April 11

A day of quiet, solitude, and aloneness. Jesus went to the cross alone, laid in the tomb alone, and he alone delivered our present sin and future sin, to hell! A day of reverence during this Holy Week is required for those who love him and are the beneficiaries of his kindness. A lot happened in the spiritual world, things we know nothing about, but our celebration continues as Jesus proves that what he said about himself is true, when he was resurrected from the dead to become our King forever. 

Even as we face destruction in this day and age, we know the ending because he told us. Have no fear, strengthen your faith, and honor Jesus for what he has done, and will do for us in the days to come. 

The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Matthew 27:62-64

April 10

It seems wrong to call the day Jesus died on the cross, “Good Friday,” but with it he sealed the deal for all eternity, that we would no longer need to make sacrifices for our sins. He was the final sacrifice, and has made each of us whole, as we give our lives over to him. Today is a day of remembrance, a day to account for all he has done for us, as undeserving as we are. It’s a day of thankfulness that we do not have to endure the punishment for our crimes against God. Out of his love for us, he died in our place, so we could live on in eternity with him. Use today to reflect upon what he has done for you, count your blessings, one by one. 

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:44-46

April 9

As we commemorate Maundy Thursday, the final Passover Jesus had with his disciples, remember some of the things that happened that night. It was the day the The Lord’s Supper was instituted, sin was flushed out from among them (Judas,) Jesus gave up his will to the Father, and the new command was given for us to love one another as he has loved us. We should not take these things lightly. To mix bunnies and eggs into this season is mocking this most reverent time of the year, and is a part of a secular ritual of paying tribute to the fertility goddess, Ishtar. We would do well to stop mixing the two together, and refrain from worshiping other gods, especially while worshiping Jesus. It’s time to start new traditions, and to make Jesus the focus of this season, as we were his only focus when he went to the cross as a sacrifice for our sin. I like colorful eggs, and bunnies too, but during this solemn time, we should honor Jesus with all of our attention. 

Don’t feel bad about yourself if you’ve already decorated with all the cute Easter things, this too is forgivable. Tonight, have communion with your family, flush out the sin within you, remember Jesus’s sacrifice, and love one another as he has loved you.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

April 8

Are you sick of hearing about the Coronavirus? Well, I am! Today, I bring you some good news! We are in a season of rest, and it coincides with Passover, and will end with the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection. I’m reading through the book of Joshua, and Israel is preparing to take over the promised land, and have just celebrated Passover, and for the first time in years, manna was no longer there for them to eat because they were enjoying the fruit of the land of Canaan. Side-note: many of the people of the United States are about to get a check from the government - fruit of the land! It was right after this solemn time that Joshua encountered the Commander of the Lord’s army, who was none-other than Jesus! We know it was the Lord, because he made him take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. I believe this appearance gave Joshua the courage to pursue the land he was commanded to take over. The Lord was with Israel, went before them, covered their flanks, and was the rear guard! Be encouraged today! The Commander of the Lord’s army is with us! 

As I read the scripture today, I became overwhelmed by his holiness, and the assurance that Jesus is with us always, but more importantly, he is with us during our current battle, and goes before us as Commander. I’m excited to see what happens on the other side of this trial. 

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:13-15

April 7

I was in my sewing room and heard something walking on the roof, and I could tell it wasn’t a squirrel. I ran downstairs as quickly as I could to catch the culprit, and there it was, as black as night, a buzzard! I had to run clear across to the neighbor's yard to see it, and then I saw another one standing only a few feet from me. The woods beside my house was full of them, something had died, and they were cleaning up the mess. They seem disgusting, but they aren’t there to hurt anyone, they only eat what is dead, unlike hawks, and owls, who take their prey alive. They were very interesting to see up close, and seem perfectly groomed with every feather in place, and glistening in the sun. 

Death is inevitable, we all have a clock that is ticking away, and when our time is up, we will meet our maker. We can’t prolong it; God is in charge of our time, and it will be up when he sees fit. However, we live on in eternity, but where we spend it depends upon the decision we make in the here and now. Thankfully, I’m writing to those who have chosen wisely, and will spend eternity with Jesus. I’m blessed to call you my friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Don’t worry about tomorrow, our days are kept by Jesus, and he will care for us all the days of our lives.

