January 20

In the underbrush of the mangrove, grows an insignificant plant. It seems to thrive in the salty soil, being that it gets swamped by the high tide during the dark moon phase. If I were going to clean up the mangrove and create a lush landscaping, it would be one of the first weeds that I would pull out. However, knowing what I know about it now, I wouldn’t touch it! On occasion, while walking down the boardwalk, an amazing smell wafts through the air. I always look around for the culprit of fragrances, but this is one of those plants that I kept overlooking. One day while walking through, I figured it out. The flowers are small, and barely noticeable. Now that it’s winter, I found out something even more interesting about it, it has brightly colored red berries that look like Christmas bulbs, or a small red pepper. As you consider your significance in the kingdom of God, never underestimate your importance. Keep loving God, and loving people. You might be like this plant in the mangrove underbrush, and have a bigger impact than you think.

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

January 19

So many of us need peace! The noise surrounding us can be deafening. Think about the trials you are going through right now, is it just noise? If you didn’t have to listen to the voices screaming at you, would it be easier to go through that trial? In the things that I have dealt with, the chatter around it was what frightened me the most. “The armies are coming, the armies are coming! Prepare for battle!” We become gripped with fear, but when the battle comes, it was only one tiny soldier screaming, and they were easily defeated! The devil tends to hype things up to get us anxious, and full of dread, when all along, if we had listened to God, and trusted in Him, our fears would have been relieved. Today, give some thought to the voices you are hearing. Make a determination whether the voice is God’s, or the enemy’s. Remember, the enemy will stir you into a frenzy causing your peace to be disturbed, but God brings peace to those who love Him.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4

January 18

During a long walk on the beach, I asked God to show me something amazing. In my mind, I was thinking He might show me some dolphins frolicking, or a fish frenzy, but God, in His mighty wisdom showed me something else. He said ‘it’s the same, but different.’ What could He possibly mean? I just kept walking. The waves were crashing, the sun was out, and it was an amazingly beautiful day. I had walked to the south end of the island and was turning towards the bay side when I notice that I could no longer hear the sound of crashing waves! The crashing waves were right there! I could see them, but it was suddenly peaceful. It was the same, but different. There were no dancing dolphins, just silence. If you are going through a tumultuous time, and it seems like there is no end in sight, keep walking through it. Our God is mightier than the waves. Take notice of when peace is revealed, you’ll probably walk right into it.

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring. Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty! Psalms 93:3-4

January 17

As Christians, we have a duty to follow the mandates set by the Bible, and handle our disagreements and concerns with one another His way. He also expects us to obey the authority of those set above us, but they must also treat their subordinates fairly. The order God has set tends to get some people upset. I’m not going to lie, I like to be in charge, but I’m also married, and my husband is head of the house. Ladies, if you don’t want to submit to a man's authority over you, then don’t get married! The order of submission helps us to know who has the last word in a disagreement among ourselves as believers. This is God ordained. If you don’t follow it, then you are out of line, and are disobeying God. We should also note that if you are treated badly, then you will be paid back for the wrong committed against you. In all we do, we are serving Jesus, do everything as unto Him. Don’t shoot the messenger, the order is found throughout the Bible, but today, I’m in Colossians 3:18-25

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

January 16

Learning a new lifestyle can be difficult. I’ve tried many times to refrain from eating sugar, but one taste of that delightful delicacy, and I’m hooked on it again. Here I am trying it once more as the new year has rolled around. However, this time seems different, I’m feeling very satisfied with my sugar free food choices. The best part of all is the Holy Spirit's involvement. He has guided me into Colossians, which is a book that is rich and sweet, and full of tasty morsels that I can feast on. I’ve been savoring each verse as if God has replaced my sweet tooth with His precious Word. It can be difficult trying to beat an addiction, but when God takes you there, He is faithful to replace it with something more satisfying, and healthy. Don’t neglect to involve the Lord when you are trying to change your lifestyle. He loves you, and wants you to have the best life you can, and just maybe, He need you to stay healthy to fulfill His plan for your life.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

