May 26

The summer kickoff is just around the corner and soon vacations will be underway. Though my husband and I are empty nesters, some of our fondest memories are of vacations with our kids. We waited many years for our youngest son to reach the age of twelve so we could all become certified scuba divers as a family. We spent an entire summer taking classes and getting out there and experiencing underwater life. One thing we didn't have to experience was having a child wander off during vacation. Can you imagine leaving your child in a city that you just visited? It must have been horrifying for Joseph and Mary when they left Jesus in Jerusalem while there for the Passover Feast. It took them three days to find Him! Though we must remember, Jesus was always God, even as a twelve year old. He was found at the temple amazing those who heard Him. Your child is not God, so be careful not to leave them in the city!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

This story can be found in Luke 2:41-50.

May 25

Fear is something that can keep a talented person from pursuing a God given dream. If it's truly from God, and you ignore that calling, it will be taken from you and given to another who, may or may not be as talented, but heard the call and accepted the challenge. If you are fearful, take small steps towards that goal. God will give you confirmation at each phase of your journey. Make sure that you are following a dream that God gave you and that it's not for your own selfish gain. If it's truly from God, He will bless you every step of the way and give you a little more with each step of obedience. If you start experiencing push back from the enemy, chances are that the kingdom will be affected, so make sure you armor up! Don't be afraid to keep going, God is on your side and will help you advance. There is nothing more exciting and fulfilling than to do the work God called you to do!

May 24

Many people are grieving after heinous acts of terrorism continue to break out all over the world. Though it may seem that our fight is with flesh and blood, the Bible is very clear that it isn't. Could it be a last ditch effort of the enemy to show how powerful he is? He knows his fate and his everlasting place in hell and may be trying to bring as many with him as he can! Who is the one lying to these deranged souls? And, how did they become so deranged in the first place? What is the enemy trying to do? He's trying to control the world and paralyze it with fear! It's working! But, we as followers of Christ have nothing to fear. Even if we become a victim of a cowardly attack, our place in the kingdom has already been reserved. What could be worse than knowing that someone met an early demise without Jesus? This is why it is so important for us to do what God has called each of us to do and tell others about Jesus. 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:12-13

May 23

As I was thanking God for creating me, He reminded me that he created me from nothing. There was an empty space, and He filled it with me. This was by no means a deep thinking intellectual prayer, just a sweet download from the Father. Just think how amazing it is that, from nothing, He created the world and everything in it, including you! You weren't there and then you were, and He gave you a soul that will never perish! You came from nothing and now you are an everlasting being! Other than deception of the enemy, why would anyone follow another created being and call them their god? It's no wonder that the world hates us! They've chosen wrong and are jealous of our relationship with the Creator. They are like a tired child that doesn't know why it's crying! Be thankful that you know the truth and share a little bit of that truth with those that are crying.

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:3

May 22

There are a lot of sensitive people in this world today. They tend to get their feelings hurt over mere words. Offense is just a tool that the devil uses to cause division. Quiet people internalize the offense and stew over it until they're sick and angry. Loud people spew it everywhere, bringing other people in, causing even more offense. We all just need to take a step back and look at exactly what this is doing to us as individuals and as a society. Here's something for you to be offended by: Jesus had to go to the cross because of issues such as this! Our King and Savior died not so you could continue with your offended attitude.  What good is it doing for you to remain offended? Here is your answer - none! Hand it over, give it up, leave your offense at the foot of the cross and get on with your life. I'm sure your heart will be healthier if you do. Free yourself and live in peace.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

May 21

Graduation is a time for new beginnings. It's proof that you've completed a portion of your education and it's time to move on to the next phase of your life. For some, this means going on to higher education, and leaving the comfort of the childhood home. For others, it will be time to move on into adulthood and begin providing for themselves and become a productive member of society. No longer do they need someone to spoon feed them because they've learned to feed themselves. As believers, we also need to graduate from being fed to feeding ourselves. When we attend church on Sunday mornings, this should be like "continuing education", a time to confirm what you believe and not so much the whole of your biblical education. If all you're getting is coming from your preacher, your missing out on a lot of the wisdom contained in the Word of God. God speaks to us through His Word. Don't you want to hear what He has to say?

You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:12-14

May 20

It's not too often that you are invited to an old Florida ranch for a party. It was for my nephew and a few of his buddies graduation. One of the families raises cattle in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, but I think that they probably own the middle of nowhere! It wasn't a mansion like you would have seen on the old television show Dallas, more like the Ponderosa from Bonanza. Although, I'll bet there was a mansion somewhere on that property! We were greeted by a friendly older gentleman who happened to own that little spot of heaven. He said that he didn't own it, but was just given use of it, and then proceeded to introduce us to the one who did, Jesus. That man was first and foremost concerned about our soul and shared Jesus with us right away! We could all learn a lesson from a servant like that. Rich or poor, we are all assigned the duty of introducing others to Jesus.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:5-6

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