July 28

I have potted plants flanking the entry to my home. As I was walking by, I decided to check to see if they needed water. One of the plants holds water like a cup, when I looked inside I saw a frog who had made it his own personal hiding place and swimming pool. Even though it’s one of those slimy tree frogs, and it freaks me out when they try to jump on me, it is beneficial because it’s probably eating the mosquito larvae that can live inside the plant. The Bible says that all things are permissible, but not everything is beneficial. It was talking about eating meat that was sacrificed to idols as the example. In my situation the frog is both permissible and beneficial. That’s not the case with my friend, she is terrified of frogs. When she comes to visit, I will have to make that frog vacate his home. The point is, your conduct should not lead anyone astray or affect the conscience of someone else. Your conscience will be clear, but if it causes someone else to stumble, don’t do it. That frog would cause my friend to get hurt. That’s the point of this; you don’t want to cause someone else to sin or be hurt because of your actions.

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

July 27

We’ve had such heavy humidity that the windows are fogged up and dripping everyday. A couple of days ago, I noticed that these weird circles had formed on a couple of the windows. What in the world! I’m not sure how they got there because we have screens on them. It’s not like someone came by and drew them on there, if they had, someone would have seen them milling around my house. So I looked it up online and interestingly, someone else had noticed similar circles on their windows. What I found out was, it may have been the suction cups used to install them. Could the marks still be there after 15 years? Maybe? It makes me think that the windows have never been cleaned! I’ve never cleaned them myself, but I haven’t been here that long. This is a good lesson for all of us. Just because you look clean and polished it doesn’t mean you will stay looking that way. Something that has made an impression on you tends to show up when things get heavy. Pay attention to your reactions when you are under stress or pressure - those are the things you need to work on and clean up. 

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

July 26

The book of Hebrews is rich with explanations. Why did Jesus have to die to save us? Or, maybe you’ve never thought about why the Bible is divided into The Old Testament and the New Testament. There may be other people that are able to cover this more thoroughly than I can, but this makes perfect sense to me. More often than not, rich people and some who are poor that have something valuable to leave, prepare a last will and testament to help procure the distribution of their valuables upon their death. As long as they are alive, their will can be changed, revoked or altered. If a receiver of the valuables makes an enemy of the one making the will, they could lose their inheritance. The will is not set in stone until the one who made the testament is dead. So, the New Testament is the last will and testament of our Savior Jesus Christ! In order for it to go into effect, He had to die. I would go on to say that those who die without accepting their portion of their inheritance, which is eternal life, lose - big time!

 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. Hebrews 9:16-17

July 25

This is how good God is, He doesn’t want you to suffer from a guilty conscience. I’ve been doing a lite study of Hebrews, and the writer is trying to make it clear that the temple and the sacrificial offerings that were required of Israel, were all symbolic. It was a living example of what was to come. One of the points that He stresses is that they were all human based and that the only way to truly clear your conscience is through the sacrificial offering of Jesus. Though He was of human flesh, He is God, and there was no purer blood. Only His blood can completely wash away your sin. If you are still feeling guilty over an action you took, it’s time for you to give it over to Jesus, once and for all. Stop carrying it around! He wants you to be free of it. There are too many people out there who don’t know Jesus and are suffering from guilt, and they need to know that it’s possible to live without it. If you, who know Jesus, are still carrying around your past, how are you going to convince anyone to trust Jesus?

(which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, Hebrews 9:9

how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 9:14

July 24

Life is ever changing. One minute everything seems perfect and then the next minute you are in turmoil. Even this morning, as I sat with the sun blazing in the sky at what seemed like a glorious, sunny day, I watched and within minutes a storm rolled in, the sky became gray and thunder began to rumble. Things are never the same, but they’re never different either; in the sense that we expect life to change, but we are never ready for it. This is why we need our Savior, He is unchanging. We don’t have to worry whether He woke up on the wrong side of the bed. We don’t have to wonder when the next shoe will drop because He’s the same yesterday and today, and He will be the same tomorrow. People change, Jesus does not! Though you may not be able to count on the person next to you to always be there, you can count on our Savior. He promised to never leave us or forsake us. Rest easy in that promise today. He is our Rock when storms begin to roll!

