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!

Praise All the Day Long

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

As I was reading this devotional this morning, it was like a light bulb went off in my head. I may be up in the morning doing my devotional as the sun is high in the sky. But someone else, on the other side of the world, is doing their praise and prayers to God as they ready themselves for bed. There is not one single hour of the day when someone, somewhere is not praising God. I have long said that I start a conversation with God in the morning and just keep it going all day long. Imagine, if you will, the sounds of praises and prayers going up to God all day long from all of the corners of the earth. That is mind boggling to me, but it is also truth! I look forward to the day when Jesus returns and every knee bows, but I am content today to consider how awesome God is and how worthy to receive praise from His creation throughout the earth, no matter the time of day or the circumstances.

From Dawn to Dusk

Imagine, for a moment, this wonderfully diverse planet we call home. Everything you can imagine from the skies above to the deepest part of the ocean—God created all of it. And God created all of us to worship Him.

From north to south and east to west.
From bustling cities to quiet villages.
From lifeless deserts to life-packed forests.
From the highest mountains to the farthest oceans.

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised!”
Psalm 113:3 NIV

The sun “rises” and “sets” on all of us. All people, all languages, all nations. All skin colors, eye colors, and hair colors. All shapes, sizes, and personalities. Rich and poor. Aching hearts and contagious smiles.

An eclectic mix of people from various parts of the world have always been praising God from generation to generation—and it continues to happen now. And we know it will never stop.

In Revelation 7, John has a vision of a “great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,” who is Christ. They are serving and worshiping, all day and night.

God’s people—past, present, and future—are people who worship.

We can worship with our songs.
We can worship with our gifts.
We can worship with our lives.

And one day, when we finally see things clearly, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. But today, we don’t have to wait to worship.

When sunlight streams through your windows, you can worship.
When the evening sky turns orange-ish pink, you can worship.
When you’re in a season of waiting, you can worship.
When you’re in a season of receiving, you can worship.
When your heart is breaking, you can worship.
When your heart is full, you can worship.

From dawn to dusk, let the name of the Lord be praised.

Today, think about this verse and consider what compels you to worship God. Then, shift your heart toward Him and don’t forget to worship.

Loving Your Neighbor

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

I hesitated to share my story about my neighbor because it brings back some shocking memories. When we first moved into our little house in the big woods, our neighbor tried to block us every way he could from accessing our home. We had to hire a surveyor and get the county law enforcement involved before we could move in. Then, since we had four acres, I took an extra job teaching a college class at night so I could buy my husband a riding mower. Well, I cannot say for certain that the neighbor vandalized it, but there was gray paint put into the gas tank and the mower was ruined, invalidating its warranty. When the police investigated, they found gray paint in his shed, but that was circumstantial evidence. We tried, we really did. We took bags of candy, baked goods, all kinds of small gifts to let them know we were friendly. After being told that we were trespassing and could be shot for our efforts, we stopped going there. Then, the corker happened. My husband was mowing our front lawn (on his second mower that I got him) when the neighbor attacked him physically. He knocked Harry off the seat of the mower and once he got him on the ground, he beat him up. Now, Harry is not small, but he is twenty years older, in his early 50’s. Anyway, once he finished bruising him up pretty badly, Harry ran into the house and called the police. The neighbor was arrested and charged with assault and battery, and we went to court to testify. Our testimony wasn’t needed…the judge read the abusive neighbor the riot act and put him on warning to ever come near us again. All that being said…he is still our neighbor and I still pray for him and for his wife. When his only daughter died a few years ago, we didn’t feel free to go over and comfort them, but we sent a card and prayed for them. We both figure he has has a hard life to act in such a way, and as a result he resents everyone who is white. Not a problem! Jesus loves everyone, so we pray and wait for God to change his heart. He lives next door to us, but he is not our only neighbor. As the devotional points out, our neighbor is anyone who could use our assistance, which includes our prayers and loving thoughts.

A True Neighbor

Have you ever wondered: “What does God want me to do?”

