July 25

How do you deal with the noise and distractions in your life? I get up extra early to avoid being bothered, but it doesn’t always work out for me, someone always manages to call or text early, waking up the house, then I have to try and find a place to hide, just to get this devotional written by my own deadline. You must be willing to submit to doing whatever it takes to open the door for God to use you. If, like me, that means you have to get up early, then that’s what you need to do. Whatever the case, you are most useful to God if you are devoted to studying, and knowing the truths of His Word. A good example is Paul, he knew God’s word inside and out, even though he used it against the Christians in the beginning, but as soon as he realized the scriptures connection to Jesus, he became the most efficient at bringing others into the faith. Not only was Paul a great preacher, but he wrote most of the New Testament. Whatever your excuse is for not being devoted to Jesus and the study of His Word, it’s not good enough. Find time away from the noise to devote yourself to the scriptures.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

July 24

It was a rainy beach day. Showers would come and go, but I was antsy and wanted to take in the gulf’s sweeping vista, so I headed out while it was clear. I was enjoying the view when it began to change. The cloud overhead had become dark and dismal. I started to chance it and see if it would pass, but then I let wisdom take over, knowing that lightning could strike at any moment, and I was sitting under an umbrella that was made of metal. I put the umbrella down and folded my chairs so they wouldn’t blow away, and headed back inside. As I’m walking on the path back, it began to drizzle, but the drops were spaced out enough that I didn’t get wet. When I got back, it was like the bottom fell out! I got in just in time. Then I began to think about the people who were still sitting on the beach when I left, and the kids that were still playing in the waves! There was plenty of warning, the clouds were black and the wind was blowing, yet they stayed. How much warning is it going to take before people realize that this world is not a game, and God will not be mocked? The signs of Jesus emanate return are clear, yet the unsaved walk around without a care, as if we lie. Woe to those who do not heed the warnings, and seek the shelter of the most High while it’s still safe. God is loving, but He’s also just. Those who choose Him now will be saved, but those who don’t will wish they had come in before the storm hit.

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36

July 23

Several years ago I had an encounter. I had broken my leg and was still recovering when I needed to be at a closing in Tampa. I was still in a lot of pain, and walking with crutches was difficult for me. I drove through the parking lot looking for a space that was close to the entrance to no avail. I found my way into the parking garage, and it was nearly empty, but was too far for me to walk. I got out of the car and looked over the wall to try and figure out a way to get closer, and what seemed like out of nowhere, a guard appeared, and gave me instructions to park in the delivery area, which was right by the door. Then, as suddenly as he appeared, he disappeared! My heart began racing because I knew I had just encountered a holy being, and angel sent by God to help me. It took me a minute to get it together and realize what had just happened, but I did as I was told and went and parked near the door.

Peter had been jailed and the disciples were praying fervently for him to be released. God sent an angel to help him, his chains fell off, and he was given instructions to get dressed. Then, the angel led him past the guards and out of the jail. 

Your answered prayer may require your participation.

And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. Acts 12:8-9

July 22

Preparing to go on vacation is a daunting task. You have to remember everything you might need or want while you are away. Can you imagine being sent on a journey where you had to forget everything that you were leaving behind, and take only the clothes on your back, no planning or preparation, just go? As part of their training, Jesus sent the disciples out to do what He had taught them to do, preaching, teaching, and healing, but allowed them to take nothing with them for their journey, they were to rely on the kindness of strangers for their food and lodging. This is how He wants us to be! We are to put our trust in Him, leave everything behind, including regrets, disappointments, hurts, and anything else that might hinder us from following Him fully and unencumbered. Make today the day that you put your past behind you, and turn your whole life over to the One who created you, and trust Him for the rest of your journey.