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  John 14:6 

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."  Psalm 90:12

April 6

The next day, after Jesus had been exalted and praised by the people as he came into Jerusalem, he was hungry. He had lodged overnight in Bethany, and was coming back into the city, and came across a fig tree full of leaves. To his dismay, it had no fruit, it was barren. In frustration, he cursed it, and it wilted. 

Are you fruitful? This is a physical parable. He saw the tree full of leaves, but no fruit, and he cursed it, never to produce fruit again. The point of this is that we must walk the walk if we are going to talk the talk. We can dress up like a Christian, and a lot of people do, but that’s not enough, we must also bear fruit, or be cursed. Jesus is hungry; make sure you satisfy his appetite. This is not about working to become saved, you are already saved; this is about working because you are saved. Faith without works is dead. 

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:12-14

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:17

April 5 Palm Sunday

Jesus sent two of his disciples into the city to find a donkey colt and bring it to him. It was a few days before Passover and the city was buzzing with activity, and teaming with people who were there for the feast. Many Jews had heard about Jesus raising Lazarus after he had been dead for four days, and were turning and believing in Jesus. You could almost imagine the Pharisees faces when Jesus came riding into the city and the people shouting, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” waving their palm branches and laying their coats in the street in honor of him. The Pharisees were seething with hatred of him, and it overtook them so they couldn’t see who he was. It is quite sad to think that they missed a wonderful opportunity to worship the Creator while he walked the earth, something most of us long for. However, there was a plan, and though they were evil, they had a purpose, and God used them to bring about our Salvation. 

Though we are not together in church this morning, I want you to know that I believe this virus is bringing us together. Just this morning I was able to listen to a message from Pastor Ezekiel in Africa, as he was live streaming. He was speaking of triumphing over this evil, even though we must distance ourselves. I may have never been able to hear my friend preach otherwise. What Satan intended for evil, God used for good! I believe that is the message of the day. Satan intended evil to come from this virus, but God is using it for his good. We will worship Jesus, and honor him, whether we are physically together, or virtually together. 

If you put palm branches on your door today, please share a photo here, and post it to your page! It will be symbolic of Jesus triumphant entry, and we can be part of the parade, and honor him at the same time. Don’t be silent today.

saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:38-40

April 4

To the followers of Christ: Be strong and courageous! After Moses died, God came to Joshua, maybe in a dream or a vision, and commanded him to go in, and take over the promised land. Three times in his call to him, he tells him to be strong and courageous; and a fourth time he tells him to be strong and very courageous. God assured him that he was with him. There are situations we find ourselves in that require courage, unchartered lands that we enter, where fear overtakes us; maybe we are dealing with some type of illness, financial issue, new business venture, or something where the order of the day is courage. No matter what you are going through, know that because you are hidden in Christ, God is with you, and you need not be afraid. Our fear should be in God alone; what can mere man do to us! Face your challenges head on, knowing that God goes with you in every situation. Stand tall, and fight as if the Lord’s army was behind you; here’s the good news, it is!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

April 3

After making a mask for myself, and for Richard, I decided to make them for my family. Unfortunately, my family is still waiting because I’ve depleted my supply of elastic and bias tape, and the stores are out of it! The process has slowed; now I must make the bias tape which is time, and fabric consuming. I’m in the process of redesigning the patten to accommodate my lack of supplies. Though I have faith that God is protecting my family, I must still do my part to avoid infection. Sin is like this disease, and Jesus is like the mask; Jesus will protect you from the harmful effects of sin, but you must put him on like the mask in order to be protected. He is the barrier between you and sin! If you keep exposing yourself to sin, you will eventually suffer the consequences for your actions, just like you will suffer the consequences of going unprotected against this virus. Put on a mask, and never leave the house without Jesus; he is your protection against sin!

