April 22

There is a lot of inspiration and encouragement to be gathered from the people you surround yourself with. My friend, who is always ready to give a reason for her faith, shared with me her take on this subject. We sometimes balk at spending time with the saints as a Sunday ritual or being involved with anything we consider a "religious" activity. She explained it like this to someone she was talking to about Jesus and the subject of attending church: When you begin running, you read about it and learn all the ins and outs concerning it. Then you begin talking to other runners to give you ideas and encouragement, because of your common interest. You start hanging out with other runners! Going to church is the same thing, we need to surround ourselves with other like minded individuals to help keep us on track and accountable, just like with running. 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

April 21

Are you running into closed doors? Do you feel like things are moving too slowly? Are you having trouble hearing from the Lord? Maybe prayers aren't being answered as quickly as you had hoped. We all have times like these. This may seem a little odd and somewhat unnatural, but you need to break into praise! When all hope is gone and you've done everything in your own power, it's time to turn to the only one who can really do anything about your situation anyway, it's time to turn to Jesus! There are days where I wake up and feel that I'm at a dead end and I'm not sure what to write about. That's when I turn to Him with praise and my attention to worship. The door opens, my head clears of its clutter, and the words seem to just roll out and onto the page. This is your reminder that it's all about Him anyway, so if you start your day there He will show you why you need to keep on keeping on, even through adversity.

Start here with your praise:

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 100:1-5

April 20

We have each been given particular gifts that enable the body of Christ to function as a whole. We must be connected to the mind of Jesus in order to function properly. We can't all do the same thing. If we all had the same gifts, the body would die. My strongest gift right now is writing, which is a part of the teaching gift. I use my fingers to write and, with technology, my voice. If I don't connect to the mind, my function is completely dead; the words are dead, the outcome is dead. The church is a complete body and we need each part connecting to the mind. Many of us have parts of our bodies that do not work as they should. If that individual part began to work again after being disconnected for a long time, it would need to practice and exercise to work properly. For that reason, we should exercise our gifts and stay connected to the mind of Jesus, you don't want to get rusty or have atrophy set in.

For more information about this, study 1 Corinthians 12.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12

April 19

We have Anhinga, better known as water turkey, that like to fish in the lake behind our house. I saw one with what looked like nylon hosiery hanging from its beak. It let me get really close, then it flew off. It didn't know that I was just trying to help. In its mind, I looked like an enemy. I just hope someone comes along that can get close enough to touch it and rescue it. Jesus touched many who were willing to be healed. He even healed some that didn't know they needed healing like, the man from the tombs that was possessed by legions. His mind was totally overtaken and controlled by demons. With drugs so prevalent in our society, it's easy to recognize those who need help. They don't even know they need it because their minds are controlled by drugs, a tool of the devil. They may not let you get close to them, but keep praying that someone will come along and help rescue them from their prison.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1

April 18

Living in Florida, we are susceptible to having many different types of creatures trying to cohabitate with us. We've had squirrels living in our eaves, snakes slithering right in the door, birds in our chimney, and we've even had a cat enjoying the comfort of our attic. We've done our best to seal off their entry points, but sometimes they still find a way inside. There is one creature that I detest more than any other, and it's the rat! When they decide to move in with us, that's when the war begins! Sometimes our arsenal of weapons are not sufficient for the duty they are called to. For one, you don't use a mouse trap to catch a rat! They will just stand back and laugh at you after they set it off. You have to get out the big daddy traps when going after them! The same holds true when trying to fend off Satan, he's like the rat. You need to seal off his point of entry; stop the sin that brought him in. After that, prepare for battle with the full armor of God!

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:14-18

April 17

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to over five hundred men at one time, teaching them and giving them a new command. The resurrection was fantastic, but it was His appearance to so many people that really set in stone the truth about who He is. Knowing all that you know about Jesus, especially that He is God, what is stopping you from carrying out His commands? He won't leave you, and you can count on Him to help you when you're doing what He's told you to do. This particular command that I'm talking about is what we call The Great Commission! In it He tells us to GO! Go tell the world the gospel, the truth of who He is! We have so many excuses for not sharing Jesus with others, but the main excuse is fear. Do you know how many times God's Word tells us to have no fear or to not be afraid? Over 365 times! Let me tell you this though, you should fear God if you don't obey His commands!

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

April 16

Imagine, going to the tomb and finding two angels sitting where the body of Jesus was supposed to be! They were so frightened that they bowed in fear. What I'm surprised by is, when Jesus would appear to some, and they didn't recognize Him. But really, is that so far fetched? We have the accounts of many throughout the scriptures, yet, we don't recognize Him either! But look at Mary's heart, she was willing to move Jesus' corpse if she knew where they had put Him. Maybe He showed Himself to her after she made a commitment. It was a commitment to do more than she could probably handle. He called her name and then she recognized Him! Are you waiting to hear from Jesus? Maybe you will hear His voice after you commit yourself to Him! He will show you that He is not a dead body that you need to move, but is alive and calling your name! He is risen!

Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). John 20:15-16

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

April 15

Sometimes the truth isn't fun. Who wants to believe it anyway when it doesn't fit our narrative? There are lies we allow to continue, because, if we exposed them, the backlash would be great and an ingrained tradition would be toppled. Just look at what the Pharisees did to try and disguise the truth and keep the people under their control! They remembered what Jesus said about rising from the dead after three days. They thought they could keep the truth from getting out by placing a guard and a heavy stone over the door! If the people believed the truth, their whole religious structure would be demolished. So they were proactive in preventing the truth from being believed. Their scheme has worked! Jews today still believe the lie that they fabricated over two thousand years ago, even though the truth is evident in their own scriptures. What lies are you believing just because it's a tradition?

and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first." Matthew 27:63-64

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

April 14

It was now the next day after the Sabbath and the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The women have just this one work day to gather the spices needed to anoint Jesus body before the weekly Sabbath; if you follow the biblical calendar rather than our calendar, this makes more sense. This would have been the start of Jesus second day in the grave. They had witnessed His horrific death, rested in acknowledgment of the Passover, and the festival had begun, all while trying to process what had just happened. They must have been so overwhelmed with grief. They had to go on with life and do what was necessary to meet their obligations and their desire to honor Jesus. We all have dark days, it's just part of life. During these times, we must remember that we are not alone and must give ourselves over to Jesus and allow Him to carry us through these tough times. 

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. Mark 16:1

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

April 13

After Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, His body was taken down and placed in a nearby tomb. It was the day before a High-Day Sabbath. After His followers saw where they laid Him, they went home to rest according to the commandment. Can you imagine how they must have felt? They thought that they were going to be delivered from the tyranny of their oppressors only to watch their only hope die the death of a criminal. They believed, but there was still that moment of doubt, especially now that it was quiet as Jesus' body lay at rest in the tomb. We all have moments like this, where we feel hopeless and alone, where the voice of God is quiet and we feel like He deserted us. Sometimes we don't know about the other things that must take place so that our prayers can be answered. Just like the quiet after His death, there is an amazing plan about to unfold. Wait for it!

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. Mark 15:47

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

April 12

Just after the Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus prayed the most beautiful prayer for His followers. This was not just a prayer for His current followers, but was a prayer for those to come, that they too would pass on that truth to others. He expressed His desire for us to be one with Him and the Father as they are one. Now here we are, more than two thousand years later and that prayer still applies. Just as Jesus prayed for us, we should be praying for our family for generations to come, that they may also know our Savior as we know Him. Our prayers do not fall to the ground unheard by the Father, but last for an eternity. Wouldn't it be great, once we are all together in heaven, to hear a great grandchild say to you, "I'm only here because you prayed that I would know Jesus too"? Let it be known to the Father, your desire for your family.

"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21

April 11

There are many people today who try to find alternatives to traditional medicine. I agree with this idea; we don't want to put excessive chemicals into our bodies unless it is completely necessary for our healing. For many years now, essential oils have become prominent in the marketplace. Those who have bought them know how expensive they can be for just a few drops. Imagine having a pound of Spikenard! One tablespoon is worth about twenty five dollars on the market today! Mary was a woman who loved Jesus and gave Him her full attention. At a dinner a couple of days before Jesus crucifixion, she anointed our Savior with this precious perfume; He was lavished as a King should be! Jesus said that her preparing Him for burial would always be remembered, and it has been mentioned in pulpits across the world. What sacrifices are you willing to make for our Savior and King? Whatever you decide to give up for Him, as an act of worship, will be worth every penny!

And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. Mark 14:3

April 10

You have heard many time that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We allow so much filth to be poured into our body that you wander how our perfect God could dwell there. The day after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He came back into the city and entered the temple. There He saw all the business that was taking place, and not just any business, it was a business of cheating. He drove them out not allowing them to carry their merchandise throughout the temple. He cleansed the physical temple! But, Jesus was so much more about the spiritual, the things that last forever, that, this act was very symbolic of what He has done for us through His sacrifice. The temple is supposed to be a house of prayer for the nations! Are you still allowing the money changers and the cheats to do business within your temple? If you are, it's time to drive them out! No longer should you let sin and corruption dwell there.  

