March 10, 2022

The marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation is not what you might expect. It’s a feast of justice! In my mind, we would sit down at the table and dine with the Lord; I’m sure that will happen too, but that’s not what this chapter emphasizes. Here, John shows us how exhilarating justice will be for the torment we suffer at the hand of the enemy and the victory we receive for staying true to Christ. The visual is incredible. It shows the enemy being slaughtered and eaten by vultures; however, the false prophet and the beast were thrown alive into the lake of fire! Whether this vision is symbolic or not, it’s an incredible picture of what is to come and will prove to be overwhelmingly satisfying. 

Here’s another thought I had about all that is happening now; how would we know how amazing it is without the enemy if we hadn’t dealt with him? I don’t think we realize we are suffering because we’ve lived in the enemy's territory for so long that it has become second nature. Think about it; our food is full of poison, they spray the air with toxins, our water supply has chemicals injected, and we wonder why we are sick and disabled. They make us sick and then give us pills and drugs to make us better, except it probably makes us worse. God has a plan, and we will be victorious! 

The following verses are about the bad guys, not us.

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” Revelation 19:17-18

March 9, 2022

This is my second writing. I decided not to post the first because it may stir controversy, and I’m not prepared to field the rejection of my observation today. I only hope that I’m not disobeying God by not posting it. If I see the subject pop up on someone else’s post, I’ll know I was disobedient.

We’ve been taught a lot of information over the years by evangelicals, some of it is true, but some is a stretch. The only way to know the truth is to study God’s word diligently. He often repeats his lessons throughout the Old and New Testament; that’s how it becomes engraved in your mind. However, the enemy will also repeat a message through others, who are possibly his victims, and they unknowingly repeat a lie. For this reason, you must comb the scriptures like the Bereans, so you know when something is off. If I feel the Holy Spirit encouraging me to post it, I will.

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:10-11

March 8, 2022

Whether Babylon is who I think it is or not, it doesn’t matter; we will avert the disaster they face. However, we’ve been warned not to participate in the evil perpetrated by the likeness of Babylon; otherwise, we will face the same plagues. So if you mix worldly living with your Christian life, I say that it’s time to break up with it. Living a solid life in Jesus is ultimately fulfilling and eliminates the need to participate in worldly affairs because he is enough. The excuse that you are trying to bring others to Christ by mixing in with debauchery will not cut it because God knows the intentions of your heart, and participating makes you look weak in your faith. Your best testament is to show others that it’s not boring to be a Christ-follower and for them to see that it is unnecessary to be involved in the world's affairs to be joyful.

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; Revelation 18:4

March 7, 2022

Do you ever try to hear from God when learning the meaning of scripture? There are teachers that we can learn a great deal from, but what if God wants to give you a fresh word, but what others have taught has stuck in your mind, and you can’t seem to get beyond it? Maybe what they’ve introduced is correct, but our most excellent teacher is the Holy Spirit. If you aren’t following his teachings, I would say you may be drinking milk instead of solid food. God has given us a mind, provided knowledge through his word, and instilled wisdom so that we can hear from him directly, unencumbered by someone else’s thoughts. Dig deep into his word, pray that he teaches you, and get a fresh word from him daily.

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 5:14

March 6, 2022

Though I may not be great at decoding Revelation, I can see some similarities to today's activities, and I know we are living it. We should not be consumed by what’s happening, but our worship of the Lord should consume us. We will not walk down the same path as those fighting against God; they are foolish and know what they are doing, though they may be unaware of the wrath they are about to face. Wrap yourself in the comfort that Jesus left with us as a down payment; the Holy Spirit. Wait patiently for the redemption that awaits; it will surely come sooner than we expect. 

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”  Revelation 17:14

March 5, 2022

Is the pharmaceutical industry the beast? I believe it is. Look at these verses in Revelation:

And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. Revelation 17:12-13

Dig deep into this vision that reads like a riddle and ask yourself which of the world’s leaders turned over their power to the pharmaceutical industry recently? All of them! Look at how every country has succumbed to its power. 

