May 19

Coffee and prayer is how I start my day. Without coffee, I have a hard time waking up and I can't seem to function properly the rest of the day, I may have an addiction! And, not saying "good morning" to the Father, well, that's just rude. How do you live in the same house with someone and not speak to them. He is always in our midst, just because you can see Him, doesn't mean He's not there, you can't see air but you know it's there. Not speaking to the One who holds your life in His hands, seems a little dangerous, even though He's loving and wants no harm to come to you. It doesn't have to be a long drawn out church prayer, just acknowledge Him! I'm sure you've been to a graduation or a performance where your child is on stage and you wave, jump up and down, and do all kinds of foolish things to get your child's attention, just waiting for them to acknowledge you. What does God have to do to get your attention?

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6

May 18

Sometimes God grants you some amazing moments. When He does, all you can do is rejoice and thank Him! I'm somewhat of a paddleboard adventurer. I usually stay on the calm, and less tumult bay side of the island, although I will strike out on the Gulf on a smooth day. This time, I stayed in the bay. We had heavy winds over the weekend, so the water was a little stirred and cloudy. I was thinking it was going to be a bust, if there's such a thing when you're on the water! However, God had a plan to dazzle me! As I was gliding along, I had a visit from a dolphin! It must have been curious or hoping I was fishing! Nevertheless, it accompanied me for a good distance. It was incredible! Just when you're minding your own business, God shows up! Sometimes it's just to put a smile on your face. When you are a follower of Jesus, things don't just happen willy-nilly, and every now and then, you get a kiss from the King!

I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23

May 17

My husband and I are getting ready to downsize, sell, and unburden ourselves of our excess. So, what do most people do when they get ready to sell? They clean up, repair, and replace broken parts! The question is, why didn't you just keep these things in like new condition to begin with? Instead, we live with them in their subpar condition. Then we realize that no one else wants our broken down junk, so we fix it. We tend to be the same way with our hearts and minds too. We don't do anything to repair it until it's time to move on and give it to another. Instead, we should ask the Lord to repair our brokenness and help us to move on so we are fully healed before we consider giving our hearts to someone else. Nobody want's your broken junk except Jesus, and He doesn't even like to keep it in that condition, that's why He offers us healing. Give the Lord your burdens and ask Him for healing. Don't wait, do it today. 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

May 16

If you have a dog, you know how dependent they are upon you. Unlike children that grow and eventually learn to feed themselves, a dog depends upon you for their entire life. It is so worth the trouble you go to to help them because their love is so freely given. Their gratitude is evident by that sweet look they give you and the uncontrollable wagging of their tail. Then there's that moment when they are tired and they climb up in your lap or snuggle up next to you, you know they love you then. Now look at this same picture, but turned. We are completely dependent upon God for everything. We wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for Him. If all mankind would have the same attitude towards Him as our dogs have toward us, imagine how comfortable our lives would be. Change your mindset to one of complete dependence, be thankful, and full of love for the One who gives you everything, apart from Him, we are nothing.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

May 15

The beauty of gold catches the eye. Gold in its purest form is 24 karat. It has had all the impurities burned off and is very soft and pliable. It takes time and fire to refine gold to the point of purity, but once the process is complete, it is dazzling. It is the process of refining that we must go through to burn off our old ways and habits to make us pliable in the hands of God. You may be going through testing now and feel the burn of that refiner's fire, but remain steady and allow Him to bring out your beauty and change you. This time of testing strengthens your faith but requires you to rely solely on God for everything, submitting to Him just as the gold submits to the power of the goldsmith who works out every bit of dross bringing it to its purest form. As Christians, our purest form is Jesus. Our refining is burning off our old fleshly selves to reveal our true beauty, Jesus.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,  so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

May 14

Being a mother is a special gift, just ask any woman who desires motherhood but has been denied. That deep longing going unquenched can set a soul into despair. They become deeply distressed and pray to the LORD, and weep bitterly. I have only given birth to one, but have raised many and call myself blessed because of it. Though my nest is now empty, I look back on those days with such fond memories. Children bring life into a home and change you from being self centered to selfless. Society may be trying to take away the role of a woman, but it is only through a woman that a child is born. Though mothers have a day in which they are honored, most will tell you that it is an honor to be a mom every day. For those still waiting, as Eli said to Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:17, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him."

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:28-29

May 13

Ruth the Moabite had such love for Naomi that she was willing to do anything to help her. There was only one thing keeping things from going as Naomi had planned, another redeemer. However, Boaz had a meeting with him and he couldn't redeem her, so now it was up to him. Boaz then purchased all the properties belonging to Naomi's deceased husband and sons, which included Ruth! Boaz took Ruth to be his wife. The stories in the Bible are not told to us as mere entertainment, they have a purpose. Though the story of Ruth is full of wonderful lessons, the main purpose of God including it in His scriptures is to show the genealogy of, and the steps it took to bring Jesus to earth in the flesh. Ruth and Boaz had a son, Obed, which means, a servant. Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David! This common family is the family of kings, which culminated with our King and Savior, Jesus, the restorer of life! 

Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him. Ruth 4:14-15

You can read this story for yourself in Ruth. This portion comes from Ruth 4:1-22

May 12

Ruth's mother-in-law, Naomi, gave her instructions on how to garner the attention of Boaz. She tells her to take a bath and get ready like you would for a date. She followed her instructions and went to the threshing floor. Waiting patiently, watching Boaz, but careful not to be seen. After he had eaten and drank until his heart was content, he lay down on a heap of grain and fell asleep. Naomi had told her that at this point, she should go and lay down at his feet, and so she did. When she laid down it startled him. She then told him that he was her redeemer and asked him to cover her with his cloak. He was quite delighted that such a young woman would come to him rather than chase after the younger men. We must also posture ourselves to lay at the feet of Jesus and come to Him in submission. He, like Boaz to Ruth, is our redeemer. This story reminds us that our relationship with Jesus is a love story, full of intrigue, passion and excitement. 

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:25-26

This story comes from Ruth 3:1-18

May 11

Ruth set out to glean after the reapers as the poor often did in those days. While working, she came upon the field of Boaz. He noticed her and inquired about who she was. I guess, like in our small towns, everybody talks. He decided to show her favor because he had heard about the love and care she had shown her mother-in-law, Naomi. He encouraged her to stay with his workers and not go to other fields to glean so she wouldn't be assaulted. He even instructed them to leave her alone and not harm her. She was invited to eat. She ate until she was full and had leftovers to bring to Naomi. Doesn't Boaz remind you of Jesus? It brings me to tears to see the kindness he showed her. She found the field of Boaz, he invited her to stay and glean in his field, he offered her protection, fed her, and showed her favor. Jesus feeds us, invites us to stay under His protection, and shows us favor.

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16

If you have the time, please read along with me in the book of Ruth. It's a short book but it's full of lessons. Just like the other books of the Old Testament, it points to Jesus. This portion came from Ruth 2:1-23

Please let me know if the Holy Spirit reveals something to you.

May 10

The book of Ruth is a beautiful story that emphasizes the kind of love that God has for us. Ruth was a selfless woman with a love for her mother in law that was unmatched. Even though Ruth was from Moab, she chose to travel back to Bethlehem with Naomi after she lost her husband and two sons. These two women grieved together over their loss but knew that they must move on with their lives because they had to fend for themselves. Naomi, who was quite prosperous when she left Bethlehem returned destitute, physically and emotionally. But God had a plan, as He always does. Barley season had just begun, so there would be work and they wouldn't go hungry. They were humbled by their situation. God is able to make good use of us when we are humble. The strong and mighty often miss God's intervention in their life because they feel they can handle everything themselves. Submit everything to God and let Him carry you through the tough situations like He did for Ruth and Naomi. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6

This portion of Ruth's story comes from Ruth 1:1-22

May 9

If you're struggling and feeling exhausted, God is calling you to take a moment to renew, refresh and rekindle your relationship with Him. You cannot profess your love for Him and accept Him as your Savior and then try to manage in this world without Him. You need Him to keep you at peace. You need Him to tell you how much you are loved and for Him to pour His love into your heart. Being a Christ follower is not an easy position to take, but you've already signed up for it, now accept the benefits of it. When turmoil or disaster looms, or fear sets in, run to Him like a young child and grab hold of his leg and hide behind Him. Let Him defend you and protect you. Doesn't it feel good to know that we, as adults, have a loving Father that we can run to? Don't neglect to meet with Him, He waits to hear from you every day. You've accepted that you will face trials of every kind, now accept your position as His child.

Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. Psalms 25:18-20

May 8

I know you've heard that saying "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." The saying is simply a misquote of scripture. The truth is that there are many things that we cannot handle, disease and death are a couple that I can think of right away. The scripture that this is referring to says that God doesn't give us temptation beyond what we can handle. God always leaves us an opening to get out of a situation without sinning. But, sometimes that choice is the hardest choice to make. It's like being on a diet and someone asks you to choose between chocolate cake and salad. Though salad is the healthier of the two choices, chocolate cake is a temptation that is very hard to resist. So, the next time you're faced with temptation, look for the opening that God gives you and choose that option, then there won't be any regrets in your decision later on. Now you can see how scripture is often mishandled.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

May 7

My husband and I live in an old ranch style house that was built in 1975. It's been remodeled more times than I can count. Room additions, updating, new kitchen, new bathrooms and so on. Our regular red brick ranch is now a sprawling ranch! Everything was new except the windows! Those old aluminum windows allowed dust and noise to penetrate them and impaired our vision because of the screens and the old glass. It wasn't until we replaced them that our vision became clearer. It was just like getting new glasses, except for our house! We began to notice things we've never seen before! It was transforming! The same thing happens when you change your perspective to an eternal one. It's just like getting new windows to your soul! The noise of this world no longer rattles you. You're free from all the dust and dirt that was coming in before, and you can live your life without the worry of what tomorrow will bring, because your life is secure in Jesus.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3

