December 11

One of my favorite verses is James 3:17: 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 

Some people thrive on drama and are not at peace within. They spend much of their lives stirring up anxiety in others. Why? To make themselves feel better about their own misery. I try to stay clear of people like that because they interrupt my peace, and they aren’t living in the wisdom from above. When you read this verse, make an assessment of yourself; read each word and ask, “do I exhibit this attribute?” If you’re lacking in any of these areas, consider praying and asking God to help you gain the wisdom that is only available from him. It’s much easier to deal with people if you have attained his wisdom. 

December 10

We had to buy a new refrigerator because the one we had wasn’t cooling well enough. We went to the store and picked one out that wouldn’t break the bank and had it delivered. When it got here, it was damaged. We had to go back to the store and pick out a different one and are now waiting for them to bring the new one today. I watched the delivery guys unloading the dented one, and they were not careful at all; it’s no wonder it was all dented. They looked decent and clean-cut, but their actions told a different story. The trouble with my judgment is that the dents could have happened before they put it on the truck, so I can’t blame them because I didn’t see them take a hammer to the front of it, which is how it looked. 

It’s easy to create a scenario that fits the outcome we see, but that’s not always the truth in a matter. We should be careful to refrain from a snap judgment because we may not have all the facts. Thankfully, I didn’t blame them and kept my mouth shut about the situation. We tend to judge people based on appearances, but God tells us not to do that because, more often than not, we will get it wrong. Think things through carefully without making a judgment. 

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13

December 9

When I was walking my dogs the other day, we decided to take a different route. We hadn’t ventured too far off the beaten path. As I stepped over a parking curb, I didn’t see that the terrain had become uneven; the rain had created a hole where the water drips off the pavement, and I stepped right in it! Down I went, and the leash flew out of my hands! I sat there for a minute until the pain in my right foot subsided, but I got up and powered through the walk for my dogs. I sat with my feet up most of the day yesterday, and today, it’s much better. 

The devil is warning me that I’m in his territory and need to remember who rules this world in which we live. I am determined and will not let a fall prohibit me from staying on the road God has set me. Stay faithful to God; show the devil that circumstances will not sway you and that you will continue to work out your faith with fear and trembling. Whether the path is treacherous or smooth, stay on it! It’s narrow and has many obstacles, but remember, God’s plan for us is more excellent than we can imagine, so stay the course.

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:14

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17

December 8

When my kids were growing up, there was a boy their age that lived down the street. They played together as children, and they grew a friendship that is still evident today. He was a head shorter than them throughout their school years, but he had a mouth on him and talked big like he had the power and size of a grown man. As they grew into teenagers and young adults, my youngest son was the one who would hang out with him and run the streets. My son is no angel and can get himself into trouble without any help, but on more than one occasion, he had to defend his friend whose mouth would incite the violence and revenge from someone who couldn’t resist the temptation to smack him down over his loose lips. He’s a grown man, and now his size matches his mouth, but I think he has learned to control it better; at least, it seemed that way the last time I saw him. 

Even though our tongue is small in size, it can set fire to our life like a small fire sets a whole forest ablaze. Don’t praise God one minute and curse a human the next. Bridle your tongue; ask the Holy Spirit for help.

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. James 3:6

December 7

The fog became very thick last night; now the sun has risen, and it’s as if it hasn’t. It’s bright outside, but the big ball of fire is hidden in the mist. I’ve been writing about opening your eyes and heart to the truth about the enemy’s plan; we can’t see it as a whole, but we don’t need to know everything. However, we need to understand that there is a sinister plan, and many people we trust have sold out to him and are pawns in his operation. We may not know every detail, but we need to keep our minds sharp, so we comprehend when he aims to destroy us. Though the Son has risen, the enemy is roaming about trying to keep our minds busy and in a fog, occupied with other things, so we don’t notice when he creeps in to take control. Become vigilant and listen for any clues; he has set traps to ensnare us and is hopeful we will become complacent and let our guard down so he can rush in and trap us. Continue to pray for discernment and the foresight to know when trouble waits on your path. Strengthen your faith and sleep in your armor!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

December 6

Many people will be awakened to the truth abruptly rather than easing into it over the years. I began waking up when I started a Bible training curriculum through my church. My teacher taught us how to understand and decipher biblical text to reveal the whole meaning of God’s scripture. I began to recognize scripture I had never noticed, and I had read the entire Bible several times at that point. We tend to gravitate towards the scriptures we’ve heard and rush past what seems blurry. Something is wrong when the place you trust neglects to teach the whole truth. There is no such thing as a perfect church; they teach what they know. That’s why you need to know God’s Word by doing research.

