Saturday, August 28, 2021

August 28

If we didn’t have the news or social media, we wouldn’t know about anything going on in the world. We may get letters from other parts of the world, like the letters sent by Paul to the different churches or through missionaries and people who travel. Unfortunately, most of what we hear is garbage, so we must use our discernment when listening to such. I pray God helps us all filter through what we hear and that we stand firm with courage until we get through these traumatic events. Those who have set their minds to destroy us will be the ones who get destroyed, and I hope I’m around to witness it! What they are doing to the people is outrageous and deserves punishment. The end is near, but it’s the end of them, not us!  The grace of God saves us through Jesus Christ! We have no end, only the beginning of something new and better. We will feast our eyes on Jesus and live with him for eternity. It doesn’t get any better than that.

It’s important to notice that this verse says “them,” not us!


While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3

Friday, August 27, 2021

August 27

I was on the interstate in Tampa yesterday, and the traffic came to an abrupt stop. My only concern was stopping quick enough, so I didn’t hit the car in front of me. Seconds later, I see a semi-truck swerving to go around me because I don’t even think he hit the brakes; he went speeding past me. An immediate sense of thankfulness washed over me because I realized God had protected me from possible death. My time was not up! Thank goodness. We do not control our birth nor our death; when your time is up, nothing is going to stop God from bringing you home. You have no control of your ending! Don’t live your life in fear; have faith that you are in God’s hands and on his time. You need only to make sure you have accepted Jesus as your savior, to secure your eternity with him.

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.1 Thessalonians 4:14

Thursday, August 26, 2021

August 26

Occasionally, I will broach a cringe-worthy subject; today is one of those days. There is a problem across the world that you do not hear leaders discussing, and that is a crying shame. Children are being snatched and trafficked worldwide, and it seems to be happening in countries that have open borders like the USA. Children get separated from their parents, never to be seen again because they are being kidnapped and used in the sex trade industry. I can’t even imagine what is happening to their minds or if they will come out of it alive. I can tell you this, the crimes of these sick people will not go unpunished; they are pure evil! Man cannot do to the bodies or minds of these criminals what they deserve; only God can avenge the lives of these precious ones. God has a special place in his heart for children, and anyone who has harmed them will face things that you and I could never imagine, and they deserve it! Pray that this evil ends soon and that children can be children again.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 1 Thessalonians 4:3


that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 1 Thessalonians 4:6

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

August 25

Last night, I finished putting together the thank you gifts for my niece’s wedding shower on Saturday. Some extraordinary ladies in my hometown got together to honor her and her fiancĂ© with an elegant party, and they invited me to participate. I live an hour away, so I had to think of a way to do my part, and putting together a sweet little gift was the least I could do. But, what motivated these ladies to spring into action? My motivation was that she is my family, so of course, I’m excited to get involved because I love her. Maybe it was God  who called on them to honor his beautiful daughter as she prepares to marry the man of her dreams. Whatever the motivation, it is commendable, and I pray God multiplies their blessings in heaven. As Christ-followers, let us be encouraged to offer the Father thanksgiving on behalf of those eager to help others, even in this case. Their participation will not go unnoticed, and I thank God for them. 

For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 1 Thessalonians 3:9

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

August 24

Yesterday, I posted a very long devotional. In my heart, I know people won’t read it because it’s not short and sweet, but I’m okay with that. When God began a work in me to step outside my comfort zone and use my voice and words to help bring the “saved” to salvation, I didn’t ask him how he would do it or what I was to say. I rely on him to speak to me, and I follow his voice for cues to what he wants me to reveal. 

I do not write in the afternoon; it’s always before nine in the morning. So late Sunday afternoon, the Holy Spirit came upon me suddenly, and I began to write about true freedom in Christ. Hence the post from yesterday being unusually long. I asked for this assignment many years ago, and when he tells me to do something or not do something, I obey. When my post doesn’t get read, it’s of no concern to me; it’s God’s job to bring whoever he wants to hear. Though I do like it read, ultimately, it’s for God’s glory, not mine. Thanks for reading, my fellow evangels; it takes all of us to bring salvation to the world.


For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Monday, August 23, 2021

August 23

Today’s post is long. Consider saving it for later if you don’t have time to read right now.

God’s idea of freedom is different than yours. Here is a list of reasons you may not be free:


1. You are still looking at your past with regret. You’ve made mistakes, and you cannot forgive yourself.

2. You blame others for your failure. 

3. You still hold your oppressors responsible for your condition. God will avenge you.

4. You are still making the same mistakes you made before you accepted Jesus.

5. You are held hostage by past trauma. You dwell on it and continue to relive it over and over in your mind.

6. You don’t move past rejection.

7. You make others responsible for your happiness. Only you can control your feelings.

8. You are fearful. Fear will paralyze you. False Evidence Appearing Real.  Fear is what we see in the news today. Take a break from the news.

9. You have little faith that your life will get better.

10. You reminisce about what could have been rather than moving on with what God has given you.


There are more, but that’s all I have for now.


Here are some ideas that will help you free your mind.


Pray and ask God how you are being held captive, then write down everything that comes to mind... even what doesn’t make sense. He will fill you in on the details as you begin praying about what he told you. I did this on the fly; I prayed, he answered, and I handled it with him then and there. Praying like this works well when on a long and lonely drive. It may be a good idea to ask God to give you recollection of any childhood trauma or events. Ask him to teach you how your life was shaped because of any issues he reveals. When you think you’ve unlocked all the chains, he will bring more things to mind, and that’s how you’ll know you’re on the right path. But remember, this is not a one-and-done type of prayer. It can take months to become free. You can only accomplish this through continuous prayer and a passionate relationship with the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. 


Just in case you think you don’t have any chains, you do. I didn’t know I had any, and when God started bringing things into my mind, I bawled like a baby. I can’t tell you how incredible it feels to be free, but you won’t know unless you make it a point to work on yourself. 


Word of warning, it will make you question everything. You will be set free from all the lies you’ve been taught or thought! Your mind will be free, because God will open your eyes.


for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7


Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8


For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Sunday, August 22, 2021

August 22

It’s sad to watch someone you helped lead to Christ turn back to their old ways. It makes you wonder if their conversion was genuine or if they became like the prodigal son that Jesus mentioned in the gospels who eventually turned around and came back. Whatever the case is, you cannot live their lives for them, but you can count on the promise that he will not lose even one. What then do we do? Rest assured that if the Holy Spirit drew them in, it would be he that brings them back. Don’t become overly concerned, but reach out to God and intercede for them, and leave the outcome to him. Ultimately, it is God who chooses; you are only the vessel he works through. God’s word will fall into place, and the truth will be revealed to them and brought into the light for them to see. You will then see a change of heart; they will be happy to return and ashamed that they ever turned away from him. Wait for it; it will happen.

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 1 Thessalonians 3:5