September 16

Our mighty God has given each of us a portion of something useful for His kingdom. What are you doing with yours? When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit went to work encouraging you to get involved. He gave you the feeling of gratitude and an overwhelming desire to give back to the One who saved you. Your salvation is not something that you place upon a shelf and dust every once in a while, there are responsibilities that go along with it. We need to stop waiting for someone else to do the work of the kingdom and get out and do our share. Contrary to what most people think, church is not a spectator sport, it's a community! We are a family! We must all get involved. In my family, everyone had to work! If you weren't busy cleaning the house or pulling weeds, or doing some other chore, you had better be sick! So, just as your mom or dad might say, "Get your butt off the couch and get to work!"

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? James 2:14 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:26

September 15

Who wakes up the sun to warm the earth, to grow the food, to give us light? Who pours down the rain to fill the rivers and lakes to quench the thirst of the living creatures? Who provides the wisdom for mankind to create the things that bring us the luxury of transportation, communication, and, if you're from the south, that all important air conditioning? We must give credit where credit is due! We must remember where our help comes from, our help comes from the Lord! The maker of all heaven and earth, the Father of all creation is our guide, our wisdom, and the only reason we are who we are. Lift up your hands in praise, worship Him with all your heart. You wouldn't exist if He didn't have a plan for you or a reason for creating you. You have a part in the function of this world as insignificant as you may think you are, this world wouldn't be the same without you. You were created for a purpose. Live your life to honor Him and thank Him for creating you!

A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2

September 14

You may have already guessed this about me, but just to confirm what you thought, I drive a truck. I've always had some type of truck or SUV. I've had other types of vehicles and even a couple of luxury cars, but I always come back to the power of a four wheel drive. There's just something that appeals to me about being able to maneuver through all types of terrain. There is a drawback, even though my husband has a work truck, when he wants to haul something, he uses my truck. That makes me consider going back to a car! Aligning yourself with Jesus is like owning a truck! He's powerful and able to maneuver through any and all situations! The problem is that we still think we're in a car and never go off the main road. We're too afraid of getting dirty or maybe even getting stuck. We forget that He is all powerful and has four wheel drive! It's time to go off-roading with Jesus and get a little mud on those tires!

For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 1 Corinthians 4:20

September 13

There is something so beautiful about being on an open porch in the morning watching the sunrise filter through the sprawling oaks. Such a sense of peace overwhelms my soul. It's a quiet respite from all the chaos being played out in the world. There are times that it's good to get away from the pressures of living and spend time with the Lord. I think occasionally, He stops us long enough to reset our life and change our focus from ourselves to Him. It's then that we realize that our lives aren't about us at all, our lives are about Him. He created us for Himself! We are here to worship Him, love Him, and bless Him with our praise. We must care for ourselves for Him. He's given us only one life and our every breath should be to glorify Him. When we change our focus to Him, the rest of our lives will fall into place. Begin today to make God your priority and take note of the changes in your life that happen because of it.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16

September 12

For days after a tremendous hurricane knocks down trees and fills your streets with water, your power is probably out! If you were lucky enough to get through the storm unscathed, resources become precious. People who live in the city and have city water, don't understand, but when you have a well and the power goes out, you don't have water! You can't jump in the shower to clean off the filth after pulling the limbs out of your driveway, or turn on the faucet for a glass of water. It takes power to run the pump that generates water! It's then that you realize why people pummel one another to get the last bit of water and snacks left on the shelves at the stores! These people were preparing for what happens after the storm! Don't wait until it's too late, you won't get a last minute warning of Jesus return! Heed the warnings now and make a decision to follow Him! He is the only powerful resource you will need when our days are cut short!