There was another step God took me through that helped me gain freedom. It’s a process of ridding yourself of the issues that chain your mind and hold you captive like a slave. If you go to my blog www.peaceriverswamp.com and put the word freedom in the search bar, you will find posts that can help you learn how to loose those chains.

Don’t waste any more time; seek freedom for your mind now, or you may be devastated by the truth. 

I know I’ve already used this verse several times since I started the Book of James, but we need to heed its warning.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:16

December 5

Shortly after I moved to my current home, back in May, I set up my bird feeders. It was probably June or July when I noticed new baby cardinals begin frequenting the feeder. Now it’s December, and I see them all day long, munching on the fresh seed. I’m not one who believes that cardinals represent dead people visiting. It’s a nice sentiment, but you’re fooling yourself if you believe it. I’m feeding them, so of course, they come into my yard. 

I also live near a lake, and if I began feeding the alligators in that lake, they would come close too and would probably multiply like the birds. However, I have not chosen to feed a large scary animal, but a beautiful and tender one. Whatever you choose to feed will come near you. If you feed your soul the Word of God, the Kingdom of Heaven will come near you, but if you choose to feed it thoughts of sin, the consequence of sin will overtake you. Keep feeding on the Word of God, and it will grow, and your blessings will multiply.

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

December 4

For years, refrigerators have been making ice and distributing water without the need for a filter. Now, manufacturers have devised a plan to keep money coming in from the new refrigerators by making them beep and make noise when the filter requires replacement. The obnoxiousness makes you give in and purchase a replacement, so you don’t have to hear it. Think of other money-making schemes that need us to pay to keep things running correctly. 

What about your own body? I know people who’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol who must go to the doctor at least once a year to get a new prescription for statins. The doctor makes money, the pharmacy makes money, and the manufacturer makes money. Is it really cholesterol that causes heart problems, or could it be the processed food? Are the manufacturers in on this scheme together? Follow the money to the top, and you will see that they are. 

The Bible doesn’t talk about anyone needing continuous medications to stay alive, and they lived much longer than we do. Spend some time in thought instead of allowing others to think for you. We’ve allowed our thinking time to be replaced by television and technology, and we don’t use our brain the way God created it. Put down the mobile device and turn off the tv, and think for yourself for a moment.

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Timothy 2:7

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

December 3

What gives you the most joy? In addition to my family and friends, I get the most satisfaction from gardening, being near the water, and frolicking in nature. I love seeing the birds and other wildlife, the plants and their blooms, and the magnificence of trees and the nature that surrounds them. All of these God’s hand has made and has given them to us to enjoy. In addition, I like to eat, which is also a specialty of God since he created all the food that feeds us. I’m most grateful to him for sending Jesus to give us a way to cleanse us from our sin. So, you see, the most precious things to me are gifts from God. Think about your life and journey deep into your heart and see what is most important to you; I would venture to guess that they are gifts that only God could give you. The rest of it is just a way for us to pass the time until we meet him in the flesh. 

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:16-18

December 2

My grandson, who is not quite two yet, is full of life. I got to watch him for a bit yesterday while his mom ran errands. He had just gotten up from a nap when she dropped him off, so I made him a snack. I turned my back for a few seconds, which happens to be a long time for a toddler, and he managed to get out the door. He was very stealthy. I started calling for him, and he yelled at me from just outside the door; I had shown him the doorbell earlier, and I think he was trying to push the button. Thank goodness he didn’t die under my watch! I learned my lesson. God bless his mom and dad; they are going to run themselves ragged, keeping him alive. 

