Jun 14 25
Make Sure You are Storm-Proof
“Everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 NIV
My husband, Joe, and I have been raising pet ducks for more than 25 years, and in all that time, we have learned a lot about their behavior. Because ducks are pretty much at the bottom of the food chain, they are usually very timid and skittish, even with their owners. Yet, when there is a thunderstorm, instead of running and hiding, they will stand at attention and lean into the driving rain. I have heard of big, strong dogs that would cower and run under a bed as soon as they heard thunder. So it never ceases to amaze me that when it is thundering and lightning, my ducks don’t even flinch. On the contrary, they relish every moment of a storm, no matter how hard the rain falls, or how severe the wind blows. Even flood conditions don’t faze my ducks because they are literally waterproof.
I was thinking about all this earlier today, and it brought to mind Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish builders. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 NIV) When we build our foundation – our entire life – on Christ and His Word, and we put His teachings into practice, we will be storm-proof. Satan and his evil cohorts can come against us and attack us from all sides, and we will remain steady and unshaken as we cling to our Savior, His truth, and His promises. We may initially experience some fear and trembling, but as we seek God’s face, and His wisdom and strength, He will sustain and support us, and lead us all the way to victory.
On the other hand, Jesus tells us what is likely to happen to those who haven’t built their lives on the Rock of Christ. “But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:26-27 NIV) Those who don’t build their lives on Christ and His teachings will find themselves on shaky ground when the storms come. And all that they had put their hope in will eventually crumble before their very eyes.
It is in a duck’s DNA to be storm-proof, and if you are a follower of Christ, it is in your DNA, too. Cooperate with Him today to make sure that your life is built on solid rock!
Lord, help me to build my foundation – my entire life – on You and Your Word. Empower me to put Your teachings into practice, so that I will remain storm-proof in times of adversity. Guard me from all anxiety, fear, and doubt. Thank You that as I seek Your face, Your wisdom, and Your strength, You will sustain me and support me, and You will lead me all the way to victory!
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Jun 8 25
In Christ, You Qualify!
“Ask, using My name, and you will receive, and your cup of joy will overflow.” John 16:24 TLB
When our washing machine broke down some time ago, my husband, Joe, could tell how upset I was. He knows that I like to do laundry almost every day because I absolutely love clean clothes. Joe called the manufacturer right away, and they set up a service call for us the following Monday. I prayed with all my heart that when the service man came that day, he would be able to fix my machine on the spot, and when he said that he had to order a replacement part, I was deeply disappointed.
The next day, the manufacturer sent us a text message confirming that our part had been ordered, but because of a problem in the supply chain, we could experience an extended waiting time. When I began earnestly praying that the Lord would speed up the arrival of that machine part, fear and doubt began bombarding my mind and thoughts. Why should God speed up your order? Who do you think you are? Lots of people are waiting for that part. You’re no one special. And I became more and more depressed and anxious.
Then, I heard a godly man say that because of my faith in Christ, and my righteousness in God’s sight, I qualify for miracles, breakthroughs, and supernatural provision. Hallelujah! The Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus’ promise in John 16:24: “Ask, using My name, and you will receive, and your cup of joy will overflow.” I was desperately in need of an overflowing cup of joy right then, so on the basis of God’s Word, I prayed that the Lord would send me the replacement part for my washing machine in record time. And you know what? Within 48 hours, that part arrived at our house, and Joe installed it in a matter of minutes, so that my machine was back in working order in no time at all.
I’m sharing all this with you today to remind you that if you have made Jesus your Savior and Lord, then you are qualified to receive miracles, breakthroughs, and supernatural provision on a regular basis. Remember that the Lord wants you to ask in His name and receive, so that your cup of joy will overflow. Ask Him today in Jesus’ name!
Lord, please remind me often that because of Christ’s work at the Cross, I am the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) When the enemy tries to discourage or depress me, comfort and strengthen me by Your Spirit. Teach me to declare Your life-giving Word and promises in the face of every adversity. Thank You that as I ask for the desires of my heart in the precious and mighty name of Jesus, my cup of joy will overflow!
