December 12

I had a dream that I was eating dinner with people I didn’t know. The conversation wasn’t going well, so I decided to share the truth about Jesus with them. In the dream, I spoke loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, but the people at my table rejected the message; however, a person that overheard the conversation accepted Jesus. 

Rejection hurts. Imagine giving your child everything they want, loving them with all your heart, only to have them reject you, turn their back, and laugh in your face. Imagine how God feels. The message of the cross is harsh, and when someone wants to go their own way and do everything that feels good to them, they are probably at odds with its truth. No matter how harsh the message seems, we must continue to get the word out. You will be rejected just as Jesus was. Take a chance, and don’t take the outcome personally.

But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. Luke 10:11-12

December 11

God’s Word is comforting because he cares about you; that’s why you turn to it when you are feeling insecure or hopeless. 

My neighbor has a new Labrador puppy. She is sweet and loving, but she’s still a puppy. When my neighbor leaves to go to school, the puppy cries for her, howling and whimpering; it’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard. My heart breaks, and all I want to do is comfort her, but I can’t because walls and doors block my way. 

Jesus sent his disciples into towns before him to preach and prepare the people for his arrival. Their job was probably to help soften the message they were about to hear, open doors, and tear down walls that might block them from being consoled by his message. 

He’s coming back and has sent us into the world to prepare the people of today; only now we must give them the entire message because his return will bring distress on those who don’t believe. People need to know Jesus for a soothing message like we receive through the scriptures. You can hear their cries, just listen to the news for a few minutes; it’s heartbreaking.

Don’t worry about the puppy; she’s just spoiled and settles down after a bit of time passes. 

Do your best to open doors and break down walls standing between others and Jesus; he has sent us out before his return to help save the lost and bring a comforting message.

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. Luke 10:1

FYI - the King James Version says 70. Half of the transcripts say 70, and half say 72; don’t get too caught up in the number, it’s the message that’s important right now.

December 10

A couple of days ago, my husband mentioned that he would like to live in a high rise. That’s something I’ve never thought about but seems interesting. We only have a short time on this earth, so if you have a way of living out your interest, you should try it. This morning, before I jumped into God’s word, I got caught up in looking at skyline condos. I’m not saying we’re going to do something like that, but it’s fun to look and dream. 

Do you ever feel anxious and unsettled? It’s not a bad thing. There's a good reason for it; it’s your position as a Christ-follower. Though you may feel happy and joyful, there is still a longing for more. That longing will never quail while living apart from Jesus; though he is always with us in our hearts, we still long for his physical presence, and we continue to search for it while here on earth. 

Jesus told us in his Word that there is a price for following him; he has no place to lay his head. Your feelings of being unsettled may be because you’ve left all your hindrances and burdens behind and are carrying your cross. Leaving everything behind to follow Jesus is what makes you fit for the kingdom.

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Luke 9:58

December 9

The restrictions put in place due to the pandemic have been quite aggravating. However, I’ve had one experience that made the regulations quite pleasant. My daughter and I, along with my grandsons, decided to continue our tradition of going to the H.B. Plant Museum, Victorian Christmas Stroll. This year we had to buy our tickets in advance and show up at the appointed time. Little did we know that we would have the whole museum to ourselves except a few volunteers. Wandering through the halls, taking in a past era, and reminiscing about what it would have been like to live in those days, was a great way to spend the afternoon. The best part was that it was the children’s first time there, and we got to experience it with fresh eyes. Traditions are great, but new experiences are even better, especially seeing it through a child's eyes. 