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrew 13:8

July 23

Do you look at your senior pastor and think that he is the only person who can help you because God has given him a special gift? I used to think like that. It’s true that God has given pastors a gift, probably many gifts, but He has also given gifts to those who are not in the pulpit every Sunday. In my church, we have a women’s group that meets once a month, but between our meetings, we see one another at church and other functions and through social media. I love seeing these women gathering around to lift up a sister in Christ in prayer; it is so beautiful! We all have things we struggle with, and need others that we can count on to help us battle a real enemy whose attacks are relentless. So, the next time you feel like you need to run to your pastor for support, look around, there are others who have a heart to minister. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go to your pastor, but they can be very busy, and if there is someone else, reach out to them. Remember that He has commissioned all of us to serve the saints.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10

July 22

Waking up at 2:30 in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep easily, is frustrating. Every problem that I have came to mind and was rehashed over and over again. I prayed every prayer I could think of, quoted scripture, and begged God to help me go back to sleep. Eventually, I did, but morning came all too quickly and the lack of sleep made me sluggish and tired. We need our rest to function properly, but sleeping in the sense that you are not giving respect and honor to the Lord by being watchful, will not serve you well. Our time here on earth is short and we need to be vigilant and stay awake and aware. Seeing what is going on all over the world, we can be sure our Savior will be returning soon to gather the crops. Weeds are growing rapidly and the separation of the wheat from the tares seems imminent. Be on your guard, hold on to what you have, He is coming soon.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

July 21

Most of my yard is situated in the shade. The trees give a wonderful covering and protection from the harsh rays of the sun. The grass and trees need full sun to thrive, but there are many plants that need the light filtered so they are not burnt by the overpowering sunlight. The area under the shade is more humid because the sun doesn’t dry it out as fast, so my plants like the orchids and bromeliads thrive in this type of environment. These types of plants would dry up and wither in the full sun. We are like the orchids and bromeliads and Jesus is like the trees, our protection from the full sun and mighty power of God. In the Old Testament, God warned Moses that no one has seen His face and lived, so He had Him hide in the cleft of a rock as He passed by. He needed to be shielded from His power. Jesus acts as the shield or covering between us and God. He is our high priest. Like the trees that shade my garden, Jesus filters the light of God’s glory as a protective barrier, and we thrive under His care.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Hebrews 7:25-26

July 20

The neighbor’s dog started barking this morning, and as soon as my dogs heard her, they decided that they needed to chime in. They have no idea what she’s barking about, yet they feel compelled to voice their opinion. It was like dog gossip! Does this sound familiar? We see this a lot in the television news; I especially love when they show clips where the reporters from every station are using the exact same words and phrases. Their credibility is completely diminished and they are nothing more than talking heads. What about you? Do you tell slanderous stories or share gossiping post? The Bible has a lot to say about that! It says - don’t do it! It also says: don’t associate with a gossip, keep your lips from speaking deceit, malign no one, if you don’t bridle your tongue your religion is worthless, and many more. It also called it an abomination to the Lord! You thought it was just innocent conversation, but it turns out that it’s an abomination! If you don’t stoke the fire or add more wood, it will go out.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

July 19

There is a tree in my neighbor's yard that has a huge branch that needs to be removed. It has a cavity in two different places and has been determined by an arborist that it is in imminent danger of falling. The homeowner knows about the limb, but in his uneducated opinion, he thinks it’s strong and will continue to thrive and doesn’t want to remove it. It is not a financial issue for him, it’s aesthetics. I wonder how many of us hang onto habits and sins that are in imminent danger of hurting ourselves or others just because we think it looks good? When we hurt ourselves, it will hurt others. What do you need to give up to help preserve your life? Just like the tree needs to be pruned to help give it a chance to live a long life, we must be willing to let things go that are detrimental to our health and spiritual well being. Do a quick survey of yourself, and ask the Holy Spirit to bring to light any unhealthy issue that you might be hanging onto; then allow Him to prune you.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:1-2

July 18

When exploring different aspects of the Christian life, you must consider that you are going to be a target of attacks. This is especially true if you are heading in the direction God wants you to go. If you’re doing what the enemy wants you to do, he leaves you to handle your own demise. Once you decide to turn away from the way of the enemy, the attacks begin. This also happens during a promotion, when God is moving you to a new level. Like my pastor says “new levels, new devils.” These attacks can come from anywhere, even your most trusted friends. The enemy doesn’t discriminate and will even use another Christian. Remember when Peter rebuked Jesus for saying that He must go the Jerusalem and be killed? Jesus quickly called him out saying “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me.” So don’t think that the only people Satan uses is your enemies. No, he can and will use well meaning people as His mouthpiece to throw you off. Stand strong! If you’re armored-up, you won’t be rattled. Remember that they are your friend, so don’t be too hard on them.