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Jun 1 25
God-Given Insight
“His anointing teaches you [giving you insight through the presence of the Holy Spirit] about all things…” 1 John 2:27 AMP
When my husband, Joe, began having some serious lip problems a while back, the Lord showed me almost immediately that they were caused by the toothpaste he was using. At first, my husband was doubtful that the solution was so simple. He asked his doctor about it when he had his regular checkup, but even he couldn’t tell Joe what was causing the problem. All this time, I was praying for Joe’s healing, and for wisdom for both of us. I was certain that the Lord had shown me that the problem was with Joe’s toothpaste, but since he wasn’t convinced, I began doing some research online. I discovered that countless people had experienced some pretty severe side effects from the toothpaste that Joe was using, including burned and peeling lips. Many of these folks described how they had spent hundreds of dollars on doctors, before they finally figured out that it was their toothpaste that was harming them. (God’s wisdom will not only save you misery, but money, too!) When I shared this information with my husband, he finally became convinced that I was right about the source of his problems. He stopped using the offending toothpaste, and his lips made a full recovery.
Scripture tells us: “His anointing teaches you [giving you insight through the presence of the Holy Spirit] about all things…” (1 John 2:27 AMP) Every true Christ follower has the Holy Spirit living in them, and it is His Spirit who gives us “insight” for everyday living. A good definition of this kind of insight is, “a clear, deep, and usually sudden understanding and perception of a situation, subject, or mystery.” This kind of insight goes far beyond deductive reasoning or logic. It is revelation from heaven transmitted to us through the Spirit of God. Some Christians call it a “knowing.” To my husband, it looked as though I had pulled my “diagnosis” of his lip problems out of thin air, but the fact is that the Holy Spirit gave me a “knowing” that his toothpaste was the source of his problems. When you have a medical problem, and your doctors are clueless about how to help you, the Holy Spirit can give you insight into the cause of, and cure for, your problem. This has happened to me and my family many, many times. Perhaps it has happened to you, too.
Christians have been born anew in Christ to live by revelation, not just information or experience. We can still use our brains and common sense, but we are no longer limited to those things. Jesus said: “Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.” (John 16:15 AMP) The Lord has an abundance of miracles, blessings, and breakthroughs in store for you. Make sure you ask Him for them today, and in the days ahead!
Lord, please remind me often that Your Holy Spirit dwells in me, and You have anointed me to receive revelation from Heaven for all of my daily needs as I seek You for them. Help me to spend regular time in Your presence and Your Word, so that I will become more sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit’s leading in all things. Thank You that Your insights will not only save me misery, but money, too!
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May 25 25
Hold On No Matter What
“But the seed in the good earth – these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.” Luke 8:15 MSG
Twenty-nine years ago, my son, John, began taking steps that led to the birth of his website, Jesusfreakhideout.com. He was only 16 years old at the time, and to be honest, I never imagined that his efforts would lead to the creation of one of the first and largest Christian music websites in the world. John had it in his heart to convince as many people as possible – especially his peers – to turn away from ungodly secular music, and to begin listening to music that honored the Lord. As God blessed my son’s efforts, hundreds of people began visiting his site on a daily basis. Hundreds turned into thousands, and today, Jesusfreakhideout.com has reached literally millions of people all around the world.
What few people know is how many times my son wanted so desperately to quit and give up during the last 29 years. John spent long hours working on his site every single day – all through his high school and college years. Often, I would find him up late at night at his computer answering people’s questions about music and the Gospel message. John found himself ministering to site visitors day and night, and the site grew so large, and became so popular, that he had to find a sizable staff of volunteers to help him. Even today, John dedicates countless hours to his online ministry on a regular basis, even though he is married and has a son of his own.
Often, when I think of John and his ministry, I think of Jesus’ words from the Message Bible in Luke 8:15: “But the seed in the good earth – these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.” Those 29 years ago, John got a word from the Lord about starting his online music ministry, and when Satan and his evil forces came against him on a regular basis – trying their best to get him to quit – my son kept on “holding on” to his God-given vision. If he hadn’t determined to “stick with it” all these years, he would never have been able to reap the “huge harvest” that he is reaping today. (NLT) And he would have missed out on touching all of the lives that the Lord has enabled him to touch.
Maybe you have received a word from God yourself, and you have been tempted to let it go. If so, you are not reading this message by accident. The Lord wants you to think about my son’s example, and consider what you could be forfeiting if you give up on your God-given vision now. Today, I urge you to lay hold of the Lord’s call on your life, and hold on no matter what!
Lord, help me to cooperate with You every moment of every day so that I can fulfill my God-given purpose and potential. Give me a vision for my life, and enable me to follow it with all my heart. When I am tempted to go my own way, or to give up and quit, remind me of what it can cost me. Thank You that as I cling to You and Your promises, I will reap the huge harvest that You have in store for me!
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May 18 25
Don’t Hide Your Light!
