Saturday, May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. If the signs of Jesus's return were only seen here in the United States, I would assume it was just one symptom, but if you look throughout the earth, you will see that every nation faces the depravity and moral decline of their people because they are rejecting God. How long do you expect he will tolerate such wickedness? You don't have to be a prophet to see that it is nearing the time for Jesus's return. From what I can see, nothing is going on around me that would cause the enemy to stir up the havoc I've been feeling the last few days, which makes me think that the torment I've experienced has more to do with an unseen war taking place in the heavens that may not have anything to do with me at all. Because I try and live my life for God and honor my Savior as best I can in my limited capacity as a human; I may have become a casualty of war, albeit a minor inconvenience. I would rather experience the enemy's wrath than the wrath of God! I'm not trying to scare anyone, but if you are living in sin and haven't turned your life around, you had better repent now and begin living for Jesus because he could show up at any moment. 

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

Friday, May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

Sometimes, I share things that may seem odd, but I observe the physical things around me and assign spiritual value to them. When everyone became obsessed with owls, I was repulsed because I saw them as predators in the darkness. Yes, they are interesting and cute, and I have nothing against owls, but when they perch on your property, I see it as a sign that you may be dealing with the forces of evil spiritually. It’s been a tough week, not because of my injury but because I believe the enemy has chosen to torment me. Every day this week, there have been signs that he’s trying to overtake me. He may think he knows me but doesn’t realize that I rely solely on God to rescue me from his torment, and through him, I am stronger than ever. Early yesterday morning, we caught a coyote on our camera passing through our property; late yesterday afternoon, an alligator decided to cross our driveway, in nearly the same place, and may try to make a home in our pond, but there’s nothing for him to eat in it, so I expect him to move on soon. That’s the same thing that will happen to whatever this demonic presence is about; it will move on because there is nothing they can do to take me out of the love of Jesus. There are more amazing creatures that live on my property than there are predators. I haven’t figured out why this is happening, but I can guarantee that I will worship God, praise my Savior, and listen closely to the Holy Spirit as he teaches me to remain steady. I’m not complaining; I’m as happy as can be because I will not let the enemy steal my joy! Follow my example when dealing with darkness trying to overtake you; cry out to Jesus if the going gets tough; you will find power when you use his name.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

Thursday, May 11, 2023

May 11, 2023

Those who partner with Jesus in any ministry will face challenges from the evil forces that live among us. The devil and his minions will do whatever it takes to try and get you to curse God; it’s their mission to get you to deny him. I recognize when torment is coming because some people around me are sensitive to their presence and react negatively without knowing why. It’s not only mental torment; it can become physical; he will use whatever method he thinks will stop you from your mission. For some reason, for me, he tries to destabilize me by injuring my right foot; this is the third injury I’ve had to the same foot, only this time there is breakage, but it’s not in a place that disables me. I can still walk on it and stand firm! Our feet are our firm foundation, like Jesus, and any injury can take us off balance. It may be a representation of a spiritual battle that’s coming. However, I am prepared with a sword, spiritual armor, the Holy Spirit, and the power of Jesus! I will not be defeated. I am delighted when a battle ensues because I know something good is about to happen in the kingdom of God! Until you begin to look at your challenges as a spiritual battle, you will be defeated before it begins. Rise up, mighty warriors of God; know where your power comes from; it’s not in yourself; it’s in your submission to God. Allow him to defeat your enemy!

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:11-13

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

Sometimes, it's hard to pray for people we love because we tend to limit God in those prayers. We know God will answer those prayers in a way that we didn't see coming, which can be scary! I have a friend whose sister is involved with a man whose past behavior should have eliminated him from being her mate. His charm blinded her, and because of that, she failed to make a good decision for her future. My friend told me she had prayed for that situation and asked God to intervene, but she didn't want her sister heartbroken; that's how she prayed. That kind of prayer limits God, and until she decides to pray for God to do whatever it takes to remedy that situation, nothing life-changing will happen. We cannot limit God. Our prayers are powerful; he loves us, but only he knows what it will take to steer humans in the right direction. I am guilty of praying that way, but the more I learn about the grace of God, the more I believe he has my best interest at heart and will do whatever it takes to bring his children into the comfort of his presence. Pray, remembering how much he loves you and doesn't want to hurt you or the people you love. Take the breaks off, and release the situation to him; he will do what is best. 

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023

 

As a kid, like most of us, I would occasionally fall and skin my knees. It would hurt, but off I went, playing again as if nothing happened. Yesterday, I tripped and fell, twisting my ankle and skinning my knees, and I was down for the day. As I sat there after falling, I prayed while crying that I could still walk. I can still walk, but it hurts. I avoided going to the doctor yesterday, but today, after the swelling has receded, I realized it might be fractured or broken because I feel grinding when I move my foot a certain way. In my area, we have an emergency room at the hospital, but we also have Florida Orthopedic, which also has an emergency room for orthopedic issues. I have no intention of going where sick people are harboring germs, but I will go to the orthopedist. I’m thankful I have a choice. As Christ-followers, we must also decide where to seek spiritual healing. You don’t go to a worldly friend who is not part of the body of Christ; you go to someone who knows Jesus, can encourage you with prayer, and can refer you to healing psalms from the Word of God. So, rather than becoming more downtrodden with the discouragement of an unbeliever, a fellow Christian can lift you out of the muck and mire. Find a Christian friend and stick with them like glue!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

Monday, May 8, 2023

May 8, 2023

Though it seems like a few months, it has probably only been a few weeks, but one of our side-by-side vehicles was taken over by Carolina wrens and their nest. We still used it for awhile, even though we saw the eggs, we just parked it back where it was and the wren couple would come and attend to them. However, when the momma bird began sitting on the nest, we decided not to disturb them anymore. You don’t realize how much you use something until it’s no longer available to you. Yesterday, we noticed that they had finally left. Now we have three more songbirds to entertain us with their voice. 

I know that you can’t compare a bird to a human, but the closer I get to the Lord, the more compassion I have for God’s living creature. He has created a beautiful balance in nature that fill our hearts with joy. He has made the body of Christ, his children, to resemble nature’s balance and expects us to work together in harmony, loving and bearing with one another. Sometimes that can be inconvenient, like the birds taking over my side-by-side, but it’s worth it when we please God with our actions. 


Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14

Sunday, May 7, 2023

May 7, 2023

After installing some of our crisp white cabinets, the drywall finisher created a cloud of dust while sanding the walls. Dust is everywhere! Now we have a mess to clean up and cracks to clean in the doors and drawers of the cabinets. It’s okay; a little cleaning never hurts anyone. The smooth finish on the walls looks fantastic. I can’t wait to see it painted. 

You can almost imagine our life in Christ in comparison to those cabinets. After accepting Jesus as our Savior, we were crisp and clean, but as trials of life hit us, a cloud of dust settled in our minds, causing us to need a little cleaning. Thankfully, our salvation lasts through the rough times and covers the messes we make. Repentance is vital to keeping ourselves healthy, freeing us from the guilt that can accumulate in our minds. The Holy Spirit will tug on your heart, causing you to feel guilty for sullying the body of Christ with sin. Repent and get over it! It’s that easy, like cleaning the dust from the cabinets. 


For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. Colossians 3:3-6