August 5, 2022

Yesterday, I spent the entire day with home inspectors. Fourteen inspections, three inspectors, and a box full of keys! That's too many for one day, but at least it's over. Home inspections are the most dreaded part of my job, but when they are rentals, it's even worse because I'm invading the tenant's privacy. There is no getting around it, especially when an insurance company or a buyer is involved. They want to know what could be wrong with the property so the homeowner can make corrections and the party to the transaction can make a sound financial decision. 

It's for the same reason God searches the hearts and minds of those he loves, ensuring every iniquity is repented, cleaned up, and we make corrections to our behavior. Through Jesus, every sin is cleansed, but we must confess them and remove any unrighteous from our being that may have crept in and sullied our reputation as his follower.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalms 139:23-24

August 4, 2022

Jeremiah prayed for God to turn his wrath away from his adversaries, yet they plotted against him, dug a pit to capture him, and made a snare for his feet. They didn’t like his prophecy for them and wanted to keep doing their evil deeds rather than turning away from it so God would relent from bringing disaster. So Jeremiah prayed for them again; only this time he prayed against them!

Therefore deliver up their children to famine; give them over to the power of the sword; let their wives become childless and widowed. May their men meet death by pestilence, their youths be struck down by the sword in battle. Jeremiah 18:21

These people were nasty! He told them what God wanted him to say; he prayed for them and instructed them to turn away from wickedness, and yet they came after him because they didn't like what God said. They had the opportunity to change, not unlike today's evil. They've had warnings, and we've prayed for them to relent from their evil practices; it's time for us to pray against them. Pray that everything terrible they've planned for the ordinary people would fall back on them. Like Jeremiah, I'm tired of being nice, and now I'm praying that God would unleash his wrath upon them and remove them from this earth so we would have peace again.

August 3, 2022

After selling the cows in one pasture, we moved other cows into their vacated field. We weren’t sure how to get them to cross over, but we set up the panels across the driveway and moved their feed, hoping they would go on their own. At first, they didn’t move. We thought we might have to cut off their water supply so they would look for it in the new pasture. Thankfully we didn’t have to do that because it seemed cruel. They must have become curious because by the following day, that had all moved over, and we could close the gate behind them. They seem okay, but we can tell that they want to cross back over because they keep gathering near the access. 

When God moves you into a new pasture that is green and lush and sets a meal in front of you, don’t try to cross back over. Be thankful that your past is behind you and that God moved you forward. Your life in Jesus is about moving closer and closer to him and turning away from past sin into a new direction. Don’t look back! The promised land is just ahead. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalms 23:2-3

August 2, 2022

After carefully placing my newly filled paint tray away from the ladder so I wouldn’t step in it, I stepped in it, and paint went everywhere! Not only that, but the flooring is green carpet that I had covered with a tarp, but it sloshed onto the carpet and seeped through the tarp. We have plans to replace the carpet, but not yet! After scooping most of it up, I had the presence of mind to pour Fabuloso on it to keep it wet until I could get some water to pour over it. After working diligently for about an hour, I got the paint out of the carpet and was able to finish the job. I didn’t get anxious but worked steadily through this unplanned situation.

Though this is minor and not world-changing, it’s an example of our challenges as citizens of God’s Kingdom. Life is certainly not easy, and even though we may face a delay for a time, if we work steadily, we will get through it, accomplish our goals, and receive our reward. If you are going through a situation, whether it’s your health, finances, or relational, don’t give up! Don’t rely on your own strength; have faith in God’s power. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

August 1, 2022

I did some weeding in my vegetable garden on Saturday. I had allowed them to become too numerous, so it took me a while to get them cleaned up. The gnats were bothering me, and the heat was intolerable. I decided to bring a fan outside and set it up in front of me, and it kept me cool and the gnats out of my face. It was the best idea I’ve had in a long time. Plucking them out gives me such satisfaction and immediate gratification. If only I had made it a daily practice to remove them, it wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand. 

The weeds are like sin, the heat and the gnats are like the enemy, and the fan is like Jesus. It will become overwhelming if you don’t pluck the sin from your life daily. Then when you decide it’s time to clean it up, the enemy will come along and torture you. However, you have Jesus, and he will help you keep the enemy at bay if you are sincere in your desire to remove it from your life. It is best not to sin, but sometimes it happens; clean it up immediately to avoid accumulation. 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

July 31, 2022

You must remain strong in this day and age.

*Become bold in your convictions.

*Stand firm in the Lord.

