May 13, 2022

When you live among the trees, there is no such thing as quiet; the birds sing their melodious songs, and crickets and cicadas fill the air with their sounds. There is light, but the sun hasn't come up as I'm writing this. I threw a bunch of seeds onto the sidewalk, and I watched from my porch to see the birds fly in for a bite to eat, but they were not finished singing; not even one had stopped to munch. It's the morning praise session! They are not eating until they praise God! If only humans would take advice from the birds, their potential in the Lord might be fulfilled. It's almost ridiculous how noisy it is. I love it, so I know God loves it. Imagine the sound of God's children offering him praise, and worshipping him before the sun comes up, then imagine his delight. Finally, the sun broke through, and a squirrel, a cardinal, and a woodpecker came to feast. God's creatures know the order of things. It's time for God's children to learn that valuable lesson. He feeds the birds and animals; he will also provide for us. Order your day, but put God first.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:25-26

May 12, 2022

Many things are happening that lead us to believe that we are at the end of the "end times." Still, some people have their minds shut to that possibility. Those of us who see are preparing and will not be caught off-guard. I've had the little cartoon character that I post daily, dressed in fatigues for quite a while, representing my preparedness for battle. We are in the middle of the fight. If you don't believe me, look at the fuel prices, and empty food shelves. Now, there's a baby formula shortage! The current administration is a participant in manufacturing these shortages and isn't working in the best interest of the American citizens or the world. They are part of a sinister plot to control the people. Many are beginning to see that the "conspiracy theorist" got it right. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of this issue because we know that God is in control of the outcome, so we can rest assured that things will be okay. Keep praying and eating your popcorn because we are watching a movie, and the good guys in white hats always win and are doing what God called them to do for such a time as this!

Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. Daniel 12:10

May 11, 2022

Jesus gave us clear instructions before he ascended to sit at the Father's right hand. We are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. My mission is the same, but I have a targeted mission to capture those who consider themselves saved but continue to live worldly lives. I'm particularly concerned about those who identify as Christian because of their heritage rather than their relationship with Jesus. That's why I address it "To the followers of Christ." My mission is also to help Christians unload their burdens because that helps us live free in this world where Satan runs amok. Jesus's instructions were not for only a few of us but all of us. However, each assignment will look different depending on who God wants us to reach. There is a lot of low-hanging fruit right now, and we need to be picking it! Our world is sick and full of perversion, and people are searching for answers. We know the answer is Jesus, and they need us to tell them. Their eternity depends on it.

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:2-3

May 10, 2022

Over the past several days, I began to notice some torch ginger emerging from the ground. This particular variety dies back during the winter. My goal was to remove the weeds from around them and give them room to blossom, but I ended up cleaning the whole area. What I had thought was a large flowerbed turned out to be part of the driveway. It was hard to believe how many plants were surviving and flourishing on top of the concrete. Some of the plants had their roots in the soil and had spread, but some of them were bromeliads that didn’t need to be rooted in the ground and could grow nearly anywhere. As Christ-followers, we are like the bromeliads and do not need to be rooted in this world. If you are, be careful. When the enemy hears of your two-timing ways, he will cut you off from his supply, and you will die. Let God be your only source so you can grow anywhere, and the world will have no power over you. 

The following is part of Jesus’s prayer for us. 

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John 17:14-16

May 9, 2022

Thirty-three percent, or 1/3 of the angels who were part of Satan's minions, were removed from heaven. That means that 66%, or 2/3, are on the good side and are fighting for the Christ-followers every day. Jesus is in charge of the angel army. My point is that we are part of the majority! Though the 33% try to make us think they are in control, they aren't. They control our means of communication and public information, but that's all they've got. Remember that bit of data while watching and listening to the media; they control the information; therefore, it will always be slanted toward their evil causes. They manipulate the news we see. There are many videos of weather events where the newscasters pretend they are in storms to sensationalize it and cause panic. If they are willing to do that with the weather, rest assured they are ready to lie about anything, and to prove their lie, they will use actors and actresses to dramatize their lies. Never forget that we have the power of heaven's army on our side, and most of what we hear are only rumors. We will be delivered; you can count on it!

