March 14

When we moved some of our things from Little Gasparilla, we came home with more than we had packed. Although the island is paradise, it is a hot bed for scorpions, and one of those creatures came home with us, and I found it inside my house! I freaked out, and he ended up taking a flume ride down the sewer pipes.

I can’t make this stuff up, I’m not that good. I’m slowly reading through the Old Testament, and studying it briefly as I go, with no particular reading plan. Today, it speaks of the people complaining about leaving Egypt again, with me not being in their shoes, I wondered why they complained so much. The land that they were passing through had scorpions and serpents, with a burning sting. I may have complained too. However, because of their complaints, and unbelief, God allowed those fiery serpents to kill the people. Moses prayed, and God told him to make the image of a fiery serpent and whoever looked at it would live. 

Today, if you’re complaining about services being interrupted, no sports, becoming anxious, overreacting, or discontent with the interruption of your happy life, you better stop now! There is salvation in a troubled time, but you have to look to Jesus, he is the only way to get to our happy place; all other ways lead to a dead end. You don’t want to end up dead in the desert just before entering the promised land, do you?

Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” Numbers 21:6-8

March 13

We are different. We do not fear as the world fears. We do not worry because we have the peace given to us by Jesus. During a plague that broke out in the camp of the Israelites, Moses instructed Aaron to take a censer full of fire, and incense, and go among the people to stop the plague. Aaron stood between the dead and the people who were still alive; his offering was accepted by God, and the plague stopped. Isn’t this our job as believers, to stand between the people and God, and make and offering before the Lord, as his royal priesthood? We do not have to offer a censer full of fire and incense, because Jesus is a pleasing aroma to the Father, and his one time offering has covered all of our iniquities, but we must pray to him, that he intercedes on our behalf, for the people who are suffering. If we freak out like everyone else, aren’t we showing the world our lack of faith in God? For the sake of those watching you, especially those of you who are worriers, put on the full armor of God, and become the warrior that God intended you to be, and offer prayer for those who may be affected by sickness. Stand in the gap!!

So Aaron took it as Moses said and ran into the midst of the assembly. And behold, the plague had already begun among the people. And he put on the incense and made atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. Numbers 16:47-48

March 12

How soon do we forget how great God is? God takes us out of Egypt without a scratch, does miracles in the desert, but when things get scary, we shrink back, as he tells us to move forward to conquer the land. “Didn’t you see those giants Lord? We can’t overcome them!” Where is Caleb when we come up against the whispers of the enemy? Today, I am your Caleb! Do not hesitate, move in and conquer the land that God has set before you. 

One interesting thing I noticed as I was reading the account of the spies sent into the promised land, they were all leaders of their tribes. Instead of being strong and courageous, they were scared, even though God was the one who told them to go. When you feel weak, and can not do it on your own, give it to God, and let him be your strength. Just imagine the doors that will be opened because God is the one delivering you. Besides, you don’t want God giving your promise to someone else, do you?

Listen to this: But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30

Don’t listen to this: Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” Numbers 13:31

March 11

Gossiping doesn’t seem like such a big deal, and hardly seems like a sin. What harm can it do when it’s spoken of in private? The truth is, it’s not in private; God hears every word, and to speak disparagingly about any of his beloveds, is like spitting in his face. How much do you really know about a person and their plight, that you should make a judgement upon them through negative talk? Why is someone else the topic of your conversation? Shouldn’t you be more concerned with your own issues? 

Miriam spoke to Aaron about Moses in a negative way because of who he chose to marry, and God heard her! She may have also been a bit jealous of his personal relationship with God, because he met him face to face, and not in dreams and visions as with others. God called Miriam, Aaron, and Moses together and confronted them; he also admonished Aaron, who was the hearer, but Miriam was given leprosy and had to be quarantined for seven days outside of the camp. God embarrassed her because of her loose tongue. This is a very good lesson against gossip, we would all do well to heed God’s warning.

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed. When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. Numbers 12:9-10

March 10

There are times we just want peace, so we try to stay under the radar, hoping not to be noticed by Satan, so he doesn’t bring on trials and tribulation. Unfortunately, that doesn’t last, because when you stay in the word, and do your part in the kingdom of God, you can’t stay under the radar, it’s impossible. Realizing that God is in control, and the devil is under the control of God, you must contend with whatever stirs up the atmosphere, and realize that our peace comes from knowing Jesus, and the trials of this world are only temporary. Stand strong in Jesus, because our weakness is what gives him strength. Give up and turn everything over to him, and watch as he handles your situation. Whether the outcome seems good or bad, know that the big picture, the things we don’t see happening, will be as he wants it. Remember, say, “your will be done.” Stay in continuous contact with him; as anxiety begins to creep in, turn to him and ask him to calm your nerves, and he will return your peace. Things happen for a reason, even though we don’t understand why. Remember, God is in control, and our peace lies with Jesus.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”" John 16:33

March 9

I’m taking a break from writing about the Old Testament today; mostly because I need to remind myself that I am hidden in Jesus. My fear of God is growing because I know that he never changes, and his reaction to sin is humanly destructive. I’m reminded that if I truly love him, I will obey his commands, but I’m not sure if I always do!  

