November 20

Does anyone else feel like we are going through a positive spiritual change? Almost like a turn of events. I’ve gotten my way a lot lately, and I feel like God is showering blessings on the people around me, which in turn, leads to a spiritual high. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, with Thanksgiving coming in a few days.

Take a moment and reflect on your life; count your blessings, and notice when God shows you preference; even if it’s something as simple as the barista getting your coffee precisely right. If you are struggling right now, I’m confident that you will begin to see positive changes coming your way because I feel like we are in the beginning stages of God pouring out blessings upon his people. A grateful attitude will go a long way toward positive changes in your life.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:32-34

November 19

Imagine being a new parent, concerned about having your baby killed by an oppressive regime; what would you do? By faith, Moses’s family kept him hidden until he was three months old, disregarding the king's edict. They took a chance that Pharaoh’s daughter would want to keep him, and she did! He was raised in the king’s palace and probably called him grandpa. In turn, Moses knew everything he needed to know about the king's lifestyle. The king didn’t know that Moses was placed there by God and would become his greatest downfall. 

Keep your faith! There are people in place throughout the world working on behalf of God to bring down the oligarchs who are becoming prosperous and more powerful from controlling every aspect of our lives. Miracles happen, but most of the time, God works his plan through people; that’s why you have to do what he calls you to do. If you get a hair-brained idea that is God-centered, you had better implement it for the greater good of God’s people, or he will call on someone else to do it. The Red Sea is parting, so be ready to walk through it, or you might get washed away like the Egyptians!

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. Hebrews 11:23

November 18

Even when you’re not confident in your prayers, God will answer them. There have been many occasions where I’ve prayed and heard crickets. After not getting an answer, I’ll ask Richard if he’s prayed about it; when he has said no, I would encourage him to pray. God answers his prayers!

My grandson can pray, and God almost always says yes!  

These aren’t flowery prayers, but they are sincere. When you pray, it doesn’t matter if the words you use are formal; remember that God is our Father, and he understands our cries, even when we lack the words. You don’t need a lot of faith for God to answer your prayers; only a mustard seed. 

Here is a reminder of the definition of faith: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16

November 17

The heroes of the past were the ones who resisted the edicts of the tyrants and fought against oppression. There are ways to fight back without getting involved; look at what Noah did.

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7

He was the original “conspiracy theorist!” He did what was necessary to save his household by following the orders of God. He didn’t mix in with the vulgarity of the people but prepared for the wrath of God that would come against them. The situation wasn’t ideal. Imagine how much work it must have been caring for all those animals; feeding and cleaning up after them was probably a lot of work, and imagine the smells. However, they endured, followed the commands of God, and lived. I guess life will become uncomfortable for us too, but in the end, he will save us. God will clean the earth of the evil tyrants and straighten up their unrighteous deeds. You can count on it!

November 16

I’m not much of a shopper unless I’m looking for something specific. I went to a few thrift stores looking for a cheap Christmas tree that I could set up outside, but they all wanted too much money for them; I guess I was expecting something close to nothing for an old beat-up tree. Then I went to The Salvation Army; they didn’t have a tree either, but what I did find was someone’s inheritance, and I got it for what I was expecting the tree to cost! 

A wealthy older woman’s entire collection of fur coats was on full display, and they were in perfect condition. I am now the owner of a full-length mink coat and a full-length fox coat for a total cost of $50! There are so many points I could bring out from this story; like this, someone called me a voice in the wilderness the other day, well, now I have the skins like John the Baptist, even though it’s not camel, but that’s not the point I am making today. The message is about the bougie inheritance we are to receive because of Jesus. The promised gift that others have thrown away, we have accepted and know its value. Focus intensely on what God is giving you as your inheritance and remember that Jesus had to die for us to be able to claim it, but wait; there’s more; he’s alive and is coming back and will not delay! 

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; Hebrews 10:35-37

November 15

Some pieces of the puzzle just fell into place for me this morning, and I didn’t know they were missing! I had a light bulb moment! 

When someone dies with a will, their valuables are distributed as they proclaimed in the legal document. The will is no good until they die. The beneficiaries, likely family and others close to the deceased, receive those valuables. Individuals at odds with the person probably won’t make it into a will. 