And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. Luke 9:3

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

July 21

Working in the yard, even though it’s hot and humid, makes me happy. I think it’s the transformation that I like the most. I created these beautiful hedges, and love how they highlight the rest of the plants in the flower bed. They were looking so good, but if I don’t trim them back, they will grow out of control. So, I must put up with them looking choppy for a few weeks, until the new growth fills them in. This pruning process is similar to how God works on us. He keeps us in check, so we don’t grow out of control in a bad way. He prunes off the dead, pulls out the weedy vines that we are entangled in, and cleans around our base so our roots get watered. No one likes pruning, but it is necessary to help you become who God intended you to be. If we don’t allow Him to clean us up, we’ll keep growing in the wrong direction, and not blossoming into the image of Jesus. Submit to God’s grooming, and let Him clean up your sin, and bad habits, so that you become the image of purity that He desires you to be.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2

July 20

The disciples underwent three years of training with Jesus. He taught them the ways of God in an unencumbered way, cleaning up the law to reveal the truth, and began training His disciples in that truth. Later on, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul comes along, knows the Law of Moses, and becomes a Christ follower. The Jews hated him more than any of the others because of his incredible conversion, and because he was much more zealous and successful at bringing the gospel, so they came after him more fiercely. He left for Arabia because they were after him. His brilliance did not eliminate him from needing training, and as soon as he could, he came back to Damascus and spent three years there. Here’s the thing, you have to train to become proficient in God’s word. My own Bible training was for three years, but I continue to dig in and learn as much as I can about the ways of Jesus. This is why it’s important that you are involved in Bible study through your church. You must know the Word in order to teach it. 

And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. Acts 9:29-30

nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. Galatians 1:17-18

July 19

I’ve been reading the Psalms everyday as a part of my daily Bible reading. They have made me realize that it’s okay to complain to God. It’s okay to bring the names of our enemies before Him and ask for help. It’s okay to recognize that His enemies are also our enemies. When we know that He is our only hope, then it is He that we should always run to for deliverance. He is our source. He is the one who produces the living water that runs from the temple. He is the one who routes our enemy. He is the one from whom all blessings flow. It is up to us to make Him the beginning, the middle, and the end of our day. Talk to Him, bring all your complaints, and praises to Him. Involve Him in your whole day, and your whole life. The more you seek Him, the more you see His hand at work. Don’t neglect Him by dismissing His involvement in your daily life. He is there for you, always!

You make us an object of contention for our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves. Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved! Psalms 80:6-7

July 18

It was late, and the grocery store was about to close, but I needed cheese for sandwiches for the next day, so I couldn’t wait. There was only one cashier opened and the line was getting long. The store sent another cashier over to help alleviate the stress on the one. I hurried over and got in the other line. There was another man that was ahead of me in the original line, so while I was trying to get him to go first, another guy tried to go around me! I was obviously next, because I was already there! I didn’t let the rude person ahead of me because he was being forceful and almost ran over me! His momma didn’t raise him right! I set my things down on the conveyor belt, and asked the other guy again if he wanted to go ahead of us, but he chose not to. What happened to being polite? Is common courtesy dead? God help the people of the “me first” generation. I’m sure he was drunk or high, but I made him wait. Sometimes we must wait, and though the wait may seem long, the timing is perfect and unfolds as planned. As for the rude guy, I’m sure God has a plan to straighten him out, in the meantime, he got a little dose of me trying to even things up.

"Moreover, wine is a traitor, an arrogant man who is never at rest. His greed is as wide as Sheol; like death he has never enough. He gathers for himself all nations and collects as his own all peoples.” Habakkuk 2:5

July 17

God uses different people for special service to Him. You don’t have to be a known preacher, evangelist, or prophet to be of service to God, you just have to be willing to do what He asks you to do. When Jesus blinded Paul, He didn’t send him to one of the twelve, he sent him to someone unknown by most, but he was known by God, because He knew he would listen and obey. Ananias had probably heard God’s voice before, because it says that he answered Him, “here I am Lord,” like His voice was known by him. Ananias was afraid, but trusted Jesus, and did what he was commanded to do. If Jesus impresses upon you to do a task, accept the challenge, and reap a joyful benefit. It may help someone, but it may be God’s way of giving you a blessing, knowing that you served Him for a purpose, your heart will be full. Pray today that God would give you opportunities to serve Him by blessing others. It may get your heart pumping, but it will be worth it, for you and the one you blessed.

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” Acts 9:10 ...But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. Acts 9:15

July 16

I love dogs, but our home is not always safe for them or from them, and the outdoors become a hazard as well, because of predatory birds, and poisonous plants. As a good dog owner, I watch them carefully to make sure they are safe, inside and outside, and become overly protective. My husband and I are so protective, we barely trust our own family to watch our two. 