If you are at a point that you are trembling in fear, remember Jesus; we are safe from God’s wrath because of him. We are dearly loved by God because of Jesus; we are his friend, he is our Father, though also our King. We can walk with confidence, knowing that we are safe, and that he has snatched us from the fire. Above all things in heaven and on earth, he loves us. Rest in confidence knowing this is true.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 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. Romans 5:6-8

March 8

Take every thought captive! Have you ever had a bad thought and received immediate discipline for having it? I was grilling some steaks, and was annoyed at a few things going on around me, and a thought passed through my head that I shouldn’t have had. Just as soon as I had the thought, I grabbed the top of the grill cover, instead of the handle, and burned my hand! It was very painful, but as soon as it happened, I knew why. The thought was unloving. When you are set apart by God, which we who are redeemed are, his standard for you is set higher, so all of your actions, and thoughts are closely monitored by him. 

The Levites were set apart as a holy priesthood, and were set up to camp around the tabernacle as guards. They didn’t have to go to war, but were to protect God’s holy sanctuary. His standard for them was set higher. When two of Aarons sons introduced strange fire before God, they were killed immediately. Thankfully, I merely received a slap on the hand for introducing such a thought into my temple, which houses the Holy Spirit. Mind your thoughts, and actions because your body is a temple.

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, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19

March 6

Focus! How do you focus when there are so many distractions that draw you away from your intentions? I made it through a few chapters of Leviticus, thankfully I’m nearing the end of it, but I became distracted and began thinking about other things; I stopped where I was, so maybe tomorrow I will be able to pay more attention. Could that be the answer? Why beat yourself up for not being able to focus? Maybe you’ve gotten what you needed, and have given the Lord all you have for the moment, and it’s time to move on. I would say that a few minutes of your whole attention upon the Lord, is better than hours of distracted time, where you are mixing your quiet time with your everyday things. 

Many of you struggle with the issue of distraction. What I normally do is start first thing in the morning, before anyone is awake, get my coffee, pray, and go straight into God’s Word. Today, I broke my own rules and decided to look at my email, and I got completely off-track. This was a good lesson for me to stay on task, and not start anything else until I’ve given my time to the Lord. You know yourself better than anyone, so set your own rules, just as I have, and try not to break them.

"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

March 5

When you get to hold a newborn baby, something beautiful flourishes within you. The sweet noises, the tiny hand that wraps around your finger, and the delight in your heart that wells up within you, means there is something good in this world. The love and the passion of the parents, and the siblings bind them together to become a family forever. Who is this new life? What are they bringing into this world that we can’t live without? For now, it’s just love, but soon we will be able to see their traits blossom, and God’s purpose for them will be exposed for all to see. So unselfish is the love of a mother and father who chooses life, which shouldn’t be a choice at all. God planted a seed, and he expects for it to live and grow, that is his plan, and they have a purpose. Will this new child have a heart for Jesus? He surely will! If you begin to teach your children to trust the Lord, as if there is no other way, they may run off and sow a few oats, but they will return to their first love, the one who loves them the most, Jesus. Teach your children and grandchildren about our amazing Creator, and tell them of the sacrifice that he made, and of the love he has for us. One day they too will commit their life to him, and follow him wherever he leads. 

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

March 4

March forth! Keep moving! Don’t get stuck in the past! We are a product of our past; our mannerisms, personality, and heart, are shaped by our experiences. May it never be said of me that I have become the vile person that sin has caused. Believe me, we have all experienced hatefulness, rejection, and harm that was caused by others. I always try to remember that the person causing the pain are also in pain, and a product of their experiences. Who hurt them so badly that they must lash out at those around them? It is up to me to get beyond my past, and also to not allow the feelings of others to reflect upon me; their feelings belong to them - this is when you need a Teflon shield to protect you from letting negativity penetrate to your heart. Cry out to Jesus; he is your protection. It is Satan’s goal to keep you offended and in the chains of rejection, don’t let him win.

There is a lot of hand washing going on right now because of sickness and disease; cleanse your heart from the filth of others, just like you’re cleaning your hands; don’t let someone’s emotional disease infect you.

