December 17

The Book of James was a letter addressed to the Jewish Christians scattered throughout the nations; that’s us! Don’t forget, if you aren’t part of the lineage, the Bible says God has adopted you into his family. I mention this because James says that Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. Isn’t that interesting? I tend to put biblical characters on a pedestal, especially Elijah, because of the miracles attributed to him and because he never died. James reminds us that Elijah’s faith was strong, and when he prayed, God answered his prayers because of that faith. It wasn’t only his faith but his fervent prayer - he prayed with passion. 

So today, I ask you to pray fervently like Elijah; for God to overcome the evil overtaking societies throughout the world. They are taking advantage of the fear they created to oppress the people through tyrannical lockdowns. Though we may not feel like we are the nature of Elijah, the Bible clearly states that we are. Become part of the fight against evil through passionate prayers.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. James 5:17

December 16

The penance for the government officials who have used the money of their constituents to become wealthy will soon come to fruition, and they will find themselves facing the wrath of God. We know who they are. They’ve never worked an honest day in their lives and amassed millions and even billions of dollars off the backs of hard-working people who do not resist them. These people have sold their souls, rejected God, and will pay the price for their greed. God knows who they are, knows their character, and even wrote about them here in James. I am convinced that we will begin to see their pitiful lives crumble before us as God unveils all of their corruption. The swamp he is draining is in every country on earth; a slime pit of disgusting creatures will crawl out only to face his wrath. We, God’s chosen, will watch with our eyes and see the recompense of the wicked, and we will plunder their wealth and live in peace. Our job is to continue to pray that we escape the madness and that anyone who wants a way out will reject Satan and his evil and will seek Jesus for salvation.

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. James 5:1-3

December 15

Wow! It’s only ten days until Christmas! I feel like I just decorated my house, and it’s almost time to take it down. Is Christmas ever over for a Christian? I don’t think so. We celebrate Jesus every day, or at least we should; what we miss is the festive decor that comes with Christmas. The truth is, we wouldn’t appreciate it as much if we kept our homes decorated for this holiday every day. It brings a little joy to an otherwise drab time of year, with shorter days and dreary weather. 

Winter is coming; as soon as it hits, the days will slowly become longer, our daylight will return, and then spring will appear. We are in a season, and it will pass soon. Be patient like the farmer who waits for the early and late rains, and prepare your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Whatever difficulty you may be facing right now, remember, it's only a season, and seasons pass quickly. 

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:7-8

December 14

If ever there was a time in history that we can honestly say we are unsure what tomorrow will bring, it is now. The biblical times we have anticipated seem to be on our doorstep. It may seem like worldly turmoil; I guarantee you it’s more than that. Read Zephaniah when you have time; it’s only three short chapters, but you will see that it’s playing out like a movie. When you read it, remember that we are the children of God because he adopted us into the family through our faith in Jesus. We are the remnant of Judah; that’s good news for us. Think about those who worship Satan; Hollywood, politicians, your average uninformed person, large corporations, and many others. They will face the consequences of God’s wrath, not us, and we will plunder what’s left after God pours out his anger. 

In chapter 1, verse 5, he mentions Milcom, another name for Molech, the idol that followers sacrifice children to; you’ve seen it depicted as a goat/man-like creature with horns. You don’t have to look very hard to find out who worships such evil. Keep your eyes shut if you want to live in bliss, but if you're going to participate in the most exciting time in history, dig into some of the so-called theories; it’s eye-opening, and you won’t be able to shut them again, and that’s a good thing.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:13-14

December 13

Have you ever looked into the face of a stranger and had them glare back at you with contempt? I’ve had it happen to me a lot lately. I’m a pretty friendly person, and I smile at people. The media have tried their best to divide us into opposing groups; don’t let it affect you. Though they’ve given me a dirty look and held a straight face without smiling, I still smile at them. It’s then that I know they’ve fallen for the narrative, and I feel sorry for them. I also know they lack salvation because anyone who loves Jesus loves others and shows it. If you’re reading this, you are not that person, but I want you to keep smiling at the people that you know oppose you. It’s your duty, and it shows you genuinely care about people. Maybe they will soften up and smile back, or maybe not; smile anyway! Eventually, they will see the truth, but until that time comes, be Jesus to those who don’t know him.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7

