January 3, 2025

It is very hard nowadays to find a friend who has the same like-mindedness as you but also has the mind of Christ and passes their understanding through the love of Jesus before sharing their thoughts with others. When you find that person, you stick with them like glue and forgive when harsh words are spoken, or their actions don't meet your expectations. Sometimes we strive over things that don't matter. What does matter is that the light of Jesus shines through us and that we depend on him for the words that come out of our mouths and the hearts we show to others. Filter yourself like you have the mind of Christ, and the only way to do that is to study his ways and actions. Though he was sometimes harsh, he was also very loving and taught us what was sincerely important: to love others and love God; everything else falls under these two commands. If someone hurts you and doesn't use Jesus as their filter, reach out to him in prayer; he will comfort you and bring you peace. 

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

January 2, 2025

Since we do not know how long God will put up with the folly of the worldly people, we should be prepared for whatever happens next. We also don’t know the truth about the timing, and we should live and continue to be productive members of society, but keeping in mind that we belong to Jesus, and our productivity should be focused on our efforts to bring others into the kingdom of God by sharing the gospel whenever possible. It feels like our time has shortened, and we are on the cusp of something big. I prefer to focus on living for Jesus because he is the one pulling us along and helping us keep our faith in him. Another aspect of living for him is having confidence in what he started in you and being fearless about what comes next.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

Yes, the things happening around the world will make you shudder. However, we are not of this world, though we live parallel to it; our motive for living is much more in-depth, and we have good reason to carry on but aren’t afraid to die for the cause of Christ Jesus if necessary. How do you combat those feelings? All fear disappears when you offer up praise. Let your praise be a prayer, and feel your fear diminish. 

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

January 1, 2025

Big things will happen this year, whether good or bad, it should be a year to remember. I prefer a positive outcome, and that is what my mind is expecting, so if we all stay optimistic and ask God’s blessings on this “new year,” I’m sure He will hear us and faithfully fulfill our prayers. 

At the end of every year, I ask God for a word for the new year. There has only been one time, and that was last year when I didn’t get a word until about three months into the year. Usually, as soon as I think about asking, a word pops into my head, and it’s not something I would think of, so I know it’s God’s voice rather than my own thoughts. This year, He gave me an unusual word, and I had to hold a conversation with Him to understand what He meant by it. Before I tell you, remember, as Christ-followers, we are to become small and fade into the background so Jesus can shine through us; for that reason, I was taken aback at the word He gave me. The word is “famous.” Why do I always get a weird word? He’s already famous, but he made it clear to me that He would become famous with those who’ve never heard of Him, and my daily devotional post may be a catalyst for that. Even though I write to Christ-followers, unbelievers may become curious about Jesus and read these devotions. If you asked God to give you a word, please share it here so we can all pray that God shows you what He means by it and bless you through it. 

I will post a video I saw a couple of days ago on hearing God’s voice. Look for it on my profile if it doesn’t appear in your feed.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27

December 31, 2024

The fight against the powers and principalities of this world is real. Though most people cannot see into the hidden world of the enemy, we are affected by their presence. They wage war against us in the shadows, sometimes using other people as tools to throw their fiery darts. The enemy has to disguise himself and taunt other people for them to do his bidding against you; that's why you must stay aware and know where the fire is coming from. We must remain vigilant and decisive in our efforts to fight them. However, as Paul explained, we do not go to war as others do; we put on God's whole armor. Remember, the armor covers all of our front parts but doesn't cover our back, so we must never turn our back on the enemy, or we will be exposed. In other words, you cannot ignore him; if you do, you will lose. We must engage if the forces of evil come against us. Our advantage is scripture; we should use it as Jesus did, as our weapon against enemies' taunting. Unless you are cognizant of the enemy's ways of war, you may be at a disadvantage. Make sure you understand how he operates so you are ready when the time comes, and be brave and bold in your stand against them. God has given you everything you need for the fight! Be strong and courageous, put on the whole armor of God, and stand firm, mighty warriors!

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

December 30, 2024

If you are on some social media platforms and watch various videos, you could end up watching people specifically there to trip up Christians and place doubt in your minds. There is a lot of evil mixed in with the good. Make sure you are cautious and skeptical, measuring the words against scripture. If you don’t catch it in the first video, at some point, they will say something that will give you clues that they are insincere and are there on assignment to lead you astray. You must be suspicious of motives. There are too many on these video strings sent to do harm and get people to stray from God rather than bring them close. Sometimes, it’s hard to discern, especially when their words and tone are what you expect a Christ-follower to sound like. However, they will eventually say something that gives you clues to their motives. As soon as they show their true colors, stop watching and don’t watch anymore of their content. Remember, the devil appears as a beacon of light, will be sensational, and will feed you what your itchy ears want to hear. Pray for early discernment so you don’t spend too much time listening to someone whose ideas come straight from the devil. 

Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are yelight in the Lord: walk as children of light:(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Ephesians 5:7-13

December 29, 2024

In most cases, I can summarize a Bible chapter in a couple of paragraphs or at least hit the main teaching point. However, Ephesians 4 covers a lot of territory! I haven’t read as many do’s and don’t since the commandments in Exodus. Paul also mentions five ministry gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, preachers, and teachers. These are given for the building up of the body of Christ. 

The do’s and don’ts:

We are not to behave like Gentiles who are alienated from the life of God and haven’t learned Christ and thus act full of deceitful lusts.

Put on the new life of righteousness and true holiness.

Don’t lie. Speak the truth because we are members of one another.

Put away anger that leads to sin so you don’t give place to the devil.

Do not steal; use your hands for good.

Carefully communicate. Use edifying words that minister grace to hearers.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

The rest are summarized in these last two verses:

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

December 28, 2024

Aren’t you grateful that Paul was appointed to preach the gospel to the Gentiles? Otherwise, we might have never known our place in God’s will. However, God’s plan always prevails. With Paul pouring out his heart in the letters to the churches, we have learned the truth of what God expects from us. As we can see in hindsight, it was God’s plan to include us in His kingdom all along. The Old Testament touches on it, but some of the Jewish people glaze over it because they think they are the only people who are chosen to be saved. That’s why Paul writes to them to clarify God’s intent for our inclusion.

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Ephesians 3:6-7

We can confidently go to God, knowing we are part of the promise.

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 3:11-12

Glorify and honor God in everything you do because He has included us as part of His plan and given us a power that was unavailable to most saints in the Old Testament. We are truly blessed!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

December 27, 2024

It’s hard to wrap our minds around predestination because we don’t want to think that God didn’t choose some people for salvation. This is speculation, but maybe God chose everyone. However, because He foreknew those who would reject Him, the teaching of predestination was made possible. I cannot guess what was on the mind of God in this situation. The Old Testament is full of those who God accepted over others: Jacob over Esau, Isaac over Ismael; there are many others, but those are the ones I could think of off the top of my head. Then, you come to these verses, and it seems to compliment Paul’s teaching on predestination: 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Our salvation is by the grace of God. If you had a choice, would that be considered works? Are you deciding for yourself? God doesn’t want you to think that you had anything to do with your salvation to prevent you from being able to boast about being good enough. But what about faith? Faith is hope for the unseen; without it, it is impossible to please God. 

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

He gave you salvation as a free gift, but now you have to believe it. When the seeds that God sent you grow, He sends the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith. Even our faith is strengthened by a gift from Him. It is all about God and His grace; you cannot do anything to earn it. This study makes me even more grateful for my salvation.

December 26, 2024

You are saved by the will of Christ. You didn’t choose, he chose you. 

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 1:5

We evangelize because we don’t know who was chosen, and God may use us as the catalyst for them to come into that knowledge. We are part of the gathering of the saints into the sheepfold. When the time is right, Jesus will separate the wheat from the tares; we are only responsible for spreading the gospel so that the chosen come to the saving knowledge of Christ. I’ve done a light study on free will, and I’m not finding much, but I will dig deeper because I’m in no way very knowledgeable on the subject, but from what I’ve noticed, our entry into the kingdom as adoptees is not by our choice. I don’t know any children who chose their parents; their adoptive parents chose them; it’s the same way in the kingdom of God. You can go willingly or fight it, but if He picks you, you’re going whether you like it or not. My suggestion would be for you to embrace your calling and learn as much as you can about your adoptive family and the One who chose you.

December 25, 2024

If we are to live in freedom, we need to break the bonds that tie us to the flesh. The Galatians had to get over the hurdle of being taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation; they had been taught wrong by those trying to make Christians adhere to the Law of Moses. In some cases, we were also taught things by those who thought they were teaching rightly but possibly misunderstood the scriptures. False teaching can happen in any church, so Paul had to write them a letter. I wonder how many churches would get a letter today. To overcome false teachings, pray constantly and search the scriptures daily. We are closing in on the end of the year when many people make resolutions; if you are not reading and praying daily, commit to God, and He will help you keep it if you ask him. Try it for three weeks to start; that’s how long it takes to make it a habit. Let nothing distract you from your time with God. I guarantee that you will reap spiritual benefits as well as physical benefits. 

Today, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, commit to making him the center of your life. When you do, he will fulfill all the desires of your heart; that’s the gift that no man can match. Merry Christmas.