January 15

Did you know that Jesus is your life? It makes perfect sense. He is our life now and He sustains our life for eternity! Paul said this to the Christians in Colosse to encourage them, and to warn them against sin. So today, I say this to you, Jesus is your life! Make sure you guard your life against sin that so easily creeps in to destroy it. Jesus is your life, don’t subject Him to your folly. Listen to the Holy Spirit when He warns you against such, and take the outs that He gives you so that you don’t sin against Him. It’s much easier to take the wide path that the world travels, but it leads to destruction. It’s much harder to take the narrow path that fewer people travel; it has curves, and branches, and sometimes you need a machete or sword just to get through, but it will be worth it in the end because it leads to eternal life. Hang in there! There’s a clearing up ahead, and you can catch your breath there!

4  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

6  On account of these the wrath of God is coming.

7  In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.

8  But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

9  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices

10  and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:4-10

January 14

Taking a vacation is always a pleasure, whether it’s local, or far away and exotic. We all utilize, and sometimes, enjoy our exile here on earth. We must remember that we are only here for the job of serving Jesus. Our home is with Him, because when we accepted Him as our Savior, we were crucified with Him, and we no longer live, but it is He that lives in us. Because of this, we should set our minds on heavenly places, in other words, don’t be too comfortable here. We are ambassadors to this world. I have a friend who is suffering, and doesn’t have much time left on this earth because her body is being ravaged by disease. Should we pity her? Only for her suffering. God is calling her home, we should be envious, because the moment she takes her last breath, she will meet the Lord. As Carrie Underwood would say, 🎶”I’m not afraid, because I know, this is my temporary home.”🎶

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 3:2-3

January 13

There was a time that I thought I should be able to adhere to the Jewish law of the Old Testament. Jesus said that He didn’t come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, and He never broke that law. The part I missed was that He had fulfilled it! We are no longer subject to the law, but really we never were; it was set in place for the Jews. Jesus died on the cross to set us free from the religious bondage set by men! Never should we be subjected to religious ordinances set in place to keep us in-line! 

Why do you close your eyes when you pray? Isn’t it something you were taught? In John 17:1, it says that Jesus looked up to Heaven and prayed! He didn’t bow His head and close His eyes! Now if your preacher says bow your head and close your eyes, you probably should, they have their reasons, but if you are doing it because you think it’s biblical, you’re wrong. This is just showing how we are misled by man. You can keep bowing your head and closing your eyes if you want, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s just an example to get you thinking.

These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2:23

January 12

Several years ago I went through a transformation. I had decided that it was time for me to break some chains and get rid of any lies that I was believing. There were some things that were revealed that I wasn’t expecting, it was my beliefs about the church. 

When I was a child, church was very formal. You put on your best suit or dress, polish your shoes, and present yourself perfect before all who would see you. It had become something different than its purpose, and that was, and still is, to worship Jesus. He had become secondary, and not first and foremost, it was human tradition. It was ridged and formal, and God forbid if you lifted your hands in holy submission to Jesus! There were many other legalistic traditions that I had to break free from in order for me to become what God had intended.  

Today, quiet yourself, and ask God what lies you are believing. Then listen closely for His answer. For me, the answer usually comes before I get the question out of my mouth. You will become free from human tradition, and begin to care only about what God thinks.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8

January 11

My three year old grandson, is a bundle of energy. I took him to a walking trail right in the middle of our bustling town. I got him worked up about going by telling him he would be able to run. He told me “running is my exercise!” I took the wagon, but decided to leave it in the car, because I had just given him a snack cake and he was on sugar overload. I thought that he might be able to handle a two mile walk. I was wrong! We got a little over a half a mile into it and he decided that he couldn’t go anymore, and asked me to carry him! I couldn’t say no, I’m the one who foolishly brought him this far! I picked him up and we headed back to the car. I have to admit, it was a pretty good workout! When someone runs out of steam, and can no longer handle their burden, pick it up and help them carry it. There is something fulfilling about helping others. Be a wise counselor and comfort someone today.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