December 12

This morning, I was thinking about my wanting to live at the beach. It’s something I’ve desired for as long as I can remember. My prayer was always, “Lord, I want to live on the beach, and I would be happy even if it’s just a shack.” I never expected to ever have a place at the beach, but somehow God worked it out for me. I’ve been at the beach for the past week and never set foot on the sand; in fact, I barely moved off the couch. God knows us more than we know ourselves, and maybe we ask for things we think we want, and he gives us a taste of what we ask to show us we thought wrong. Now I question whether I still have that desire. I’m certainly not ungrateful, and I love getting away for a bit of time, but he has shown me things to make me question my heart. Now, I pray that he shows me the truth about my heart's desires, that which is in me that hasn’t revealed itself. Today, if you haven’t already asked, ask God to help you see the truth about your desires and for him to show you the depths of your heart. I believe you will find true contentment if you listen to him.

You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. James 4:2-3

December 11

One of my favorite verses is James 3:17: 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 

Some people thrive on drama and are not at peace within. They spend much of their lives stirring up anxiety in others. Why? To make themselves feel better about their own misery. I try to stay clear of people like that because they interrupt my peace, and they aren’t living in the wisdom from above. When you read this verse, make an assessment of yourself; read each word and ask, “do I exhibit this attribute?” If you’re lacking in any of these areas, consider praying and asking God to help you gain the wisdom that is only available from him. It’s much easier to deal with people if you have attained his wisdom. 

December 10

We had to buy a new refrigerator because the one we had wasn’t cooling well enough. We went to the store and picked one out that wouldn’t break the bank and had it delivered. When it got here, it was damaged. We had to go back to the store and pick out a different one and are now waiting for them to bring the new one today. I watched the delivery guys unloading the dented one, and they were not careful at all; it’s no wonder it was all dented. They looked decent and clean-cut, but their actions told a different story. The trouble with my judgment is that the dents could have happened before they put it on the truck, so I can’t blame them because I didn’t see them take a hammer to the front of it, which is how it looked. 

It’s easy to create a scenario that fits the outcome we see, but that’s not always the truth in a matter. We should be careful to refrain from a snap judgment because we may not have all the facts. Thankfully, I didn’t blame them and kept my mouth shut about the situation. We tend to judge people based on appearances, but God tells us not to do that because, more often than not, we will get it wrong. Think things through carefully without making a judgment. 

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13

December 9

When I was walking my dogs the other day, we decided to take a different route. We hadn’t ventured too far off the beaten path. As I stepped over a parking curb, I didn’t see that the terrain had become uneven; the rain had created a hole where the water drips off the pavement, and I stepped right in it! Down I went, and the leash flew out of my hands! I sat there for a minute until the pain in my right foot subsided, but I got up and powered through the walk for my dogs. I sat with my feet up most of the day yesterday, and today, it’s much better. 

The devil is warning me that I’m in his territory and need to remember who rules this world in which we live. I am determined and will not let a fall prohibit me from staying on the road God has set me. Stay faithful to God; show the devil that circumstances will not sway you and that you will continue to work out your faith with fear and trembling. Whether the path is treacherous or smooth, stay on it! It’s narrow and has many obstacles, but remember, God’s plan for us is more excellent than we can imagine, so stay the course.

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:14

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

December 8

When my kids were growing up, there was a boy their age that lived down the street. They played together as children, and they grew a friendship that is still evident today. He was a head shorter than them throughout their school years, but he had a mouth on him and talked big like he had the power and size of a grown man. As they grew into teenagers and young adults, my youngest son was the one who would hang out with him and run the streets. My son is no angel and can get himself into trouble without any help, but on more than one occasion, he had to defend his friend whose mouth would incite the violence and revenge from someone who couldn’t resist the temptation to smack him down over his loose lips. He’s a grown man, and now his size matches his mouth, but I think he has learned to control it better; at least, it seemed that way the last time I saw him. 

Even though our tongue is small in size, it can set fire to our life like a small fire sets a whole forest ablaze. Don’t praise God one minute and curse a human the next. Bridle your tongue; ask the Holy Spirit for help.

