ettingerwriting.wordpress.com/2025/06/23/an-amazing-analogy-about-demeaning-the-bible/
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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!
A New View of Mourning
I have always taken this verse as referring to those mourning over a loss, those who are grief stricken when someone they deeply care for has died. And I am sure that applies here, because each time I have lost someone to death, the Holy Spirit has been right there beside me comforting me and letting me know that I am not alone.
In my devotional this morning, Craig Groeschel opened my eyes to a different way to see this verse. What if it also refers to mourning over your sinful state, all of the sins that have separated you from God?
I can definitely see that interpretation, too. I think people today take sin too lightly. “I lied, but it was just a little white lie and it didn’t hurt anyone.” “Yes, I took that from the store without paying for it, but they make tons of money, so they won’t miss it.” “Sure, I am sleeping with my boyfriend! Doesn’t everyone want to try out whether you are compatible before you even think about marriage?” Since sin is rampant, just as it has always been, then we should be fervent in our desire to get others to see the consequences for their sin. We want them to mourn over the fact that their lying, stealing and fornication hurt God’s heart, and ultimately will hurt them for eternity. I would like to think that the everyday people I meet on the street don’t mean to sin; they are just following along with what is accepted in our culture. Nevertheless, sin is sin and it keeps anyone who is a sinner from getting close to the Creator who made them to have a relationship with Him. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of all of my unsaved loved ones who have been duped by Satan and the world into thinking that the little sins don’t count and if everyone is doing it, God can’t send everyone to hell, can he? Why, yes! Yes, He can and He will, even as He cries for those who failed to turn and repent. God is loving, but He is also just. Thus, we should mourn over sin and the condition of the world. Not only do individuals need to mourn over their sin and their lost relationship with God, but we should be mourning with them, in prayer daily for God to show us who is ready to really listen to the truth from His Word. His Comforter is there to help us share the truth and to comfort those who are finally realizing the cost of their sin.
This verse has always been a source of comfort for me when I mourn a lost loved one. Now it will be a source of comfort for me when I see sinners comfortable with their sins. God knows and understands that I cry out to Him for Him to lead them to the knowledge of Him and to comfort them with the joy of His salvation.
Not a Chameleon
We were created by God to be noticed by others, especially non-believers. Our witness to them should stick out, so much so that they want to know why we are “different.” If we are just like everyone else in the world, then how do we convince others that they should be like us and follow Jesus? The answer is that we are living in this world, but we are called to separate ourselves from it. We are called to be different, the spokespeople of the Lord of the Universe.
We are not created to be like a chain of paper dolls, all looking and sounding the same. We each have our own distinct physical features and we are all called to share our own unique testimony about the Lord and His gift of salvation to us personally. God doesn’t want robots; He desires the people whom He created to have a relationship with Him, the Creator. Then, He wants us to share the relationship we have with others so that they can come to know Him, too.
Can you see it? There is a chameleon in this photo. We are not supposed to blend in like this so others don’t notice us at all. We are people, created in God’s image, to represent Him to the world. We aren’t trying to hide from the dangers the world presents, although that might not be a bad idea sometimes. We aren’t supposed to blend in with the sinful people, but rather, we should be representatives of the One who has called us to be holy. We are supposed to be so different that others want to know why we are filled with joy during challenging times, not cursing God because of the weather and giving God the credit for all of our blessings instead on insisting that our own effort brought our success. There is only one me, only one you. And that was planned by our loving Heavenly Father.
Remember What God Has Done
We could all sit around some days and have a little pity party about all of the bad things that are happening in our lives and in the world around us. We could lament the fact that we prayed, but we haven’t gotten an answer yet. (At least, not the one we expected or wanted).
How about instead of a pity party, we have a praise celebration? Instead of thinking about all the negatives, start thinking about what God has already done for you (and for this sinful world). Satan certainly doesn’t want us to remember so I think he tries to block our memory of the good things and puts the bad things at the forefront of our minds. We need to purposely choose to think of the good things, as Philippians says:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.8.NIV
It is when we start remembering what God has already done that we have a testimony to share and a faith that cannot be quenched! So, let’s get out of the pits of despair and stand on that mountain of faith that God created for us to stand on.
This is my prayer for you and for myself and it is a memory verse that I have been working on this week.