If you’re looking for a verse that summarizes the commands in both the Old and New Testaments, here’s what Paul wrote to the believers in Galatia…

“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Galatians 5:14 NLT

Paul’s words echo a command Jesus gave when He was asked what the most important commandment was (Matthew 22:37-40). What they’re both essentially saying is: beyond loving God with everything in you, you should love your neighbor as yourself. 

Who is your neighbor? A Jewish expert in religious law once asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) So Jesus told him a story about a man who was beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Both a priest and a Levite walked by and ignored the man—but it was a Samaritan who sacrificed his time and money to help him heal.

For many reasons, Samaritans were despised by Jews. But that didn’t stop the Samaritan in this story from showing compassion. What Jesus wanted the Jewish expert (and us) to hear is that anyone, anywhere is our neighbor—and everyone is worthy of our sacrificial love.

How do you love yourself? When you have a need of any kind, you work hard to meet it. You don’t have to think about how to treat yourself; it’s just something you do. The care we unconsciously show ourselves is also how we should care for others.

How can you love your neighbor as you love yourself? If someone needs help with their home, job, or children, you can serve joyfully. If a family is struggling financially, you can give generously. If there’s someone in your life who doesn’t have a godly example to look up to, you can step into the gap. 

Being a true neighbor is not always convenient and it will likely cost you, but you can still choose to love them as you love yourself. And when you serve others in this way, you are serving Jesus, too.

Today, take a moment to consider the people around you who could use your help. Then, ask God to reveal how you can love and serve them this week.

Who’s Your Battle Buddy?

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/1201/day/6

I had to ponder a while when I read this devotional this morning. I am a solo-type person, introverted and quite reticent when called upon to share my feelings. But I do know that I have a small group from our church with whom I can share my struggles and how I am really doing. I don’t have to pretend, answer that I’m okay and move on. I am thankful for each of them, particularly those who call or text to check on my husband and me when they know we are facing some kind of new medical challenge. I would prefer to “go it alone” but we were never meant to be alone in this life. We all need a “battle buddy.” My first choice is my husband who knows me best and loves me in spite of me, but I also need another female who can understand what it’s like to be a female in this upside down world in which feminism is not appreciated. I want to be all that God wants me to be and I need a female battle buddy to stand alongside of me as I stand with her and fight our battles with self-worth and sin together.

Stop Defeating Yourself

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/1201/day/5

The lies we tell ourselves serve only to keep us from being the best that we can be for God and for each other. We need to take time to be introspective and seriously see ourselves, with all of our faults, and know without a doubt that God loves us just as we are. We need to face the truth about ourselves, that we are sinners saved by grace, and that each decision we make affects ourselves and others. Then, we need to move on with God, standing honestly before Him. He sees us just as we are, and I believe that He wants us to see ourselves as He sees us, flawed but never defeated because we have been forgiven.

The General of My Life

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/1201/day/4

As the wife of a retired military veteran, I understand rank and the responsibilities that come with it. Jesus’s being the general of my life means that I can let go and just let Him lead me where I need to go in order to be victorious in each battle. He is in charge and carries the heavy responsibility of getting each of us to the end of our race, whole and totally committed to Him. We have to do our part and follow Him daily, listening carefully as He gives us our “marching orders” for the day. Our job is to be so close to Him that we can clearly hear His voice and follow what He is telling us to do. That will lead to our victory in the world, over our flesh and over Satan. Jesus already won His battle and came out of that grave victorious! Now, He is helping us to win ours.

De-clutter

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/1201/day/3

I have to begin by confessing that I have been known to be one of the world’s worst at de-cluttering, both in my home and in my life. I find a small space for something and put it there, probably forever. The problem with doing that in my life is that I have run out of small spaces. They are not visible like when I place objects around the house, but they are definitely there and keeping me from being my best for God. Recently, I came to the mind-blowing revelation that it’s okay to say “no.” The other person may not like it or understand my choices, but I have to prioritize my time for what makes sense for me. This is nowhere more obvious than in the mountains of books I read, most of which I am reading for the purpose of reviewing for an author or publishing company. I am even learning to say “no” to them, also. If the book is not a good fit for me, the answer is no. If I have too many books to currently read and review, even if I really want to read that book the answer is no. I need the time to meditate and pray and read my Bible. So, if you ask me to do something, it is not because I don’t care about you. It’s because I am setting priorities that God is helping me to establish. My “no” is not a rejection but rather a step in the right direction for me to de-clutter and get my priorities straight.