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."  Proverbs 4:23

March 3

My elderly neighbor locked herself out of her house. She had gone out to get her early morning paper, and somehow locked the door behind her. She was beyond frustrated, and in a bit of a panic. I brought her into my home and gave her a cup of coffee while my husband tried to break into her house. What would you do? If you’re a decent person, you would do your best to help her, just as we did. If we hadn’t helped, she would have gone to someone else, and who knows what kind of help she would have received. 

Now, imagine your friend being locked out of the Kingdom of Heaven, and they came to you for help, but you were too busy to lend a hand, or give them guidance. You can guarantee that they will seek help somewhere else, but what they may find could be of a different spirit, and lead them in the wrong direction. People don’t know that the answer to their problems is Jesus, and will seek help anywhere they can find it. Be the one who leads them to Jesus, who is the keys to the kingdom.

Just as my husband was about to break her lock, another good neighbor came over with a key. You may not know all the answers, but be a part of the process of giving hope.

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

March 2

And now we hear about a disease that is going to kill us all, and many have already died in China. Who really trusts a communist nation to tell the truth? How much do we believe the news today, with so much false information, it’s easy to become cynical. Many people have already panicked, causing Wall Street and other world trading to be impacted. Our lives are threatened every day, do we go into hiding because of the danger? No, we continue to live, and if it’s our time, we will move on to much better things and be in the presence of Jesus. Let me remind you of what fear is: False Evidence Appearing Real! The things they are telling us to do the prevent the spread of this illness, are things we should be doing anyway; wash your hands and don’t touch your face until you do! Now I’m not saying that a Christian won’t get sick, because we all have times when we do, but we are promised a divine protection - if reports are true, this disease resembles what the Bible calls a plague. I will accept God’s promise as my own and pray it over my family, and I suggest you do the same.

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalms 91:9-11

March 1

We get one extra day every four years, and what do I do? Taxes! I wish it was easy, and could press a button and have everything fall into place, ready for the accountant. Unfortunately, my record keeping is not good enough to do that, so I must painstakingly compile our income and expenses one by one. I’m still not done! Though I have everything compiled, my accountant has a book, about two inches thick, for me to fill in the blanks! If only I had that button. We try to be as accurate as possible to avoid an audit by the IRS! 

One day, we will be held accountable for the things we have done. Thankfully, most of us are hidden in Christ, and our sins are covered. However, there are those who are not fully consecrated to the Lord, and have made a half-hearted commitment to him, if this is you, I fear for you. Are you lukewarm? Riding the middle of the road? Get in, or get out! Let your yeses mean yes, and your noes mean no. There will be no half-hearted souls in heaven, only those who are fully committed to Jesus. Just like being accountable to the government for your income and expenses, you will be accountable to Jesus for your failings, and accomplishments.

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

February 29

Growing up in cattle country, you learn the value of livestock, especially coming from a long line of cattlemen. The county fair was always the best part of the year; as a 4-H’er, and then as I got older, a member of the FFA, it was then that I got to display all of my hard work from the year before. Each year my dad would help me choose a steer from a herd, and then we would train it on a lead, and I would feed it over the course of several months, fattening it up for the fair. Then at fair time, I would bring my steer to compete with others who were doing the same thing; it would then be judged to see if it was good enough to win a prize. I did well, even winning Grand Champion one year! After the competition, it would be put up for sale, and then slaughtered for its meat. After many years of showing steers, and then selling them, I was able to buy my first car. 

Reading about the required sacrifices for the prescribed offerings for sin, and guilt, it’s easy to see how hefty the price was for the Israelites. Because they had to give up a perfectly good bull as an offering for their sin, I imagine they tried very hard to tow-the-line, and refrain from sinning. When you look at it like this, you can see how valuable Jesus is to all of us. Most people couldn’t have afforded to be a sinner. I hope this helps you understand the value of Jesus’s sacrifice for us. 

And he shall bring to the priest as his compensation to the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flock, or its equivalent, for a guilt offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he shall be forgiven for any of the things that one may do and thereby become guilty.” Leviticus 6:6-7

February 28

Nearly every year, I will take a short trip to downtown Tampa, to visit the Henry B. Plant museum. It’s a historical hotel that now houses the University of Tampa. Each time I visit, it reminds me that I need to visit the Belleview-Biltmore, which was also built by H.B. Plant. We were in the Clearwater area, and just happened to drive by it. It’s a guarded area, but the security guard was kind enough to let us in so I could go and browse around the old building. It made me sad to see that the owners hadn’t preserved the look by building the new condos to match the old architecture. On to bigger and better things; out with the old and in with the new. The nostalgia takes me back to a bygone era.