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. James 3:6

December 7

The fog became very thick last night; now the sun has risen, and it’s as if it hasn’t. It’s bright outside, but the big ball of fire is hidden in the mist. I’ve been writing about opening your eyes and heart to the truth about the enemy’s plan; we can’t see it as a whole, but we don’t need to know everything. However, we need to understand that there is a sinister plan, and many people we trust have sold out to him and are pawns in his operation. We may not know every detail, but we need to keep our minds sharp, so we comprehend when he aims to destroy us. Though the Son has risen, the enemy is roaming about trying to keep our minds busy and in a fog, occupied with other things, so we don’t notice when he creeps in to take control. Become vigilant and listen for any clues; he has set traps to ensnare us and is hopeful we will become complacent and let our guard down so he can rush in and trap us. Continue to pray for discernment and the foresight to know when trouble waits on your path. Strengthen your faith and sleep in your armor!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

December 6

Many people will be awakened to the truth abruptly rather than easing into it over the years. I began waking up when I started a Bible training curriculum through my church. My teacher taught us how to understand and decipher biblical text to reveal the whole meaning of God’s scripture. I began to recognize scripture I had never noticed, and I had read the entire Bible several times at that point. We tend to gravitate towards the scriptures we’ve heard and rush past what seems blurry. Something is wrong when the place you trust neglects to teach the whole truth. There is no such thing as a perfect church; they teach what they know. That’s why you need to know God’s Word by doing research.

There was another step God took me through that helped me gain freedom. It’s a process of ridding yourself of the issues that chain your mind and hold you captive like a slave. If you go to my blog www.peaceriverswamp.com and put the word freedom in the search bar, you will find posts that can help you learn how to loose those chains.

Don’t waste any more time; seek freedom for your mind now, or you may be devastated by the truth. 

I know I’ve already used this verse several times since I started the Book of James, but we need to heed its warning.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:16

December 5

Shortly after I moved to my current home, back in May, I set up my bird feeders. It was probably June or July when I noticed new baby cardinals begin frequenting the feeder. Now it’s December, and I see them all day long, munching on the fresh seed. I’m not one who believes that cardinals represent dead people visiting. It’s a nice sentiment, but you’re fooling yourself if you believe it. I’m feeding them, so of course, they come into my yard. 

I also live near a lake, and if I began feeding the alligators in that lake, they would come close too and would probably multiply like the birds. However, I have not chosen to feed a large scary animal, but a beautiful and tender one. Whatever you choose to feed will come near you. If you feed your soul the Word of God, the Kingdom of Heaven will come near you, but if you choose to feed it thoughts of sin, the consequence of sin will overtake you. Keep feeding on the Word of God, and it will grow, and your blessings will multiply.

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

December 4

For years, refrigerators have been making ice and distributing water without the need for a filter. Now, manufacturers have devised a plan to keep money coming in from the new refrigerators by making them beep and make noise when the filter requires replacement. The obnoxiousness makes you give in and purchase a replacement, so you don’t have to hear it. Think of other money-making schemes that need us to pay to keep things running correctly. 

What about your own body? I know people who’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol who must go to the doctor at least once a year to get a new prescription for statins. The doctor makes money, the pharmacy makes money, and the manufacturer makes money. Is it really cholesterol that causes heart problems, or could it be the processed food? Are the manufacturers in on this scheme together? Follow the money to the top, and you will see that they are. 

The Bible doesn’t talk about anyone needing continuous medications to stay alive, and they lived much longer than we do. Spend some time in thought instead of allowing others to think for you. We’ve allowed our thinking time to be replaced by television and technology, and we don’t use our brain the way God created it. Put down the mobile device and turn off the tv, and think for yourself for a moment.

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Timothy 2:7

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

December 3

What gives you the most joy? In addition to my family and friends, I get the most satisfaction from gardening, being near the water, and frolicking in nature. I love seeing the birds and other wildlife, the plants and their blooms, and the magnificence of trees and the nature that surrounds them. All of these God’s hand has made and has given them to us to enjoy. In addition, I like to eat, which is also a specialty of God since he created all the food that feeds us. I’m most grateful to him for sending Jesus to give us a way to cleanse us from our sin. So, you see, the most precious things to me are gifts from God. Think about your life and journey deep into your heart and see what is most important to you; I would venture to guess that they are gifts that only God could give you. The rest of it is just a way for us to pass the time until we meet him in the flesh. 