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8

December 24, 2024

Along with our freedom in Christ comes a great responsibility: to exude him in our flesh and temper our responses in a Christ-like way. Because God knows that I will write about it, He sometimes gives me examples. Yesterday, I went to the gas station because I was low on fuel. I have a car with a fuel tank on the passenger side, which, in my opinion, is the wrong side, and I was having a hard time finding a pump that was available. I circled the station several times and saw one becoming available, so I waited for it. As soon as the guy pulled away, another car swooped in and took my pump. He knew what he had done. I controlled my reaction even though I wanted to blast him. I ended up seeing an opening for the pump right next to him. As I was pulling up, a woman, also looking for a pump, almost did the same thing, but she showed kindness, realizing I was turning around to be on the appropriate side of my car. We chatted a bit and wished one another Merry Christmas. God affirmed to me that holding my tongue was pleasing to Him, so He sent another person whose heart was full of kindness as a gift for following His ways. The love of another blessed me. I’m sure she must have been a Christ-follower. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

December 23, 2024

Watch out for those who try to convince you that you must adhere to the old covenant and the laws given to Moses at Mt. Sinai. We are not bound as servants; we are free and included as children of the promise and must shake off those chains. Otherwise, you invalidate what Jesus did on the cross to save us from the law that was corrupted and could hold us in bondage if we tried to keep it. 

I’ve been looking for the answer to why we don’t celebrate the appointed feasts as holidays. Well, I found the answer: it’s a part of the old covenant which we are not a part of. These verses opened my eyes to the truth. 

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. Galatians 4:9-10

Reading it on the surface, I thought we weren’t even to keep a calendar. However, after searching through several commentaries, it boils down to being free from keeping sabbath observances and feasts. Rather than making one day special to worship God, we need to worship Him daily. We probably shouldn’t be observing any holidays and make every day a holy observance to God. Still, we celebrate. It does feel like bondage because if we don’t participate in the gift-giving and feasting, we will be looked down on and made to feel like we don’t love Jesus when the total opposite is true. We love him always and celebrate our salvation daily. Maybe one day we will get there, but for now, we are chained to observing Christmas as a tradition. I don’t hate it, but perhaps I should. 

December 22, 2024

The law of Moses was given to the Israelites to make them aware of their sins. The new covenant of Christ was to provide a remedy for such sin. Before Christ, the sacrificial system was the only way for them to cleanse themselves of unrighteousness, and it was only a temporary fix. Still, it was also a type of prophecy to give them a glimpse into what was expected when the Messiah came. They got it all wrong because they were expecting when he arrived, he would kill all their enemies; what they are expecting now is what we know as the second coming, the truth was they completely missed his first coming because they hardened their hearts and couldn’t see the forest for the trees. What they will get is the antichrist; he will bring peace and safety, and they will worship him. They were not expecting their Messiah to die the sacrificial death as a lamb for the remediation of their sins, though the very scriptures they followed showed them what to expect. Their jealousy is going to rage when they realize that we, as Gentiles, because of our faith in Jesus, are also considered Abraham’s seed. All these years of trying to follow the Law of Moses were for nothing because if they erred even once, they would be responsible for violating the whole law. It’s too much and impossible to keep; that’s why God sent us Jesus. We are justified by our faith. Our goal is to try not to sin, but it’s impossible; thankfully, Jesus took responsibility for it on our behalf. I’m so grateful. 

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14

December 21, 2024

Galatians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It goes along with my mission of helping Christians become free from past transgressions, whether from things they’ve done to themselves or from what others have done to them. In chapter 2, Paul clarifies that as a Christ-follower, neither Jewish Christians nor gentile Christians have to follow the Mosaic law. The purpose of Christ’s death on the cross was to do away with the strict adherence to that law because it was impossible to keep every jot and tittle of it. That doesn’t mean you can go around sinning at will; that would be unbecoming of your position in Christ, but it does mean you don’t have to suffer hell if you make a mistake. Believe me, we are not perfect; if we were, we wouldn’t need Jesus, but I need him, and so do you. If righteousness came from following the law of Moses, then Jesus died in vain. There is a guide for us to follow to keep a good conscience: the 10 Commandments; all but one commandment was repeated in the New Testament, and that was the one about keeping the Sabbath. If you live for Jesus, you don’t need to think about the commandments; you can easily follow them without hesitation. The point is not to fall into the trap of legalism; Jesus set us free from all that.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:20-21

December 20, 2024

What I'm about to write may seem crazy, but with all the unusual situations happening throughout the world, such as the unidentified drones seen everywhere, the media is setting us up to believe aliens are invading us; we should make sure we are clear that what we believe is biblical. We know that though these beings may be alien to us because we've never seen such, the Bible gives us several descriptions of angels that sound quite alien, not the beautiful winged creatures we think of as angels, but wheels and lights with weird heads and other dramatic features. Some of these angels are good, but others are from the one-third that God removed from heaven. So, even if one of these creatures, as fearful as we might feel, tells us something different than what the Bible teaches us, we must reject it, or we may end up being led astray. The most scary part is that they may try to tell you that they are Jesus, and if you don't know his ways, you may fall for their cunning lies. You don't have to read through the Bible in a year; just read a chapter a day, and God will increase your knowledge. It only takes a few minutes of your time, but it will go a long way to help you understand the truth of who Jesus is. Don't be caught off guard and fall for deception; dig into God's word as protection against a fake gospel. 