*Do not waiver in your belief.

The enemy is throwing everything at you because you belong to Jesus; don’t let that sway you. Think about issues happening in the world right now and lay these verses over the people causing them. The entities creating all the problems for the world will be brought to justice by God himself; he will remove them from his sight! 

Then the LORD said to me, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my heart would not turn toward this people. Send them out of my sight, and let them go! And when they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD: “‘Those who are for pestilence, to pestilence, and those who are for the sword, to the sword; those who are for famine, to famine, and those who are for captivity, to captivity.’ Jeremiah 15:1-2

God will use the very things they used to oppress the people as punishment for themselves. He is going to give them a dose of their own medicine. They will not get away with what they are doing to the people. Pray that all eyes open to the truth, and those lulled to sleep by the evil of this day will wake up.

“Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem, or who will grieve for you? Who will turn aside to ask about your welfare? You have rejected me, declares the LORD; you keep going backward, so I have stretched out my hand against you and destroyed you— I am weary of relenting. Jeremiah 15:5-6

July 30, 2022

God gave Jeremiah a task to purchase a linen loincloth and wear it. Then he had him take a journey to the river Euphrates and hide it. Later, God made him return to get it, and the loincloth was spoiled and good for nothing. “Then the word of the LORD came to me: “Thus says the LORD: Even so will I spoil the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.” Jeremiah 13:8-9

At the time, God commanded Jeremiah to do something that didn’t make sense, but after completing the task, he revealed the lesson. I’m no Jeremiah, but I understand why God spoke to him this way: He sends me to do things and later tells me the significance. He’s never made me bury my underwear by the river, but I can come up with lessons from everyday living. 

Here’s an example: Over the past couple of months, we have been trying to get a few of our cows penned because we’ve sold them, but they are as wild as deer. Earlier this week, Richard decided to refrain from feeding them for a few days. Last night, after praying to God for help, he went to feed them; they ran into the pen, and he caught them. If we don’t appreciate God’s word and consume it daily, he will remove that blessing from us so that we will beg him to feed us again. Then when he relents, he may capture our hearts and become sold out for him. Consume God’s word daily, so you don’t become like a wild deer or need to worry about him removing his blessing from you.

July 29, 2022

Last evening, we had our family over for a combined birthday celebration. We haven’t gathered since April and missed a few, so we had dinner and enjoyed one another’s company. The grand-boys had such a good time and loved being together. Two of us had been to two different funerals that day, so it was good to end our day on a positive note. Hold your family close, gather often, and tell them that you love them because you never know when God will call them home. Sickness and disease are rampant, so make sure you love them enough to tell them about Jesus, so their lives don’t end when their bodies give up. 

The following verses are often used to show people the way to salvation. They are lovingly called the Romans Road because all the verses are from Paul’s writings in the book of Romans. 

• “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23
• "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
• "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
• "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
• "For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

July 28, 2022

For the last couple of days, I’ve wanted to use the word “stupid” in my post. I refrained because it’s not a nice word and thought it probably had no business in a daily devotional. Then I started reading Jeremiah 10, and he uses it three times! He used it to describe the people worshipping idols made of wood that have no power and to describe those who reject God. The other day (posted on July 25), I wrote about an audacious secret cult society trying to overtake God; there is no better way to describe them than stupid! What power could they possibly have other than deception? Maybe weapons of war? Who could go against God and win? They use every bit of cunningness they have to lure stupid people into their realm and hypnotize them into believing in their phony power.

“They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood!” Jeremiah 10:8

My point today is to use our wisdom and ask God to guide us to the truth. Much of what we see and hear is false, an illusion, and we need God to show us the truth about everything. Biblical history is repeating itself, and because of our stupidity, Babylon is ruling over us.

Here’s the good news, justice is coming! “But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.” Jeremiah 10:10

July 27, 2022

You cannot inherit your Christianity. Even if you grew up in a Christian household, attended church, and heard the truth about Jesus, it doesn’t mean you are automatically saved. And just because you repeated a few words and got baptized doesn’t mean you’re saved. There is only one way: to accept Jesus as your Savior and everything that comes with having him. It may seem like an easy thing to do, but the reality is that you must deny yourself. 

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:23-25

It's like taking a bath and changing into clean clothes. You'll still stink if you put your dirty clothes back on. It's a complete change of direction, denying your old way of living and committing to living for Jesus. I suggest you take your baptism seriously; Jesus instructed us to do that as a symbolic act of washing away our filthy sin and coming out clean. Do not put those dirty clothes back on; deny them! If you grew up in church, I'm telling you something you've already heard, but time is short, and you need to get right with the Lord.