And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Matthew 25:10

September 11

Every year on this day we mourn the loss of lives from a most violent and vicious attack upon our country. Our hearts broke when we saw a plane had crashed into the first of the Twin Towers. Then, as we saw another plane collide with the second tower, we knew we were under attack and were stunned! Fear sets in without even knowing that the Pentagon had been attacked and another plane had been hijacked and crashed in Pennsylvania. We all gathered our children and glued ourselves to the television just waiting for what might happen next. My mother got stranded in Mississippi and had to rent a car to get home because they closed down all the airports. What kind of person would dare try to take our country down? We are the land of the free and the home of the brave! Only a sick mind and depraved soul would do such a thing. We must continue to tell the real story to our children and grandchildren from the eyes of those who lived through it before it gets sanitized by those who've forgotten. I'm not sure if our hearts have fully recovered from that horrific day. It was a great awakening for our country and many returned to God that day. What is it going to take to set us straight now? We can only hope that we are spared.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bear us up; God is our salvation. Selah. Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death. Psalms 68:19-20

September 10

I live in the beautiful State of Florida. I'm very happy that my great great grandparents decided to settle here. There are a few areas of high ground, but for the most part, Florida is a swamp! When a hurricane threatens, the whole state is on alert. No one is completely safe, and when the storm track changes, it just means that someone else has to fear. We just pray for it to move out into an area where no one will be hurt. The storm that we are dealing with for the next few days has everyone fearing for their lives. This is one of those things that no matter how much money you have, you can't control it, you can only prepare for the worst and pray for a good outcome. Whatever devastation we may face, God will still be there to guide us through it. What's really good to see is everyone reaching out to help one another. If this storm does nothing else, it's teaching us to love again. I'm praying for everyone to make it through this without injury.

"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalms 91:14-16

September 9

Who do you call when there's no one to call; when the storm rages and everyone has fear? There is only one who has the power to calm the storm, stop the wind and hold back the rain. If you wait to ask for His help during a time of crisis, how do you know He hears you? If you fail to notice His intervention in your life during the good times, what makes you think He's listening now? Do you offer Him praise when things are good, or tell Him how thankful you are for your blessings? Maybe you're being tested to see if you really believe that He's in control. Do you have peace knowing that whatever happens is a part of His plan? I can assure you that He does hear you, but your fear is lack of faith. Fear of the Lord is healthy, fear of anything else is not! Having concern is prudent as long as it's a part of the wisdom He has given you. Don't allow fear to overtake you, it is not of the Lord.

He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?" Luke 8:25

September 8

Are you ready for the storm? I've been watching the reactions of the people around me who like me, are getting ready to face an enormous storm, and it's not good. I'm a little bit of a prepper and have been ready for this storm for a long time; my cupboards are full of emergency supplies. I've seen people panicking over getting water and food, and the store shelves are empty! Our faucets are still pumping out water, and I doubt we will starve if we miss a couple of meals! It reminds me of how it might have been in the days of Noah, everyone waiting to the last minute when it was already too late. These are the same people who will see Jesus coming to collect His bride and rush to try to make things right with Him, at that point it may be too late. Don't wait until He's here to decide to accept His free gift! It's going to get crazy in this world without Him! He's the living water and the bread of life and you can't live without either!

And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah. I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.".... But I call to God, and the LORD will save me. Psalms 55:6-8 & 16

September 7

Our little dog Rudy, is very vocal. When he wants to play, he whines and stares at you until you throw the ball. He knows what he wants and won't stop until he gets it. When he's hungry, he will pick up his bowl and drop it so it makes a noise, just to get our attention! We always give in to him because he doesn't stop. He's a spoiled little monster, but he's the cutest thing ever! I wonder if God looks at us the same way. I can just see Him looking at us saying "aw, look how cute they are!" We wouldn't be much fun if we didn't talk to Him, even if it's just to ask for frivolous things. We may not get what we ask for, but I'll bet He's amazed at our fervency. According to scripture, He wants us to ask. If our prayer agrees with scripture we should keep asking until we get an answer. If you want more of the Holy Spirit or wisdom, ask! You will start to see a difference in your reactions and your thinking. Wisdom takes time, but He will train you until you are very wise. If you want more of the Holy Spirit, He will teach you to tune in. We have a good, good Father, so ask!

