June 3, 2023

There is much to be concerned about when public officials seem to be given over to the holders of the almighty dollar, who use the power of their money to influence and control those officials. They spend money they don’t have, then hire more agents to try and collect money from people who will probably never benefit from their lavish spending. Then they use the money they gather to add more control over the people! How much more corruption can we take before God brings justice to his people? We think we voted for them, but obviously, they have zero concern for their constituents; they push their agenda and make more laws to lock down and regulate the people rather than listening to the voters who supposedly put them in office. Who is holding their finger in the dam keeping our country from collapsing? However, as God’s children, we have nothing to fear. As Christ-followers, we use the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us navigate this world and put our trust in God alone, for he is our only hope. Sometimes I get caught up in the news of worldly matters, but I must remind myself that we are not of this world; we are merely ambassadors on a journey through this world. Stay on the narrow path, and everything will turn out as God planned.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

June 2, 2023

What I’ve learned through my years of being a faithful follower of Jesus and trusting God with my entire life is that you cannot out-give him. I spend a couple of hours a day devoted to studying his word and praying; though I listen to him more through reading the scriptures than I do praying, I’m naturally a listener. I’ve also learned to be content with where I live and not become too attached; though where I’m living now seems to be the pinnacle of my life, if God decided to move me again, I would give it up to do as he says. I’ve never chased after riches, but somehow he gives me more than I need. I’ve seen people become so obsessed with making a dollar that they forget why they are doing it, and it becomes more about how much more they can get rather than a means to live. Is it to show the world they are successful? Maybe they long to have what they’ve seen in the possession of other people. I’m not saying you shouldn’t plan for your future; I do that myself by ensuring I have plenty of food in case the economy collapses; if that happens, you cannot eat a car or diamonds. My point is for you to put God first; give to Him before you take anything for yourself, and he will pour upon you the riches of this world; but more than that, you will feel the wealth of his love, and that is more valuable than anything this world can give you.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:9-10

June 1, 2023

The curlicue on my watermelon finally dried up, and I picked it. I thought it was about 40 pounds, but because I'm not as strong as I used to be, it ended up only being 26 1/2 pounds after I put it on the scale! Still, it's to biggest fruit I've ever grown!

I've spent the last few days canning food from my garden. I never thought to do that, being my cupboards are already full, but my daughter encouraged me since my garden is producing more than I can eat or give away, and it seemed like a great idea; however, now, I'm obsessed with it! It's hard work canning food, but so rewarding! I even canned some meat; I had never thought about it, but it will be great for a quick meal. Now all I have to do is open a jar, add a few ingredients, and I've got an instant meal I didn't have to cook all day! 

I'm happier than I've ever been! Are you content with your life? If you are not, you need to change your priority. Seek God first; work on your relationship with him, and value Jesus's sacrifice. When you make Him your priority, everything else will fall into place. It's not just a one-and-done kind of thing; it's a lifestyle. Slow down and enjoy what God has given you. Everything we have is because God gave it to us; we came naked into this world and will leave the same way. 

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

May 31, 2023

My little dog, Coco, is getting old; she turns thirteen this year. She’s still pretty spry despite her age. All she cares about is eating, and even that has slowed down a little. She gets treated with loving care like you would an older woman. We give her a lot of grace. If she wanders too far when looking for a place to do her business, I usher her back towards the house, but when she doesn’t listen, I herd her like rounding up a cow; that’s when she gets a little testy, and growls and barks like she’s talking back; it’s the funniest thing to see.

The older I get, the more I realize how unimportant some material items are. Yes, we need certain things to survive, like food, clothing, and shelter, but more and more, the love of our family becomes what we long for the most. The Bible clarifies how we should treat others but gives specific instructions for how the church must care for the older widowed women who do not have a family. God specifies that the family should care for them, but the church must step in if she doesn’t have a family because he doesn’t want them to worry about their well-being in their latter years.

Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 1 Timothy 5:3-4

May 30, 2023

Even though it’s starting to get hot and the weeds are multiplying, my garden still produces food and looks pretty. I planted too many tomatoes. I canned some and left some for the possum, though I’m not too fond of it eating my peas, I have an abundance of tomatoes, so if he eats a few of them, I don’t mind. I may try my hand at fresh salsa and pasta sauce since I’ve grown all the ingredients. Then there are beans! Though I love them, I’ve had my fill! I planted some yard-long beans, oriental red beans, and another kind of long bean, and I don’t want to eat them because they are so pretty hanging from the arched trellis I made. However, yesterday, I found some Atlas mason jars that my father-in-law had been collecting, so I may put them to use and can some beans. 

