May 19, 2023

Many believe we will be raptured before tribulation begins, and some think that it will be in the middle, but what if we have to live through it and aren't called home until the last trumpet; how would you live your life differently? Let's prepare as if we will be here through its entirety, repent of being lackadaisical, and live solely for Jesus, solidifying our commitment to him, strengthening our faith and hope, and vowing never to give in, even under persecution. If the disciples faced persecution because of their faith in Jesus, what makes us think we are better than them and won't have to prove our allegiance to him by staying firm, even unto death? I'm not taking any chances. If I live long enough and Jesus raptures us before the tribulation, I will be relieved and have prepared my heart for nothing, but if we aren't, my heart is strengthened and ready to face what may come. We should always be prepared whether we are relieved of our earthly duties or must continue to live through the hardship of tribulation.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 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 4:16-17

May 18, 2023

Last night, my husband and I went to a political fundraiser. We were around a lot of people in their suits and posh designer clothing. Yet, here we were, casual and comfortable without pretense. If I've learned anything in my years of living, the best advice I can give you is to be yourself and stop worrying about what other people think of you. The idea of dressing rich until you are, is ridiculous, and it's terrible advice. Don't get me wrong, I love fashion; it's one of my passions, and that's why I notice it, but if you want to dress to perfection, put on the righteousness and love of Jesus. The people in that room that commanded the most authority were the ones who wore love and compassion and gave off a godly demeanor. Stop pretending and be who God created you to be; full of love and kindness toward others and a worthy representative of Him. 

and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

May 17, 2023

I’ve been waiting for a cute story to share with you that would cover 1 Thessalonians 2, but I’ve got nothing. This chapter is one of those that requires the teaching of the scripture without a flowery illustration; it’s the narrow path.

If we, as distributors of the gospel, were to curtail our message to suit the fancies of mankind, God would not be pleased with our walk. We must tell the truth about who he is and what he expects from those that are or would become Christ-followers. The path is not easy for the saved; in fact, it is a narrow road with many roadblocks and uneven terrain, but the outcome is much better than choosing the wide path with beautiful views that are fake, which leads to destruction. We must set our hearts on pleasing God, who will test us. It’s a bit daunting to know the God of the universe will seek to prove our loyalty to him, but if we listen closely to the scriptures and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, nothing will derail his plan for us. And as for the rigorous path and the testing of our faith, they become a crown in our testimony. Stand firm; the testing is only for a moment; eternity is forever!

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

May 16, 2023

On Friday, May 12th, I shared with you that an alligator had crawled into our pond and that he would probably move on because there wasn't anything to eat there. Instead of waiting for this 9-foot monster to leave, we called to have him removed. Last night, a trapper came out, who happened to be a cousin that I had never met! I guess I come from a line of wild but brave people! Because the gator was hungry, he buried himself in the mud near the shore beside the dock to ready himself to pounce upon his next prey. It was the perfect place for the trapper to get to him. He brought out his tools, and with skill, he lassoed him. Richard and I helped bring him to shore and load him in the trailer. It was quite an experience. Even though I consider him a representation of the enemy, he's just an animal, and my heart goes out to him because God created him, and he was only looking for a quiet place to exist. 

The point of my story is that you cannot just allow the enemy to settle into your home. You must take action; that's why God has given us the tools to remove him. However, sometimes you might need to call on others in God's family to help intercede on your behalf. Don't go it alone; ask for help. There are others whom God has gifted with intercession. They have the tools and the skills to help you remove the invader. 

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

May 15, 2023

Over the years of writing this blog, I’ve had people concerned that they aren’t doing enough for the Lord. We will all grow old if God is willing, so we must consider that our service to Him may slow as our bodies deteriorate, with one exception, prayer. As long as our minds can string together a thought, we can pray. Last week, I struggled, feeling oppressed, but on Saturday, I felt it break and all is well again. God heard your prayers and came to my rescue; I couldn’t be more thankful. You don’t have to come up with wonderful words when you pray, you are talking to our Father who loves us, remembering, however, He is to be revered and honored as you speak to Him. Your duties may change as a servant of Jesus, but your impact on God’s kingdom will not. Keep praying, my friends, you may not know your impact until Jesus returns or you enter the kingdom of Heaven, but it is necessary for those who are depending on your intercession. And don’t forget to pray for yourself; that’s when you truly see God at work in your life.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

