July 20

Just as everyone else, I’ve resigned myself to staying at home rather than venturing out, appearing in public only when necessary. This season has been hard for most people, being we are a very active society. We don’t know the mind of God or why he decided this to be, but I’m sure he has a lesson in all of it. Do we curse God and die, as Job’s wife suggested for him to do, or do we continue to trust in God, and wait for the reward for standing firm in our faith? I’ve decided to count my blessings during this time of pause, and notice the things God has given me, especially when he has given me things that I never prayed for but longed for in my heart. It gives me confirmation that he knows me, and fulfills my desires, even without me asking. Stop dwelling on the negative, turn your heart to see your blessings.

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Job 2:9-10

July 19

I’ve just started reading Job, and I’m already coming to you with a warning. God is in control! I know what you’re thinking, God being in control is a good thing, and I agree, but he also controls Satan.

And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Job 1:8

God allowed Satan to be unleashed on Job to test his loyalty. The more I see about the filthiness going on behind the scenes, with pedophilia and the involvement of prominent people, including government officials, and famous actors, I believe God released Satan upon America. It’s a wonder we have stood as long as we have. If these reports are accurate, then we have failed the test miserably! As a whole, we’ve turned a blind eye to this evil and have allowed it to continue, and if God decides to destroy us for being complacent, how could you blame him. These people may only be a small segment of our society, but like a toothache, it affects the whole body. I pray that God spares us and that all of these sick people are brought into the light, and punished for their failings.

July 18

“For such a time as this.” The famous line in the book of Esther that people recite whenever they feel the need to be bold and make a stand for what is right in the eyes of God, though it may not be popular in the eyes of others. Are we living in this day and age for a reason? Have we been called, like Esther was, to stand for what we believe is right? The Jews were to be annihilated in Persia because Mordecai had irritated one person who was high ranking in the king's palace, Haman, and he put out an edict for all Jews to be killed on a particular day in the future so that he could kill Mordecai. Mordecai sent word to Esther, and she put her life on the line by going before the king without being called, to plead for the lives of her people, which was against the rules, even though she was the queen. There is a lot more to this story and many lessons to be learned, but the best part is that the king had mercy on Esther and the Jews because she was bold and stood up for what was right. Are you standing in the shadows shivering in fear, or do you feel called by God for such a time as this? If we don’t stand firm for what is right, we could lose everything that others have fought so hard for, paving the way for our freedom. 

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

July 17

I was watching a wasp as it flew into my screened enclosure, I was sitting there with the door opened so my dogs could go into the yard. Even though it was hot, I was enjoying the outdoors and doing a little reading. Not really paying attention, something else came flying by, and I was sure it was that wasp. By the time I figured out that it wasn’t the wasp, and that it was just a moth, I almost killed myself trying to get away from it, and the moth nearly ended up dead. Doesn’t that sound like fear versus fact? Over and over, fear is shouted, so when the truth comes sauntering along, we don’t recognize it because our minds are set the be fearful. The truth might hurt, but we are better off knowing it, rather than believing the lies fear presents. If we are lucky, the truth is as harmless as a moth. In this day and age, we need to be in communication with the Holy Spirit and ask him to clarify what is truth and what is a lie. There is so much propaganda being shouted that we can’t navigate through it without his help. Ask God to reveal the truth; he wants you to be well informed and will lead you to the answer.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 1 Peter 3:12-14

July 16

I’m not sure if I’m curious, or defiant, but I want to know why things are done, especially when it comes to religion, I want to know why we do what we do. Why do we close our eyes when we pray? Why do we raise our hands in praise? Why do we bow our heads? Some preachers, including one of my favorite preachers, Steven Furtick, has his congregation stand when he reads the word of God, why? I had all those questions answered today, except the closing of our eyes when we pray; I still haven’t found the answer to that one; I’ve found good reasons for doing it, like helping you maintain your focus, but nothing biblical. The rest of the questions are summed up in a couple of verses from Nehemiah. 

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:5-6

That’s not all! While Ezra read the book of the law, there were others throughout the congregation, appointed to explain what the scripture meant so that it was understood by everyone. That is why we have preachers, and teachers. God is so good! He never wanted anyone to be left out for lack of understanding. Isn’t this interesting?

July 15

Is the Book of Nehemiah a type of prophecy, or reflection of what the United States are going through? The similarities are striking; literally and figuratively! The building of the wall, and the repairing of the gates could be very comparable. The anger of outsiders watching, and jeering, to the point of needing to arm ourselves, as we continue to make way, while trying to bring back the glory of what we once were before greed, and immorality overtook our government. Even the picture of our own countrymen working against us, trying to discourage us and stop the work of rebuilding. This is happening in our country, as well as what happened in Nehemiah’s time. The work must resume! We must not allow those who intend to tear our country apart, to gain control of our government again. This fight is not over, we must continue to work with a sword in one hand, ready for battle if needed. Do not get discouraged, our God is fighting for us, and we will prevail!

