October 8, 2022

My birthday is in a few days, and Richard surprised me with a trip to the beach. I’m sitting here weeping because I’m so happy. We haven’t been since we sold our condo, and he knew I missed it. I look at pictures of it every day, but it’s not the same as being here. As I sit here writing and drinking my coffee, I hear the waves crashing on the shoreline. It’s comforting. We haven’t had a break since his dad passed in January, so it’s a welcomed getaway. I’m in my happy place, although it’s not because I’m at the beach. My happiness comes from the Lord, and I can find it wherever I am, but for some reason, I feel extra close to him when I am near the open water. He speaks to me in a different language when I’m here, not vocally, but through his creation. My feet haven’t touched the sand yet, so when he quiets me with his love and rejoices over me with singing, I will describe it to you the best I can. Find your happy place where you feel closest to God, and go there often. He wants to bless you with his presence, but it’s up to you to let him in.

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

October 7, 2022

There is no better place than in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. For the longest time, I’ve been obsessed with the thought of living water. Living water is what flows from you as a result of your belief in Jesus because of the Holy Spirit living within you. The world may be in chaos, but those who believe in Jesus have his peace and overflow with the living water given to us as a placeholder until he returns.

Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, which, by the way, starts Sunday evening at dark. That’s when he spoke about the believers receiving the Holy Spirit once the Father glorified him. We are so fortunate to have him as our comforter. Imagine seeing what’s happening in the world today without understanding. We are blessed and peaceful because of him, even in these trying times.

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39

October 6, 2022

One thing we can take to the bank; God is good to those who love him and scary to those who don’t. When I think about how corrupt our federal government is, I patiently wait because they won’t get away with their malicious deeds for much longer. I watched as president Biden met with Floridians yesterday over the disaster left by Hurricane Ian, and he couldn’t wait to tout his agenda rather than give comfort to the victims. I’m thankful Governor DeSantis didn’t give him much time to talk. How much longer must we wait for God’s recompense? We are all growing weary of living in filth under this tyrant. He is unfit and a mere puppet for the far left and their agenda. I’m sure God is building his case against him and the cronies who back him, and they will pay the price for their wickedness. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes when God makes his move. I’ll tell you as I keep reminding myself; wait for it; he will surely make them pay for their unrighteous deeds. 

With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless; with the purified you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous. For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. Psalms 18:25-27

October 5, 2022

Aren’t we fortunate to trust in the Lord? We have put our hope in the only one who can save us from evil. Our Redeemer lives. He is our rock and fortress; we can run to him for shelter, hide under his wings and feel safe. The world is scary, yet we have Jesus to give us peace and tranquillity while we exist here. He has taken on every one of our sins and cast them far away. He has covered us with his holiness and made us presentable before the Almighty God. Today is a very significant day in the eyes of God. Please spend a few moments confessing and rejoicing that Jesus made atonement for all of our imperfections. Show him you love and appreciate all he has done to save us. I pray that you feel blessed by him today.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalms 18:2-3

October 4, 2022

Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur begins tonight at sunset and lasts until sunset tomorrow evening. According to some, it is the beginning of the Jubilee. Follow the link below for more information. 

Could this be the time of Jesus's return? If the dates are correct, it's entirely possible. That is good for some of us but not for others. Because we do not know the exact time of his return, we must stay ready.

During the preparations for Hurricane Ian, I know of people who didn't prepare for power outages, so they didn't acquire a generator or gas to power it. They were left scrambling to save their refrigerated food, and some had no power to their well for water. The gas stations were closed because they also needed power to run the pumps. The forecast gave us time to prepare, but many didn't heed the warnings. The time is now to prepare for Jesus's return. You never want to hear him say, “I never knew you.”

https://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/holy-days/day-of-atonement.html

October 3, 2022

My thoughts about false teachers and preachers are correct; if they seek fame and fortune rather than doing the will of God, they speak by their own authority and are not from him. 

“If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.” John 7:17-18

There are many "prophets" that the devil has planted among us. A "true prophet" will probably not identify as such because they do what God called them to do rather than seek fame. Many will be led astray by these so-called prophets; they are liars and will be dealt with by Jesus on judgment day. Choose carefully the teachers whom you listen to and believe. Discernment is crucial; staying immersed in scripture is critical.

