Saturday, December 11, 2021

December 11

One of my favorite verses is James 3:17: 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 


Some people thrive on drama and are not at peace within. They spend much of their lives stirring up anxiety in others. Why? To make themselves feel better about their own misery. I try to stay clear of people like that because they interrupt my peace, and they aren’t living in the wisdom from above. When you read this verse, make an assessment of yourself; read each word and ask, “do I exhibit this attribute?” If you’re lacking in any of these areas, consider praying and asking God to help you gain the wisdom that is only available from him. It’s much easier to deal with people if you have attained his wisdom. 

Friday, December 10, 2021

December 10

We had to buy a new refrigerator because the one we had wasn’t cooling well enough. We went to the store and picked one out that wouldn’t break the bank and had it delivered. When it got here, it was damaged. We had to go back to the store and pick out a different one and are now waiting for them to bring the new one today. I watched the delivery guys unloading the dented one, and they were not careful at all; it’s no wonder it was all dented. They looked decent and clean-cut, but their actions told a different story. The trouble with my judgment is that the dents could have happened before they put it on the truck, so I can’t blame them because I didn’t see them take a hammer to the front of it, which is how it looked. 

It’s easy to create a scenario that fits the outcome we see, but that’s not always the truth in a matter. We should be careful to refrain from a snap judgment because we may not have all the facts. Thankfully, I didn’t blame them and kept my mouth shut about the situation. We tend to judge people based on appearances, but God tells us not to do that because, more often than not, we will get it wrong. Think things through carefully without making a judgment. 


So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13

Thursday, December 9, 2021

December 9

When I was walking my dogs the other day, we decided to take a different route. We hadn’t ventured too far off the beaten path. As I stepped over a parking curb, I didn’t see that the terrain had become uneven; the rain had created a hole where the water drips off the pavement, and I stepped right in it! Down I went, and the leash flew out of my hands! I sat there for a minute until the pain in my right foot subsided, but I got up and powered through the walk for my dogs. I sat with my feet up most of the day yesterday, and today, it’s much better. 

The devil is warning me that I’m in his territory and need to remember who rules this world in which we live. I am determined and will not let a fall prohibit me from staying on the road God has set me. Stay faithful to God; show the devil that circumstances will not sway you and that you will continue to work out your faith with fear and trembling. Whether the path is treacherous or smooth, stay on it! It’s narrow and has many obstacles, but remember, God’s plan for us is more excellent than we can imagine, so stay the course.


For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:14


So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

December 8

When my kids were growing up, there was a boy their age that lived down the street. They played together as children, and they grew a friendship that is still evident today. He was a head shorter than them throughout their school years, but he had a mouth on him and talked big like he had the power and size of a grown man. As they grew into teenagers and young adults, my youngest son was the one who would hang out with him and run the streets. My son is no angel and can get himself into trouble without any help, but on more than one occasion, he had to defend his friend whose mouth would incite the violence and revenge from someone who couldn’t resist the temptation to smack him down over his loose lips. He’s a grown man, and now his size matches his mouth, but I think he has learned to control it better; at least, it seemed that way the last time I saw him. 

Even though our tongue is small in size, it can set fire to our life like a small fire sets a whole forest ablaze. Don’t praise God one minute and curse a human the next. Bridle your tongue; ask the Holy Spirit for help.


And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. James 3:6

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

December 7

The fog became very thick last night; now the sun has risen, and it’s as if it hasn’t. It’s bright outside, but the big ball of fire is hidden in the mist. I’ve been writing about opening your eyes and heart to the truth about the enemy’s plan; we can’t see it as a whole, but we don’t need to know everything. However, we need to understand that there is a sinister plan, and many people we trust have sold out to him and are pawns in his operation. We may not know every detail, but we need to keep our minds sharp, so we comprehend when he aims to destroy us. Though the Son has risen, the enemy is roaming about trying to keep our minds busy and in a fog, occupied with other things, so we don’t notice when he creeps in to take control. Become vigilant and listen for any clues; he has set traps to ensnare us and is hopeful we will become complacent and let our guard down so he can rush in and trap us. Continue to pray for discernment and the foresight to know when trouble waits on your path. Strengthen your faith and sleep in your armor!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Monday, December 6, 2021

December 6

Many people will be awakened to the truth abruptly rather than easing into it over the years. I began waking up when I started a Bible training curriculum through my church. My teacher taught us how to understand and decipher biblical text to reveal the whole meaning of God’s scripture. I began to recognize scripture I had never noticed, and I had read the entire Bible several times at that point. We tend to gravitate towards the scriptures we’ve heard and rush past what seems blurry. Something is wrong when the place you trust neglects to teach the whole truth. There is no such thing as a perfect church; they teach what they know. That’s why you need to know God’s Word by doing research.

There was another step God took me through that helped me gain freedom. It’s a process of ridding yourself of the issues that chain your mind and hold you captive like a slave. If you go to my blog www.peaceriverswamp.com and put the word freedom in the search bar, you will find posts that can help you learn how to loose those chains.


Don’t waste any more time; seek freedom for your mind now, or you may be devastated by the truth. 


I know I’ve already used this verse several times since I started the Book of James, but we need to heed its warning.


Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:16

Sunday, December 5, 2021

December 5

Shortly after I moved to my current home, back in May, I set up my bird feeders. It was probably June or July when I noticed new baby cardinals begin frequenting the feeder. Now it’s December, and I see them all day long, munching on the fresh seed. I’m not one who believes that cardinals represent dead people visiting. It’s a nice sentiment, but you’re fooling yourself if you believe it. I’m feeding them, so of course, they come into my yard. 

I also live near a lake, and if I began feeding the alligators in that lake, they would come close too and would probably multiply like the birds. However, I have not chosen to feed a large scary animal, but a beautiful and tender one. Whatever you choose to feed will come near you. If you feed your soul the Word of God, the Kingdom of Heaven will come near you, but if you choose to feed it thoughts of sin, the consequence of sin will overtake you. Keep feeding on the Word of God, and it will grow, and your blessings will multiply.


Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21