I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
Author: vicklea
I love to read! I’m a retired teacher with a spouse of 45 years, three amazing children and nine wonderful grandchildren. I am blessed!
1. Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before! Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See His banner go! (Refrain)
2. At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, On to victory! Hell’s foundations quiver At the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise! (Refrain)
3. Like a mighty army Moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod. We are not divided; All one body we, One in hope and doctrine, One in charity. (Refrain)
4. Onward then, ye people, Join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song; Glory, laud, and honor Unto Christ the King; This thro’ countless ages Men and angels sing. (Refrain)
Refrain: Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before!
This image goes along with my post yesterday about preparing for each new day with the armor of God. Today, God reminded me of a hymn to spur us on as we go into battle, so I thought a visual of the armor would be appropriate here.
Would a doctor begin an operation without surgical gear? Would a firefighter run into a burning building without a protective suit? Would a soldier head into a battle without armor?
With the exclusion of extreme situations, of course they wouldn’t.
In fact, not only do they spend years preparing for such moments, but they also learn to protect themselves from harm. If they aren’t prepared, they cannot do their job.
Writing to the believers in Ephesus from a Roman prison, the apostle Paul said:
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11 NLT
Every day, we face battles that we can’t fully see. And if we’re not prepared, we cannot do our job of loving God and people well.
God’s armor is readily available, but we must make the intentional decision to dress ourselves for battle.
When we intentionally dress ourselves in the armor of God, we can be ready for the attacks that will inevitably come our way.
My Thoughts
One of my favorite things about being retired is that I can wear my pajamas every day when I don’t have an appointment to go to. The comfort and coziness of being in my favorite attire makes me content and able to move around more freely without the restriction of sometimes uncomfortable and weighty clothing.
But whether I stay at home in pj’s or venture out in my regular clothes, I always prepare myself for each new day by putting on my armor of God. I always start each day with a devotional and Bible reading, my quiet time to talk to the Lord and to listen to what He has to say to me. He is the One preparing me for whatever circumstances I will face that day, so spending time with Him is not an extra thing I do, it’s a must that I feel lost without doing it. Satan is always ready to attack, especially when we least expect it. So, isn’t it best to be prepared? I don’t fight fires as my fire chief brother does, so I don’t need to don his gear. But I do face the enemy of my soul daily who tries to tempt me to do things that are not pleasing to God and that might hurt other people. With my armor on, I can recognize the attack for what it is, fight back with God’s Word and continue on with my day. The attack may only last a minute, but it is important that I win the small battles so that I will be ready for the larger ones that Satan will use to try to defeat me.
Each of us who calls ourselves a Christian is a friend of God. That fact makes us automatically an enemy of Satan. God has given us exactly what we need to defeat him each time he shows up to thwart us in our daily journey with the Lord. But we have a part to play that is vital. We have to prepare ourselves daily, knowing that the lion roams about and that we don’t want to be his next snack. Thus we get ready with God’s armor, every day. And we don’t go to battle until God’s presence is clearly with us. He will show us what to do and tell us what to say, if we just listen and have our armor on, ready to take on the enemy and be victorious. The battle belongs to the Lord, He is and will be victorious, but we cannot sit around in loungewear and wait for God to do everything for us. He could, but He told us to put on the armor. So, let’s obey and get ready for the day!
When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin’s help to identify a suspect. The FBI’s team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin’s safety.
