November 1, 2024

There is something sweet about meeting other believers in Christ; I can describe it as love for strangers you didn't know you had. I am somewhat reserved; one evening at a local concert, I met a woman and her husband, who were also Christ-followers. She went over the top in excitement upon meeting me as another Christian. It was such a joyful meeting; though we were strangers, there was an immediate bond as sisters in Christ. As the body of Christ, we meld together when we meet. It's like our mouth realizing that the hand feeds it; we need one another, and there is joy associated with knowing the other parts of the body. 

I've had two encounters with angels I know of, and those meetings were a little different than meeting a Christ-follower; they were messengers during a great time of need. I thought, "Who was that, and what just happened?" There is a different spiritual feeling involved. That's why the Hebrew writer clarifies that we should love everyone; you never know who you will meet.

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:1-2

October 31, 2024

There couldn’t be a better time to cover the encouraging chapter of Hebrews 12. God knew we would face many trials and tribulations, so He gave us scripture to refer to that helps us endure and persevere. We may not have yet had to endure the shedding of blood; nevertheless, what we are experiencing from the wicked tends to throw us off our game. Jesus understands us more than we realize because he suffered for our sake and endured under the pressure of evil. That doesn’t mean we won’t have to suffer the loss of blood, but he will give us the ability to handle it if such suffering becomes necessary. I pray that we are protected from such a trial. Scripture tells us to lay aside every weight that hinders us from running the race, which includes our concerns for our flesh, which inhibits us from growing closer to God spiritually. Our flesh is what feels natural, but the truth is our spiritual nature is more real than our bodies, which only hold us back from reaching our full potential in Jesus. For this reason, Jesus said we should deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow him. Keep working on growing closer to Jesus; that closeness is the treasure we should store and is all we will have left when our body gives way.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hebrews 12:4

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24

October 30, 2024

Living in this time in history takes a lot of faith to believe that God is in control, that everything will pan out, and that His plan will prevail. The writer of Hebrews covers some of the people he considered key players whose faith didn’t fail, and they believed in God for the outcome of their situation. These people were like us because they were ordinary people whom God used as examples to help us consider strengthening our faith in Him. We can all write stories of where our faith prevailed and are still writing it because it takes faith to believe the Holy Spirit is with us and to maintain our belief that Jesus is who he says he is. We’ve seen the works of His hands in our lives as a testament to that faith. I find it comforting that God rewards those who seek Him because it’s easy to stay in communication with Him throughout our day simply by praying and having the faith to believe that He hears you. Hold on to what you have; it seems we are nearing the end.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

October 29, 2024

The law of Moses was a shadow, and that shadow was of Jesus. Do we follow the shadow or the being casting the shadow? Jesus fulfilled the law, and we have a better picture of what God meant by that law because we have the light itself rather than a blurry gray area blocking the light. When you have faith in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, you receive a download and are compelled to do the right thing because God’s laws are then written on your heart. Mind you, it helps to study God’s Word, but the Spirit will show you the right thing to do because of his infilling. Because Jesus was the perfect offering, there are no more pleasing sacrifices to God; it’s Jesus or nothing.

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:16-17

October 28, 2024

Our family has gone through a couple of years of probate, dealing with the estate of Richard’s dad. It took so long because he didn’t set up a trust or a will, which would have helped the process. I always thought he didn’t take the time to set it up because he felt he wasn’t going to die, but it may have been that it was overwhelming, so he left it all for Richard to sort out, and it’s been a nightmare. There was debt that had to be paid so that the disposition of the estate could be completed. Nevertheless, a person must die for a will or trust to go into effect. I’m sure I may be oversimplifying it, but for the New Testament or covenant to begin, Jesus had to die.

Another point that helps us understand is that when a will or testament is written, if changes are made, or the will is re-written, the new will takes the place of the old and the old one is no longer valid. The same can be said about the New Testament replacing the Old Testament. There is much to learn from the Old Testament, but when it comes to our inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, the New Testament will take precedence. Unlike Richard’s dad, Jesus settled his estate before he died on the cross. The blood he shed paid our debt, so we wouldn’t have to be responsible for it. We should be grateful that Jesus settled his estate before he passed; it’s a bigger deal than you might think.