I understand why Jesus told us to come to him as children; their hearts are full of wonder; children question everything! Why this? Why that? How come? If you don’t examine why you follow certain traditions, you are bound to repeat past mistakes. Do yourself a favor and ask why, especially when it comes to church practices and rules. Know the reason and find out if it’s backed up biblically, but go a step further if you’re given a verse and make sure it’s in context, which is something you should do for every verse you hear or see. Many people are led astray by a verse taken out of context or a restriction placed without sound doctrine backing it. Question everything and never lose your sense of wonder when it comes to the things of God.

and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

December 8

Jesus came into the Gerasenes region, healed the man with Legions of demons, and the people drove him out. Just like today's pharmaceutical industry, they didn’t like people being healed of their infirmaries because it causes them to be good citizens, and it keeps them from pocketing billions. In the biblical instance, the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs who ran off the cliff; income lost! 

Then there were the people of Galilee who were like today’s Christians, who welcomed Jesus with open arms and were ready to hear his message of life and love. They were so excited to be near him that they pressed in close, so close that when the woman with the issue of blood touched the edge of his garment, he felt power leave him; no one knew she was the one. She wasn’t supposed to be among the people because her illness kept her separated from others because of Mosaic law. For years she spent money on doctors with no relief, and in an instant, she received healing because of her faith in Jesus. 

When Jesus healed the demon-possessed man, the profits went over the cliff. When he healed the woman, the doctors profiting from her also lost their income. These instances give us a clear picture of why so many people hate Christians; it’s about profit and loss.

And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. Luke 8:43-44

December 7

We are eternal beings; maybe not in our body after it dies, but our spirit lives on. Once God awakens us at conception, we live forever. Some of us will live in our bodies until a ripe old age, and others will go into eternity as youngsters. Our bodies are like a lit candle; it burns for a while, but when it’s flame is blown out, it becomes cold. As humans, our flame burns on after our time is up, and depending upon the decisions we make while alive in the body, we live in eternity, whether it is heaven or hell. 

When Jairus’s daughter was on her death bed, he came to Jesus and begged for him to go to his home and heal her, but before he could make it to her, she died. Jesus told the people around her that she was not dead; they laughed at him, knowing full well she was dead. Jesus was not wrong, nor was he kidding; there was no life in her body, but her spirit was alive. He brought both her spirit and body back together, and she lived on in her body. 

My friends, do not be fearful of death; you will live on. It will be like taking a vacation, and your companion for the trip is Jesus. You will return home again, but enjoy the journey until it’s time to return with Jesus as ruler. 

And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. Luke 8:55

December 6

Demon possession is real and is mentioned often in the Bible. The most famous story is about the man who lived among the tombs and was overtaken by Legions, a whole pack of demons who disable the man to the point that he ran around naked. We see this type of behavior today; those possessed may not run around naked, but they certainly show their emotions outwardly, where it’s easy to see that they are deranged.

Satan doesn’t hide in a closet anymore; he’s right out there for all to see and is flaunted by those who follow him. Jesus healed the man in the story but sent the demons into the pigs as they asked him, but the pigs drowned in the lake after running off a cliff. It doesn’t say where the demons went after that, but I guess that they ended up where they had asked him not to send them, the abyss, which is a prison for fallen spirits. 

I know of people who have filled themselves up with so much of Jesus that the evil spirits that were overtaking them are slowly disappearing one by one, and the freedom they feel is evident by their trust in God. This naked, insane man came into his right mind, sat at the feet of Jesus, filling himself with good, rather than obsessing over evil. If we set our minds on things above rather than the things of this world, our minds would be free, and the enemy couldn’t live there anymore.

Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. Luke 8:35

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

December 5

Our community is having its annual Christmas party tonight. Our usual way of doing it is for some of our homeowners to volunteer to host, and we walk from house to house, enjoying the spread of food that each host prepares. We hold it early in December, so it kicks off the season and pushes us to get our homes decorated for the holidays. This year, because of COVID, we had to think outside the box and come up with the idea that would still get us into the holiday spirit and keep us mindful of our vulnerable guests. My neighbors came up with an idea; we close one street, set out tables and chairs for food and comfort, light it up with Christmas decorations, and party in the street. 