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

September 6

I don't know about you, but I'm in the boat with Jesus! When the storm raged and the swells on the sea began to rise, Jesus was resting. When he awakened, He reminded them of their lack of faith and then calmed the sea. Even though we worry and toil over what might happen next, Jesus is at peace within us. We must take a minute to tap into that peace. The storm on the horizon may be something like we've never seen, but our hope is not in the protection of this world. Even when "the war goddess, Irma" threatens to destroy us and our way of life, she cannot take the most precious thing we have, our salvation. Think about this: what do you really fear? Losing your life? That's in the hands of Jesus! Is it your lifestyle or your possessions? Your lifestyle and possessions can be replaced, but there's nothing that can take the place of Jesus, He is the only savior. If we should see our end, we will finally meet Jesus!

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

Are you ready? If not, now may be a good time to turn your life over to the one who holds eternity in His hands. He is the perfect love that cast out all fear.

September 5

There is a lot to be learned through the average things we see every day. For instance, when taking a stroll on the beach you see all sorts of seashells, some are common, some are extraordinary, but others are broken. The broken ones have probably been rolling around in the sea for a long time, crashing against rocks and the reefs, and have been pummeled in the surf over and over again. By the time it lands on the beach, it's been through the ringer! As an avid shell seeker, I only choose the perfect and unusual shells, however, I have a friend who chooses the broken ones and neatly fits them together to create beautiful topiaries. When I look at the church, I see broken seashells coming together to make a masterpiece, beautifully perfect in every way. We are by no means perfect within ourselves, but crowned with Jesus and covered by Him, we are the picture of perfection. Only through Jesus can our brokenness be seen as beautiful. 

to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3

September 4

It's always nice to wake up and see the sun rising on the horizon. The animals have already been up for a while and foraging for their next meal. They begin singing their sweet song to let everyone know that they made it through the night and are happy about it. At every hour of the day there are birds singing for the Lord. As our birds go to sleep, others are just waking up to bring a joyful noise to Him. I wish I could wake up singing, but if takes a cup of coffee for me to become fully awake! Bring your praises before the Lord and let Him know how happy you are to be alive. Each step in a new day is another opportunity for you to show Him how much you love Him. It's funny how giving God what He deserves brings happiness to you too. He's a good Father worthy of every ounce of praise you have in your being. Don't forget, you owe Him everything, so give Him all you've got!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! Psalms 100:4

September 3

After many months, I finally get a long desired stay at the beach. That beautiful turquoise Gulf is calling my name. As we get situated in our boat, I notice that the water isn't very clear. I wasn't even thinking about it because it was the bay side and sometimes it's not as clear. We get to the island and after putting all my things away, I finally get to walk out to the beach. To my disappointment, the water was brown! Yuck! We are near where two different rivers pour into the gulf, and with all the rain we've had and the hurricane stirring up the water, it ends up an icky brown. Even then a bad day at the beach is better than a good day at work! In life, things don't always turn out as you've planned, but there is always a glimmer of hope on the horizon. As I begin my walk down the beach I notice that the shells have piled up. I sit down in a pile and begin collecting one beautiful specimen after another. A blessing within my disappointment. God is good! 

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

September 2

There are many things out there that will distract you from pursuing the life that God has for you. At every turn you're faced with challenges; that's just the life of a believer. We must stay the course and fight the good fight as hard as it might be. The result of living a sacrificed life is a blissful eternity with our Savior. I know what you're thinking "but what about now? I'm living this life right now and need to enjoy it now!" The truth is that you can still live a good life here on this earth and serve God. Just like the Israelites while in captivity in Babylon were told to make a home there, we are also to make a home here on this earth. The key is to live a pure life, refraining from sinful desires. You can enjoy life without sinning. As a matter of fact, life is much better when you don't! There are no consequences for doing what's right in the eyes of God and for obeying the law of the land. Living a sacrificed life is a form of worship we should all want to pursue. 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