July 26, 2022

Richard’s dad built the house we live in back in the ’70s, which still has much of that ’70s look. He had plans to remodel the kitchen, and there were brand new appliances in the garage. I’ve hesitated to deep clean anything in anticipation of the coming deconstruction, but I finally couldn’t stand it any longer and decided to scrub the range that is as old as the house, but now it looks brand new! It has minor wear and tear, but it works perfectly, unlike most appliances today that tend to wear out in a couple of years. This thing is almost 50 years old, was top of the line in its day, and is still going strong. Isn’t that crazy? However, after years of use, grime built up, and it needed a good scrub, just like Judah. They lost their former beauty because they tainted themselves by worshipping idols and turning their backs on God. God won’t put up with that kind of behavior for very long; he will unleash his wrath. Judah ended up in captivity, and our country is headed in the same direction, though it seems we are already in captivity. Pray for our country; the entire world is rejecting God, and he won’t put up with this behavior for much longer. The clean-up starts with the church and trickles down through society. Do your part by putting away sinful behavior that taints your testimony, repent, and begin living for Jesus. The clean-up starts with us.

Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they shall be overthrown, says the LORD. Jeremiah 8:12

July 25, 2022

You may not know this because the mainstream media doesn't report it, but the world is in turmoil. Events are happening in every nation that points to a sinister plan that is falling into place. So, I will become your Jeremiah occasionally and raise the alarm of concern. I watched an interview with Lara Logan, an alternative news reporter; she knows someone who has infiltrated a cult that is out to replace God. Can you imagine the audacity of these people? This group's sick idea is to go after children because we are created in the likeness of God, and children haven't been tainted yet. This cult group must be widely prevalent and highly influential because we see the effects of their influence infiltrating our schools and pediatrics. Though we know Satan is defeated, he hasn't faced the ultimate punishment yet and is still roaming around seeking whom to devour. Hold your children and grandchildren close and teach them the truth about God. If these sickos had their way, they would eliminate all the children. This disturbing activity is nothing new; the same thing happened in Jeremiah's day.

“For the sons of Judah have done evil in my sight, declares the LORD. They have set their detestable things in the house that is called by my name, to defile it. And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind. Jeremiah 7:30-31

July 24, 2022

I want to be encouraging, but when I read Jeremiah, I realize that everything is not always roses and butterflies. God sent Jeremiah to warn the people of Judah and Jerusalem of the coming doom. His warning included instructions to ask for the ancient paths where the good way is and find rest for their souls. He gave them a way to avoid the pending doom, but they rejected it. Though our own outlook may sometimes seem gloomy, God always provides us with the opportunity to readjust our ways and set our path straight. We must repent, turn, and look to Jesus; he is the ancient path.

Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16

July 23, 2022

“Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the LORD, and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?” An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?” Jeremiah 5:29-31

Our country is very much like Israel was back in the biblical days. There are bad people intermingled among the good people of God, and it’s hard to tell the difference. There is a way, especially with all the backward thinking nowadays. They will agree with things that go completely against the Word of God. I have many examples, but no one will see my post if I mention them, so you’ll have to think hard on this one. If the Holy Spirit hasn’t convicted them about the lives of babies and what we teach our children, do they even have his guidance? If they don’t have his guidance, do they have Jesus? Turn on your discerning ears, and listen carefully to everything said by these so-called profits and preachers; God will reveal the truth through their very words. Be careful that you aren’t led astray because you like what your itchy ears are hearing. After all, they will mix truth with their lies. Stay in contact with God every moment of the day because the devil will try and sneak in and twist your minds when you are unaware.

July 22, 2022

The process of healing our country seems to be taking too long, but we didn’t get here overnight. If the masses don’t wake up and see the hypocrisy, they will continue as victims of our wayward government. How long will God allow his children to live in distress? How long must we cry out to him? When will he take control and punish the treacherous actors for what they have done to his people? For the last couple of years, people have felt pressed to succumb to national mandates and comply as good citizens, but now, we are starting to see the government’s wicked scheme fall into place. Many well-meaning citizens have pressed into those who refused such mandates, trying to guilt them into compliance. However, now those who were once healthy are starting to see their bodies decline and realize that those who stood against these mandates were right. Our government has failed us by giving the pharmaceutical companies immunity from prosecution for their misdeeds. The news is not reporting it, but the hospitals and funeral homes know the truth. Pray for God’s hand to touch all those who complied and reverse the effects so they can live healthy and happy lives. 

