Tag: America

Demons Lurking in Our Government

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Christians, wake up—the battle is raging. We are in the middle of a spiritual war, and it’s no longer hidden. Just last week, when a moment of silence was requested in honor of Charlie Kirk, the left erupted with mocking growls like wild animals. What we saw wasn’t just disrespect—it was spiritual darkness manifesting in plain sight.

But we will not fear. God is still on the throne. His Word stands, and His people have the victory. Cover your family daily in the blood of Jesus, for there is unmatched power in His name.

We need revival—desperately. Not a shallow wave of emotions, but a fire fueled by prayer and the spoken Word of God. The Church must rise and take her place as light in the darkness. This is not the time to sit quietly on the sidelines. This is the time to pray, to speak truth, and to stand boldly for Christ.

Revival starts with us. Let’s turn our hearts back to God and watch Him move mightily in our homes, our churches, and yes—even our nation.

GOD BLESS YOU!

God's Word

The Word Cannot Be Chained

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Devotional: The Word Cannot Be Chained

Scripture:
“And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.” — 2 Timothy 2:9

The world has always tried to silence truth. Paul knew this firsthand when he wrote these words from a prison cell. His body was chained, but the Word he carried could not be bound. The message of Christ kept spreading—unstoppable, unbreakable, eternal.

Evil thought it could silence Charlie by ending his earthly life. But just as with Paul, the Word that he lived and spoke cannot be chained. It is still moving, still stirring, still changing hearts. What the enemy meant for silence has only amplified the sound of truth.

God’s Word always breaks through. Even when people oppose it, even when culture resists it, even when darkness tries to bury it—the light of Christ cannot be contained. When we carry that Word in our hearts and speak it with our lives, it will go places we may never see and reach people we may never meet.

Reflection:

  • Do I believe that God’s Word is powerful, even when I feel weak?
  • Am I living in a way that lets His Word speak through me?
  • Where might I need to trust God’s Word to do the work I cannot do?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You that Your Word cannot be chained. When I feel weak, remind me that Your truth is strong. Use my life, my words, and my actions to carry Your message forward. Let Your Word move freely through me, reaching places only You can take it. Amen.

Courage that Multiplies

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Courage That Multiplies

Scripture:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Courage is never wasted. When one person stands boldly for Christ, their courage doesn’t end with them—it spreads like wildfire. That’s the beauty of living faithfully: our boldness multiplies in the lives of others.

Charlie’s testimony reminds us that a single voice, spoken with conviction, can spark thousands more. His life was a living message: do not be afraid to stand for truth. And now, even though his earthly journey has ended, his courage continues to inspire a generation.

Fear whispers that we should shrink back, stay quiet, and avoid standing out. But God’s Word commands the opposite—be strong, be courageous, for He is always with us. When we step out in faith, others gain the confidence to do the same.

Reflection:

  • Where do I need to take a bold stand for Christ today?
  • Who might be encouraged by my faith if I live it openly and courageously?
  • Am I choosing to trust God’s presence over my fear?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You that I am never alone. You have called me to live with courage, not fear. Fill me with Your strength so that I may boldly stand for You. Let my courage inspire others, just as the courage of others has stirred my faith. Amen.

Resolutions Fail

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers!

As we step into the second week of January, I want to pause and reflect with you. Statisticians often point out that by this time, many of us have already abandoned our New Year’s resolutions. If that resonates with you, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Personally, I don’t set resolutions. Instead, I create a list of goals I’d like to accomplish throughout the year. It’s a flexible, evolving list that grows as I do. Today, I’d like to share a glimpse of my goals with you, not to boast but to inspire and encourage you to think about what matters most to you in this season of life.

Here’s a portion of my list:

  • Finish writing the children’s book manuscripts I’ve been storing for years.
  • Complete the fiction and non-fiction projects I’ve started.
  • Find ways to share my work and contribute to our household income.
  • Read through the Bible in a year.
  • Make more cross bracelets and keychains to give as gifts.
  • Honor God in my home.
  • Tithe faithfully.
  • Listen to and cooperate more with the Holy Spirit.
  • Say “yes” to godliness and “no” to ungodliness.
  • Join a church and actively participate.

Some of these are continuations of what I’ve already started, while others are entirely new adventures for me and my family.

One of my more practical goals is to exercise regularly. I’ve started riding a stationary bike—thank you, Goodwill! As my legs grow stronger, I plan to try a ballet DVD because dancing brings me so much joy. On the nutrition side, we’ve committed to eating at home to prioritize health and save money. Meal planning has been a game-changer for us: we create a weekly menu, shop on Saturdays, and post the plan on the fridge for accountability.

You might be thinking, That’s great for you, but my schedule is packed with appointments, kids, and endless obligations. Trust me, I understand. I’ve been there too. But here’s a gentle challenge: carve out two days and two hours that are just for you. Communicate this clearly to your family—ask your spouse and kids to step up and help. It’s okay to stop doing everything for everyone.

