November 1

Even though the atmosphere was lovely, after a trip, it’s nice to come home. The familiar faces of your neighbors greeting you upon your return is welcoming.  It’s fun to get away, but there’s nothing like the comfort you create in your own home; you know you can count on it being just the way you like it. Jesus is our comfortable home. He is our beacon of light in this troubled world. We can go to him and find peace, and comfort from our sojourning. He’s familiar, because he never changes; he was the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In this world, there will be trouble, but we can count on Jesus being the stronghold that keeps us safe, because he has overcome the world. As you face the challenges of your day, and go about your business, remember that you have a peaceful home to come back to, even if your earthly home lacks peace, close your eyes and find comfort in the arms of Jesus. He is familiar, and stable, and the picture of what we desire to come home to. 

"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

October 31

When you ask a question, do you stop and listen for the answer, or do you ask just to hear yourself talk? I’m guilty of this, especially in my prayer time. If you need the right answer, look for it in the scriptures. God gave many examples of how he feels about things and the direction we should take. Jesus told stories in the New Testament to teach his disciples about life issues, look for your answer there. In all that he did, he was teaching us about the Father, and how everything we do should be to the glory of the Almighty. Life can be complicated at times, but through each of our trials, we have Jesus walking with us, and giving us hope. Spend some time in God’s Word; he has all the answers, if you listen.

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."  Romans 10:17

October 30

One of my favorite times to be in the mountains is when it’s raining. Waking up to the sound of pitter-patter, as it filters through the leaves makes it easy to drift back to sleep. Somehow, the sound brings peace, and tranquility. It’s not quiet here, even without the rain, the sounds of the rushing waterfall breaks the silence. God brought to my attention my view from the couch where I can see out two sets of French doors. Through one set, I can see the incline of another mountain, but through the other set I can see down into a valley. I’m not at the peak, but I’m not as low as I can get either. If I were to go out and try to climb to the peak of the next mountain, I would have to descend from where I am, cross a stream of rushing water, then make my way through some treacherous terrain. If I wanted to make my way into the valley, I would follow the water fall down, but would still have quite a rough hike. Our walk as a Christian is similar; to ascend to the heights of the Lord, is a hard path to take, but descending into the valley is just as rough. Did you know that they grow crops in the valley? The ground is very fertile there. Just remember, wherever you are in your walk, is where God intends for you to be. If you are making your ascent, it means that he thinks you are ready for the climb. If you are still in the valley, he’s growing you.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:3-4

October 29

Perfect timing! It’s been a while since I’ve been in the mountains, but if ever there is a good time to go, it’s while the leaves are changing. The cool, crisp air is something that we who live in Florida desire, but don’t usually get until January. There’s a name the locals have for people like us, “leafers,” and I don’t mind being called that at all. We are in a setting deep in the woods, perched next to a waterfall, and a gristmill, and the color is spectacular! Does it get any better than this? Maybe in heaven! It’s a nice break right before the holidays, because as soon as I get back, I will hit the ground running with all the preparations. But for the moment, I will enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mountains, and breathe in deeply, and renew myself as I spend time with our glorious God, and our Savior Jesus. There is much to learn by spending time in the woods, God tends to use our surroundings as a tool to teach, and the quietness as a way to hear his voice. Even if it’s just for an hour or two, find time to break away and get alone with God, and if you can, take a chair and sit in the woods, you would be surprised how clear his voice becomes during that moment. 

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Mark 6:31-32

October 28

Packing for a getaway to the mountains can be challenging, especially when it’s cold there, but hot where you live. You have to think about what you will wear while there, but also consider what you will wear on the way home so you don’t have a heat stroke. It’s time to dust off the jacket, and dig out the boots! If it was just me packing for me, it wouldn’t be so bad, but I pack for my husband and two dogs, you know the dogs need jackets too! Then we have to try and fit everything in the truck, because where we’re going, we will probably need power tools! It makes me feel like I’m leaving Egypt and packing everything I will need for the next forty years! Wouldn’t it be nice to just get in the truck and go without a care? The luxuries of today keep us needing all the comforts of home wherever we go. There is one trip we will eventually go on that all you will take with you is your memories, and the love in your heart. Your treasures will have already been accumulated, and waiting for you. It will be then that the agony of living in the world of the evil one will be over, and we will be set free, and the riches of the Father will be ours to enjoy, we will be home! The only reason you should be afraid to die, is if you don’t have Jesus. He’s the best reason for living, or dying. 