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Hebrews 9:16-17 

October 27, 2024

Are you dealing with the regret of past sins? I have good news: if you are beating yourself up or suffering remorse. Because of your salvation in Jesus, God doesn’t remember your sins! It is time for you to let them go and heal. If our All Mighty God has put your iniquities behind Him and out of his mind, why should we continue fretting over them? How do you do that? It’s a matter of praying and asking God to help you forgive yourself. The best way to live without regret is to use your experience to help others. Your testimony of God’s forgiveness and Him no longer holding your faults against you is the best way to bring others to Jesus and to help you heal. I am so thankful we are not under the old covenant, the law of Moses, and held responsible for our inability to keep every detail of it. Our new covenant is wonderful and full of God’s grace and mercy. We are so fortunate to have Jesus.

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:12

October 26, 2024

When Jesus was made High Priest and King, God removed the priesthood from the tribe of Levi because Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. Because of the change in the order of the priesthood, it changed the law. Levi and the rest of us came from the loins of Adam, who was corrupted because when he sinned, the seed of nations was within him, so his sin sullied us all. However, Jesus’ Father was God, which means he had no corruption in him, and because he never sinned, it made him the perfect sacrifice to cover our sins. The law required sacrifices by a sinful man who had to also make sacrifices for himself before offering one for the sins of others. The whole thing seems so complicated. I’m grateful that we have Jesus as our Priest. He was sinless and made the ultimate sacrifice for us, so there is no longer the need for a sacrifice or a faulty intercessor between God and us because we have Jesus.  

For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:14-16

October 25, 2024

Jesus is the foundation of your Christian life. We aren’t called to replace the foundation or start over; once is enough. Doing so is like crucifying Jesus all over again. We are to build upon his firm foundation, not lingering on the simplistic things of Christ, but grow, leaving the milk of a suckling babe and going on to consume meat. 

My husband is a builder. We had bought a piece of property years ago that we intended to build duplexes on. The first thing he did was clear the land and prepare the ground. Once it was ready, he began with a solid concrete foundation. Though the foundation was nicely laid, if he had stopped there, we wouldn’t have the nice income we now have. The point is, once you experience the activity of the Holy Spirit, you don’t go back to start over again. The foundation is the milk; the walls and roof are your security, the meat. Like the income we receive from our rentals, the benefits of building on the firm foundation of Jesus pays well, and the benefits are endless. You can’t just stop with the foundation; you must add on and grow in Christ Jesus. 

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2

October 24, 2024

We are entering into a season of awareness. Knowing that much of what we were taught about our history is compromised and may or may not be accurate, we must proceed cautiously and sift through what we learn with eyes that discern. As we awaken from our stupor, we realize that biblical truths are what we must cling to to keep a sound mind. The world is mad, and we must stay suited in our armor to fight the forces of evil because they are no longer hiding. Here's the good news: Jesus is our intercessor and High Priest and infallible. He was tempted and resisted but lived as a human just like us, and God gave him to us as a pathway to reach Him with our request and as the propitiation for our sins. We cannot go directly to God unless we pray "in Jesus' name." Jesus learned obedience by suffering, so who do you think you are that you shouldn't face trials? Count it all joy when the enemy tries to stop you; why would he bother coming after you if you weren't a threat? Keep the name of Jesus on your lips and invoke it when the battle gets fierce; the demons will cringe at hearing it, and if you resist the devil, he will flee.

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:8-9 

October 23, 2024

We know that we are nearing the end of time because of signs. What does that mean, "end of time?" To those who believe in Jesus, it is the end of the body that limits us, and we don't have to keep track of time anymore, but for others, it means the continuation of torment in an unimaginable place. If we truly understood the peace and tranquility promised to those who believe in Jesus, we would be living in that kingdom, not emphasizing the body's ailments or allowing the world to rattle us. We are at rest, but many are not. Therefore, we must continue to plant seeds and work with the Holy Spirit so he can draw in those who are to become part of the kingdom of God. It is becoming more crucial that we spread the word about Jesus because his return is drawing near, and it is imperative that all who were chosen be brought near so they too can rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus from the weight of sin, care, and worry, that causes anxiety. If you are still struggling with these things, you need to pray that God will help you overcome your unbelief; because of Jesus, you should rest from your striving. 

