February 18

One of the common threads that I've noticed running through the testimonies of the great preachers and leaders, is that most had a very humble beginning. They never set out to become world famous preachers or leaders. Their hearts were focused on Jesus and He taught them along the way by preparing them with one task at a time. Their fame didn't come overnight, although a few were transformed by having their feet put to the fire. It was a simple step by step process where each step built upon the last. They completely surrendered their life to Jesus, emptied themselves so that He could remake them into the image that He desired for them. They were examples of God's Word coming to life. They waited on God to move them and they followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Surrender and give Him the power to do a good work in you. You never know the kind of impact a small task may have.

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. Luke 16:10

February 17

There is a spirit of fear throughout this nation that has been stirred up by the enemy. The fear and worry of pending doom is being capitalized on and spread by the news and social media. They have become useful tools for the devil in causing division, inciting violence, and instilling fear. Other than what you've heard or seen in the news, how has any of this affected you physically? I live in a very large city and have yet to be touched by any of it. FEAR=False Evidence Appearing Real. I would say that this sums it up! Anxiety and worry are sweeping through so many minds that they are not really noticing that their lives haven't changed to match their fear. There is good news in all of this, God is still on His throne and is still in charge! If you trust in the Lord, fear should not be a part of your vocabulary unless it is fear of the Lord, which is a good thing. Turn off the news if it's frightening you and trust the Almighty.

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

February 16

We've all ridden in a car with a crazy driver. They speed up to keep people from getting in front of them, every stoplight is the opportunity to race the car next to them, and they ride the bumper of the car that's clogging up the fast lane! They think that the other drivers have ill intentions. The passenger seat is a scary place to be! Most of the time no laws were broken and you get to where you are going unscathed, and believe me, you are relieved to get there! As a follower of Jesus, our ride can be as exhilarating or as frightening, depending on the way you look at it. We need to keep our focus on where we are going and drive defensively, but we also need to remember that not everyone has ill intensions as we pass them on the highway of life. We don't want to mow anyone down as we speed toward our destination. We know where we are going, so slow down and enjoy the ride.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

February 15

My husband and I were on our way home from dinner just as the sun was getting ready to set. It was quite brilliant peaking through the cypress trees. Though we may not see it during the nighttime hours, it is always full. I think that it's quite interesting that the Bible uses light to describe Jesus. Just as the sun is the light of the world, Jesus is the true light. The sun warms the earth and causes it to flourish an grow, feeding us and keeping us alive. Jesus feeds us with wisdom, causing our minds to grow in knowledge of Him and saving us from eternal death. I am so grateful for my life. Though in this world we may encounter trouble, we know that Jesus overcame the world, defeated death and its hold, and has given us everlasting life where we will dwell in the shadow of the almighty and never face darkness again. Living in the brilliant light of Jesus is where I want to be. How about you?

the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16

February 14

I'm no expert on love, but I do know how great it feels to be loved. Today is a day that has been dedicated to showing love in an extraordinary way. Many people make dinner arrangements, order flowers and candy, and go beyond the norm in their expressions. Love is so special to God that it's even a biblical commandment! There is a segment of society that is angry all the time; my theory is that they feel no love therefore they give no love. If you dare, try to be kind to them and show you care. There was a woman who worked at the deli counter at my local grocery store who always had a sour look on her face. I never wanted her to wait on me. I decided to reach out to her and strike up a conversation. I watched as her angry face perked up into a smile and now she's as friendly to me as can be. It's not that hard to show loving kindness; remember to do that today and every day.

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36-39

February 13

Do you ever just allow God's power to work through you? When I started pulling things together for my first devotional book, I put in place a few ground rules, 1) I will wait on God's timing, 2) I will listen intently to the Holy Spirit for guidance, 3) If writing this book is God's will, then He will provide the funding to do it. As a testament to show God's faithfulness, I didn't spend a dime! As far as the timing, I had thought that I had enough writings to have it complete long before  I did, but that's not what God wanted. After a review of those, I realized that I needed to keep writing. Here is the caveat: if the words reach out and grab you, then you know that they were inspired. If the words stink, it was me trying to force it by working through my own power, which is no power at all! My prayer has always been that if the words were uninspired, they go completely unnoticed. The point of this is, "let go and let God!"

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

February 12

There are mornings that I just want to sleep in but I have furry individuals that sometimes need to go out very early. Once they wake me up then it's over, I can never go back to sleep. It's always a good thing though. God always helps me fill those early morning awakenings with His presence. Sometimes He works through my dogs to wake me up because He has a surprise waiting for me. He says "come outside and take a look; I've hung the moon for you!" My response is of overwhelming gratitude. I'm even brought to tears because I know He did that just for me and couldn't wait for me to see it. That gift was so bright that it lit up the whole sky reminding me that His banner over me is love! Soften you heart so you can feel the Father's love. He shows us His kindness in so many ways but it's up to us to take notice. He loves you to the moon and back! 

