November 29

When we bought a foreclosure across the street from my home, it came with all the stuff the former owner left when he passed away. Everything he owned became ours. I’m not sure how he felt about his possessions, but they were meaningless to me, and most ended up at the dump. There were some plants that he seemed to have taken care of, that now have a place on my porch. One of them is a Christmas Cactus. This morning, I decided to check on it to see if it had buds, and to my pleasant surprise it did! I’m looking forward to seeing what color it is when the buds get bigger and open up. One day, when you pass, everything that you hold dear will be in the hands of family members, who don’t care about it, or in the hands of strangers who will probably throw it out. We should never get too attached to our belongings, we don’t get to take them with us. When I moved, I got rid of so many things, and I gave my children first dibs on them, then the rest ended up at the Salvation Army. To my surprise, they didn’t want much of it. It was a lesson for me to just get rid of stuff and not worry about leaving possessions for my children, they don’t want it! If you think your possessions are worth a lot of money, cash out now! 

Do you know what else is worthless garbage that you keep holding onto? Those harsh memories, that haven’t healed to become useful tools! Ask God to heal you so you can become a blessing to someone else, like the Christmas Cactus that will become a blessing to me when it blooms.

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:13-15

November 28

Happy Thanksgiving! Every day is a day to be thankful, but on this day, we can lift up the name of Jesus together in unison, because our Savior deserves a standing ovation for all he has done for us. I have done some research into my ancestry, and it appears that my forefathers may have come over before the pilgrims to start the crops. I also have a grandfather who was killed in the Jamestown massacre! I’m glad he procreated before his demise. We are all very privileged to live in these United States, and I feel very strongly against those whose intentions are to destroy it. God gave us a place where we can worship him freely, but for every good thing there is an enemy who is against anything that is of God. You will know them by their fruit.; if they are against life, freedom, and justice, they are a product of the enemy. We cannot fall asleep while they rip us apart at the seems. Stand strong, servants of the Most High God, because he will prevail, but we must do our part to protect the freedom fought for by those who came before us and settled this beautiful land.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

November 27

Sometimes we are challenged with the issues of life. How do you handle them? Do you roll over and give up or do you power through? I have my grandson who has pneumonia, and yesterday he was like a limp rag after getting two shots, but not today! Today he’s just like every other two year old, energetic, demanding, and fighting Rudy over the ball! I wish I could bounce back as fast as him! He is a prime example of how we should be after taking our lumps. We need to keep going, and not become defeated in our infirmary. I pray that God gives each of you strength to keep going, even when your body seems to be rejecting you. I know many people who are in pain on a daily basis, which doesn’t seem fair when others are healthy in the body. However, you must remember, we each have issues, even though they aren’t the same as yours, they are just as painful. A prime example is my grandson who seems to be well, but I can still hear gurgling in his lungs. He may feel better today, but he is still very ill. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear because the Lord is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."  Ephesians 6:10

November 26

Every morning, I must decide whether to put Rudy on a leash or let him run to do his business. If I let him run it is always possible that he might run in the wrong direction and I have to go chasing after him. One way is a dead-end for him, but the other way opens to a swamp, but even then he usually doesn’t go as far as the swamp. The best option is the leash, then I can control him, and guide him in the direction I want him to go, which is not very far from the house. I love him, and want him to be free to run, but I also love him enough to try and protect him. The ideal situation would be for me to be able to turn him loose, and have him stay near the house. Do you think God feels the same way about us? We are free to wander into the swamp, and yes, God does chase after us when we go there, but don’t you think it would be more pleasing to him if we stayed close to him? I don’t like getting my feet wet chasing after Rudy, and I would like to beat his butt while chasing him back to safety, even though I don’t. So when you get a wild hair, and decide to go running off into dangerous territory, God is there chasing after you, he sees your every move; there could be consequences involved. My best advice is for you to stay near home, and close to God, where it is safe.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. Luke 15:4-5