Things change, but we must continue to live as pleasant a life as possible. Rather than grumble and complain about our year being uprooted and overtaken by a virus, we branch out and find other ways to enjoy one another. Fear can paralyze a human spirit, but rather than die in our homes a lonely death, we find other ways to carefully keep in contact with others. This season may look different than the past, but that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating Jesus. We must be flexible, so we don’t break. 

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11

December 4

I try to be sensitive to issues in my life that might be subliminal messages from God. Over the past two weeks, I have suffered three different gashes in my fingertips. The first was a burn from a hot glue gun; the second happened on Thanksgiving day where I nearly cut off the end, and the third was just yesterday where I sliced my finger with the food processor blade. It didn’t hit me until last night that I had three issues going on with my fingertips; they all still hurt. What is God trying to bring to my attention? I found the answer, and it fits for the time. 

So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”  Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” John 20:25-27

The answer to our questions about what is going on is right here in scripture. In my post yesterday about me questioning God, he didn’t dismiss my concerns. He knew my question was coming because my fingertip issue started two weeks ago! How good is God for answering me, even though my questioning was pointing my finger at him? Was the pain worth it? YES! Anytime we hear God’s voice, and it brings clarity, whatever we had to go through to get there, is worth it. 

Many times he has me go through such as this because he knows I’ll bring a message to his followers. Through these scriptures, he is saying, “Peace be with you... Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Let’s not be doubting Thomas just because we can’t see God moving. 

December 3

In this time of crisis, whether it’s COVID or the unresolved presidential election, there may be a falling away of believers. We are people of faith and do not rely on the things of man, but those whose roots are shallow may experience a lack of belief that God has things under his control. We must remember that what the enemy intends for evil, God can turn it for his good and the benefit of his people. I thought my roots ran deep, but even I am questioning God about our current path; God forgive me for my lack of faith. Why would so many prophetic people predict a second term only to be humiliated? Why would he subject his people to the harassment that we will experience at the hands of the evil government that we are slated to accept? We can already see what is coming by looking at the states that have closed churches and allowed death clinics and liquor stores to stay open. I am still hopeful that God’s plan includes an overturning of the current results and that we will remain a Christian country for a little while longer. Please don’t stop praying; it’s not over yet. I can see a great revival coming, but we must hold on tight to our faith in God. 

And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. Luke 8:13

December 2

When Jesus enters your church, are you like Mary or Simon? Simon invited Jesus to dine with him; this is not Simon, his apostle, this Simon is a Pharisee. 

And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:37-38

Jesus knew who she was, but Simon thought, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” Many church people act like this, especially when someone new walks into their church. “We’ve seen you; we know who you are, and you think you can come into our church and mingle with the saints?” No one has ever said those words, but their coldness, the cutting eyes, and lack of welcome speak loudly. Let it never be said of your church that you acted like Simon upon a guest entering your home; he treated Mary and Jesus poorly. What if Jesus walked in covered by the skin of someone else? You know what I’m talking about; you’ve been that person and understand how it feels to be rejected by a church. Do your best to treat others with love and kindness; they may not deserve it, but who are you to decide what they deserve. Our lives are a test, and you don’t want to fail.

“Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Luke 7:44-46

December 1

You know you are in the right neighborhood when long time residents move, and the neighbors give them a going-away party. It was an outpouring of love and kindness to beloved friends. We are all going to miss them. Things in our lives as Christ-followers happen for a purpose, but we may not know what that purpose is until we jump in and do it. God called them to a new neighborhood just a short distance away, but guaranteed, their impact on the people of that community will be part of what God has planned. Will they draw others to Jesus? Will their kindness heal a broken heart? We may never know the answer to those questions, but the people they impact will be forever grateful. Be a bright light that shines in the darkness for all to see, just as Jesus, and you too may unknowingly bring others to salvation.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

November 30

I usually decorate my Christmas tree to match my house, but this year I decided to go with the traditional Christmas colors. Deciding on a theme was easy after seeing the cute little elves sitting on the shelves, and who doesn’t love an elf? Our family got together for a celebration, and I thought for sure my grandsons would love the tree, but those little tots could care less about it! It’s a good thing I didn’t do it just for them; otherwise, I would have been disappointed with their reaction; but they are boys, and decor is not important to them, yet another sign that 2020 is an unusual year. Nevertheless, this is God’s year, and he has a plan, and a purpose for the issues brought about, either by friend or foe. 