Do you enjoy Crowder songs? This is one of my favorites because it reminds me not to “get amnesia” but to focus on what God has already done!
On a Mission for God
The Mission of God
All of our lives are spent on something. Most people spend their days focused on growing a family, building their career, or amassing possessions.
While none of those things are necessarily wrong, they can become distractions from our ultimate goal in life.
In the book of Acts, we see Paul’s transformation in Christ. As a result of meeting Jesus and being changed by His grace, Paul spends the rest of his life preaching the good news of Jesus.
For Paul, God’s grace and salvation are so great that nothing on this earth is as important as God’s work.
Paul says that nothing in His life matters as much as telling others about God’s grace. His goal in life was to finish his own race well by faithfully accomplishing as much of the mission of God as possible:
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
Acts 20:24 NIVThe mission of God is not opposed to growing families or building careers. In fact, God desires for us to use those opportunities to faithfully accomplish the mission of God. We can raise families in the way of God, and we can tell our coworkers about God’s grace. Any place we find ourselves can be an opportunity to accomplish the mission of God.
Take a moment to consider your own life and where you spend your time. Are you using every opportunity you have to spread the good news of Jesus? Does your life, like Paul’s, point toward God?
Consider a few ways that you can begin to change your perspective and live your life on mission for God.
My Thoughts
My first thought when I read this Daily Refresh today from the YouVersion Bible App was twofold. One, I am too old and tired to even think about being on a mission for God. And two, how can He use me when I can barely stand for longer than a few minutes and seldom see people socially?
Of course, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to my heart and told me without hesitation that God uses everyone who is available. I just have to make myself available. After all, He has already called each of us to fulfill the Great Commission. I have received my “orders” so now I have to make a plan.
So, I thought to myself. Who needs to hear about Jesus that is someone in my circle of influence? So many names and faces came to my mind! After all, I have been praying for them for a long time. The Holy Spirit is prodding me into action, using the knowledge I have from God’s Word and the testimony that I live daily, to encourage people like my sister, our son and his family and my brother to establish a relationship with God. I don’t know how it will happen, but I know that I am on a mission for God and He will help me speak the right words at the right time.
I’m excited to know deep in my heart and soul that God isn’t finished with me yet and that I have a job to do. I hope that you have discovered this truth, also, and look forward to your testimonies of how God is using you to reach others for Christ.
I don’t know how long I have on this earth, but I do know that God has left me here to do His work, so I plan to do it to the best of my ability. I’m no Paul, but I’m a Vickie with a purpose and a mission!
But God
The word “but” is a coordinating conjunction meaning that it connects words or groups of words. In the case of “but” it shows a contrast, an exception to what has already been said. I cannot possibly include all of the “But God” statements from the Bible, but here are a few of my favorites.
God makes the seeds we plant grow…we can depend on Him to do His part after we have done ours. Instead of trying to take credit for God’s work, let’s give Him all of the glory. But God…
Once again, people build houses, but God has built everything because He created everything. There is no material that a house is made of that was not created originally by God. All of those scientists who keep trying to be the Creator are not. But God…
We cannot save ourselves and never could. God showed us His love long before we even acknowledged His existence or His great plan of salvation. But God…
God raised Jesus from the dead and provided a way for all of us to have eternal life. When this verse says “you” the speaker is talking to the crowd that forced death on our Savior. But I know that I was one of them who caused His death because I am a sinner and He died for all of us. But God…
One day I will die. We all will. It is the end of life on earth, but it is the beginning of a new eternity with God. He promised and I believe Him. But God…
Getting old is not a picnic or much fun some days. But God continues to strengthen me daily and to show me new truths from His word that nourishes my soul. But God…
This verse is from one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament, when Joseph is reunited with the brothers who sold him into slavery. God takes the bad that others intend for us and changes it into a blessing, if we will just look for it. But God…
So, I hope this post has whetted your spiritual appetite to look for it the “but God” statements in the Bible. They are in the Old Testament and the New Testament, so keep an eye out. They mean good things for believers! But God…
Please Vote in the Story Contest
I entered a story contest inspired by The Bitter End Birding Society!
We had to come up with a theory for how Bitter End, TN got its name and I submitted an entry.