November 25

My partner in crime, and I decided to take a one-tank-trip to a charming little waterfront town called Gulfport. To our surprise, it was adorable! Plenty of dining, boutiques, a fishing pier, and quaint old homes meticulously refurbished and painted with bright beach colors. This is my kind of town! But with every wonderful thing there is a downside; they have signs and markers indicating that with a hurricane, of category three status, it would put the town underwater by sixteen feet! As old as the homes are, I don’t think they’ve ever experienced one of that magnitude. With every good thing you must expect a downside, even following Jesus. As a follower of Christ, we have been forgiven so much, that the enemy tries to discourage us, and ruin our walk in the sight of others. Hell forbid that we should bring others to Jesus! It should be expected that we will experience some storms along the way, but nothing that comes at us will wipe us out of Heaven. So, do whatever you need to do to reinforce your structure so that it can withstand a Cat 3 hurricane, because the devil will come after you, expecting to wipe you off the map! Pray, have faith, fill your mind with God’s Word, let the Holy Spirit be your guide, and you will stand strong and endure the storms!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9

November 24

Since I live in the Tampa area, I decided that it might be fun to take a tour of Ybor City. I’ve always loved the area for its old buildings, and its history. It was the Latin Quarter, the hub of the cigar industry, and the melting pot of the Spanish, Cubans, and Italians, who came to Florida in the 1880’s for jobs rolling cigars for Vicente Martinez-Ybor, or one of many cigar manufacturers. All of the different sects worked well together, but they still enjoyed their own culture, so they built clubs, and would meet on Sundays after church, spending the rest of the day together, eating, dancing, and enjoying their time off. 

According to our guide, the Cuban Club is now haunted by a little boy who drowned in the pool that was located on the bottom floor. Jimmy, will sometimes show himself to those who go on the ghost tours. The Bible is very clear that when you die, your soul either goes to heaven or it goes to hell, there is no life in between. However, demons exist, and it is not beyond their ability to make you think there are ghost haunting you from the dead. Jimmy is just a demon who loves to toy with people. What seems like a fun thing to do, may actually open you up to the presence of the demonic. I don’t know about you, but I get enough of that on a daily basis, and I certainly don’t want to make it a part of my fun; so there will be no ghost tours for me in my future! The lesson today, is not to open yourself up to the demonic in any way, even if you think it might be fun.

And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?  Isaiah 8:19

November 23

God gave me the opportunity to speak to a young woman who has lived a rough life, and is still in the throws of a less than ideal lifestyle. She was a mother to two children, but had lost custody of them, and they were placed for adoption. My heart goes out to people who’ve had trauma, and live with guilt. To my surprise, she had put her past behind her, and was able to tell her story without tears. She knew of Jesus, so when I shared the gospel with her, it was of no surprise, she knew the drill. All was not lost, I didn’t give up, but offered her my book as a way for her to step into the scriptures gently. I don’t know what will become of her in the future, but I know this, God loves her, and if he loves her, so do I. Our job as Christ-followers, is to love people, help them to understand the truth of who Jesus is, even those who’ve hardened their hearts towards him. If my words only crack the door of her heart a little, and let a tiny ray of light shine in, it could be all the Holy Spirit needs to begin a good work in her. Don’t be afraid to share the love of Jesus. It may not be often, but he will set you up to speak life into someone. You don’t need fancy words, just a heart and a passion for people. A quick prayer, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Try it, and see what happens.

"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice," Philippians 1:18

November 22

I have a friend who attends church every week. She displays her “Christianity” to everyone. She does not live an exemplary life, and is a poor example for Jesus. Should she be rebuked? I’m not sure, because her “Christianity” may be a heritage rather than a submission to Jesus. She reminds me of the Sons of Sceva, who tried to heal people in the name of Jesus, but were wounded and sent running away naked, by a demon. She uses the name of Jesus, but doesn’t truly know him. As nasty as she is, I feel sorry for her because her possessions mean more to her than human kindness. I’m telling you this so you will examine your own life. I write these daily devotionals for this very reason, for people like my friend who feel they are safe from hell, but don’t really know Jesus. As you grow in your love for him, your life changes, and you become more like him; if you are not seeing yourself change for the better, please examine your heart and make sure you are fully committed to him. I will be heartbroken when we meet Jesus in the clouds, and you are not there.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:1-2

November 21

These days, everyone seems to like a checklist. We continually evaluate ourselves to see if we measure-up. Well, I have a surprise for you, a checklist!  Today is evaluation day! The topic: “Marks of a true Christian.” This checklist comes directly from Romans 12:9-21. This is a TRUE/FALSE quiz. 

