Saturday, November 26, 2022

November 26, 2022


When I see Christmas lights and whimsical decor, I become filled with happiness and experience a childlike reaction. They bring joy to an otherwise dreary time of year. Though it may be a bit odd, I always decorate before Thanksgiving, so my family can enjoy the festive atmosphere more than once. Thanksgiving is the season's kickoff of remembrance and thankfulness for the sacrificial gift of Jesus that God gave us, and I think he deserves an entire month of special celebration. Don't let Santa get in the way of the truth; teach your children a worthy reason for the gifts and lights. Though our celebration may border on paganism because the enemy has spoiled its meaning, we know the truth and can use for good what the enemy meant for evil. God has even given us a powerful verse corresponding to our love for Christmas. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

So, don't hesitate to celebrate Jesus; he's our perfect gift.

Friday, November 25, 2022

November 25, 2022

Stand strong, mighty warriors of God! In this day and age, the temptations are endless, and we are pursued daily by many evil desires. However, if we remain loyal to Jesus while being dogged by the enemy, we will escape with our lives. 

Think about the stars in Hollywood; a good portion of them signed documents handing over their lives to enemy representatives because they caught them engaging in an unholy activity. Then the pursuers used blackmail to keep them in check and hold them hostage. If you dig around on the internet, you will find out the truth. Though we may not be part of the Hollywood scene, one slip up, and the enemy will take the opportunity to accuse us and embarrass us by publicizing our sin for all to see. It is imperative that we stay fully armored and engage in spiritual warfare to stop the enemy before he destroys us. 


Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Thursday, November 24, 2022

November 24, 2022

The hurricane ruined my squash, and it was flourishing, so there will be no homegrown squash for Thanksgiving. What wasn’t hurt was my mustard greens. They are plentiful. I picked some a few days ago to save for today, and they are ready again. I am writing this at 5 am, and as soon as it becomes daylight, I will pick some more, so we have plenty for our Thanksgiving feast today. If I let this plant grow to full size and bloom, it would go to seed. The seeds this plant makes are tiny; they are what Jesus compares to faith, mustard seed-sized faith. 

Yesterday, I wrote about asking for wisdom, which everyone should do, but there was a caveat I should have mentioned that is probably more important than the ask; faith. When you ask God to give you wisdom, the Bible tells us to ask, believing we have already received it. Go ahead and start believing that God has given you wisdom. Believing you already have it will cause you to think through your decisions more carefully, thus making you wise. Practice wisdom, and it will grow.


But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

November 23, 2022

There are things you can ask of God, and he will give them to you. You may think you are as wise as Solomon, but more than likely, you are not. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

The earth would be a better place if more people asked for wisdom. 

Years ago, I asked God for a couple of things; wisdom and a voice. Not only those gifts, but I ask God for spiritual gifts like discernment and prophecy. 

On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 1 Corinthians 14:3

I began to write little by little and have been doing it ever since. 

If you ask for things God tells you to ask for, do you think he will deny your request? Remember, nothing good comes without a bit of work, but it's worth it. If you commit to God's will, you will begin to notice his work in your life; you'll start to have "light-bulb" moments where it all makes sense. Ask God for good gifts; he will hear you and consider your request.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

November 22, 2022

One Saturday night last month, two of my grandsons stayed the night. Our church doesn’t have a children’s church, and one of them is so wiggly that we decided to watch the service from home. When it was over, the oldest one, pointing at the preacher, said, “that’s what I want to be.” Before he could say anything else, not even a moment later, I began to pray with him. Our family knows all too well what happens to a person with a true calling for ministry; the devil tries to sift them like wheat! His dad has that calling, and I made the mistake of declaring it to him within earshot of the enemy, and because he couldn’t resist temptation, he has paid the price. I feel a bit guilty for speaking that over him. Thankfully, he has come to terms with it and fully surrendered his life. We will watch and pray for this little one who opened his mouth and revealed his heart to us and the enemy, who was also listening. Trials strengthen us because God’s kingdom is full of warriors. If you are going through a trial right now, try to visualize God’s plan; that will help you bravely walk through it because you know that at the end of it will be a blessing. Stand firm in your faith, mighty warriors!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Monday, November 21, 2022

November 21, 2022

Can you lose your salvation? I'm convinced that you cannot. It could be possible that you never had it to begin with, but once Jesus has you in the clutch of his hands, and you've turned toward him, never to look back; you are safe. Can you lose your reward? Yes! That's why Jesus tells us, "hold fast to what you have so that no one may seize your crown" in Revelation 3:11. I'm not going to lie; some of the verses confused me, with some saying we need not worry, then others telling us to watch ourselves. The Bible doesn't contradict itself. Here is the truth about your salvation, and you should never forget it:

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." John 10:28-29


Jesus says it twice! There are no ifs, ands, or buts about what he says here. Remember, there is salvation and reward. Salvation is locked in place, free, and you cannot work for it. Rewards, on the other hand, can be worked for and lost. I would rather be the poorest person in heaven than the wealthiest person in hell. Remember, when you encounter a verse that makes you question whether you can lose your salvation, ask yourself this: is this about salvation or is it about rewards? 


Salvation versus reward is like gardening. You dig, plant seeds, water, and fertilize; in return, you get a bountiful harvest. However, we had no part in creating the soil; that was a gift from God. The soil is like salvation, and the harvest is like the reward.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

November 20,2022

As the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaches, my heart turns toward Jesus for a special “thank you” to him for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us. His love and mercy abound, even as we traverse this world full of evil intentions. We are set apart for a greater mission; to show unbelievers, who are up in arms over daily circumstances, the peace that he brings, and so they see a heart that doesn’t fret over the daily turmoil. Remember, people are watching your reaction to situations; make sure they reflect your faith in Jesus. Don’t forget to count Jesus as the most precious gift you are thankful for because he gave us something extraordinary that only the chosen have received; salvation.

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