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Song of Solomon 2:4

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

February 11

My husband and I, both had several projects going on at the same time. Juggling them and trying to meet other obligations can get hairy at times. Occasionally, some things had to fall to the wayside or be put on the back burner while we handle more immediate matters. Then, even though it was gradual, it seemed as though things suddenly fell into place. The projects were not over, but we reached a pinnacle where approvals were granted and the bigger project could now get underway for an extraordinary finish. Why this happened all at once, only God knows! It was as if we had stayed Goliath! If you know the story of David, you know that it took a lot of time before he became king. He was refined, like pure gold before God set him on the throne, but he had victories along the way. So if you are wondering when the refining will end, it won't. Just rejoice in the small victories; our ultimate victory awaits!

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

February 10

There has been a shift in the atmosphere. Do you feel it? I believe God is moving on behalf of His children, the ones who love Him and call Him Father. If you're still in the midst of a trial, it will get better, and you may even see a dramatic turn. God is at work among us and is putting things into position to favor us. God does not revel in our misery, but longs to bring us peace and give us our desires. But, like any good father, He guides us with discipline and allows us to deal with the consequences of our actions to help strengthen our character and to learn to draw closer to Him. As with our life, trials are only temporary. God has amazing things in store for you so be patient during your affliction, His plan for you is greater than you ever imagined. So until you start seeing the doors of peace opening, give Him all of your praise, worship Him with every fiber of your being, and do not stop praying.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

February 9

This time of year reminds us of days gone by. County fairs are popping up all over the place. The smell of fair food wafts through the air and the sounds of children laughing brings back memories of sweet times from our own childhood. For me, this meant showtime! I grew up in a cow town and my dad arranged for me and my siblings to show steers each year. It taught us responsibility, how to compete, consistency, accounting, how to win and how to lose. It was just like having a job. All of our experiences as children teach us how to be adults. Jesus began teaching His disciples using experiences that happened to them as they went along; He also used parables as a teaching tool. If you want to learn from the Master, follow His footsteps through the Gospels. His lessons will teach you how to be a disciple. If you will open your eyes you will see that your own experiences are also lessons.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40

February 8

During this time of year, with it being somewhat cooler, we tend to stay in the sun a little longer. It feels great to be outside! The problem with that is, you can still get sunburned. We lose track of time not realizing that, even though it's nice outside, we still need to protect our skin. When I was a teenager, February was my favorite time to go to the beach. I felt like it was the kickoff for the summer. One time, my friend and I laid out on the beach all day with no protection. I had been taking a powerful medication for acne but never gave that a second thought. I got really burnt. By the next day I had water blisters covering every bit of skin that was exposed. It looked horrible. We need to look at Jesus as our sunscreen. So, put on your Son-screen daily for protection from the harmful burning rays of life and the devastation of eternity in Hell.

and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 2 Peter 7 & 9

February 7

Sometimes we are put into situations just to see how we will react or handle it. Does God test us and if so, and does the enemy have a role to play? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes! I have a friend who creates these magnificent displays that are called Sailors Valentines. It is art made from tiny seashells. She entered her artwork in a contest and received first place ribbons on all three of her entries. She was so honored to have won, but very humble. Her friend took pictures and shared the photos with everyone. They went back the next day and one of her awards had changed to second place. It was a crushing blow. Why would you do that to someone? The excuse was that the award was placed on the wrong artists' work. My friend was very gracious in her disappointment, but never soiled her reputation or testimony during the process. She passed the test! Are you passing the test?

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. Job 23:10-12

February 6

There are days when I feel that it's important to remind you why you're saved at this particular time. God could have left you to wallow in your sin until right before your very last breath, but He chose to save you now for a reason. We have no need to fear "the day of the Lord". We will be caught up before the impending wrath of God takes place. But, if you want a sobering reminder as to why we need to evangelize and bring others into the saving knowledge of Christ, just do a quick search on the internet for "the day of the Lord". The wrath of God is not something we should take lightly. If you think that what's going on now is bad, just take a look at what's looming for those who do not know or have rejected our Savior. The devastation and the eternity that awaits them is quite overwhelming. If you truly have the heart of Jesus then you will want to save them from that wrath by telling them about Him. 

