Jesus came to suffer and die, willingly. His attitude was one of submission to the Father and acceptance of the sacrifice He had to make for us. He didn’t whine, moan or threaten. He just knelt in the Garden and prayed.
Saturday Musings
Category: Scripture
From the Holy Bible
True Freedom
Our freedom comes from the Lord, so we need to make sure that we appreciate it instead of abusing it. Lately, there have been a lot of news stories about people who are maligning Charlie Kirk and ridiculing his death. Some have been fired from their jobs over what they have said publicly or posted online. I am not sure how I feel about that.
First, I think that they are heartless and unfeeling, with a conscience seared that does not tell them right from wrong. Second, I think that they are not aware of how harsh their words sound to the family and loved ones of Charlie, nor do I think that they are concerned about it. Most importantly, I think that they need to be saved and find the same freedom I have, a freedom that reins me in when I am about to hurt someone else. After all, life is made up of relationships, vertically with God and horizontally with mankind. These people who are saying Charlie got what he deserved don’t want to get what they deserve. None of us does. But still, they set themselves up as judge and jury and condemn Charlie for his words, words that spread hope and truth, that spoke light into a dark world.
When you are offended by the light, it is because you prefer the darkness. But should you lose your job for your narrow-mindedness or ignorance? I want to say, “Yes, definitely! They should never say such things!” But where does it stop? This is a slippery slope that perhaps we don’t want to start down. Suppose the liberals are in charge (which realistically they will be again), then do they get to make sure people of faith lose their jobs because they post “offensive” scriptures online or say something that condemns sin?
I am not saying that these people were right in what they said. I am saying that they have the right to say it and then can suffer the consequences, if any, of those who are in their community. No consequences doesn’t mean it was right. It is just a sign loudly proclaiming how far from human decency and love for our fellow humans we have fallen as a society.
“I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” ~Evelyn Beatrice Hall (biographer of Voltaire)
I think that I believe what this quotation says. You can say what you want but know that words have consequences that may lead to being ostracized by civil society.
All of that being said, I am not a fan of such hard-hearted people teaching impressionable children. If they can keep their opinions to themselves, that is one thing, but to spew vitriol in front of a captive audience of children, that is where I would draw the line. Posting online…harmful, but someone has to read it to be affected by it. However, standing in front of a classroom and saying that Charlie Kirk deserved to die…I would take a hard line on that and suspend the offender at the very least.
I am in favor of free speech, but as I used to tell my students (the ones who insisted that they could talk when I was trying to teach), their freedom ended where mine began. There was a definite line there called courtesy and respect, and I explained it to my students. If they wanted me to listen to them when they didn’t understand, then they needed to listen to me as I tried to explain the new material to them. Did these people cross the line of respect, courtesy and dignity owed to a fellow human? Yes, but they are willfully ignorant of the Judge who will one day hold them accountable for all of their posts, tweets and other online rants.
We all have choices every day about what to say and what to keep silent about. Jesus didn’t go around condemning all that he saw. Instead, He offered an alternative of peace, love and joy in following Him. We need pray for these offensive hate-mongers, that God will deal with their hearts. Then they will truly have freedom and we won’t have to be worried about the next foolish thing they will say.
Finally, I would not fire the offenders unless they are spreading their propaganda in front of a classroom. Those with sway over our children and grandchildren should be held to the highest standard. Hollywood doesn’t like Charlie and they’re glad he died? Dont’ buy tickets to their films or pay to stream their shows. The wallet is what talks to such insensitive people. Censoring them gives them a platform to spew more hatred into a very sad situation.
Deep condolences to Erika Kirk, her children and other family members. I pray that she will listen to God’ voice and not to the voices of the haters and deniers.
Closing with scriptures and praying that you understood my point today, whether you agree with me or not.
The Boot and the Attitude
Well, yesterday I saw the specialist at Ortho VA and he provided me with new footwear.