I post this blog daily because I care about you, and want to give you an advantage over the enemies schemes, and teach you how to protect yourself. Though it might be easy to protect yourself from enemies that are seen, if you don’t believe there is an unseen enemy, you may be less likely to watch out for him. Believe me when I tell you the spiritual world is real, and Jesus is your only protection from it. Armor yourself with prayer and praise, and study the Word!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

July 15

Suppose you were like Paul, and were defying Jesus, and rejecting those who’ve put all of their faith in Him, but you knew everything there was to know about the Bible, leading up to the coming of the Christ, but you missed the truth about who that was. Then suddenly you were exposed to Jesus, beaming down from heaven in all of His glory, brilliance, and majesty! Jesus caused Paul to be blind for three days! His eyes were open, but could not see! Was he living through hell during his days of darkness because God made him aware of his sin? Jesus told Ananias “For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Whatever he saw, sent him in boldness preaching, and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the scriptures that he knew so well came to life. Paul was set free.

Are your eyes open, but cannot see? If you are still worrying about what others think of you, more than you worry about what Jesus thinks, then you may be like Paul before the brilliance of Jesus showed him his error. Remove the scales from your eyes! Let them fall to the ground! Accept the freedom afforded you by Jesus. Whatever has you bound, break it off and live free!

Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Acts 9:8-9

July 14

When Richard was growing up, he had a bully in his neighborhood, and most the kids were afraid of him. One day his friend and his mom saw him on the street, and his mom decided to pull up to him. His friend thought that his mom was going to blast him for being a bully, but instead, she offered him a hamburger. His friend said that the bully became his friend for life after that. 

We all have a certain amount of fear to deal with in our lives. Imagine a villain, known for coming after the ones who call on the name of Jesus, coming to your town. Then Jesus comes to you in a vision telling you to go and heal him. This happened to Ananias! Ananias did just as we all would have, talked back! Ananias did as he was told, in fear, but also trusting Jesus. The man he healed was Paul, and you and I know about this story because of Ananias’s obedience! We all have a part to play in the Kingdom of God, so if you hear that still small voice telling you to make amends with the villain in the cubical next to you, do it! Maybe all you need to do is offer them a sandwich. An act of kindness is always worth the trouble.

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. Acts 9:13-15

July 13

The persecution of Christians is happening all around the world. Because we are the body of Christ, those doing the persecution are killing Jesus all over again. Some might say that it’s not the same, however, Jesus looks at it as if it was the same. Look at Paul, he was zealous about finding those who followed the Way so he could bring them back to Jerusalem bound. He was so evil that Jesus paid a special visit to him on the road to Damascus. His words to him were “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” There will be an extra hot place in hell for those who persecute Jesus, by persecuting us. If you ever have to face it, your strength and ability to endure will come from Jesus who resides within you. Until then, continue to strengthen your faith by studying the Bible, staying prayerful, and offering praise to Him daily. Thankfully, God had an amazing plan for Paul, because most of the New Testament was written by him. Saul and Paul are one in the same, his name change happens in Acts 13.

And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Acts 9:4-5

July 12

The people who keep bringing up the past sin of a believer, they themselves, most likely, remain in sin. They do not know the love of Jesus, or that the people they accuse have been forgiven. We see this daily, especially when it comes to our current president. Yes, he has sinned in the past, but haven’t we all? If Jesus can forgive him, so can I, and so should anyone who calls themselves a Christian. I’m so thankful that my past sins are not being highlighted everyday in the public eye! If any Christian speaks ill of our president, clearly they do not know the Word of God, if they do, they are being defiant. Jesus is King and is over all the leaders that are appointed to be heads of government, whether good or bad, it’s not up to us to decide. Tread carefully my friends when critiquing others, and insure you do not enter into sin yourself. 

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13:1-2

July 11

Where is your heart? Is it bent towards Jesus? If it is, and the Holy Spirit resides in you, then you should care about people, because Jesus does. There is a war raging for souls, it is not a war of the flesh, it’s a spiritual war. To try and combat the enemy with human tools, is to lose. I’m overwhelmed with disgust over what’s happening in our world today, and measures taken by the enemy to destroy souls at an early age, either by abortion, by slavery, or by sexual abuse. Though these are all physical attacks, the spirit becomes crushed, and the enemy knows that the victims are likely to blame God or doubt His existence because they were ravaged. The enemy’s dark schemes are being brought into the light and he seems to be reveling in it. The only hope for the world today is the return of Jesus, and hearts turning to Him. God help the children who are being destroyed at the hands of sick people full of darkness, help them find Jesus and accept His salvation and the freedom that comes with it. 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19

