April 1, 2022

We were getting ready to go to sleep last night when Rudy started barking. A few intruders felt it was okay to roam our property at night looking for treasures to steal, so we are jittery when it’s dark and our dogs bark. Richard ran out the front door with a gun, and I ran to the kitchen to turn on the outside lights so I could see into the backyard. And there it was! The biggest raccoon I’ve ever seen! He was about the size of a bear cub and was looking at Rudy and me wondering what we would do about it. He had tried to get into the bird feeder, and Rudy heard him and went berserk! I was thankful it wasn’t a human. It’s one thing for an animal to creep around the property, but an entirely different thing when a human stalks around in the dark. Security cameras are going up everywhere today to give us a bit of peace. The trail cameras have been great and have caught a few pictures of the trespassers. Still, these cameras will provide us with a clearer picture if any intruders come near. 

Having Jesus is like having cameras everywhere; he knows the intruder, the enemy who seeks to take our souls. He has eyes everywhere! However, we must be vigilant and trust him because he is the only one who can save us from the enemy’s snare. 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. Psalms 91:1-6

March 31, 2022

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that I decided to do some work in the yard. We have a circular driveway with a retaining wall; the landscaping was inconsistent and full of weeds, so I removed all of it and will eventually fill it with mulch or rocks. My body hurts, but I think it was worth it. As I cleared the debris, I found some unusual things buried within it, things that were good but didn't belong there, so I removed them and put them into the trash. Some good plants ended up in the trash pile, too; all of this is to give a clean and clear view.

When you finally decide to clear your mind and stop dwelling on the negativity of your past, you may need to get rid of some things you consider good. Friends or family members may bring up things from the past that you may or may not have done; they are traumatized and dwell in their past by constantly talking about their pain. They need to be removed, even if it's only temporary. Once you've done your part to introduce them to Jesus, you can't help them anymore; only Jesus can. They are victims of themselves and have never moved towards the light of God's salvation. It may hurt to separate yourself from them, but getting a clean and clear view will be worth it.

Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Matthew 7:4-6

March 30, 2022

I spent a wonderful day with my mother at Marie Selby Gardens in Sarasota. It was the perfect spring day, slightly cool but warmed by the sun. The breeze coming off the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay was a delight and gave us a hint of salty air to clear our lungs. We meandered through the garden at a slow pace, soaking in all the beauty of God’s unusual creations and staying in awe of the intricate detail of his design. I’m thankful to God for giving us a feast for our eyes, but I’m most grateful for the time I got to spend with my mother. God gave us things to do here on earth, but he’s primarily concerned about our quality time with one another and cultivating relationships. If your only care is where your next dollar is coming from, you need to stop and ask yourself why you are doing what you’re doing. If it’s to spend more time with your family, you might be on the right track, but if it’s only to have extraordinary things that money can buy, you may need to reassess your values. Jesus is about relationships; follow his example.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

March 29, 2022

The crimes against humanity are beginning to add up. You can’t treat God’s creation with disdain, withhold help, and expect to get away with it for very long. When the world’s governments release biological warfare on their people, you know their time is short. 

Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great. Joel 3:13

However, because we love the Lord, we dwell in the safety of his stronghold. 

The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. Joel 3:16

What comes next is nothing but glorious; we will live in prosperity, the way God intended. Evil will be gone, and everyone will know that our God reigns!

“And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim. Joel 3:18

March 28, 2022

God is so good and loves us so much; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Our enemies have come against us at every turn, but do not worry, he sees what they have done and doesn’t like it one bit! Children are stolen, trafficked, and traded into slavery; if you don’t think this is happening, you have your head buried in the sand.

and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it. Joel 3:3

Remember, God cares nothing about material possessions; his care lies in people, so he means people when he mentions gold and silver.

For you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my rich treasures into your temples. Joel 3:5

Even though it seems like Baal and Baphomet are relics of the past, believe me when I tell you it’s alive and well today. These people are sick, and the people of God are becoming stirred and are beating their plows into swords; the army of God’s people are on their way! We are closer than ever to seeing God bring his recompense on the wicked! 

Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head. Joel 3:7

Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” Joel 3:10

March 27, 2022

God will restore what the enemy has taken from his people, while those who've chosen the dark side watch. It says that they will know that the Lord is among his people. For those who say, "why does it say Israel?" remember, God has grafted us in, we are adopted, because Jesus chooses us. 

You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame. Joel 2:27

When comparing this portion of scripture to Revelation, God may have given Joel a vision pointing to the 1000 years of peace that coincides with God's restoration of everything the enemy has taken; the similarities are there. It says among the survivors will be those whom the LORD calls; that's us! Then comes the judgment. Thankfully we have Jesus who covers our sins; it will not be such a great day for those who rejected him.