But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Matthew 16:23

July 17

I’ve been a hard worker all of my life, but now that I’m older, I’ve decided that getting filthy from head to toe and straining myself to do things in my yard is no longer something I wish to do. That’s why I moved into a townhome complex, so someone else could handle all the things that I was once in charge of. Whether I like it or not, sometimes I have to do that very thing. We are having new sod put in our yard, and the ground needs to be prepared and guess who gets to do it? Yours truly! I worked myself to the point of nearly passing out - it’s just too hot out there! Don’t get me wrong, I love all my plants and doing minor trimming and replacing or adding new ones, but the back breaking labor is no longer one of my desires. As we get older we begin to realize what’s truly important to us and change to do what our heart desires. If you’ve set your eyes on Jesus, His desires become your own. Though we have to work hard in this life, if we set our minds toward Jesus, He will fill a void, our needs will change, and we will become what He wants us to be. Set your eyes on Jesus, He should be our ultimate desire.

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. Psalms 63:1-3

July 16

Sometimes I wonder what God is doing. I look at my situation and have to consider that maybe He’s guiding me into a new direction. So last summer, I didn’t get to spend much time in my island paradise because my husband was building some homes. This year, we’ve been a couple of times only to be run off by the red tide, which makes us both sick. The last time I was out on my paddle board was in January and I was anxious to get out on the water again. I trudged through the mud and dead fish in the mangrove to launch, hoping the water would clear up as I paddled out a little ways. Much to my disappointment, it was just more of the same, a murky cesspool of death. Is God using this to move me? Maybe. I must consider that God has a hand in this and a change may need to be made. You must be observant in the circumstances of your life; Satan may not be the one pulling the strings. God can and will use situations to move you in the direction He’s called you to for His purpose.

It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Psalms 119:71-71

July 15

My heart breaks for the people who see evil as good and good as evil. Though our earthly life is short, our soul will go on into eternity, and these people are in jeopardy of having their souls live eternally in the flames of hell. It seems to be getting worse. The rebellion against God and everything godly, and anyone who calls God their Father, is at a fever pitch. In a country founded on Christian beliefs and freedom to speak, many dare not mention the name of Jesus publicly without fear of retribution. The reason for this is that they don’t want to feel shame for their sin, so if they make bad behavior out to be good, then their bad behavior will not be looked upon as bad. They are right where the enemy wants them to be, especially if they are celebrated and have a soap box to stand on. Then they can spew their evil thoughts on television and social media in the hopes that good people may hear it and turn away from God. Minds are so twisted now that many don’t know the difference between right and wrong. Stand strong children of God! Don’t fall for the lies of Satan! Jesus is coming soon!

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11

July 14

God’s timing is perfect. Early in the morning, while on a quick trip to my favorite little island paradise, I’m awakened by this vibrant light peaking through the blinds. So I get up and look out the window and there it was, the most glorious ball of fire making its appearance on the horizon. I get excited every time I see it! If I had slept just a few minutes more, it’s brilliance would have been diminished because of the flood of light that comes with it. It quickly goes from bright orange to almost white. There is no denying the works of God! As Christians, we are privileged to have been given some understanding of the magnitude of the Almighty God through the Holy Spirit and His written word, but it’s not hidden; even to those who have no understanding of who He is can clearly see the intricate details of His creation, and it testifies to a being that’s more majestic than one can imagine. Aren’t you thankful that you are a part of His kingdom? Give thanks to Him today because it’s an honor to be called a child of God.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20

July 13

You know, you’re not going through anything that Jesus himself hasn’t been through. The specifics may be different, but the challenge isn’t. He defeated the enemy at every turn! He came after Him when He was weak and alone, but when Satan quoted scripture telling Him that He could jump from the pinnacle and the angels would save Him, Jesus reminded him, by quoting scripture, that you are not to put God to the test. Do you see what He did? Satan lied to Him and He reminded him of the truth through the use of scripture. Don’t try to battle the enemy without that portion of your armor, it’s your sword! Of all the pieces of armor, the sword of the spirit - which is the word of God, it's the only defensive weapon. It is so powerful that it is able to cut to the core and easily divide between soul and spirit, joint and marrow, and discerns the thoughts and the intentions of the heart. Brandish your weapon when the enemy starts telling you that you are unworthy, no good, ugly, unredeemable, or when he tries to instill fear, or haunts you with your past. Remember what God says about you - you are worthy, you are good, you are beautiful, I’ve redeemed you, and you are my child!

