Courage in a Post-Christian World

On February 26, 2021 By vickleaIn News Reports4 Comments

I have tears in my eyes as I write this post, for I honestly never thought that our nation would fall so far so fast. The Equality Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday, is a marker of how far we have fallen. There will no longer be protection for the Christians in our nation who do not want to bake for same sex couples or for pastors who do not want to perform same sex marriages. Being a Christian these days is thought to be some kind of racism because we stand against sin and immorality. But stand we must! If Jesus could go to Golgotha for us and pay the ultimate price, then we can stand for the truth and for righteousness.

The next years, and possibly for the rest of my life, will be difficult for those who believe in the truth and morals of the Bible. We believe that there is such a thing called sin. We believe in God who established laws and precepts for us to follow, for our good, always. We believe that God is not prohibiting behavior because He is a spoilsport, but because He knows what is best for us. Our nation has lost its moral compass, led by a man who is blinded by saying he is a Roman Catholic, so that makes everything he accepts “okay” for the nation.

I’m here, standing up to the unrighteous majority, and stating that what the national leaders are doing is a disgrace to this nation and will only lead to God’s judgment. For many years, I have heard, “If God doesn’t judge the U.S., then He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” Well, I don’t believe that God will end up apologizing to any sinfulness incarnate. The U.S. is following in the destructive steps of Sodom, Gomorrah and the Roman Empire.

I am saddened beyond belief because I don’t want this for my children and grandchildren. So, I am standing up for truth, in spite of the fact that I am aged and can only do so much. But I can do one thing. I can speak truth to lies, I can call sin what it is and I can refuse to accept that man is his own god. There is One Truth, One God and One Judge and He doesn’t reside in D.C. or any state capital. It’s time for Christians to stand boldly and say that we are not afraid of what man can do to us. Same-sex marriage is an abomination, period! The LGBTQ+ movement is straight from the pits of hell, because man wants to do his own thing instead of following God’s plan. Teaching school children to accept that they have no gender or that they can choose their gender is evil. God created two genders, male and female, period.

I’m sick and tired of hiding and not saying what I think. I see our nation headed straight to hell, literally, and I cannot stay silent. I am angry at our lawmakers who are supposed to represent us but who are instead legislating a morality that they themselves believe in and that they are forcing on ALL Americans. It is time to call your Senators…burn up the phones in D.C. and let them know that the Equality Act is not for equality; it stands for repression of the faith-believers. Let the Supreme Court know that your opinion is that they need to actually enforce the Constitution of the United States. The Equality Act strikes at the heart of the First Amendment. We may go down, but let us go down fighting against this tyranny. Let us stand with courage for what is right and not be afraid of the powers that stand against us.

To contact your U.S. Senator, go here: Senator Call List

To contact the U.S. Supreme Court, go here: Contact Supreme Court

I am not giving you a script to read as you call. Instead, I am trusting you to pray, call and speak. Be a voice for the Christians so that we at least try to stop the downhill roll to destruction. I leave you with today’s article from Dr. Denison, which is what inspired me to write this column today.

Dr. Denison February 26, 2020

Pray, Speak, Stand.

The Reward Is Life

On February 25, 2021 By vickleaIn Scripture9 Comments

www.bible.com/111/pro.10.16.niv

If we are the children of the Lord, the end result of our labors on earth is life, eternity with our Savior and our God. It is imperative that we teach the Gospel to as many as possible before we leave this earth because their end is death, an eternal separation from God. Many preachers today are saying that there is no hell, no judgment. The Word of God clearly points out repeatedly that hell does exist and that it was not made for man originally, but if man persists in sin, then death is the consequence.

What makes someone righteous? Belief in Jesus as their Lord and Savior! There is nothing, not one thing, that we can do to earn salvation and eternal life. Jesus already paid the price in full for each believer.

What makes someone wicked? A constant choice to sin. Note that word, choice. Sin is a choice. You don’t fall into sin. It doesn’t reach out and grab you. You make a choice to sin once. Then, as time goes on, the choice becomes easier, almost automatic. You look around and your life has changed because of your choices.