He told me that I do have a broken bone in my left foot, one that starts under my small toe and extends to the underside of my foot. Having discussed all of my medical conditions, he forthrightly told me that he would put me in a boot for the next five weeks or so and hope that it heals. But he also told me that since I cannot take extra Vitamin D and calcium (due to my kidney), he doesn’t think that will happen. The next step is to have surgery and insert a screw. Again, he said it probably would not heal because I just don’t have a lot of bone to work with. At that point, I think he was waiting for me to start crying or get really upset because he looked at me perplexed and asked if I understood.
I told him that I did understand and I knew that my body has a lot of problems. I also joked that my warranty ran out and God isn’t renewing it until I come to live with Him. He told me I had a good attitude and was happy to work with me to find a solution for my foot problem. I followed up by telling him that I wasn’t too concerned since I personally know the Great Physician. His entire face smiled and he said that was why I could have such a good attitude.
I must confess that I am not generally “Merry Sunshine” who looks for all of the good things wrapped up tightly in the bad. But I am realistic and know what my body has been through and what God has already done for me. Thus, I am wearing this wonderfully heavy boot, using a walker to steady myself and believing that God can do the work in me that man says is impossible.
If you have not read or do not follow Grace Fox, I encourage you to do so. She is the sweetest Christian lady, lives on a boat with her husband and travels for missions trips a lot. She also writes some wonderful devotionals. The latest one is on the names of God.
In closing, I appreciate your prayers, but I feel that I must assure you that God is in control and I know it. No matter what happens. If He heals me, to God be the glory. But if He doesn’t, to God be the glory! May He continue to use me to show people a good attitude and thankfulness. In a world filled with darkness, I want to be a light.
Worry-Planning
I am not the originator of this phrase, but I think that I have been doing it all my life. It actually came from one of the devotionals that I receive in my email each day and this phrase stuck to me like glue on paper. I confess that I am a “worry planner.” I think of all of the what if situations that I can and try to plan for them, just in case. Yes, I am a Christian, and yes, I believe in God’s sovereignty and control, but when it comes to laying things down at the cross, I confess that I fail miserably.
I was looking out the window this morning at a hummingbird at its feeder and thought to myself that soon the hummingbirds will be gone and the cold will come. Now, think about that. I didn’t ponder the beauty and wonder of the hummingbird. I started thinking about preparing for the cold months to come. That is the worry-planner in me. God’s Spirit spoke clearly to my heart and told me to slow down and enjoy what is right in front of me instead of being so concerned about what is coming. Talk about a slap of reality and a good old dose of the Spirit getting my attention!
I realized that I want control. I say that I let God have control, but in many ways, I really don’t. Because I plan for every eventuality (to the best of my limited capability) and get frustrated when life interrupts my plans. God is telling me just to let go and enjoy the present. I don’t know what will happen next, but I do know that if it’s from God, it will be good for me in the end. So, pray for me as I am in a season of learning to let go, lay things down at the altar and unclasping my firmly grasping hands so that God can truly be in control. I don’t want to be a worry-planner anymore. I want to be a faith-filled, confident child of God. That will take some real doing on my part, but God is able to build this part of me just as He has built others. He knocks down walls and then builds from scratch what I could never build on my own. So again, prayers appreciated.
My husband and I have a big event happening next Sunday. No, not an anniversary or anything like that. Our granddaughter Teya is coming to live with us while she pursues her Master’s degree. We are the closest relative to her new college, so when we were asked if she could live with us and commute there every other weekend for her in-person classes, we readily agreed. This week, in the midst of illness, problems walking and regular life challenges, it hit both of us that we have not had anyone live with us long-term since our youngest moved out about twenty years ago. The plan is for Teya to be here for about two years. But, I am holding that plan with an open hand, knowing God is in the midst of this plan and He has His own plans for Teya and her future. In the meantime, pray for us to be helpful and loving grandparents to an adult granddaughter who is steadfastly devoted to Christ and will undoubtedly be a blessing to us. I wish I could say I did not worry-plan for this event, but I did and now I have let it go. My bum foot won’t let me clean and prepare for the visit, so my husband has cleaned out the closet for her and is getting things ready for her arrival. I am letting go and letting God tell me what He wants me to do with my limited mobility right now. God is good and He doesn’t want me to worry-plan anymore, so this is the first thing I am letting go of. I hope it lasts and that I don’t grab it back as Sunday approaches. Again, prayers, appreciated.