On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever—and Erin’s life hangs in the balance. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)
My Thoughts
The newest book by Nancy Mehl is an Erin Delaney thriller that had my heart pounding and my head spinning with the fast-paced action and the surprising twists. I have read most of the author’s books and I just have to say that this book is her best one ever! I could not put it down except to eat and catch a few hours of sleep. I was totally invested in the story, in what would happen to Erin, in who the serial killer was and in how Kaely and Erin would be able to find the killer before he killed again. The plot is terrifyingly brilliant and includes the signature and much appreciated faith foundation of the author. The story is edgy and includes a strong message of hope as well as plenty of skillful misdirection. I was captivated by the characters and their God-given intuition that helped them make wise choices while chasing down a determined and intelligent villain. This book was a page turner, with dynamic characters who are realistically flawed and believable. The good guys are easy to cheer for and the killer is one that is complex and satisfyingly revealed. I loved every minute that I spent devouring this well-crafted book and I am already looking forward to the author’s new Erin Delaney book next year. If I could give this book more than five stars, I certainly would because it is amazing in its clever twists and relentless tension. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Rated PG for description of victims’ manners of death; Christian fiction with no bad language or violent scenes
About the Author
Nancy Mehl is the bestselling author of 50 books. She’s won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her on her blog, the SuspenseSisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
I have such a wonderful testimony of God’s grace and power to share today! I went to see my orthopedist on Tuesday, the doctor who told me that in all likelihood, my foot fracture would never heal because of various other health conditions. He came jubilantly into the room yesterday after viewing my new x-rays and told me and my husband that my foot is healing…on its own, without surgery. It is growing new bone!
That, my friends, I will count as a miracle and an answer to prayer! He said it will take about a year to heal completely, but I can transition out of the boot and start wearing my regular shoes all the time in about a month. Just so everyone knows, I give all the glory to God and thank all of you who prayed for me. God is good…all the time!
The word “believe” is an action verb that means (according the the New Oxford American Dictionary) to accept something as true. I believe that the sky is blue and look up and can see that it is, at least when it isn’t raining. It is easier to believe in things we see, touch, and can hear. But what about the spiritual things? How do we get to the place where we can believe without doubting?
When Jairus came to Jesus for healing for his daughter, others came and told Jairus not to keep bothering Jesus since she had already died. Jesus’s reply was to “just have faith.”
An important part of believing in the Lord and His promises is to have faith. In the world where everything is instantly provided, or so it seems, we don’t like to wait. And faith is a hard thing sometimes when we persistently ask God for an answer and we haven’t seen one yet after weeks, months, even years. So, what do we do when we don’t get the answer we want when we want it? We continue to believe.
How do we do that? I don’t know what works in your life, but for me, I reflect on all that God has already done and keep repeating his promises. I remind myself that God doesn’t lie and if He said it, He will do it. It’s hard sometimes to stop whining and start praising, but that is exactly what we need to do. It builds our own faith and helps others to see Jesus in us. Instead of talking to God about what you don’t have yet, thank Him for what He has already done for you. Remember the song “Count Your Blessings” and do that!
We haven’t seen death yet and don’t know what happens when we die. Yet we who are Christians believe in life after death. Why do we believe in what we cannot see? Because God said it, He promised it and He fulfills His promises. In our lifetime, we see many changes, some good and some bad. Life is like a roller coaster ride of curves, twists and hills to climb. But God is right there with us, knowing that we can make it to the end of our race because He and the heavenly host are cheering us on. They believe in us…so we should also believe in the Father to do exactly as He has said. Again, how do we believe? And again, I say, count the promises that God has made to you in your life and already brought to pass. Build your faith on the firm foundation of His Word and His actions for you in the past. Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life.” He didn’t say that He was the resurrection for former believers, the heroes of the faith only and then stopped reaching out to people. No, He uses the present tense. Every day, we are saved from our sins. We were saved (when we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior), we are being saved (as we walk with Him daily and believe His promises) and one day we will be saved to a new life, to live with Him eternally. Promises made, promises kept! (Politicians use this slogan to point out how good they are to the people, but the only One good who has kept all of His promises is God.)
Do you let God speak to you daily from His word? That’s where His promises are and that’s what helps you to believe. You can feed your faith by centering yourself on God’s word or you can feed your doubt by looking around at your world and all that is not right with it. Notice that the person in this scripture says he believes. What does he do just after his proclamation of belief? He worships. We need to spend time just adoring God for who He is, not just thanking Him for all He has done for us. He is the Creator of the Universe, yet He considered each of us important enough to send His Son to die for us. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, powerful and holy. Spend some time thinking about who God is…and believe that He wants what is best for you.
