July 30, 2022

God gave Jeremiah a task to purchase a linen loincloth and wear it. Then he had him take a journey to the river Euphrates and hide it. Later, God made him return to get it, and the loincloth was spoiled and good for nothing. “Then the word of the LORD came to me: “Thus says the LORD: Even so will I spoil the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.” Jeremiah 13:8-9

At the time, God commanded Jeremiah to do something that didn’t make sense, but after completing the task, he revealed the lesson. I’m no Jeremiah, but I understand why God spoke to him this way: He sends me to do things and later tells me the significance. He’s never made me bury my underwear by the river, but I can come up with lessons from everyday living. 

Here’s an example: Over the past couple of months, we have been trying to get a few of our cows penned because we’ve sold them, but they are as wild as deer. Earlier this week, Richard decided to refrain from feeding them for a few days. Last night, after praying to God for help, he went to feed them; they ran into the pen, and he caught them. If we don’t appreciate God’s word and consume it daily, he will remove that blessing from us so that we will beg him to feed us again. Then when he relents, he may capture our hearts and become sold out for him. Consume God’s word daily, so you don’t become like a wild deer or need to worry about him removing his blessing from you.

July 29, 2022

Last evening, we had our family over for a combined birthday celebration. We haven’t gathered since April and missed a few, so we had dinner and enjoyed one another’s company. The grand-boys had such a good time and loved being together. Two of us had been to two different funerals that day, so it was good to end our day on a positive note. Hold your family close, gather often, and tell them that you love them because you never know when God will call them home. Sickness and disease are rampant, so make sure you love them enough to tell them about Jesus, so their lives don’t end when their bodies give up. 

The following verses are often used to show people the way to salvation. They are lovingly called the Romans Road because all the verses are from Paul’s writings in the book of Romans. 

• “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23
• "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
• "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
• "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
• "For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

July 28, 2022

For the last couple of days, I’ve wanted to use the word “stupid” in my post. I refrained because it’s not a nice word and thought it probably had no business in a daily devotional. Then I started reading Jeremiah 10, and he uses it three times! He used it to describe the people worshipping idols made of wood that have no power and to describe those who reject God. The other day (posted on July 25), I wrote about an audacious secret cult society trying to overtake God; there is no better way to describe them than stupid! What power could they possibly have other than deception? Maybe weapons of war? Who could go against God and win? They use every bit of cunningness they have to lure stupid people into their realm and hypnotize them into believing in their phony power.

“They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood!” Jeremiah 10:8

My point today is to use our wisdom and ask God to guide us to the truth. Much of what we see and hear is false, an illusion, and we need God to show us the truth about everything. Biblical history is repeating itself, and because of our stupidity, Babylon is ruling over us.

Here’s the good news, justice is coming! “But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.” Jeremiah 10:10

July 27, 2022

You cannot inherit your Christianity. Even if you grew up in a Christian household, attended church, and heard the truth about Jesus, it doesn’t mean you are automatically saved. And just because you repeated a few words and got baptized doesn’t mean you’re saved. There is only one way: to accept Jesus as your Savior and everything that comes with having him. It may seem like an easy thing to do, but the reality is that you must deny yourself. 

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:23-25

It's like taking a bath and changing into clean clothes. You'll still stink if you put your dirty clothes back on. It's a complete change of direction, denying your old way of living and committing to living for Jesus. I suggest you take your baptism seriously; Jesus instructed us to do that as a symbolic act of washing away our filthy sin and coming out clean. Do not put those dirty clothes back on; deny them! If you grew up in church, I'm telling you something you've already heard, but time is short, and you need to get right with the Lord.

July 26, 2022

Richard’s dad built the house we live in back in the ’70s, which still has much of that ’70s look. He had plans to remodel the kitchen, and there were brand new appliances in the garage. I’ve hesitated to deep clean anything in anticipation of the coming deconstruction, but I finally couldn’t stand it any longer and decided to scrub the range that is as old as the house, but now it looks brand new! It has minor wear and tear, but it works perfectly, unlike most appliances today that tend to wear out in a couple of years. This thing is almost 50 years old, was top of the line in its day, and is still going strong. Isn’t that crazy? However, after years of use, grime built up, and it needed a good scrub, just like Judah. They lost their former beauty because they tainted themselves by worshipping idols and turning their backs on God. God won’t put up with that kind of behavior for very long; he will unleash his wrath. Judah ended up in captivity, and our country is headed in the same direction, though it seems we are already in captivity. Pray for our country; the entire world is rejecting God, and he won’t put up with this behavior for much longer. The clean-up starts with the church and trickles down through society. Do your part by putting away sinful behavior that taints your testimony, repent, and begin living for Jesus. The clean-up starts with us.

Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they shall be overthrown, says the LORD. Jeremiah 8:12

July 25, 2022

You may not know this because the mainstream media doesn't report it, but the world is in turmoil. Events are happening in every nation that points to a sinister plan that is falling into place. So, I will become your Jeremiah occasionally and raise the alarm of concern. I watched an interview with Lara Logan, an alternative news reporter; she knows someone who has infiltrated a cult that is out to replace God. Can you imagine the audacity of these people? This group's sick idea is to go after children because we are created in the likeness of God, and children haven't been tainted yet. This cult group must be widely prevalent and highly influential because we see the effects of their influence infiltrating our schools and pediatrics. Though we know Satan is defeated, he hasn't faced the ultimate punishment yet and is still roaming around seeking whom to devour. Hold your children and grandchildren close and teach them the truth about God. If these sickos had their way, they would eliminate all the children. This disturbing activity is nothing new; the same thing happened in Jeremiah's day.

“For the sons of Judah have done evil in my sight, declares the LORD. They have set their detestable things in the house that is called by my name, to defile it. And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind. Jeremiah 7:30-31

July 24, 2022

I want to be encouraging, but when I read Jeremiah, I realize that everything is not always roses and butterflies. God sent Jeremiah to warn the people of Judah and Jerusalem of the coming doom. His warning included instructions to ask for the ancient paths where the good way is and find rest for their souls. He gave them a way to avoid the pending doom, but they rejected it. Though our own outlook may sometimes seem gloomy, God always provides us with the opportunity to readjust our ways and set our path straight. We must repent, turn, and look to Jesus; he is the ancient path.

Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16

July 23, 2022

“Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the LORD, and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?” An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?” Jeremiah 5:29-31

Our country is very much like Israel was back in the biblical days. There are bad people intermingled among the good people of God, and it’s hard to tell the difference. There is a way, especially with all the backward thinking nowadays. They will agree with things that go completely against the Word of God. I have many examples, but no one will see my post if I mention them, so you’ll have to think hard on this one. If the Holy Spirit hasn’t convicted them about the lives of babies and what we teach our children, do they even have his guidance? If they don’t have his guidance, do they have Jesus? Turn on your discerning ears, and listen carefully to everything said by these so-called profits and preachers; God will reveal the truth through their very words. Be careful that you aren’t led astray because you like what your itchy ears are hearing. After all, they will mix truth with their lies. Stay in contact with God every moment of the day because the devil will try and sneak in and twist your minds when you are unaware.

July 22, 2022

The process of healing our country seems to be taking too long, but we didn’t get here overnight. If the masses don’t wake up and see the hypocrisy, they will continue as victims of our wayward government. How long will God allow his children to live in distress? How long must we cry out to him? When will he take control and punish the treacherous actors for what they have done to his people? For the last couple of years, people have felt pressed to succumb to national mandates and comply as good citizens, but now, we are starting to see the government’s wicked scheme fall into place. Many well-meaning citizens have pressed into those who refused such mandates, trying to guilt them into compliance. However, now those who were once healthy are starting to see their bodies decline and realize that those who stood against these mandates were right. Our government has failed us by giving the pharmaceutical companies immunity from prosecution for their misdeeds. The news is not reporting it, but the hospitals and funeral homes know the truth. Pray for God’s hand to touch all those who complied and reverse the effects so they can live healthy and happy lives. 

For I heard a cry as of a woman in labor, anguish as of one giving birth to her first child, the cry of the daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands, “Woe is me! I am fainting before murderers.” Jeremiah 4:31

July 21, 2022

While Richard’s dad was alive, our family would gather for Christmas in an accessory building we lovingly called “The Pool House.” We still call it that, even though there is no pool. Eventually, I intend to make it into a chapel. But right now, I’m cleaning and preparing it to become our temporary home for when we begin the remodeling construction on the main house. We hadn’t used it for Christmas for the past two years, so everything was sitting there building dust and drawing in all kinds of creepy crawlers. Still sitting there was the Christmas tree. My father-in-law loved sparkling things, just like I do, and this tree was no exception; it has glitter and snow. There was no way for me to take it down without getting covered with the glitter, but I did it, and just as I thought, I got glitter and snow everywhere. 