Heb 2:18  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Eph 6:17  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Mat 4:6  and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

Mat 4:7  Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Heb 4:12  For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

July 12

I was honored to be able to read a new book that is in the final steps of being released. It’s called Soul Survivor, by Scott McIntosh. Everyone needs to read this book! I’m a person that has dealt with all the traps the enemy has laid out for me, at least, I thought I had until I read this book. God knows when it’s time to dig deep into that trunk full of junk, all the way to the bottom, and pull out the one thing you’ve been hiding that you don’t want anyone to see. I thought my trunk was empty, but there it was, hiding under a sheet! By me keeping this hidden deep in my soul, the blood from that wound is eventually going to seep out, especially if someone decides that they need to rip the bandage off! Thanks Scott...I think. Don’t get too excited, it’s not fodder for juicy gossip. After my son’s father died, and I was left a widow, my life changed dramatically. He died of a dreaded disease that God had spared me and my son from contracting. There was the initial trauma of finding out, then there were several years of living with the illness before it took his life. I chose to shove it down inside, only to bring it out when convenient. Don’t get me wrong, God was so good to me through this process, but I think He’s decided that it’s time for me to bring it out and work through it. God wants us all to be free from the things in our past, that’s why He sent us Jesus. We’re just responsible for giving it to Him.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

July 11

Road work is never easy to deal with, especially when they are working in front of your house and you have to park a block away. Most people are dealing with it in an adult-like manner, but others, not so much. Volunteering to be on the homeowners association is challenging and maybe something I’m regretting just a little, however, I know God has a lesson in it for me. So I get a call early in the morning from someone who is very upset about the situation. I had given my phone number so that anyone who may have health issues and needed to park closer could call me. Parking closer wasn’t good enough for him, he wanted us to postpone it. I guess he thought I was going to let him run over me like a bulldozer, but I didn’t! He was nice by the end of the conversation. The point of me telling you all of this is, you will never please everyone. Your best bet is to spend your limited days on this earth pleasing God, because in the end, He’s the only one that matters. I’m not mad at that cranky, miserable old man, I just feel sorry for him.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8

July 10

When you have pets, you realize that humans are not the only creatures that God gave a mind of their own. As I was sitting in my recliner, not wanting to get up, I called my dog Coco to come over to me. She looked at me from three feet away and just sat there. She’s not dumb, she knew what I was saying. She knows my voice, she saw my lips moving, but she chose to ignore me. Calling us His sheep, Jesus said that we would hear His voice. We tend to do the same thing - we know when He’s speaking and calling to us, but like my dog, we get a dumb look on our face and just sit there. How many times have you thought you should do something, then ignored that prompting? I know I’ve done that more than once! Then you see someone else jump in and do what you know God told you to do. Sometimes His voice is so quiet that you’re not sure if it’s Him, but if the voice is telling you to be kind to someone, you can bet it’s Him. He won’t tell you to do something that is contrary to biblical teaching. So I challenge you to clean out your ears and begin listening for His voice.

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

July 8

I’m sure you hear this often, but it’s true, life is short. Once you hit fifty you realize that you’ve probably lived half your life, I say probably because my great grandmother lived to one hundred and two! Time seems to begin to tick off a little faster and things that were once very important to you have become part of the background. Why does it take us so long to realize that people are most important, and the pursuit of “things” is just a way to pass the time? I love being surrounded by beauty just like anyone, but if you don’t have people around you to enjoy it with, what’s the point. Your children don’t want all the things you plan on leaving them! Jesus had nothing but the clothes on His back and yet He lived the best life. He loved people during His journey and He loved them hard, even unto death. The first mentioned fruit of the spirit is love. The greatest command is to love. Love people while you still have the time.

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 22:37-39