And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. Nehemiah 4:14-15

July 14

For years we’ve gone to work and wished we were at home, but now that we’ve been home for months, we wish we were back at work. Have you ever looked at this and thought that maybe God had given us what we asked for? He stopped people from working, deflated the economy, and gave the world a Sabbath rest. Maybe God is repaying those who have paid too much in taxes, and he’s leveling the playing field by giving out stimulus money. Whatever the case may be, God is involved, you can bet your last breath on it! God is in the middle of everything, good, or bad. No matter how far you run, you can’t get away from him, he is omnipresent. If we want the world to stop bleeding, we have to turn to him, and beg for his mercy. Christian friends, we must pray that God have mercy on the world. He listens. Speak up!

What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— Romans 9:22-23

July 13

Many of my neighbors and friends don’t understand why we would move into a smaller, middle unit, in our townhouse community. Some people don’t even understand why we would live in a townhouse at all! Here is where my quirks are fully displayed! I like the things around me to be perfectly pristine, and beautifully manicured. I grew up in the country where there were no rules, and you could display whatever you want, right out in the front yard, including toilets, and tractors. That’s okay if you like that sort of thing, and the freedom to do whatever you please, but that kind of thing grinds my nerves. As far as moving into our middle unit townhouse, I couldn’t be happier! Yes, it is sandwiched between two other homes, but the layout, the protective nature of being in the middle, and especially my enclosed yard with a fence, gives protection to my little dogs when they go outside, and it makes this the home I love the most. It checks off all my boxes! Plus, I get to make changes to it that suit my own taste. This is a picture of ministry! The thing that is ideal for me, may not be ideal for you! God creates in us a nature that leads us into his perfect plan, which won’t look the same as someone else. We need to cover a lot of different areas of life to be able to reach all different kinds of people. Relax, it’s not about how it looks, it’s about who you bring to Jesus. So, whether you minister from a mansion, or from an apartment, God will make good use of whatever you do, you can count on it!

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function," Romans 12:4

July 12

The house we moved to had no grass, it was all landscaping plants, and mulch, but my husband feels that he must have grass, I guess it’s a man thing. We raked out the mulch, and pulled up the plants, and laid sod, mind you, it’s not very much area, but at least he’s getting some grass. You wouldn’t think that grass could make a difference, but after he put down the sod, it seemed like the temperature cooled. It sure looks better getting the mulch out of there and bringing in something living, plus, it makes me happy having beautiful things around me. Sometimes you need to modify your actions, and move away from the ordinary. If you keep repeating yourself, but you aren’t getting the results you want, change it up. A small alteration can make a considerable difference. I have prayed the Lord’s Prayer daily, nearly my entire life, now I’ve improved it a bit, and added other scriptures. Before I ever begin studying the Bible, I pray the scriptures. I encourage you to add God’s words to your prayers; it’s like raking up the mulch, and laying down grass, it adds something living to your prayer life.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:7-13

July 11

My dad is a cattleman, and decided to feed out a steer to slaughter, and have his meat ground into hamburger. By the time all was said and done, we each got about 150 pounds of hamburger! It was too much for me and Richard, so I distributed some of it to my children. Now all their freezers are full. I love that my parents are still taking care of us, and are now providing for their grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

When King Josiah reinstated the Passover, though he wasn’t as wealthy as King David, Solomon, or Jehoshaphat, it is said that he slaughtered more livestock than any of them, and gave sacrifices for the poor to offer. Then they shared in the feast. Did you know that when you share your love for Jesus with others, you are sharing the feast? Jesus is our Passover lamb. He is the bread of life, the living water, and is what our souls need to survive. As parents, we provide for our children's sustenance, but as believers, we provide living food for the soul, which is Jesus.

Then Josiah contributed to the lay people, as Passover offerings for all who were present, lambs and young goats from the flock to the number of 30,000, and 3,000 bulls; these were from the king's possessions. 2 Colossians 35:7

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35

July 10

Hezekiah was a good king, but his son Manasseh was a bad king, and undid every good thing his father had done for the kingdom of God in Judah. After he was taken captive in Babylon, he prayed and God heard his voice, and forgave him. Then he began to try and turn things back around in his kingdom. This story made me think that the chronicles of the kings, might be a picture of the different types of people who come to know Jesus. Some start out good, then go bad, only to return to being good. Then there are those who were never good to begin with, but repent before it’s too late, like Manasseh. David was mostly good, but made a few mistakes. Others try to gain power without submitting to God. Each king has a story, and if we look closely, we may be able to see patterns that mimic our own life as either believers, or non-believers. The truth is, each of us has a story, a testimony that needs to be heard, because people are struggling out there, and need to know there is hope and forgiveness for them. Don’t hide your mistakes, flaunt them! They are now jewels in your crown because you overcame them. Other people need to hear your story so they too can overcome their past, and come to the realization that Jesus is the only way to redemption.

