April 9, 2022

Isn’t it amazing being a Christ-follower? The joy that he brings is sometimes overwhelming. Open up your mouth and praise him! He has taken away the judgments against you! 

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. Zephaniah 3:14-15

His kingdom is coming! Haven’t we prayed for that over and over again? I know I pray for it daily. Zephaniah 3 gives us a glimpse into what it will look like when Jesus comes to rule and reign. He is getting ready to deal with our oppressors; I can feel it! Pure joy will overtake us when we see how much better our lives are without them. Then there is this; one of my favorite verses that I couldn’t resist including today:

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Praise him now; our waiting is almost over.

April 8, 2022

I hesitated to comment on Zephaniah, though it contains one of my favorite verses. It includes some of the same types of information as the other minor prophets. That’s why I posted an analogy yesterday. In Zephaniah, evil people get destroyed, and those who love God win; it’s as simple as that. We shouldn’t fear the coming destruction of the bad people controlled by Satan; we have nothing to fear and everything to gain. God wants us to thrive under his direction and sees what the government thieves and their cohorts are doing to his children, and he doesn’t like it one bit. They wallow in the filth of their sin, push it into our faces, and want us to agree with them and say that sin is good and accept some of their most perverted sins, like pedophilia. They want us to believe that teaching our children filth is part of freedom when all they are doing is trying to groom them for their sexual pleasure. We live in a sick world which makes me relish the notion of God removing them from existence. This behavior is nothing new; it was going on back in biblical days. That’s why Zephaniah received this prophecy. It was for the people of his day but also a warning for the people of today. I would love to see God open the earth, swallow them up all at once, and remove them from the face of the planet. 

And on the day of the LORD's sacrifice— “I will punish the officials and the king's sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire. On that day I will punish everyone who leaps over the threshold, and those who fill their master's house with violence and fraud. Zephaniah 1:8-9

April 7, 2022

My mom loves to go to the casino. She’s not a habitual gambler and only does it for entertainment. I’m continuing to clean out stuff at my father-in-law’s house after his passing in January, and yesterday I ran across a slot machine in the garage. I decided to plug it in to see what would happen. It lit up! I was so excited that I ran back into the house to get some quarters to give it a spin. If this thing works, I thought it would be a great way for my mom to have some fun without leaving the house. I stuck the quarter in, and nothing happened. The leaver wouldn’t pull, and it didn’t spin. What a disappointment! It may be illegal to have one that works. Still, it would have been fun. That slot machine is like living a life without Jesus. You are attached to some kind of power, but you are empty inside and have no purpose other than to decorate a space. Jesus is the one who gives us purpose, and the things we do for him and because of him make a difference in the world in which we live. My heart breaks for those searching for something to fill their emptiness; they can’t pull the handle because it’s locked, and the wheels don’t spin. If only they knew that if they had Jesus, they would hit the jackpot. Keep putting those quarters into those empty slot machines, and maybe they will come to life one day. Jesus is life.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Luke 8:11

April 6, 2022

Habakkuk is one of my favorite of the minor prophets. One of the verses that I’ve used for a long time is in this book.

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3

Habakkuk lays out what we can expect as part of God’s retribution for all the evildoers have done throughout the years. It is good news for those who have struggled to make ends meet, especially those who’ve had to rely on whatever crumbs they could get from the banks; they are shysters and have plundered us for years. 

Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them. Habakkuk 2:8

Did you hear that? They will be the ones who we plunder! We will be avenged by God and have our riches restored; everything taken from us by ill-gotten gains will be returned. Think about how much they have taken over all your years. Now imagine getting it all back at once. I believe we live in the days that God will fulfill this promise. I can see him putting all the pieces together now. It may seem slow, but wait for it; it will surely come and not delay! 