“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

October 27

Do you ever try and avoid hearing the Lord’s voice because you know what you’re doing is not what he wants you to do? For instance, all I want to do is sleep, but I know I should be writing to bring a message of hope to whoever is reading my post. I keep trying to sleep to no avail, my mind seems to keep going on and on, even though my eyelids want to slam shut. I’m thankful that he is gracious, and patient with me. His voice was telling me to wake up, and be about my day, but I closed myself off, knowing full well that it was he that was talking to me. This type of behavior happens all the time, we just don’t want to admit it. Remember that person God told you to help? You were too busy, or maybe you were clutching your money too tightly, so you ignored his voice. Maybe he told you to call someone who might be feeling lonely, but you didn’t because they talk too much. I wonder how disappointed he is with us when he knows we hear him, but we go on as if he didn’t tug on our heart? Pay attention, listen, and obey. You have duties to fulfill as heirs of the kingdom.

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:17-18

October 26

We are so bombarded with the presence of the enemy during this time of year, and he struts around openly flaunting his presence, but if memory serves me correct, every day belongs to God. When in Tampa, you can’t help but drive by this huge billboard with the picture of a creepy clown, advertising a festival for those who like to be scared. Why do people like to be frightened by those masquerading as ghouls and goblins? The people instilling fear find it powerful, and use it as a tool for mischief. The devil loves this, he doesn’t have to hide in the shadows, or disguise himself as a beacon of light, he can just be himself. The only people who need to fear, are those who are unsaved. The rest of us can go about our day, knowing that our future doesn’t consist of a daily dose of torture, or the sting of melting flesh from the pit. My preference would be to see the works of the Holy Spirit, and even that can be a little frightening, because it’s real, and you realize how close God is to you. The fear of God is healthy fear; get some!

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" Psalms 111:10

October 25

Have you ever kept looking at something and knew you had to change it? I walked past this room every day and didn’t like what I saw; it’s not a room I use, it houses the workout equipment that sits idle. For days I shopped, trying to find the perfect picture, and maybe a small table to go under it, but nothing appealed to me. I had a couple of things that might have worked, but their color was all wrong. Then it hit me, and I said to myself, “why don’t you paint them the color you want?” And that’s what I did, and it looks great. This same idea will work when you see something about yourself that you don’t like; you keep searching for ways to fix it to no avail. Even if it’s your appearance that you don’t like, God can fix it! Now, he’s not going to miraculously change your looks, but he can change your attitude about your appearance, and help you to live peacefully with yourself. Just like me finding items in my house to decorate with, you also have it within you to make changes to yourself to become the best you can be in the eyes of God. Remember, the things God looks for in a person, is entirely different from what mankind expects from us; he’s the one who counts! Seek God’s council, and he will help you.

"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”" 1 Samuel 16:7

October 24

When darkness looms over you as the blackness of night, there is hope. The storms may rage, but you still have peace. Our Savior is there, giving you comfort, and urging you to press on. Sorrow and brokenness can wrap you up in its clutches and take you deep into a pit. I’ve dealt with this in my lifetime, and felt that I might be slipping into it again, but this time I recognized who was luring me in, and rebuked him, and I pulled away from that thought. There is hope for a new day, even if your days seem like doom and gloom right now, there is a Light on the horizon, and hope for life beyond this realm. Seek the Lord with all your heart, know that you have a power within you that gives you the strength to rise up. Wield that power! Fight back against the power of darkness! Get up and put on your armor! Never let Satan beat you down! The battle belongs to you. You are a mighty warrior, but you don’t have to fight to win; you need only to be still, and know that God will fight for you.

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:4-6

October 23

If you are not for Jesus, you are against him. There is only one way to be saved and it’s through him. You cannot drive down the middle of the road; if you don’t stay in your lane you will get hit by oncoming cars. You must be aware that the enemy requires payment from us when we veer off course and turn to the dark side; this is why it’s imperative that we keep moving forward with Jesus without looking back to our past. We once lived a life of sin, but now we’ve found new life in Jesus; the old life is gone and we are a new creation. To keep looking back to our old life as if it was something to be proud of, is like going to the dump, it’s buried under litter and debris, and it stinks. The devil will dangle his ways in front of us like a shiny silver object, to try and take our attention off the truth, don’t fall for it! Trouble is just around the corner for anyone who gives-in to his enticements. Fill your life with the goodness of God; knowing God is the best way to keep from falling in the trap of the enemy. Don’t go a day without communicating with him, when I say communicating, it’s not only praying, but it’s listening, and that means opening up his Word.