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8

December 19, 2024

One thing I can say about the early church is that they didn’t put up with sinful behavior. Paul didn’t worry about hurting someone’s feelings and admonished bad behavior in his letters to the churches. He went so far as to ask them if they even had the Holy Spirit in them and encouraged them to examine themselves. Sinfulness causes anxiety and puts you at odds with God and your fellow Christians, and it snatches away your peace. Take a long look at yourself and consider if there is anything within you that needs repentance, then go and live in peace, and God will be with you. 

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

December 18, 2024

One thing that can help you grow in Christ is submission. This may sound ridiculous, but I hear God through the birds. I hear Him other ways, too, but He knows I pay attention to them, so He reveals Himself through them to me. One day, I was sitting on my back porch overlooking the lake, praying and watching a Little Blue Heron (dark blue bird); suddenly, an American Egret (large white bird) flew to the heron and overtook it. It didn’t harm it, but it did show who the boss was. The scriptures came alive, and I immediately knew what God was saying to me: He needed my submission. Remember that famous quote, “Let go and let God?” That’s what you have to do. When you learn what that means for you, your life will take a turn for the better. God’s power will shine through when you release everything to Him. So, rather than trying to force your will on the situation you might be dealing with, take a backseat and let God handle it. Remember, He doesn’t need you to be a backseat driver, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

December 17, 2024

Did you know that there are people, religions, and cults that will use the name of Jesus, though they don’t believe in him? We see it all the time; though you may consider them to be saved, they are not. Where you notice it the most is in celebrities when they receive a reward; they almost always thank God or Jesus Christ, but their actions say otherwise, and you realize that they have named Satan god. They don’t believe in our Savior. The Mormons say they believe in Jesus but also say he is the brother of Jesus; this is absolutely not true. The Catholics say they believe in Jesus, yet the Vatican is full of satanic symbolism. For this reason, whatever denomination you call yourself, make sure you are filling your mind with biblical scripture so you can see the difference between false teachers and the truth. Years ago, I worked in banking and was a teller in the earlier years of that employment. You become familiar with how currency feels in your hand and will notice when a bill feels a little off and recognize when you run across a counterfeit. It’s the same with Jesus; you know him and will be able to tell the difference between the ones who speak the truth about him and the ones who are false teachers because you study him daily. Please don’t neglect the scriptures; they will keep you from running in the wrong direction. 

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

December 16, 2024

It's funny, but I woke up this morning having some negative thoughts and maybe feeling a little sorry for myself. Not only that, but I needed help getting through the next chapter of 2 Corinthians. I had a cup of Cafe Con leach too late in the day, and it kept me awake late last night. The combination of these things put up a roadblock in my study time. So, I prayed about it, and lying on the pages of scripture was the answer to my problem. God reminded me that our weapons of warfare are not conventional but are much better at defeating the enemy and the problems associated with his interference. God's answer was to take every thought captive and not let my mind wander contemplating things that aren't necessarily true or even the thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. I'm grateful for the word of God. Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy by taking our minds down a negative pathway rather than putting our trust in God, who can easily handle our situation. My thoughts could have ruined my day, but God, in His mercy, saw fit to handle the situation in my mind right away by giving me sound biblical advice. I wouldn't have encountered these healing verses without being obedient in my study. Stay disciplined, and God will show you how to focus on Him rather than the made-up problems in your head. 

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

December 15, 2024

You cannot out-give God. Remember, you reap what you sow; that's true in most cases, but not with God. He will give you back more than you could ever imagine. I wouldn't tell you this if I hadn't experienced the benefits myself. God loves a cheerful giver, so believe me when I tell you that once you start giving, you never want to stop because He pours out his blessings to overflowing. When put in the hands of God, the return on your investment (ROI) not only returns a spiritual increase but also a physical increase. The stock market has nothing on God! Invest in your church, and God will give you wisdom for the rest of your finances. Give generously, and He will provide more so you can give more. I'm not your preacher or a charitable organization, so don't get mad at me for making you feel remorseful for your inaction. If you don't believe me, give a little and see what happens. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you when you get that unexpected increase so you don't dismiss it as a coincidence. 

“Can a man be a loser by doing that which God is pleased?” “Are not the love and favour of God better than all other things, better than life itself?” Matthew Henry  

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7