1. My love is genuine. I abhor what is evil; I hold fast to what is good. (9)
2. I love others with brotherly affection and outdo others in showing honor. (10)
3. I am not slothful in zeal, and I’m fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. (11)
4. I rejoice in hope, I’m patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer. (12)
5. I contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (13)
6. I bless those who persecute me; I bless and do not curse them. (14)
7. I rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (15)
8. I live in harmony with others. I am not haughty, but associate with the lowly. I’m never wise in my own sight. (16)
9. I repay no evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (17)
10. As it depends on me, I live peaceably with all. (18)
11. I never avenge myself, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (19)
12. If my enemy is hungry, I feed him; if he is thirsty, I give him something to drink. (20)
13. I am not overcome by evil, but I overcome evil with good (21)

Any false answers to this quiz will require you to repent, reevaluate your walk with the Lord, and prayer for the Holy Spirit to do a work in you. Do you measure up to God’s definition of a true Christian?

November 20

Do you ever long for more of Jesus? During a church service, I prayed that God would give me an overwhelming emotional connection to Jesus; specifically, when I think about him for tears to flow. That’s an extraordinary prayer that he has not fulfilled. The answer came as soon as the pastor opened his mouth, he said something to the effect of, “it’s not about emotion.” Thanks a lot preacher-man! God needs us to be in this with our head, but as an emotional human, we connect love with emotion. I’m guilty! I want to feel something extra, but God wants us to know him for more than the emotion. I’ve got the head knowledge, but now I want my head and heart to connect on a deeper level, a more spiritual, and overwhelming level. There is probably something that needs to change within me before he grants this request, a step that I need to take, or growth that needs to happen. Whatever the case, I’ll wait and watch, because the next point in the preachers sermon was, “MY GOD CAN... Even when the first attempt fails.” I’ll take that! Whatever you are praying for today, just know that God can do anything; he is not limited. I’m not sure if this is a smart prayer to pray, but he does, and he won’t give me anything that is not beneficial to me or to the kingdom. I’m okay with that too.

"And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”" Mark 9:23

November 19

Accidents happen. I was in a fender bender where I ran into the back of another car. I was sitting at the light daydreaming, waiting for it to change, when I notice cars moving in my peripheral. To my shock, and surprise, the car in front of me didn’t move. The girl jumped out of her car and cussed me out! In my view it was a bit of an overreaction, but we are all geared differently, so our reactions are different. I remained calm, made sure everyone was okay, and apologized. I finally coaxed her to move to a parking lot, because we were backing up traffic. The officer showed up, and instructed us to exchange information, which we had already done. My calm demeanor diffused her anger, and by the end she was smiling. I don’t blame her for being angry, nobody wants their car crumpled, but if I had gotten angry because of her foul mouth, it could have been a serious mess. 

God’s word teaches us how to respond, and the Holy Spirit helps us to carry it out, but if we are not immersed in his word, we won’t pick up on his mannerisms. When you spend time in the Bible, God molds you into the likeness of Jesus; though you will never be perfect, you will make strides towards the better.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. Proverbs 15:1-2

