March 16

Many times we come across warning signs that instruct us to proceed with caution. What if we are distracted, and miss the sign? God’s Word warns us over and over again to be careful, and to pay close attention to the fruits of the  Bible teachers we listen to. However, sometimes the warning will be missed, especially when it’s covered up by the enemy in order to hide something that goes against God’s Word. Even though most search engines are worldly, they can be helpful in uncovering the reputation of people we are exposed to, and can reveal those who use God as a tool to gain wealth. These people are greedy an will exploit you with false words. There will be those who follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. There is a caveat to this, make sure the one reporting the issue is reputable and not just trying to discredit a fellow Christian. The best way to know if their teaching is correct is to know God’s Word. Stay diligent!

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:1

March 15

My daughter and I got up early and headed out to the trails of a local park. We got there just as the sun was rising, and the creatures were beginning to stir. This particular park is an old phosphate mine from back in the sixties, that was reclaimed and then donated to the county. Because of its history, there are many connecting lakes and hills creating a maze of interesting hiking trails. Being it’s a park, it is also a sanctuary for birds and other animals. That being said, there is one particular species of reptile that needs to be thinned out, and that’s the alligator! We saw some so big, that it reminded us that we are not at the top of the food chain! I don’t live in fear of these animals, I couldn’t live here in Florida if I did, but I do have a healthy respect for them. Sometimes you can see them, but other times you can’t, they usually see you first and sink below the surface. They can be compared to the demonic. We are not alone here on this earth, one third of the angelic beings were thrown out of heaven because of their defiance of God. There is no need to fear them, however, you should have a healthy respect for them because they can wreak havoc on your life by toying with you when you are unaware. Keep this in mind when things around you go haywire.

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.  Revelation 12:9

March 14

Living in a neighborhood of townhomes is a beautiful dream come true for this recovering perfectionist. This week, our homeowner’s association is having all of the buildings, driveways, sidewalks, and border walls pressure washed. There is something satisfying about seeing every home perfectly cleaned as I come in the gate and meander down the street. Soon, there will be fresh landscaping and spring annuals placed, to give each of us who live here and those who visit, a bright welcome. It’s my little piece of paradise until I’m ushered into the Kingdom of Heaven. It is peacefulness amidst the chaos of the surrounding city. Did you know that Jesus is that same kind of respite from within yourself? His peace can carry you through turmoil and uncertainty, keeping you from getting rattled by the insignificant things of this world. Because of Him, you can rest in peace while still alive! Trust Him to get you through the rough patches in your life; He is faithful.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

March 13

We’ve all been disappointed by the actions of the unbeliever, but why? It’s because we expect humans to have a conscience, be moral, and upstanding, because even without Jesus, they can be decent people. This is where we go wrong, we place our high morals on others, and they cannot possibly stand under that pressure, because they don’t have the moral regulator, the Holy Spirit, like we have. When we get mocked and ridiculed by the likes of the unbeliever, we should pray for their salvation, and our hearts should break for them because their destination is hell. However, that’s not what we do, in our anger, we wish them hell and torment for the rest of their days, but isn’t that a sin? We are to love them, because Jesus loved us, though we were far from Him. We can love them with the Holy Spirit as our guide, maybe from a distance, but we can love them. As Jesus said while hanging on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Being children of the Almighty, I pity the soul who comes against one of us.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:19-20

March 12

Supplement your faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. The Word of God says that if you lack these qualities, you are blind, forgetting who cleansed you from your former sin, and are fruitless and ineffective. These are harsh words coming from someone who loves you. We must want to be our best for Jesus. Think of it like this, when we do things for pleasure, like play a sport, enjoy a hobby, or something crafty, we take lessons and practice until we get good at it, we perfect it. However, most of the time, when it comes to things of God, we expect them to appear haphazardly, a download by the Holy Spirit without any effort on our part. If we haven’t positioned ourselves to learn from, and listen to the Holy Spirit, it’s unlikely these things will just fall into our lap; if they did, why would there be a need for Him to list them in His word? You can still learn your sport, hobby, and craft and learn the things of God; just take a little time each day to read a few verses of scripture, and acknowledge Him, and your fruit will begin to grow.

