Category: Scripture

From the Holy Bible

Worry

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

I was raised in a family of worriers. And I don’t mean a little bit of worry. I mean that every day started with worry about how that day would go and every day ended with worry about how the next day would be. Thus, I come by my inclination naturally. But God…

Does worrying help matters? No, but prayer does. Worship does. Reading His Word does.

The power, love and self-control all come from God. We control what we think about, what our focus is. We can focus on the things that are seeming to overwhelm us or we can focus on God who is greater than all of our problems.

I am believing that no matter what I go through, God is holding onto me. He is helping me even as I walk forward into uncertainty. The only certain thing about my future right now is God is there already and knows all. He isn’t wringing His hands and saying, “Oh, my, what will I do?” And neither am I. I am too busy holding tightly to God who knows all things and works for my good always in all ways.

I handle my anxiety by telling God what I am anxious about and why I think I feel worried about it. Then, I sit in silent contemplation and wait. Sometimes, I am humming or thinking of a song that comforts me and suddenly, I feel peace. I wish I could explain it, but that is how it happens. Where anxiety was threatening to drown me, suddenly there is calm and peace, like Jesus speaking to the storm, “Peace, be still.” The storm may still be raging all around me but the calm is in my heart.

I started today anxious about my medical test and then I started my devotional. God spoke to me in multiple scriptures not to fear, to trust and ultimately to remember all He has already done for me which brought me to praise. I don’t know how the test will go or what will happen during or after. But I do know that God who has always been faithful will continue to be with me and see me through it. I just want to be a good witness for Him.

No matter what I encounter today, I want to speak life and praise to others. I don’t know what kind of day they may be having, but I know the kind of God I serve and He is able!

Always With Us

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

God Is With You (Daily Refresh, 10-26-26)

Have you ever asked God, “Where are you?”

Some days it can feel like you’re walking alone through life. It can seem like God is not present or with you. Or maybe it feels like He has deserted you in a difficult time.

The nation of Israel experienced many moments like this. They cried out to God in the midst of pain and exile. They were honest in their prayers to God—they told Him exactly how they felt in the midst of hardship.

In turn, God spoke to them through the prophets. He spoke words of comfort and hope. He reminded them of His promises, and that His character never changes.

While it can sometimes seem like God deserts us, we know from His promises that He is always with us. Through life’s loneliest times or most difficult seasons, God is right next to us. He walks through every season of life by our side. 

Not only is He with us, but He also promises to strengthen us and help us in times of difficulty. When we feel like we’ve run out of strength to continue, God will provide His strength for us.

God will provide the help we need to keep living in His will. He doesn’t promise to give us strength to do whatever we want, but rather—He gives us courage and empowerment to continue walking according to His plans for our life.

So, in seasons of hardship when we feel like we’ve run empty, we should lean into God’s promises and trust Him. We should trust that He will empower us and strengthen us for whatever we’re facing.

Take some time today to pray to God. If He feels distant, ask Him to be close to you. If you feel weak, ask Him to strengthen you. He promises to uphold you, so trust in His promises. Continue to build a relationship with God and seek His presence. As you do, you’ll find a renewed strength as you walk through life with Him.

My Thoughts

I’m not going to lie. I have been feeling discouraged and afraid lately. It just seems as though one thing after another has been going wrong. Congestive heart failure…okay, dealing with it, the restrictions and the fatigue I feel at times. Kidney disease…also dealing with it. I need enough water every day for my kidney but not so much that fluid builds more around my heart. Then, I started having difficulty swallowing. Mostly my pills, but sometimes I just choke on regular food. I saw a GI and they prescribed a barium swallow test that I am doing this Wednesday. My mind says “okay” but my spirit says, “Another test? What will it prove or end up doing for me?” I think seventy five is a good age, but I am tired of medical issues, tests that aren’t definitive or that have no real answer. There is no cure for CHF. There is no cure for a kidney that is failing. And I have been feeling a little hopeless about the whole dsyphagia thing too. Then God reminded me today in my devotional that I am not to fear. He hasn’t left me and He isn’t going to. Whatever tests the doctors recommend, I will submit to and then expect God to take care of me. Medical science is great but they didn’t make me the way I am and they cannot fix me. But God can. And He might. Or He might walk me through the valley, speaking words of encouragement to me all along the way.

