Saturday, December 17, 2022

December 17, 2022

Until today, I haven’t felt very Christmasy. I’ve gone through the motions of decorating and buying gifts, but after reading the beginning of Luke, I’m suddenly feeling celebratory. Maybe that’s the point, and Jesus is reminding me that his birth is worth celebrating because it’s the beginning of living out our eternity through him. 

I found it fascinating that Mary encountered the trinity all at once. It was dramatic, yet she continued her life in peace.


And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Luke 1:35


It doesn’t mention that Jesus was there, but we know he was because he was the one conceived. Another thing I noticed is that Mary immediately went to see her cousin Elizabeth, who confirmed her pregnancy to the deity of Christ because her baby, John the Baptist, leaped for joy in her womb. Was her haste to the hill country of Judah one way for God to prove that Joseph never touched her? It’s not something mentioned when sharing that she was a virgin, but it makes sense to include that bit of information—just a little food for thought. 


Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 16, 2022

December 16, 2022

Finally, we had no choice but to move into the guest cottage. We put it off as long as we could, but the dust became more than we could bear. I've been ready to move for months; however, the water isn't filtered, and we don't have an indoor shower, which should be fine unless it's cold. We are very spoiled compared to the days of old. How do we become redeemed from and stripped of every encumbrance or weight holding us back from becoming what God intended us to be from the beginning? Our original selves? If our lives are so comfy that even a change of water can cause us to feel anxious, how will we feel when God removes the sludge from our minds and sets us free? We have so much built up that we don't even know the truth from lies. We must rely on scripture. It is one thing that hasn't changed and was in existence before our minds became infiltrated by propaganda. Become constant in prayer, comb through the scriptures, and familiarize yourself with the workings of the Holy Spirit, who will reveal all truth. There is no other way to clear your mind to become what God intended. 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13


Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16

Thursday, December 15, 2022

December 15, 2022

My plants had become somewhat neglected over this past year, so when I looked to see what was going on with them yesterday, I got a pleasant surprise. One of my orchids was in full bloom! I could not be more pleased because this particular orchid produces a lovely scent. I brought it inside so I could enjoy its beauty, but more so I could smell its pleasant aroma. Though I can’t see it right now because I’m sitting in the dark with only the glow of my iPad, I know it’s there because I can smell it. 

Last night, I dreamed of not knowing if I had the Holy Spirit. It was frightening. So this morning, when I sat down to pray and study, the fragrance from the orchid filled the air and explained the existence of the Holy Spirit perfectly. You can’t see the Holy Spirit, but he’s like fragrance; you know he’s there because there is evidence that he exists. Did he start working on me yesterday when I brought this flower into the house? Yes! He knew I would have such a dream. This situation exemplifies a well-orchestrated circumstance to explain the truth about who he is and how he works. Pay attention to the things happening in your life and see if you notice his work. Smell the sweet aroma of Jesus and his love for you because he gave you the precious gift of his Spirit. 


For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

December 14, 2022

My daily routine begins with coffee, prayer, and Bible reading. Then after mulling over the scriptures, I write my blog post. If I mess up the order or get sidetracked, I have difficulty concentrating on my writing. The whole system is discombobulated, and my ability to think clearly is disrupted. This morning, I had trouble thinking about what to write, so I perused social media, which is a no-no. It’s one of those situations where it might not be a sin for you, but because of my calling, it’s a sin for me. So rather than concentrating on the things of God, I got wrapped up in worldly affairs. Fear gripped me, and I had to return to the reality that God was in control. The things of this world don’t happen without God’s knowledge. You can guarantee everything is being orchestrated to teach us to rely on his covering. All this to say, keep your focus on God. If your day gets sidetracked by worldly news, come back to him, pray, and move on, knowing he’s got your back. God is in control, so keep yourself focused on Jesus, and everything will be alright.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27


It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

December 13, 2022

In my nature, I feel obligated to call out every dirty, rotten scoundrel that has lied, which in turn, caused great harm to many people. I want to vilify them and shout out their crimes for all to hear. I desire that others know my dissatisfaction with their actions and voice my opinion that they should receive justice for their torturous and treasonous behavior. However, according to the book of 1 Peter, we shouldn’t revile. Jesus didn’t. Even when they physically tortured him, he kept his peace. Do you know why? Because it is God’s place to handle those people and make them pay. I’m struggling with this one because I feel that calling out these crimes is the only way to open the eyes of the blind to ensure justice is served. Who am I that I should go against what God says in his word? Jesus was not gentle with the Pharisees and Sadducees but called them out for their hypocrisy. Maybe there is a fine line that we shouldn’t cross. Tread carefully, my friends, and do your best to try not to disappoint God when making people aware of the many crimes committed by government officials and their use of private businesses. 

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23


For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15

Monday, December 12, 2022

December 12, 2022

Be joyful in whatever circumstances you find yourself in. If you’re living in a less-than-ideal situation, know it’s only temporary. Jesus gave us purpose, reason, and everything we needed to live a fulfilled life. Find your joy in him and hold tightly to the peace he provides, being thankful for your salvation and saved from the clutches of this world. Focus on him when times get rough, and you’re finding it hard to continue. Remember that the most precious things are stored safely in Heaven where the enemy cannot reach it. 

to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:4-5

Sunday, December 11, 2022

December 11, 2022

As the world seems to be crumbling right before our eyes, our only hope is in Jesus. It’s easy to get wrapped up in alarmist chatter and plummet into despair, so it’s crucial that we remember who we belong to and that our salvation is sure. It’s disheartening to see that forbidding specific keywords on social media by corrupt government allies can cause the utter destruction of our constitutional rights. It can become overwhelming when we begin to see how criminal the world is. Slowly but surely, what was hidden in darkness is being brought into the light, and the roaches are scattering like the filthy disgust they are. It’s time to call pest control and rid the world of these treasonous actors. I’m praying that this is just the dripping of information and that the entire truth will pour out like a flood, and the people who positioned themselves on the wrong side of history will finally see the truth. The problem is that most of them have hardened their hearts to the truth; they don’t want to see it. It’s up to us to continue praying for their salvation and the renewing of their minds, so they aren’t caught in the same trap as the criminals. Look to Jesus, and don’t look back!

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 13-16