He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God. 2 Chronicles 33:13

July 9

Fear can strike at any moment, especially seeing all the turmoil in the world today. We can see the forces of evil taking over, which largely includes the media, and their one sided account of newsworthy events. Their constant bellowing reminds me of the boy who cried wolf too many times, so when there was a wolf, no one listened to him, which will happen to us if we don’t get a grip on our fear, and stop believing everything that comes out of the mouths of liars. Fear is a tool of the enemy, and not an attribute consistent with a believer. If you feel you are immune to falling for it because you are a believer, I assure you that I see your posts, and you are not. Should we wear a mask or not? Should we send the children back to school? Are we being overtaken by a conspirator? Should we immunize or not? All of these things are forms of fear. It’s like we have the army of the enemy encamped around us, and we are trembling over what is to come. If we stop the flow of the water, like Hezekiah did when the Assyrian army was preparing to attack Judah near their border, and realize where our help comes from, we will be successful in overtaking the enemy forces just like Hezekiah. What we are hearing are national stories that rarely affect us; as a matter of fact everything seems quite normal except for what we hear in the news, and the regulations being enforced. Stop panicking over the things you hear, and start believing in the word of the Lord!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

July 8

I’m convinced more than ever that there will be those who are confident of their salvation, that will end up hearing the words, “I never knew you!”. How sad is it that many think they can go on hating others, continue in their sin, and have an unrepentant heart, and still make it into heaven? Did they ever have Jesus? There will be a change within you, a striving for holiness, and a heart change. Anyone would be foolish to believe they are saved and continue doing their sinful deeds. It is the worst kind of deceit from the enemy; he has them right where he wants them, on the path to destruction. This is not the way Jesus wants those called by his name, to behave, and unless they repent and come to the Lord, and confess their sin, they will be shocked upon their death, or when they are left behind at the rapture. If you harbor hate, ask the Holy Spirit to begin a good work in you, to bring healing to your heart. If you believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, then you will be saved. They work together! No heart change, no salvation. It’s as simple as that.

"For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." Romans 10:10

July 7

I love to dig in the garden, although I pay the price of sore muscles, and achy bones, I still can’t resist! I ran into some trouble while digging; a tree root was blocking my way, and had I not removed it, I would have had a gap in my plantings. I got it started, and worked really hard to try and get it out, but it was so tough, that I needed help. Even though I was determined, my husband saw me struggling, and came to my rescue, and uprooted it. We can sometimes become consumed by things from our past, or even situations in our lives now, that cause us trouble, anger, or bitterness. They can become rooted deep within us, creating many issues that can stem from it. Some of the things that cause a deep root include fear, unbelief, trauma, or rejection. As a Christ follower, you cannot allow such things to linger; they will prevent you from living in the fullness of Jesus, and will prohibit your freedom in him. We must work diligently to overcome these tough roots, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into confession, and repentance. If we don’t deal with these issues successfully, our peace in Jesus will be disrupted. Today, work hard to dig out any root that might be causing you trouble.

"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;" Hebrews 12:15

July 6

The beach is calling me, but I still have a little bit to accomplish before I can go and spend time there. My patio is almost ready to enjoy. Once we finish with it, my house will be in almost perfect order, with a few exceptions that I can live with for now. I feel that way about myself, I have my house in order with the exception of a few things that I’ve learned to live with. One thing that I would like to overcome is freeing my tongue to speak openly in a public setting. I’m not afraid to be in front of people, but to be released from relying solely on notes. It’s much easier to write than to speak, because I can go back and perfect my writing, but open speaking, doesn’t give that option. If it is God’s will, it will happen, but for now, I’m satisfied with the voice he has given me. We are all a work in progress, don’t be too hard on yourself if you have things you want to accomplish, but aren’t there yet, some things happen with time; smaller experiences lead to bigger experiences. For example, I speak openly as a board member of my neighborhood, and it’s easy. When God is ready, he will release me to speak for him. The same thing can happen for you when your plan and God’s plan, match. Eventually he will release you into your calling. In the meantime, be patient with yourself, and accomplish small things that lead to your goal.