May 6

If you have enough faith to believe that Jesus has saved you from an eternity in hell, then you must also believe that there are good and evil forces that exist among us here on earth. I'm not saying than you should blame everything that happens to you on something other than yourself, God did give us a free will, just understand that we are not alone. This is not just something made up by the overly spiritual, it's biblical! Revelation 12:4 says: His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. Here's the great news, the forces of good out number the forces of evil three to one! If you are in a frightening situation, don't panic. When you feel that you are being overtaken, quiet yourself and cry out to the only one who can help you, Jesus. He will send help! Take notice of how you feel after turning it over to Him. I hope you find peace today knowing that you are protected.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. Psalms 91:11-12

May 5

The hardness of this world is just temporary, so it is important for us to avoid placing too much emphasis on the physical. I love the country song, Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood. It explains the attitude that we should have concerning our ambassadorship here in this world. One day we will live in a world without the evil that we now have to contend with. What are the eternal things we need to focus on? What are the things that will last forever? Our relationship with God! We need to be focusing our lives on the unseen: our unseen God, our unseen King, and our unseen Companion, the Holy Spirit. These are the Beings we will exist with in our eternity and we need to make them our focus. If we focus our lives on Him, the physical things will become unimportant and our priorities will be in order. Change your view of this world to an eternal one, doing this will change your life.

as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

May 4

If you haven't noticed in the headlines and on social media, Satan is a destroyer of children and families. Anyone who tries to stand in his way is at risk of being torn apart. My sister-in-law, who is a social worker that unites families, was in a near tragic car accident. She had been meeting with a woman who had mental issues just before she left her office. She said that the car that hit her almost rolled right on top of her. As she recalled, it looked as if a powerful force lifted it over her car preventing it from crushing her. The woman showed up at the accident scene! However, God had two of His workers there too; a paramedic to help her and a friend to comfort her. She's still alive, Satan lost yet again! If this is not a picture of a spiritual war between good and evil, I don't know what is. God is so much stronger and more powerful than Satan, and if you have been sent by Him, He will protect your life for His service. 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

May 3

My father-in-law was in the Navy. The ship he was on docked in Hawaii for a few days. He would come and go never really noticing that he was walking right past an aircraft carrier. He was so close to it that it looked like a wall. It was so big that he couldn't see it! New York City has very large buildings. From a distance those buildings look small. However, as you get closer and closer, the buildings become bigger and bigger. When you finally stand next to one, it's hard to see the top. It's a matter of perspective. How big is God to you? Is He relegated to the pages of a book, a minuscule word or a created image? The closer you get to Him the bigger He becomes. I want Him to be so big in my life that I move about in His shadow never seeing Him, but knowing that He is there and is that big wall of protection. Draw closer to Him so that you live in His shadow.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1

May 2

Imagine only having a short notice to pack up and move like the Israelites had when God released them from their bondage in Egypt! Not only that, but once they were free, they had to learn a new lifestyle after being in captivity for so long. This is a similar process we go through when we leave our bondage to sin and become free in Jesus. Learning how to be free can be a challenge when all you've known is captivity. Most people don't even realize that they are slaves to their sin. There is a simple question that you can ask God that will help begin that process of freedom and it is this: "God, what sin am I being held in bondage to?" After you ask that question, wait quietly for the answer, He will whisper it to you. Then ask Him for forgiveness and to help you to break that bond. This is not a one time prayer and needs to be repeated often, but once you get your freedom, you never want to go back!

Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36

May 1

You might know that you're within God's will for your life if the enemy comes after you with a vengeance. If there is a weakness within your family, that's where he will attack you. He is the interceptor of communications, and causes confusion, and doubt. He whispers lies and makes you see things that are nonexistent. There is the urge to give up, cut your loses, and maybe even turn around and go back to the slavery of Egypt! DON'T DO IT! The promised land is just beyond the next hill and Jesus is right there with you! Stand strong and don't you dare take off your armor! Polish it and add strength if need be, but stay on guard. Pay attention to the signs of oncoming turmoil, a check in your spirit, anxiousness, and so on. Pray through each moment. As your shoulders begin to tense, whisper a prayer. Just say to the Lord "help me", and He will hear you. It may not be over, but prayer will prepare you for the next battle. 

When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. Psalms 91:15

April 30

There are days that I just want to stay in bed, but when God calls you out, you get up! He will sometimes call you out of one place to move you on to another to help fulfill His purpose for you. Though there may be nothing wrong with where you are, you may only be there for a time of growth and preparation. It can be a scary thing to venture out of the comfort of what you know, but when you're stepping into God's plan, the only scary part is stepping out of the boat. The sea is vast and full of uncertainties, but our Savior is right there; if we follow His instructions and walk toward His voice, we will walk on the water right to Him. When God is calling you to step out in faith, you will recognize His voice, you will know when it's time, and even if there is a twinge of doubt, He's right there to grab hold of your hand and rescue you from your doubt. Trust in Him and the plan He has for you and step out of the boat into that plan!

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:27-31