As we prepare for the end of this dismal year, consider what is to come in this next season; things may not get any better. God has been preparing us for such a time. Will there be a harvest of souls for Jesus? If so, are you ready to do your part? Pray for God to prepare the harvesters and to bring in the harvest.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

November 29

After skirting along the edge of the mangrove on my paddleboard and seeing all I could see, I headed back home. I decided that instead of walking my board through the mangrove, and because the tide was coming in, it would be easier to get off on the dock in our community. However, I didn’t consider the tumultuous water of the inter-coastal, so when I rounded the end of the peninsula, I had to sit down to keep from being knocked off. The wind had picked up, and that particular area was quite deep because of dredging to accommodate large boats. I probably won’t do that again, being there’s nothing to see but the backs of homes. There are lessons to be learned by venturing through rough waters: 

1) Lower your profile, so the wind doesn’t catch you and send you into deeper water. Humble yourself at the mighty hand of God. 

2) Paddle hard and fast until you reach the still water. Jesus leads you beside the still waters.

3) The wind and waves will settle down once you are in the cove. Jesus restores your soul when you hide in his cove.

We all venture through rough waters occasionally, but don’t get discouraged, and don’t quit, keep paddling until you reach the shore. When you place your trust in Jesus, you’re never alone; the Holy Spirit is there to guide you and help you make it through.

Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. Luke 6:47-48

November 28

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Luke 6:27-28

This scripture is a hard pill to swallow, but you must; it’s a command, not a suggestion. It’s easy to love someone who loves you, but not true about someone who is evil or hates you. It’s like the difference between sunrise and sunset; one gives light, and the other puts out the light; you can’t tell the difference if you are looking at a snapshot in time. I’ve photographed both, and you must look to see where the image was taken to be able to tell the difference. When we hate someone, it is the same; our eyes may be seeing them at sunset when maybe, in a short time, they will be back on the rise and walking in the light. What has made a person so hateful that their light is going out? Could your love for them change the trajectory of their life? Everyone that doesn’t have Jesus is looking at a sunset, and it seems so beautiful, yet darkness is coming. They may never see a sunrise again, but what if it only takes a few hours of darkness before they accept Jesus and begin living in the faith of the rising “Son”? We must consider these things and let our sun set on hate because you can’t hate another human and love Jesus at the same time.

November 27

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. Luke 6:22-23

Aren’t we living this out right now? The mainstream media and headlines call Christians all kinds of names because we disagree with their far left, corrupt agenda that turns what is good into what is evil. They say killing a child for convenience is okay; pedophilia, homosexuality, are rights, and if we speak against them, pointing out biblical truths and call out their immorality, we are the ones who are evil. Don’t give up or give in to this nonsense; hold your ground. We are in the right, and no matter how much they cry foul, God will not stand up for them; he is not on their side of this issue. When they try to say that love wins in these situations, they are entirely wrong; these issues aren’t about love because someone gets hurt in the process of this “so-called” love. Is it okay to hurt someone for your own passion? These practices are selfish, and the people committing them are out of their minds and are sincerely diluted and overtaken by evil. Continue to hold your ground! As the scripture says, the reward will be great in heaven!

November 26

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We have much to be thankful for, but especially for the sacrifice our God made to make us clean and whole. We should be grateful that when we part from this world, we will enter into the beauty of heaven and spend the rest of our lives in pure comfort alongside Jesus.