I’m now reading in the book of Leviticus; I’m going to try and stick it out to the end, but all the slaughtering, and splashing of the blood is a little nauseating. It’s good to be reminded of the past, but thankfully Jesus put that bygone era to rest, never to come back in style. Reading all the requirements makes me so thankful to have Jesus as an offering for our sin. I’m also quite thankful for the air conditioning that the Biltmore didn’t have back in the day. Some things were meant to be left in the past.

He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. Then he shall kill the bull before the LORD, and Aaron's sons the priests shall bring the blood and throw the blood against the sides of the altar that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting. Leviticus 1:4-5

February 27

Rest until God moves you. We get anxious while waiting for things to happen that we’ve prayed for. Sometimes we wait and wait, and still nothing happens. This is when things get difficult; if we are not careful, we will begin to move when God hasn’t released us. When we go out on our own, without God, our path becomes foggy, and hard to maneuver, we become hurt, sometimes physically, and sometimes financially. It will cause setbacks, and may prolong his answer. Unlike the Israelites, we don’t have a pillar of cloud by day, or fire by night to guide us, or tell us when to move. However, we do have the Holy Spirit in residence, he will give us clues, and make our pathway clear. I’ve learned that when I try to fit a square peg into a round hole by force, it doesn’t fit right; that’s when I know I’m moving without his guidance. Learn to pickup on his clues; he speaks to all of us in a language we understand, all we have to do is tune in.

Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. Exodus 40:36-37

February 26

Have you ever suddenly noticed something that was right before your eyes all along, but now it stands out for some reason? I was sitting on the beach early in the morning, and a sea grape leaf caught my eye. I had never noticed that the veins running through it were red! It’s such an insignificant thing, but it makes the leaves more striking. I feel the same way reading Exodus. All the details of the furnishings, and garments, and the tent walls, seem like insignificant things, and it made me wonder why God was telling us all this. Surprisingly, I’ve found a verse in each chapter that stands out, and points to the character of God. 

When the high priest went in to meet with the Lord, he would wear a turban that had an inscription that read, “Holy to the LORD.” Holy means “set apart to God.” 1 Peter 1:16 says, “since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” If you’re feeling insignificant, remember that you are set apart “to” God. You may not feel holy, but you are holy because of the One you trust, Jesus. You are hidden within him, and because he is holy, you are holy.

They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, “Holy to the LORD.” Exodus 39:30

February 25

Moses went into great detail concerning each and every feature in the construction of the temple, and all its furnishings. Nothing was left to the imagination because God had given him a perfectly laid out plan, even down to the detail of the cleansing basin; it was made out of reflective brass, given to Moses by the women who ministered at the entry of the tent of meetings. It seems that the temple was quite important to God, being it was where he was going to meet with the priest on behalf of the people. The priest had to be perfectly clean, and pure to enter, or he would end up dead on the floor; whoever went into the temple had to be holy and consecrated to the Lord.

Do you think the importance of the temple has disappeared? It hasn’t, but the Priest we trust is holier than any other who came before him, and he goes before God on our behalf so that we do not die on the floor of the temple while looking for redemption. Remember that our bodies are now the temple. Make a concerted effort to live clean for the sake of our Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that resides within you. Look at your reflection, and see if it resembles Jesus. If it doesn’t, ask the Holy Spirit to help you modify your life to become a reflection of Him.

"He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting." Exodus 38:8 

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, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

February 24

I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but flowers are most fragrant first thing in the morning. Not only that, but the birds are most active, and sing their hearts out, right before daybreak. It’s as if they wake up praising the Lord with their offering. Several days ago, I mentioned the orchids in the mangrove whose scent would draw you in. Several months back, I took a cutting from that very plant, not even knowing that it was scented. Fast forward, and that very cutting bloomed, and is providing a fragrant aroma as I sit and worship the Lord early in the morning.

One very interesting thing that I’ve noticed, is that as the sun begins to light up the sky, its scent get stronger. I thought that maybe it was just me, but it has happened each day that I’ve had it by my side. One of the flowers has a petal that has browned, but even in its gimpy state, it manages to produce a fragrant offering to the Lord. It goes to show that you should praise the Lord even when you’re in the valley, in pain, or have a hard time lifting your head. Whether you are healthy or sick, wake up praising the Lord.  

"He made the holy anointing oil also, and the pure fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer." Exodus 37:29

"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing," 2 Corinthians 2:15

NEW BOOK!!!

My new book has finally been released!!

The Peace River Flows: A Daily Devotional for the Followers of Christ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098022750/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_XOQuEbTHZES9K