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:9-11

October 22, 2024

As we contend with the evil day set before us, do not be troubled; these are trials, so stand firm in your belief. The enemy will taunt you and tempt you; do not give in. Live your life knowing the kindness, goodness, and grace given to us by the Father through our belief in Jesus and the assurance that it is truth given to us through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God is grieved by those who sin and continue to sin. Look at the Israelites whose carcasses fell in the wilderness while they wandered for forty years. The only people who came out alive were those who held onto their belief in God. Stand firm in your commitment to Jesus, and don’t allow the words of false teachers to sway you in the wrong direction. Write down all the beautiful things He has done for you so you don’t forget during hardship. Rest easy knowing He will handle the details, and it will all be glorious in the end. 

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: Hebrews 3:7-8

October 21, 2024

Because of Jesus’s sacrifice and resurrection, we do not have to fear death as those who came before him. However, I know people still fear death because of the unknown. That’s where our faith in Jesus comes into play. We need to fix in our minds the resurrection power, Jesus’s conquering of death. Matthew Henry’s Commentary says it beautifully:

“Christ became man, and died, to deliver them from those perplexities of soul, by letting them know that death is not only a conquered enemy, but a reconciled friend, not sent to hurt the soul, or separate it from the love of God, but to put an end to all their grievances and complaints, and to give them a passage to eternal life and blessedness; so that to them death is not now in the hand of Satan, but in the hand of Christ - not Satan's servant, but Christ's servant - has not hell following it, but heaven to all who are in Christ.”

As the world crumbles, our hope is in Jesus; trust that he has our best interest at heart, and if we die, we will be with him in paradise. 

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:15

October 20, 2024

The Bible tells us that there are spiritual beings amongst us. We can be sure that angelic beings have been there from the beginning to minister to us and help us in our journey. They’ve seen all the things we have done. These same angels go in and out of the presence of God. Though powerful, they are not above Jesus; they worship him. If you remember, at his human birth, they came and worshipped him and called on the shepherds to go and see him so they could worship him, too. We also have demonic beings that have been around people for a long time and know our reactions to certain things. They may not be able to steal our soul from the hands of Jesus, but they can sure make us look bad if we fall for their taunting that causes us to sin. Tidy up your life and refrain from participating in the practices associated with evil. Make it easy for others to recognize that you are a child of God and that He is the only one you worship. 

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:13-14

October 19, 2024

As I was trying to pick out a Psalm this morning to cover as an offering of worship during this Feast of Tabernacles to help us draw closer to God our Father, I remembered my friend who sings and praises the Lord with her voice every day. God gave her the ability to play the piano and sing as a gift, and she uses it to sing with all her heart. When she sings and plays, you can feel her love and thankfulness for all that God has done for her by saving her from the hands of the enemy. God gave her this special gift, and she uses it. When she sings, it’s as if you can see right into her heart as she lifts up her voice to honor the Lord. Not only is she worshipping Him with all her heart, but as she does, the sound spreads, and those who hear her are blessed as she ministers to the Lord. I imagine the Lord smiling as He is honored by her song. 

You don’t have to have a special gift to honor God through your singing. Sing to Him with all your heart, lift Him in praise. It is the least we can do for all He has done for us. Worship Him today and give Him praise because His love endures forever.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalms 100:1-2

October 18, 2024

Yesterday, I found myself starting to spiral and feeling a little depressed. It has been creeping up on me over the past week, and I didn’t notice. With all the sad stories and tragedies from the devastating hurricanes, fires, and flooding, it’s easy to fall into dismay. I have nothing to be sad about in my life; God has blessed me beyond measure, but seeing others suffering or missing loved ones makes me hurt for them. However, to see others pitching in and helping their fellow man gives me hope that the American people aren’t as bad as the news portrays us to be. This is also a time of year when evil abounds; those who are caught up in the practices of the occult dance around in plain sight, taunting us and scaring the children. I used to love the month of October and all the fall activities, but I’m starting to despise it because it has become the month of the devil. If you are a bit out of sorts as I have been, the word of God is your source. This morning, I could hear the Holy Spirit pointing me to the words of Isaiah 41:10:

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

We have so much to be thankful for; think of those things when you start feeling down. God’s word will lift you out of the barren wasteland of depression and raise you in the glory of His hands. 