For I heard a cry as of a woman in labor, anguish as of one giving birth to her first child, the cry of the daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands, “Woe is me! I am fainting before murderers.” Jeremiah 4:31

July 21, 2022

While Richard’s dad was alive, our family would gather for Christmas in an accessory building we lovingly called “The Pool House.” We still call it that, even though there is no pool. Eventually, I intend to make it into a chapel. But right now, I’m cleaning and preparing it to become our temporary home for when we begin the remodeling construction on the main house. We hadn’t used it for Christmas for the past two years, so everything was sitting there building dust and drawing in all kinds of creepy crawlers. Still sitting there was the Christmas tree. My father-in-law loved sparkling things, just like I do, and this tree was no exception; it has glitter and snow. There was no way for me to take it down without getting covered with the glitter, but I did it, and just as I thought, I got glitter and snow everywhere. 

Two lessons come from my experience. The first one is that if something sits too long with no activity, dust and grime will build up, and creatures will inhabit it. Compare this to wondering away from God for a time; sin will creep in and take over, and you will slowly become filthy. The second one is that if you touch something like the glittered Christmas tree, it will get on you. The lesson of the tree is like delving into things God has told us to stay away from; when you touch it, it sticks to you! There is a price to pay for turning your back on him, but thankfully, even though we wander away from him for a bit, he will call us back. Turn to him and repent; he will wash you up and let you come back home. 

Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, “‘Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD; I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the LORD your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 3:12-13

July 20, 2022

Some days, I struggle to hear the voice of God. The television god is usually the reason. We have one of these gods in nearly every room in our house. The difference between this god and the carved images from biblical days is that this one has a voice that fills your head with useless information. Some of what you hear may lead you to believe you are not good enough or that you need to spend your money on things that you may not necessarily need. Though it can be entertaining when you are bored and take your mind off your problems, the damage it has caused is beyond what we will ever know. Not only is the news full of propaganda, but movies, sitcoms, and even home improvement shows can change your thoughts about yourself and your living conditions. And, don’t get me started about commercials! The pharmaceutical industry will make you think you’re always sick and need their medication. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should get rid of your television, but remember that what you see and hear could be trying to program your mind, so stay sharp and fight against the enemy’s ploy.

Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Jeremiah 2:11

July 19, 2022

My brain suffers when I don’t eat properly. Lately, I’ve indulged in the decadence of ice cream, bread, and other high-carb products. For me, part of living a fasted life includes cutting out all the sugar and carbohydrates. Eating a proper diet keeps my mind clear, and I feel better. Not only is a good diet necessary for your health, but so is a steady diet of God’s Word. If you want to indulge in decadence, open your Bible and feast on the tasty morsels God has given us. Taking time to read, pray, and worship is essential and puts God first, making him your priority. If you don’t change anything else in your life, try your best to start your day worshipping God by opening his Word and hearing what he has to say to you. Doing that will set the tone for your day and honor him as he deserves.

This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:50-51

July 18, 2022

I woke up at 2 am and couldn’t go back to sleep because I remembered that I hadn’t given enough thought to providing gifts and well wishes to people I love. They never forget me when it comes to birthdays and other celebrations. I was awake at 2 am, fretting over my thoughtlessness, and I can’t call them right now because it’s too early in the morning. I will try and do better, considering those who like to give gifts are probably the ones who want to receive them. 

Do you know who loves to give gifts? The Lord. We are all recipients of his generosity. There is nothing I treasure more than the gifts our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon all of us. The gift of our Savior, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the most valuable of all our possessions. Do your best to turn your heart towards him daily because he longs to hear from you. You are his favorite; don’t forget that.

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. James 1:17

July 17, 2022

The things we see in society today are much like the Old Testament days. And people, just like you and me, were crying out for God to help and for him to bring retribution upon the people practicing evil.

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! Isaiah 64:1-2

They were suffering but knew the only way to combat the evil was for God to make his presence known to remind the people that he is in charge. Even now, we want to see Jesus return, but my heart breaks for those who have had their minds overtaken by Satan. Some of these people have no clue what they are doing. Then some purposefully reject Jesus and stir up the anger of God. Pray for the clueless to hear the voice of God that they may repent and turn from their wicked ways, but that Satan's cronies would be taken out and receive God's recompense. Pray for our brothers and sisters worldwide; the upheaval is everywhere, and we could all use a bit of relief from the mayhem.