And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." Mark 11:17

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 1 Corinthians 6:19

April 9

The parade was about to begin and people were lining the streets just as they do with every parade. But what are these people doing? They are carrying palm fronds! As with every good parade, there is a Grand Marshall, but this time the Grand Marshall is the King, and as a sign to the Jews, Jesus rode on a donkey colt as prophesied in the Old Testament! Our living, breathing God receiving the honor that is due Him. Arriving in the city as King, but also as the only true choice for the Passover Lamb. He had performed His ultimate miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead as proof of His deity, yet most still did not believe. The people who were there with Him for the miracle and the people they told, ran out to greet Him as He entered the city, waving the palm fronds and worshiping Him. They didn't know that His death would soon follow even though He told them it would. Choose today and every day to give honor to our only worthy king, Jesus!

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" John 12:13-15

April 8

For whom are you living your life? Is it your kids, husband, wife, boss, parents, or someone else? If your answer is anything but God, you're starting in the wrong place. Now I'm not saying you shouldn't obey those in authority over you, you are supposed to do that, but what I am saying is that you must first dedicate your entire life to Him for things to be in proper order. Strive to please Him first. When you make Him number one, the rest of your life will fall into place. It may not be comfortable and cozy, but God will be proud. As a matter of fact, if you are feeling comfortable with your life, you're probably not within God's will! I believe that many disorders, sickness, and the stress we suffer from, could be healed if we just got this one thing right. May it never be said of me that I loved the glory that comes from pleasing man rather than the glory that comes from God!

for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. John 12:43

April 7

Even though I live in a major metropolitan area, I'm on a street that is pure country. Most on our street abide by the rule, love your neighbor as yourself. During hurricane Francis, we had trees down everywhere. My husband, who has a heart of gold, didn't even wait for the rain to stop before he got out there with the chainsaw cutting up and moving branches to clear the road. He and the other neighbors worked tirelessly making a pathway for those trapped. Everyone worked together toward a common goal. I believe that's how God intended for us to be, helping one another out of love. It was a great lesson for my children too; they now do their part to help others without grumbling or complaining. There may come a time when all we have is one another, where law enforcement and first responders are unavailable, so go out of your way to be kind and helpful, you never know when you might need them.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:14-15

April 6

Many years ago, my husband and I, replaced the roof on our house. Our whole family worked together to remove those old shingles. The new roof was good for nearly twenty years. We decide that it was time to replace it again. The State of Florida was in a drought, the perfect time to get the job done. But, as everyone knows, once you take off the protective layer of shingles, the heaven will open up and pour out it's blessings. What was once dry and cozy became a sieve, filtering the water right into our house! What a mess it left! Like the protection of our roof that once kept out the rain, maybe your protective barrier is blocking your blessings. We sometimes become so hardened by past hurts that our hearts can't receive what God has waiting for us. It takes prayer and trust to remove barriers. If you're going through a dry spell, start taking off some layers, then watch it rain!

And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26

April 5

When you see your fellow soldiers in Christ sticking their necks out in obedience to Him, try to encourage them. Your kind words may be the boost they need to continue in what God has called them to do. However, even without encouragement, I pray that their efforts continue, because it is God we are to please and not man. My neighbor, as part of the conversation, asked a new friend if he and his family attended church; he replied that they never have. He then invited them to his church and they came! They now attend regularly. That small invitation has impacted his whole family and will probably affect generations to come. Who knows, the next Billy Graham may come from that simple gesture. We've all been called to make a difference in this world and there are no small parts, so I'm here to encourage you in your ministry for the kingdom. Your task may seem simple, but the impact could be felt worldwide.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

April 4

Have you ever bitten into a persimmon before it was ripe? It is so beautiful on the outside and appears to be ready, but I can tell you that it's awful, bitter, and it dries out your mouth, and you wish you had never seen it, touched it, or tasted it! When it is ripe, it's a very sweet and delicious fruit, but having experienced such a bad taste, it makes you leery of trying it again. I think church can be like that too. Many people have had bad experiences in church and now reject it completely. It is hard, once you've felt mistreated, to want to try again. Every church is not full of spiritually mature believers, even though they talk the talk and look pretty on the outside, there are some that may be like that persimmon, bitter and nasty. If you are one of those who have felt rejection in a church, just try again. It's like dating; you don't always marry your first date. There is a community of believers just waiting to welcome you in, so get out there and try again!

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

April 3

As believers in Jesus, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. That happened the day we accepted Jesus as our Savior. He is a permanent fixture in our life and will never depart from us. He was a gift to us from Jesus, someone to accompany us and give us comfort. Jesus knew we needed him because of the trials that we face on a daily basis. He helps us by convicting us of sin, illuminating the truths of the scriptures, and draws us close to Jesus. So much of the scripture points to Jesus and the Father, and that's the job of the Holy Spirit, to shine the light on their holiness; I think sometimes we forget how important He is because of that. Jesus spoke about Him and His name depicts who He is and shows His deity. He is the one who gave the writers the inspiration for the scriptures. He is very humble and doesn't toot His own horn, because of this, we may not notice Him, but don't be naive, His seal is on every word of the scriptures. 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-14