Tap the link to read the entries + vote for your favorites. I hope you like mine, but I just want you to vote. You can vote for the same story all 3X or different stories…your choice.
Voting is open through June 30!
Cast your vote here: https://amandacoxwrites.com/the-bitter-end-story-contest-voting/
You get to vote for three. By the way, the prize is a new bird feeder!
Postscript: I am reading an Advanced Reader Copy of this book now, so look for a review in the future. It’s really good, so if you want to preorder, I suggest you use Baker Book House since they offer 40% off and free shipping on preorders. Here is that link: Baker Book House
Thank you for participating! Have a blessed day!
Promises of God
The Bible is filled with promises from God, things He promises to His dear children, which is all of us who love Him.
Do you remember your parents making promises to you? I don’t remember the exact wording, but I remember things like “I’ll take you to the pool later” or “If you take care of your brother, I will take you to get ice cream later.” Unfortunately, some (perhaps many) of those promises didn’t happen. But I didn’t wallow in bitterness and self-pity because I knew that life interrupted those plans, so the plans (and the promises) had to change. I am certain that I told my own children many things that I planned to do and promised them we would do them…but then, life happened and those things didn’t.
The great thing about God’s promises is that He is actually able to keep all of them because He is in charge on the plan. Life doesn’t get in His way, circumstances don’t thwart His plan. He says it and He then fulfills it.
Do you see how these verses go together? God doesn’t lie. He fulfills what He says He will do. One of His promises is to watch over us, always. That doesn’t mean that we don’t get hurt sometimes. I have fallen more times than I can count and from my position on the floor, it didn’t look a lot like God was watching over me. But I know that He was. A few broken bones, but no serious damage or lasting harm. And each time I fell, I learned a lesson about how not to fall, like moving more slowly, not rising quickly and using my cane or Walker consistently. God watches over us, but He does expect us to use the tools that He has already given us to try to keep us safe.
Sometimes, the fulfillment of God’s promises don’t look like we imagine and then we start thinking that He didn’t keep His promise. Yes, He did and He does, just not always the way we expected. In the long run, what God does to keep His promise will be better than we expected and more than we needed. God does keep His promises in His Word, but sometimes we have to be in tune with the Holy Spirit to see God working in our lives as He fulfills His Word to us. If we are depending on our natural eyes to see God’s hand at work, we won’t see it. God is Spirit, and as hard as it is for us to understand, we cannot put Him in a box and say that He promised thus and so and it has to be exactly what we expect. Allowing God free rein (also reign) to work in our lives is the best way I can think of to release Him to fulfill His promises in our lives.
I am a person who loves to check off lists. So, here is one that I think you can use, too.
God saved me. ✅
God shows His love for me. ✅
God fulfilled His promise to sacrifice His Son for me. ✅
God sent the promised Holy Spirit to lead me. ✅
God desires a relationship with me. ✅
What can you add to this checklist that shows more promises that God has fulfilled in your life? As I said at the beginning, the Bible is full of His promises, and so are our lives.
Blog Tour: Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds by Allison Brennan
About the Book
On Sale Date: June 17, 2025
ISBN: 978077838725
Pages: 400
Synopsis:
For fans of BAD SUMMER PEOPLE, FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT, and THE WHITE LOTUS, this sun-dappled mystery from New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan features a risk-averse bibliophile who gets in over her head when strange notes in a book draw her into a real-life investigation.
Mia Crawford is responsible to a fault. She has to be. Between her high-demand job and taking care of her grandmother and her cats, she has little time for anything else. What time she does have, she pours into reading. Mysteries, romances, thrillers…books filled with women who are far more impulsive than she would ever dream of being. Now, forced into taking a long-overdue vacation, she finds herself on a luxurious private island where she just might have a chance to reinvent herself—for a little while, anyway. She can explore the island. Flirt shamelessly with a cute bartender. Have a vacation fling. Live like a heroine in one of her favorite novels.
Or she can curl up with a good book on the beach. Turns out reinventing yourself is easier planned than done. But when gossipy notes written in the margins of an old book turn out to be clues to the disappearance of another guest, Mia finds herself diving head-first into a dangerous adventure. With everyone at the resort hiding secrets of their own, she’ll have to solve this real-life mystery before she becomes the next target.
