November 27

Have you ever gone to the park in the dark? Thanksgiving night, we got off the couch and went into town to a local park to view their Christmas lights display. The attention to detail was impeccable, and we were mesmerized by the sparkling presentation. I’ve always wanted to venture through this park because the landscaping is incredible and perfectly manicured, but to attend in the dark, well, that was never a thought. However, because of the light exhibit, it felt safe because the park was packed with people; I guess the light drew people in just like bugs. 

It’s the same with people who display the light of Jesus; they draw people in like bugs because we all want to be near his light. If people aren’t attracted to the Jesus in you, you may need to shore up your display, clean off the bulbs by confessing your sin, so his light will shine in you to the joy of those around you. However, you must remember that some abhor the light and prefer darkness; your glow won’t be pleasing to them; shine anyway!

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:6-7

November 26

Yesterday was a perfect day for a walk on the beach. Since it’s been a while, I asked God to teach me something, and as usual, he did. I began to notice broken sand dollars strewed along the water’s edge. I thought that since I saw the broken ones, I may find some whole ones. Sure enough, as I began to focus, I started finding them whole. 

A man walking on the beach noticed that I had treasures in my hand, so I showed him what I had. He mentioned that he walked the beach often and had never found any sand dollars. Since I have a huge jar of them at home, I gave him what I had in my hand, then I turned around and began walking back. I had already combed that portion of the beach, so I didn’t expect to find anymore. However, by the time I had gotten back, I had replenished what I had given away, plus more! What’s interesting is that I had a feeling God was going to do that for me, and sure enough, he replaced what I had given away. When God has a plan, nothing can stop it, and he planned to bless that man with sand dollars and bless me by replacing what I had given away. 

Oh, and I had on a Jesus shirt and a Jesus hat, so I didn’t have to say a word about where my faith lies. 

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

November 25

Today is a good day to give thanks to the LORD collectively. We may be enduring a season of discontent, but all in all, we have so many reasons to be thankful. We must praise him in the darkness while we wait for the fulfillment of our hope. Let the light of our song change our hearts, so they are bent toward the majesty of the Almighty and that he is merciful as we wait for our King to come and rule and reign. The world may be full of turmoil, but because we have Jesus, we can be at peace knowing we have nothing to fear.

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 100

November 24

It’s not likely that while on this earth, you will meet an angel with wings like the cherubim and seraphim described in the Bible; even the thought of that scares me a little. However, if your spirit is right within you, when you meet an angel, you will remember them forever. It may not dawn on you at that very moment you meet them, but the minute they disappear, you will know that you were in the presence of one of God’s messengers. 

The first time I was with my daughter, she was pregnant and had some concerns about her pregnancy, and I was worried about a negative medical test result. A pair of angels disguised as a mother and daughter, with similar prior situations that we had, appeared as we were leaving a restaurant and assured both of us our fears were unfounded. They were vague when we asked them questions about their church which gave us cause to pause. The moment they left, we knew that we had encountered angels.

My subsequent encounter was when I had a broken leg and couldn’t find a parking place near the door. I was in an empty parking garage, and out of the blue, a man, disguised as a security guard for the building, instructed me to park directly in front of the entrance. I thanked him, and as I turned to get in my vehicle, he disappeared. 

Both of these encounters were many years ago, and they are still fresh in my memory. You must be kind to everyone because you never know when you will meet an angel.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2

November 23

With so many negative things going on in today’s society, there is one thing we must remember, to love others. We can become so caught up in our daily lives and the threats of unrest that we forget to be kind and loving. Many are oblivious to the truth and believe they are doing the right thing by their actions and may not wake up to the facts until the news begins telling the truth. They will need comforting when it happens. None of us know the truth in its entirety, and we need each other through this awakening process. Love is vital during this challenging time. After all, Jesus told us that the greatest command is to love God and love others. Let’s put this command into practice.

Let brotherly love continue. Hebrews 13:1

November 22

I put up my Christmas tree a week ago. Yesterday we had our family over for Thanksgiving. One of my grandbabies is intrigued by the ornaments. I’m not so worried about him grabbing them; however, some are glass and could be dangerous to his little feet if they were to drop and break. It made me think about that tree and the security of the ornaments on the limbs. If I were to shake the tree, how many would drop and break? Are they clinging tightly to the branches, or are they at risk of falling and shattering?

If the LORD is shaking the earth right now, are you clinging tightly to him so you won’t fall and shatter?

At that time, his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” Hebrews 12:26

When Jesus warned the churches in Revelation to hold on to what they have, I believe this may be the same thing he is talking about here in Hebrews; a shaking loose of anyone who is not a follower of Jesus but especially those who are causing atrocities across the earth. 

This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:27

The kingdom of our LORD and Savior Jesus cannot be shaken, and that is our kingdom! Watch in awe as God shakes loose all who have sold their souls to the devil and have been wreaking havoc on the people of God. 

November 21

As a nation, the United States is very blessed. We haven’t had to suffer significant trauma because of government overreach. It’s not great in all areas, but for the most part, we remain primarily free. I attribute that to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our ability to possess guns; it makes our government a little afraid to push us too far. Even then, the president and his administration are trying to overstep their legal authority and push mandates on businesses that the courts have stopped because they are unconstitutional. There was a gap in my understanding, a missing piece of what was happening. Why would the US government try pushing these unconstitutional mandates? Because according to Glen Beck, the US government owns part of the drug industry! It makes perfect sense now. It is a money-making scheme that was started back in 2015 by the Obama administration. Until Jesus comes back to rule and reign, and to give us relief, we will have to live with such disturbing issues because of the wiles of the devil. Stay strong in your commitment to the LORD; keep your eyes on him because he is the only way out of this tyranny.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2