Two lessons come from my experience. The first one is that if something sits too long with no activity, dust and grime will build up, and creatures will inhabit it. Compare this to wondering away from God for a time; sin will creep in and take over, and you will slowly become filthy. The second one is that if you touch something like the glittered Christmas tree, it will get on you. The lesson of the tree is like delving into things God has told us to stay away from; when you touch it, it sticks to you! There is a price to pay for turning your back on him, but thankfully, even though we wander away from him for a bit, he will call us back. Turn to him and repent; he will wash you up and let you come back home. 

Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, “‘Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD; I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the LORD your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 3:12-13

July 20, 2022

Some days, I struggle to hear the voice of God. The television god is usually the reason. We have one of these gods in nearly every room in our house. The difference between this god and the carved images from biblical days is that this one has a voice that fills your head with useless information. Some of what you hear may lead you to believe you are not good enough or that you need to spend your money on things that you may not necessarily need. Though it can be entertaining when you are bored and take your mind off your problems, the damage it has caused is beyond what we will ever know. Not only is the news full of propaganda, but movies, sitcoms, and even home improvement shows can change your thoughts about yourself and your living conditions. And, don’t get me started about commercials! The pharmaceutical industry will make you think you’re always sick and need their medication. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should get rid of your television, but remember that what you see and hear could be trying to program your mind, so stay sharp and fight against the enemy’s ploy.

Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Jeremiah 2:11

July 19, 2022

My brain suffers when I don’t eat properly. Lately, I’ve indulged in the decadence of ice cream, bread, and other high-carb products. For me, part of living a fasted life includes cutting out all the sugar and carbohydrates. Eating a proper diet keeps my mind clear, and I feel better. Not only is a good diet necessary for your health, but so is a steady diet of God’s Word. If you want to indulge in decadence, open your Bible and feast on the tasty morsels God has given us. Taking time to read, pray, and worship is essential and puts God first, making him your priority. If you don’t change anything else in your life, try your best to start your day worshipping God by opening his Word and hearing what he has to say to you. Doing that will set the tone for your day and honor him as he deserves.

This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:50-51

July 18, 2022

I woke up at 2 am and couldn’t go back to sleep because I remembered that I hadn’t given enough thought to providing gifts and well wishes to people I love. They never forget me when it comes to birthdays and other celebrations. I was awake at 2 am, fretting over my thoughtlessness, and I can’t call them right now because it’s too early in the morning. I will try and do better, considering those who like to give gifts are probably the ones who want to receive them. 

Do you know who loves to give gifts? The Lord. We are all recipients of his generosity. There is nothing I treasure more than the gifts our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon all of us. The gift of our Savior, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the most valuable of all our possessions. Do your best to turn your heart towards him daily because he longs to hear from you. You are his favorite; don’t forget that.

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. James 1:17

July 17, 2022

The things we see in society today are much like the Old Testament days. And people, just like you and me, were crying out for God to help and for him to bring retribution upon the people practicing evil.

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! Isaiah 64:1-2

They were suffering but knew the only way to combat the evil was for God to make his presence known to remind the people that he is in charge. Even now, we want to see Jesus return, but my heart breaks for those who have had their minds overtaken by Satan. Some of these people have no clue what they are doing. Then some purposefully reject Jesus and stir up the anger of God. Pray for the clueless to hear the voice of God that they may repent and turn from their wicked ways, but that Satan's cronies would be taken out and receive God's recompense. Pray for our brothers and sisters worldwide; the upheaval is everywhere, and we could all use a bit of relief from the mayhem.

July 16, 2022

I spent several hours preparing to list some of our income producing properties for sale. We have a lot on our plate and wanted to give ourselves some breathing room. I hesitated because it’s a lot of work and coordination to sell rental duplex property. Our daughter and grandson live in one of them, so I asked if I could use her apartment for pictures. She was very accommodating about it and said she would do a thorough cleaning and stage it for me. I didn’t know she was upset about it and praying for God’s help. I had everything set up on the multiple listings, exterior photos, showing details, and more, and was ready to press the button to send it all over the internet when Richard came home. I showed him the listing and the numbers, and we discussed it and decided not to sell them. When I told our daughter we had changed our minds, she was relieved to tears. God had answered her prayer, and she knew it! Here we were, thinking we had made the decision, but it was God working on behalf of our daughter. When you think God doesn’t hear you, he shows you that he’s faithful to the people he loves and the people we love. God is working behind the scenes on your behalf too. Don’t be discouraged; sometimes, he has to coordinate the details to be able to answer your prayer. His work began before you finished your request. He’s a good Father.