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:16-18

December 2

My grandson, who is not quite two yet, is full of life. I got to watch him for a bit yesterday while his mom ran errands. He had just gotten up from a nap when she dropped him off, so I made him a snack. I turned my back for a few seconds, which happens to be a long time for a toddler, and he managed to get out the door. He was very stealthy. I started calling for him, and he yelled at me from just outside the door; I had shown him the doorbell earlier, and I think he was trying to push the button. Thank goodness he didn’t die under my watch! I learned my lesson. God bless his mom and dad; they are going to run themselves ragged, keeping him alive. 

Do you think God looks at us that way sometimes? We do some foolish things that keep him running. He leaves us on our own for 2 seconds, and we destroy the things he put in place to keep us safe. Don’t blame God for the mess you made of your life; he is there to watch over you, but when you do things outside of the perimeters he set, like the closed door for my grandbaby, life will go sideways very quickly. God placed boundaries in your heart and his Word, don’t venture beyond them!

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:13-16

December 1

Welcome to December! Let’s hope the madness ends with the coming of the new year! I’m not going to hold my breath, though. It may seem trying to traverse all the ills of this day and age, but let me remind you that you were allowed to live during this time in history for a reason, even if it’s only to trust Jesus and hold fast to him. We have much to look forward to, not only the promise of heaven but living our daily lives with the power of the truth on our side. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, though we have prophecy as our guide, we can rest assured that whether we live in the flesh or move on to eternity, joy awaits because we are the beloveds of our King and Savior, and he wants only the best for us. Hold tight to Jesus while he refines us with fire and purifies us with his blood. 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

November 30

Why do you like the things you like? The clothes you wear, the decor of your home, the things you buy? I’ve never understood why a plastic-covered canvas bag is worth more than a leather bag; does that even make sense? A natural item given to us by God for our use, and we prefer a man-made, manufactured object over the simple beauty of leather. Why? Because the wealthy are carrying it! It makes us lowly peasants want to pursue it even though we cannot afford it. God help us; we’re stupid. God is speaking to me today! I’m guilty! How do we stop the madness? Ask God for wisdom. 

Solomon asked God for discernment between good and evil, and God not only gave him wisdom, but because he asked for such a good thing, he gave him more riches than anyone who has ever lived, and yet, his attire was still not as beautiful as the lilies of the field. If you are pursuing something other than wisdom, stop! Let God give you discernment, and then maybe you won’t care about wealth because you will focus on godly pursuits.

For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. James 1:11

November 29

“Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” Today, I selfishly prayed for God to increase my wisdom. Then, I got to thinking, I’ve prayed this prayer before, and he increased it a measure, but then I thought, the world needs wisdom to help debunk the lies spewed everywhere. So, in addition to praying for my own wisdom, I prayed for God to increase the wisdom of the gullible. Once the world wakes up, we can get on with our lives and put the culprits to this ongoing disaster in jail, where they belong. Let’s pray this prayer together today, “LORD, please increase the wisdom of the people so that they won’t fall for the schemes of the devil. Would you please move forward with your plan for Jesus to come and rule and reign? In Jesus's name, Amen.” Pray this prayer in faith, and maybe we can walk away from the new fake mutant scheme unscathed. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

November 28

I’ll never forget my broken-hearted five-year-old the day his dad passed away. I didn’t think he understood what was happening until he accidentally broke one of the wise men from the nativity set sitting on the fireplace hearth. He burst into tears and thought he had ruined the whole thing. It still makes me tear up just thinking about it. From that point on, I quit displaying the wise men when I set out a nativity set for Christmas, and, if you think about it, they were not there for the birth of Jesus; it was about a year later. This year, for the first time in 26 years, I decided to display that particular nativity set; I hadn’t even looked at it for all those years. When I noticed the missing wise man, the memories of that day flooded back. That was a rough time in our lives, but I grew in the LORD immensely during that time; I had to rely on him; he was all I had. There was no superhero to swoop in and save the day; it was Jesus who got me through it. Since then, I have grown stronger in my walk, depending on him every step of the way. 

If you are struggling right now, rely on Jesus, he will get you through. You will persevere and learn to depend on him for everything. He’s all we have, but he’s all we need.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3