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Luke 11:23

October 22

I know God’s word is old, and seems out of date, but you would be surprised how relevant it is today. My stories may help get your attention, but if I could bring you biblical truths without such stories, and have them relatable to your own experiences, that’s what I would do. I am so in love with God’s word, I know that if you would fall in love with him, you would also hang on his every word as I do. Every time I read it, I find something new about him, his truths, or tidbits of information to help me live my best life. My mission is to teach those of you who are saved to live free from the weight of the baggage placed upon your shoulders by the world. Not only did Jesus save us from eternity in hell, but also to make our lives better while living in the world. I’m going to tell you what I was told years ago by the Holy Spirit; follow the footsteps of Jesus through the New Testament, there is freedom in his teachings. Even if you read nothing but the words written in red, you will be blessed, and find direction to becoming free.

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."  Galatians 5:1

October 21

Some may wonder why I would sell my house on a lake and then buy in a townhouse neighborhood. The truth is, I like the looks of the perfectly groomed landscaping, each building being maintained the same, and never having to worry whether my neighbor is going to use an old toilet as a planter; and yes, I saw that happen. The lawns are all mowed on the same day, and someone else takes care of the landscape pest control, and makes sure the sprinklers are always up and running. Now, what’s going on inside the house is a different story; my neighbors may be living in filth, but no one knows because they are not allowed to let it overflow to the outside. I would say that it’s much like my faith in Jesus; his followers are all cleaned up, and perfectly groomed, because their sin is hidden in him. However, some are still living in their filth, and haven’t trusted him to clean up their past. If that’s you, stop beating yourself up; you’re forgiven. You can be clean on the inside too, but it’s up to you to surrender it to Jesus. 

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

October 20

I was looking back on pictures of Rudy, my little Bewier Terrior, trying to figure out how old he is. Today is his birthday, and he’s four! It seems like we’ve had him much longer. I wasted so much time looking for the year that it pushed me to posting very late. I went on a wild goose chase just trying to track it down. Sometimes we become distracted and lose our sense of time, and it slips away. There are important things that you need to tend to, and the enemy will do anything he can to move you in a direction away from the Lord’s will. Pay close attention to the things that consume your time. If you are spending an excessive amount of time on worry, or fear, you do well to turn those things into prayer. It will never be a waste of time to talk to God about the things that are the cause for your concern. God doesn’t want us to get bogged down in strife, it’s not helpful to you or to Him. Pull yourself together, and do what seems best in the eyes of the Lord. We are here to please Him, and when we become self-consumed, we aren’t doing Him any good.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34

October 19

Just like the prophets of old, there are those who have been sent to point out the sins of the day, and encourage the sinners to repent. You will recognize them as unrelenting, and judgmental, but the truth about them is what’s in their heart, and the passion they have for righteousness. Isaiah was one of those sent to try and turn the people back to God. Don’t get mad at those pointing out the truth, or calling out your sin, you may be in the presence of one of God’s prophets. If you continue in a lifestyle forbidden by God, and you claim to be one of his own, you will be called out! You cannot live in sin on Friday and Saturday, and expect to be in the good graces of God on Sunday. When I see this type of behavior, I question whether a person is truly saved? Someone who has repented of their sin, and now follows Jesus, tries to avoid sin or the appearance of sin, at all costs. If the Holy Spirit lives in you, he will make you aware of your wrongdoing, and the pressure felt to live up to his standards will weigh heavy upon you. So, take note when you’re about to do “a thing,” and see if there’s a twinge in your heart reminding you of whom you belong; then don’t do it! You will be known by your fruit. Don’t produce sour, or rotten fruit!

What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. Isaiah 5:4-5

October 18

We sit under the rule of a great and glorious Savior who once walked the earth, then returned to his throne in heaven. Isaiah reveals the beauty of his presence when God allowed him to see a vision of Jesus sitting in the throne room with his robe filling the temple. How wonderful it must have been to be given such an image of him. He then put a hot coal to his lips to cleanse him of his sin, and then commissioned him to tell the world what God wanted him to share. Though our conversion may not resemble that of Isaiah’s, it is similar in that our hearts are pierced when he reveals himself to us, causing us to become undone, so we feel the weight of our sin. It is like Jesus touched our mouth with the hot coal, and made us clean, only our cleansing is seen in the image of his blood washing us of our filth. Don’t be afraid to do what God tells you to do. Though you may feel that your role is not as important as Isaiah’s, I can guarantee you that God’s love for you is not any less. You have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and are commissioned to tell others about him. Go and tell the world how good he has been to you, so they might have a share in eternity.