January 10

Over the holidays my laundry piled up! I had clean laundry waiting to be folded and dirty laundry waiting to be washed. My laundry room was a mess! I was dreading it! After I had made it my mission to get it done, I realized that what I was dreading wasn’t so bad. Not only was it easy, it took me no time to tidy it up. I’ve decided to start thinking of my soiled laundry as sin, and try to maintain it daily so that it doesn’t get out of control. It’s so easy to repent our shortcomings, so why are we reluctant to confess it? Maybe it’s because you don’t want to clear things up with the one you sinned against, or that you forget about it. Whatever your reason, stop dreading it and just do it. Confession not only keeps your laundry clean, but it preserves your heart. Wash your laundry and and tidy up your laundry room! You’ll feel so much better.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

January 9

Have you ever wondered, if we are chosen by God for salvation through Jesus, why we need to evangelize? If He has chosen you, you will come to know Him! Peter preached and over three thousand were saved. There is an appointed time and place for salvations to occur. That’s why He gave us the mandate to go throughout all the earth preaching and teaching, He wants us to participate!

Yesterday was our monthly Sister Keepers meeting. We had an agenda, but so does God. I had prayed earlier that day for the Holy Spirit to move so that it was obvious that He was in charge. In true God like fashion, He reminded us of our purpose, and we got to see one of His chosen accept Jesus as her Savior. The Holy Spirit had been working on her, and our ladies were allowed to participate in the celebration of a new creation as He brought her into the inter sanctum. I’m still boiling over with joy today! Get out there and plant some seeds, and eventually you will see the harvest of souls!

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7

January 8

One of the tools I use for writing is an iPad connected to a keyboard. Last year I decided to replace my trusty old keyboard with a newfangled one that had a hard cover, making it resemble a tiny laptop. It’s so cool that it has backlit keys that can change color. Well, last night those beautifully lit keys quit working, so here I am this morning back on the old one. How many times have you gone after something shiny and new, only to find out that it was just a facade and does not represent the truth in any way? Our God is from the days of old and has always been here, and always will be. Chasing after a new way can lead to destruction. No religious leader has come back from death after every ounce of his blood poured out and puddled at the foot of a cross! Be discerning, listen to the Holy Spirit when He gives you warnings, because the devil prowls around disguised as something good.

he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:22-23

January 7

There are many people starting new jobs today. What an exciting way to start the new year! When you start a new job, there is a process. You determine the company you want to work for, then you fill out an application. The company reviews your application and determines if you are qualified; if you are, they give you the job! You are now out of the unemployment line, given a new way of life, and a fresh look into a different world. There are new people, new ideas, and new opportunities. Did you know this is the same thing that happens when you become a Christ follower? You are yanked out of darkness, saved from the forces of evil, and given a fresh start. Give thanks to God everyday, because He has qualified you for salvation in Jesus, and now you share in the inheritance of the saints and are transferred into His kingdom. Doesn’t it feel great to be qualified!

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, Colossians 1:12-13

January 6

Spending time in nature brings me so close to the promises of God. He writes a beautiful story through His creation. I went to a park as a way to enhance my connection with Him. I’m always amazed at the things He brings to my attention. I ended up walking under a large oak tree where the canopy touched the ground; it opened up like a comfortable secure place in the shade. That oak tree stood solid and tall, and I felt a sense of comfort like being sheltered. It was a reminder that if we dwell in the shelter of the Most High, we will rest in His shadow. God’s shelter is a secret place where we can go to feel safe and leave the worries of this world behind. True believers find peace in spending time alone with Him and love to communicate with Him in solitude. Find some time to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and spend some time alone with the Father.