Daisy, our cat, is improving slowly. She is still very ill and mostly stays on the spare bed, sleeping and waking up to eat and sometimes to go to the litter box. She only ventured out of the room once but went right back there again, I think it must feel like a safe space to her. When she first started feeling bad last week, she was hiding from us. Since she had never done that before, I knew something was wrong. She didn’t eat or drink for over two days, so we took her to the urgent care for pet place. After medication for her UTI with potassium for her weak heart, she has begun to stay awake longer and is more alert. She isn’t herself playful, annoying self yet, but I am hoping she will get there. It just seemed as though Daisy getting sick was the last straw, I was somewhat handling all of my medical issues but then Daisy got ill and I lost it. I told God that I just couldn’t take one more thing and His reply to me was that He was with me for all of the one more things I would need to go through. So, I released Daisy to His care and she started to improve.

Little sleep, lots of problems, but a God who is there in the middle of the night and during the long days, too. I want everything to work out and get better. I know my husband is exhausted from taking me to specialists every week. Today I see my pulmonologist, for example, since my heart problem started with my lungs. I don’t know if it’s possible for things to get better, but I know that even if they don’t God will be there, holding on to me as I hold on to Him. He has a plan and He is working it. I just pray that I don’t hinder His plan for me.

Worship Sunday

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Before I write this post, I must say that I don’t feel much like worshiping, but I am determined not to go by my feelings that are led by circumstances. Daisy has not used the bathroom since Friday when she left the vet. I don’t think that is a good sign at all. She looked at me with such sad eyes when I went to give her the meds she is taking. I petted and talked gently to her and she just lay back down. I talked to the Father and asked Him to gently take her home if it is her time. So, worship. I am going to do it anyway, not because of how I feel but because of who He is.

Worship the Lord-Ron Kenoly

Life is in the Blood

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Harry and I found out the hard way yesterday how precious and costly blood is. We had to take our cat Daisy to the Urgent Care Vet because she was lethargic, falling over, and hadn’t eaten or drunk water for two days. We found out that she has a heart murmur, congestive heart failure (just like me) and is severely anemic. They gave her antibiotics for her UTI and told us to give her plenty of protein meals to build up her blood naturally since we cannot afford a transfusion that is recommended. Do you know how much a transfusion for a cat costs? Between $4000-$6000. Yes, you read that right. Why so expensive you may be thinking? Well, the Red Cross, for example collects blood for hospitals and sends out an SOS if they are short of a particular blood type. This blood is for people. There are no blood banks for kitties, so finding blood for them is difficult and costly. I never thought of the cost of blood, did you?

God knew and told us way back in the book of Leviticus that blood is precious. It is what paid atonement on the altar, the blood of animals in Old Testament times.

Then God made a new covenant, but the price of atonement remained the same—blood. The blood of Jesus that frees us from sin and opens the door for a new relationship with the Father. And what did we pay for Jesus’s blood sacrifice? Nothing. Jesus paid it all.

We get to have fellowship with God and with one another because of the price Jesus paid for us. Our responsibility is to confess our sins and repent. Much easier than dying on the cross, right?

Although Harry and I had no idea how much a transfusion for Daisy would cost before yesterday, now we know. It just points out to me how wise and knowledgeable God is since He knew all along. In spite of the cost, He sent His Only Son to shed His blood for us. There is no bill for us to pay, nothing charged against our account because Jesus paid it all.

For those of you curious about Daisy, she is doing better today. She is still very tired from yesterday’s visit and all of the tests, the IV, and just the stress of being at a vet. So she has rested a lot today. I was concerned about her taking her meds since she is “spicy” as the vet says and does not willingly open her mouth for anyone. Doing as the vet suggested, we got the wet cat food that she likes (anything with fish) and I added the liquid medicine and mixed it together this morning. She ate it and then went back to sleep. We are praying that she will be okay, but we both know that she is considered a senior cat at ten plus years, and just like us, she isn’t promised to live forever on the earth. We are grateful for the time we have had with her and pray that she will continue to improve and live a healthy life until she passes away.

One of my favorite photos of Daisy is when she decided to make herself comfortable under our Christmas tree. This photo was taken two years ago, but once we get the tree out again, she will find her favorite spot and settle in to nap.