Do you think God looks at us that way sometimes? We do some foolish things that keep him running. He leaves us on our own for 2 seconds, and we destroy the things he put in place to keep us safe. Don’t blame God for the mess you made of your life; he is there to watch over you, but when you do things outside of the perimeters he set, like the closed door for my grandbaby, life will go sideways very quickly. God placed boundaries in your heart and his Word, don’t venture beyond them!

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:13-16

December 1

Welcome to December! Let’s hope the madness ends with the coming of the new year! I’m not going to hold my breath, though. It may seem trying to traverse all the ills of this day and age, but let me remind you that you were allowed to live during this time in history for a reason, even if it’s only to trust Jesus and hold fast to him. We have much to look forward to, not only the promise of heaven but living our daily lives with the power of the truth on our side. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, though we have prophecy as our guide, we can rest assured that whether we live in the flesh or move on to eternity, joy awaits because we are the beloveds of our King and Savior, and he wants only the best for us. Hold tight to Jesus while he refines us with fire and purifies us with his blood. 

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

November 30

Why do you like the things you like? The clothes you wear, the decor of your home, the things you buy? I’ve never understood why a plastic-covered canvas bag is worth more than a leather bag; does that even make sense? A natural item given to us by God for our use, and we prefer a man-made, manufactured object over the simple beauty of leather. Why? Because the wealthy are carrying it! It makes us lowly peasants want to pursue it even though we cannot afford it. God help us; we’re stupid. God is speaking to me today! I’m guilty! How do we stop the madness? Ask God for wisdom. 

Solomon asked God for discernment between good and evil, and God not only gave him wisdom, but because he asked for such a good thing, he gave him more riches than anyone who has ever lived, and yet, his attire was still not as beautiful as the lilies of the field. If you are pursuing something other than wisdom, stop! Let God give you discernment, and then maybe you won’t care about wealth because you will focus on godly pursuits.

For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. James 1:11

November 29

“Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” Today, I selfishly prayed for God to increase my wisdom. Then, I got to thinking, I’ve prayed this prayer before, and he increased it a measure, but then I thought, the world needs wisdom to help debunk the lies spewed everywhere. So, in addition to praying for my own wisdom, I prayed for God to increase the wisdom of the gullible. Once the world wakes up, we can get on with our lives and put the culprits to this ongoing disaster in jail, where they belong. Let’s pray this prayer together today, “LORD, please increase the wisdom of the people so that they won’t fall for the schemes of the devil. Would you please move forward with your plan for Jesus to come and rule and reign? In Jesus's name, Amen.” Pray this prayer in faith, and maybe we can walk away from the new fake mutant scheme unscathed. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

November 28

I’ll never forget my broken-hearted five-year-old the day his dad passed away. I didn’t think he understood what was happening until he accidentally broke one of the wise men from the nativity set sitting on the fireplace hearth. He burst into tears and thought he had ruined the whole thing. It still makes me tear up just thinking about it. From that point on, I quit displaying the wise men when I set out a nativity set for Christmas, and, if you think about it, they were not there for the birth of Jesus; it was about a year later. This year, for the first time in 26 years, I decided to display that particular nativity set; I hadn’t even looked at it for all those years. When I noticed the missing wise man, the memories of that day flooded back. That was a rough time in our lives, but I grew in the LORD immensely during that time; I had to rely on him; he was all I had. There was no superhero to swoop in and save the day; it was Jesus who got me through it. Since then, I have grown stronger in my walk, depending on him every step of the way. 

If you are struggling right now, rely on Jesus, he will get you through. You will persevere and learn to depend on him for everything. He’s all we have, but he’s all we need.

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 27

Have you ever gone to the park in the dark? Thanksgiving night, we got off the couch and went into town to a local park to view their Christmas lights display. The attention to detail was impeccable, and we were mesmerized by the sparkling presentation. I’ve always wanted to venture through this park because the landscaping is incredible and perfectly manicured, but to attend in the dark, well, that was never a thought. However, because of the light exhibit, it felt safe because the park was packed with people; I guess the light drew people in just like bugs. 

It’s the same with people who display the light of Jesus; they draw people in like bugs because we all want to be near his light. If people aren’t attracted to the Jesus in you, you may need to shore up your display, clean off the bulbs by confessing your sin, so his light will shine in you to the joy of those around you. However, you must remember that some abhor the light and prefer darkness; your glow won’t be pleasing to them; shine anyway!