Of course, life doesn’t always cooperate. There will be moments when you or a loved one gets sick, or you’re too exhausted to exercise or stick to your Bible reading plan. It’s easy to feel defeated in those moments, but don’t let temporary setbacks derail you. When you’re ready, pick up where you left off. If you were reading the Book of Matthew and stopped at chapter 8, but your plan says you should be at chapter 14, start at 14. If you have time, go back to what you missed. Life moves forward, and so can you.

Remember, this journey is not about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Time passes quickly. Kids grow up, parents age, and we find ourselves at the end of our earthly journey sooner than we expect. Let’s make the most of the time we have. Be kind—it costs nothing but can mean everything to someone else. Love as many people as you can. And above all, praise God through it all.

You’ve got this, my friend. Let’s walk this road together.

God Bless You!
Joni

New Orleans Tragedy

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello Fellow Travelers,

This morning, my heart was heavy as I lifted up a prayer for New Orleans, for the victims, their families, and everyone touched by the devastating terrorist attack. It’s hard to fathom the pain and loss they are enduring and will continue to face in the days ahead. In moments like these, we must come together as one nation, offering a collective embrace of love and support. Writing letters to the city, to let them know they are not alone, is a small but meaningful way to stand with them. I plan to send one to the mayor’s office—will you join me?

Today, my sadness is mingled with righteous anger. The kind of ideology that justifies violence against those who believe differently is not faith; it’s a betrayal of humanity. It is a manifesto of destruction that has no place in a world striving for peace. Our freedoms in the United States are precious, and we will not let fear or hatred strip them away. The voice of the American people has spoken loudly and clearly, and we stand united in our resolve to protect what we hold dear. God has shaken us awake over these past years, reminding us of His presence and His call to stand firm under His guidance.

Some may ask, “Where was God in New Orleans?” I believe He was there, grieving with those who grieve and standing against the evil that arose. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the battles we face, both seen and unseen. As we move forward, we must align our hearts, our families, and our communities with God’s will. Only through this realignment can we hope for lasting peace and restoration. God has given us a chance to rebuild—not just policies or systems but our very souls. Let us rise to this challenge with faith, love, and unwavering determination.

Here is my blessing for New Orleans, with a little help from the Apostle Paul.

May God Bless You and Keep You.

May His Face shine upon you.

May God position His angel armies around New Orleans, blocking all flaming arrows from evil.

May God wrap His loving and healing arms around the victim’s families, friends, and anyone who has been traumatized. And anyone who can use a Holy hug from Jesus.

May God give New Orleans its bright lights, glitter, and music back so that it can share its own hope with the world.

And may God bless all who read this blessing.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

God Bless You! Joni

James 4

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers,

What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)

The world feels like it’s unraveling, doesn’t it? Who has the duct tape and time to fix it? Duct tape can patch up almost anything—or so we say. Imagine if we duct-taped world leaders together, locked them in a room, and returned a week later. Would they finally learn to work together? Perhaps. But this cycle of power and conquest has been with us since Adam and Eve. Power feeds power, and power breeds greed.

Greed seems more rampant than ever. Just look around this holiday season. The Grinch is a fitting mascot, isn’t he? “Gotta have it all, right, Grinchie?” And it’s not just the holidays. Open any social media app, and you’re bombarded with ads and influencers competing for your attention and your wallet. Greed isn’t just a problem; it’s a pandemic.

But it’s not just greed. Our children are lost. We’ve allowed confusion and chaos to infiltrate their lives. We’ve blurred their sense of identity and drowned out their ability to think critically or make responsible decisions. Instead of guiding them, we shove screens in their faces and yell, “Dance, kid, dance!” We’ve turned our children into commodities for likes, views, and virtual applause. This is not okay—not with God, not with anyone. And yet, we’ve prioritized the “good life,” the glamorous life, over what truly matters.

Stepping off my soapbox for a moment…

This weekend, I heard a pastor speak on James 4, and his words struck me like a lightning bolt. It felt as if James himself was standing before us, calling out, “Listen up, you heathen generations!” The message was clear: time is short. We must get right with God. I want to be in His Kingdom with my family and friends. Have you thought about what that means for your loved ones? So many professing Christians think they can coast by, having said “the prayer” and leaving the rest until the last minute. That’s a dangerous lie. The world’s deception can lead us straight to hell.

I know—I was on that path myself. God had to knock me upside the head to wake me up.

James 4 offers a sobering reality check:

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

James doesn’t pull any punches. He calls us out for our selfishness, our pride, and our friendship with the world. Friendship with the world, he says, is enmity against God. That’s a hard truth, but one we need to hear. God’s grace is abundant, but it requires humility. “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)

The call is clear: submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. These are not just words; they are a lifeline.