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1

May 8, 2022

My new favorite place is on the dock over the pond. I feel secluded, like I’m the only one around for miles. But because of years of neglect, walking out to it is scary because many of the boards are rotten, and I must carefully determine every step. Once I get to the gazebo, the planks are in good condition because they’ve always been undercover, and I can move around freely without fear of falling through. The boards going out to the gazebo are like being in the world, but we become free and safe once we get there. The same is true about our life in Christ.

Many of the steps we take in our lives are determined by whether we choose to accept Jesus’s free gift of eternal life or not. In most cases, a faithful Christ-follower would not decide to go against the urging of the Holy Spirit. Being the message of choice is back in the media, you must carefully determine your steps because this is a worldly issue; life is of Jesus. We are not of this world; we are already in the gazebo. If you don’t believe in life, you don’t have the Holy Spirit, which is a sure sign of whether you have Jesus. The Holy Spirit is our proof of salvation, and he helps us do the right thing, even if it’s not a pleasant choice. Thankfully, your mother chose life for you.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13

May 7, 2022

Richard’s dad loved plants, and I do too, but they had been allowed to grow unkempt for many years, and the beauty has become chaos. We have been working diligently to clean it up. A boardwalk led to the pond that was like a jungle; my kids wanted us to leave it, but I couldn’t do it. They remembered traipsing through it as children and wanted to preserve that memory. As I was going through photos and other things, I found a picture of it when it was new, and it was incredible. It was a clear path with no encumbrances and very fresh looking. I want to bring it back to its original beauty.

We were born with a new path, but many of life’s trials have overgrown it and caused encumbrances. They drive our minds to become cluttered and have hidden the beauty. You must begin to clear out the weeds and even some of the shrubbery you planted. It could be treacherous to try and clean it all at once, but God can help you eliminate the underbrush little by little and reveal your beautiful mind. Ask God to help you walk through this process. You won’t believe how free you will feel, and the worries of the world will become less, and God will become more. 

to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3

May 6, 2022

Last night, we were on our way to dinner when we noticed something unusual in our path. We have a relatively long driveway, and it looked like a tree branch had fallen. Upon closer examination, it became clear that it was a six-foot alligator because the tree branch suddenly got up and began to walk across the road. We knew we had one in the pond, but I never thought about it getting out and walking around. It’s bigger than I expected! Now I’m on high alert to ensure my dogs don’t get eaten! 

We know the enemy is there, but we don’t feel threatened until we see him moving; that’s when we decide we need to protect ourselves and those around us. However, we must not become complacent and stay fully armored. He is very cunning and slips into the shadows until he notices that you are weak. That’s why it’s essential to stay alert. Know God’s Word, seek him in prayer, tune into the Holy Spirit, and tighten your relationship with him. The day is coming that you will need every weapon in your arsenal to defend yourself and slay the beast.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:12-13

May 5, 2022

I sat on my porch this morning. There’s nothing better than being surrounded by God’s creation when digging into his word and tuning into his voice. My dogs like it too. One of them, which never sits with me, interestingly wanted me to pick her up so she could see outside. I had thrown out some seeds for the birds, and many different varieties threw in for a bite to eat; it was so much fun to see! The squirrels stayed away because my dogs were guarding the area. I watched as the sun came up over the trees and lit up the sky. Then I heard him say that we shouldn’t worry about the turmoil in the news because his love is sufficient to carry us through these evil days. His plan will succeed no matter what we hear. Keep your chin up; there is a change in the air and a turning tide. Trust Him. He loves and provides for the birds and the creatures; imagine how much he loves and will provide for us.

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12:23-24

May 4, 2022

Then suddenly, the issue of women’s rights is back on the table. But I thought there were no genders? Now it’s back to “my body, my choice?” Now the issues of the woke mob are full of confusion. The lies they have told the world have finally caught up to them. Now they don’t know how to act or what to believe. Indeed they are being led around by some fool, like a cow with a ring in its snout. Look at them, they are dazed and confused, and we know who the master of confusion is! They don’t know how to think or what to believe. Have we finally reached the beginning of the end of far left? Is the truth going to set us free? You bet it will! The truth is easier to keep up with, and it makes sense. Those who have refused to go along with the madness have an advantage because we never bought into the ridiculousness, and we don’t have to de-program ourselves. If ever there were Bible verses that describe us, it is the following: 