September 1

You know you're blessed when you have grandchildren who love Jesus. One of my grandsons just started kindergarten - side note, I just discovered that I've been saying kindergarten wrong my whole life - it's not a garden, I never noticed the spelling before! Anyway, he's like me in his love for Jesus, but unlike me in that I would never put a stray mark on my school work. After he had finished his work in class, he turned over his paper and doodled. It's not that he was doodling that was interesting, it's what he drew. On the back of this child's paper was a picture of Jesus on the cross with a smile on His face. The thing is, it's the truth. Jesus went to the cross willingly. He didn't have to! Jesus is God in the flesh and could have saved Himself at any moment, but He had compassion. He wanted to do it! Isn't that incredible! He did it just like my grandson's picture shows, with a smile. He willingly allowed Himself to be tortured and tormented for our sake. Here's a thought, why would you continue in your sin knowing this?

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Roman 5:7-8

August 31

God has an amazing way of reaching His children and communicating with them. If you read your Bible daily, you hear His voice daily! Sometimes He reaches out to you through others to bring you a refreshing and timely message, however, the only way to truly know when He has spoken to you is to know Him. The best way to know Him is through reading your Bible every day. We have such a good Father and if you desire to have a relationship with Him, you need to know what He's like. I use this analogy a lot, but it's true; the only way to tell if money is counterfeit is to know the look and feel of the real thing. Many years ago, I was a bank teller; my hands were always touching money. As I would count, there would be a consistency in the way it felt. If something was off or if one felt different I could pull that particular one out and examine it closer. Staying in God's Word is the best way to insure you've heard from Him and not a counterfeit.

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:11

August 30

Hurricane Harvey has had a terrible impact on Texas and many other states including Florida. The flood waters keep rising and people are being flushed out of the safety of their homes. It's sad to see so much devastation. Just as our hearts are breaking, we see one fellow man helping another. If only for a moment, our differences don't matter. Compassion for one another seems to come out of nowhere, thoughts turn into actions and people are saved. I'm sure this doesn't fit into the narrative being portrayed by the media; their plan to destroy the U.S. may have been upended. God help us to remember this when things get back to normal. Out of the darkness the light will shine, hope will return, and we will see the hand of God as He helps us put the pieces back together. Soon there will be a rainbow over Texas, a dove will return with an olive branch, and the people will be able to leave the ark. Don't forget to pray for them.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 1 Timothy 2:1

August 29

If you are reading this today and are feeling downhearted or unloved, know this, God loves you! You can always count on Him because He loves you with an everlasting love that is unmatched by any kind of earthly love. His love contains the power to overcome the darkness that may be draped over you. Many times I've felt the shadow of darkness in my life and have cried out and felt no relief; then I cried out to Him, poured out my heart, asked for His help, and felt the warmth of His love begin to overcome the darkness. The key is that we have to ask. He wants us to rely on Him all the time, but especially in our times of weakness. Run to Him like a child who's afraid of the dark and He will scoop you into His arms and give you comfort. When we are at our weakest, His power becomes the strongest. Won't you begin today by turning everything over to Him and allow His love to conquer any darkness you may have in your life? His love will never fail!

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalms 42:5

August 28

How long are you going to live with the hurts from your past? The person or people that hurt you have moved on and have forgotten. They haven't thought about you since the day you walked out of their life unless it's to remember what they are missing. They don't think about how they've hurt you or even what triggered your pain and yet you continue to allow it to rule your life and complicate every relationship you enter. Jesus knows the pain you feel, but doesn't want you to continue living a life weighed down by the chains that have you bound. When will you say "I've had enough! Jesus, help me to be released from my bondage?" He came to set the captives free and open the eyes of the blind! His heart breaks for you every time He hears you reminisce about days gone by and when He sees that gaping wound that keeps bleeding and sapping every bit of energy you have. Go to the Lord and let Him heal you.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19