April 5, 2022

The Book of Nahum gives you a glimpse into how God plans to deal with the evil we are currently experiencing. God doesn’t change, so the way he promised to handle Nineveh back in Nahum’s day is what we will probably see when he decides to avenge his people of the evil tyrants of our day. It won’t be a pretty picture. Their worship of Moloch and Baal by sacrificing children through sex trafficking and abortion will be what nails their coffin shut and sends them straight into the fire of hell. But there is good news! God is our stronghold; we are protected and will not see his wrath come upon us; even though we have all sinned and did nothing to deserve his grace, he will save us through our faith in Jesus. I do not pity anyone who hurts a child and look forward to the day I see God’s recompense. If you want to see what God has in store for our enemies, read the three short chapters of Nahum. It’s encouraging to know that God will not let them get away with their evil deeds.

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. Nahum 1:7-8

April 4, 2022

The Book of Micah seems to have dual information, much of which is appropriate for this day and time, as well as predictions for the time it was written. Not only is the Lord speaking to Samaria and Jerusalem, but he wants "all the earth" to hear his message. Like many prophecies I've read, the prediction is justice for the people of God and the destruction of the perpetrators. No matter what happens to us, it will be God who avenges us. 

Micah prophesied the issues that are clearly happening today. 

Remember this verse in Matthew? "For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household." Matthew 10:35-36

Jesus was quoting Micah! Look at this: "for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house." Micah 7:6

We see families torn apart because some members are repulsed by our faith in God and want to live at a lower standard. They prefer to mix with the occult and satisfy their ungodly desires. Keep praying for them; hopefully, they will see that their actions are wicked and turn to Jesus.

April 3, 2022

God cares about stupid people. How do I know this? I just read the book of Jonah. The people of Nineveh were wicked, much like the liberals here in the United States and around the world. They promote ideas they know aren’t true and support everything that goes against good moral conduct and the truth about God. Yet, he is the one who created them, and if he chooses to destroy them or save them, he will. We must still speak the message he gave us about salvation through Jesus, even if we would rather he take them out. There are many wicked people that I would like for him to rid the earth of, and he probably will, but until he does, we must continue to do as he has commissioned us; to teach all nations. Do I want him to avenge us over the actions of the whole rotten cabal? Absolutely! I’m waiting on that day, but I will rejoice over their conversion if he chooses to save some of them. 

And the LORD said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” Jonah 4:10-11

April 2, 2022

Within the city of Tampa, there is a historical place called Ybor City. It’s an old city where you can take a trip back into history by walking its streets. Evil forces have taken over much of it, which is confirmed by the kinds of shops and nightclubs presented there. Yet, something draws you to want to reminisce about the old days and immerse yourself in the Latin culture. A friend and I had lunch there, and we got a wild hair to go looking for the infamous tunnels, bolitas, as they were called back in their day. These tunnels were said to help move alcohol during prohibition. Together we were pretty brave and found many clues that led us to believe that the rumors were true. The door to the Italian Club was opened, so we walked in and took a look around. We got our biggest clue there because we were at street level, and there was an elevator located on the outside of the building that went down. 

Nothing unusual happened until we found the door to the Cuban Club open and went in. It was rumored that a child had died in the swimming pool back in Ybor’s hay day and that his ghost was there. I don’t believe in ghosts, only demons, and there was definitely a demon living there, probably more than one! When we walked in, we immediately felt a heaviness. We continued to look around, but the air seemed to become thin and made it hard to breathe even with the doors open! We didn’t find any tunnels because they prohibited us from looking further. Why am I telling you this story? Because it’s exciting and because it confirmed that there is a physical way to discern between the spirits. What the devil intended for evil, God intended for good. The demons didn’t know they were doing me a favor, or they probably would have disappeared into the walls. They were stirred by our presence because of our association with Jesus. I know this is true because a guy working there didn’t seem to be affected. I knew I could discern between the spirits, but confirmation is always welcomed. 

Pray for discernment. You need to know what you are dealing with day in and day out to understand how to pray.

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14

April 1, 2022

We were getting ready to go to sleep last night when Rudy started barking. A few intruders felt it was okay to roam our property at night looking for treasures to steal, so we are jittery when it’s dark and our dogs bark. Richard ran out the front door with a gun, and I ran to the kitchen to turn on the outside lights so I could see into the backyard. And there it was! The biggest raccoon I’ve ever seen! He was about the size of a bear cub and was looking at Rudy and me wondering what we would do about it. He had tried to get into the bird feeder, and Rudy heard him and went berserk! I was thankful it wasn’t a human. It’s one thing for an animal to creep around the property, but an entirely different thing when a human stalks around in the dark. Security cameras are going up everywhere today to give us a bit of peace. The trail cameras have been great and have caught a few pictures of the trespassers. Still, these cameras will provide us with a clearer picture if any intruders come near. 