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

January 5

There is something beautiful about God’s transforming power. Not only does it change you, but it strengthens you because you are no longer relying on your own power, but the power of the Almighty. Having God’s strength behind you may not be what you think it is. He gives us the power to endure with patience, but not only with patience, but joy! Going through a difficult time you wouldn’t consider joy as being a part of that trial, however, there is amazing joy when we see His power in full force. We’ve all had to endure challenges, but when we get to the other side, we see the pieces fall together like a puzzle, each having its own part in making it a perfectly structured picture. Life is messy, but you don’t have to be. Trust God and what He is doing, rely on His strength, because joy comes in the morning.

"being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;"Colossians 1:11

January 4

Telling stories about the happenings in my life and relating it to a truth in the Bible, is one of my favorite things to do. Somehow I feel as though I’ve strayed from the most important reason for writing, and that is to grow intimately closer to God. We are different from the unsaved because our focus should be on Him, and not the longing for earthly things. Getting off track is easy when the demands of life turn our attention away from Him. The Holy Spirit made me aware of my departure from my purpose, and helped me change my direction. What can you do, and what is the best way to turn that around? It’s realizing your error! As I began slowly meandering through Colossians, it hit me like a ton of bricks, He’s drawing me to Himself by inviting me back into closeness, and to refocus my attention to get to know Him better! Survey yourself and see if you need to turn your face back toward Him to seek more knowledge of His holiness.

so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:10

January 3

It’s that time of year where we rid ourselves of unhealthy habits. This year, I’ve decided to rid myself of sugar! I need to do this! I can’t fit into my clothes! Not only am I deleting some things, but I’m adding some things. Running seems to help me drop the pounds the quickest, so I’m working on building up my endurance. Yesterday I did two miles, walking part of the way and running part of the way. As with anything bad, you need to add in the good for balance. Today, I’m equating sugar to sin and exercise to the Holy Spirit. We all have traits that may not be sinful, but could use some work. Identify what those things are and ask God to help you. The only way I can stick to a fast or a diet plan, is to dedicate it to God. I try my best not to disappoint Him, so this really works for me. If you decide to fast, make sure that you feast on the Word of God. Out with the bad, and in with the good!

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” John 6:27

January 2

Richard and I spent all day New Year’s Eve in the Apple Store. An incident requiring immediate reconciliation had occurred rendering his handheld computer useless. We had been out fishing, but hadn’t used all the bait because the fish weren’t biting. When we returned, Richard and Doug, my son-in-law, decided that they would try their luck at fishing off the dock. The tide was low and the dock was quite high out of the water. Richard decided to get comfortable by sitting on the railing, when suddenly the railing gave way, plummeting him into the cold water. Luckily the railing didn’t follow him into the water. He wasn’t hurt, but his phone was ruined. The point of this story is that unexpected things happen that nothing can prepare you for. One second you are dry and cheerful and the next you are sinking into the unknown. Are you prepared if the unthinkable happens to you today? With Jesus you are always ready! Ask Him to be the King of your life today.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16-18

January 1

Many thanks are owed to God for the blessing of acceptance. He has welcomed us into His kingdom, as filthy as we are, but because of Jesus, we are clean and pristine, and we are accepted. With that comes a family of believers, and an instant connection to one another. It is a bond, and a love that is unlike any other. The mutual tie to Jesus makes it a love that is stronger than any blood relation, and more powerful! I don’t know if you have experience this, but I’m drawn to people who love Jesus, even though I don’t know them, or know if they are believers. I’ll ask, just to see if that’s why I like them, I’m always surprised, but not shocked, because that’s how it is when you are a believer, He brings you together in His mutual love. The next time you talk to a stranger, and feel an unusual connection, see if they are related to you through Jesus. Start this year off right by thanking God for His blessings, and for the family of believers! Happy New Year! 

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, Colossians 1:3-4