But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2-4

May 3, 2022

Wait a minute! Don't get too excited about the news of Roe v Wade being turned over by the Supreme Court. A clerk may have had malicious intent in releasing that information before it was solidified. As soon as the report was released, protesters came out of the woodworks with their pre-made signs. Something smells funny about it. This decision will probably go back to the individual states, which means it will still exist. People will continue to sacrifice their children to the god of convenience. The Democrats are changing up the narrative, taking the attention away from Ukraine and other failures, all to try and give the midterm elections a boost for themselves. They will fuel riots again and get you to look away from the real issues. The lockdowns aren't working anymore, so they had to develop something new. Don't get me wrong, I want this heinous crime against humanity to end too, but I immediately got a check in my spirit when I heard it. Let no one be deceived. Keep your eyes and ears open, and continue to seek God. It's going to be a bumpy ride. I'm so glad he allowed me to live to see the prophecies becoming fulfilled.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galatians 6:7

May 2, 2022

Here's a lesson I think we forget; the saints of the Bible didn't always have a pleasant life, but they still honored God. For example, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, also known as Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were taken into captivity by the Babylonians at a very young age, castrated, and lost their identity, so they could serve the king of that country. Though it wasn't easy for them, they never turned against God, even for decrees submitted by the government formulated to get them killed. God rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace and saved Daniel from the lions because they were faithful to him. Take these things to heart as our country creates laws to try and harm or imprison us. The new "ministry of truth," recently designed, is nothing more than a way to take away our voice and give them a reason to throw people in jail who speak against their administration. Every day they hack away at our freedom. If we allow it to continue, we could face communism. If that happens, make sure you are found blameless before God and choose to honor Him, even if that means you are jailed.

My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm." Daniel 6:22

May 1, 2022

The writing is on the wall, and the detestable practices of the current administration will be revealed for all to see. God will not be mocked by the likes of a prideful king/president. I’ve started reading the Book of Daniel. He gives us insight into how he handles kings who lift themselves against God. King Belshazzar gave a party and decided to use the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar, his father, had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem. He then began to praise the gods of silver and gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. Then out of nowhere, fingers appeared and wrote words into the plaster on the wall. He knew that he had made a mistake by testing God. He got weak, and the color drained from his face. They called for Daniel to come and interpret the words. After Daniel admonished him and gave his interpretation, King Belshazzar was dead the next day, and a Persian king replaced him. I have no clue what will happen to the Biden administration, but it’s reasonable to believe that because he positions himself against God Almighty, his position as president couldn’t last very long. 

This is the interpretation of the matter: MENE, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; TEKEL, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; PERES, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” Daniel 5:26-28

April 30, 2022

I’m full of random questions this morning. The more I hear about the ridiculous actions of our government leaders, I wonder who is truly in charge. Are they being secretly controlled and allowed to push their agenda forward to show how depraved they truly are? Are the good guys in power? If so, how far will they let them go? Though the vaccine has consequences, did it keep us from being locked down for years while the communist overtook us? With as many weapons as we have as individuals, why would they ever think they could control us? But they are! With gas prices and food shortages. Have you heard about all the fires in the food processing plants throughout our country? They are creating a food shortage! Lawlessness has increased. Bad is good, and good is bad. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. Nothing makes sense. The ruthless are doing everything they can to try and control uncontrollable people. As scary as this sounds, we know God is watching. I am confident he will protect us from their criminal activity! This is a spiritual battle, but it has physical consequences. Stay strong, mighty warriors of God, and continue to fight the good fight!

And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12-13

April 29, 2022

Symbolism is everywhere! Once you begin to recognize it, you will realize that the devil’s hand is in everything! What’s sick is that churches are involved! We must continue to pray for the children of God. As the world becomes more unstable, the enemy’s intentions become known; you can see it; it’s right in our face. We must seek God for his wisdom to teach us how we should traverse society. Rather than becoming reactionary, we must use our prayer as a weapon against enemy forces. Follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit when it comes to dealing with people, and continue to worship and honor God. It is our responsibility to give everything to him and submit to his authority and power; because when we are weak, he is strong. We cannot go to war against the enemy alone; he will chew us up and spit us out. Recognize that we can do nothing without God and his strength. Know that we are already victorious because we are blessed!

