January 4, 2024

Through social media, I have met many people who are former atheists, witches, and others who were intertwined in evil practices. They are former because they have turned their lives over to Jesus and have left that lifestyle behind. They are on fire for Jesus and know more about the Bible than most people who were brought up in Christianity. They can see the forces of darkness we don’t recognize because they appear as light. Many of the traditions we value are practices in the occult. We are blinded to it because it seems harmless when, in fact, it is a type of worship and homage to the devil. The holidays that we love all have some strings to the occult. Our eyes are blinded, and we hold on to them because we love them. Even our traditional “Happy Birthday” song is rooted in the occult. When the Bible tells us that the enemy is disguised as a beacon of light, we need to believe it and start deprogramming ourselves and leave everything behind to follow Jesus. Paul gave up everything for Jesus and never looked back. We need to be willing to do the same thing. Do some research and take a trip down a few rabbit holes about our American traditions, and you won’t believe how disturbing they are. 

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Philippians 3:2

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Philippians 3:8

January 3, 2025

It is very hard nowadays to find a friend who has the same like-mindedness as you but also has the mind of Christ and passes their understanding through the love of Jesus before sharing their thoughts with others. When you find that person, you stick with them like glue and forgive when harsh words are spoken, or their actions don't meet your expectations. Sometimes we strive over things that don't matter. What does matter is that the light of Jesus shines through us and that we depend on him for the words that come out of our mouths and the hearts we show to others. Filter yourself like you have the mind of Christ, and the only way to do that is to study his ways and actions. Though he was sometimes harsh, he was also very loving and taught us what was sincerely important: to love others and love God; everything else falls under these two commands. If someone hurts you and doesn't use Jesus as their filter, reach out to him in prayer; he will comfort you and bring you peace. 

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

January 2, 2025

Since we do not know how long God will put up with the folly of the worldly people, we should be prepared for whatever happens next. We also don’t know the truth about the timing, and we should live and continue to be productive members of society, but keeping in mind that we belong to Jesus, and our productivity should be focused on our efforts to bring others into the kingdom of God by sharing the gospel whenever possible. It feels like our time has shortened, and we are on the cusp of something big. I prefer to focus on living for Jesus because he is the one pulling us along and helping us keep our faith in him. Another aspect of living for him is having confidence in what he started in you and being fearless about what comes next.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

Yes, the things happening around the world will make you shudder. However, we are not of this world, though we live parallel to it; our motive for living is much more in-depth, and we have good reason to carry on but aren’t afraid to die for the cause of Christ Jesus if necessary. How do you combat those feelings? All fear disappears when you offer up praise. Let your praise be a prayer, and feel your fear diminish. 

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

January 1, 2025

Big things will happen this year, whether good or bad, it should be a year to remember. I prefer a positive outcome, and that is what my mind is expecting, so if we all stay optimistic and ask God’s blessings on this “new year,” I’m sure He will hear us and faithfully fulfill our prayers. 

At the end of every year, I ask God for a word for the new year. There has only been one time, and that was last year when I didn’t get a word until about three months into the year. Usually, as soon as I think about asking, a word pops into my head, and it’s not something I would think of, so I know it’s God’s voice rather than my own thoughts. This year, He gave me an unusual word, and I had to hold a conversation with Him to understand what He meant by it. Before I tell you, remember, as Christ-followers, we are to become small and fade into the background so Jesus can shine through us; for that reason, I was taken aback at the word He gave me. The word is “famous.” Why do I always get a weird word? He’s already famous, but he made it clear to me that He would become famous with those who’ve never heard of Him, and my daily devotional post may be a catalyst for that. Even though I write to Christ-followers, unbelievers may become curious about Jesus and read these devotions. If you asked God to give you a word, please share it here so we can all pray that God shows you what He means by it and bless you through it. 

I will post a video I saw a couple of days ago on hearing God’s voice. Look for it on my profile if it doesn’t appear in your feed.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27

December 31, 2024

The fight against the powers and principalities of this world is real. Though most people cannot see into the hidden world of the enemy, we are affected by their presence. They wage war against us in the shadows, sometimes using other people as tools to throw their fiery darts. The enemy has to disguise himself and taunt other people for them to do his bidding against you; that's why you must stay aware and know where the fire is coming from. We must remain vigilant and decisive in our efforts to fight them. However, as Paul explained, we do not go to war as others do; we put on God's whole armor. Remember, the armor covers all of our front parts but doesn't cover our back, so we must never turn our back on the enemy, or we will be exposed. In other words, you cannot ignore him; if you do, you will lose. We must engage if the forces of evil come against us. Our advantage is scripture; we should use it as Jesus did, as our weapon against enemies' taunting. Unless you are cognizant of the enemy's ways of war, you may be at a disadvantage. Make sure you understand how he operates so you are ready when the time comes, and be brave and bold in your stand against them. God has given you everything you need for the fight! Be strong and courageous, put on the whole armor of God, and stand firm, mighty warriors!

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

December 30, 2024

If you are on some social media platforms and watch various videos, you could end up watching people specifically there to trip up Christians and place doubt in your minds. There is a lot of evil mixed in with the good. Make sure you are cautious and skeptical, measuring the words against scripture. If you don’t catch it in the first video, at some point, they will say something that will give you clues that they are insincere and are there on assignment to lead you astray. You must be suspicious of motives. There are too many on these video strings sent to do harm and get people to stray from God rather than bring them close. Sometimes, it’s hard to discern, especially when their words and tone are what you expect a Christ-follower to sound like. However, they will eventually say something that gives you clues to their motives. As soon as they show their true colors, stop watching and don’t watch anymore of their content. Remember, the devil appears as a beacon of light, will be sensational, and will feed you what your itchy ears want to hear. Pray for early discernment so you don’t spend too much time listening to someone whose ideas come straight from the devil. 

Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are yelight in the Lord: walk as children of light:(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Ephesians 5:7-13

December 29, 2024

In most cases, I can summarize a Bible chapter in a couple of paragraphs or at least hit the main teaching point. However, Ephesians 4 covers a lot of territory! I haven’t read as many do’s and don’t since the commandments in Exodus. Paul also mentions five ministry gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, preachers, and teachers. These are given for the building up of the body of Christ. 

The do’s and don’ts:

We are not to behave like Gentiles who are alienated from the life of God and haven’t learned Christ and thus act full of deceitful lusts.

Put on the new life of righteousness and true holiness.

Don’t lie. Speak the truth because we are members of one another.

Put away anger that leads to sin so you don’t give place to the devil.

Do not steal; use your hands for good.

Carefully communicate. Use edifying words that minister grace to hearers.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

The rest are summarized in these last two verses:

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32