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

April 2

Two yards. That’s how far apart we are told to stay away from one another. We have not been told to hate, or to be impolite. We were not told to stop smiling, or chatting. If you are wearing a mask for protection, let others see you smize. Smize is a word made up by supermodel Tyra Banks, and is now in the dictionary; it means to smile with your eyes. We must distance ourselves to stay safe, to keep others safe, and to stop the spread of disease. You could imagine Jesus stretching out his arms; that would be about the distance we should stay from one another, though I don’t know how tall he was, or how long his arms were. With that visual, is he keeping us apart, or linking us together? We still need others, but we don’t have to touch them, let Jesus touch them for us. Just because we are going through a rough time for our generation, doesn’t mean we stop showing the love of Jesus. As you visualize Jesus standing between you and your fellow man, remember how much love he has for them, and pour some of that love out on his behalf. One kind word, smile, or smize, could be all they need to feel the warmth of Jesus’s love. If you must go out for necessities, spread the love of Jesus, not the disease.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

April 1

When I took my dogs out early this morning, we almost got blown away by the wind! I could see that the waves were crashing against the shore in a tumult, washing anything out that came near. The clouds that were rushing past, were dark, and the air felt cool. I began to see the bright light as the sun began to make its appearance, almost parting the clouds; it’s as if God were saying, “look, even though everyone is in a panic, I’m still here, lighting up the world.” God has not forsaken those of us who love him, and keep his commands. He is our fierce protection against the evil of this world. Rest in him my dear friends, and don’t allow the fear of this epidemic to defeat you. Do what you must do to keep yourself safe, and remember the One who is in control, has you wrapped in his arms. This too, we will overcome, and we will praise the Lord for his faithfulness to his children.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:3-5

March 31

There is such a heaviness surrounding us, that to feel the presence of the Lord seems distant. I’m not sure if it’s something I have failed to confess, or if the world is so distraught over the sadness of losing their fellow humans, that it is having an impact on my hearing his voice. I’ve been reading through Deuteronomy, and the Law of Moses is very heavy and full of curses, that, in itself is enough to depress a person. But, to add on top of that the current world affairs, and the situation with disease, makes it harder to write an uplifting message. 

There is good news in all of this, Jesus! He is our light at the end of the tunnel. He is our hope when all seems hopeless. He gives us something to look forward to if the world fails. He gives us strength to make it another day. He is our reward! Because of him, life is worth living, even during a hardship. Lift your eyes toward heaven, don’t look back to this evil world, you will only become dismayed. Our only hope is in Jesus, look to him, and be refreshed.

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:2-3

March 30

Being stuck at home makes me appreciate my love for gardening. The areas I have planted, the smell of jasmine, and gardenia, make me thankful for the time I spent digging and working the ground. The flowers are the exciting payoff for the time I spent doing what I love.

One of my friends from my hometown mentioned that she had helped a man pray to accept Jesus as his Savior; her time spent in God’s word, and in prayer, gave her the confidence to know when to pick that beautiful fruit. She was able to harvest a soul because his co-workers had invested time in prayer for him, but it took her confidence in the Holy Spirit to go beyond her comfort zone, and risk rejection. Fortunately, we can’t take credit for the salvation any more than we can take the blame for the rejection. 

Make it a point to begin digging into God’s Word. The more time you spend, the more confidence you will have in his power to guide you to bring others to know Jesus; after all, that is our mission.

Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. John 4:35-36

March 29

Beside my new home is a public, bayside park with tennis courts, a walk path, and mangroves. Of course, me being a sea shell collector, found a path through the mangroves out  into the water during low-tide, to see what I could find. As a rule, I seem to find more shells on the bayside. The water was only ankle deep, so my fear of sharks was dismissed, until I heard some splashing, and saw movement near me. Of course, I quickly moved away from the sound to observe it from a distance. That’s when I noticed that it was just a very large fish, a snook.

Later that evening, as I was walking my dogs, I saw what I thought was a dog off its leash, walking down the sidewalk; I became fearful when I noticed that it was a coyote, and quickly gather them up to protect them.

There is good in this world, like the fish, and there is evil, like the coyote. The key to living a life without fear, it to trust in the one who created it all. 

I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things. Isaiah 45:7

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 23:4

March 28

Do you like to watch mixed martial arts (MMA)? Even though it can sometimes be bloody, it's also quite exciting. In this sport, there is no mercy. A fighter could have their opponent's arm in a position to break it, and that's exactly what they are going to do. It is merciless! There is only one thing that they can do, and it's what could save their arm, and it is to tap out. It makes you cringe when you think that pride is getting in the way of them receiving mercy. When they can no longer take the pain, you'll see them give up and tap their challenger; then the fight is over. But, what if the underdog fails to tap? They will be shown no mercy, and it will be a long time before they can fight again because of that broken arm. As Christians, we are always to show mercy. How do you show someone mercy? Show them Jesus or they will face judgment where there will be no mercy. Doing this will allow them to tap out!