October 2, 2022

Storms come along and leave a mess. Then the next day, the sun comes out, and the weather is pleasant, but you still have a lot to clean up. The sooner you begin cleaning, the quicker the recovery. Doesn’t that ring true about our spiritual life also? When we receive the crushing blow of heartbreak, we tend to want to wallow in self-pity, hide away from others, and avoid involvement in the community. However, this storm will also pass. When the sun comes out, do you stay hidden or begin picking up the pieces and cleaning? If you remain where you are, the enemy will use that to continue to oppress you and hope you spiral into severe depression. Don’t let him win! It may take some time, but you have to start somewhere. Begin with the easy stuff, like going to dinner or the grocery store. Get out the rake and pick up a few limbs, and before you know it, your yard will be clean and you will smile again. 

Jesus said,

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

October 1, 2022

Last night, we finally saw the devastation left behind by Hurricane Ian when our internet came back on. You don't realize how lame the television news is until that's all you have for information. Sanibel was a yearly destination for my daughter and me. We got to know many people in the sea shelling community and would meet up with them during a shell show in March. Our hearts are broken over so much loss. 

I've seen photos of Little Gasparilla Island, where I once owned a condo and my sister has a home, and the island is also in shambles. Thankfully my sister's house was spared, but the building where my condo was located received a lot of damage, and the entire top story of my friend's condo got ripped off. I was worried about a few people I knew who rode out the storm on the Little Gasparilla, and in Ft. Myers, they all survived, thankfully, but many others weren't so fortunate. 

I noticed that many of the people we saw rescued had stayed behind because of their pets; those people are being left with little choice; we need to be more accommodating, so they won't be forced to choose their pets over their life. That's the kind of love people don't understand about Jesus or how he could give up his life for us. These people are a prime example of his type of love; he loves us like those people love their pets and are willing to die for them rather than become separated. Keep praying for your unsaved loved ones that the Holy Spirit will draw them. Their life could end without prior notice and separate them from Jesus, the one who loves them the most. 

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 

September 30, 2022

We’ve been without power and the internet for a few days. I feel like it may have been a prescribed rest from the Lord. Even though I didn’t post my devotional yesterday, I wrote it, but God’s work never stops. Hopefully, you will find it somewhere in your news feed today. Even though I know this may be a lame comparison, it occurred to me that because the internet is not physical to us, though I know there are technicians who must work on it somewhere, it is similar to the Holy Spirit. It is full of information and help. You can’t see it, but your devices know it’s there because that power keeps them functional. Because we had no internet, my tools sat on the counter for days and was rent useless, except for my Bible app. We need to consider people who don’t believe in Jesus the same way. They have no power and lack the information feed coming from God. Our hearts should break for them because they lack the depth of knowledge we have because of the Holy Spirit. That’s why it’s important to keep trying to help people leave their past behind and set their sights on Jesus. They don’t know what they are missing, but we know. Please continue to do your best to help them see the light so they can become helpful tools for Jesus.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63

September 29, 2022

The threat of Hurricane Ian has passed the State of Florida. However, all of our communication is down. Watching the storm's path on television, my family, Dad, Mom, sister, and brother and their families experienced the eye. I know of others who rode out the storm on a barrier island that took a direct hit; I even know of a friend who stayed in her mobile home near where it came on shore. I'm concerned about how they fared. However, I am comforted knowing that Jesus was with my family and my friend through the storm. I feel the most concern for the people who stayed on the island; I don't know them very well, so I'm unsure of their salvation, and the last post I saw was during the storm where they said, "we are getting hammered" by the wind. My location was spared the brunt of the storm, but we will probably have to deal with water and wind damage; it's still too early to know; it's only 6 am. 

There is no excuse for people in the United States not knowing Jesus. Unfortunately, anyone who dies without him has rejected him and will pay the price in eternity. If people lose everything they have but escape with their lives, they have much to be thankful for. Those who live through a storm with Jesus are fortunate even if they die.