May 14, 2023

Years ago, I spent time volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, then later on, I worked there as their client services director. Of all the women I counseled who had an abortion, not one was grateful for it; they all regretted it. My heart broke for them because they beat themselves up every day because of their choice. It’s not something you get over easily. They realized they became a mother when they got pregnant, so their choice regarding their child becomes life-altering for both. Men are not exempt from regret. In many cases, they pay for the procedure because they don’t want to be tied to that particular woman for the rest of their lives or for other reasons. Little did they realize that it would alter their lives forever because of their participation. If they are Christians and ask, God forgives them because Jesus paid the price on the cross, but the problem is that they have a hard time believing that he would forgive them and an even harder time forgiving themselves. At the center, we had counselors and groups to help with the healing process. Being pro-life is not just about saving babies; it’s about protecting women and men from having to live with regret for the rest of their lives. It’s compassionate and loving to help them choose life, but also to help them heal from their decision. 

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

May 13, 2023

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. If the signs of Jesus's return were only seen here in the United States, I would assume it was just one symptom, but if you look throughout the earth, you will see that every nation faces the depravity and moral decline of their people because they are rejecting God. How long do you expect he will tolerate such wickedness? You don't have to be a prophet to see that it is nearing the time for Jesus's return. From what I can see, nothing is going on around me that would cause the enemy to stir up the havoc I've been feeling the last few days, which makes me think that the torment I've experienced has more to do with an unseen war taking place in the heavens that may not have anything to do with me at all. Because I try and live my life for God and honor my Savior as best I can in my limited capacity as a human; I may have become a casualty of war, albeit a minor inconvenience. I would rather experience the enemy's wrath than the wrath of God! I'm not trying to scare anyone, but if you are living in sin and haven't turned your life around, you had better repent now and begin living for Jesus because he could show up at any moment. 

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

May 12, 2023

Sometimes, I share things that may seem odd, but I observe the physical things around me and assign spiritual value to them. When everyone became obsessed with owls, I was repulsed because I saw them as predators in the darkness. Yes, they are interesting and cute, and I have nothing against owls, but when they perch on your property, I see it as a sign that you may be dealing with the forces of evil spiritually. It’s been a tough week, not because of my injury but because I believe the enemy has chosen to torment me. Every day this week, there have been signs that he’s trying to overtake me. He may think he knows me but doesn’t realize that I rely solely on God to rescue me from his torment, and through him, I am stronger than ever. Early yesterday morning, we caught a coyote on our camera passing through our property; late yesterday afternoon, an alligator decided to cross our driveway, in nearly the same place, and may try to make a home in our pond, but there’s nothing for him to eat in it, so I expect him to move on soon. That’s the same thing that will happen to whatever this demonic presence is about; it will move on because there is nothing they can do to take me out of the love of Jesus. There are more amazing creatures that live on my property than there are predators. I haven’t figured out why this is happening, but I can guarantee that I will worship God, praise my Savior, and listen closely to the Holy Spirit as he teaches me to remain steady. I’m not complaining; I’m as happy as can be because I will not let the enemy steal my joy! Follow my example when dealing with darkness trying to overtake you; cry out to Jesus if the going gets tough; you will find power when you use his name.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

May 11, 2023

Those who partner with Jesus in any ministry will face challenges from the evil forces that live among us. The devil and his minions will do whatever it takes to try and get you to curse God; it’s their mission to get you to deny him. I recognize when torment is coming because some people around me are sensitive to their presence and react negatively without knowing why. It’s not only mental torment; it can become physical; he will use whatever method he thinks will stop you from your mission. For some reason, for me, he tries to destabilize me by injuring my right foot; this is the third injury I’ve had to the same foot, only this time there is breakage, but it’s not in a place that disables me. I can still walk on it and stand firm! Our feet are our firm foundation, like Jesus, and any injury can take us off balance. It may be a representation of a spiritual battle that’s coming. However, I am prepared with a sword, spiritual armor, the Holy Spirit, and the power of Jesus! I will not be defeated. I am delighted when a battle ensues because I know something good is about to happen in the kingdom of God! Until you begin to look at your challenges as a spiritual battle, you will be defeated before it begins. Rise up, mighty warriors of God; know where your power comes from; it’s not in yourself; it’s in your submission to God. Allow him to defeat your enemy!