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13

Excerpt from Jesus Will Meet You In The River Swamp: A Devotional For The Followers of Christ - March 28

March 27

Stay at home! For an introvert, this is a welcomed relief, but to an extrovert, it’s like being held captive in your own home. With all the people who are terribly sick, and hearing of many passing away, it’s the least we can do to prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus, and other diseases. We will all be healthier for it. Passover and Easter are coming, use this as a time of rest, and renewal, but also as a time to worship our Creator, who will ultimately be the one who sends protection for you against such disease. If you get it, pray for a mild case, consider that as your protection too. We may all have a bit of of obsessive-compulsively when this is all over, as we become mindful of the surfaces we touch, and the people we come in contact with. Remember, the Lord said that we are to follow the law of the land, and I expect that you will follow God’s word. Pray over the entrances of your home, windows, and doorways, anoint them with oil, so that no plague will enter your home. Read Psalms 91 out loud inside your home, so the devil will flee from you. 

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

March 26

Over the past few days, we have been moving, painting, decorating, and settling into our new home. Though it is exciting, it is also exhausting. Thankfully, I was encouraged by the Holy Spirit to hunt and gather the things I needed for this transition more than two months ago, or I would have had to wait because of the current situation with this virus. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to tune into his voice so we stay out of trouble. If you get a feeling that you shouldn’t go here, or should stay away from there, don’t go, it may be a warning; no one wants to become ill. If you get a desire to get certain things accomplished, do not neglect that feeling. The Holy Spirit is soft spoken, and will nudge you, but won’t force you. 

As an example; we were supposed to have cable installed, but were never given a time. When the technician didn’t show up early in the day, my husband knew something was wrong. Sure enough, our order had been canceled by mistake. If he hadn’t called to get a time, we would still be looking at a blank television screen. Jesus told us that he would give us a Helper to be with us, make sure you are listening carefully to him.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17

March 25

My view is a little different this morning; I’m getting a bit of a late start and the noise of traffic is breaking my usual peaceful surroundings. But God, in his amazing love, is still giving me tidbits of his creation to enjoy. Over the sound of traffic, I can still hear the seagulls laughing as they look for their morning bite to eat, and I saw a flock of pelicans changing locations to increase their chances of finding their next big catch. The light glistening off the water, and the sun reflecting the sand on the beach, remind me of how great God is. Wherever you find yourself today, be grateful for the reminders of God’s love for you. How can we complain when he’s giving us rest?  Let him work out the details of things to come; he loves us and will never fail us or let us down. 

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— " Ephesians 2:4-5

March 24

What is grace? It is free and unmerited favor. Look at the order of things God has set in place to bring you to where you are now. If you're currently going through a hardship, it will pass, and you will see that it was by God's grace that you managed to get through it. I know that it's not easy to look back, and just like everyone, there are some things in my life that I would rather forget too. But, even in those difficult times, I can see a silver lining and a piece of the plan God had for my future. When King David was just a shepherd, he didn't know that the difficulties in his life would lead to him becoming a great King, but he used every trial as a testimony. What are the things that led to your salvation, and how is He using you now? Everything you have gone through is your testimony of God's grace, and He will use it to help bring others to salvation. So, don't forget to share your testimony.

"Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:39

From Jesus Will Meet You In The River Swamp - March 24

March 23

Don’t be afraid. Never have we seen a time where we couldn’t gather to worship, or a time when we couldn’t enjoy one another’s company. I see revival coming! When the enemy blocks believers from meeting together as a community, the desire for God becomes stronger. Because we are commissioned to go into the world, we must seek other ways to reach the unsaved. Now is the time, there is a harvest coming, and workers are in short supply. People who wouldn’t otherwise reach out to God, suddenly fear his retribution, and are seeking his forgiveness. The world is turning to him, and asking for his help, in the hope that he will hear them and intervene. God turns his face away from the sinner, and their only way to communicate with him is through those of us hidden in Christ. Just as a reminder, we are all sinners, but as Christ followers, we can reach out to God because he sees Jesus covering us. You were placed on this earth for such a time as this. Help those who are afraid by intervening on their behalf; also pray for their salvation.

"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