And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” Revelation 17:18

I believe that Hollywood and the news are the prostitute. They are the ones who can spread their lies and create a frenzy in the people. If I’m right about the scripture’s riddle, I will venture to guess that the whole industry will be destroyed soon, along with our television programs. That prostitute is about to go down.

By this, you can see where we are on the Revelation timeline. We’re almost done. Hang in there! The King of glory is on his way!

March 4, 2022

When circumstances change in your life that is contrary to the life you imagined, do you reach out to God, or do you blame him for your situation? I know you are saved, and the thought probably never crossed your mind to blame God for anything, but if you ever did, I suggest you grovel for his forgiveness. He makes it a point in Revelation 16, though this chapter is not about us, we can learn about God and his character by observing his actions toward those who reject him and choose Satan. In this chapter, he is pouring out his wrath from the seven bowls on those who shed the blood of the saints, the saints are me and you and our brothers and sisters in Christ, and anyone who harms us will pay the price. From his treatment of the demonic, we learn that he wants us to repent and not curse him for our situation because he’s the only one who can remedy it. Reading this chapter makes me thankful that he snatched me from the fire and bought me with His redeeming blood. Be grateful that you are part of his chosen. 

They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. Revelation 16:9

March 3, 2022

Have you ever noticed a pattern in your existence where you see God’s work in your life? Yesterday, he showed me how he had a hand in everything leading up to where he has placed me at this date in time. From the time I accepted Jesus as my Savior at the age of 8 until now is exactly 50 years. My father-in-law's house, which we moved into, is exactly 50 years old. Though it is old and needs to be remodeled and cleared of his excess, I love everything about it. He and I were very much alike, two peas in a pod. Until yesterday, I didn’t realize that this was my year of Jubilee! It all makes perfect sense now. Here’s what I wrote when God showed me what he had been doing.

“God gave me this house and had been preparing it for 50 years; he began when I was eight years old. This year is my jubilee! Who would have ever thought? I tear up every time I walk around on this property. I am so grateful. 🤔 Hmm, that’s the age I was saved! 😳”

What is he doing in your life? See if you notice a pattern; I guarantee you there is one. I couldn’t be his only favorite child. It’s not the material things that make this special; it’s about noticing him and what he is doing and knowing that he’s the one who put you where you are now and being grateful to him for scooping you up when he did. Even if you’re walking through a rough patch, know that he is the one who will bring you out. This life we are living is all about him; there are no ifs ands or buts about it. Glorify him will all your being.

And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan. Leviticus 25:10

March 2, 2022

If you don’t already know this about me, I’m a real estate agent, and I have several properties under contract simultaneously, and it’s maddening, especially when they are rentals. Trying to coordinate the showings, home inspections, and appraisals with tenants in place can be overwhelming. There’s more; it’s the first of the month, tax season, and another house needs to be put on the market. With all that’s going on, the last thing I need to do is dream that a bum is living in a vacant property that’s under contract, and real estate agents are still showing it. If that’s not enough, the doorbell rings at 4 am, and nobody is there! What’s weird is I’m not exhausted, and I feel more alive than ever. It’s a great feeling to have so much going on and not feel overwhelmed or stressed. Jesus sent his comforter for all of us, the Holy Spirit, and I’m running on Holy Spirit power, and it couldn’t be any better. It is essential for you to learn to flow with the Lord; it’s exhilarating and not exhausting. Give everything you’ve got to him, and he will sustain you. What an extraordinary gift; I’m so thankful for Jesus!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

March 1, 2022

How do you get your kids to obey? You discipline them. For the most part, they will follow your orders, but some of them are headstrong and do their own thing anyway; we are those children. If only we listened and followed God’s commands, things would go much better for us.

God told the angels to pour out his wrath upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshipped his image. When God tells the angels to do something, they do it without hesitation; they don’t question him or object; they follow his orders. So when we pray, “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” aren’t we asking that the people follow his orders as the angels do? The plagues mentioned in Revelation 16 are no joke, and I’m thankful that Jesus is my protection from them. It is to our benefit that we follow God’s commands and do our best to be the person he called us to be. Jesus is coming like a thief, and we need to do everything we can to be prepared.