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8

March 11

God creates encounters just for you. They are not by chance, or coincidence, they are God ordained. Several years ago I joined a sea shelling group on Facebook. It was a breath of fresh air to meet people with whom I had a common interest. We all share a love for the beach, the sea, and collecting shells. Through the years there have been people in and out of the group, hurt feelings, and group splits, it’s just human nature. You might wonder why. Who knows? My best guess is that along with me, there are a few Christians in the bunch, and the enemy will do whatever he can to spoil the chance for a change of heart in the lost. I have many friends from all over the country because of it, and that makes my heart happy! But then there is that one; one who grabbed my heart, a special person that I connected with from the beginning. You know that kind of person, you’ve met them. They’re the friend that sticks closer than a brother, but in my case, it’s a sister-in-Christ! She is a special gift. I would call it sisterly affection, and I believe it’s a love reserved for the children of God. If you don’t know this kind of love, it's time for you to come out of your cave. 

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with... and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:5 & 7

March 10

I have an old patio set that I love, but over the years the elements haven’t been so nice to it. It’s all aluminum, so it hasn’t rusted, but the paint has begun to peel. Not wanting to get rid of it, I decided to give it a facelift. I started out by using a wire brush to scrape off all the loose paint, then chose a new color. After eleven cans of spray paint, my trigger finger is a little weak, but my patio set has never looked better! I still have a little more to do, but the transformation is remarkable. Now my table’s outer beauty matches its solid foundation. Did you know that we are to make our best effort to supplement our faith with virtue? Virtue is behavior showing high moral standards. I know this is a stretch, but my table’s exterior didn’t match the quality of its sturdy structure, it wasn’t putting its best face forward and looked a little ragged. Our outside behavior needs to match our faith in Jesus, and not the moral character of our unbelieving friends. Our standard is much higher.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,  2 Peter 1:5

March 9

My need for adventure can take me and whoever I’m with, into some precarious places. So part of my Sanibel experience was a boat ride out to Keewaydin Island, just off of Marco Island, for a day of shelling. What was I thinking! It’s frigid cold out, even at 9 am! That wind blows right through any layers you have on! Once we got there it began to warm up. A portion of the island is a county park, so you can traipse all over it without trespassing. My ultimate goal is to find the larger shells, I call myself a “big shell sheller!” I know they can be found near the shallows of the mangrove trees, so I set out to get there. My usual mode of transportation is my paddle board, however, it’s stuck in a lockup on another island, so I headed out on foot! I made it through most of the woods, with my partner in crime in tow, dodging prickly pears and low hanging trees, not realizing that there really aren’t any mangrove trees on this island, which is quite unusual. It was a waste of energy and a waste of time. We found a lot of great shells, and the experience and camaraderie were worth it all. Sometimes the adventure leads to a dead end, but maybe it’s not about where you’re going, but the friendships you grow while trying to get there.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

March 8

As part of our Sanibel Shell Show experience this year, we got tickets to enter early to see the exhibits of my friend. They do this for the exhibitors so they can see if they won any ribbons, and to be a part of the announcement of winners. She has been a crafter for several years and has entered many projects in this competition. This year she entered five different projects, each in a different category, and for the first time she won the prize, a first place blue ribbon! She was so excited and overjoyed, and so were we! As her friends, we rallied around her to give her support and encouragement. This type of thing can be nerve wracking and sometimes disappointing. As friends, we need to comfort in times of disappointment, and rejoice with them during their accomplishments. Her perseverance paid off and she accomplished one of her goals, and won the race. Today, run to Jesus! He is the most valuable prize we can receive; and then all of heaven will rejoice when you accept Him.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