Here are my observations:

Because we love Jesus, we have our names written in the Lambs Book of Life; if you didn’t accept Jesus as your Savior, why would you think he would include you in his will? That’s why everyone doesn’t go to Heaven. 

Jesus wrote the will, and upon his death, we received eternal life with him. 

He was able to give eternal life to us because he is God and has that authority. However, it wasn’t until he died that we received our inheritance. Hence the reason for a blood sacrifice; someone must die to activate the will. 

Since he came back to life, he is now the attorney who is mediating the will.

This whole thing makes so much more sense to me now. I must go back and read everything in this new light of understanding. It makes me wonder where I’ve been this whole time. 

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. Hebrews 9:15-17

November 14

After taking a trip on the interstate from Florida to Georgia and back again, from what I could see, the truckers are trucking; not just a few, but so many that it was dangerous being in a smaller vehicle. With what we hear on the news, you would think that the roads would be clear. The last time I saw empty shelves in the stores I shop in was at the beginning of the “pandemic,” but they are full right now. We may not be getting a lot of shipments of junk from China, but something is getting delivered in all those trucks! Please don’t believe everything you hear; some of it is to cause panic buying. 

There is a shortage, but it is a shortage of the truth. How much longer are we going to bear with the lies coming from television and social media? Reality is mixed in with lies to confuse. Believe what you see with your own eyes, but be careful of that too; some things are illusions. Question everything, and weigh it against the truth of God’s Word.

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

November 13

The devil is out in the open because we, as Christ-followers, are too quiet! If more Christians would speak out against the atrocities we are seeing today; maybe he would go back into hiding. Unfortunately, too many are afraid of being ostracized for telling the truth. There are no longer “conspiracy theories,” just conspiracies! Go ahead, and keep sticking your head in the sand as if nothing is happening, and you and your family will suffer the consequences of your inaction. 

I don’t want to believe what I’m hearing is true either; I only wish all of it would go away, but it is not, and it’s only getting worse. We are part of a big scheme for power and control, which leads to the need to depopulate; the fewer people there are, the easier they are controlled. For this reason, the devil has enlisted musicians, celebrities, politicians, and even preachers to get the word out about their schemes. Be wise as serpents and as gentle as doves, but don’t fall for the lies! Use your brain and the discernment he gave you when you received the Holy Spirit. We must work together for the cause of Christ, or the devil will continue with his plan for domination.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:16-20

November 12

Richard and I traveled to South Georgia to attend the precious wedding ceremony of someone I love. It was nice to get away, even though it was only for the night. We stayed in a brand new Courtyard by Marriott in the downtown area of Thomasville. Everything seemed perfect; the bed was comfortable, the room temperature was suitable, but I could not sleep. 

When we first got to the room, I noticed, right beside the Bible, was the Book of Mormon, almost as if it carried the same weight as the Bible. I picked it up and read it but only got through the introduction because the Holy Spirit reminded me of whom it originated. I should have known better than to open up the counterfeit because I’ve seen the Mormon Temple, and it’s dark and creepy. I stuck it in the closet but should have removed it from the room because I’m sure its presence was what kept me awake so late. 

I’ve often heard that you should study other religions, so you know how to minister to the people who follow it, but that may be a lie to draw you into the occult, plus that’s not my calling. Jesus told me to follow his steps to know how to minister to all people. We need to know the truth so that we can detect a lie. Study the Word of God as often as you can, so the truth is clear. Stick to what is good; know what is evil and avoid it. Be aware of your surroundings because you never know when the devil will slip something in to disturb your peace.

Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. Galatians 2:4-5

November 11

We are in a contract with Jesus, and it is called the new covenant. Being in real estate, I write contracts for people, and when it comes to my tenants, I enter a contract with them. Each of us has a duty to uphold; I provide a home, and they pay to stay there. However, when it comes to our contract with God, he provides for both sides! He does all the work, and all we have to do is honor him as our one and only God. He makes it easy. Don’t get caught up in details that are not there. Become clear in your mind that Jesus is your way to salvation, accept him, confess your sin, take the steps to baptism as a profession of your faith, and he will do the rest.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Hebrews 8:10

November 10

God has a plan for those harming our citizens by introducing faulty pharmaceuticals, “sorcery,” to the world's people. Not only for the industry but for the people who idly sit back and watch it happen without speaking up because of their fear of retaliation. The corrupt governments, media, celebrities, and those who’ve had their minds poisoned by them will find themselves punished for their role in the enormous fraud instituted on the nations. Only God can help you if you fit in the following category:

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

The Strong Concordance explains the word “sorcerer” this way:

G5332   (Strong)

φαρμακεύς

pharmakeus

far-mak-yoos'

From φάρμακον pharmakon (a drug, that is, spell giving potion); a druggist (“pharmacist”) or poisoner, that is, (by extension) a magician: - sorcerer.

We need to pray for the cowardly and faithless. These people display their ignorance on social media every day, so we know who they are. When you see their stupidity written out for all to see, stop and pray for them; that God would open their eyes to the truth. There’s no need to engage with them, the deception is too deep, and the enemy has them under his control. It will take God to soften their hearts to the truth.

November 9

Jesus is our high priest. When we pray, we pray in Jesus's name because he intercedes on our behalf before the Father. If you are still going to an earthly priest to have your sins forgiven, you have completely misunderstood the point of Jesus’s sacrifice of himself and the New Testament scriptures. He is the only sacrifice that can thoroughly wash away your sins; no other sacrifice will avail. There is nothing an earthly priest can offer to forgive your sins and only one high priest, and it is Jesus; all others are actors. If you want to confess your sins to someone, talk to Jesus. If your church is teaching something different, you may need a new church.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Hebrews 7:25-26

November 8

How do you witness to someone who thinks they are saved, but you know by their actions and what they say that they are not? Well, that is partially the reason I address my post “To the followers of Christ.” Not all “Christians” are saved, and become harder to convince they need Jesus because they think they already have him. Are you that person? Actions speak louder than words. 

There is a portion of Hebrews that scares me and should scare all of us!

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6

Jesus told us a story about the prodigal son, and at some point in our lives, we have been him. Doesn’t this make you think? Do I want to be that person that crucifies our savior again? Be careful in your actions; don’t make Jesus a victim of your sin all over again. Don’t be the one whipping him and slashing open his skin for the sake of momentary pleasure or a quick buck. Be the Christian you profess to be.

November 7

It has been days since we have seen the sun here in Florida, but today, it is shining bright. A few days of darkness, wind, and cold temperatures make you appreciate the light and the warmth of its glow. I now understand why we celebrate Christmas during the winter rather than during the biblical feasts, which is likely when Jesus was born. The lights and sparkle of the ornaments give us something happy to look at while winter storms pull the gray curtain over the sun. It also makes sense that many people come to know Jesus during some of the darkest moments of their life. The clouds of tragedy and pain make you realize that there must be more to this life than the average day-to-day living. Jesus brings the purest light because he is the light, so if you are like me and start celebrating Jesus by decorating for his birthday before Thanksgiving, you are not wrong! To the saved, Jesus is Christmas, and we should celebrate him every day.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

November 6

Practice discernment. Exercise wisdom. Use knowledge. Slice and dice the information you absorb. The enemy has a cunning way of mixing the truth with the lies, making the information he feeds us seem credible. The media are subject to their stockholders, who are also investors in other corporations, so they will give us information that benefits those stockholders. If you follow the money back to the source, you will find that two major companies own most corporations, and those two organizations are linked. Nearly everything we buy, unless it comes from a small business, is connected to these enterprises. The owners of those two firms are controlling everything. We live in a tangled web, and the only one who can sort it all out is God. I am praying for us to discern the truth. If we stay in God’s word, we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free.

