August 27

I was on the interstate in Tampa yesterday, and the traffic came to an abrupt stop. My only concern was stopping quick enough, so I didn’t hit the car in front of me. Seconds later, I see a semi-truck swerving to go around me because I don’t even think he hit the brakes; he went speeding past me. An immediate sense of thankfulness washed over me because I realized God had protected me from possible death. My time was not up! Thank goodness. We do not control our birth nor our death; when your time is up, nothing is going to stop God from bringing you home. You have no control of your ending! Don’t live your life in fear; have faith that you are in God’s hands and on his time. You need only to make sure you have accepted Jesus as your savior, to secure your eternity with him.

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.1 Thessalonians 4:14

August 26

Occasionally, I will broach a cringe-worthy subject; today is one of those days. There is a problem across the world that you do not hear leaders discussing, and that is a crying shame. Children are being snatched and trafficked worldwide, and it seems to be happening in countries that have open borders like the USA. Children get separated from their parents, never to be seen again because they are being kidnapped and used in the sex trade industry. I can’t even imagine what is happening to their minds or if they will come out of it alive. I can tell you this, the crimes of these sick people will not go unpunished; they are pure evil! Man cannot do to the bodies or minds of these criminals what they deserve; only God can avenge the lives of these precious ones. God has a special place in his heart for children, and anyone who has harmed them will face things that you and I could never imagine, and they deserve it! Pray that this evil ends soon and that children can be children again.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 1 Thessalonians 4:3

that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 1 Thessalonians 4:6

August 25

Last night, I finished putting together the thank you gifts for my niece’s wedding shower on Saturday. Some extraordinary ladies in my hometown got together to honor her and her fiancé with an elegant party, and they invited me to participate. I live an hour away, so I had to think of a way to do my part, and putting together a sweet little gift was the least I could do. But, what motivated these ladies to spring into action? My motivation was that she is my family, so of course, I’m excited to get involved because I love her. Maybe it was God  who called on them to honor his beautiful daughter as she prepares to marry the man of her dreams. Whatever the motivation, it is commendable, and I pray God multiplies their blessings in heaven. As Christ-followers, let us be encouraged to offer the Father thanksgiving on behalf of those eager to help others, even in this case. Their participation will not go unnoticed, and I thank God for them. 

For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 1 Thessalonians 3:9

August 24

Yesterday, I posted a very long devotional. In my heart, I know people won’t read it because it’s not short and sweet, but I’m okay with that. When God began a work in me to step outside my comfort zone and use my voice and words to help bring the “saved” to salvation, I didn’t ask him how he would do it or what I was to say. I rely on him to speak to me, and I follow his voice for cues to what he wants me to reveal. 

I do not write in the afternoon; it’s always before nine in the morning. So late Sunday afternoon, the Holy Spirit came upon me suddenly, and I began to write about true freedom in Christ. Hence the post from yesterday being unusually long. I asked for this assignment many years ago, and when he tells me to do something or not do something, I obey. When my post doesn’t get read, it’s of no concern to me; it’s God’s job to bring whoever he wants to hear. Though I do like it read, ultimately, it’s for God’s glory, not mine. Thanks for reading, my fellow evangels; it takes all of us to bring salvation to the world.

For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

August 23

Today’s post is long. Consider saving it for later if you don’t have time to read right now.

God’s idea of freedom is different than yours. Here is a list of reasons you may not be free:

1. You are still looking at your past with regret. You’ve made mistakes, and you cannot forgive yourself.

2. You blame others for your failure. 

3. You still hold your oppressors responsible for your condition. God will avenge you.

4. You are still making the same mistakes you made before you accepted Jesus.

5. You are held hostage by past trauma. You dwell on it and continue to relive it over and over in your mind.

6. You don’t move past rejection.

7. You make others responsible for your happiness. Only you can control your feelings.

8. You are fearful. Fear will paralyze you. False Evidence Appearing Real.  Fear is what we see in the news today. Take a break from the news.

9. You have little faith that your life will get better.

10. You reminisce about what could have been rather than moving on with what God has given you.

There are more, but that’s all I have for now.

Here are some ideas that will help you free your mind.

Pray and ask God how you are being held captive, then write down everything that comes to mind... even what doesn’t make sense. He will fill you in on the details as you begin praying about what he told you. I did this on the fly; I prayed, he answered, and I handled it with him then and there. Praying like this works well when on a long and lonely drive. It may be a good idea to ask God to give you recollection of any childhood trauma or events. Ask him to teach you how your life was shaped because of any issues he reveals. When you think you’ve unlocked all the chains, he will bring more things to mind, and that’s how you’ll know you’re on the right path. But remember, this is not a one-and-done type of prayer. It can take months to become free. You can only accomplish this through continuous prayer and a passionate relationship with the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

Just in case you think you don’t have any chains, you do. I didn’t know I had any, and when God started bringing things into my mind, I bawled like a baby. I can’t tell you how incredible it feels to be free, but you won’t know unless you make it a point to work on yourself. 

