Saturday, February 11, 2023

February 11, 2023

Yesterday, I spent some time with my youngest grandson. We started digging in the dirt, had breakfast, and went outside for fun activities. He’s not yet three years old but knows what he does and doesn’t want to do. He’s an opinionated little tyke and very determined to do only the fun things. I started giving him ideas like going to the barn and looking at his Pawpaw’s “race” cars, digging in the dirt again, and a few other things, but the answer was always no. His favorite thing to do is ride the side-by-side vehicle, so that’s what we did. Then I came up with a great idea, surely he would say no, but to my surprise, he was all for it. I asked if he would like to play in the pond, and by golly, I finally got a “yes!” So, we stood in the pond for the rest of the afternoon, scooping and dumping mud and water. As he got tired, I noticed he began losing his balance, and I had to keep my hands close to him so he wouldn’t fall in; it was my job to protect him from harm. He’s too immature to leave him alone; for the same reason God has given us the Holy Spirit. We are God’s children, and he sticks close to us to protect us from harm, just like a mother, father, or grandmother, in my case. After we accepted Jesus as our savior, we became one with the Lord; he will give us early warning as a way of protection if we listen closely to his voice. 

But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:17

Friday, February 10, 2023

February 10, 2023

One issue that was exposed when my father-in-law passed away last year was several lawsuits he had in the works. The attorney has been working hard to resolve them because the last thing we want to do is sit in front of a judge and allow him to decide an outcome to a lawsuit we didn’t bring. We are confident that he had good reason for those suits, but in any event, finding a righteous judge in this day and age is highly unlikely. One of the things God stresses through Paul’s writings is for Christ-followers to try and resolve our differences outside of court. That may be why there is mediation; to help litigants come to a meeting of the minds before a judge gets their hands on the case. We have one case that went to mediation, but the people being sued wanted to continue their countersuit even though, from what we can tell, their case is weak. We all know who’s going to win that lawsuit; the attorneys! Here is what God’s word says:

When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 1 Corinthians 6:1-2

Thursday, February 9, 2023

February 9, 2023

My heart breaks for those who think they are Christians but don't know Jesus. These people identify with Christianity as a culture but haven't gone through a radical change in their life. I've seen many who have gone through the motions but have never had a genuine change and continue living a worldly life. Salvation doesn't come because you utter a few words or go through baptism; it's well beyond the ritual. I fear that in the end, some will be standing before Jesus, and He will say "I never knew you." Examine your life. If it doesn't look any different than the life you led before your so-called commitment, then it may be time for you to talk with Jesus. I don't want anyone to be surprised on judgment day, so please examine your life as a precaution. I know this is somewhat offensive, but I would rather you be offended now than see you end up in Hell.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' Matthew 7:21-23

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

February 8, 2023

We are still in the middle of redesigning our house. The other day, I moved all my bromeliads from a window to another area of the yard so we could take down an arbor attached to the house. Little did we know that removing it would open our view to a phenomenal scene through the window. Richard and I were both tickled to see how a minor change could make a significant difference to the look of the house, but more so our new perspective and how clearly we can now see the pond and the front yard. When you begin to see things through the eyes of Jesus, your perspective on the world will change, like us taking down the arbor. You become sympathetic towards those who don’t know Jesus because you can see what they are doing to their lives is leading them toward hell. The behaviors you once tolerated when living in the world become abhorrent, especially from another so-called “Christian.” When a person claims the name of Jesus and agrees with the destruction of a tiny human or engages in sexual immorality or other filth, we are to separate ourselves from them and allow the devil to have his way with their life. However, we aren’t to judge worldly people or those who aren’t using the name of Christ but are to leave their judgment to God.  

The picture is of the moon from last night.


“But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

February 7, 2023

If you haven't seen the clips of  Satan worship on the Grammys, avoid it. Things that were once hidden in darkness are now on full display for all to see. As Christ's followers, we already know that we live in Satan's territory, but until recently, most people didn't realize that worshipping him was so prevalent. When musicians and artists pay tribute to him, it is probably not their desire, but Satan prompts them and makes them pay the price for him elevating them to celebrity status. Imagine being in the audience while Satan is cackling at their grotesque and perverted drama. I find it sickening, and it burns my eyes to see it. At least now, we don't have to guess whether or not Hollywood is satanic. These shows will only lead others to see God if so many are worshipping the one who is against him. It will make them realize that the spiritual realm they've denied for so long exists. Keep praying! It's working. Pray that God keeps exposing the underbelly so we can minister to those shocked or frightened by it. Armor up and stand firm!

The main thing I'm taking from the verse below is that the Lord exposes the things hidden in darkness.


Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

Monday, February 6, 2023

February 6, 2023

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

We often forget this truth, don't we? We allow things to run through our mind and come out of our mouth that utterly disappoints the Holy Spirit within us. Do you listen when he gently taps you on the shoulder and warns you that you are stepping out of his will? Where is our reverence for him? We are holy! Not "holier than thou," but holy, a place set apart for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are so privileged to have such holiness that God says he will destroy anyone who destroys his temple; we are his temple!


If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:17 


It would do us well to meditate on these verses and run them through our minds until we understand the full impact of who and what we are. Maybe we see the Holy Spirit's name so often that we forget he is God's spirit. We must revere him and remind ourselves of the honor of having him dwell within us. 


Sunrise photo courtesy of Stephanie Centella

Sunday, February 5, 2023

February 5, 2023

I feel like America’s history proves that the United States was built on the foundation of Jesus. Unless history was tainted with lies like most of the information we receive today, I’m pretty confident it was. It gives me hope to believe it’s true, making it a good comparison to the Corinthians to whom Paul wrote his letter. Paul also gives me hope for the individuals who never pick up their Bibles and then try to explain the gospel when they know nearly nothing about it. Our foundation is Jesus, and if everything we’ve done gets tested by fire and burns up, we will still escape with our lives, though we may not receive a reward. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to get into heaven by only a thin margin. When my work gets tested, I don’t want to watch it burn, fearing nothing will be left standing; plus, I would like to receive a reward. Ensure the message you share with others is solid and based on biblical truth. The unsaved may think you are an expert; make sure you are.

If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:14-15