December 11, 2024

Is anyone else struggling with Christmas this year? The atmosphere is weird. It makes me wonder if God is refining us to set aside the childish things of this world. I put up one tree just for the grandchildren to see. I usually deck the halls, but I’m not feeling it this year. It could be that the recovery from the hurricanes is still underway, and some people still have no home to go to. It’s heart-wrenching, and I think we are still traumatized. Here we are, putting on a smile, pretending that everything is okay when clearly others are hurting, and looking for hope when the glass seems half-empty. We need to search ourselves, go deep, and find out what matters the most. Isn’t it the hearts of people? As Christians, our hope is in Jesus, there is no other way to be saved from this body. He is the essence of why we live. Focus on him if you are struggling; long for him rather than a physical fix or earthly possessions. He died and conquered the grave so we would have life beyond this world. Set your eyes on him and watch your world change for the better. 

Remember, decorating for Christmas is strictly about joyful decor. You should check your motives if decorating means more to you than that. Worship our Creator only. 

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 1 Corinthians 5:7-10

December 10, 2024

The vessel in which our spirit lives is only temporary. As our earthly body dies day by day, our spirit grows and is refreshed by the Holy Spirit, who also lives within us. Worldly care may beat us down, but because of Jesus, we have our hope renewed. Yes, our bodies will give up on us at some point, but the person of the Holy Spirit sustains us through our adversity. 

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

I don’t think we realize how confining our body is; when we are released from it and step into the presence of Jesus, we will feel relieved and genuinely free. Jesus is our example of overcoming death; though our body may die, we will live on with him. What a blessed assurance. I know we are not ready to die yet, we have kingdom work to do, but when it comes, we will rest in the arms of our Savior. What a beautiful thought for such an unsure time. It doesn’t matter what happens in this world; our world is unending because of Jesus, and we will live on in eternal bliss.

December 9, 2024

One of my favorite subjects is freedom in Christ. Did you know that because of Jesus, the old covenant, the law of Moses, has passed? It’s all gone! We are under the new covenant where we have freedom. The tenants of the new covenant are written on our hearts and are spiritual, not on stone tablets like in Moses’ day. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and guides us to all truth. Those people trying to make us abide by the old law are liars and don’t know what they are talking about. They are the false teachers that Jesus warned us about. If you are still hanging onto your past because of guilt, why? Jesus cleaned you up already, so it’s time to let it go. The one condemning you is you and Satan if you let him. He will keep bringing it up as long as you dwell on it. Let that stuff go! Jesus cleansed you of all unrighteousness, and we are a new creation. However, if you make a mistake and are burdened by it, ask him to forgive you and let it go. Oh, and by the way, Jesus also cleansed you from the harm done to you by others. Praise him and give him the glory; use your past as a stepping stone to minister to others. He freed you for a reason, so use it to help expand his kingdom by bringing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus.

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17

December 8, 2024

Do you try to spread your sadness to others to make them feel sorry for you? We all need someone to sound off to, but not an entire congregation of people. Knowing he was not his chipper self, Paul didn’t want to bring that kind of emotion to the congregation of Corinth. He commended them in his letter for adequately handling the sinful person he wrote to them about in his last letter. Now, he recommends that they forgive him so Satan doesn’t have an advantage over them. 

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11

This scripture fills in a gap that many don’t understand. That is why we need to forgive others, whether they are saved or unsaved. Don’t let Satan have an advantage over you for any reason. It’s for us as much as it is for them. Lack of forgiveness is emotionally torturing yourself and can cause depression. Release those feelings to God and let Him help you handle them properly. Forgive and move on. 

December 7, 2024

Man is fallible, but God is not. In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth to explain why he didn’t come to visit them. He ran into a lot of trouble, almost losing his life. You can tell from this letter that Paul was upset about not being able to join them, but his trouble was so great that he had to stay in place. He must have felt their disappointment and reminded them that you can’t always count on humans because they are yes and no, but you can always count on God because he is yes and amen. Even with our most serious issues, when we feel that God can’t hear us, we know that He has a perfect plan, and even though we are anxious, He won’t fail to deliver us one way or another. If you are facing trouble, ask for prayer like Paul did, and if someone asks you to pray for them, pray. Your faith and their faith together will help petition God for an answer. I always see prayer requests on social media, and I don’t scroll past without praying; I may not respond by commenting, but I make it a point to pray anyway. I feel like it’s our duty to reach out to God on behalf of others because if they ask, it must be a great need or of importance to them, and they believe that God will hear their prayer if they combine in faith with other believers.

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 2 Corinthians 1:9-11

December 6, 2024

One thing about Paul we should note is that he was undeterred by his adversary. 