God’s Riches and Our Blessings
Bottomless Riches (YouVersion Daily Refresh, 9-14-25)
Writing from prison to the believers in Philippi, the apostle Paul divulged that he’d learned the secret to being content—no matter the situation.
Because of the faithfulness of God and the generosity of the Philippians, Paul’s needs had been met—even while in jail. He went on to say:
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 NLTWhat an incredible perspective from captivity, where Paul was placed for spreading the truth about Jesus.
God had given Paul peace, his friends had sent supplies, and Paul’s joy was unapologetically obvious—despite his imperfect circumstances.
Paul knew that the same God who was taking care of Him would also take care of his friends. He knew that, because Jesus had already made a way, they could access the storehouses of heaven. He knew that, because of God’s generous character, they were covered in His grace.
Have you ever considered what a treasure trove of riches God has? And it’s not just what He has, but also who He is. God’s glorious riches, never-ending resources, and both visible and invisible qualities are limitless, bottomless, boundless, and inexhaustible.
Think about that for a moment.
The amazing thing is—He’s granted us access.In His kindness, God fashioned raspberries and puppies. In His brilliance, He crafted the human eye and hung the earth on nothing. By His creativity, He made hammerhead sharks and sparkling fireflies. By His power, He designed galaxies that even the smartest of scientists are just now discovering.
The same God who cares for His creation will also provide for you.
When we become His children, we are given the key to eternal riches, to incorruptible goods, and to traits of His Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Do you need peace? You have a God who gives peace. Do you need provision? You have a God who offers provision. Do you need rest? You have a God who extends rest.
The ways in which God shows up are literally countless, and it’s all because of His gloriously limitless riches.
My Thoughts
When I started my devotional this morning, I was ready to throw a big pity party. After all, I am dealing with Flu A, a sinus infection, breathing treatments for asthma and a possibly broken foot that is swollen and painful to walk on. Then, I read the devotional and was reminded of all that I have available to me if I just take my eyes off the problems. So, re-routing, as my GPS says.
Now, I am thinking only about God and all He has done for me and will do for me. I need healing, yes, but more than that, after this tumultuous and tragic news week, I need peace. I need peace deep down in my heart, a peace that only comes from God. As I continue to read and meditate in His Word today, I fully expect Him to show up and speak peace to me because that is who He is and what He does.
My life isn’t perfect and I have challenges. But who doesn’t? God reminded me just now that I am not a new widow with two small children whose husband was murdered by a heartless man. He spoke to me that I can be still in His presence and receive His peace. I cannot go to church because I am coughing so much, but I can have church at home, worshipping the Lord and giving Him the honor He is due, not because of what He does for me, but because of who He is, all the time, for everyone in the world.
I look outside and see hummingbirds, probably the last week or so they will be here this season. Isn’t it remarkable that this is the first time for the baby hummingbirds to migrate, and yet they know just what to do and where to go? Why? Because as small as they are, God provides for them, just as He does for each of us.
I’m a mess, but God isn’t. He is good all the time, even in the middle of my mess and when I am pouting because I am ill again. I’m over it, by the way. I’m ready to take on the challenges that the day presents, with my face turned toward my Creator who is healing me, in His time and because He loves me, not because I demand or deserve it.
God bless you all “real good” as our South Carolina pastor used to say every Sunday.
Behind You
I have read this verse over and over during devotionals. I have meditated on it and I kept coming back to the same question. Why is the voice behind me? After all, in the well-known “Footprints” poem, Jesus picks up the person hurting and carries them. I finally got an answer to my question today, and I am amazed that it took me this long to discover it.