James also warns against arrogance and complacency:

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

At 62, the fleeting nature of life feels more real than ever. We are here for a moment, a breath, a mist. What will we do with the time we have left? Will we chase the world’s empty promises, or will we humble ourselves and seek God’s Kingdom?

The choice is ours, but the time is short. Let’s not waste it.

God Bless You! Joni and Merry Christmas

When Celebrities Threaten to Leave: Bless Their Hearts and Bon Voyage!”

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers,

And by travelers, I mean some of you might actually be hitting the road—or at least thinking about it. A few years back, I made a sign poking a little fun at celebrities who announced, quite dramatically, that they’d leave the country because an election didn’t go their way.

You know the ones. They stand tall on their platforms (sometimes literal, sometimes digital), wagging their fingers at the rest of us, as though they hold the key to life’s secrets simply because they can cry on cue or hit a high note. Apparently, they believe the entire American public is hanging on their every word.

So, I wrote this:

“Isn’t it funny how people believe their importance in the world has a bearing on what Americans say and do? They appear to believe we will fall to our knees and become despondent if they leave. Our country will crumble and be in ruin.”

Spoiler alert: it hasn’t.

From this Southern gal to all those high-and-mighty leavers, let me just say, “Bless your heart!” (And if you’re not Southern, let me translate: that’s the verbal equivalent of a polite side-eye.)

But wait—there’s more! Because I also have some parting advice from the real world: “Don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you!”

So, for anyone out there who’s thinking their absence would devastate the rest of us mere mortals, let me assure you: we’ll be just fine. America’s survived bigger storms than a celebrity tantrum.

Safe travels, y’all! Or, you know, don’t forget to unpack. 😊

praise god

Hallelueigh

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers,

I’m so excited to step into this Hallelujah season together! God has graciously answered our prayers, giving us the reprieve we’ve longed for and filling our nation with His light once more. Can you feel the change in the air? The joy and hope are palpable!

This season is a precious gift, and it’s one we must cherish and nurture. As believers, we’re called to stand together in unity, celebrating a return to our roots in faith. Protecting these values is like guarding a fine diamond or a priceless pearl, handed to us by our Creator. We’re all members of the body of Christ, and this is the time to put aside differences and come together as one. Let’s show the world the love Jesus commanded us to share.

“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Now, more than ever, we must be steadfast in prayer. Together, our united prayers have made a difference, pushing back darkness and bringing God’s light into our homes, communities, and nation. But the work isn’t done. Our prayers need to continue, covering our families, cities, states, and leaders. We are the watchmen and women of this time!

As we pray and stand guard, let’s also reach out. Let’s move beyond the walls of our churches and small groups to touch those who haven’t experienced God’s love yet. Consider small acts of warmth and welcome—like setting up a little firepit at the end of your driveway on a Friday or Saturday night. Invite neighbors over to roast marshmallows, share hot chocolate, and enjoy the warmth of friendship. Whether they’re from your church, another church, or have yet to find their faith, let’s meet them with open hearts and listening ears. Small moments of kindness can make a big impact.

For now, let’s lift our voices in praise, singing hallelujah to the Lord Jesus Christ, who invites us to be part of His family.

God bless you abundantly in this season of Hallelujah!

Trump, Harris, or Jesus Christ?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers!

Today marks a pivotal moment in American history—a true test of values, where good and evil, right and wrong stand in contrast, with no Sword of Solomon in sight to make the division clear. As we weigh our choices between candidates and their myriad issues, the real victor should be the one who embodies truth, integrity, and the love of Jesus in their heart. This leader must prioritize America and its people, upholding freedom and democracy rather than veering toward ideals that threaten these foundations.

I feel a calm reassurance, knowing God holds me and that His will prevails in every decision. I have prayed and cast my vote. Yet, I recognize that silence can be a missed opportunity. From today on, I intend to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, standing against what is wrong and inviting others to join the Kingdom of God. My faith will be evident—not just in words but in actions. Let this day resonate as a defining moment for all Americans. Let us vote, pray, and open our hearts to the path Jesus has set for each of us.

Acts 4:31

 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Let’s do it and shake it up today!

God Bless You!

From God

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers!

How are you doing today? I pray you are well. This morning, I was sure what to write about on the blog. I thought it would be about Mary being an unwed mother. Then, during my prayer and worship time, God gave me something else. The message is relevant to what is occurring in America and worldwide. I am so tired of the election and the news of dissension and hatred. But God reminded me that He is in control. It will not matter who is elected, who bombs who, and what horrific actions are taken against the people. God has raised empires, and He has smitten them down. Well, let’s get to it. Can you tell me if this isn’t relative to today?

Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire[a]
    and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
    today I have become your father.
8 Ask me,
    and I will make the nations your inheritance,
    the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with a rod of iron[b];
    you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
    be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear
    and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

When I copied and pasted it, I left the breaks for emphasis. The last sentence says it all for you and me, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” Take refuge and rest in him, and God will care for the world!

God Bles You!