Each day, we all have choices to make. The righteous make choices based on our belief that Jesus died for us. For me, I don’t want to disappoint Him or cause Him any more suffering than what He already went through for me. So, I strive to please Him, often asking Him what I should do before I make a decision. Likewise, the wicked make choices, too, but they believe that the only one that they answer to is themselves. Humanism is rampant in earth today. It’s broadcast on every news channel, on every radio station, the evil choices that men are making without any consideration for the eternal consequences.

Our mission on earth, as Jesus’s followers, is to take as many people with us to Heaven as we can. We share the Gospel, tell the wicked that there is a different choice for them, a choice that means eternal life instead of eternal damnation. Sharing the Gospel is not a choice for us; it is a commission from the One who saved us. God is holding back His judgment on the earth so that as many as possible can be saved. He doesn’t want anyone to go to hell, but he will allow it to happen because He is righteous and just. Right now, I believe that He is showing His mercy, but that will not always be so. May He open the eyes and ears of the wicked to hear and accept His truth and may we be His willing servants to tell that truth to others.

God bless each of you that you may accept and go forth today with the Word of Truth in your hearts and on your lips, ready to tell those who need to hear.

Review of HIS SECRET STARLIGHT BABY by Michelle Major

On February 24, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is a funny, sweet romance that I just knew from the beginning would have a happy ending because I have read the other books in the series. But getting to the ending was so much fun as I read this delightful romance set in the little town of Starlight. Jordan Schaeffer is a retired NFL player who has opened a bar in the town and is relaxing into his new role. Then, Cory Hall arrived to town and threw a wrench into his plans since she has his baby, the one he knew nothing about, with her. The plot was well-developed with some sub plots about Cory trying to find her place in Starlight and being determined that Jordan get to know his son, even if he wants nothing to do with her. I enjoyed the interactions between Cory and the really grumpy cook Madison whom no one else would try to cross. Madison was my favorite character and I would love to see more of her in a future book, just because of her attitude showing that at some time she has been hurt badly. Jordan’s mom gives him the best advice possible about his situation, so all works out well, but there was some rough going there for a while.The conflict between Jordan and his teammate Kade, who suddenly shows up in town, added a little tension to the plot and a break from the conflict between Cory and Jordan. I think my favorite part of the book was the cooking classes that Madison gave and how the group grew to a bunch of misfits who seemed to not even know what a kitchen was. The cooking class meetings were filled with humor and fun and I could certainly place myself there since I have never been a good cook.The development of the characters was well-done, with realistic details that made them likable. I rooted for Jordan and Cory to get it together from the beginning of the book and was invested in their doing so by the author’s method of weaving the story to make it interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light romance.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*I would rate this book as a PG since there is extra-marital sex resulting in an infant.*

*Photo from author’s page on Amazon at* Michelle Major on Amazon

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major loves stories of new beginnings, second chances and always a happily ever after. An avid hiker and avoider of housework, she lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two teenagers and a menagerie of spoiled furbabies. Connect with her at http://www.michellemajor.com.

Author Links

Website: https://michellemajor.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6468588.Michelle_Major

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMajorBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/michelle_major1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemajorauthor/

Available Now!

Buy Links:

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335404701_his-secret-starlight-baby.html

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335404701

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/His-Secret-Starlight-Baby-Welcome/dp/1335404708

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-secret-starlight-baby-michelle-major/1137551663

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/His-Secret-Starlight-Baby-9781335404701/283455345

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/his-secret-starlight-baby/id1529436858

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michelle_Major_His_Secret_Starlight_Baby?id=D7L5DwAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/his-secret-starlight-baby

Books in the series:

Welcome to Starlight

Book 1: The Best Intentions

Book 2: The Last Man She Expected

Book 3: His Last-Chance Christmas Family

Book 4: His Secret Starlight Baby

Review of LADIES OF THE HOUSE: A MODERN RETELLING OF SENSE AND SENSIBILITY by Lauren Edmondson