Take an early morning walk in your garden and check on your crops. It’s time to harvest souls! The seeds you planted have grown and bloomed; if the seed was viable, there should be fruit ready to pick. Harvest before the enemy destroys them, like the possum in my tomatoes and peas! The world is crazy, and if love doesn’t get your family and friends to trust Jesus, fear of hell might make them think twice about their future. 

Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. John 4:35

May 29, 2023

We took a ride out to the beach yesterday to visit some friends; I didn’t realize how much I missed it. Just being there for a couple of hours was very cleansing, and I felt my mind clear of all the clutter and peaceful tranquility wash over me. Even though it was overrunning with people because of the holiday, I still found it relaxing. Memorial Day is about remembering the soldiers who fought and died in battle for our freedom, but it’s nice that we get a break from the daily grind to honor their memory. 

Though this holiday is about soldiers, it’s also important to honor our Savior, who fought the battle against death and won. If not for him fighting for our salvation, our minds would not be set free from the chains that bind us, and we would not see Heaven. Give thanks today for our salvation and for living in a country that is still free. 

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

May 28, 2023

Today is Pentecost. As Christians, we can celebrate the day we were gifted the Holy Spirit and commemorate the beginning of the Church. 

Through the years since its beginning, the Church has faced numerous challenges, but because of Paul’s faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus, church doctrine is in place, so we are clear on how the Church should operate. He also warned us about what will happen in later times, and even though they thought their times were late, we are seeing what he cautioned Timothy about beginning to happen now.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 1 Timothy 4:1-2

Anyone trying to convince you that God was wrong when he created you is a liar! He didn’t make a mistake. The evil in this world is trying to sear your conscience and make you believe their lies. Do not fall for it or participate in their month of folly. Separate yourself from such perversion. We are to stand firm on biblical teachings and refrain from the appearance of evil. Pray hard this entire upcoming month; the demons are dancing and trying to convince the world that such things are acceptable by God; they are not. 

May 27, 2023

Watch out for partial truths; they can become more slanderous than a lie. I was talking to my five-year-old grandson about working a job and mentioned that a person couldn’t just stay in bed all day. His response was, “My mom stays in bed all day!” What! Are you kidding me? She has three young children; who’s watching them while she sleeps? Anyone not knowing the truth might assume ill of her; however, she works nights and sleeps during the day, and other adults in the house keep an eye on the rug rats. If you have ever worked at night, you can sympathize with her situation, and it’s commendable for her to do what she has to do to provide for her children. 

The mainstream media is a spreader of partial truths, ruining our country. People get up in arms over hearsay of incomplete stories where critical information is left out on purpose. Only when you begin looking into the story through other avenues will you finally understand the entire situation.

We must be willing to go the extra mile searching for the truth rather than react carelessly to a partial truth. None of us are immune to becoming hoodwinked, so don’t repeat what you heard until you know the entire story.

The qualifications for an overseer and deacon of the church are presented in 1 Timothy 3, and one of those qualifications is that they must have a clear conscience; the best way to ensure they have a clear conscience is to love the truth.

The Matthew Henry Commentary says: “The practical love of truth is the most powerful preservative from error and delusion.”

They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Timothy 3:9

May 26, 2023

Oh boy! Paul always seems to stir the pot when it comes to women. What he says about how a woman should behave tends to touch a nerve in many of us. However, I can understand why he had to put it into words, and if it's included in the Bible, you best believe it came from God! You either believe all or none of it is to be believed. As women, we know how to maneuver to get what we want from a man; it's not that hard; look at how gullible Adam was when Eve gave him fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. She used her persuasiveness to convince him it was safe to eat, and it opened up a whole can of worms that we are all paying the price for today. A man of God will learn to resist a woman's ploy. As a woman of God, we are to adorn ourselves with the character of Jesus and let that tell the story about who we are, not our clothing or lack thereof. God has given us the tremendous responsibility of teaching our children to respect his word, show them who he is, and obey his commands. We are to train them to become good citizens so that they remember their training as adults. Our job is paramount for the future of society. If we are successful, our children will love and respect God and love others. Remember, I'm just the messenger.

likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 1 Timothy 2:9-10

May 25, 2023

It does my heart good to gather my family together. Though with all grandsons, it makes our time chaotic. Bless their hearts; they are so rambunctious. Their Pawpaw is one of them, adding to their hyperactivity and exuberance. It's not always easy to get everyone together because we all have lives of our own; however, for the sake of the children, we set aside time, as painstaking as it can be, to show our love and to give the children the opportunity to play together. They need one another. One day very soon, they will be grown and will cherish the effort we made to make sure they felt the love of their family. 