(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) Revelation 16:15

February 28, 2022

Do not fear the Revelation! The seven plagues mentioned in chapter 15 are not for us; they are for those who worship the beast and the number of his name. It is those who have committed their lives to Satan that need to fear; these people have made a deal with him to prosper and become famous. The government and the media are in cahoots, and they are the ones who should worry. Since when do you believe what they say on the television? Do not believe a thing you hear in the news, not even about what’s going on in Ukraine. They are spinning their stories for the Devil, so you must understand that it is all a lie. Remember, if you hear that someone is bad, they are probably aren’t; and if you hear that someone is good, they are likely bad. None of us know the truth; be careful with your words. It’s better to pray for God’s will to be done than to accidentally pray for the wrong side. In the end, we will rejoice over all that God does to save his people.

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” Revelation 15:3-4

February 27. 2022

There are millions of things that need to be done, but only so many years to do them. We live on borrowed time; it’s on loan from God. To fill that time, he has given us a task, and it’s pretty simple, but many have a hard time achieving it; we are to love God and love people. Some people are hard to love, and they may not love us and purposefully give us reason not to love them, yet despite that, we are commanded to love them. Over the years, I’ve had to adjust my perception of people, looking deeper into why they are the way they are, and consider what may have caused them to become hateful and unloving. Looking at them from God’s perspective, rather than human perspective, may help you turn your heart towards them. They may not ever love you, but that’s okay; you did your duty and showed them the Jesus inside of you. Eternity is waiting and ready to receive us, and as long as we have Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we will rest from our labor and be rewarded for our earthly accomplishments. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, anything is possible.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Revelation 14:13

February 26, 2022

Joy is in my heart today. Last night as Richard and I were leaving to go to dinner, we stopped for a few seconds and looked toward the setting sun and enjoyed that spectacular event. This evening was different than any other evening; we watched it through the pasture with the trees full of Spanish moss and a cow eating hay in the background. God has given us a portion of the earth to tame and use while he keeps us here, and I am thrilled with this beautiful gift. God brought us both back to our roots, this being Richard’s childhood home and, for me, a bit of country like where I grew up. As I watched the sunrise this morning, I realized that some old Sable palms were dotting the horizon; they remind me of where I came from, and I love it! As silly as it may sound, those palm trees are another heart's desire God fulfilled. 

We think we know what we want out of life, but we don’t; God likes to show us his provision and hear our appreciation. Make sure that today you offer God thanksgiving for what he has done for you, whether big or small; he deserves your praise.

Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! Psalms 100:3-4

February 25, 2022

We had some trees taken out because they were leaning towards the house, and it seemed a bit sketchy to stay in a home with the possibility of one of those huge trees falling and crushing us. I think one of them may have been full of ants because when I came home after a long day yesterday, the bathroom was full of them. However, a few days before we moved in, we had the entire house sprayed for bugs, and guess who found their end? There were dead ants everywhere! I wiped down the tub and vacuumed up the rest; then Richard sealed the tile where they were coming in. We had a part to play in our protection; God provided the wisdom, teaching us to be proactive. I hope that’s the end of the pestilence that stalks in the darkness; scurrying and crawling things give me the creeps. The lesson is that we cannot sit around waiting for God to deliver us in a miraculous event; he gave us wisdom and knowledge to solve our problems with his guidance. Yes, he is the God of miracles, but maybe that miracle is him leading you in the right direction and giving you the power to work out the details for yourself.

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. Psalms 91:3

February 24, 2022

The Lord is with you wherever you go, thankfully.

