Saturday, May 6, 2023

May 6, 2023

I’m trying to be an organic gardener, but it isn’t easy. Yesterday, I picked some of my cauliflower and couldn’t eat it. The leaves were riddled with holes from some kind of worm, and when I pealed them back I could see them. I should have kept it dusted with pest control before it began to form the curds, but I’m trying not to poison myself. By not inoculating the plants against pest, it made them inedible anyway. I should have given them a chance to thrive by armoring them against the evil worm; then maybe I would have had something decent to eat.

Our salvation through Jesus is like pest control; he has disarmed the power of principalities of this world. We were dead in our sins but now, Satan and his cohorts no longer have dominion over us. Oh but they will cause us to think they still rule over us; that is why it is so important that we hold every thought captive and scrutinize it against what God says in his word. He will continue to try and ruin your testimony of faith by poking holes in it and luring you into sin; stand firm in your commitment, and stay dressed in God’s armor.  


And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:13-15

Friday, May 5, 2023

May 5, 2023

To be completely forthcoming, I write this blog, "To the followers of Christ," because not everyone who thinks they are saved is saved, and as a precaution, I want to catch anyone who may have fallen through the cracks. Even though many profess salvation, our job as disciple-makers is only complete once we see them living for him. Saying a short prayer and receiving baptism doesn't necessarily mean you've changed your life. We must make a complete about-face and leave everything behind we once believed in, and put Jesus first and foremost. He sacrificed everything to make us holy and above reproach, but we must do our part by living for him. 

Below is what it says in Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible:


“We can expect the happy end of our faith only when we continue in the faith, and are so far grounded and settled in it as not to be moved from it. We must not draw back unto perdition,but believe unto the saving of the soul. We must be faithful to death, through all trials, that we may receive the crown of life, and receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls.”


You must stay strong in your faith in Jesus until the very end.


if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:23


Here are a few other verses to consider: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 10:39, 1 Peter 1:9

Thursday, May 4, 2023

May 4, 2023

It's important to remember that darkness only exists in the absence of light, which is why we must embrace our identity as children of the light. Unfortunately, those who embrace evil often despise us for shining our light, which is Jesus, because it diminishes their value. It's clear from current events that many of us are hiding our light under a bushel, forgetting the song we used to sing as children. If we continue to do so, evil will only continue to grow worse. As believers in Jesus, we are no longer part of the domain of darkness; we now live in his kingdom and must act accordingly. If we all let our light shine, perhaps the forces of evil will scatter like roaches.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14


This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? NO!
I’m gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? NO!
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Don’t let anyone blow it out,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Don’t let anyone blow it out,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

May 3, 2023

Sometime last year, I began covering a New Testament chapter each day and writing a post about it. Maybe when I’m finished, I will put them together in a book; we’ll see if God leads me down that path again. However, there are some chapters that I tend to linger in because the content is so good that I can’t summarize it in one paragraph. Philippians 4 is one of those books. It is so encouraging; I can imagine how exhilarating it was for the Philippians to receive such a letter from Paul. Take a look at some of the verses from that chapter:

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8


I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13


And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19


I often recite these Bible verses without realizing they are all from the same chapter and book. I tend to memorize the content but forget the address, which is something I need to work on. During tough times, it's important to uplift and support each other. We should keep a collection of hopeful verses close by and commit them to memory for easy access in our minds. If you haven't memorized these scriptures, I encourage you to do so. Look them up in the version of the Bible you use; the ones I've included are from the English Standard Version.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

May 2, 2023

I’m very excited about today; our new cabinets are to be delivered! Every step that gets us back into the main house is exciting. We’ve remodeled several homes that we’ve lived in, but never a complete do-over. It’s going from a five-bedroom with chopped-up living space to a two-bedroom open concept, and the only reason we have an extra bedroom is for our grandkids. Once it is complete, we can have our entire family over for the holidays without feeling crowded or overwhelmed by extra noise. It’s like our house is receiving salvation; rather than tear the whole thing down, we are removing the negative things about it and rebuilding it to our perfection. As a Christ-follower, that’s what Jesus is doing for you! Rather than replace you entirely, he is building you into his likeness, removing the wall that blocks the light and opening your heart to become perfect in him. He gives you room to entertain family and friends to share in his goodness. Today, ask God what walls you are hiding behind that need to be removed so that his light drenches your soul.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Monday, May 1, 2023

May 1, 2023

"May-day, May-day, May-day!" I urge you to listen closely. We face turbulent waters as the waves of sin crash against our ship, threatening to sink us. Our only hope now is to call upon the LORD for salvation. Those who believe in him will be protected, as he is with us in this boat. Jesus is our refuge and our only escape from the punishment of sin. Only by seeking refuge in him can we find safety. Even as the world crumbles around us, we need not fear the wrath of God. While it may be tempting to stay in our comfortable lives, we must be willing to endure the anger of others rather than face God without Jesus. He is our shield and protector, and we must turn to him for comfort and strength when the world's troubles overwhelm us. Trust in him, and he will guide you to safety.

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— Philippians 3:9

Sunday, April 30, 2023

April 30, 2023

During a recent conference, I observed people getting up and leaving in the middle of the speaker's presentation. Their topic was interesting and informative. Can we not sit still for thirty minutes? I wish I didn't notice such things, but I do. A servant of God spends countless hours preparing a message that we should probably hear, and they are often interrupted by bladder issues or whatever causes a person to walk out. While I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, respecting others and handling any needs beforehand is essential. Would Jesus walk out while one of his beloved was speaking? Absolutely not. He would be attentive, listening carefully to every word. As followers of Christ, we should emulate his behavior and show love and attentiveness toward one another. Let us strive to be mindful of our actions, remembering that God is always watching.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus Philippians 2:4-5