“So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 TPT
The world is getting darker. What was wrong is now right. And what was right is now wrong. This world needs Christ more than ever before. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) But as followers of His, sometimes we forget that He also said, “YOU are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) He goes on to say: “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV) I especially like the way the Passion Translation above says, “Don’t hide your light!”
How do we hide our light? We live like everyone else does. We blend in, instead of standing out. We compromise. We talk like the world. We go to the same places that worldly people go to. We watch the same entertainment. When sinners are loud and demanding, we stay silent. We cower in the face of threats from lawless people. We remain inactive as evil marches on. As we watch in horror as Satan and his dark forces take more and more ground, we wonder why God isn’t intervening. Are we waiting on Him, or is He waiting on us?
During a very dark time centuries ago, Isaiah wrote: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2 NIV) I believe this is a word for all of God’s people today, in the midst of the thick darkness that is covering this earth and its people. It’s our time to shine – to stand out, to stand up, to speak up, and to show ourselves to be the soldiers for Christ that we need to be – right here, right now. Scripture says: “You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.” (Philippians 2:15 NLT) In other words, “Don’t hide your light!”
Lord, remind me often that I am the light of the world, and that You have equipped me with Your Spirit to let my light shine in front of others wherever I go. Help me to feed on Your Word on a regular basis, so that I will become strong in spirit, and be more resistant to sin. Thank You that as I refuse to compromise with evil in all of its forms, others will praise You because of me!
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May 10 25
Call Upon God
“As I call upon You, let my shame and disgrace be replaced by Your favor once again.” Psalm 31:17 TPT
This is one of my new favorite Bible verses by King David. When the Lord showed it to me, He impressed upon me that I was to continually call upon Him, so that He could replace all shame and disgrace in my life with His divine favor. By the simple act of calling upon God, I was engaging in spiritual warfare, as the second half of this verse reveals: “But let shame and disgrace fall instead upon the wicked – those going to their own doom, drifting down in silence to the dust of death.” The last thing Satan wants is for God’s devoted ones to call upon the Lord, because he knows that our Heavenly Father’s ears are always open to our cries, and He will never fail to respond. The apostle Peter wrote, “For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), and His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer).” (1 Peter 3:12 AMP) David was keenly aware that the simple act of calling upon God was spiritual warfare, and he wrote in Psalm 18:3 (NKJV), “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” Hallelujah!
The Amplified translation of Psalm 31:17 says, “Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, or disappointed, for I am calling upon You.” When we call upon the Lord for His help with our work at home, or on the job, or in our ministry, we will receive divine favor for our efforts, and we won’t be ashamed or disappointed by the results. On the contrary, God will bless our efforts and crown them with success. Why? Because when we live a lifestyle of calling upon the Lord, we show Him and others that we are not depending upon our own wisdom, skills, or talents. Instead, we are demonstrating a humble dependence upon God, which opens the door to divine favor and assistance. And at the same time, we are shutting the door on the devil and his evil intentions and interference.
Do you need healing in your body today? Call upon God. Do you need help for your finances? Call upon the Lord. Do your relationships or your marriage need to be transformed? Call upon God – and watch Him replace your shame and disappointment with His divine favor and victory!
Lord, teach me how to call on You continually, so that You can replace all shame and disgrace in my life with Your divine favor. Remind me often that when I call upon You with praise on my lips, I am engaging in spiritual warfare. Thank You that as I look to You for help in all of my endeavors, You will crown my efforts with success!
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“[The Lord] satisfies your desires with GOOD things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:5 NIV
This is one of the promises of God that I declare almost every day. The Lord showed me years ago that if I would look to Him to satisfy my desires, He would fill my life with an abundance of “good things.” He taught me that the things He wants to satisfy me with lead to life, peace, and wholeness – things that literally renew my youth. On the other hand, Satan wants me to look to him to satisfy my needs, but all that he has to offer leads to bondage, defeat, and death.
For instance, when we want to satisfy our desires for entertainment, and we look to God for His wisdom and guidance, we will only watch and listen to things that minister LIFE to us. Things that bring us joy. Things that edify us and build us up. But if we, instead, don’t use good judgment, and we allow Satan to make our choices for us, we will gravitate to forms of entertainment that are dark, depressing, and depraved. And we will suffer the consequences.
Another scriptural promise that I declare daily is Isaiah 58:11 (TLB): “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” God’s will for us is that we maintain a lifestyle of looking to Him for satisfaction in every area of our lives. When we do, He promises to “guide [us] continually” into the “good things” that will enhance our health and well-being, and that will minister life to us. There are too many destructive forces in this world for us to let our guard down, even for a moment. If we do, by default, we will expose ourselves and our loved ones to things that have the power and potential to harm us physically, mentally, and spiritually.
