December 6

There are days when you know the enemy has you pegged! But, God already knows his tricks and will sometimes send a messenger to brighten your day. In the midst of battle, I go to my mailbox and find a special gift from a sweet friend who listened to the Lord and was faithful to obey. She sent me a shelling bag with the beautiful words “be still and know,” and a compact decorated with seashells! God’s timing is amazing! Those words were exactly what I needed to hear at that specific moment. If you don’t believe that God is involved in your life, start paying attention to the little clues, maybe it’s just a bright spot in a dark day, or a friend who calls at the perfect moment. He loves you and is there to comfort you, but sometimes we miss it because we’re so consumed with ourselves. Make sure you thank the messenger, because they followed through with their mission!

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. Psalms 46:10-11

December 5

We are living in a health conscious world, aren’t we? We are concerned with the food we eat and the amount of exercise we get and keeping our bodies in perfect, physical condition. It’s an obsession with some! Now, don’t get me wrong, I believe we should take care of ourselves because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God, however, when we become more concerned about our physical being than our spiritual health, we’ve missed the point. Jesus encountered this issue when He entered a region. People saw Him coming, had heard about the healings, and gathered as many sick people as they could find to bring them to be healed by Him. They were more concerned with their bodies than their souls! He had a different plan; He planned to use their infirmity to teach them about eternity and show them their true condition. He was concerned about their soul and still is!

and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. Mark 6:55

December 4

Some days, trying to get going is a little harder. You wake up, have your coffee, but still feel groggy and want to get back in bed. Trying to keep your head in prayer can be tough, but it’s even harder to focus on God’s word. Rest is important and can make a difference in the way you retain the information you hear and react to situations. Our lives are so busy that every minute of our day seems to be filled, even our leisure time is full of activity. Our families can sometimes add things to our agenda, making it even harder to find time for repose. Our plates are full, but Jesus calls us to get away to a desolate place. While the world is begging us to keep going and never stop, God tells us to take time for ourselves. Pray for Him to give you moments to relax and rejuvenate if you can’t seem to schedule it on your own. He wants us to rest, so much so, that it's one of the Ten Commandments!

And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Mark 6:31

December 3

I know I’ve seen you somewhere before! Do you ever see a familiar face and can’t place where it is that you’ve seen them? Or maybe, you recognize them, but they have no clue who you are. My husband and I went to a Christmas gathering in the new community that we just moved into. While there, we started noticing faces that we’ve seen before. It’s probably not uncommon because we’ve both been in the general area for quite a long time. Out of all the people there, and there wasn’t that many, Richard had graduated with three of them! Even better than that, many of them are believers! I’m not sure of the plan God has for us here, but I know He’s placed us here on purpose. Whatever your current situation is, God has a use for it. Nothing you do is just a coincidence, it’s a part of His plan. Your job is to wait and watch as it unfolds and to be an obedient servant.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

December 2

What has God given you to do, that you are not being obedient to fulfill? Before I started writing this daily devotional, I made a commitment to post a verse or inspirational message daily. Many times the words are helpful to others, even teaching a simple understanding of the scriptures in a modern world, but the notion that God is using me to get His message out to the people of whom I have contact, is the biggest blessing of all. The wealth of this world is measured financially, but God measures wealth by the fullness of His love in our hearts. What is stopping you from being filled to capacity with the riches of God’s love? If you know He has commissioned you to complete a task for Him, begin taking baby steps to accomplish it. You will bring others into the kingdom while receiving the abundance of His blessing.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19=21

December 1

Setting up a home after a move is quite a chore. Imagine settling in a land that isn’t your own, setting up camp, getting comfortable and then the Lord tells you to move! Really Lord, right now? Israel wasn’t a tiny family either! Not only did they each have to pack their own things, but they had to pack the tabernacle, carefully! Our church does this very thing every week, setting up, having a service, tearing it down, and then packing it away again. You’ve got to love our Levite team for their dedication. Our church is rejoicing because God has called us into a place where we can set up and stay! When some look at it, they will see the giants, but those of us who understand God’s favor will see the abundance of fruit and the endless possibilities for bringing salvation and the love of Christ to the multitudes! Face your giants and reap your harvest!

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. Isaiah 61:7

November 30

Many years ago on this day, I became a widow with a five year old son. It wasn’t a surprise because my husband was very ill, but that didn’t make it any easier. The challenges I faced were nothing in comparison to the devastation I had just lived through. Watching a healthy man crumble and wither down to nothing is forever etched in my memory. The thing that still brings me to tears today is that my son would experience his accomplishments without the man who loved him more than the world itself. I didn’t know it at the time, but God had a wonderful plan to change my mourning into gladness and to exchange my ashes for a beautiful crown. Though no one could replace the man we had lost, God blessed us with a family that has filled our hearts and gave us new life. If you are going through a challenging time, just wait, God has a gift waiting on the other side of your pain.