July 10

Where is your boldness? Who has a grip on your courage? We must speak up about the saving power of Jesus. Steven was one of the disciples that was chosen to help feed the hungry of the church, and fill in the gaps so the apostles could continue to preach. He was spreading the news about Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, and doing signs and wonders among the people, when he was seized. They lied saying that he had spoken ill about Moses and God. He was brought before the high priest and gave account from the beginning of all of the wrong they had done to the beloveds of God, including what they had done to Jesus. He triggered them with his speech! No one likes to have their sins brought into the light, but it may be the only way to reach those who have yet to follow Jesus. Steven looked up to heaven and could see Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He was proud of Steven and was there awaiting his arrival. Take courage, and bring the good news of Jesus and may He stand when you enter the kingdom!

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:8

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. Micah 3:8

July 9

Be careful of arrogance. I have an elderly friend whose husband has been in the hospital, but is recovering. She explained that she and her husband are in church every Sunday, and sit in the same place each week. She further explained that the preacher hasn’t come to visit, and they were very dissatisfied with him. I asked her if anyone else from the church had visited, and she named off a stream of people, and that they had offered to bring food, and had been very attentive to their needs. I just want to remind everyone that the preacher is appointed to lead the church, equip the saints for services, to bring the message of hope, and teach the ways of God. There are others who are appointed to handle the sick, those who have the gift of healing, but especially the elders, they are in charge of the sick! I’m not saying that the preacher shouldn’t visit, but when God is sending His servants to you, remember that you are probably getting those who are appointed for such a time as this. As for my friend, it seems as though her congregation is doing exactly what they have been trained to do.

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14

July 8

On a day when I’m trying hard to hear the voice of the Lord, I hear silence. I prayed for Him to give me something that could help someone today, but all I got was crickets. I went back to my Bible to see if I missed something that He wanted me to expand upon, and found a psalm of David. He was encouraging us to recognize the power of God. He must have been witnessing a thunderstorm, much like we’ve been having lately. This reminded me of my recent experience. I was outside digging in the yard when it began to get cloudy, and thunder began to clap all around me, but I was determined to finish what I was doing. I was working to clean up the yard of the rental we just purchased, and had begun to uncover a cobblestone walkway and fire pit. I didn’t want to stop, because it’s exciting finding beauty in the rough, but lightning kept clapping all around me, and though I know my usefulness to the Lord and know He would probably keep me safe, I decided that it was a good idea to get out of it. Lightning is scary! The mighty power of God is nothing to be toyed with, we should be careful not to make light of it. I know He loves me, but should never put Him to the test. Don’t take God too lightly, He is serious and powerful!

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. Psalms 29:2-4

July 6

Better late than never! I guess I needed and extra hours worth of sleep; the week's activities have finally caught up with me. The commitment I made to my Savior doesn’t end. You see, the pressure for me to have this post written by nine a.m. comes only from myself, my loving Father is not forcing me to contribute, He’s allowing me to contribute. It’s my honor to be able to bring His love to all of my friends. Neither you nor I should ever feel pressure to perform for God, our salvation comes from His love for us, not from the things we do for the kingdom. You cannot buy your way into Heaven, nor can you work your way into Heaven. Now, I will say this, you will have a tugging on your heart to do something for Him because of your gratefulness to Him for your salvation, but at no point does He require it of you. When you figure out your place, not much will stop you from fulfilling your purpose, but you shouldn’t feel stress, that’s not His way.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

July 7

My porch and everything on it is wet from the July rains. It’s my happy place when I’m away from the beach, that is, until the sun begins peaking through the trees, and the blazing heat begins to steam the water. Though while the day is still early, the sounds are beautiful and interesting. I can hear the bullfrogs in the nearby swamp, the Cuban tree frogs just outside my door, and the birds that make their home in the woods near my home. Their sounds are soothing and peaceful. Make sure you find time to seek the joy of the Lord, and refresh with the works of His hand. We get so consumed by the challenges of everyday life, that we forget to slow down and enjoy His creation. Make today the day you commit to praise Him for giving you breath, and waking your senses. Make today the day that you acknowledge how wonderful He is. Praise Him with heartfelt thankfulness, for He is good and His love endures forever.

*A Psalm for giving thanks.Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

*Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

*Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

*Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

*For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 100:1-5