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9

We all have an adversary that tries to prevent our success at every turn, but those who are ministers of Jesus will be encouraged by such opposition. It’s almost like confirmation that what you are doing on his behalf is valid. No one wants to go through trials or have to deal with roadblocks in their life, but if we can spin it in such a manner in our minds, that because we are glorifying God in our work, it will serve to help us to get through these adverse times with greater ease. If life were easy, we wouldn’t rely on Jesus as we do. If we submit to Jesus and rely solely on him, we will begin to notice that the issues of life will start to ease. Submitting to him is the hardest thing to learn, but once you figure it out and realize his way is the best, he will keep training you with opposition. Remember when Jesus said: 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

We must learn to rest in him; he will get us through difficult times. If you’re struggling, submit to the yoke of Jesus and release your cares to him, and he will help you.

December 5, 2024

My heart goes out to those who do not believe in Jesus and life everlasting. Sadly, you work your entire life to afford a short vacation, and then you die as an old person with no hope of the "happily ever after." There is a big problem with thinking that this life is all you have, and it comes when you take your last breath, and your heart stops beating; your spirit lives on, and you will realize that immediately. It is terrifying what awaits the unbeliever. We know from hospice nurse's testimonies that as a person in their last moments, seeing what's coming after it's too late, they realize the regretful mistake they've made by rejecting Jesus. What is the point of living this life if there is nothing to live for? You eat, you sleep, and then you die? Life is too complicated and short for this to be all there is. Jesus came to give us hope that our earthly existence is not the end of it, and by trusting in him, we can count on experiencing heaven after our death. I have no regrets about living my life for Jesus. Before following him wholeheartedly, my experiences were hollow and seemingly hopeless; much like treading water, I didn't go anywhere. That all changed when I began living for him.

If you are going from one bar to another, putting your hope in pills, or some illicit behavior that's getting you nowhere, consider changing the direction of your life and seek Jesus. He is the only way to reach the "happily ever after." There is way more than this earthly existence, but with Jesus, you won't regret your life or death. Life will have more meaning, and death will be no big deal.

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

December 4, 2024

I may be stirring the pot today with the topic of tongues and prophecy; both can be controversial among Christians and seem to have been a stumbling block for the Corinthians, too. Paul was very clear on these subjects. Much like today, the Corinthians may have been using their gift of tongues to impress others in the assembly with their presumed superior spiritualness. Paul makes it plain that speaking in tongues in a general assembly with people who don’t understand the language only makes them look ridiculous. He told them that it was more advantageous to desire the gift of prophecy, which is the interpretation of scripture as explained by Matthew Henry. Prophecy is not fortune telling as many understand it. However, a word of knowledge, also a gift, may reveal information about a person by the Holy Spirit to help lead them to Christ. Do you remember the point of receiving your spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit? It is to bring others to know Jesus. I can see the gift of tongues as beneficial if, like Peter’s sermon, people of many different languages understand the words that reveal Christ and bring them to salvation. Unlike many in today’s society who discourage tongues, Paul does not prohibit them from utilizing their gift, but he does explain that if using it in public, someone should be interpreting so the hearers understand.

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 1 Corinthians 14:5

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 1 Corinthians 14:23

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:39

December 3, 2024

If only we would love others as Jesus loves us. As a continuation of 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains that if you had every spiritual gift known to man and didn’t love others, you would be no better than a noise maker. There is also no point in having a spiritual gift if you can’t use it as an extension of your love. We are to have compassion and understanding for people. Life is hard, and nobody needs a religious zealot spewing their gifts while forgetting to love. I know what you’re thinking: people are hard to love; yes, they are, but the only way to bring others to Christ is to show them the love of Jesus through your actions. They must see it and feel his comfort through you in order to believe his love is real. So, before immediately flying off the handle in rage over the mistakes of another person, take a moment and think through the situation and remember that they could be reacting from a place of pain. We don’t know what others have been through or might be going through, which could be causing their negativity. Look at them with compassion rather than anger; remember, you are healed and are heaven-bound, but they are likely hell bound and need Jesus. Don’t sully the image of Christ by a bad reaction. Love others as Christ has loved you. 

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2

December 2, 2024

One of my favorite topics is spiritual gifts. As believers in Christ filled with the Holy Spirit, we were each given a spiritual gift, and you likely have more than one. However, you will have one that stands out amongst the rest. If you haven’t pinpointed your gift, many tests you can take online will help you determine what yours is. Some of them are listed in the following verses:

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10

This list is not extensive; there are many more, but you get the picture. These gifts are not self-serving; they are to edify the church, so we function in a spiritual capacity and work as a well-oiled machine for the cause of Christ. It’s not a money maker; it is primarily to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus and glorify the Lord. There are sub-categories under these gifts. As an example, my main gift is teaching, but my teaching is through writing, so my sub-category is writing. If you have a chance and don’t know what your gifts are, find a test online; it’s fun and eye-opening at the same time. You might be surprised at what you learn about yourself; once you know, you can start honing in on them to help perfect them. 