On February 23, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

Adjectives to describe this book include: delightfully witty, engaging, entertaining, clever, insightful and fast-paced. To break it down, the book is touted as a “Modern Retelling of Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen. Gasp! I never read that entire book, so I can’t tell you whether this one was an accurate re-telling, but I do know that Austen did not dabble into loose morals, so this modern story definitely left the trail provided by Austen in many ways. However, I actually enjoyed this book, which was one of the reasons I did not enjoy Austen’s dry book. This book captured me from page one, with the dilemma of Cricket (the mom), and her two daughters Daisy and Wallis. Senator Gregory Richardson died of a heart attack with another woman and his family left behind has to survive the scandal. Unfortunately, the man who lost his reputation also lost his money and the family has to sell the family home. I felt bad for what each of them had to face in the judgmental society of D.C. The characters were well-developed and the conversations that took place between them was unexpectedly humorous. Daisy was the main character and the one who was determined at all costs to salvage the family’s name. With acerbic social commentary on the life and politics of D.C. this book was like reading an extended gossip column, with some PG rated details. My favorite character was Daisy’s best friend Atlas, a newspaper columnist tasked with writing an exposé of the disgraced senator. He was totally charming and seemed to be there to rescue Daisy from herself. He was also the one who was intelligently insightful into what was actually happening with the family. As the debut novel of this author, this book impressed me with its brilliantly crafted and uniquely relevant to our times social commentary on life among the rich and powerful. The author has done a magnificent job of representing the family drama genre!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*Rated PG-13 for sexual innuendo and content and some expletives*

Information about the author can be found at her Amazon page at Laura Edmondson on Amazon

Available Now At These Retailers:

If you just need some light, entertaining reading, then this debut novel is for you!

Promises of Strength and Peace

On February 22, 2021 By vickleaIn Scripture7 Comments

www.bible.com/1171/psa.29.11.mev

This Scripture verse is made to order for me this morning, and I hope that the promises it contains bless you, too. Just when I was thinking that I could not take one more bit of bad news about the current presidency in the USA and the pandemic and the scary attitudes toward Christians, God gave me this verse to read, to remind me of His promises that never end. He continues to strengthen us and give us peace during some challenging times. I’m convinced that the times will become more challenging and dangerous for those who believe in Jesus as Lord. But I’m also convinced that the strength and peace that God promises will still be there for us. Good news! His promises aren’t just for the good times; they are for every day, no matter what we face. Daniel faced the lion’s den and knew these promises firsthand. Jesus went to the cross and knew the peace and strength of being the Son of God, resolute in His determination to carry out the will of His Father. I’m not saying that I want to go into a lion’s den or even that I’m there now. But I know that I am called to carry my cross daily and sometimes that means being kind to the people who are not kind to me. I’m saying that God will meet each of us wherever we are in our walks with Him and give us the strength and peace we need to continue our faith journey.

God bless you today with His peace and strength. May you feel Him near and hear Him whisper of His great love for you.

Why We Are Blessed

On February 21, 2021 By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

www.bible.com/111/2co.9.8.niv

God blesses us abundantly. That means more than we need. An abundance is having your arms full, with the packages overflowing and about to fall out of your hands because there are so many. God wants to make sure that we have all that we need, in all ways: physically, spiritually and emotionally. Then, we can take from that abundance and use it for good works in order to bless others. We bless others in ALL things at ALL times. Let that sink in. We are not to hold on to the blessings of God; rather, we are to use them to bless others. How the world would change if we all follow through and accept this promise as God means it to be. We are blessed to be a blessing! Have a wonderful Sunday, my friends!

Review of THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On February 19, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review6 Comments

This was an extremely well-researched and well-written book based on the life of Cora Wilson Stewart, a pioneer for a literacy campaign for adults in Kentucky. The main character in the story, Lucy, Wilson.is from a wealthy family that lives in Louisville, Kentucky. When her father springs a surprise new bride on her, he also tells her that he and Hazel that it would be a great idea for her to become an assistant to her Aunt Cora in Rowan County, a backwoods area that is totally different from anything that Lucy has ever experienced. As a retired teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes in the school room and all of the references to how hard a teacher had to work. The characterization was spot on as was the local jargon, including a special glossary at the beginning of the book. I chuckled aloud when Lucy was expected to mount a horse and ride into the “holler” to meet the local families and find out how people really lived in the most rural areas of the county. I could easily imagine myself in most of the scenarios of the book, so the author did a magnificent job of painting a realistic environment for the action to occur. When Cora has the idea to have moonlight schools to help the adults become literate, Lucy, like me, was not convinced that such a plan would work.The entire book is about relationships in this rural county, how people help each other and how they survive there. It is also about how Lucy’s father had escaped the environment, set up a prosperous lumber business and never looked back. My favorite character was Brother Wyatt, a singing preacher, who captures the minds of the backwoods people with his dedication to helping them in whatever way he can. I loved the entire story and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a book based on fact with a lot of fictional and enjoyable elements included.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher maintains a wonderful web page at* http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! From the glossary to the Afterword, I was educated, entertained and enticed by the story of THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL.