Having Jesus is like having cameras everywhere; he knows the intruder, the enemy who seeks to take our souls. He has eyes everywhere! However, we must be vigilant and trust him because he is the only one who can save us from the enemy’s snare. 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. Psalms 91:1-6

March 31, 2022

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that I decided to do some work in the yard. We have a circular driveway with a retaining wall; the landscaping was inconsistent and full of weeds, so I removed all of it and will eventually fill it with mulch or rocks. My body hurts, but I think it was worth it. As I cleared the debris, I found some unusual things buried within it, things that were good but didn't belong there, so I removed them and put them into the trash. Some good plants ended up in the trash pile, too; all of this is to give a clean and clear view.

When you finally decide to clear your mind and stop dwelling on the negativity of your past, you may need to get rid of some things you consider good. Friends or family members may bring up things from the past that you may or may not have done; they are traumatized and dwell in their past by constantly talking about their pain. They need to be removed, even if it's only temporary. Once you've done your part to introduce them to Jesus, you can't help them anymore; only Jesus can. They are victims of themselves and have never moved towards the light of God's salvation. It may hurt to separate yourself from them, but getting a clean and clear view will be worth it.

Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Matthew 7:4-6

March 30, 2022

I spent a wonderful day with my mother at Marie Selby Gardens in Sarasota. It was the perfect spring day, slightly cool but warmed by the sun. The breeze coming off the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay was a delight and gave us a hint of salty air to clear our lungs. We meandered through the garden at a slow pace, soaking in all the beauty of God’s unusual creations and staying in awe of the intricate detail of his design. I’m thankful to God for giving us a feast for our eyes, but I’m most grateful for the time I got to spend with my mother. God gave us things to do here on earth, but he’s primarily concerned about our quality time with one another and cultivating relationships. If your only care is where your next dollar is coming from, you need to stop and ask yourself why you are doing what you’re doing. If it’s to spend more time with your family, you might be on the right track, but if it’s only to have extraordinary things that money can buy, you may need to reassess your values. Jesus is about relationships; follow his example.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

March 29, 2022

The crimes against humanity are beginning to add up. You can’t treat God’s creation with disdain, withhold help, and expect to get away with it for very long. When the world’s governments release biological warfare on their people, you know their time is short. 

Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great. Joel 3:13

However, because we love the Lord, we dwell in the safety of his stronghold. 

The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. Joel 3:16

What comes next is nothing but glorious; we will live in prosperity, the way God intended. Evil will be gone, and everyone will know that our God reigns!

“And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim. Joel 3:18

March 28, 2022

God is so good and loves us so much; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Our enemies have come against us at every turn, but do not worry, he sees what they have done and doesn’t like it one bit! Children are stolen, trafficked, and traded into slavery; if you don’t think this is happening, you have your head buried in the sand.

and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it. Joel 3:3

Remember, God cares nothing about material possessions; his care lies in people, so he means people when he mentions gold and silver.

For you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my rich treasures into your temples. Joel 3:5

Even though it seems like Baal and Baphomet are relics of the past, believe me when I tell you it’s alive and well today. These people are sick, and the people of God are becoming stirred and are beating their plows into swords; the army of God’s people are on their way! We are closer than ever to seeing God bring his recompense on the wicked! 

Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head. Joel 3:7

Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” Joel 3:10

March 27, 2022

God will restore what the enemy has taken from his people, while those who've chosen the dark side watch. It says that they will know that the Lord is among his people. For those who say, "why does it say Israel?" remember, God has grafted us in, we are adopted, because Jesus chooses us. 

You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame. Joel 2:27

When comparing this portion of scripture to Revelation, God may have given Joel a vision pointing to the 1000 years of peace that coincides with God's restoration of everything the enemy has taken; the similarities are there. It says among the survivors will be those whom the LORD calls; that's us! Then comes the judgment. Thankfully we have Jesus who covers our sins; it will not be such a great day for those who rejected him.