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls. Joel 2:32

March 26, 2022

After we humble ourselves and submit our lives to the Lord, he is faithful to forgive. What gets me is how unworthy we are, yet He pours out his blessings in abundance once we turn our hearts towards him. He will return to us what the enemy has taken. 

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. Joel 2:25

Can you imagine getting back everything? Think of all the taxes you’ve paid over the years and get all of it back! Look at how foolish the world’s leaders appear right now; something major is coming, I can feel it! The enemy will never shame us again!

“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. Joel 2:26

March 25, 2022

It's time for the strays to come home. It's time for those who know the Lord but have wandered off or have become stale in their walk to turn back to him. We need all hands on deck and reaching out to him as this world has become heated with sinister activity. God gave us the steps to get his attention, but we must follow them. 

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Joel 2:12-13

I remember hearing these verses a lot after September 11th, but I believe it is more important now than ever to turn and to adhere to God’s recommendation for prayer and fasting. God’s children need to wake up to what the enemy has planned and reach out to God for help. He’s the only one who can intervene and prevent further damage to his people. 

March 24, 2022

Is it time? Is this happening now? I'm afraid the news is nothing but propaganda; you are misinformed if you watch it and believe it. Through other means of information, many know the truth and have continued to battle against the new world order that many world leaders have proclaimed. This army of believers seeks to inform others, so God's people are not surprised when the perpetrators of the heinous acts of treason are brought to justice. Many will be crying in disbelief when they find out their most beloved television stars are a part of the disinformation that has become a part of our lives since the beginning of film and television and possibly before that! I don't want you to be devastated when it seems like the world is falling apart; it isn't. That's what the deceivers expect you to believe. If the lights go out and the internet shuts down, know that God is in control, and you will be okay. It's going to be glorious! We are closer than ever to seeing justice served.

The LORD utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it? Joel 2:11

March 23, 2022

The bad people who claim Satan as their god have taken everything, and they keep coming back for more and more. Look at our government and what is happening now. Taxes, gas prices, the price of food, and more. Not only that, but they are teaching the people that they are better living off the government’s handouts rather than working for their money. I’m not saying we shouldn’t help others, but there should be a limit. The people of God work to earn their keep, and the government gives it to those who don’t. The locusts come in a devour our finances. Then another kind of locust comes and eats more, then another, and another! Sound familiar? Like endless taxation? We do whatever it takes to earn our money because God has instilled good in us. It will end; God has promised it will, but we need to fast and pray because he hears us and will relent and bring the perpetrators to justice.

What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten. Joel 1:4

                                                                                                                         

Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes. Joel 1:14-15

March 22, 2022

Finally, a day away from unpacking, sorting, cleaning, and other chores. It’s still there waiting for me, but I needed a break from the monotony. Richard and I both needed some new clothes; we found ourselves wearing the same stuff repeatedly, so I went shopping. It was amazing the relief I felt by getting away from the house. Maybe it was the change of scenery or the feel of something new; whatever the case may be, I feel better. A simple but necessary break was all that I needed to help me refocus. After finishing Revelation, I’ve struggled to decide the direction of my study. I believe I’ve decided; we will see if it’s what God wants, then I will dig in. I thought it might be good to look at some of the minor prophets of the Old Testament and compare them to what I’ve learned in Revelation. Not my will, but God’s will be done. 

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

March 21, 2022

The first day of spring was beautiful! Along with the brilliant green of new growth and flowers blooming, a calf was born. I’ve been anxiously waiting and watching as I walk my dogs by the pasture each morning. Then yesterday, I didn’t see the cow; that was a sure sign that she had delivered a new baby. Sure enough, she was hiding out near the barn. I probably shouldn’t have disturbed her, but I wanted to see it, and there it was a beautiful reddish-brown baby bull, still a little shaky but full of life. You know that God is still moving because he continues to bring life to the earth. Evil may be nearing an end, but those who love Jesus are like this new calf leaping and springing to life. We should rejoice with nothing to fear because our hope is in Jesus. 

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2

March 20, 2022

Can you have too much joy? I know the world is shaking, and evil has overtaken some of the best parts of society. Still, for those of us who love Jesus, even the most heinous acts against us cannot break our joy in the LORD. He loves us so much and cares about what most people would consider minor details; they are not insignificant to him. He knows you intimately and will answer the thoughts you never prayed and give you the desires you only contemplated in your heart. He is loving and faithful. Continue to pour over the Word of God, offer thanksgiving, and worship him. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 100:4-5

March 19, 2022

My dogs love having a big yard. They can sniff and frolic without me becoming concerned with them getting hit by a car. Rudy, who loves to run, has never run so much in his entire life. As I'm following them around to watch them, I'm discovering treasures that thrill my heart, like the avocado tree that got a bit nipped by frost that’s sprouting new leaves. There are philodendrons with holes in the leaves, and the new growth is vibrant green. I'm finding countless crepe myrtle trees busting out. A giant wisteria is blooming, and the scent wafts through the air, delighting my senses. I live in a garden, and it makes my heart full. 