For years, we have tried different churches. Finding one we both love has been a difficult task. There was nothing wrong with any of the churches we've attended, and we've loved many like-minded believers, but I enjoy a Spirit-filled experience, but Richard is more of a calm Baptist. We finally found one we both love, and it happens to be a straight-laced Baptist church that still sings the old hymnals. Surprisingly, it had nothing to do with the experience; it's that we've finally found our people. 

The Bible makes it very clear, as the family of God, we are to gather with other believers, his children. It's the same as our families getting together for a meal. It is important to Him that we love one another, and the only way we know his kind of love is through other believers. If you are not attending a church, it's important that you find one and start going; it's part of God's plan for his children. 

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

A couple of our boys are missing from the picture; however, these are the craziest ones!

May 24, 2023

One of our grandsons is staying with us for a few days, and he loves it here. He can ride his bicycle anytime without fear of cars because we have a long driveway. Yesterday, as he was riding, the cows came close to the fence. He returned to me with jubilant happiness because they let him pet them. The cows love it when we take them greenery to eat, so we took them a few branches of cuttings. All but one came running to enjoy what we had brought. That was all it took to entertain him; I didn't have to worry about him for a couple of hours because I gave him the clippers, and he cut his own branches to feed them. He even loaded his bicycle with brush; I've never seen anyone so passionate about cows. He might be a country boy, after all; he even ate the okra that he picked! 

His feeding the cows is the perfect example of what it takes to bring others to Jesus. Those who are supposed to receive the gospel will receive it with joy and will come because they were appointed, but those who are not selected, like the one cow who didn't want the greenery, will reject it. 

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:44

May 23, 2023

One thing about my family, everyone works to earn a living. We expected our children to work hard; we trained them that way. Now, they teach their children the value of money and what they can accomplish when they put their heart into their work. We made them help in laborious and backbreaking areas to show them the jobs they might have to do if they didn’t complete their education. As a result, they are all handy around the house and are unafraid to get their hands dirty. I’m very proud of them. 

We see able-bodied people today living off government handouts, laying around the house, getting fat, and allowing others to pay their way through this life; it’s pathetic. I’ve seen and rented homes to them, and it irritated me at how conniving they were to get handouts; I didn’t participate, making them work extra hard to get their free rent. If they had put that kind of effort into a job, they would probably have more than enough income to pave their way through society. 

Scripture says that if you don’t work, you don’t eat. It’s the one scripture used often, not taken out of context. The words may not be exact, but they are scriptural, and it also says to stay away from such people. Paul worked in addition to teaching God’s word. He had every right to get paid for his work in the ministry but never wanted to be a burden to others. Our society would be so much better if we stopped paying people to be idle. 

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Thessalonians 3:13-14

May 22, 2023

When I watch what is happening, and I see people believing some ridiculous things, but not just believing them, actually defending them, I can regard them as being delusional. Is this the strong delusion that Paul wrote about?

Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

There is no other way to describe what is happening; these people must have blinders because they defend some of the most absurd things. If it’s true, and this is the delusion Paul writes about, there is nothing we can do to convince them otherwise; the blinders are from God. Their destiny is hell because they’ve rejected Jesus and love living in their sin. I don’t know if our prayers can brake a delusion that God placed upon them, but we must continue to try for the sake of our family and friends. Maybe our prayers will soften the heart of God for those we love.

May 21, 2023

Many people are suffering today, either brought on by themselves because of their decisions or because the enemy is using others to try and sift them like wheat because they are living for God. Here is some good news; you only have to sit back and watch. God sees what is happening to you; he sees your faithfulness to Him and his Son and will seek vengeance on those persecuting you. We can count on him to do what he says, and the Bible repeats that promise from the Old Testament to the New Testament. You do not need to lift a finger in response; your only action is to praise and worship him while you are waiting because you know that there is nothing you can do that would equal and be harsher than the vengeance of God.

since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

May 20, 2023

As Christ-followers, we are not unaware of the signs of the times associated with the return of our Savior. It's hard to believe how bad it has gotten worldwide, with evil-doers orchestrating the demise of humankind so they can maintain power. Lawlessness abounds, and the bad guys that used to be afraid of law enforcement largely ignore them because the consequences for their actions are not harsh enough to encourage them to stop breaking the law. When a good guy is charged with a crime instead of being lauded as a hero for protecting the innocent, we know there is madness in this world, and the demons are stirring things up as a last hurrah before their punishment begins. We no longer trust the television to tell the truth, the pharmaceutical industry for healing, or big food corporations to give us proper nutrition. We must rethink what we take into our minds and bodies because the only truth we can be sure of is the holy scriptures. 

