Saturday, May 20, 2023

May 20, 2023

As Christ-followers, we are not unaware of the signs of the times associated with the return of our Savior. It's hard to believe how bad it has gotten worldwide, with evil-doers orchestrating the demise of humankind so they can maintain power. Lawlessness abounds, and the bad guys that used to be afraid of law enforcement largely ignore them because the consequences for their actions are not harsh enough to encourage them to stop breaking the law. When a good guy is charged with a crime instead of being lauded as a hero for protecting the innocent, we know there is madness in this world, and the demons are stirring things up as a last hurrah before their punishment begins. We no longer trust the television to tell the truth, the pharmaceutical industry for healing, or big food corporations to give us proper nutrition. We must rethink what we take into our minds and bodies because the only truth we can be sure of is the holy scriptures. 

How long must we deal with this chaos? There is no answer to that; we are on God's timeline, but we are close. My main concern is for the people I love who believe the lies that the enemy is spewing and don't believe what the Bible says. Your mind changes about specific issues when you are saved. If you still believe that taking the life of the unborn and sexual deviance is acceptable in God's eyes, your salvation is not secure. Time is short; seek Jesus and the truth before it's too late.


But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6


For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Friday, May 19, 2023

May 19, 2023

Many believe we will be raptured before tribulation begins, and some think that it will be in the middle, but what if we have to live through it and aren't called home until the last trumpet; how would you live your life differently? Let's prepare as if we will be here through its entirety, repent of being lackadaisical, and live solely for Jesus, solidifying our commitment to him, strengthening our faith and hope, and vowing never to give in, even under persecution. If the disciples faced persecution because of their faith in Jesus, what makes us think we are better than them and won't have to prove our allegiance to him by staying firm, even unto death? I'm not taking any chances. If I live long enough and Jesus raptures us before the tribulation, I will be relieved and have prepared my heart for nothing, but if we aren't, my heart is strengthened and ready to face what may come. We should always be prepared whether we are relieved of our earthly duties or must continue to live through the hardship of tribulation.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Thursday, May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

Last night, my husband and I went to a political fundraiser. We were around a lot of people in their suits and posh designer clothing. Yet, here we were, casual and comfortable without pretense. If I've learned anything in my years of living, the best advice I can give you is to be yourself and stop worrying about what other people think of you. The idea of dressing rich until you are, is ridiculous, and it's terrible advice. Don't get me wrong, I love fashion; it's one of my passions, and that's why I notice it, but if you want to dress to perfection, put on the righteousness and love of Jesus. The people in that room that commanded the most authority were the ones who wore love and compassion and gave off a godly demeanor. Stop pretending and be who God created you to be; full of love and kindness toward others and a worthy representative of Him. 

and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

May 17, 2023

I’ve been waiting for a cute story to share with you that would cover 1 Thessalonians 2, but I’ve got nothing. This chapter is one of those that requires the teaching of the scripture without a flowery illustration; it’s the narrow path.

If we, as distributors of the gospel, were to curtail our message to suit the fancies of mankind, God would not be pleased with our walk. We must tell the truth about who he is and what he expects from those that are or would become Christ-followers. The path is not easy for the saved; in fact, it is a narrow road with many roadblocks and uneven terrain, but the outcome is much better than choosing the wide path with beautiful views that are fake, which leads to destruction. We must set our hearts on pleasing God, who will test us. It’s a bit daunting to know the God of the universe will seek to prove our loyalty to him, but if we listen closely to the scriptures and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, nothing will derail his plan for us. And as for the rigorous path and the testing of our faith, they become a crown in our testimony. Stand firm; the testing is only for a moment; eternity is forever!


but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4


we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

May 16, 2023

On Friday, May 12th, I shared with you that an alligator had crawled into our pond and that he would probably move on because there wasn't anything to eat there. Instead of waiting for this 9-foot monster to leave, we called to have him removed. Last night, a trapper came out, who happened to be a cousin that I had never met! I guess I come from a line of wild but brave people! Because the gator was hungry, he buried himself in the mud near the shore beside the dock to ready himself to pounce upon his next prey. It was the perfect place for the trapper to get to him. He brought out his tools, and with skill, he lassoed him. Richard and I helped bring him to shore and load him in the trailer. It was quite an experience. Even though I consider him a representation of the enemy, he's just an animal, and my heart goes out to him because God created him, and he was only looking for a quiet place to exist. 

The point of my story is that you cannot just allow the enemy to settle into your home. You must take action; that's why God has given us the tools to remove him. However, sometimes you might need to call on others in God's family to help intercede on your behalf. Don't go it alone; ask for help. There are others whom God has gifted with intercession. They have the tools and the skills to help you remove the invader. 


praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18

Monday, May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023

Over the years of writing this blog, I’ve had people concerned that they aren’t doing enough for the Lord. We will all grow old if God is willing, so we must consider that our service to Him may slow as our bodies deteriorate, with one exception, prayer. As long as our minds can string together a thought, we can pray. Last week, I struggled, feeling oppressed, but on Saturday, I felt it break and all is well again. God heard your prayers and came to my rescue; I couldn’t be more thankful. You don’t have to come up with wonderful words when you pray, you are talking to our Father who loves us, remembering, however, He is to be revered and honored as you speak to Him. Your duties may change as a servant of Jesus, but your impact on God’s kingdom will not. Keep praying, my friends, you may not know your impact until Jesus returns or you enter the kingdom of Heaven, but it is necessary for those who are depending on your intercession. And don’t forget to pray for yourself; that’s when you truly see God at work in your life.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

Sunday, May 14, 2023

May 14, 2023

Years ago, I spent time volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, then later on, I worked there as their client services director. Of all the women I counseled who had an abortion, not one was grateful for it; they all regretted it. My heart broke for them because they beat themselves up every day because of their choice. It’s not something you get over easily. They realized they became a mother when they got pregnant, so their choice regarding their child becomes life-altering for both. Men are not exempt from regret. In many cases, they pay for the procedure because they don’t want to be tied to that particular woman for the rest of their lives or for other reasons. Little did they realize that it would alter their lives forever because of their participation. If they are Christians and ask, God forgives them because Jesus paid the price on the cross, but the problem is that they have a hard time believing that he would forgive them and an even harder time forgiving themselves. At the center, we had counselors and groups to help with the healing process. Being pro-life is not just about saving babies; it’s about protecting women and men from having to live with regret for the rest of their lives. It’s compassionate and loving to help them choose life, but also to help them heal from their decision. 

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13