And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:7-8

October 17

I looked at the clock and thought it was 6:15 am, so I got up. After setting my mind on being up, I looked at it again and it was only 5:15 am! It was too late to change my mind, I was already awake. Wake up sleepy heads, it’s now time to live your life. Time keeps on ticking away, and I wonder if I’ve spent it wisely. After reaching the age of 55, I realized how much time I’ve wasted on unimportant things. Cultivating relationships should be our number one priority, especially our relationship with our Savior. How do you cultivate a relationship with someone you can’t see?  The answer: the Holy Spirit. He left us with a connection to him that only those who’ve accepted him get. Through the Holy Spirit, our soul is restored, and he reproves us so we become holy. This process brings us closer to Jesus and makes us want to do what is right in his eyes. As we draw closer to him, we also draw closer to his children, thus relationships are formed, and treasured. Today, focus on what really matters, the bond of love and friendship; it’s the only treasure you can take into Heaven.

"“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."John 15:12

October 16

Much of what is spoken of God, by those trying to bring others into the sheepfold of Christ, is his love. Little is made known about his wrath, though the Bible speaks of it more than it does of his love. He has made himself known to everyone through his creation. You cannot look at the intricate details of the creatures of this earth and not see God’s hand. He deserves the utmost respect and genuine love. When he doesn’t get that love, and we reject him, he pours out his wrath. He loves his children, and because we love Jesus, he will take vengeance on our adversaries. Those who continually deny him, spit in his face, and shake their fists at him, can expect his wrath. I’m not trying to make you afraid, you are not subject to his wrath, but you should have a healthy fear of what God can do, he is not to be toyed with. Honor, love, and respect him. If you need to encourage someone in this, take a look at some of the stories in the Old Testament. Those who rejected him were punished. Remember, one of God’s attributes is that he doesn’t change; he was wrathful then, and he is wrathful now.

“Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land.” Deuteronomy 32:43

October 15

Though it may seem like I’m an open book because of how much of my life I share, the truth is that I’m closed up tighter than a drum. I find it hard to give myself over to others, and reveal my deepest thoughts to someone other than the Lord. It may be because I’m more of a listener than a talker, and most people want to talk about themselves, and that’s okay, I probably wouldn’t say anything anyway, it’s just my nature. I’m thankful that God knows me deeply. He knows things about me that I don’t even know about myself. I may say that I want this or that, but he knows what I really want. He’s able to cut through to the heart, and knows my true desires. If you’re not getting the answer to your prayer, there may be something deeper going on within you that only God knows about. Relax and know that he has everything under control, and that he has your best interest at heart. He will give you the desires of your heart, but he may be the only one who knows what those desires are. Trust him.

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. Psalms 139:4

October 14

As a part of my ministry, I will sometimes keep people on my social media friends list that are obstinate, and against everything that I hold dear, by that I mean Jesus. There are scoffers and onlookers, there just to cause trouble with me and my friends. My heart breaks for these people, because I know that hell is hot, and I do not wish that on anyone. However, there comes a time when their presence becomes disturbing and I realize that they are the dogs, and pigs that Jesus speaks of in Matthew. As I try to highlight the precious gift of Jesus, and impart pearls of wisdom, they shake their fists at Jesus claiming unbelief. They linger in the background waiting to witness sin, so they can call me or my followers hypocrites, and say “I told you so.” These same people have no idea how merciful Jesus is, and even if we are caught in sin, we are forgiven. However, they are not, and every sin that they commit becomes kindling for their own everlasting fire. The Lord is not to be toyed with, nor are his children, and he will come down hard on anyone who scoffs at or ridicules his followers. I wouldn’t want to be the receiver of his fury. I say all of this so you know that it’s okay to walk away, and shake the dust off, when others make the decision to reject Jesus. Their blood is not on your hands.

"“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." Matthew 7:6

October 13

Do you ever wonder why someone was blessed with good looks and an incredible personality, and you wish you were like them? Sometimes we get overly concerned when others are favorably treated rather than minding our own business, and worrying with ourselves. The same type of thing happened between the disciples. John was favored, and he called himself the one that Jesus loved. During supper, he leaned against Him, and made himself comfortable next to the Lord. John was the only one of the disciples that lived to a ripe old age and didn’t die a martyr's death. He still had to struggle, but the Lord kept him to finish up the scriptures and write the Revelation. Peter may have worried too much about Jesus’s relationship with John, but the Lord made it clear to him that he should only be concerned with himself. Stay in your lane! Don’t envy anyone for what they have. You don’t know the price they had to pay to get it. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and follow him, and let him be the one who deals with them.

"Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”" John 21:22