How long must we deal with this chaos? There is no answer to that; we are on God's timeline, but we are close. My main concern is for the people I love who believe the lies that the enemy is spewing and don't believe what the Bible says. Your mind changes about specific issues when you are saved. If you still believe that taking the life of the unborn and sexual deviance is acceptable in God's eyes, your salvation is not secure. Time is short; seek Jesus and the truth before it's too late.

But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

May 19, 2023

Many believe we will be raptured before tribulation begins, and some think that it will be in the middle, but what if we have to live through it and aren't called home until the last trumpet; how would you live your life differently? Let's prepare as if we will be here through its entirety, repent of being lackadaisical, and live solely for Jesus, solidifying our commitment to him, strengthening our faith and hope, and vowing never to give in, even under persecution. If the disciples faced persecution because of their faith in Jesus, what makes us think we are better than them and won't have to prove our allegiance to him by staying firm, even unto death? I'm not taking any chances. If I live long enough and Jesus raptures us before the tribulation, I will be relieved and have prepared my heart for nothing, but if we aren't, my heart is strengthened and ready to face what may come. We should always be prepared whether we are relieved of our earthly duties or must continue to live through the hardship of tribulation.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

May 18, 2023

Last night, my husband and I went to a political fundraiser. We were around a lot of people in their suits and posh designer clothing. Yet, here we were, casual and comfortable without pretense. If I've learned anything in my years of living, the best advice I can give you is to be yourself and stop worrying about what other people think of you. The idea of dressing rich until you are, is ridiculous, and it's terrible advice. Don't get me wrong, I love fashion; it's one of my passions, and that's why I notice it, but if you want to dress to perfection, put on the righteousness and love of Jesus. The people in that room that commanded the most authority were the ones who wore love and compassion and gave off a godly demeanor. Stop pretending and be who God created you to be; full of love and kindness toward others and a worthy representative of Him. 

and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

May 17, 2023

I’ve been waiting for a cute story to share with you that would cover 1 Thessalonians 2, but I’ve got nothing. This chapter is one of those that requires the teaching of the scripture without a flowery illustration; it’s the narrow path.

If we, as distributors of the gospel, were to curtail our message to suit the fancies of mankind, God would not be pleased with our walk. We must tell the truth about who he is and what he expects from those that are or would become Christ-followers. The path is not easy for the saved; in fact, it is a narrow road with many roadblocks and uneven terrain, but the outcome is much better than choosing the wide path with beautiful views that are fake, which leads to destruction. We must set our hearts on pleasing God, who will test us. It’s a bit daunting to know the God of the universe will seek to prove our loyalty to him, but if we listen closely to the scriptures and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, nothing will derail his plan for us. And as for the rigorous path and the testing of our faith, they become a crown in our testimony. Stand firm; the testing is only for a moment; eternity is forever!

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

May 16, 2023

On Friday, May 12th, I shared with you that an alligator had crawled into our pond and that he would probably move on because there wasn't anything to eat there. Instead of waiting for this 9-foot monster to leave, we called to have him removed. Last night, a trapper came out, who happened to be a cousin that I had never met! I guess I come from a line of wild but brave people! Because the gator was hungry, he buried himself in the mud near the shore beside the dock to ready himself to pounce upon his next prey. It was the perfect place for the trapper to get to him. He brought out his tools, and with skill, he lassoed him. Richard and I helped bring him to shore and load him in the trailer. It was quite an experience. Even though I consider him a representation of the enemy, he's just an animal, and my heart goes out to him because God created him, and he was only looking for a quiet place to exist. 

The point of my story is that you cannot just allow the enemy to settle into your home. You must take action; that's why God has given us the tools to remove him. However, sometimes you might need to call on others in God's family to help intercede on your behalf. Don't go it alone; ask for help. There are others whom God has gifted with intercession. They have the tools and the skills to help you remove the invader. 

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18

May 15, 2023

Over the years of writing this blog, I’ve had people concerned that they aren’t doing enough for the Lord. We will all grow old if God is willing, so we must consider that our service to Him may slow as our bodies deteriorate, with one exception, prayer. As long as our minds can string together a thought, we can pray. Last week, I struggled, feeling oppressed, but on Saturday, I felt it break and all is well again. God heard your prayers and came to my rescue; I couldn’t be more thankful. You don’t have to come up with wonderful words when you pray, you are talking to our Father who loves us, remembering, however, He is to be revered and honored as you speak to Him. Your duties may change as a servant of Jesus, but your impact on God’s kingdom will not. Keep praying, my friends, you may not know your impact until Jesus returns or you enter the kingdom of Heaven, but it is necessary for those who are depending on your intercession. And don’t forget to pray for yourself; that’s when you truly see God at work in your life.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV