November 23, 2024

My husband and I have been what I call “church jumpers.” We had settled into a church that we loved and joined. We were so into it that we took a three-year discipleship class that was supposed to help us with our biblical knowledge and serve in positions in the church. The preacher got mad at a discussion our class was having and kicked us out of the classroom right before we were to graduate. We finished it in the homes of different students. I don’t know if the preacher was right or wrong, but his actions led to people leaving, and he didn’t seem to care because it was a mega-church, and it still is. The students challenged his authority, and there were consequences. This preacher’s sermons could appeal to the new Christian and have depth and meat for seasoned hearers, so we were sad to leave but felt we were not given a choice. That same year, many of the pastors left. We counted it as part of God’s plan because the word of God was spread instead of being concentrated in this one church. 

After attending a couple of different churches, both of which had great pastors, we have finally settled into a church family that we love and where the preacher’s message has great depth that can appeal to those still on milk and those who are ready for meat. When a message has more than words but has power, you know God is in the mix. We are thrilled with our new church, which we’ve been a part of for almost three years; we love the people and appreciate a well-educated pastor who studies in depth to bring a powerful word from God but also cares about people. 

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 1 Corinthians 4:20

November 22, 2024

I found a couple of tasty morsels this morning that are too good not to share. If you do not know your worth in God, I want you to meditate on this verse and realize your value.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

We should never be too puffed up. However, we must consider that God thought enough of us to give us His Holy Spirit as a placeholder until Jesus comes to rule and reign. The Creator of all things dwells within us! Think about that for a minute. That truth is humbling and an incredible honor. As if that wasn't enough, read this verse:

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 1 Corinthians 3:21

Don't glorify any man; look towards God because He has given you everything! Take your place in the kingdom of God, realizing that all things belong to you, including this world and everything in it! I wouldn't suggest you try to claim it yet, but remember that even though we live in the enemy's territory, God will renew it one day, and it will be clean and pristine.

November 21, 2024

Do you ever feel that God has prepared you to do more, yet here you are doing the minimum to get by? For 32 years, I have been under some type of discipleship and have a laundry list of training, and here I am, only posting a short devotion every day. My opportunities to share the gospel are minimal because my interactions with people are limited, other than on social media. After reading today's scripture, I'm feeling convicted to do more. It's not just today, a sermon from my preacher several weeks ago has also stirred me to get moving. I've known for quite a while that the Holy Spirit has been moving me to do more, yet here I sit, not moving forward. I have something in mind, but I can't tell you because that would put my feet to the fire, and I'm not even sure if I can pull it off; it's a matter of me putting forth the effort, and you know how life can get in the way, or the enemy. So, for now, I'm going to hold it close. 

I'm mentioning this because 1 Corinthians 2 reminded me of some of my early training. In my Masterlife class, when my son was only 2 (he's now 34), I memorized a few verses in this chapter. Then, The Mind of Christ, by Henry Blackaby, was part of my training, and the title came directly from this chapter. Some of you have heard the Holy Spirit telling you to do more, and he's leading you in a particular direction; you know who you are! Today's lesson is your cue to get moving. Start preparing to walk in your calling. Time is short, and God wants you to do more. He's enlisting all His soldiers to get the word out about salvation in Christ Jesus. 

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

November 20, 2024

Don’t you find it interesting that those who think they are a gift to humanity, like celebrities, politicians, musicians, and the like, are being brought down? Those who value their position in this world, who sought fame and fortune, are suddenly being blackmailed, and all the skeletons and misdeeds are being brought into the light for all to see. This revelation is a part of God’s plan! To point out the foolishness of man. The whole thing is ridiculous. No one would be famous without the creation of radio and television, and we would all continue living everyday lives.

There was a similar problem during the time of Paul’s ministry, but people placed higher importance on their local preachers and teachers than on Jesus, and it caused divisions in the church. Paul reprimanded them by thanking God that he hadn’t baptized any of them but a few so they wouldn’t make him the object of their worship. People are so foolish! 

Reset your mind and refrain from valuing a human more than God. Remember, the only one crucified for you was Jesus!

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 1:13

November 19, 2024

No one wants to feel judged or receive condemnation from anyone. We each have things on our plate that no one knows about, nor is it any of their business, so how could you make a fair assessment without knowing all the details of someone’s life? You cannot. However, if you’re in the body of Christ and producing rotten fruit, you may receive correction, which is biblical according to scripture. Otherwise, please sit back and refrain from looking down your nose at someone because of their actions. And if you are receiving backlash from someone over how you responded to an issue, tell them to take a backseat as Paul did, reminding them that their judgment of you is minuscule in comparison to the judgment of Jesus and that you don’t even judge yourself; you’re not Jesus, but you can take your concerns to him and let him be the judge. My pastor mentioned this verse on Sunday, and it struck me, so I took a detour to cover it in today’s devotional. 

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:3-4

November 18, 2024

Life right now is definitely interesting, that is, if you are keeping up with the issues happening in the world through other forms of news rather than from the mainstream television stations. They only tell you what you want to hear and not the truth. However, if you get your news from Twitter/X as I do, you have to filter it through the discernment of the Holy Spirit because you get more than you want to hear and don’t know the good guys from the bad guys. At least you get good guys mixed in, unlike television, where they are almost all bad. 

Getting the good news from preachers and teachers of the gospel is the same. Some teach you what you want to hear rather than tell you the truth about your condition. Yes, we are under grace, but don’t you want to know what grace looks like under your covenant with Jesus? It’s not all roses and butterflies. If you look at the lives of the disciples and how they were martyred, you will realize how foolish we are to think that life under Jesus would be easy. Oh, but it will be, but not while we are traipsing around in the dominion of Satan. Keep open communication with God, praying throughout your entire day so that if something doesn’t seem quite right, you will know to put it on the back burner until you have more information to back up what you are being told. Stay grounded in the Word of God, and He will lead you to all truth.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away theirears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

November 17, 2024

I know I don’t need to tell you this, but as a reminder, you can find everything you need in scripture to live a godly life. The obedient men God used diligently recorded what they heard through the Holy Spirit. It may be the only truth we can count on because the world has gone mad. I used to think that if you could see it, you could count on it being the truth, but with AI - artificial intelligence technology, even our eyes can deceive us. However, do not be discouraged, the Lord will help us filter through what is real and what is fake. He has given us the Holy Spirit for that purpose, and if we listen carefully and filter it through the fine sieve of the holy scriptures, he will guide us to all truth. 

If you stick close to scripture, you will find everything you need to know about how celestial beings look, whether demonic or angelic. The congressional hearings being held on UFOs and UAPs could opened the door for the next psychological operation to be released upon the world. If not fake, these UFOs and UAPs could be the work of celestial beings. Hold on to your hats! Life is going to get interesting! Immerse yourself in scripture so you are able to determine between truth and fiction. 

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17