The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6:18-21

September 28, 2022

The preparation for our fall garden is well underway. The Holy Spirit brought to my attention the time and energy it takes to cultivate the ground. A few weeks ago, my husband used a tilling attachment on a piece of equipment to dig up a plot of land. He let it sit for a week or so and then tilled it again. He started preparing a few rows, then on Monday, I finished them. There was a lot of work that we needed to do before we planted any seeds. Preparing to minister and bring the message of salvation in Jesus is the same. You must put in the effort to cultivate the ground you plan on planting seeds. Don’t get me wrong, you can plant seeds anywhere, but if you want to harvest an abundant crop of souls, you will need to do some work in preparation.

First and foremost, you must have a relationship with Jesus. Your equipment must be in working order to plow the ground; equip yourself with prayer and scripture. You don’t want to waste the seed in poor soil; cultivate the relationship; the seeds you plant will be more likely to grow if the person you’re ministering to trusts you. After you hoe the rows, begin planting the seeds. Water, weed, and watch them grow. Time is short; start your garden now.

As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”  Matthew 13:23

September 27, 2022

Not only are we in the cone of uncertainty for Hurricane Ian, but according to the latest trajectory, the eye of the storm will pass right over my house! Of course, that could change anytime, but we are braced for the worse and pray for the best. Here are my thoughts about this storm; if I pray for its path to change, someone else will suffer, and I don't want anyone to suffer damage. I've resolved to pray for the protection of my family and the people that are in its path. It doesn't look like it's going to fizzle out anytime soon. I only hope the meaning of its name has some power.

Origin: Ian is a Scottish name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious."

We know God is gracious and are thankful for his protection. If there is physical damage to our homes, he has given us the capability to make repairs. My prayers are for our bodies and that no one is hurt. So today, we will batten down the hatches and pray, remembering God is gracious. If you could pray with us, that would be great.

Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

September 26, 2022

If you haven’t already acknowledged God and offered him praise and worship on his holy Feast of Trumpets, which began at sunset last night, now would be a good time to do that. This feast lasts until sunset tomorrow. 

The following scriptures are the ones given as excuses for Christians not to acknowledge the biblical feasts:

*Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:16-17

*One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:5-6

At no point do any of these verses say that we shouldn’t celebrate these feasts. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:8, “Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.“ Is there a reason for this deception? Was the Roman emperor, Constantine, trying to cleanse us of all Jewish traditions and replace them with a mix of pagan and Christian traditions? That certainly seems to be true. We need to purge paganism and bring back authentic godly celebrations. And, like Paul says, rid ourselves of the old leaven.

September 25, 2022

Do you ever make plans, but something comes up, and those plans are changed? It happens to me all the time, but yesterday’s change of plans was different. My husband’s partner in a business venture invited us to join him for lunch at the last minute. He is a godly Christian man who doesn’t hesitate to reach out to God in prayer for everything, which is great, being our mode of transportation was his helicopter! Believe me; I was praying too! Even though I was hesitant, because he’s an older man, it was quite a fantastic experience. Before going to lunch, we landed in the middle of nowhere on some property he had just purchased. It was gorgeous! Then we flew to an airport where we had lunch. The view from up high was phenomenal! What’s interesting is that I wasn’t fearful, only concerned. I had an amazing peace surrounding me. Was it because of the prayer? Did the Father want me to see what he sees from on high? The lesson I learned from this is: don’t jump off the pinnacle and expect God’s angels to save you, but when it’s your time, only God can call you home.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

September 24, 2022

And so it begins; the High Holy Days that God appointed. Tomorrow evening at sunset is the start of Rosh Hashanah, The Feast of Trumpets, a two-day festival celebrating the beginning of the biblical new year. It is a time to reflect, take a deeper look into our lives, scrutinize our behavior, repent, seek God’s forgiveness, and evaluate our relationship with him. As Christ-followers, I believe it is essential that we set aside some time to observe the appointed feasts; it’s biblical, and Jesus celebrated them. They are significant in that they are prophetic and may point to the time of Jesus’s return. Join me tomorrow evening, September 25, 2022, and set the alarm for sunset as a reminder of the beginning of The Feast of Trumpets. Spend a few moments in prayer and repentance to honor God. Though we may not celebrate in the Jewish traditions because we weren’t born into that culture, we were adopted into the family and should participate as well as we can. 