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 5

People who do not believe in our God, will probably not be helpful when it comes to prayer and fasting for our country, but it seems like President Trump should call for a fast to help us get past the issues we are facing. King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast when they were about to go against the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites. This was not a civil war, but a war against invaders. They went out into battle behind their praise team! Judah did not have to lift a finger, God gave them victory, because he was the one who fought for them! Could we receive a victory like this? I don’t see why not, President Trump meets regularly with his Christian advisors, has filled his cabinet with Christians, and seems to be trying to do what’s right in the eyes of the Lord. We need to see a victory in the turmoil affecting our country, so we can return to the peace we once had. Fasting and praying worked for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and I think it would work for our president. Pray with me today, that the advisors to President Trump would recommend that he declare a fast among the Christians, and that victory over the turmoil would be in the hands of God. Go into the Bible and read 2 Chronicles 20, and see if you agree that this could work.

And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.” And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22

July 4

I had such high hopes to show you how patriotic my neighborhood is, however the neighbor beside me decided that she should bring in a Pod on our weekend of celebrating Independence Day, and that messed up my perfect picture. Isn’t that the way it always is? For the first time, I’ve been able to use bunting to decorate, something I’ve wanted to do, but didn’t have a place to display them. Even though my perfect picture is a little skewed, I’m still very happy about my decorations. Not only that, but I started a trend, and many of my neighbors purchased bunting and are displaying their patriotism along with me. It looks like a Norman Rockwell poster, except for the Pod! 

We should never forget what our forefathers did to bring us freedom, they had to fight for it, and now we are living in relative peace. In those days, though they were not perfect men, they sought the Lord, and he allowed our country to prosper, and become the mighty force that it is today. Should we give that up because the enemy has overtaken a good portion of our country? I think not! We must rise up and seek the Lord with all our hearts, and pray once again for independence from those who intend to destroy us. We must not let the evil one receive more power. Pray that men and women of God are elected, and do what is right in his eyes.

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded, and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:1-2

July 3

As I sit in the living room of my new home, preparing a message, I’m aware of my surroundings, and the obvious noises. One thing I can’t get used to is the sound of the refrigerator, it makes a lot of racket! I’m relieved when it shuts off, but that’s not very often. It’s a loud humming noise that fills the room. It has a limited time to annoy me because we’ve ordered a new one. It works just fine, with the exception of the in-the-door water dispenser, but that noise is more than my nerves can handle. Could I have ever gotten used to the sound? Maybe, but right now my mind is focusing on it, and it seems to be getting louder, and louder! When I stop dwelling on the sound, and focus my attention on other things, I barely notice it, and it becomes background noise, and a non-issue. With everything going on today, the noise of worldly matters is overwhelming! Not only that, but disruptions in our personal lives may be humming extra loudly, causing us to lose focus on what is most important. When the sound becomes too disturbing, set your mind on other things. Leave the room if it becomes unbearable! Take a break from all of it! Change your mindset. Stop dwelling on the negative, and bring to light the good things.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

July 2

We have a drop-box for our tenants to use to place their rent money in, and it sits just outside a chain link fence with a gate. As I came upon it to pick up the checks, I saw a woman standing inside the gate taking pictures. I approached her to see if I could help. She explained that she didn’t know how to open the gate. I then gave her a lesson on how to open the gate; she thought she was locked in. I wonder why I encounter such weirdness, but then I’m reminded that there are great lessons to be found in such as this. Sometimes we become trapped by gates that are easily opened, but still can’t figure the way out. When I get anxious about a situation, my mind holds me captive and I begin pacing the fence like a trapped animal. I then get a hold of myself and remember to speak the name of Jesus; though saying his name is not some kind of magic pill or potion, it does have the power to calm you in the situation, and bring you enough peace so you can process your issues. There is something about bringing Jesus into the situation that gives you clarity, and reminds you that because of your trust in him, you need not worry because you have been set free, and he has the situation under his control. The gate is not locked, we just need to let Jesus show us how to open it.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

July 1

As part of the upgrade of the house we just moved into, we decided to seal the pavers that lead to the front door. Because of the very high humidity, the pavers are still sticky twenty-four hours later! The front door that was our main entry is now blocked, and we have to enter and exit through the garage. God is a front door God! You can only enter into his presence through the front, which is Jesus. Don’t try to enter through the garage, by the way of works, or good deeds, you will be denied entry. However, once you have entered into his presence through Jesus, your heart will explode if you don’t share him; we are compelled, and our heart breaks for those who are tormented by the enemy. Works before Jesus do you no good, like entering through the garage, it’s not allowed; but after Jesus, it becomes a way of life, and is not a burden, but a delight, and you get the glory of walking through the main entrance. Share Jesus with others every time you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you, we want to bring as many as we can, to know salvation through Jesus.

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

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