If God is walking in front of us, we are following exactly where He leads, like the Israelites in the desert. All we have to do is stay on the right path and follow. But if He is behind us and speaking to us, that requires two things: being attuned enough to God to hear His voice and stepping out in faith.
I am perfectly happy having God behind me now. Not only is He my rearguard, He is also leading me in the way I should go if I will only listen and obey with faith in His master plan.
Let Jesus Live Through You
Live Prepared (You Version Daily Refresh, 9-12-25)
Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors.
But does your list include you?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to…
“…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 NIVWe can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded unless we are also observing His commands ourselves.
Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our own money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.
When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His love, joy, and hope to transform you. As this happens, your life becomes an act of worship that reveals His hope within you.
When you live like Jesus, people are drawn to Jesus in you.
As you worship Jesus with your life, you will be able to honestly say that Christ in you is your hope and glory—and people will believe it because they see the evidence.
They might not like who you are or agree with what you believe, but they won’t be able to find a logical reason to hate you when your life is centered around loving people the way Jesus loved you.
So as you go about each day, aim to live with gentleness and respect toward everyone. And let Jesus’ joy, love, and hope permeate your heart, mind, and relationships.
My Thoughts
Honestly, I am still reeling from the loss of Charlie Kirk. One meme I found online brought tears to my eyes and a new purpose to my heart. It said that one of our Lions was shot down, but the purpose of the enemy, to scatter us and make us unable to function with faith, has been thwarted because the pride has awakened to a new vision of fulfilling Charlie’s mission. So, we do have to be prepared, at all times, to share the hope within us. We don’t know who the next raging, hate-filled person will be, but they are out there, sent by the enemy of our souls to discourage and frighten us not to share the gospel. If we are not prepared and we do not share, then they win, and we know, we know from the Bible and from everything that God has spoken into our hearts, that we win! Charlie is with the Father and we grieve his loss, but we need to be prepared to lift the banner that fell the day that coward shot him down and carry it into a world that is lost and dying.
A Troubled Nation
We all learned division in elementary school, and we found out that it was hard and sometimes tedious. Our nation is divided along political and religious beliefs. And it’s hard and frightening. The era of civil discourse has ended and we are entering an era of violence against those with whom you disagree. If you don’t believe me, check out Blue Sky, an app for liberals that is calling for murdering Republicans. What did Charlie Kirk do to make someone want to kill him? We don’t know yet because the killer(s) have not been caught yet. But there is plenty of speculation about the assassination being politically motivated. In my opinion, that is probably accurate, but I think that the murder goes beyond that and reveals the heart and soul of America right now.
Years ago, I can’t even remember when it ended, the proper way to respond to those with whom you disagreed was to just walk away, knowing that you had agreed to disagree. You would continue with your opinion and they would continue with theirs. Nowadays, though, the evil minds of a few are vocally calling for violence when the other side does not agree with them. The issues are as numerous as the people who propagate them, but the ones that immediately come to mind are abortion, transgender rights, and illegal immigration. Those of us on the right say abortion is murder, there are only two genders and illegal immigration is, well, illegal, so those who crossed the border illegally should return to their homeland, or at least come across the border the right way. Charlie Kirk was a conservative Christian who would debate anyone about his views, not in a manner of “in your face” and “I know you’re wrong and I will prove it.” No, he reasoned with the people who confronted him and some listened and even changed their beliefs while others were angry that he was expounding on those beliefs. May we be mindful to respect the opinions of others and to disagree with love, not with hatred.
What will be the outcome of yesterday’s murder of a young family man who loved his God, his family and his nation? We don’t know, but we can be certain that things will change. The god of this world is alive and active and dedicated to destroying the truth. As Christians, we need to be ready to stand up for our beliefs and not to back down.
I subscribe to a Substack blog called Coffee and Covid. Here is today’s post that spoke to my heart about what is happening these days and prompted me to write this post.