Kamala Harris addresses the nation at the DNC

On By vickleaIn News Reports1 Comment

One of the main criticisms of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign going into the DNC was that it subsisted more on vibes than substance.
— Read on www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/kamala-harris-addresses-the-nation-at-the-dnc/

I did not watch the speech, nor have I actually watched more than a few seconds of the entire DNC or RNC conventions, as I passed from one room to the next where my husband was watching. I refuse to be stressed by the actions of politicians who a)cannot be honest b)cannot put the good of the people above their own political ambitions and c)act like spoiled children whose favorite toy is in jeopardy of being taken away when, in fact, the nation is NOT a toy. Anyway, I liked what Dr. Denison wrote this morning and thought I would share it with you, not because it is about Kamala Harris, but because it is about the courage that all of us need to take seriously. It takes courage to stand up to donors and political pundits who think that they know best. It also takes courage as a voter to say who you plan to vote for and why, especially in today’s divisive world. Being silent is not an option because in being silent, you are demonstrating that you agree with the actions of the one who is voicing an opinion. One pastor used to say that “silence is actually a form of agreement” and I totally agree with that statement.

That being said, I want to state here that I am choosing to vote for the candidate whom I consider the lesser of two evils. Neither candidate is perfect, but one stands for socialism and freebies for everyone at the expense of the taxpayers. One promises to close the border and deport the illegals who have entered in the last four years, stretching our nation’s resources and jeopardizing our citizens with the lawlessness and rampant crime and drugs. One wants to get a handle on inflation that has caused prices to soar while the other has no policy that I have heard other than to continue the policy that has been in effect. I know you have guessed by now that I plan to vote for Trump, not because he is the ideal candidate or an outspoken Christian. I will vote for him because I value the Constitution, the values it promotes and the fact that he is the candidate who can best be a strong leader. Most importantly, I believe him when he says that he supports Israel. I am not happy about his turn away from a total pro-life proponent, but no candidate is perfect and Trump is far from reaching the high standards set by Presidents like Reagan. Nevertheless, I will courageously speak out in favor of a candidate whom I believe is best for our nation and for the peace of other nations, too. If that means that I lose followers, then so be it. I am not jumping on the “joyful” bandwagon with Kamala. She knew Joe Biden was not capable of running the nation and yet she never once told the truth about his disabilities and who was really leading the nation. In fact, I still have no idea who the puppet master has been for the last four years, although I could make a few guesses. I don’t want a puppet installed into the highest office of the land; I want someone who listens to advisors, understands consequences of decisions and then courageously makes the final decision by weighing the choices and then carries out the actions of a leader, not a dancing puppet who goes along with whoever is pulling the strings (or offers the most money, as the case may be).

Enough of my diatribe. I hope that you will read the article by Dr. Ryan Denison, Jim Denison’s son. He is in the younger generation and seems to be astute in his ability to recognize what is needed and what the shortcomings and strengths are. If you have to read or listen to news, I recommend that you follow the broadcasts that are not bought and paid for by one party, but rather, listen to those who try to report the news fairly and honestly. That last word is a hard one to live up to because personal bias is a part of all the news; I trust the commentary of the Denisons, Mike Huckabee and The Epoch Times. What news do you follow? My final authority is God’s Word and if what they say is not lining up with God’s Word, I am skeptical about their ability to make a commitment that they will live up to, both in newscasts and political candidates.

Pray for our nation and may God have mercy on us.

Your Cheerleaders

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/1201/day/2

Everyone needs encouragement some days, and most need encouragement every day. This life is hard and we fight the battle every day against our spiritual enemies and those who oppose us here on earth. When I had my stroke, my cheerleaders were my husband and my daughter. They kept telling me that I could do it, even when I was too weary to take the next step. And I knew God was right there with me because, after all, He revived me from the stroke to begin with and set me on that road to recovery. I am not currently suffering from the effects of a stroke, but I am still battling every day, against sin and its consequences and against the enemy of our souls who wants me to give up, surrender to him and be done with it all. You are battling, too, and the same Lord who fought for me is fighting on your side. Not only that, but there is a crowd in Heaven cheering us on. We don’t give up, we don’t give in, we keep fighting for right because the end result is going to be amazing and beyond belief. We will get to join our cheering squad in Heaven…what a glorious day that will be!

The Right Response

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

I was the student in school who raised my hand only when I knew my answer was right, and when I answered, I expected an immediate reply from the teacher that I was right. That immediate kudo that I got was my reward for the right answer. When we repent, turning away from our old life and towards a new one with God, we don’t get an immediate oral response from God as our reward. Instead, what we receive is so much better…it’s a peace that I cannot explain, a feeling of relief that a big burden is gone, and a total feeling of acceptance in a way that you have never been accepted before. Your reward is also a promise of a future spent in eternity with your Creator. So, don’t be afraid to raise your hands toward Heaven and confess your sins to God and your belief in His plan of salvation. The reward is eternal; the consequences of not answering His call to repentance are eternity without Him and separation from God forever. That’s a high price to pay just because you won’t raise your hand. You already know your answer is the right one if you are ready to repent. So, don’t wait…today is the day of your salvation and the beginning of a new life with the Lord!

The Beginning of Our Journey

God has been working within history for thousands of years. His redemptive plan has culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. All of God’s promises in the Old Testament find their fulfillment in Jesus. 

The book of Acts, which details the life of the early church, contains many long speeches which cover the historical timeline of God’s redemptive activity. Acts 3 is one of those speeches, given by Peter to a group of Israelites. Peter’s speech not only includes historical details, but also a right response to all of this information.

The right response to hearing about what God has done throughout history is to repent and believe in Jesus. When we learn of all that God has done for us, it’s only fitting that we should turn our lives back to Him.

Repentance is when we recognize the truth and we turn towards it. Usually it involves turning away from our own way of life and turning towards God’s way. Repentance is the beginning of our faith journey.

When we repent, God forgives us. We no longer live according to our past mistakes and offenses. Rather, God gives us a new life that is forgiven of those things.

This is why Peter says that times of refreshing follow repentance. Repentance leads to rebirth. We are made into a new creation. We are empowered to walk in the newness of life with God. After beginning this journey with Jesus, we continue it by the power of the Holy Spirit.

If you haven’t started that journey, begin today by repenting of your sins and turning back to God. He is faithful to forgive you. Pray for Him to guide your life. Continue to read about God’s ways in Scripture so you can grow in your knowledge of Him.

Weary of the Battle

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/1201/day/1

I confess that there are days when I just want to stay in bed, pull the covers up over my head and snuggle down, just ignoring my responsibilities and what is going on in the world. I don’t turn on the news because it’s not new and it’s rarely fair, balanced and accurate. I don’t listen to podcasters spouting their interpretation of the news, for the same reason. However, I live with a man who listens to all news, all the time and who reports to me gleefully and repeatedly throughout the day about what he heard and how he interprets it. The world is broken. The news is mostly a lie. And my husband is annoying, but I am holding on to the hope that one day God will make everything right. Does my breathing quicken and my heart speed up when my husband gives me his latest report? Unfortunately, yes, it does. Even when I tell him honestly that the news he is reporting is stressing me, he continues to report. After all, who else is going to listen to his 16 hour a day broadcast? So, I continue to fight the battle of the war of what is right (patience with my husband’s enthusiasm for the news) and what is wrong (losing my temper and telling him to go away). This is one example of a spiritual battle that I fight daily, but there are many others. Satan would love to destroy our marriage of fifty one years with constant disagreements like this one. But we have made a commitment to love each other, which means putting up with the differences we have and forgiving each other when an offense occurs. It must make Satan cringe when we go to bed together again each evening, not angry and not ready to “throw in the towel” on our relationship. The battle is real…but so is God. And since I know that God wins in the end, I will just keep fighting on His team, with the faith and assurance that this earthly battle will not last forever. (And praying that there are no newscasts in Heaven, of course.)