Power in the Blood-Lydia Walker

Ads, Bumper Stickers and Jesus

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

You are watching a show and timing your bathroom break for when the commercial comes on. Or at least that is how things used to work before we could fast forward through the commercials. But, then, a commercial would come on for a new product that I am interested in and I would stay to watch it and then cross my legs as I waited for the next commercial. What was the draw that would keep me watching? I don’t recall but I do remember watching commercials and then waiting to go to the bathroom.

Another scenario is that you are driving down the road and see a car with a bumper sticker that makes you look twice to see if you read it right the first time. Then you might think I that would be a good one for you to have. Here are some examples of those.

So, what is my point with this blog? It is that Jesus doesn’t have a marketing department like the commercials on TV or a cutesy saying like the bumper stickers that get your attention. What He has is us to tell others about Him. To get other people to stop and think about their eternal destination. What are words that we use when we share about Jesus? After all, we probably only have a few minutes to share something that could make a difference for the rest of their lives. (Note that they may stay and listen longer but probably not. In my experience, once I mention God, they try to change the subject or turn away from me.) Anyway, that is why it is important to stay prayed up and ready to share, at all times and for all reasons. A Bible is not always going to be in your hand for you to grab it and read from it. So, be prepared to share by having the Word in your heart. Sharing your testimony is a good start if you have time to do that before they walk away. I have been thinking of what I would say that would be short and to the point. Something like: “I don’t fear death because God promised me a beautiful tomorrow.” You get the idea, right? I am just saying what the Bible tells us, to always be ready to share. We aren’t a commercial with an obnoxious salesman, flashing lights and a catchy song. We aren’t a bumper sticker that makes people want to get one like that. We are the ambassadors of the King of the Universe, so we should always be ready to attract others to Jesus so that they want to know more, to maybe sit with us and discuss it or to take another look at what Christianity really means.

Remain Faithful

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Remembered by God (Daily Refresh, 10-20-26)

People may forget your good deeds, but God never will.

Maybe they never said thank you. 
Maybe they never publicly honored your service. 
Maybe they never remember what you did… 

People may forget our good deeds, but God never will.

Sometimes, we may wonder if our good deeds matter or will ever be acknowledged. Hebrews 6:10 reassures us that the God who blesses a faithful life will never forget our acts of kindness and service.

Think of it this way: God has a perfect memory, and He sees, knows, and remembers every act of obedience done in His name—even if the world labels it a failure or considers you a fool. Your just and faithful God is taking note, and He will reward you. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10 NIV

So, when you’re tempted to think your efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated. When you feel forgotten or overlooked. When you’re tempted to think that what you contribute doesn’t matter, remember and hold on to the promise of Hebrews 6:10. Because God won’t forget your kindness, your faithfulness, and your service. 

People may forget your good deeds, but God—He never will.

My Thoughts

I am remembering the ten lepers who were healed and only one came back to thank the Lord Jesus. Did Jesus throw in the towel and say that He was done healing and ministering to people? No, of course not! He set the example for us to continue to be faithful. We may never get recognition on this side of heaven, but we can rest assured that God is watching and remembers all that we do, even the most insignificant acts of kindness or love. Whatever we do as Jesus’s faithful followers, God will recall and there will be a reward one day. But, you know what? Even if there were no future reward, crowns or otherwise, we should continue to be faithful. God always is and we should always pursue excellence in our walk with Him. He doesn’t turn away from us, nor should we turn away from others who need an act of kindness just to keep going. Sometimes the kindness we show may be the only kind act that they will ever see. You just never know. In our faithfulness, we are showing that we notice, we see, we care and we want to help others just as Jesus helps us through each day. Sometimes being faithful requires a bigger sacrifice than at other times. Sometimes, the sacrifice is financial, other times it is your time or your energy. Whatever is required, just keep in mind that Jesus gave all that we might give some to others. How much is a soul worth? One leper returned and received eternal life from the Savior who healed Him. Don’t wait for thanks here on earth; just listen for the approving voice and never-ending smile of the Father who is always watching.

Seeing God in Creation

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

I receive various newsletters from participants on Substack and one of them is M. Wiley Wilson. Today I am sharing one of his posts that really spoke to me because I am housebound most of the time. Walking anywhere is difficult for me, especially on uneven ground in the yard. So it is important to be to have windows nearby to see the wonder of God’s world, or at least a small glimpse of it. I hope that you enjoy this post. Please let me know what you think.