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

November 29

The height of the season is in full swing and the celebration of our Savior’s birth is underway. Most have forgotten the reason why we celebrate. It is up to us to remind others that our efforts are for Jesus and not about a mythical being that brings gifts to the good children. The miracle of Jesus birth is something to be celebrated and a step to understanding His deity. God, walking and communing with us! Oh, how awesome that must have been! His willingness to lay down His life and take on the sin of the world for a people undeserving is incomprehensible. But, that’s not all! He rose from the dead and walked among the people, showing them His risen body. Incredible! He still walks with us today; He left with us the Holy Spirit as our companion. There are days that I wish I could see Him, but we are to believe with our hearts and He will show Himself true.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17

November 28

Oh the antics! I’d been packing for another move and had carefully lined up my recently filled boxes near the door so I could load my truck for a run to the new house the next day. During the early morning while it was still dark, I traipsed through the house to take the dog out, like I do every morning, when suddenly, the dog flew out of my arms and I landed on the floor! Thankfully, I’m okay and that no one saw me! Heck, I didn’t even see it myself! Only then did I remember the boxes by the door. The Lord has a lot to say about becoming a stumbling block to others. It’s important that you watch your behavior and keep your testimony clean; otherwise someone may end up losing their eternal life to the enemy. Watch your mouth and your actions! I can guarantee you that someone is watching your every move, and if you profess Jesus, they will follow you and believe your bad behavior is acceptable.

You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:14

November 27

We all know the dreaded feeling we have when it’s time to get back to the grind after a long weekend of festivities. Facing work again, even if we love our job, can be depressing and make us long to be with our families again. Thankfully, during this time of year we have another holiday to look forward to. However, we must remember that this time of year can also be a reminder of those who have passed, the missing person at the table who has gone on to eternity without us. Though it should be a cheerful and joyous time, we should take a look around and notice those who may be hurting and pray with them and offer them comfort. It may be all they need to help lift the sorrow from upon their hearts. There is a great build up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus our Savior and a lot of fun to be had by all, but we must remember why He came and the love He has for the broken-hearted.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

November 26

Little Gasparilla is an island that I love getting away to regularly. It’s remote, and with the exception of a few structures, it’s been kept very natural looking, like a picture of old Florida. There is no bridge, so you can only get to it by boat which makes it even more intriguing. It’s a great place to rest a weary soul and watch the sunrise as the day begins and see it set as the day ends. My mind is at peace and I somehow feel closer to God and can focus on His goodness while visiting there. Some days the beach is completely empty and I look at it as a gift from the Father, He knows I will praise Him out loud if no one is around to hear. Maybe that’s why I love going there, I feel more free to worship as I please. If you don’t have a place to openly worship, I recommend that you find one. Prayers get answered, joy is returned to your soul, and the Holy Spirit flows freely if you let Him.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35

November 25

While reading the Bible from cover to cover, we often miss things in our haste to get through it. I was stopped for a moment when I read an account of David, which I’m sure I had read before and just breezed right over it. David was very dramatic and spilled out his thoughts onto scrolls which has become a good portion of the Psalms we read today. As David comforts himself with words and thoughts, we can also draw comfort from them as we are faced with challenges. In this particular verse, he is in fear for his life and reasons that his death will be the gain of the Lord. But, God wouldn’t allow the death of His chosen one for the glory of his enemy. Have you ever thought that God would look at our death as precious? Isn’t it comforting to know that heaven awaits our coming and the Lord is ready to welcome us home when our body gives us over to death?

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15

November 24

I did a little shopping after Thanksgiving. This was something new for me because I’ve always avoided the madness. As it turned out, I was right about it! I stood there waiting for the doors of Macy’s to open, noticing the mix of people ready to get a great deal on whatever they could find. The rush to the escalator was incredible, and complete strangers were pushing in on me and touching me! I like Macy’s bath and bedding section, and since I go in there quite a bit for those types of items, I notice that the things that were marked for 65% off had never been priced that high before! I decided that it’s not for me! I’ll take the lazy, midweek, before Thanksgiving shopping experience over that foolishness any day! I can understand the art of getting a deal and I guess it satisfies the need to hunt, but I’m content with the normal shopping experience! The lesson today: Contentment.

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

November 23

We all have so much to be thankful for. The words from our lips do not match what we’ve been given and pale in comparison to the praise that should be offered to God. Even though there is no way to give the Lord what He deserves, it should be our mission to try. As we fill our tables and stuff our bellies with the fresh harvest, we must remember who made the sacrifice and set the table before us. I look at it as a small sampling of what the wedding feast of the Lamb will one day look like, as we are seated in His presence. We have many things to be thankful for today, but above everything, we should be thankful for Jesus and the sacrifice He made so that we might one day be in His heavenly presence. We must also remember the Holy Spirit, that special gift, and the reminders He gives us daily of our Savior, and for the comfort and peace He brings. HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!