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18

April 28, 2022

The truth about what’s going on in the world is right in our face, yet we don’t believe it because it doesn’t seem real. The enemy thrusts it in front of us and tells us what they are doing, but we dismiss it as a slip of the tongue. How often have we heard world leaders “accidentally” use the wrong words, and we count it as a mistake? They’ve been slipping up a lot! These aren’t accidents; it’s the truth! I’ve read that those following certain cults must tell us what they are doing before they do it; it’s part of their code of ethics. Imagine that, followers of Satan have a code of ethics. Words have power, and if we don’t start listening more carefully to what these cult followers are saying, we will lose every bit of our freedom. They are in our government, the media, churches, Hollywood, and throughout. We must come against these powers and principalities of this dark world and seek the help of God to counteract the measures they are using against us. We are at war, but because we’ve been blinded by what’s right in front of our eyes, we fail to see it. We are called to get in the battle! Put on the whole armor of God! What is the armor? Salvation, God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and righteousness. 

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12

April 27, 2022

Going through the process of a home inspection is grueling, but when it’s ten, it’s torturous! Because these are rental duplexes, we pay the water bill. Then imagine finding out that half of them have leaks that we know nothing about! We’ve tried explaining our expectations to our tenants, especially when it comes to any kind of water issue, but because they don’t pay the water bill or have to pay for the damage it causes, it doesn’t seem to matter to them. It took an hour for the inspectors to complete each unit. Thankfully, they had a team, but it still took the entire day. 

What if we were being inspected by Jesus? Would you stand up to the test, or would he find out that you’ve taken advantage of his generosity? When you accepted him as Savior, he wiped your slate clean, giving you a perfect home; however, many continue to sin and cause damage like a leak, and he must pay for the damage you caused. You may ask, “how do I cause damage?” Sin always causes harm, whether it’s to you or someone else who is affected by it. Do your best to refrain from the appearance of sin, so your testimony is clean.

Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27

April 26, 2022

I'm not sure how this day will go, but the birds seem to think it's going to be great. Their songs are so loud that I can't hear anything else. My day is tied up in home inspections, and I dread it. Thankfully this will be the last of them. I don't like intruding on others and their homes, but it's necessary when a sale is involved. Sometimes, when we share Jesus with others, they feel like we are intruding because it makes them evaluate how they live. They feel like we are calling them out on their lifestyle. The truth is that it's the Holy Spirit causing them to feel judged because they know the way they are living is wrong. Remember Jesus and the woman at the well? He held nothing back and told her everything she had done. He didn't tread carefully on her feelings. I think we may be so afraid of rejection that we fail to share the gospel's truth with those who need it the most. We must take our cues from Jesus; he was bold and unafraid. If they reject our message, we can walk away. Sometimes a little intrusion is necessary to save a life.

So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” John 4:28-29

April 25, 2022

We installed new cameras around our house yesterday. It’s like a kid getting a new toy; we played with it all afternoon. You would think we were scared of the dark with all the surveillance we have. I may be a bit behind on the technological front, but I was intrigued by the ability to communicate through these tiny cameras. I was walking around the house testing them to see how long it took them to notify us of activity, and I heard Richard on the speaker asking me if I could hear him! Incredible! Eyes everywhere! You can’t go anywhere on our property without being the star of a movie.

It made me think about how God watches over his children and how protective he is. He watches and takes notes. Keep listening for his voice and responding when he calls to you. He may not act on your behalf right away, but guaranteed he will avenge you in due time and return to you double what you have lost at the enemy’s hand. Nothing has happened to you that God doesn’t see.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

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

April 24, 2022

Moving into Richard’s childhood home has been a challenge. I tend to want everything perfect; however, God has broken me of that stronghold by placing me in an imperfect home that needs a lot of work. I’m super excited about an accessory building called the “Pool-house,” but his dad never built a pool. Our family always gathered there on Christmas Day. My intentions are to make it into a chapel, a place for my family to gather once again, only this time to worship God. I’m probably more excited about that than anything else. It will require a commitment, but what better way to worship God than to bring your family close and begin training your grandchildren on how to preach and teach. In the future, they will be able to do their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. We can do many things to further the gospel message, but the best thing is to teach the children how they should go. If they stray, they will remember their childhood and come back to their seat of comfort and peace in the love of Jesus.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6