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

July 15, 2022

If you're not living your life for God, then who? The enemy can mimic the likeness of God, but his illusion of power will diminish when you become useless to him. Satan will leave you crumpled on the floor like dirty laundry. We are starting to see this a lot nowadays; look at the washed-up Hollywood stars who once shone brightly but now are only a dim reflection of Satan's light. Then there are some, if not all, mega-church pastors who received fame and fortune; have they made a deal with the devil too? If so, I expect their punishment to surpass anything we've seen. Has Satan put his mark on their foreheads and hands, where their spirit worships him, and their hands carry out his work? Remember, Satan appears as a beacon of light; that means he mimics the goodness of God but doesn't have the power to save. Turn on your discerning ears; if possible, even the elite of God will fall for the enemy's deception. Isn't that a scary thought? 

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24

Armor up! Stay vigilant! We each have a role to play; do your part.

I also will choose harsh treatment for them and bring their fears upon them, because when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, they did not listen; but they did what was evil in my eyes and chose that in which I did not delight.” Isaiah 66:4

July 14, 2022

Let's be clear; God has compassion for his faithful servants. Everyone else will suffer the consequences of their sin. He has given all people a chance to turn away from evil, but they won't listen and have fallen for the enemy's lies. 

I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter, because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in.” Isaiah 65:12

Our fate as Christ-followers looks much better. I don’t know about you, but I love to eat but look what he says about his followers versus Christ-deniers.

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame; behold, my servants shall sing for gladness of heart, but you shall cry out for pain of heart and shall wail for breaking of spirit. Isaiah 65:13-14

God said it; I believe it!

Our future looks bright, but we need to do everything we can to yank as many from the fire as we can!

July 13, 2022

Yesterday, I purchased the final fruit trees for my garden, a guava tree, and a Miracle Fruit tree. I realized I wanted a Miracle Fruit tree because it made my unsweetened lime soda water taste like Sprite. The nursery that I got them from is at a local church. I’ve known about this church for a while and have had unfortunate encounters with their parishioners before, but it wasn’t until yesterday that I realized they might all be lost. The man who ran the nursery was very nice, but he glazed over when I began talking about the Lord and couldn’t hear me when I tried to yank him from the fire. This same thing has happened with others I’ve spoken to from that congregation. Even though this church sells fruit trees, it is not producing fruit. These people do not know Jesus. They have a form of godliness but deny its power. My heart breaks because they have been led astray and aren’t taught the truth. It’s a massive church with over 2000 people. Their preacher is laughing all the way to the bank for now. I can’t imagine what kind of torment he will face when God gets hold of him. This church is like Miracle Fruit; it makes everything taste sweet for a short time, but soon it will all become sour again, and the people within will pay a heavy price. God help us; we are indeed in the last of the last days. 

To avoid being led astray like these people, you must comb the pages of God’s word and clarify your understanding through the power of the Holy Spirit and not some crazy spirit of laughter or such that comes from the enemy.

But you who forsake the LORD, who forget my holy mountain, who set a table for Fortune and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter, because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in.” Isaiah 65:11-12

July 12, 2022

The wrath of God is scary! However, there is a difference between his wrath and his discipline. The Church, you and I, will receive discipline for our sins, but the unsaved will face his wrath. God is our Father, and as our parent, he will use discipline to point us in the right direction and draw us to him. We are the recipient of his grace, but there is no grace for the unrepentant sinner; there is no covering for their sin until they turn to Jesus; if they turn to Jesus. Take a look at these verses from Isaiah:

“I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel… I trampled down the peoples in my anger; I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” Isaiah 63:3 & 6 

However, we must be careful in our walk. Do not make the mistake of turning against God and siding with evil. We are seeing a lot of that in the church today by trying to be all things to all people and turning our backs on God’s holiness to be inclusive. Righteousness and evil do not intermingle. God is exclusive; he excludes evil from his love and mercy. I expect we will begin to see his correction of the church soon.

But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them. Isaiah 63:10

July 11, 2022

We can all see that the current administration controlling the United States is no friend of its people. When they give away our oil reserve to another country, nearly decimating it while we suffer inflation, they have committed a crime. They must be held accountable! Taking the oil is a way to force people to live on green energy. This green new deal is not about saving the planet but lining the pockets of the puppet masters. Here is a plan that doesn’t include a weapon of war; pray so much that God gets tired of hearing from you. Pray when you see a headline or hear a report of their treasonous acts. Do it! Whether you see it on television or read of it on social media, reach out to God so he will use his power to take them out. By doing what they did, they took the food right off the table of the American people. We must become the watchman for our country.

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest, Isaiah 62:6

We must not be silent! Reach out to God and pray that he removes them from office before it’s too late.

The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; Isaiah 62:8