Word of warning, it will make you question everything. You will be set free from all the lies you’ve been taught or thought! Your mind will be free, because God will open your eyes.

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

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 4:8

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

August 22

It’s sad to watch someone you helped lead to Christ turn back to their old ways. It makes you wonder if their conversion was genuine or if they became like the prodigal son that Jesus mentioned in the gospels who eventually turned around and came back. Whatever the case is, you cannot live their lives for them, but you can count on the promise that he will not lose even one. What then do we do? Rest assured that if the Holy Spirit drew them in, it would be he that brings them back. Don’t become overly concerned, but reach out to God and intercede for them, and leave the outcome to him. Ultimately, it is God who chooses; you are only the vessel he works through. God’s word will fall into place, and the truth will be revealed to them and brought into the light for them to see. You will then see a change of heart; they will be happy to return and ashamed that they ever turned away from him. Wait for it; it will happen.

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 1 Thessalonians 3:5

August 21

The red tide has almost disappeared from our beach location, so we decided to take the weekend and rest there. I saw the full moon last night and watched the sunrise this morning; both give me such peace. Sometimes I get so distracted by the things happening in the world that I forget to take a break from it, though not forgetting to pray for my fellow Christians facing challenges. We must be diligent and pay attention to what is going on, like the watchman on the wall, but not overcome by it. Rest is an essential part of ministry; you cannot give if you have nothing left. It’s Saturday, the Sabbath; use today to rest and rejuvenate.

Remember, we are not the target of God’s wrath; we are safe and at rest in Jesus.

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

August 20

If you go back and look at all the old videos of war, they look like bad movies. It makes you wonder if any of it is real. What if the things they’ve been telling us in fictional films are truth, and what we believe to be true is a lie? Doesn’t this make for confused minds? Who is the master of confusion? I can tell you who it isn’t, God. I believe he has allowed it to continue, waiting for the perfect moment, when it’s time for his perfect plan to fall into place, and then he will reveal the truth without the enemy's confusion. Though it may seem like the world is falling apart, I believe it’s falling into place. Allow your anxiousness to settle, and have confidence that it is God who controls the outcome. God loves us and will give us the strength to endure. Have faith in him. 

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

August 19

After living in the Tampa area for over thirty-five years, I thought my southern accent was gone. I’m a country girl, born in Wauchula, in the center of Florida, so there is no getting away from having a southern drawl if you live there. Then yesterday, I was getting paint at Home Depot, and the guy in that department, who was obviously flirting, asked me if I was from Texas. I can’t tell you how thankful I was to have someone ask me that! That probably means my accent is much stronger than I imagined. We have so many northern transplants, plus a prominent Spanish and Italian population in Tampa; I was sure I had picked up on their accent. I’m married to a man who is both Spanish and Italian, who was born in Tampa but is as country as you can get.

We all have an upbringing that follows us around, whether northern, southern, or from another country, but as followers of Christ, our past is securely hidden within him. Through the Holy Spirit, we become transformed into his likeness, without losing ourselves, just like me moving to the city, but not losing my southern accent. In other words, you can become transformed into the likeness of Christ without losing your identity because you don’t want to appear fake. You want others to be able to recognize you, but see the change Jesus has made in your life. Lose the bad, but keep the good!

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

August 18

I don’t think we completely understand what is going on in Afghanistan. There are a lot of moving parts, and many countries are involved. If there is one thing we have learned over the past few years, the media is the propaganda machine of the communist party. We are not going to hear the complete truth from them. Whatever the truth is, we know we have fellow Christians who are there and maybe in trouble, so we need to cry out to God on their behalf. Pull your sword out of its sheath and go into battle for our sisters and brothers in Christ and those who are innocent in this situation. It’s time to armor up! Let’s slay the enemy the only way we know how, prayer! Not just any kind of prayer, travailing prayer!

If you haven’t read Habakkuk, read it! It sounds a lot like our complaint about justice today. God gives us an excellent answer to our complaints. He will not delay.

Habakkuk’s complaint, in part:

You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? Habakkuk 1:13

God’s answer, in part:

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:3-4

August 17

On Saturday, we had a feeder band from tropical storm Fred pass by. Though we didn’t get much activity from Fred, this one came with a gust of wind that caught my umbrella, turned over my table, and shatter the glass into a million pieces all over my patio! I knew the glass top was heavy when it was whole but didn’t think about it being as heavy when shattered! However, it did make it easier to carry. 