Daily Prayer

On February 18, 2021 By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

www.bible.com/1171/psa.25.5.mev

Not just today, Lord, but every day, let each of us trust in You. You do lead us by your truth, the truth found in your Word. It is up to us to open it daily, read it, meditate on it and memorize it. It in in putting the Word into our hearts that we learn that You are worthy of our trust.

My prayer for each of you today is for a place in your heart that craves the Word of God and that you learn to trust Him with all of your heart. It begins with relationship. Have a blessed and safe day.

Repentance

On February 17, 2021 By vickleaIn Scripture9 Comments

www.bible.com/1171/jon.3.10.mev

This Scripture verse, of course, refers to Nineveh, but it could just as well refer to the United States of America, or any other nation today. It is not enough to tell God that we are sorry for our sins. We have to TURN from them. True repentance is turning away from the sin and heading in a new direction. This is not an admonition just for believers, but for everyone. Imagine if politicians turned away from lying and started telling the truth. Imagine a world in which everyone you meet is totally genuine and showing love and generosity to each other, really concerned about the eternal destiny of each human being that they meet.

Imagine with me, if you will, a world in which Jesus’s sacrifice is what is foremost in the minds of everyone, so that each and every individual is ready to sacrifice to represent Him to a lost and dying world. Turning away from sin does not just mean a flippant promise that you will “try” not to do it again. It actually means turning your back on that sin and focusing on a totally new direction. We all have hidden sins that we need to turn away from, and my fervent desire is for lost mankind to turn from our sins so that God will not bring the disaster that is surely coming. Yes, His judgment is inevitable, but a true change of heart and a real turning away from sin and toward God can change God’s mind about the timing of His judgment.

I believe that God has held back His judgment on America because of the Christians calling on His Name and asking for mercy. Now we need to turn from sin, call on His Name and pray that the coming disastrous judgment not occur. Possible? Well, God is no respecter of persons and He listened to the call of the Ninevites for mercy. I would like to point out, however, that this repentance in Nineveh started with the ruler. I’m not convinced that our rulers in the U.S. even know God, much less are ready to call out to Him for His mercy. Time will tell, but it’s not looking good these days.

I will close by reminding each of you that you are responsible for your own sin and your own repentance, but you are also responsible to tell others about God’s grace and His Son who gives eternal life. Others cannot repent if they don’t know that they have to. And they need to be told what true repentance is. Sin cost the life of the Only Son of God. True repentance brings us into the fold as His children and whether God holds back His judgment or not, don’t we want as many as possible to know the Gospel and to believe in Him? Pray today and every day for the opportunity to share the Good News with others, because I fear that the days are coming when we will not be allowed to share about Jesus and the salvation that He brings. Pray hard, my friends, for the night of judgment is coming. Turn away from sin and take as many others with you, those who are willing to repent.

Be blessed today that you may be a blessing to others.

Review of WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS by Sarah Sundin

On February 16, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

*The cover drew me in, the story kept me there.*

The author informs us readers at the end that the character Lisa is named after a Sunday school student who categorized her books are “war-romances.” What an accurate description and kudos to that young lady for being able to come up with that word! This is the story of when Hitler was first taking over Germany and all of the changes in the society, including the beginnings of the purges of Jews from businesses and from German society in general. Evelyn is a newspaper reporter who is like a dog with a bone; she just won’t let go of the story until she finds the truth. Her friend Peter is pursuing his Ph.D. In German while he teaches at a local university in Munich. The meeting of these two main characters was magical and so well-written. The entire story was like a film running in my mind, with such excellent descriptions of scenes and background. I felt as though I could feel the evil of the Gestapo and the traitors against Evelyn and Peter. My heart was in my throat during the most emotional moment that they shared together. This is one of the absolutely best historical fiction books that I have read about the pre-WWII era! I cannot recommend it highly enough. Even if you don’t like historical fiction, try this one. I’m not usually a fan of this genre, but I love Sundin’s books and have devoured all of them since I first discovered her. The research is impeccable, the writing is magnetic and the characterization is dramatic. Loved this book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”