I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. Psalms 116:17

November 22

What is your reaction when people are under the attack of the enemy? My first thought is: What are God’s plans for this person? The enemy doesn’t come after people who are on his side; a house divided will fall! Then I begin to get excited because God’s plan never fails. When the enemy is fighting so hard to keep you down, he probably knows the outcome and it may be bad news for his plan! I don’t know what James was thinking when he said to consider it joy when you face trials, because there’s nothing joyful about it! You may be struggling now, but hold on to what you have until the end. It is then you will see God’s plan fall into place and it will be oh-so-sweet. When you're going through it, you're not sure when it will end and all you want is for it to be over. God already knows the end, and knows you can handle it! Anything worth having is worth fighting for. Armor up!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3

November 21

Sometimes you come to a crossroad and are not sure which way to turn. If you’re following Jesus, and He hasn’t given you a signal, it’s not time to turn! So, you’ve been on a treacherous road, the path is narrow, there have been boulders that were hard to squeeze by, the potholes were deep, and you can barely see the Shepherd because He’s a great distance away; have no fear, He’s closer than you think. Adversity can make it hard to see our guide in this life, but He assures us that He’s right there carefully watching our every move. I know you’re getting sick of this particular road, everything is beginning to look the same and the travel is getting much harder, but until you hear a definite answer to your prayer to turn off this road, stay the course. I can guarantee you that what’s waiting at the end will be worth every ounce of grief you’ve suffered. Stay the course!

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:20-21

November 20

We can approach this life as timid reactors or we can stand strong when we face our trials and fight back. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power! If you are shrinking back and refuse to fight the good fight of faith because you are afraid, you are listening to the wrong commander! The way we wield that power is quite different than what you would think. Our weapons are linked to the Spirit of God so it’s not by our own power that we win. But, you must remember that the enemy doesn’t fight fair and will use your own earthly desires to draw your attention away from God to send you off course. God wrote the playbook on how to win, but if you never read it, you will be fighting a losing battle, and the enemy will win. When you have fought in your own strength and are battle weary, go back to the Word and try God’s strategy and use His strength!

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

November 19

The mighty hand of God cannot be denied by those who’ve witnessed His power. Ask anyone that has had their soul snatch from the depths of despair and felt the compassion of the Almighty overwhelm them with His love. Ask me if you need a witness. His passion for His lovely is unmatched; and to watch it unfold before your eyes is unlike any other site. My heart sings for joy when evil turns and runs as the battle ensues, and to see the work of their hand destroyed by the warriors enlisted by Him. I am grateful for His love for me. Who could possibly need more than Him? Open your hearts, praise His name, because there is a battle going on that you know nothing about unless you tune in. He has fought and won and it’s fast approaching the time for evil to be sent to it’s forever home in the depth of Hades! But until that day comes, praise the King for His mercy!

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. Psalms 107:31-32

November 18

Prayer works! God is listening to the cries of His children and is ready to respond. Just when you think that a situation is too hard for God to handle, and it looks like there is no way it could work out biblically, He surprises you with a last second pass into the end-zone! After questioning the direction that I felt God was sending me in, and praying for Him to please throw roadblocks in my way if it wasn’t His will, He didn’t, so I kept going! It turns out that there was no other way to handle it and be effective. I just kept praying and crying out to Him. My heart and head were out of sync, which made it very hard to continue on that path, but wisdom prevailed; not my own, but God’s! Sometimes I don’t like the way He works, but when I saw the pieces fall into place, I knew that His plan was the only way. Trust Him and when you think you’ve prayed enough, pray again, and don’t pray alone!

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Psalms 107:28-30

November 17

Some days are just made for praise! God doesn’t have to do anything to be worthy of your praise. He doesn’t owe you a thing! He is worthy because of who He is. Your wants and needs being met, should not be required of Him for you to give Him the praise He deserves. He is the giver of all creation! Are you not just in awe of who He is? Oh, if we only understood the magnitude of our mighty God, then we might give Him all of ourselves, all of our praise, all of our worship, and be completely undone because of Him. Do you not realize what kind of being it takes to create each of us individually, with our own mind, body, and spirit? His magnificence is beyond our capacity to understand, and yet He has given us a glimpse of who He is through Jesus. Jesus says that if you’ve seen Him you’ve seen the Father. Spend some time worshiping Him today, He deserves it!

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. (5)And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Isaiah 6:1 & 5