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:6-7

November 26

Yesterday was a perfect day for a walk on the beach. Since it’s been a while, I asked God to teach me something, and as usual, he did. I began to notice broken sand dollars strewed along the water’s edge. I thought that since I saw the broken ones, I may find some whole ones. Sure enough, as I began to focus, I started finding them whole. 

A man walking on the beach noticed that I had treasures in my hand, so I showed him what I had. He mentioned that he walked the beach often and had never found any sand dollars. Since I have a huge jar of them at home, I gave him what I had in my hand, then I turned around and began walking back. I had already combed that portion of the beach, so I didn’t expect to find anymore. However, by the time I had gotten back, I had replenished what I had given away, plus more! What’s interesting is that I had a feeling God was going to do that for me, and sure enough, he replaced what I had given away. When God has a plan, nothing can stop it, and he planned to bless that man with sand dollars and bless me by replacing what I had given away. 

Oh, and I had on a Jesus shirt and a Jesus hat, so I didn’t have to say a word about where my faith lies. 

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

November 25

Today is a good day to give thanks to the LORD collectively. We may be enduring a season of discontent, but all in all, we have so many reasons to be thankful. We must praise him in the darkness while we wait for the fulfillment of our hope. Let the light of our song change our hearts, so they are bent toward the majesty of the Almighty and that he is merciful as we wait for our King to come and rule and reign. The world may be full of turmoil, but because we have Jesus, we can be at peace knowing we have nothing to fear.

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 100

November 24

It’s not likely that while on this earth, you will meet an angel with wings like the cherubim and seraphim described in the Bible; even the thought of that scares me a little. However, if your spirit is right within you, when you meet an angel, you will remember them forever. It may not dawn on you at that very moment you meet them, but the minute they disappear, you will know that you were in the presence of one of God’s messengers. 

The first time I was with my daughter, she was pregnant and had some concerns about her pregnancy, and I was worried about a negative medical test result. A pair of angels disguised as a mother and daughter, with similar prior situations that we had, appeared as we were leaving a restaurant and assured both of us our fears were unfounded. They were vague when we asked them questions about their church which gave us cause to pause. The moment they left, we knew that we had encountered angels.

My subsequent encounter was when I had a broken leg and couldn’t find a parking place near the door. I was in an empty parking garage, and out of the blue, a man, disguised as a security guard for the building, instructed me to park directly in front of the entrance. I thanked him, and as I turned to get in my vehicle, he disappeared. 

Both of these encounters were many years ago, and they are still fresh in my memory. You must be kind to everyone because you never know when you will meet an angel.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2

November 23

With so many negative things going on in today’s society, there is one thing we must remember, to love others. We can become so caught up in our daily lives and the threats of unrest that we forget to be kind and loving. Many are oblivious to the truth and believe they are doing the right thing by their actions and may not wake up to the facts until the news begins telling the truth. They will need comforting when it happens. None of us know the truth in its entirety, and we need each other through this awakening process. Love is vital during this challenging time. After all, Jesus told us that the greatest command is to love God and love others. Let’s put this command into practice.

Let brotherly love continue. Hebrews 13:1

November 22

I put up my Christmas tree a week ago. Yesterday we had our family over for Thanksgiving. One of my grandbabies is intrigued by the ornaments. I’m not so worried about him grabbing them; however, some are glass and could be dangerous to his little feet if they were to drop and break. It made me think about that tree and the security of the ornaments on the limbs. If I were to shake the tree, how many would drop and break? Are they clinging tightly to the branches, or are they at risk of falling and shattering?

If the LORD is shaking the earth right now, are you clinging tightly to him so you won’t fall and shatter?

At that time, his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” Hebrews 12:26

When Jesus warned the churches in Revelation to hold on to what they have, I believe this may be the same thing he is talking about here in Hebrews; a shaking loose of anyone who is not a follower of Jesus but especially those who are causing atrocities across the earth. 

This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:27

The kingdom of our LORD and Savior Jesus cannot be shaken, and that is our kingdom! Watch in awe as God shakes loose all who have sold their souls to the devil and have been wreaking havoc on the people of God.