April 1, 2023

Did you know culinary herbs have medicinal value? According to what I've been reading, their potential to make you feel better may go beyond traditional medicine. I'm starting to believe that the cure for whatever ails us may be right at our fingertips, under our noses, readily available, and quite tasty. We've gotten so used to rushing off to the doctor that we've forgotten that God has given us everything we need to heal our sickness. Those recipes have long been forgotten and are no longer passed down to the next generation. It makes me wonder if herbs were added to our food to heal us rather than spice it up, similar to hiding bitter medication in a sugary syrup.

As I tried to eliminate strongholds in my life, God began to clarify things that I had not considered. When he exposed the lies I believed about myself, he also opened my eyes to the enemy's lies. Don't get me wrong, complete mental and physical healing is an ongoing process and will not end until we are united with Jesus, either in our death or his return. However, we must continue to work on ourselves to glorify God. As far as herbs for healing, I believe their value was hidden on purpose. As an example, look up herbs such as oregano and basil, and you will see how much God was concerned about our health and gave us what we needed right inside plants and weeds. It's something to consider and a much tastier way to take medication. 

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

March 31, 2023

My garden is flourishing and beautiful, and I’m so thankful that God has given me a plot of land to sow my seeds and grow my plants. We have already harvested and eaten squash, green beans, and okra. Those are my favorites, and I’ve planted them in different varieties. I would love to be able to share some with my family and others; however, it seems like I’m in a battle against pests that are slowing their production, so I’m barely getting enough for my husband and myself. Just yesterday, I picked okra, and the plants were okay, then last night, as I was grilling, I walked around the garden and noticed that aphids had attacked the okra! I had just looked at them that morning and didn’t see them. I spent a few minutes spraying them with soapy water to remove them. I hope it worked! I’m not complaining because I love it, and it’s worth the battles I face maintaining it. 

Anything you do in ministry comes with battles; never think it will be easy just because God has sanctioned it. No, the enemy hates when God is working through you, and he will do everything within his power to stop you from harvesting a good crop of souls. You must stay armed because you will be called into a spiritual battle. Never fret; it’s worth every ounce of turmoil to see someone trust Jesus because you never gave up. Fight the good fight, and God will give you a bountiful harvest!

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10

March 30, 2023

Take a look around you. Of what people group do you find to be the most generous? Who gives the most grace? Nowadays, the people who consider themselves the most tolerant are the least accepting of differences and are the least giving. God will judge them according to their actions. The cities with the most problems and homelessness are those whose politicians lie to themselves, saying they are more generous than others; if that were true, why haven't they helped these people? They are generous by helping themselves to the coffers provided by us. However, God has set his people above all and has given us the gift of true generosity and a heart for caring. Christian groups started most charities; some are still going strong with Christians at the helm, but others were infiltrated by the greedy, as was the enemy's plan. Make sure you do your homework before giving charitably; I suggest pouring all of your giving into your church, where there is a consensus and accountability of who receives your gift. God gave us an amount of loving kindness to help the saints. Where is your heart today? Do you give generously to your church? 

For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 2 Corinthians 8:3-5

March 29, 2023

Over the last couple of weeks, we have had our cable to the internet cut twice. We are so used to having access that when it is down, we are out of sorts and must resort to using an old-fashioned antenna to get reception on the local channels. What’s funny is that we ended up watching some old, nearly-forgotten shows. It makes me wonder what will happen if all forms of communication are cut off; how will the government keep us programmed? So much is happening in the world; you never know what’s in store for us. If you don’t live in Florida, you may not know how to act; we experience power outages and our communication being cut off every time a hurricane comes through; we are professionals. One thing is sure; we can always communicate with God. Shouldn’t he be the first one we reach out to anyway? Some of the powers of this world would cut that communication if they could, but they can’t; even in death, those who know and love the Lord will still be able to reach him. I’m sure that irks them. If things begin to go awry, don’t worry about worldly matters, our power is found in trusting God. We have nothing to fear.

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

March 28, 2023

My husband Richard’s working environment changed when he took over his father’s business after he passed. Now, he dresses in business attire on most days. However, he thinks nothing of his clothing and will go from a meeting to making repairs or lending a hand to those working. When I see this, I shake my head because I’m the one who keeps up with his clothes and has to wash the grit out of them. There have to be some downfalls to being good at everything! I have to laugh because when I think of Jesus, I believe he was like this too, except for dirtying his good clothes. Remember, Jesus was perfect in every way. 

Our goal is to be about the Father’s business, like Jesus, and be willing to help others seeking a better way of life to include him. We must lend a hand when needed while staying clothed in righteousness. 

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

March 27, 2023

Gardening and the sowing of seeds brings me such joy. I want to spend all day tending to it, but other things must be done, such as housework! I’m not a fan of it; I’m an outdoor girl, but I’m starting to loathe my surroundings because of the clutter. To discipline myself, I will commit to cleaning the house before I allow myself to tend the garden. 

Though you may dread going to work, especially on a Monday, as a part of being a disciplined human, and because you need money to live, you choose to do your work before enjoying your time off. There are other choices you should make: start your day by spending time with God. It’s a decision you won’t regret because every moment spent with him brings refreshment and joy, and he fills you with everything you need to get through your day. Get up early and devote some time to him; he will give more back than you could ever ask for or imagine. He is our Father, and he loves to spend time with you. It will be the best part of your day, I guarantee you!

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

March 26, 2023

We all have unsaved friends or acquaintances that we hope do not stay that way until the end. No matter what you think about them or if you consider them in high regard, we are not equal to them. Even if our worldly position or financial situation seems on the same footing, they are morally and spiritually bankrupt without Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They don’t think as we do, and their cares are not the same as ours. The conversations are without substance and shallow. Their pursuits are different; we want to please God with our actions, but they want to satisfy themselves, or as I’ve seen in many of them, they want to please their friends or impress their neighbors. The Bible tells us not to become yoked with them. We are not the same; we have died to the world, but they are still living for it. Don’t change who you are to try and impress them; we have the reputation of Jesus to uphold and should set the example of how good it can be to have a relationship with him. The Bible uses strong words to encourage us to pursue friendships with Christ-followers; as brothers and sisters, we are more compatible, and it pleases God to see his children loving one another. 

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18