November 18

Are we to ignore the law of God because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings? Do you rescue someone whose about to jump off a cliff? How can you love someone and let them continue in sin? Are we to ignore a whole segment of the population that feel entitled to be who they want to be even if we know it’s wrong? It is not love to watch someone go against God’s word. Maybe the Holy Spirit sent you to be a light, or an example to the fallen to make them aware of their mistake. Jesus said it many times, “Go and sin no more.” He knew what it was to love. He did not care if he hurt someone’s feelings. The enemy has deceived so many by telling them to leave people alone, and it’s their right to continue in a particular lifestyle. If you think this is okay, then you don’t know the Bible, and you don’t know God! Your idea of love is skewed if you don’t tell them they are wrong. When you sin, you are rejecting God, and you do not truly believe in him. Go ahead and keep believing we should leave others alone and let them be who they want to be, but know this, you will not see them in eternity, or maybe you will. 🤷‍♀️ 

"Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.”"  John 5:14

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. Ezekiel 3:17-18

November 17

We are each given a cross to bear. No one has a perfect life, not even the most perfect person to walk the earth, Jesus. He had to deal with the same obstacles we deal with, the same type of people we deal with daily, even calling his disciples dense, because they lacked understanding. Imagine living and knowing you had to face death on a cross! Though you may feel that you are the only one going through a hard time, you are not! Each of us have difficulties that may not be seen, but are hidden away, out of plain sight. For me, I try not to dwell on such things because I don’t want to live a miserable life. I will think about such things while the wound is fresh, but when a new day comes, it’s time to move on. This is what I ask myself when harsh, unexpected things happen, “Will this affect my eternity?” The answer is always and emphatic “NO!” So why am I dwelling on it? Jesus came and gave us a reason to keep living, but also a reason not to fear people, or fear dying. Set your mind on positive things. If it keeps going down a negative path, you must change it immediately to think of something more positive. Make that a practice, and you will begin to change the path your mind takes and become a more positive person.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ 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 4:7-8

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalms 56:10-11

November 16

I was out walking my dogs, and had a lovely encounter with two of my neighbors. They both read my post, and told me about the impact they have on them, and that the words hit home so many times. I had no idea that they read them! I have a friend who calls such encounters, “a kiss from the King!” Though the words came from the mouths of humans, I see that God used them as vessels to encourage me. I post these daily tidbits in obedience to my call from God, and the encouragement my neighbors offered, was God’s way of showing me a portion of the impact. When God tells us to love our neighbors, he really means the people next door; though he doesn’t limit it to the people next door, he includes them. Here’s the lesson in this: do your work for the Lord out of obedience to him, without recognition, and he will spur you on with sweet kisses of his love. 

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

November 15

From the age of twenty-one, God, whom I love dearly, thought it was important that I start my new marriage with three children. I raised them until they were grown, and then my husband passed away. I met a new man at the age of thirty-two, and God, whom I love dearly, thought it was important that I start my new marriage with three more children! At that point I had one of my own, and so life began again, with four. As a child, I remember telling God that I only wanted one child, and he answered that prayer, and laughed! God was teaching me how to love like he does. God multiplied my love to extend to a number of grandchildren, and even one great-grandchild! They are scattered, and I don’t see them all. This is an example of how beautiful God’s love is for us. Those children and grandchildren that are seen the most are able to glean important lessons from their well-seasoned elder; it’s comparable to drawing close to God. Those that are at a distance, are not loved any less, but there are important things they could be missing. Though the world may separate us, and send us in different directions, our love is still there. You are loved by our amazing God, and nothing can separate you from his love, in Jesus, but try to draw near to him so you can learn valuable lessons.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

November 14

Life is funny, isn’t it? A difficult situation, heartache, or even tragedy, can bring people together who were once foes. I’ve always thought that it was  interesting how families could fight like cats and dogs among one another, but when someone comes against them, watch out, because they will band together in a heart beat! Christians are no different. We are the family of God, The Church. And, yes, we fight among ourselves over the precepts, doctrine, and theology, but no matter what, when the world comes against us, like it is now, we come together as one. Our enemy is not flesh and blood, even though it may seem that way. The flesh that seems to be coming against us, are only tools, and they don’t even know it. They are doing the bidding of Satan, and he will discard them when he’s done with them. However, the warriors who are for us, in the spiritual realm, outnumber those who are against us. So, do not fear when the battle ensues, you may feel you are down for the count, but remain strong, because we have already won; our Savior has overcome death, and the power that raised him from the dead resides in us!

