Saturday, February 27, 2021

February 27

 

My husband and I took a ride on our new e-bikes last evening right before sunset. Yes, I know it’s cheating, but it is so much fun! We have a relatively large park near us on the beach, so we rode there and toured some of the trails. One of the trails led us out to the beach, where the sand was thick and loose. It was a bit challenging going through it, but we made it back to the hard sand without incident. Even though the soft sand was difficult to maneuver through, we were still on the beach, same location, same beauty; it was just a rough patch, but we made it. 

Considering the challenges we’ve been facing in our country and worldwide, we are still within the beauty of God’s creation, and it’s just a rough patch, but if we keep going strong and fast, we will make it through unscathed. Don’t lose hope, my precious friends; God is in control; he knows what the world is facing. I recommend that we prepare ourselves to help others stuck in the sand and need our love, guidance, and understanding to help them get through. 


Please be especially mindful and prayerful for those who are still in and those coming out of human trafficking; they need us to stand firm for them, to have the mind of Christ, and to reach out and help where we can.


Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.  James 1:27

Friday, February 26, 2021

February 26

My favorite type of plant is an epiphyte, which includes orchids, bromeliads, and Tillandsia. They are relatively easy to grow, are shade tolerant, and rarely need to be anchored to the ground. I especially love the variety of colors and sizes available. I can leave them for weeks at a time without care, and they continue to thrive. 

I can relate to these types of plants; maybe that’s why I love them. Think about your life; must you be attached to the earth? As Christians, our anchor is Jesus, God is our Father, and we feed off the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. We have a physical being, but our life is spiritual, similar to epiphytes which receive their nourishment from the air and the debris surrounding them. Like epiphytes, we come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and add beauty to this world, and bring light into the darkness. Can you relate to this?


But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24

Thursday, February 25, 2021

February 25

As you know, God places you in situations and among certain people for a reason. It could be that you are to testify to them about him or that you are to live your life as an example. However, it should be both, though I know it’s not easy to open up about Jesus to others because there are too many uncertainties, and you might not know the answer to their questions. Here is my goal:

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

I know that I put God’s word out there every day, but it’s easier on a keyboard than in person, and I’m surrounded by many who’ve never read my books or posts, though sometimes I’ll hand them a book and hope that they read it. Find an angle, a path that makes it easier for you to share the good news about Jesus. Pray for the Holy Spirit to clarify the direction he wants you to go; live like Paul, where Jesus is more important than your very life.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

February 24

Change your focus to living in the here and now. I tend to get caught up in worldly affairs because, eventually, they will affect my life. However, I have to keep reminding myself that it could take a while for those changes to get to me, except for the gas prices, which seem to happen immediately. Don’t allow governmental news to cause you unhappiness or have it overwhelm you and take away your peace. We must trust the LORD and know that he has our best interest in mind. He has a plan, and when that falls into place where we can see the results, we will be overjoyed. Take heart, don’t let your anxiety get the best of you, and know that Jesus overcame the world; therefore, we must enter into his peace until he comes again.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

February 23

Back in Paul’s day when he first went to Ephesus, the way of the LORD threatened to shut down the businesses of the silversmiths who made statues of the shrines of Artemis. When the people heard about Jesus, they began to rid themselves of their former way of life, including the worship of inanimate objects. Essentially, Jesus was going to take money right out of their pockets. The businesses banded together and caused rioting in the streets! Do you notice a pattern? The devil uses the same tricks throughout the ages. Why is it that we don’t blame him for most of our turmoil? When he finds his way into the minds of simpletons, he can use them for his purpose, and they wreak havoc on everyone around them. 


When things are going well for the devil, such as it is right now, he fades into the background to continue with his business. Before this new administration took over, we saw all kinds of evil on full display. Why? Because the former president was stirring the pot and doing his best to rid this world of all the vile practices instituted by Satan. Now, even those who hated our former president can see the truth, and many are regretful of their decision to install the current president.


When we choose Jesus as our King, Satanic people riot; when people choose Satan as king, satanic people are quiet. That’s what we have now. I prefer to tick people off and have Jesus in charge. And another point, the madness is all about money!


And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Acts 19:27-28

Monday, February 22, 2021

February 22

After taking our bicycles out yesterday, enjoying a gorgeous day in our seaside community, I’m paying the price. It’s spring in Florida, so the oak trees are blooming along with many other trees and plants; pollen has filled the air! Allergy medicine has become my best friend. What’s sad is that it’s the best time of the year to go outside and enjoy the weather. I want to sit on the porch and feel the warm sun and the crisp breeze, but there is a toll; swollen eyes and a runny nose. I won’t let it stop me from enjoying myself; I will keep going, breaking down any roadblocks that stand in my way! 

Everyone has issues they must deal with; no one has a perfect life, the enemy will always stand in our way, seeking to discourage us. We won’t be comfortable on this earth until we come to rule with Jesus; there is too much sin around us. Remember, we are only ambassadors here, and we have our mission. Once that mission is complete, God will call us home; until that time comes, be grateful that he chose you for a time such as this.


Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Sunday, February 21, 2021

February 21

There is a lot of misinformation floating around in cyberspace, making it hard to determine the difference between fact and fiction. I get caught up in a storyline, go back, and try to check the facts, only to become discouraged by all the extra information available. With all the technology, anyone can create images to make you think what you see is correct. We need to remember that we live in the devil’s territory, and it’s his job to deceive, but it’s our job to rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. I have many questions about history, but I can’t voice those concerns out loud because I would get labeled a conspiracy theorist, a made-up term to discourage people from freethinking; God forbid that you have a mind of your own and think for yourself! However, I can keep digging for information and confirm the details that bring the truth to light. Fact-check yourself when it comes to the data you share. Thankfully we have one truth that cannot be disputed and that is Jesus! He is truth and light!

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44