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls. Joel 2:32

March 26, 2022

After we humble ourselves and submit our lives to the Lord, he is faithful to forgive. What gets me is how unworthy we are, yet He pours out his blessings in abundance once we turn our hearts towards him. He will return to us what the enemy has taken. 

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. Joel 2:25

Can you imagine getting back everything? Think of all the taxes you’ve paid over the years and get all of it back! Look at how foolish the world’s leaders appear right now; something major is coming, I can feel it! The enemy will never shame us again!

“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. Joel 2:26

March 25, 2022

It's time for the strays to come home. It's time for those who know the Lord but have wandered off or have become stale in their walk to turn back to him. We need all hands on deck and reaching out to him as this world has become heated with sinister activity. God gave us the steps to get his attention, but we must follow them. 

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Joel 2:12-13

I remember hearing these verses a lot after September 11th, but I believe it is more important now than ever to turn and to adhere to God’s recommendation for prayer and fasting. God’s children need to wake up to what the enemy has planned and reach out to God for help. He’s the only one who can intervene and prevent further damage to his people. 

March 24, 2022

Is it time? Is this happening now? I'm afraid the news is nothing but propaganda; you are misinformed if you watch it and believe it. Through other means of information, many know the truth and have continued to battle against the new world order that many world leaders have proclaimed. This army of believers seeks to inform others, so God's people are not surprised when the perpetrators of the heinous acts of treason are brought to justice. Many will be crying in disbelief when they find out their most beloved television stars are a part of the disinformation that has become a part of our lives since the beginning of film and television and possibly before that! I don't want you to be devastated when it seems like the world is falling apart; it isn't. That's what the deceivers expect you to believe. If the lights go out and the internet shuts down, know that God is in control, and you will be okay. It's going to be glorious! We are closer than ever to seeing justice served.

The LORD utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it? Joel 2:11

March 23, 2022

The bad people who claim Satan as their god have taken everything, and they keep coming back for more and more. Look at our government and what is happening now. Taxes, gas prices, the price of food, and more. Not only that, but they are teaching the people that they are better living off the government’s handouts rather than working for their money. I’m not saying we shouldn’t help others, but there should be a limit. The people of God work to earn their keep, and the government gives it to those who don’t. The locusts come in a devour our finances. Then another kind of locust comes and eats more, then another, and another! Sound familiar? Like endless taxation? We do whatever it takes to earn our money because God has instilled good in us. It will end; God has promised it will, but we need to fast and pray because he hears us and will relent and bring the perpetrators to justice.

What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten. Joel 1:4

                                                                                                                         

Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes. Joel 1:14-15

March 22, 2022

Finally, a day away from unpacking, sorting, cleaning, and other chores. It’s still there waiting for me, but I needed a break from the monotony. Richard and I both needed some new clothes; we found ourselves wearing the same stuff repeatedly, so I went shopping. It was amazing the relief I felt by getting away from the house. Maybe it was the change of scenery or the feel of something new; whatever the case may be, I feel better. A simple but necessary break was all that I needed to help me refocus. After finishing Revelation, I’ve struggled to decide the direction of my study. I believe I’ve decided; we will see if it’s what God wants, then I will dig in. I thought it might be good to look at some of the minor prophets of the Old Testament and compare them to what I’ve learned in Revelation. Not my will, but God’s will be done. 

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

March 21, 2022

The first day of spring was beautiful! Along with the brilliant green of new growth and flowers blooming, a calf was born. I’ve been anxiously waiting and watching as I walk my dogs by the pasture each morning. Then yesterday, I didn’t see the cow; that was a sure sign that she had delivered a new baby. Sure enough, she was hiding out near the barn. I probably shouldn’t have disturbed her, but I wanted to see it, and there it was a beautiful reddish-brown baby bull, still a little shaky but full of life. You know that God is still moving because he continues to bring life to the earth. Evil may be nearing an end, but those who love Jesus are like this new calf leaping and springing to life. We should rejoice with nothing to fear because our hope is in Jesus. 

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2