thursday, November 12, 2020

November 12


The more I study God’s word, the more I realize that much of it has meaning hidden in plain sight. Some of It is narrative to give us the history and truth; some of it is discourse to provide us with ideas, concepts, doctrine, or facts; some poetry to express emotions, and some prophecy to reveal or uncover symbolism. All of this rolled into one book. But that’s not all! The closer you get to God, the more he tells you. It is unlike any other book. The Bible is the one book you read where you think you know how the story goes, but because of its divine nature, God will open your eyes to more each time you read it. 

I’ve just started the Book of Luke, and could barely get past the first paragraph because he begins by mentioning who he is writing to, Theophilus. Is Theophilus a real person, or could it be a term for those who are a friend of God -  which is what Theophilus means? It makes me wonder if we should call one another Theophilus rather than Christian! It would undoubtedly throw left-leaning people into a tizzy, wouldn’t it? My point today is for you to read your Bible, but not just once; read it often and repeat. The more you read with the Holy Spirit's assistance, the more you will learn about God, which is the point of studying it. Reveal God, and he will transform your life.


it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke 1:3-4

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

November 11


Should we dare ask, could 2020 get any worse? Now Florida has a tropical storm barreling toward it and coming onshore near my location. Right now, it’s just a rainmaker, but as it draws closer, I expect that we will have some strong gusts. Will this storm be enough to blow away all the unrighteousness? I sincerely doubt it, but it will give us something else to think about besides the election. One benefit of living where I do is that we are near the hospital; the power company tries to keep it up and running, so our power rarely goes out. Can you guess who else, who’s full of power, is committed to those who are near him? Jesus! 

As we contemplate the happenings in the world today and fret over our current situation, Jesus will still ask, “Why do you fear?” We work ourselves into a frenzy over worldly matters, but he wants us to recognize him amid the storm. He’s like the power company taking care to keep the hospital running. What better comparison! We are like the hospital workers, benefiting from his power, and he needs us to keep working! People need to be near Jesus now more than ever; the end is coming quickly. ARMOR-UP! Stay in the fight to the end!


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? Psalms 118:5-6


and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. Ephesians 1:19

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

November 10

Don’t fall away; this is an excellent time to put your faith into practice. At this point, we don’t know what will happen in the courts or with the re-count; it could be a long and drawn-out process, especially since they haven’t even finished counting in some states. Our hope doesn’t lie in the hands of man; it lies in the hand of God. He alone decides the outcome and what is best for us and the rest of the world. He could be hastening Jesus’s return because of the pure evil that has overtaken the world. We don’t understand in full, only in part. How could our loving God hear the cries of the wicked over the cries of his people? He has a purpose for it, and remember, he can see the outcome of this disaster, so we must think beyond the here and now and ask ourselves what good could come from this. Is this a test of our faith? Guaranteed! I have people around me who have already given up hope; the results may not be what we want now, but God can use this to spur on an evangelical movement, but we must wait to see. Sit back and relax, don’t overthink, get your face out of the television and off social media, and stop believing everything you hear. Why do we have to live during this time in history where our freedom is at stake? We’ve had it easy for a lot of years; now it’s our turn to face an uncertain future, just as the pioneers did. Don’t lose heart; we have Jesus, and he has overcome the world!

For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. Psalms 37:28-29

Monday, November 9, 2020

November 9

Some things in my life complicate it, and I would like nothing more than to let those fall to the wayside. Although I can’t quit everything, there are some complications I could cut out that would lead to a simpler lifestyle with fewer distractions and responsibilities. I’ve already done this with my eating habits; I’ve cut sugar and grains because my body loathes them, and for that, I feel better. Though I didn’t grow up in an area with many homeowners associations, I now live in a townhouse with one that cares for my yard and keeps our community looking beautiful; no more yard work! Then, over the weekend, as part of my birthday gift, my husband installed keyless entries on our townhouse and condo; that’s what I’m talking about, ease of access! 

Most people do this as they get older, then add more carefree things to keep themselves occupied. I’m not trying to gain more time; I waste enough of that already, but with commitment comes responsibility. There is one commitment that I will not relinquish until God releases me, and that’s writing this daily devotional. I can’t even stop it. While on vacation, I took a break from posting, but I still wrote; I just didn’t post! 


We are all too busy, but we need to step back and see what we can do to simplify our lives. Jesus lived a simple life without a permanent home here on earth, but he committed to his teachings. I’m not saying that you should give up your home; I’m not. What gift did he give you? What can you do to downsize your life so you can do more of that? Assess your life and leave behind whatever you can; then pursue God’s calling on your life.


You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.  John 15:16

November 8

While I was on the beach yesterday, a man was casting his net for bait. I had been trying to capture a video message, but the wind was too strong, and all you could hear was it whipping past me, so I recorded again. What I captured before starting over was quite delightful. As this man emptied his net on the beach, a flock of seagulls and other birds began to gather. After he had gotten all he needed, he left the rest for the birds, and they ate their fill until there was no more. Jesus is like that fisherman; he has food for all of us. Eat and get your fill; time is short, and a day is coming when Jesus’s followers will be living and breathing the Word in his presence. Everything will make sense to us then. Until that day happens, live the best life you can; rejoice in the bits of food he gives to sustain us. We must be kingdom minded and leave the worries of this world to the worldly. Obey his command and do your best to bring others into the saving knowledge of Jesus.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24