March 7

It’s shell show time on Sanibel Island. The exhibitors have meticulously displayed their projects, or in many cases, on the scientific side of the show, displayed God’s perfect creations. I love all the artsy projects, but there is something special about viewing the many incredible ways God chose to decorate the homes of these exotic creatures. My mind is blown by how little I know about the wonders of this world. If God loved a creature enough to take His time to masterfully design its protective shell, that most people will never see, how much more do you think He loves you? When you look at yourself and criticize the way you look, or demean yourself in some way, aren’t you being critical of God? How dare you treat the Father that way! He created you in His own image, so be grateful to Him, and learn to love the shell you are in.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

March 6

How devoted are you to God? Do you really love Him as much as you say you do? The depth of your love can be measured by your sin. You don’t sin against someone you truly love. The evidence of that love will be your devotion to Him. Like the relationship between a husband and wife, your respect for them is shown by refraining from, or continuing to seek the love of another suitor. Every time you run to someone else for comfort or love, you have cheated. Sin is like the other woman, or the other man. Jesus said that the culmination and pinnacle of the law is love, and The Ten Commandments were made to help the Israelites learn to show God their love. We were made to love Him. Set your sights on Him and Him alone, and turn away from your mistress of sin.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. Matthew 22:37:38

March 5

Today, I’m sitting outside on my porch on a comfy new couch. The air is crisp, but that’s nice for a change. There’s that moment when you have to deconstruct a few things to get the new and improved to fit in. Yes, my patio is a bit messy right now, and it wouldn’t be, but it was 10:30 pm before I got a chance to put it in its place. My next step will be to give my table and chairs a new coat of paint, then everything will be nice and fresh. It’s a plan to improve. Here’s a plan for you, renew your thinking! First, begin thinking positive things! Just like me placing my couch before getting rid of the old stuff. Dragging around that old, and tired way of thinking, just weighs you down. Adding positive new thoughts will change your negative attitude. You’ll feel better, and eventually the negative thoughts will disappear. You will then begin to see Jesus in everything! Changing your way of thinking is one of the first steps to truly having freedom in Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

March 4

We must continue to march forth! Continue to love, though we, as Christians, are not loved. As the world around us seeks to devour us because of our stand for righteousness, and our rejection of evil, we must continue to stay committed to Jesus, He is the only hope for a world gone mad. Things that should be considered decent human behavior, like not killing, are raised up as a right. We know the Word of God, we know how powerful He is, and He will come down hard on those who do not change, and accept Jesus as Savior. Don’t give in and respond passionately as they do when the debate becomes heated; keep your cool, and if you’re rejected, shake the dust off and walk away. They’ve made their choice and will pay the price for it. Remember that when you are weak, He becomes stronger, let Him be your strength!

With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5

March 3

My daughter and I had a day of adventure! We started out early and headed down to Little Gasparilla Island to freshen up our place for some guest that were coming for vacation. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for the boat ride over to the island. We finished our chores and decided to take a golf cart ride. We enjoyed the scenery, stopping to soak in some salty air, and to feast our eyes on the beautiful blue-green gulf waters and sandy shore. We were almost back when the golf cart started slowing down! Oh no! The cart path is sandy, just like most dirt paths in Florida, making it difficult to keep it moving. Christina got out to give it a push while I kept the peddle pressed in to make pushing easier. We finally made it back, but Christina was exhausted! A little sand and sun, and a little exercise! Adventures are not always easy, sometimes you have to get out and push, but it’s all in your perspective. Life is short, enjoy it, because the end of it comes quickly.

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Ecclesiastes 9:7-8

March 2

We’re all sinners. There are no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. We are only righteous because of Jesus. When Jesus said “go and sin no more,” to the woman at the well and the paralytic, that’s a command we also need to follow! If we are no longer responsible for our sin, why would He say that? Each of us need to live a sacrificed life and leave our past behaviors behind. He wants us to stop sinning because when we sin, it gives the devil a firm grip on us. It causes us guilt, does a number on our mind, and sets an easy trap for us. Do you love someone any less who is blatantly sinning? Absolutely not! Jesus loves us so much that He died for all of our sins. It’s a sin not to love one another! He hung on the cross, and poured out His blood to cover our iniquities. Anyone who lives a lifestyle of sin, rejects what He did. 