For us: And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5

For Them: I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Zephaniah 1:17

February 5

It is so exciting seeing God's hand at work in our lives and the lives of our friends. He makes His presence known by showing you things that can only be attributed to Him. What I'm talking about are the prayers you've prayed when there is no hope of a good outcome, you are weak and vulnerable and God answers it like only He can. My friend had been battling and insurance company over an issue that they said she wasn't covered for. They had decided that they would no longer pay for her treatment. On top of that, they wanted repayment for what they had already treated her for, which was well beyond her ability to pay.  She was hopeless over the situation, but faithful that God would intervene. Because of her humble spirit and her dedication to prayer, He came through! The debt was canceled and her treatment continues! In our weakness, God shows His strength and we receive His mercy.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

February 4

I ordered a new couch. It took nearly two months to come in. When it finally arrived, I realized that I may have made a mistake in choosing the color. I went from a beautiful rich brown to putty! I'd been looking at brown furniture for years and to finally change the color took some getting used to. When Jesus came along and began explaining the law so people would understand it better, He met some resistance. The Pharisees had become so accustomed to doing things a certain way that they thought their way was right. They hated Him for exposing them and so they began plotting to kill Him. Don't get so caught up in religion and rituals that you neglect to follow the actual Word of God. Sometimes what is taught is like my old brown couch, you get so used to it that when the truth is placed in front of you it looks unusual and different, like my new putty colored couch.

You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" Matthew 15:7-9

February 3

Since I was a child, this time of year seems to give me trouble. I'm usually fine all year and seldom have need to visit the doctor, but almost like clockwork, when February hits, so does virus and cold season. It wouldn't be so bad if it was just a cold, but with me, it turns into asthma. Coughing, wheezing, and sneezing are obnoxious! I have too much going on to stop for such nonsense! You don't realize how much you appreciate breathing until it becomes obstructed. Life doesn't stop to wait for me to get better either, I must continue on. My prayer is for you to keep moving forward through sickness and disease and that the power of the Almighty would overtake your situation and help you to push through. We all need some help when sickness comes calling, so as you rest to recover, may God's mighty hand become powerful in your life and may healing come quickly.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Psalms 103:2-4

February 2

You know you have a job to go to, things to do, or children to take care of but you just don't want to get out of bed. Responsibilities call for us to get up and get going. The things we've been appointed to do cannot wait; besides, we're the only one who can handle our lives. When it comes to the things that God has called to do for His Kingdom, He will sustain you and give you guidance. Though your task may not be an easy one, if we lay the burden of the assignment upon His shoulders, He will carry the weight. It takes a lot of prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit to get to the point where you become relaxed and free from anxiety while working for the Lord. My experience has been that if I feel burdened or anxious, I'm not doing it in God's power but my power. I'm not as effective as He is as completing the task at hand. Take His yoke upon you, learn from Him and He will give you rest.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

February 1

Unless you're living under a rock, it's hard to escape being judged by hypocrites. Especially when the ones doing the judging are filthy dirty. Not only that, but, they turn around and accuse those, who are trying to do good, of being the judgmental ones. We are living in a messed up world! Save your breath for those whose hearts are ready to receive your counsel. Trying to defend every little insult that is thrown at you will get you nowhere, they're not listening anyway. Jesus offered no defense when He was being accused, He never even answered to a single charge against Him, He followed the instructions of the Father in Heaven. He also said for us to turn the other cheek, I would say we're getting pretty beat up these days. Hold on to what you've got until His return. We will receive justice. Have pity on our accusers, they will face the fire unless they turn before their end. 

"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Matthew 7:6

January 31

My heart breaks for those who think they are a Christian but don't really know Jesus. These are the people that identify with Christianity as a culture, but haven't actually gone through a radical change in their life. Salvation doesn't come because you utter a few words or even go through baptism, it's well beyond the ritual. My fear is that in the end some will be standing before Jesus and He will say "I never knew you." I've seen many who have gone through the motions but have never had a heartfelt change and continue to live a worldly life. Examine your life. If it doesn't look any different than the life you led before your so-called commitment, then it may be time for you to have a little talk with Jesus. I don't want anyone to be surprised on judgment day so please examine your life as a precaution. I know this is somewhat offensive, but I would rather you be offended right now than see you end up in Hell.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' Matthew 7:21-23

January 29

Every now and then I ask myself "what have you done for the kingdom lately?" When that question comes up, it's usually the Holy Spirit prompting me to move into action. There is probably someone that needs ministering to and He's readying me in advance to take action. As Christians, we can sometimes become sedentary in our ways and forget that there are many hurting souls waiting for some comforting words. Have no fear, the Holy Spirit is there to encourage you into action when it's the right time. Be in prayer and study the Word so you are always ready at any moment. Jesus is right there with you encouraging you! If your words are rejected, shake the dust off of your feet and move on. It may feel like they've rejected you, but they've really rejected Jesus. So, be prepared in and out of season to give a reason for your faith and share it with others. 

And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Matthew 10:14