The Feast of Trumpets

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the LORD.” Leviticus 23:23-25

September 23, 2022

We have started the re-design process for our house. We currently have too many walls. We like an open home where our entire family can be together, where some may be at the table or counter and others on the couch in the living room, but still together. Traditionally, we gather most often during this time of year; however, we have added family members and have the calendar nearly filled once a month with birthday dinners. We got together for a couple of birthdays on Wednesday, and it was full of love and peace while enjoying the company of our family. I’m mostly looking forward to having my extended family over for a gathering. The house is in disarray from moving all our belongings into the barn, so it must wait until we finish. The gathering of the entire family of God is nearing; it seems we are in the season. Imagine what it will be like to have others around you who are like-minded and love Jesus with their whole heart. You may think you have that when you attend church, but that’s not necessarily true. When we worship Jesus, it will be as one, the bride! I’ll bet that feast will be incredible. Prepare your hearts as if he’s coming today. 

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9

September 22, 2022

His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." John 2:5

I'm not sure if Mary was expecting Jesus to turn the water into wine to save the groom's reputation, but she needed his help to remedy the situation. She must have known it was nearing the beginning of his ministry because he had some of his disciples with him at the wedding. I wonder if Mary and Jesus had discussed beforehand when his ministry would start. With his reprimand of her, he intimated that he wasn't quite ready, but it was his mother asking, and he showed his respect for her by performing his first miracle to save the day. The servants followed his instructions by filling the ceremonial cleansing jars with water. 

Here are a few of my thoughts about this portion of scripture: 

Did the wedding planner (master or ruler of the feast) make a mistake, or was it the groom? This wedding was enormous; the whole town must have been invited for them to need between 120-180 gallons of wine! 

They were washing jars - was the water dirty before Jesus changed it to wine?

When we come before the groom, we will be perfect and sweet like the wine served by Jesus at the wedding. Jesus is our groom, but he also cleans us up!

September 21, 2022

When we sold our beach condo earlier this year, we sold our e-bikes with it. It made it easier to move. We loved them so much that we decided to get a couple more. We don’t have safe roads to ride them on right now, but when our lives settle down, we may ride on the beach again. An ordinary bicycle is exercise, but with an electric bike, you don’t have to pedal, but you can still get exercise if you turn it off. I don’t like the punishment of riding without pedal assist, so I never turn it off! Riding a regular bike is like reading the Bible without the Holy Spirit; it’s a lot of work to try and figure it out; it is hard to traverse. However, riding an electric bicycle is comparable to reading the Bible after receiving Jesus as your Savior; you have a personal assistant to help you comprehend what you read. It then comes to life, and a light is shone in the darkness. You don’t have any excuse for not reading God’s Word. Open it up, and you will discover a whole new world. 

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26

September 20, 2022

When we moved into my father-in-law's home after he passed away, we didn't remove all of his belongings. We hurried as quickly as we could to move in because thieves and robbers were beginning to pillage the property; we even had people trespassing while we lived here! I've now moved a good portion of our belongings out, so it won't be long before the walls come down. I can't wait to get this house opened up so our ever-growing family can enjoy one another in a much larger space. Years ago, I just wanted to downsize, but that wasn't a good idea because we needed the room when our family got together. Just as our lives move forward and things change, God also has plans, and we can't see the direction he is going. Be patient with your lives and the issues you're dealing with now. Things can change fast once you're on God's narrow path. 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

September 19, 2022

At 1 am, my dog woke me up to go out. She went running off to do her business, but I wasn’t expecting it, so I ran after her. The cameras were on and caught me scurrying across the driveway after her. I have to keep a close eye on them at night because we have coyotes that cross our property occasionally, and they could do a lot of damage to a small dog if given a chance. That’s why I’m late posting; I slept late. 

Much like my dog, we are no match for the enemy alone, but with the Lord watching over us, we are safe from being torn apart. The problem begins when we leave his coverage. How do we leave his coverage? By sinning. If we give the devil entry, he will try to take more than you give him. If you sin (and you will occasionally), repent and return to the covering of the Lord. He is quick to forgive.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9