Little children believe in Santa and are sad to find out that he isn’t real. Some believe in false gods and one day will face the real God who will judge them for their folly. We have the greatest gift of all…God’s love, His gift of salvation and all of His promises. So, let’s believe together that God will do what He says. He may not answer our prayer with a “yes” but He will answer with what is best for us because He is our Father who loves us. Only believe!
Victoria Weston encounters tough things as a home health physical therapist, but this is a first-a dead body. The police call the patient’s death accidental. Victoria knows that can’t be true. Her efforts to convince the police they’re dealing with a murder get her labeled a troublemaker by all but one man-the troubler of her youth.
When Cillian Doherty returns to right the wrongs of the past, he finds his high school flame in a different kind of danger than he expected. As a social worker, he’s in the perfect position to corroborate her cry of murder or give her what she wanted-to handle her problems without his help.
But someone wants to silence Victoria. When lies escalate to violence and threaten more lives, the Weston siblings join the battle to save their sister.
Yet it will take a God more powerful than all of them for Cillian and Victoria to make peace with their past and catch the killer. Before the killer catches them. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)
My Thoughts
I absolutely loved Victoria’s story! There are so many hidden facets of her character that are revealed as the story moves along, revealing her past and her present circumstances. Victoria has always been a buffer between her father and her siblings and the pressure is always on her to perform. The plot thickens when one of her clients is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect. It is made even more complex when Cillian, her high school boyfriend, reappears and has a new job where she is employed. He is her self-appointed protector and is determined to find out who really killed Mr. Briscoe so that Victoria can get on with her life, hopefully one that includes him. I enjoyed seeing all of the family at the dinners and how they generally supported each other. The plot was fast-paced and relentlessly filled with tension as Victoria is targeted by the police and by some kind of stalker. Cillian has a tough job keeping her safe as she continues to reach out to help others, most notably an unwed teen named Sydney whom Victoria welcomes into her home. There are a lot of threads to this complex tapestry, and the author does a fantastic job of weaving them all together into a cohesive and brilliantly written romantic suspense. Note that although this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Rated PG, Christian fiction with some intense scenes
About the Author
Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.
With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.
Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.
Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.
Have you ever done something significant, but someone else stole your praise? You served behind the scenes, voiced an important idea, or crafted something wonderful—but somebody else swept in and demanded full credit?
It’s not exactly the same (because we’re not nearly as awesome as Him), but we must be cautious not to steal credit from God.
The apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, said:
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
On a foundational level, we wouldn’t even be here without our Creator and Sustainer.
We wouldn’t exist without the universe and body in which we live—a universe and body that we did not make ourselves. We wouldn’t be able to breathe without the oxygen in our lungs or the oxygen that hovers right above our planet. We wouldn’t think or see or hear or talk without the minds, eyes, ears, and mouths He’s given us.
But on top of creating us, God is the only One who can save us.
The story of God and the story of us is that He pursued us when we didn’t deserve it—He saved us when we were lost and hopeless. We are not capable of saving ourselves. We are not capable of being the solution. We are not capable of being our own saviors…
…and that’s good news! The best news, actually.
God saved us by His grace, and that’s a gift. Salvation isn’t something that can be earned, but a mercy that is given.
We can’t think we’re better than anyone else. We don’t get to decide who’s deserving of His love and who isn’t—because none of us are.
Yet, in His great mercy, God has chosen to reveal Himself to us at this particular time in history—because He loves us. He initiated salvation when we couldn’t save ourselves. And He has invited us to join Him in the greatest story on earth.
Are you in? Will you accept and share this great gift?
My Thoughts
We all like to receive gifts-birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, all kinds of occasions. God gave us a special gift that is always there for us to claim, the salvation that is ours in Christ Jesus. We accept gladly and are so happy to have the knowledge that we are saved.