I will close with a photo and a scripture verse that brought me comfort and peace yesterday.
Charlie’s wife and two small children need our prayers. Our nation needs our prayers. Our leaders need our prayers. And our “enemies” need our prayers. I am comforted by the fact that God is still on His throne and although the enemy might have won this skirmish, the victory belongs to the Lord! Pray for our nation on this anniversary of 9-11. May we never forget the unity at that time and may the memory of all who sacrificed their lives on that day ever keep us true to our faith, our family and our nation.
The True Reality
Look Up (YouVersion Daily Refresh, 9-10-25)
It’s normal—and even understandable—to spend our time, energy, and attention focusing on the here and now. We’re busy, after all. We’re preoccupied. And when we stop to really think about it, it’s difficult to perceive something that’s beyond our five senses.
But in his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages his fellow believers to look up:
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”
Colossians 3:1 NLTSo, as you think about Paul’s words and the realities of heaven, here are four things to consider:
– First, heaven isn’t some vague, dream-like state. It’s a real place, with real people, where God is the true King.
– Second, there will come a day when we will all meet God face to face. We will no longer need faith or hope, because that which we’ve hoped for will finally be revealed.
– Third, our troubles and our heartbreaks (and even death itself) are temporary! Scripture tells us that, eventually, God will do away with pain and death and sickness and suffering—forever.
– Lastly (and most importantly), God is still on His throne, with Jesus beside Him in the place of honor. No matter how crazy, senseless, or heartbreaking the world can seem, we can have confidence knowing that nothing is outside of God’s sovereign plan.
So when you’re tempted to look around at others or look inward at yourself, look up instead. Heaven is wherever God is, and that’s the truest reality of all.
My Thoughts
It’s hard to keep our focus on heaven and God, and sometimes are harder than others. I have found, however, that the more I focus on the things of God, the less the reality of earth and all of its problems bother me. Yes, I may have a broken foot. I will find out next week when I go to the specialist. Yes, it hurts, but when my focus is on God, I think instead of all of the others in the world who are hurting so much more than I am. I don’t have all that I want in life, but I do have all that I need. And for that I am thankful. I am counting my blessings even when it’s somewhat easier and more apparent to count my troubles. God is the King of heaven and one day I will be with Him forever. All of these health issues and financial strain will no longer matter. They are all temporary, but life with God is forever. So, as I struggle with challenges in my daily life, I choose to look up and know that this is not my real home. It’s my temporary abode until God calls me home. Won’t you look up with me today?
Traveling Mercies
This year has been one of a great deal of travel for me and my family members. Our grandson went to Japan while our granddaughter went to Ireland and then on a cruise around the Greek Isles. Our son went on a business trip to Germany. The trips my husband and I made this year were not as distant, but there were a lot of them. Starting with four graduations in May, we stayed on the road for almost three weeks that month. It seemed that we barely got home when we packed the car again and headed to Myrtle Beach, SC, to see my brother and his family who had flown in from Colorado. Returning from that trip, we spent a few weeks at home, then headed out to Maryland to see our son and his family. And this past weekend was our last trip of the summer. We went to Williamsburg to the Great Wolf Lodge to spend the weekend with our other son and his family. I would not trade any of those hours in the car for anything since my husband and I both got so much pleasure from seeing our children and grandchildren.
One of the things that I purposed to do this year is memorize more scripture verses. One of those became like my mantra for the year.
There was a lot of going out and coming in this year for ourselves and our children and grandchildren. They are still on the move, with one in college at Liberty, one actively seeing employment and one employed and traveling for work. This Psalm has been on my lips as a prayer for us and for our family members as they travel. The promise of traveling mercies is real. Harry and I put a lot of miles on these old bodies this year, and God was with us the whole way, just as He promised. Did unexpected things happen while we traveled? Of course, but nothing that God could not help us handle. When God promises, you can count on His acting on your behalf!
How about you? Did you go anywhere special? Did you pray before, during and after your trip for the traveling mercies that God provides?
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 