My Thoughts
I have read all of Allison Brennan’s romantic suspense series, so I wasn’t sure what to make of a new contemporary romance-mystery. Let me just say that the author hit it out of the park with this humorous, witty and seriously great mystery. Mia Crawford is totally relatable, a workaholic who is an accountant and thinks that details matter. Coerced into taking a special vacation to a private island, Mia isn’t sure what she will do there but she soon finds herself solving a murder mystery, helping a teen with dad issues, counseling a gay couple and maybe, just a little, falling head over heels for the bartender who flirts with her. The action is non-stop, the pacing is quick and perfect and the characters are mostly lovable and all realistic. The story is absorbing, with secrets and clues and twists galore. I really enjoyed this book and hope it will be the first of many in this genre for this author. The ending was perfect and I think that all readers will appreciate the theme of self-discovery and being willing to change if change is the best choice.
Disclaimer: 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 are my own.
About the Author
ALLISON BRENNAN is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author of over forty novels. She lives in Arizona with her husband, five kids and assorted pets.
SOCIAL LINKS:
Author website: https://allisonbrennan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonBrennan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Allison_Brennan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abwrites/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52527.Allison_Brennan
Excerpt
“Diana.”
She jumped, whirled around. Fear bubbled up in her chest until she saw who it was. Annoyed and tired, she said, “What do you want?”
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
“We’ll talk tomorrow. I’m beat.”
She turned her back on her uninvited guest and started to insert her card key, but before she could open the door, she was grabbed from behind.
“Wha—” She tried to speak, but her words were cut off. Her scarf tightened around her neck. She couldn’t talk. Then she couldn’t breathe.
Her vision blurred. Grabbing at the scarf, she scratched her neck. Her knees grew weak. Her vision faded.
Scream!
No sound escaped her throat. She heard nothing except for her own pounding heart, fear wrapping itself around her like a vise.
Then, darkness.
Excerpted from BEACH READS AND DEADLY DEEDS by Allison Brennan. Copyright © 2025 by Assemble Media. Published by MIRA, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Purchase Links:
Bookshop.org:
B&N:
Books A Million:
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9780778387251
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=9780778387251&tag=hcg-02-20
Poisoned Pen (signed books):
The God of Hope
If you read my blog last week, you know that the week was a hard one for me. Two friends passed away and I was devastated and faced with my own mortality and the certainty that death comes to everyone. I got through that week, only to be faced with another challenge.
My husband and I have one vehicle. For many years, when both of us were working, we had two, but once I had my stroke and my husband retired, he started doing most of the driving, so we just have one car now. We drove that car for thousands of miles last month to get to graduations and then at the beginning of June to go to the beach to meet my brother from Colorado. All of those trips were definitely worth the exhaustion I felt when we got home. Unfortunately, the car is feeling the effects of that long, arduous trip, also. On the way to the visitation for my dear friend, I noticed the engine was grinding so I told my husband that it needs to be checked again. Just before our trip, I paid almost $1000 for repairs because it needed a new valve cover gasket. So, I am not looking forward to new repair fees. When my husband checked the oil on Saturday morning, it was low, so he added oil. Now I have an appointment tomorrow to take the car in to have it checked for oil leaks and to have the oil changed again. That sound you hear is a big sigh from me.
My scripture verse this morning is one that I am now working on memorizing because I really need it.
That word “as” is very important in this verse. Joy and peace come at the same time that we trust in Him. That’s where we find our hope. So, even as I am frustrated about the car, anxious about the finances to pay for it again, and disappointed that this is happening now, God is telling me to trust and He will give me joy, peace and hope. That is quite a promise and one I really needed today.
We need to start looking for another car, but we are in total disagreement about what to look for. My husband wants a car for $5000 or less, so he is looking for what I call a “junker clunker.” I don’t want to put more money into repairing a car while we are paying for it, so I want to look at a mid-priced car with lower mileage, thinking it would last longer. We are not at a total impasse, so I am praying what to do. I love my husband, but his decisions are not always the wisest although they may be the thriftiest. I hope you will join me in praying that God will show us what to do in this situation and that we can reach an agreement by following Him.
Meantime, I will continue to focus on this verse and pray fervently that I can trust even as the anxious thoughts attack incessantly. I hope that you will join me in my prayers and that you, too, will find the joy, peace and hope you need for whatever you are facing.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 