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:15

November 5

Yesterday was one of those days where my thoughts got the best of me. People can be disloyal, think only of themselves, and forget how much you’ve helped them in the past. Then, I had to think about whether I had done the same to others. Has anyone helped me for free, and when I’ve needed to pay for their type of service, did I forget about them? I never want to be that person. But aren’t we all like that? God has given us everything we need to live in this world ruled by the devil, yet we dismiss him and try to handle everything ourselves. The Word of God is free and full of life-giving advice, yet few people read it. Jesus gave his life for us, but are we loyal to him by obeying his word? We cannot always count on people, but we can always rely on Jesus. I will keep doing what I do for others and forget how they’ve treated me, and remember everything God has done for me. That’s all that matters anyway. So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them. 

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5:8

November 4

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

True Christ-followers have both soul and spirit. The soul is the life of a being, but the spirit is our connection to God. Every being has a soul, but not every being has a spirit. Some who have a connection to the devil think they have a spirit and may even think they are communicating with God, but they are only controlled by spirits and communicating with the devil. People who do not have Jesus are spiritually dead, according to the Word of God.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, Colossians 2:13

It makes me feel sorry for people who don’t know Jesus. Their connection is only on the surface, but to have a deeper relationship with God, one must have Jesus to connect to God’s spirit.

I’m thankful, honored, and feel privileged to communicate with God through the Holy Spirit because of Jesus, and so should you. If you don’t have this connection, you may be able to hide this inadequacy from people, but you cannot hide it from God; he knows!

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13

November 3

God has prepared us for what comes next; I don’t know what that is, but whatever happens, he will get us through it. I mentioned this a while back, and nothing happened, and I hope that’s the case this time too, but for your sake and your family’s good, have some non-perishable food on hand and a way to cook it, just in case things get crazy. We are living in unprecedented times, where right is wrong and wrong is right; only God knows what will become of the world. Evil is stirring like never before, at least since my time on earth, and we are the target. Stay positioned in righteousness with your face toward God, and we will get through this together. The most important thing to remember, it is the evil people who will face the wrath of God, not us. Stand firm under the power of God because he is our salvation.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

November 1

Back at the cottage at the end of the lane, the weather was so lovely that I sat on my porch all afternoon. We’ve only lived here since May, so I haven’t been through the blooming season for all the trees near our property. I casually looked up from what I was reading and caught a glimpse of a tree in full bloom; not just any tree, one of my favorites because of its showy blossom, the Ceiba speciosa, the silk floss tree, and it was in my neighbor’s yard! I can gaze at its beauty without having to own it. Though this tree’s bloom is gorgeous, the tree's trunk and branches have these scary-looking thorns that protect it from anyone touching it. Why are some of the most beautiful flowers grown on trees and bushes with thorns? Maybe it’s so we won’t touch them because their process is not complete. A rose goes from a bud to a bloom that will open up to spectacular beauty, then becomes rose hips, an edible fruit. I’m not sure if the silk floss tree does the same thing, but for some reason, it has thorns to protect it.

Because we represent the beauty of Jesus and have accepted him as our Savior, we have a shield of protection to keep us from being snatched up by the devil for eternity. We are firmly attached to the branch and protected from pruning. The crown of thorns he wore when he went to the cross has become our guarantee of his protection. If you love Jesus, you are a delight and are beautiful to behold in the eyes of God.

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, Hebrews 2:10-11

October 31

Halloween is nothing more than a dance with the spirits of the dead and demons, with depictions of horror with gory masks and satanic rituals. If it were only about dressing up, I would probably like it. I love creating costumes and bringing storybook characters to life. One of my most memorable times was when we were on a crew for the Gasparilla parades, and I designed intricately detailed pirate costumes. That got old quickly, though; most wannabe pirates stayed drunk the entire time and barely stumbled down the parade route; on top of that, they were interacting with children. That wasn’t a good look for adults. When the devil draws you to participate in something that he fabricates, you must pay the price for your involvement. A good example is Hollywood; look at the price they pay for fame, the devil requires them to worship him, and in many cases, they can’t live with what they’ve done and have their lives shortened by their self-destructive behavior. 

Though many say that this day belongs to the devil, don’t believe it! This day and every day belong to God. As Christ-followers, we should use it as a day to pray for those afflicted by Satan and for God to recover the people who belong to him. Make the devil cringe by worshiping Jesus like never before!

As for my costume today, I will stay in my fatigues as I continue to battle the enemy to help bring salvation to as many as I can.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24