December 14, 2024

I find it interesting that in this next chapter, 2 Corinthians 8, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give as the Macedonians gave. It is the time of year that many feel charitable, and to help relieve a portion of their tax burden, they give generously, though we should often give to help those in need, especially those in our church. However, if you pour your tithes and offerings into your church throughout the year, you won’t need to make a substantial donation at the year’s end to make up for it. 

Jesus set the example of giving. He gave everything. Though rich, he came as a poor man to earth and left as a poor man; he gave his entire body to save us. The least we could do is pay into the church, which, in turn, gives to those in need and to missionaries who are spreading the gospel and starting churches throughout the world, much like Paul. During that time, many gave out of their poverty, expecting God to bless them. We should have the same confidence. God is so good, and He will bless you in abundance if you are willing to give even when you lack. Trust God; He is faithful.

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 2 Corinthians 8:1-3

December 13, 2024

Today’s calendar is a complete mess. It’s been toyed with over the years and is not accurate. However, the date currently showing, Friday, December 13, is a day that the enemy uses to summon demonic behavior in weak people who are unaware of how mighty the God is that created all things, whether good or evil. They will spit in the face of righteousness to continue with their demonic behavior and will try their best to take you down with them. Every day belongs to God, knowing that truth unravels them and causes them exceeding anxiety. Make sure you are fully dressed in the armor of God before you move about today in case you are met with trouble. Remember, if they come after you, it’s because the Spirit inside of you irritates the demons inside of them. Like Paul, we have trouble on every side, but we can count it all joy because the enemy won’t come after you if you are living for him, so you know you are in the will of God if the enemy tries to take you out. Remember who you belong to, you are royalty; the Commander of angel armies is your Savior and will surround you with his fortress and cover you with his shield.

Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 2 Corinthians 7:4

December 12, 2024

Most of us realize that Jesus wasn’t born in December and that this celebration was instituted to give respect to some other god during the winter solstice. God can take the most heinous situations and turn them toward Himself; Christmas is no exception. If you want to irritate Satan, make it solely about Jesus. Separate yourself from the deeds of darkness during these days and have no part of the evil underbelly. Give God all the glory, and worship Him only. Spread the love of Jesus wherever you go. Remember, the light you carry in your bodily temple is brighter than the sun and sparkles more than any Christmas bulb, so let that light shine for all to see. Make this season and every season a celebration of Jesus.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?2 Corinthians 6:14-15

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2 Corinthians 6:17

December 11, 2024

Is anyone else struggling with Christmas this year? The atmosphere is weird. It makes me wonder if God is refining us to set aside the childish things of this world. I put up one tree just for the grandchildren to see. I usually deck the halls, but I’m not feeling it this year. It could be that the recovery from the hurricanes is still underway, and some people still have no home to go to. It’s heart-wrenching, and I think we are still traumatized. Here we are, putting on a smile, pretending that everything is okay when clearly others are hurting, and looking for hope when the glass seems half-empty. We need to search ourselves, go deep, and find out what matters the most. Isn’t it the hearts of people? As Christians, our hope is in Jesus, there is no other way to be saved from this body. He is the essence of why we live. Focus on him if you are struggling; long for him rather than a physical fix or earthly possessions. He died and conquered the grave so we would have life beyond this world. Set your eyes on him and watch your world change for the better. 

Remember, decorating for Christmas is strictly about joyful decor. You should check your motives if decorating means more to you than that. Worship our Creator only. 

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 1 Corinthians 5:7-10

December 10, 2024

The vessel in which our spirit lives is only temporary. As our earthly body dies day by day, our spirit grows and is refreshed by the Holy Spirit, who also lives within us. Worldly care may beat us down, but because of Jesus, we have our hope renewed. Yes, our bodies will give up on us at some point, but the person of the Holy Spirit sustains us through our adversity. 

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

I don’t think we realize how confining our body is; when we are released from it and step into the presence of Jesus, we will feel relieved and genuinely free. Jesus is our example of overcoming death; though our body may die, we will live on with him. What a blessed assurance. I know we are not ready to die yet, we have kingdom work to do, but when it comes, we will rest in the arms of our Savior. What a beautiful thought for such an unsure time. It doesn’t matter what happens in this world; our world is unending because of Jesus, and we will live on in eternal bliss.

December 9, 2024

One of my favorite subjects is freedom in Christ. Did you know that because of Jesus, the old covenant, the law of Moses, has passed? It’s all gone! We are under the new covenant where we have freedom. The tenants of the new covenant are written on our hearts and are spiritual, not on stone tablets like in Moses’ day. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and guides us to all truth. Those people trying to make us abide by the old law are liars and don’t know what they are talking about. They are the false teachers that Jesus warned us about. If you are still hanging onto your past because of guilt, why? Jesus cleaned you up already, so it’s time to let it go. The one condemning you is you and Satan if you let him. He will keep bringing it up as long as you dwell on it. Let that stuff go! Jesus cleansed you of all unrighteousness, and we are a new creation. However, if you make a mistake and are burdened by it, ask him to forgive you and let it go. Oh, and by the way, Jesus also cleansed you from the harm done to you by others. Praise him and give him the glory; use your past as a stepping stone to minister to others. He freed you for a reason, so use it to help expand his kingdom by bringing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus.

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17

December 8, 2024

Do you try to spread your sadness to others to make them feel sorry for you? We all need someone to sound off to, but not an entire congregation of people. Knowing he was not his chipper self, Paul didn’t want to bring that kind of emotion to the congregation of Corinth. He commended them in his letter for adequately handling the sinful person he wrote to them about in his last letter. Now, he recommends that they forgive him so Satan doesn’t have an advantage over them. 

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11

This scripture fills in a gap that many don’t understand. That is why we need to forgive others, whether they are saved or unsaved. Don’t let Satan have an advantage over you for any reason. It’s for us as much as it is for them. Lack of forgiveness is emotionally torturing yourself and can cause depression. Release those feelings to God and let Him help you handle them properly. Forgive and move on.