But the gift doesn’t stop there. I know you have all heard of “the gift that keeps on giving.” Jesus is that gift, but He keeps on giving because we keep on sharing. We don’t hide the gift of His love and salvation and hope that no one finds out about it. God wants us to share. The more people in His family, the better! I like what this devotional says about no one deserves it. Sometimes it is hard to pray for certain people to be saved. But, I was once that person, and so were you. I was the one who liked getting the praise and the attention and all of the kudos. In the case of salvation’s free gift, it is for everyone and God deserves all the credit. He created us and carried out His plan of salvation. Now He calls on each of us to spread the good news to others who are just as needy of His love as we are. Accepting is the first step. Sharing is next. With whom will you share God’s grace today?
While searching for her family’s long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a deep and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they’ve found can last.
As Vanessa organizes her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance, she looks forward to her daughter’s return from college. But Vanessa hasn’t told Sadie about Ben. After all, Vanessa hadn’t anticipated finding love again after losing her husband. And now she wrestles with feelings that are becoming hard to ignore.
Just as Ben is about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing Christmas ring: her great grandfather found it in France on D-Day, and engraved on the band is a single meaningful word. The details confirm a terrible truth, one that Ben cannot ignore.
Certain he now knows where Vanessa’s ring is, Ben leaves town in a frantic rush. But can he stop a certain sale, or will Vanessa’s ring be lost forever? Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)
My Thoughts
This book is a mixture of genres and all pure and wholesome entertainment! It mixes historical fiction with romance and a little mystery, too. The historical part is how Vanessa’s great-grandfather found the special ring during the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. The heirloom ring is a special treasure for Vanessa and she is devastated when she accidentally loses it on a Colorado ski trip with her daughter. Having already suffered the loss of her beloved husband, Vanessa sets out on a quest to find her ring again by visiting various antique stores and spreading the word about what it looks like. When her daughter Sadie goes to college, Vanessa is at a loss about how to continue courageously with her life, without her husband or her daughter. I loved how she threw herself into serving other military families and used her organizational talents to raise money for them. The way she meets the antique dealer named Ben was while she was looking for her ring. Their romance develops slowly because both have suffered a loss and neither is really ready for more than friendship. The dynamics between Vanessa and Sadie was perfect, a wonderful combination of respect and realization that independence is a part of life. The story is the perfect pace for the story being told, with poignant scenes between Sadie and Vanessa and between Vanessa and Ben as well as Ben and his dad Howard. There are several sub-plots that are beautifully woven together by a master storyteller into a memorable and lovely story with a theme of moving forward towards a promising future. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed my own.
Christian Fiction, Rated G
About the Author
Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Karen recently opened her own film company called Karen Kingsbury Productions. The company’s first theatrical movie, Someone Like You, is considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year. For more information visit SomeoneLikeYou.movie. Also, the first three seasons of Karen’s Baxter Family books are now an original series called The Baxters on Prime Video. Karen and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren. Website: karenkingsbury.com
The movie version of the book, produced by Karen Kingsbury’s production company, releases on November 6th. Follow this link to see the trailer and to get your tickets!
Let’s be honest with each other. There are some days when we feel as though we are on the front lines of a great battle and we are all alone. Now let me tell you why that is a lie from the pits of hell.
Satan wants to isolate us, to make us feel that we are alone in the battle against sin (in ourselves and in the world). If we think we are alone, then we give up, walk away, let sin win. We give in to Satan’s plan without even consulting God or leaning into His Word.
But we are never alone. God is always fighting for us. He sent His advocate, the Holy Spirit, to remind us of everything He has taught us in His Word and one of the most important things we can remember is that the victory belongs to the Lord. We are foot soldiers, a whole army of them, and we are never alone. We have His Word and all of the armor of God if we just take time to put it on before we march out into the daily grind of our life.
Finally, for me, songs of worship and praise direct my attention to where it should be. I just discovered a song by Hillsong that could be a theme song for each of us as we face the daily challenges of life. We battle but we are not alone, nor are we the losing side. We are on the winning side of God’s army, and He is always fighting for us!
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 