December 1, 2024

My family and friends came together to celebrate Thanksgiving and my 60th birthday, which was ruined by Hurricane Milton, who came and left that same day. We had a fantastic time feasting, listening to music, and socializing with people we love. God blessed us with memories that won’t soon be forgotten. Though our time was sweet and full of people carrying the Holy Spirit, it was not a festival set apart by God. He has ordained that we come together as often as we should to partake of the body and blood of Jesus as symbolized by bread and wine. Paul corrected the Corinthians because they had polluted this sacred ceremony by feasting and partying, but also because they neglected the poor and ate up all the provisions before those in need could enjoy any of the food. They desecrated this solemn feast, and Paul sent them a stern warning about their actions. Jesus wanted this time set aside as a remembrance of what he had given up on our behalf by shedding his blood on the cross for our salvation. When we come before him to partake in this ordinance, we are to examine ourselves to judge our own righteousness, confess, and ask forgiveness before we are worthy to participate. To eat this without proper examination of ourselves is like condemning Jesus to death on the cross once again. The point is to make sure you take communion very seriously because it is only one of two ceremonies recommended by Jesus, the other being baptism.

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29

November 30, 2024

There is a Buddhist temple in Tampa and every year, they have a festival where they sell their orchids. I love plants and had never been, so my daughter and I took a few hours out of our day to visit. The plants were gorgeous, and I bought several that were very unusual. While there, we enjoyed some delectable food options that were quite savory. My daughter and I knew very well that the people serving the food worshipped Buddha, and the temple we saw was dedicated to the dead, inanimate statue that represented their affection. However, as believers in Christ, how they felt about the object of their worship didn’t matter to us because we know the truth, and something stationary couldn’t possibly harm us because we were not worshipping with them. Now, if we had decided to pay tribute to their statue and partake of the food as a sacrifice to their God, we would have crossed a line, renouncing our faith in Jesus by worshipping such an object. Remember, you cannot serve two masters because when you love one, you will hate the other. Simply enjoying a bite of the food that is available is permissible according to scripture. All food is from God and blessed by Him when we pray. We have so much freedom in Christ; one day, we will realize just how much when we wake up to the truth. 

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:29-31

November 29, 2024

If you willingly sow into spiritual things, you will benefit physically. I would be careful here and make sure you are sowing into the spiritual things of God, not some other entity, because one has benefits, but the other has consequences. Though Paul was employed in other fields, he put in a lot of work to help keep the churches going. It would have been helpful for the churches to finance him so he could concentrate on keeping them on track with biblical doctrine, which he wrote much of, rather than spend his time working in the secular field. In 1 Corinthians 9, he makes his case. 

Your preacher gets paid out of the titles of the church members, much like the priests of the Old Testament who were allowed to partake in the sacrifices, and that’s how it should be. A preacher is compelled and has a burden to preach, led by the Holy Spirit, and does it willingly; otherwise, if he feels like it’s drudgery, his only reward will be his paycheck. I don’t know how much my preacher gets paid, but it’s not enough because he is that good. It’s not only that he’s an excellent preacher, but he has to put up with a lot of bologna from his parishioners. We are truly blessed. 

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 1 Corinthians 9:11

November 28, 2024

Have you noticed an uptick in optimism since the election? The stores are packed with people, even before the Thanksgiving rush. People are feeling more confident, and the feeling of doom and gloom has subsided. We have much to be thankful for, especially for our salvation in Christ Jesus. Within ourselves, we are nothing but filth, but covered with the purity of Jesus, we are sparkling clean. Now, if we could cover the DC swamp with the purity of Christ, maybe our country would get back into the business of worshipping the one true God. There is always hope. Today, I will leave you with one of my favorite Thanksgiving passages of scripture; it is perfect, honors God, and blesses us in return. Happy Thanksgiving!

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalms 100

November 27, 2024

We must be careful around new or weak Christians because what may be a sin to them may not be a sin to us. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul talks about eating meat offered to idols. It's hard to find a comparison in today's society because you don't see much idol worship in this day and time. We know that idols are nothing but wood, stone, clay, or metal and cannot eat. However, let's say that you have a friend who is a former alcoholic, and they are a believer; I would say that if you are having dinner with them, you probably shouldn't have that glass of wine with your dinner. That is a stumbling block for them. What might be permissible for you may be a sin for them. 