We need to pray hard. There is a sinister actor, and we all know who that is, stirring up the power-hungry monsters within our country, pushing to control us, and put in place mandates that are usually only done in communist countries. I’m appalled at some of the state governments and their tactics to dismantle our freedom. I pray that the police officers in those states have a sound mind and reject their efforts to keep the people from praising God with their families on this Thanksgiving holiday. There is a difference between virus control and people control, and we are a witness to it.

I’m still astonished that people can’t see the difference between good and evil and that they choose evil. Jesus dealt with this kind of madness in his day. He was in the temple on the Sabbath, and a man with a withered hand needed healing. Can you imagine anyone making a fuss over a healing? Were healings so common that they weren’t amazed, or were they so evil that they didn’t care? Jesus overrode their corrupt addition to the law and healed that man, and those religious tyrants were angry about it. There may come the point in the history of America where we need to override tyrannical governors and their perversion of the law so that we can keep our freedoms. Put on the whole armor of God, and be prepared to fight. What we are dealing with is no joke. May God flush the bad and keep the good so his people can be free.

And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:9-11

November 25

While sitting on my porch yesterday, I had a visitor come to eat at the bird feeder. It’s not unusual for me to see cardinals; they are regular guests; however, this particular cardinal had a lame leg. It broke my heart to see it dangling there. He couldn’t perch, so he sat right on the edge and ate until his appetite was satisfied. That little cardinal was fatter than any other I have ever seen; his crop was full. I love that he didn’t give up on life because of his brokenness and that he uses his other abilities to continue living his best life. Seeing him also gave me a clear view of why I felt compelled to purchase and maintain a feeder; in Florida, we don’t need to feed the birds; there is plenty for them to eat all year long, but that one tiny view God gave me, explains it all. 

It’s like living in the United States, where we currently have freedom of religion; we can eat at the table anytime, but there are still some people who are hungry because of their brokenness. Don’t stop feeding the people, even if you’re only throwing out crumbs; it might be enough to bring them into the saving knowledge of Jesus. 

There is another lesson to be understood. When sin entered this world, it affected everything, including animals. Sin can cause some infirmities in people, but not all infirmities are caused by sin. If that were true, you would never see a lame animal because animals cannot sin; sin is a product of man.

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope" Romans 8:20

And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:2-3

November 24

I felt drawn to come outside and enjoy a morning fire being it’s a little chilly out. I’m hoping that God will give me direction while I sit here, staring at the flames. My dogs are sitting beside me, enjoying the outdoors. Rudy is comfortable being covered by a blanket, but Coco is happy with just being in a sweater. Like many of us, they have their preferences. We are all going through challenges, and maybe what you are going through can help others. That’s why it’s essential to be ready at a moment's notice to give your testimony. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and guide you when the time is right, but we must do our part. God knows what a particular person needs to hear and when they need to hear it to pique their interest in the things of God.

I want to challenge each of you to prepare your testimony, write it down, and practice telling it. You need to share with others why you trust in Jesus and give examples of what he has done for you. You can intertwine your story in general conversation; it is a powerful tool. It’s not like telling a Bible story, it’s your life, and others need to know what God has done for you through our Savior.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:14-16

November 23

Have you ever said, “did you see that wind?” You can’t see the wind, but what you can see is the trees, a flag, sand, or something else being blown or tossed by the wind. There is other evidence, but you can’t see the wind. 

As I read scripture, my mind goes to work, and I begin asking myself questions to understand the scripture better. 

Why did the man with leprosy need to go and make an offering as proof that Jesus had healed him and stay quiet about it? Here’s my conclusion about the following verse.

"And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”  Luke 5:14

1. The leper didn’t need to tell anyone because there was evidence that his skin was clean. 

2. Jesus had performed the healing, and it was proof to the temple priest that Jesus was the priest with ultimate power, and also evidence that Jesus is who he says he is.

3. By making an offering, he was following the Mosaic Law for cleansing, more proof that Jesus is who he says he is.

In everything, give God the glory. Nothing you have, your health, wealth, or anything else, is because you did something to deserve it.