Keep your eyes opened, it looks as though God is having the wheat separated from the tares, in plain sight! If you are following a leader that doesn’t regard sin as sin, you need to turn and run! 

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:22-23

March 1

There is a moment of joy when you notice a turning point in someone’s life that you love. It doesn’t have to be much, just a subtle change indicating a new direction. Imagine the Father when He sees our improvements that go unnoticed by us. Though He is all knowing, I’ll bet He loves to see us change for the better. For someone to make a turn in this day and age, is not easy because the world is against it. Pray for those around you that have strayed. Don’t lose hope. Rejoice in any steps towards Jesus and righteousness. I know that God honors the prayers of His people, so with a sincere heart, keep praying for the salvation of the ones you love. Of all the frivolous things we pray for, I would say that prayer for salvation and change, would go to the top of God’s list.

We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. John 9:31

February 28

There is no debate! If you have received Christ as your Savior, you will change. You will want to refrain from sin. I find it quite concerning to see people, whom I thought had their head in God’s Word, agree with issues that are completely against His Word. I’m not only concerned that they are spreading misinformation to others who are weak in their walk, but I’m also concerned that they themselves have been led astray. If you do not read your Bible daily, keep your mouth shut about issues that are volatile; you have no say! God makes it very clear what sin is. Yes, we are under grace, but there is no grace for those who haven’t turned away from sin to move in the direction of Jesus. True repentance seeks to please the Lord. I love you all too much to see you stay in your human weakness. This is not a game or a social experiment. GOD is real! READ YOUR BIBLE!!

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:26

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Romans 6:15

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19

February 27

Making my way through traffic early in the morning can be quite nerve wracking. Trying to figure out which roads to take, that yields the least amount of traffic, is my goal. There are red lights, cars trying to merge, and near accidents everywhere. It’s all part of the rat race! I’m a person who believes that if you’re on time, you’re late, and all these people who are rushing around, are probably late. My point today is that everything seems normal. People are going about their business, as if the world hasn’t taken a turn for the worst. The days of Noah were the same. People were engaging in their normal activity, when suddenly the heavens opened up and a flooding rain came and took the breath of every human and animal who had received the breath of life from the almighty God. Today is no different. There will be a shock wave that runs through this world when Jesus brings His beloveds home. Watch out world, He’s coming soon and those of us who have held on to what we have, will be brought into His glory.

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26-27

February 26

When I went through Bible training, for graduation, we had to give our mission statement. My mission is to train believers to break bonds and live free. You may have noticed that a lot of what I write about has to do with freedom. I’ve gone through a few types of training on how to become free, but after drilling it down, what I’ve found is that the biggest chain that most people have is being locked up in fear. Fear has a root ball that is hard to dig up, and most of our issues stem from it. Do you know who holds that root ball in his hands? Satan! Jesus has the best solution for fear and here it is,... “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. Mat 16:23 That’s it! That’s all you have to do. I think it makes us feel better if we go through some kind of process, like the “process” is what heals us, but it isn’t. It’s knowing who has power over you. Do you allow Satan to have power, or do you wield the power you already have because of Jesus? This is a no brainer! Stop letting Satan rule over you and take back your life.

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

February 25

Have you ever been bowling? If you have then you know that it can be challenging. Trying to roll the ball perfectly and keep it from running off into the gutter, feels impossible! There is a technique of foot placement, aim, walk up, and release, that all have to be perfectly performed to knock down all the pins. If these elements aren’t in place, the likelihood of bowling a strike is drastically reduced, and if you can’t bowl a strike, you probably won’t win the game. Fortunately, the laughter, and the camaraderie make the game worth playing, unless you get your feelings hurt easily. It can be  compared to sharing the gospel. The person you’re sharing with will probably not accept Jesus if all the elements are not lined up, which are put in place by the Holy Spirit. However, you may be one of the elements needed so that when the time is right, and the ball is perfectly released, that last person in the chain will bowl a strike, and a new Christ follower becomes part of the Kingdom of God, then, all the heavenly beings shout for joy, just like we do when someone makes a strike!

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19