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. 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 6:11-13

May 10, 2023

Sometimes, it's hard to pray for people we love because we tend to limit God in those prayers. We know God will answer those prayers in a way that we didn't see coming, which can be scary! I have a friend whose sister is involved with a man whose past behavior should have eliminated him from being her mate. His charm blinded her, and because of that, she failed to make a good decision for her future. My friend told me she had prayed for that situation and asked God to intervene, but she didn't want her sister heartbroken; that's how she prayed. That kind of prayer limits God, and until she decides to pray for God to do whatever it takes to remedy that situation, nothing life-changing will happen. We cannot limit God. Our prayers are powerful; he loves us, but only he knows what it will take to steer humans in the right direction. I am guilty of praying that way, but the more I learn about the grace of God, the more I believe he has my best interest at heart and will do whatever it takes to bring his children into the comfort of his presence. Pray, remembering how much he loves you and doesn't want to hurt you or the people you love. Take the breaks off, and release the situation to him; he will do what is best. 

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

May 9, 2023

 

As a kid, like most of us, I would occasionally fall and skin my knees. It would hurt, but off I went, playing again as if nothing happened. Yesterday, I tripped and fell, twisting my ankle and skinning my knees, and I was down for the day. As I sat there after falling, I prayed while crying that I could still walk. I can still walk, but it hurts. I avoided going to the doctor yesterday, but today, after the swelling has receded, I realized it might be fractured or broken because I feel grinding when I move my foot a certain way. In my area, we have an emergency room at the hospital, but we also have Florida Orthopedic, which also has an emergency room for orthopedic issues. I have no intention of going where sick people are harboring germs, but I will go to the orthopedist. I’m thankful I have a choice. As Christ-followers, we must also decide where to seek spiritual healing. You don’t go to a worldly friend who is not part of the body of Christ; you go to someone who knows Jesus, can encourage you with prayer, and can refer you to healing psalms from the Word of God. So, rather than becoming more downtrodden with the discouragement of an unbeliever, a fellow Christian can lift you out of the muck and mire. Find a Christian friend and stick with them like glue!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

May 8, 2023

Though it seems like a few months, it has probably only been a few weeks, but one of our side-by-side vehicles was taken over by Carolina wrens and their nest. We still used it for awhile, even though we saw the eggs, we just parked it back where it was and the wren couple would come and attend to them. However, when the momma bird began sitting on the nest, we decided not to disturb them anymore. You don’t realize how much you use something until it’s no longer available to you. Yesterday, we noticed that they had finally left. Now we have three more songbirds to entertain us with their voice. 

I know that you can’t compare a bird to a human, but the closer I get to the Lord, the more compassion I have for God’s living creature. He has created a beautiful balance in nature that fill our hearts with joy. He has made the body of Christ, his children, to resemble nature’s balance and expects us to work together in harmony, loving and bearing with one another. Sometimes that can be inconvenient, like the birds taking over my side-by-side, but it’s worth it when we please God with our actions. 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14

May 7, 2023

After installing some of our crisp white cabinets, the drywall finisher created a cloud of dust while sanding the walls. Dust is everywhere! Now we have a mess to clean up and cracks to clean in the doors and drawers of the cabinets. It’s okay; a little cleaning never hurts anyone. The smooth finish on the walls looks fantastic. I can’t wait to see it painted. 

You can almost imagine our life in Christ in comparison to those cabinets. After accepting Jesus as our Savior, we were crisp and clean, but as trials of life hit us, a cloud of dust settled in our minds, causing us to need a little cleaning. Thankfully, our salvation lasts through the rough times and covers the messes we make. Repentance is vital to keeping ourselves healthy, freeing us from the guilt that can accumulate in our minds. The Holy Spirit will tug on your heart, causing you to feel guilty for sullying the body of Christ with sin. Repent and get over it! It’s that easy, like cleaning the dust from the cabinets. 

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. Colossians 3:3-6

May 6, 2023

I’m trying to be an organic gardener, but it isn’t easy. Yesterday, I picked some of my cauliflower and couldn’t eat it. The leaves were riddled with holes from some kind of worm, and when I pealed them back I could see them. I should have kept it dusted with pest control before it began to form the curds, but I’m trying not to poison myself. By not inoculating the plants against pest, it made them inedible anyway. I should have given them a chance to thrive by armoring them against the evil worm; then maybe I would have had something decent to eat.

Our salvation through Jesus is like pest control; he has disarmed the power of principalities of this world. We were dead in our sins but now, Satan and his cohorts no longer have dominion over us. Oh but they will cause us to think they still rule over us; that is why it is so important that we hold every thought captive and scrutinize it against what God says in his word. He will continue to try and ruin your testimony of faith by poking holes in it and luring you into sin; stand firm in your commitment, and stay dressed in God’s armor.  