If you are under the impression that your minor sins aren’t as bad as someone else’s big sin, you are probably wrong. Though it might feel easier to carry than the weight of some of the most egregious crimes, God still sees it. One tiny lie, like the shards of glass, has the same penalty as heavier sins, like the glass tabletop. Our only source of help is Jesus. Thankfully, we are hidden in his righteousness and washed clean. Make sure you are repentant and asking for forgiveness daily so you aren’t weighed down with the burden of your sin.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2

August 16

I get caught on a verse and can’t move on to the next book. Colossians 4 is a final greeting to the church, and I’m finding it hard to extrapolate anything I can expand upon to use in my devotionals. So, for the last few days, I’ve used others. However, there is one verse that I find interesting, and that is Colossians 4:16:

“And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.”

Where is the letter to the Laodiceans? Is it lost? Did the “powers that be” decide that it wasn’t divinely inspired, so they did away with it? There was a lot of guessing going on when I looked it up to see what might have happened to it. Was the text purposefully hidden? It makes you wonder.

There are other books the Bible mentions that we don’t have access to, or they haven't been found; where are they? Some books mentioned are available, but are not considered divinely inspired, but are full of good information to help fill in historical gaps. Whatever the case may be, there is enough text included in the Bible to keep us fed, and most people haven’t even read that. God may be the only one to hold the answers, and that’s okay.

Stay curious, my friends!

August 15

My dogs get up early, so I take them out the front door to tinkle, so they don’t wake up the neighbors. But because my neighbors have cats that like to roam through our yard, I have a hard time containing them to the front, and nearly every morning, they run to the back yard, barking on a trail. Is it my dog’s fault if my neighbors are awakened by the barking or their cat’s fault for wandering through my yard? My dogs protect their yard from intruders; they are only doing what they are supposed to do. The cats are trespassing. Everyone gets mad when dogs bark, but it’s the cat that has given reason for the disturbance. 

Don’t get mad when other Christ-followers sound the alarm to try and awaken the sleepers. The enemy has been dancing in our yard and leaving his scent all over the place. We have allowed him to run rampant through our streets, and now it seems too late to stop him; the damage has been done, and we are powerless. However, we have a mighty force leading us in the way of righteousness, and it is he whom we must depend. Continue to ramp up your prayer for our country and the people worldwide, and sound the alarm to wake up the sleepers. All warriors are needed on the battlefield, stat! Don’t crush the spirit of those who are barking; that may be the only warning you get.

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12

August 14

We who love Jesus will always be at odds with Satan and his minions. They are all clothed in unrighteousness, and their deeds are now public for all to see, but do you see them? Only those who have sourced other media outlets will know the truth. At this point, I seldom peruse the newsfeed of Facebook because of the deletion of posts of those on the “right.” However, much is happening that is tearing down the enemy's strongholds; the propaganda news won’t be able to contain it much longer. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, left or right, our freedom of speech is in jeopardy. However, an underground movement is becoming immensely powerful, and proof of fraudulent behavior and misdeeds is starting to become apparent. The news about this movement is purposefully suppressed. When such as this happens, the strength of God’s people becomes evident. Those leading this underground movement are all followers of Christ, and the enemy is working overtime to contain their efforts. However, what God has set in motion cannot be stopped! Stay focused on Jesus, and in time everyone will see the truth. We, with God’s strength, are winning!

Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! Psalms 40:14

August 13

 

We are nearing the end of our building project. I have spent the last couple of days cleaning floors and helping get the units ready to rent. My husband has worked very hard to build and ready these homes for occupation. He is a hands-on builder and has run this project like a well-oiled machine. As it comes to an end, all I can say is, “thank goodness!” Because he needs a rest. 

Opportunity awaits when we begin to usher in new tenants and show them the love of Jesus through our actions and mannerisms. God has blessed us and made us partners in business for nearly our entire marriage, and we each have our roles to fulfill. Our lives as Christ-followers are very similar in that Jesus partners with us to build his kingdom. He made the ultimate sacrifice to save us from destruction, rebuilding his body, the Temple, in 3 days when he was raised from the dead, and we are to tell others what he did for us. Similarly, my husband has sacrificed his time to build, and I am the one who handles the leases and gets them signed and moved, just like our role as Christians to help move as many people as we can towards Jesus and give them a new lease on life. Today, look for ways you can fulfill the great commission by partnering with Jesus.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:5-6

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15

August 12

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20 

Joseph said this to his brothers as a way of forgiving them of their malicious deeds against him. We are waiting for a happy ending like this, but the story is not over yet. We are like Joseph’s family, suffering from famine, but we are waiting for Jesus to call us to him to receive his mercy and for him to feed and clothe us. When we become hungry enough, we will seek his sustenance; he will feed us, and we will no longer be hungry, and he will give us a drink, and we will no longer be thirsty. And like Joseph, Jesus will forgive us and welcome us into his kingdom. He will clothe us in the finest attire and give us the choicest of meat and grain; this is our hope and why we trust him with our lives. The world means evil against us, but God has intended it for good. Guess who prevails? Though it may seem like hope is lost, don’t give up; our hope is in Jesus, not man. Those spurred on by evil have dark days ahead of them. But for us, the victory is ours! As the old song goes, “Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever.”