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

Richard and I finally spent our first night on the farm, even though the only thing farmed right now are some scrawny cows. This is it! I’m not moving again unless my kids put me in an old folk's home; at least that’s my plan. Hopefully, my goals are in line with God’s. Gone is the idea of downsizing, though I will still downsize my stuff. Sometimes God wrecks your plans, but that’s okay; his plans are always better anyway. It's an exciting and new adventure. I’ve learned a lot from the man that recently passed away, Richard’s dad; he never stopped, though his health had deteriorated, he kept going until the day he died. He lived a full life. Though this home is dated back to the ’70s, I love it, and I feel at peace here because Jesus came with me. So, whatever happens to your plans, do not despair; God will work it out on your behalf because he planned it from the beginning.

February 23, 2022

I like beautiful things, but God has taught me a valuable lesson about collecting items. I probably won’t stop wanting to be surrounded by beauty, but if I’ve stuck it in a closet and it’s not food, clothing, hygiene accessories, linens, or Christmas decorations, it needs to go! I’m sure I’ve forgotten other useful items, but you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, if it has sentimental value and it’s taking up space in your closet, take a picture of it and get rid of it. We have become burdened by so much stuff that we’ve become chained. The next time you go shopping, consider why it’s essential for you to have that item. Don’t buy anything so expensive that you would have a hard time throwing it away or selling it at a discount. Your kids don’t want your stuff. If you must leave them an earthly inheritance, like the country song says, buy dirt, but if you're going to give them something that lasts into eternity, make sure they know Jesus. He is the only inheritance that matters.

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. Isaiah 61:7

February 22, 2022

What will today bring? I’m expecting good things because I know who holds my fate in his hands. The world is crazy, but the Father is good, and he loves us. Take today minute by minute, and try not to project beyond the here and now; only God knows what lies ahead. There are a lot of twos in the date today; let’s look at it as a double portion of God’s blessings and leave it at that! Happy Tuesday!

Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. Zechariah 9:12

February 21, 2022

After being awakened at 2 am, I found it hard to go back to sleep. For some reason, I began paying attention to my breathing, which made me think about a story I read about how the name Yahweh, a name of God, was like breathing. Yah - breathe in, weh - breathe out. Is the act of breathing a form of worship? Only a Father as extraordinary as ours would have thought about creating a way for every being to worship him and use their very breath to do it. I also found it a bit funny that even the Satan worshipers had to praise the Almighty God! I’ll bet that will tick them off when they find that out. 😂 If this is true, and it seems plausible, how amazing is our Father? Remember the story of Elijah hiding in the cave? God’s voice wasn’t in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire; it was in a low whisper, like breathing! After thinking about that, I went right to sleep. We have a genuinely incredible God, and I’ll bet there’s more to him than we will ever know. 

And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:12-13

February 20, 2022

I spent nearly the whole day yesterday cleaning a home that had been sitting for a while. Something interesting happens when a home is left alone for a long time. You would think that you could leave and go about your business and come back, and it would look the same, but that’s not what happens. Dust accumulates, critters find it cozy, appliances break down, and with no one living there, it gets dirty! 

I can think of another thing that gets dirty when left unused; your Bible! If you don’t pick it up now and then, everything you’ve ever learned about its contents will begin to deteriorate and become useless. Your Bible is the living Word, but it needs you to be actively involved. It is God’s message to you and maybe your only source of communication with him. In this day and age, with the devil extremely active, it may be the only truth we can count on, but how will you know the truth if you are not actively participating?

I know that I harp on this too much, but how else is God’s true love going to hear him if we don’t know how he speaks? The Bible teaches this, so please actively engage.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

February 19, 2022

My mind is all over the place this morning, so I had to stop and think about what’s most important to write about today. I’ve concluded that the worship of God and our adoration of him should be on the top of our list today. He is omnipresent - everywhere, omnipotent - all-powerful, omniscient - all-knowing, and deserves all of our praise and worship. Because of these attributes, he knows everything about you, he’s always near you, and has the power to change you and your situation, and all you have to do is ask and believe he will respond. He wants you to ask! He wants you to be mindful of his hand in your situation; that’s why it’s important to invite him to intervene on your behalf. Then, when you see his work in progress, you will have more reason to bless him with your worship. Thank him, praise him, worship him today and every day; he deserves it!

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24