Don't get me wrong, it's not perfectly manicured and needs a lot of work. The point of today's story is that everything may not be perfect in your life, but look for things that are. It's nearing spring; there are plenty of good things to discover this time of year.

For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11

March 18, 2022

I came across this bit of instruction that most of us have neglected in pursuit of evangelism. 

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. 2 John 1:9-11

This scripture sounds like we shouldn’t even be friendly to them, and if we are, we are participating in their evil deeds! This teaching reminds me of when my preacher invited a well-known speaker from a cult religion to speak in the pulpit on Sunday morning. It caused a bit of decent among our group of Bible students, which in turn, caused the preacher to kick us out of his church. The anger of this preacher welled up like the Incredible Hulk, and rather than help us understand his position, he lashed out at us. According to this, we were right in our disagreement with him.

March 17, 2022

Today, I will complete the final cleaning of my home because our closing is on Tuesday. We have barely cleared out enough space for our belonging amongst my father-in-law's stuff, so my new home is chaotic. Glimmers of hope lie around every corner as we systematically handle the issues that have come to light because of his passing. I would say that chaos is a picture of our lives right now, but God is sustaining us. 

One of my goals, set by the Holy Spirit, is to encourage people to rid themselves of bondages from their history. Fear, trauma, unbelief, and rejection are encumbrances we must get past to have freedom in Christ. Freedom is not a one-and-done process; it's systematic, like our family sorting through issues and belongings. We may not be the ones who created the problems, but we are responsible for dealing with them. You must take control of your thoughts one by one with the help of the Holy Spirit; it's an excellent way to gain complete freedom. 

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4

March 16, 2022

We have victory in Jesus! It almost makes me sad to conclude Revelation; the blessings I’ve received from this study are overwhelming and have changed my perspective on what the future holds. I don’t know how many times he must tell us that he will bring justice and repay the wicked for what they have done before we take him at his word, but it’s coming soon because he’s on his way! I suppose that if we look back at Job, we might see the similarities in what God has planned. Like Job, we are beaten down and overrun by the forces of evil. Still, God’s plan will bring about compensation, and we will flourish beyond what we can hope or imagine. 

Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. Revelation 22:11-1

March 15, 2022

What makes a city a city? Streets? Tall buildings? No, it’s the people. However, God shows us a beautiful city with streets of gold with jeweled gates that are never closed, but the best part is that no evil will be allowed in; it will be full of love and the glory of God’s presence. When do we get to the point that we long for his presence rather than his presents? It has taken me a long time, but I think I may be there. All the beautiful things I’ve collected over my years seem excessive, and I feel like ridding myself of the abundance. Maybe that’s it; he wants us to strip ourselves of the need for physical possessions and become content with him. Then, we will overflow with joy at the thought of him and become overwhelmed with the unimaginable beauty as he describes in Revelation 21, the new Jerusalem, beauty for our eyes to behold, and the radiance of our Lord shining on us forever. 

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

March 14, 2022

After the thousand years of peace, somewhere between Revelation 20 and 21 is when we are taken into heaven or raptured. It doesn't specifically say; however, Revelation 21:2 says this: 

"And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

I've read this verse quite a few times, but until today, I pictured heaven and earth connected by a city, but that's not what it says. The new Jerusalem is us, God's holy people, the bride of Jesus! To be coming out of heaven, somehow, we had to get there. Now, if you inject the picture of Paul's account in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, the vision becomes more apparent. If you have time, read this whole section in your Bible.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Revelation 19:17-18 also matches up to Jesus's account in Matthew 24:29-31; first tribulation and the death of the bad guys, then the vultures gather to eat.

"Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather." Matthew 24:28

And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:31

The timeline makes more sense to me now; I hope this clarifies it for you too. 

March 13, 2022

No one can bring on justice like our Father in Heaven. If the mischievousness of man has hurt you, you don’t have anything to worry about, nor reason to seek revenge; there is nothing we can do to them that can compare to what they have coming. After the thousand years of peace on earth comes judgment; this is terrible news for those who lived a life of evil. God will open the books, and he will judge their evil deeds. The dead, those who died without Jesus, will come back to life and face him. They will die the second death in the lake of fire. 

And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Revelation 20:13

What comes next is exciting! God will create a new heaven, assuming it was sullied by the devil who was thrown to earth and create a new earth; there is no need for me to explain this one; we know how evil has destroyed the beauty it once had. For those crushed by what’s going on in the world, chin up! What God has in store for us is better than we can ever imagine. 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Revelation 21:1