August 11

If you lost everything you owned, what would you have? Well, it seems that you would have nothing, but because you have Jesus, you have gained the world! 

I’ve been tossing this thought around the last couple of days, and I believe it’s because the Holy Spirit has brought it to my attention. I’m pretty spoiled with the lifestyle I live and the possessions I have and would like to think it’s because of Jesus. However, the Bible clearly states that we build our treasures in heaven. I know Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and many others were quite wealthy with earthly possessions, so I’m not saying it’s wrong to have them; those men were wholeheartedly devoted to God, but what if you lost everything you owned, would you still be joyful? Have you cultivated a strong enough relationship with Jesus to be satisfied living this earthly life only possessing what you have built in your heart with him? I know that I’m forcing your minds to go deep today, but I think it’s time we evaluate our lives beyond the surface and see if they can stand up next to what the Bible teaches us. It’s not about possessions; it’s about cultivating a life worthy of Jesus and loving him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

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

August 10

The next few days could be critical in the fight to save our country, and ultimately the world. God has put into place mighty men and women who are not afraid to put their lives on the line and even their livelihoods. One guy in particular, whom God delivered from drug addiction, became a business success and has used it to further the kingdom of God. He is a modern-day disciple, an unlikely choice to bring about the message of salvation in Jesus. He is vocal and doing everything in his power, given to him by God, to make sure our republic continues to stand. Today, Mike Lindell begins a three-day symposium to reveal proof of nefarious deeds in our el**tion. He is so confident that he has evidence that he is offering $4,000,000 to anyone who can prove him wrong. What’s funny is, right in the middle of it is the national emergency alert. It makes you wonder if it was planned by the bad guys or the good guys. I guess we will soon find out. I just wanted to make you aware because many things go unreported that are important for us to know. Pray for Mike Lindell; he is a warrior for Jesus and is fighting for our freedom.

On another note: pray for the people of Australia. They are now under military and police control and completely locked down. They are afraid and need help.

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. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:23-25

August 9

We must commit to staying together as one. At every turn, the evil one is pushing division. The only division acceptable is good versus Satan and his demons; make sure you’re on the right side! What’s incredible is that it’s happening all over the world. People are pushing back against the most heinous betrayal of trust ever imagined. It’s obvious the powers and principalities are up to no good and are trying to kill off the majority of the people. If they don’t get us with illness, then they are trying with the solution. Three letter organizations once trusted have now become the enemy of the people. However, they forgot about God! He’s not going to stand by and watch as his people become defeated because of their ridiculous idea. They have gotten the notion that there are too many people using up the earth’s resources. Who made them the gatekeeper? We must stand together as one in the name of Jesus and fight back. Don’t give up, and don’t give in! Stand firm under the power of the Holy Spirit. When the wrecking ball begins to dismantle the strongholds of Satan, there will be peace on earth! 

Please come, Lord Jesus. Your people are crumbling in fear. Strengthen us for this unusual war. Have the floodgates of tribulation opened? Are we fighting the battle of Armageddon in the heavenly realm? Please do not allow the enemy to take us out! We can see a thousand years of peace just beyond the next hill! We are confident in you and know you would never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for strengthening us and for being our King and commander. We will do our best to follow orders. Amen.

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:11-13

August 8

 

A few months ago, I began making snacks for my dogs. I used to buy them chicken jerky until I found out part of the reason my dog was having stomach trouble was because of chicken. Who knew that a dog could be allergic to chicken? Thanks go to my niece for waking me up to the idea. Now, once every few weeks, I make them dry sliced beef for their snacks.

It amazes me the things you can accomplish when you begin thinking for yourself and explore options outside the ordinary. My dog is five years old, and he’s had this issue for his entire life! Not even one veterinarian suggested he might have an allergy to chicken; I know they can’t know everything, but they should have given me the idea to eliminate certain food products until I figured out what was causing his issue. Poor baby had been dealing with his sensitive stomach for his entire life. Instead of helping, they prescribed him an expensive dog food containing the very thing that caused him trouble.

It’s time for all of us to begin thinking for ourselves and consider that the items we consume may be leading to our health issues. We must carefully weigh the risks associated with what we put into our bodies because ultimately, it’s up to us to take our health seriously. Veterinarians know animals and doctors know humans. If my vet could miss such a simple solution to my dog's problem, I can guarantee that a doctor can miss diagnosing your problems. Do your research, consider a different web browser, one that doesn’t suppress or filter the information you receive. My favorite is DuckDuckGo. It’s time we all begin to think for ourselves and use the brain God gave us.