A tidbit of information about mysterious beings that some people worship was included in this chapter. Look at this verse: 

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

With what the media is now trying to sensationalize, these so-called aliens, we know as Christians that we are not alone on this planet because scripture is clear that Satan and one-third of the angels were kicked out of heaven onto earth. Going a little further, we also know from scriptures that we have heavenly beings here to protect us. Their capabilities are beyond our understanding. Could another veil be lifted? I can't be sure; we're probably seeing what we've always seen. I've witnessed some unusual things that couldn't be explained away. 

The main teaching of 1 Corinthians 8 is to be mindful of others' weaknesses and not do anything that might cause them to stumble.

November 26, 2024

Get married if you want to be married; otherwise, stay single. It’s better to marry than to burn with passion. There are problems associated with marriage. One problem is devotion to God and serving Him. Married people tend to concern themselves with worldly things to please their mates. Paul thought everyone should stay unmarried to devote all their time to God in this short life. However, he knew that people were passionate and may want to release that passion, so choosing a mate was not wrong, however unwise it may seem. This chapter directly coincides with chapter 6, where Paul instructs the church at Corinth not to pollute their bodies by fornication. Chapter 7 of his letter shows them the options and explains how marriage or singleness should be handled. We would do ourselves good to follow his instructions, especially since it is included in God’s scriptures. 

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 1 Corinthians 7:2

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. 1 Corinthians 7:9

November 25, 2024

The body you have right now is a part of your salvation and will go with you into eternity. Yes, God will glorify it, but I’m unsure what that means. I’m guessing He will perfect it. Whatever the case, we should honor God by keeping our bodies from sinful behavior. One of the things Paul mentions is fornication and reminds us that this sin is the most intrusive and introduces prostitution into our temple. I would go a step further and include gluttony and drug use as intrusive on your temple, especially in this day and age where we aren’t sure what kind of poison might be in either of them. I knew and understood this scripture, but it struck me differently because it reminds me that though we live in a body of death, we will one day be reunited with it when God allows us into the new heaven and new earth; therefore, we should remember this truth when we consider introducing and subjecting it to sinful behavior.

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 1 Corinthians 6:15-16

We are cleansed through Jesus, but are sins honorable? To pollute your body again after conversion should make you feel ashamed of your actions because you have introduced sin into that which belongs to the Lord. Consider your actions, weigh them against Jesus, and avoid anything that could shame him. 

November 24, 2024

A man in the church of Corinth had either married or was sleeping with his father’s wife. So Paul wrote to them, telling them to get him out because a little leaven would spoil the whole bunch. 

Side note: Does this say to keep the feast? 🤔 Maybe we should live this feast daily. 

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:8

This particular sin was even a stench to the Gentiles outside the church. Paul told them to put him out and let the devil have his way with him. If this person were simply an outsider to the church, Paul wouldn’t bother judging him, but because he was part of the congregation, he called out his sins. This scripture is where the Bible tells us that the church has every right to admonish the sins of professing Christians. Those in the world are dead until they come to know Jesus, so there is no need to judge their actions related to biblical issues. 

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13

November 23, 2024

My husband and I have been what I call “church jumpers.” We had settled into a church that we loved and joined. We were so into it that we took a three-year discipleship class that was supposed to help us with our biblical knowledge and serve in positions in the church. The preacher got mad at a discussion our class was having and kicked us out of the classroom right before we were to graduate. We finished it in the homes of different students. I don’t know if the preacher was right or wrong, but his actions led to people leaving, and he didn’t seem to care because it was a mega-church, and it still is. The students challenged his authority, and there were consequences. This preacher’s sermons could appeal to the new Christian and have depth and meat for seasoned hearers, so we were sad to leave but felt we were not given a choice. That same year, many of the pastors left. We counted it as part of God’s plan because the word of God was spread instead of being concentrated in this one church. 

After attending a couple of different churches, both of which had great pastors, we have finally settled into a church family that we love and where the preacher’s message has great depth that can appeal to those still on milk and those who are ready for meat. When a message has more than words but has power, you know God is in the mix. We are thrilled with our new church, which we’ve been a part of for almost three years; we love the people and appreciate a well-educated pastor who studies in depth to bring a powerful word from God but also cares about people. 

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 1 Corinthians 4:20

November 22, 2024

I found a couple of tasty morsels this morning that are too good not to share. If you do not know your worth in God, I want you to meditate on this verse and realize your value.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

We should never be too puffed up. However, we must consider that God thought enough of us to give us His Holy Spirit as a placeholder until Jesus comes to rule and reign. The Creator of all things dwells within us! Think about that for a minute. That truth is humbling and an incredible honor. As if that wasn't enough, read this verse:

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 1 Corinthians 3:21

Don't glorify any man; look towards God because He has given you everything! Take your place in the kingdom of God, realizing that all things belong to you, including this world and everything in it! I wouldn't suggest you try to claim it yet, but remember that even though we live in the enemy's territory, God will renew it one day, and it will be clean and pristine.