We cannot satisfy our desires apart from God’s goodness and think that we are going to walk in peace, wholeness, and victory. Let’s look to the Lord to fulfill our needs, and to satisfy our desires, so we can declare as David the warrior-king did – “You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!” (Psalm 103:5 TPT)
Lord, teach me to always look to You to satisfy my desires with good things – things that bring me joy and peace, that edify and build me up, and that minister life to me. Help me not to let my guard down at any time, and show me how to shun things that are dark, depressing, or depraved. Thank You that as I follow Your Spirit’s leading in these areas, I will continually walk in peace, wholeness, and victory!
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Apr 27 25
Our Desire to Do God’s Will
“I desire to do Your will, my God; Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 NIV
The verse above gives us insight into a powerful biblical principle: Keeping God’s Word (law) within our hearts fills us with a DESIRE to do the will of God. It also makes us ABLE to do His will. Psalm 119:11 (ESV) bears this out when it says: “I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Perhaps you have heard it said that the Bible is not just for our information, but for our transformation. The more attention we give to God’s truths and principles, the more we will be empowered to obey Him in every area of our lives.
So how do we go about “storing up” God’s Word in our hearts? We read some of it every day. We say, “Lord, show me where to go in Your Word today. Speak to me, and help me to hear and to heed Your voice.” We also have periods of studying the Bible in-depth, saying, “Lord, grant me revelation from heaven, and help me to apply it to my own life, and to share it with others in life-changing ways.” And we memorize Scriptures that the Lord leads us to, in order to meditate on them “day and night,” so that we can carry out God’s will for us. (Joshua 1:8)
The apostle Paul wrote: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT) One way we can cooperate with the work that God is doing in us, is to devote ourselves to His Word. When we do, the world, the flesh, and the devil will have a hard time keeping us down and defeated.
My prayer for you today is that you may always be able to declare with confidence and conviction – “I delight to fulfill Your will, my God, for Your living words are written upon the pages of my heart!” (Psalm 40:8 TPT)
Lord, teach me how to store up Your Word in my heart. Help me to spend unhurried, undistracted time in Your Word each day. Speak to me, and help me to hear and to heed Your voice. Thank You for granting me revelation from heaven, and helping me to apply it to my own life, and to share it with others in life-changing ways!
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Apr 24 25
Healed to Serve
“Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to [Jesus] on her behalf. And He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.” Luke 4:38-39 ESV
This passage of Scripture is a beautiful picture of why it is important to seek the Lord for our healing. Here, when Jesus arrives at Simon Peter’s house, those present appeal to Him to help Peter’s mother-in-law, who is ill. The Master doesn’t waste any time. He rebukes the woman’s fever, driving it out of her body. “Immediately,” she rises and begins “to serve them.”
This is a powerful example of one reason why God wants us healthy and whole. It’s so that we can better serve others. When you take this principle seriously, and apply it to your own life, it will forever change the way you think about your health and well-being. Peter’s mother-in-law had it in her heart to serve those who came to her house. But with a high fever and illness in her body, she was helpless to do anything for herself or anyone else. Get a hold of this today: You’re not just asking to be healed for your own sake – you’re asking to be healed for the sake of others, too.
For most of my life, it never occurred to me that I could actively resist sickness and disease. I just passively accepted it, because I didn’t know that I had any choice in the matter. But since God has taught me through His Word that I have authority in Jesus’ name to resist illness – through prayer, and commanding it to leave my body – I seek the Lord’s help on the basis of His promises, and I trust Him to come to my rescue.
Today, I urge you to believe with all your heart that God wants you healthy and whole. If you don’t, Satan will do his best to make sure that you never get your healing. Use your faith to believe God for good things. For “impossible” things. For things that will bring Him glory – and that includes you not settling for less than His best in the area of your health and well-being. Dare to believe that God wants you well, and watch what He will do in you and through you so that you can joyfully serve others in His name!
Lord, give me a fresh revelation of how much You want me to be well and whole in my spirit, soul, and body all the rest of my days. Lead me along Your perfect pathway of healing and wholeness, and help me to follow You closely, and to cooperate with You fully all the way. Thank You for Your promise to satisfy me with a long life, and to show me Your salvation, even where my healing needs are concerned! (Psalm 91:16)
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Apr 13 25