Michael Wilson. Substack Creation

It’s Sunday!

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

A reminder to rest. Don’t let Sunday become your day for chores or errands. Remember that your mind, body and spirit need to rest.

A blessing for you from God’s Word:

And a prayer for you to carry throughout the day:

Have a blessed, peaceful and joy-filled Sunday!

The Blind Can See

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

When Jesus walked the earth and began his ministry here, one of the things that He did that showed people His power was to heal the blind.

Those who were healed believed in His power to heal even though many did not know that He was the Son of God. They accepted that He must get His power from Heaven because who else could bring sight to the blind?

Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders when He said this. They were not blind physically but spiritually. They arrogantly thought that they had all of the answers and Jesus in this one statement shows them how ignorant they actually are. Of course, these same leaders were part of the crowd who plotted against Jesus since they didn’t like being “called out” like that even though it was truth.

There are many today who are blind because of illnesses or defects or diseases. My sister has macular degeneration and has lost much of her eyesight. I pray for her to keep her sight as long as possible, but more than that, I pray for her spiritual eyes to be opened. She asks me to pray for her when things are going wrong for her, but she also claims not to believe in God, heaven or hell. Her spiritual eyes have been blinded, much like the Pharisees who ridiculed Jesus.

How many people in your life are spiritually blind? Before you can reach them with the gospel message, there needs to be a falling away of the scales from their spiritual eyes. God needs to prepare their hearts to hear and receive, and I think that comes with prayer. Does that mean that this is an impossible task? God says nothing is impossible with Him. So, I continue to pray for those who are blinded that they may see the truth. It is only when we realize that we are blind that we want help and that is how they are, too. They are so blinded that they don’t realize it and thus they remain in their sin. As believers, it is up to us not just to share the good news but also to pray that the hearts of the people with whom we share will be prepared to hear, understand and accept the truth. The blind can see, but we are the only ones who can help them to do so.

Near to God

On By vickleaIn Scripture5 Comments

On more than one occasion I have had friends and people I barely know ask me how I am still standing and able to praise God after all the challenges life has thrown at me. That generally brings to mind Job’s wife who counseled him with the unwise words to just curse God and die. (Job 2:9) Instead of turning away from God, my challenges have pushed me closer to Him. There is no place I would rather be when the doctors give me more “bad news” than pressing into God so that I know that He knows exactly how I am feeling and that I need Him.

I am not special, but like many of you, I am a walking testimony to God’s grace. I was born again in my 20’s, also got married a few months later and began my adventure of military moves. God was with me in each new place. I shared in yesterday’s post about not liking change. Twenty-five military moves with different bases and different houses didn’t change my mind on that but rather cemented it. Nevertheless, God provided jobs when I needed one, new friends in each new place and always a church to keep me centered. I was born with asthma and until the pregnancy with my third child, I had not suffered any symptoms since before my college days. With Steven, I was hospitalized several times because of extreme asthma episodes. But God brought me through and then we moved to Maine. I stayed sick a lot there, with pneumonia. I should say that my mother died shortly before we moved to Maine and that emotional stress didn’t help. Again, God comforted and helped me each time I was hospitalized. Fast forward to 2015 when I had a stroke. Again, God was right beside me as I struggled to talk (I could only stammer) and as I went through rehab to learn how to walk again. I’m not going to lie. It was hard but I literally felt God’s presence and His Spirit telling me that I could do it, whatever I needed to do. Three months after my stroke I was miraculously back in my classroom part time and ended the year as a full-time teacher again.

Life isn’t easy for anyone. The road has bumps, unexpected twists and some curves that come up fast with no warning. But God is in the driver’s seat and I have the attitude that I am along for the ride so I may as well trust Him and enjoy the ride. I am here today to declare that God saves, heals and uses wounded people who are not perfect. I am one of those and I am blessed to know that as I draw near to God, He draws near to me. Together, we make a formidable team and I bless His Name that I am still here to write this blog and tell you about His love, mercy and grace.

What has God done for you? Have you pressed in closer to Him as the days get more challenging? I have found that the way to be a survivor is to trust in God. He knows the past, the present and the future and He hasn’t changed His plan for your life. All He does is for our good always in all ways.