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

November 13

There is a bakery in my area that makes sugar free/low carb, delectable treats. Because the holidays are near, my taste buds seem to be craving a little extra. I’m a pretty good cook, and I’m capable of creating my own treats, but there is something wonderful about being able to stop in a store and get them without the wait or the hassle. I went in on a Friday, and all they had was two items left, so I bought them, and inquired as to when they would have more. They said that they bake on Monday, and Tuesday, each week. I returned on Monday, but unfortunately it was a holiday, and they were closed. I returned again on Tuesday, but still no special treats, except this time she informed me that the baker had cheesecake ready for the oven, and other desserts slated to be made. Some of those special treats are predestined to be consumed by me. Now there are other desserts in the case, but they are loaded with sugar, and will not be chosen. Those special treats have no impact on whether I choose them or the one next to them; it is I who choose! If you’re reading this, because it is addressed “To the followers of Christ,” you are a special treat, and you’ve been chosen, justified, and glorified! You did not choose, you were chosen. I hope you feel special today.

Another point to make: you can’t tell by looking at them if they are sugar free/low carb. Sometimes they are labeled, but sometimes they are not, so you must ask!

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

November 11

The devil will do his best to thwart the plans God has for you. I get so angry when he throws me off course! It’s so easy to fall for his schemes because we are vulnerable to his lies. God sets you on a path, but the enemy comes along and sows seeds of doubt, and dangles something shiny in front of you to send you in a different direction. You will know you are on the wrong path because you keep running into dead-ends. However, when you finally get back on the path, you know it because God sends his welcoming committee, and all heaven rejoices. My husband and I left our church in a nearby town because of the commute, and because we felt like we needed to become more involved in our own community. Months later we were still searching for a church to call home. God had given me insight into where we should be going, but sometimes the enemy will show you something to distort your view. We finally reached our destination, and it couldn’t be more obvious that we had found what we were looking for. The power of the Holy Spirit was so intense that I was in tears for most of the service. I was hungry, and seeking to be fed, and now that I’ve smelled the sugar cooking, all I want to do is eat! 

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

November 10

For my birthday last month, my son bought me tickets to go see Elevation, Hillsong, and Casting Crowns. We had such an incredible time! I was moved to tears seeing a stadium full of Christians praising their hearts out for the glory of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. As we approached the venue, we saw crowds of people trying to make it in; all were happy, peaceful, not pushy, respectful, and ready to get down to the business of what God created us for. It was a slice of what we have in store for us as we live out our eternity with our Savior and God, and I’m not upset about it! We don’t have to wait to give God the praise he deserves, and we don’t have to wait for a gathering of the saints; we can, and must do this daily. Your life is a testament to how good he is, so let the words from your lips show him your appreciation. Set your hearts towards God, for he alone is worthy of our praise. 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalms 19:14

November 9

My husband and I have adopted a sugar-free, low-carb lifestyle, but we still crave sugary treats like pancakes and desserts. There are lots of recipes the help you get past your desire, but they are not always accurate or descriptive, and can lead to lumps or cause them to be watery. I’m a pretty good cook, and know that you mix the dry ingredients, and then the wet ingredients, before mixing them all together, but what do you do with cheese? Anyway, I tried making pancakes without following directions, because they weren’t included, and ended up with major lumps. I had to get the blender out just to get it smooth. The point of this story is that there is an order to things, including our life as a Christ follower. God has given us very serious commands, because he is an orderly God and expects our lives to follow an orderly manner. If you try to mix the things of this world with the things of God, all you get is a bunch of lumps on the head. God is not tolerant of our misbehavior, and we will pay a price for our error. Yes, he is forgiving, but only because of Jesus. If you continually walk in the way of the world, without remorse, you may need to rethink your lifestyle and consider that you may not have the Spirit of God dwelling within you, and that is very serious!

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Romans 8:8-9