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:13-15

May 5, 2023

To be completely forthcoming, I write this blog, "To the followers of Christ," because not everyone who thinks they are saved is saved, and as a precaution, I want to catch anyone who may have fallen through the cracks. Even though many profess salvation, our job as disciple-makers is only complete once we see them living for him. Saying a short prayer and receiving baptism doesn't necessarily mean you've changed your life. We must make a complete about-face and leave everything behind we once believed in, and put Jesus first and foremost. He sacrificed everything to make us holy and above reproach, but we must do our part by living for him. 

Below is what it says in Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible:

“We can expect the happy end of our faith only when we continue in the faith, and are so far grounded and settled in it as not to be moved from it. We must not draw back unto perdition,but believe unto the saving of the soul. We must be faithful to death, through all trials, that we may receive the crown of life, and receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls.”

You must stay strong in your faith in Jesus until the very end.

if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:23

Here are a few other verses to consider: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 10:39, 1 Peter 1:9

May 4, 2023

It's important to remember that darkness only exists in the absence of light, which is why we must embrace our identity as children of the light. Unfortunately, those who embrace evil often despise us for shining our light, which is Jesus, because it diminishes their value. It's clear from current events that many of us are hiding our light under a bushel, forgetting the song we used to sing as children. If we continue to do so, evil will only continue to grow worse. As believers in Jesus, we are no longer part of the domain of darkness; we now live in his kingdom and must act accordingly. If we all let our light shine, perhaps the forces of evil will scatter like roaches.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? NO!
I’m gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? NO!
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Don’t let anyone blow it out,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Don’t let anyone blow it out,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

May 3, 2023

Sometime last year, I began covering a New Testament chapter each day and writing a post about it. Maybe when I’m finished, I will put them together in a book; we’ll see if God leads me down that path again. However, there are some chapters that I tend to linger in because the content is so good that I can’t summarize it in one paragraph. Philippians 4 is one of those books. It is so encouraging; I can imagine how exhilarating it was for the Philippians to receive such a letter from Paul. Take a look at some of the verses from that chapter:

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

I often recite these Bible verses without realizing they are all from the same chapter and book. I tend to memorize the content but forget the address, which is something I need to work on. During tough times, it's important to uplift and support each other. We should keep a collection of hopeful verses close by and commit them to memory for easy access in our minds. If you haven't memorized these scriptures, I encourage you to do so. Look them up in the version of the Bible you use; the ones I've included are from the English Standard Version.

May 2, 2023

I’m very excited about today; our new cabinets are to be delivered! Every step that gets us back into the main house is exciting. We’ve remodeled several homes that we’ve lived in, but never a complete do-over. It’s going from a five-bedroom with chopped-up living space to a two-bedroom open concept, and the only reason we have an extra bedroom is for our grandkids. Once it is complete, we can have our entire family over for the holidays without feeling crowded or overwhelmed by extra noise. It’s like our house is receiving salvation; rather than tear the whole thing down, we are removing the negative things about it and rebuilding it to our perfection. As a Christ-follower, that’s what Jesus is doing for you! Rather than replace you entirely, he is building you into his likeness, removing the wall that blocks the light and opening your heart to become perfect in him. He gives you room to entertain family and friends to share in his goodness. Today, ask God what walls you are hiding behind that need to be removed so that his light drenches your soul.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

May 1, 2023

"May-day, May-day, May-day!" I urge you to listen closely. We face turbulent waters as the waves of sin crash against our ship, threatening to sink us. Our only hope now is to call upon the LORD for salvation. Those who believe in him will be protected, as he is with us in this boat. Jesus is our refuge and our only escape from the punishment of sin. Only by seeking refuge in him can we find safety. Even as the world crumbles around us, we need not fear the wrath of God. While it may be tempting to stay in our comfortable lives, we must be willing to endure the anger of others rather than face God without Jesus. He is our shield and protector, and we must turn to him for comfort and strength when the world's troubles overwhelm us. Trust in him, and he will guide you to safety.

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— Philippians 3:9

April 30, 2023

During a recent conference, I observed people getting up and leaving in the middle of the speaker's presentation. Their topic was interesting and informative. Can we not sit still for thirty minutes? I wish I didn't notice such things, but I do. A servant of God spends countless hours preparing a message that we should probably hear, and they are often interrupted by bladder issues or whatever causes a person to walk out. While I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, respecting others and handling any needs beforehand is essential. Would Jesus walk out while one of his beloved was speaking? Absolutely not. He would be attentive, listening carefully to every word. As followers of Christ, we should emulate his behavior and show love and attentiveness toward one another. Let us strive to be mindful of our actions, remembering that God is always watching.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus Philippians 2:4-5