October 17, 2024

We know that our calendar is inaccurate, and the counting of the days has been sullied and rigged by those who seek to confuse us, making me wonder if the feasts are also out of line. The Jewish nation keeps a different calendar, but I’m unsure if it is accurate. We can still honor God by acknowledging His appointed feasts even though we don’t live under the old covenant. Since the Feast of Tabernacles began last night and continues until nightfall on October 23, 2024, we can still acknowledge God and give Him glory by drawing closer to Him through worship. We don’t have to go to the trouble of building a temporary shelter because our bodies are temporary shelters for the Holy Spirit of God, and we already dwell in them. 

Isn’t it odd that many are living in temporary shelters because of the hurricanes? Was that purposely done to set an example? Only God knows the answer. What I do know is that I live in my booth/tabernacle, and the Holy Spirit lives in me, and if you’re reading this as a Christian, you also live in a booth/tabernacle and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Make a point to draw close to the Lord today to honor Him.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

October 16, 2024

If ever there was a time we needed the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it is now. After experiencing two major hurricanes and seeing the devastation they caused, we could all use some peace. However, there are still many people missing in North Carolina, Tennessee, and elsewhere, but others are without the comfort of a home to go back to. Such circumstances should humble us about our situation and make us grateful to God we escaped with our lives. Imagine having a family member missing and fearing that they may not be alive. Their families will never be the same. Rather than being angry, put your situation in perspective and be grateful to God for your life and the lives of your family. 

We will not find peace in this world; the sin that it is mixed with doesn’t bring restfulness like the peace that Jesus gives us. Rather than feeling sorry for yourself, escape the world through prayer and worship and enter into His peace. Do not conform to the world’s standards and allow upheaval to overtake you; renew your mind, concentrate on Jesus, and accept the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

The Feast of Booths, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles, starts tonight and is celebrated by creating a temporary shelter and concentrating on our relationship with God and drawing close to Him. It is celebrated yearly to remind Israel of God giving them freedom from Egypt.  

October 15, 2024

It is obvious to most that the demons are running scared and grabbing anyone they can get their hands on before they are sent into the pit of fire. Not only are they stirred during this last ditch effort, but we are coming up on their favorite holiday, All Hallows Eve, Halloween. I’ve noticed that they tend to be more active and reveal themselves during this time of year more than any other time. The best thing you can do about it is to stay in prayer, polish your armor, and be ready at any moment to fight against these powers and principalities of the dark world. They may not put a dagger through your heart, but they will toy with your emotions and cause friction. They will laugh all the way back to hell if they can get you to react. Don’t let them win! Stay calm, pray, and think things through before you open your mouth; let the Holy Spirit guide you. Praising and worshipping God is the key to your success. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

October 14, 2024

Do you ever look at old buildings like you might see in Ybor City, Tampa, or other old cities and wonder what happened to the craftsmanship that helped create such intricate details? Did we lose that technology like we lost the technology to land on the moon? I’ve thought about it in the past, but some people have brought it up lately, and it has piqued my interest again. There are mysteries about the past that I feel we aren’t getting the full details of, or maybe our history has been sanitized or corrupted. Then you read the infallible word of God, the Bible,  and find many mysteries that are hard to explain, like we might be missing something.

For this reason, it is vital to harness the power of the Holy Spirit when digging into things that don’t make sense. Seek God when you are curious and ask Him questions; He is such a wonderful Father and will guide you in the right direction to help you find the answers if you are meant to know such things. As we venture into what seems like a blurry past, we can be sure of one thing: the Lord our God loves us, and His Word is trustworthy and true.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

October 13, 2024

The Kingdom of God is spiritual.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. Luke 17:20-22

We have undeniable proof of this when we saw a monstrous storm coming, and we collectively prayed to calm that storm and then watched it break up before it hit Florida. We still had devastation, but not total annihilation of life. We know that it could have been worse, but we harnessed the power within us that God gave us, to decrease the storm's power. This collective power only happened because of our faith in Jesus. In scripture, Jesus told us repeatedly that the kingdom of heaven is within us. Why don't we believe him? If you lack faith, pray, and ask God to increase it. We can live the life that is becoming of a person saved by grace if only we believe with our whole hearts that the kingdom of God is within us, just as Jesus told us. We need to do the same type of praying, collectively as the Church, to overcome the enemy's plan to take us out and try this again, but on a grander scale so unbelievers can see it with their eyes and believe.