I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
Our world wants us to accept that there are many ways to God, but there is only one way and it is up to us to share that truth with others. We can run to Him and be comforted, but only when we accept with our whole hearts that He is the way to the Father. His sacrifice makes a relationship with the Father possible and our future secure.
Perseverance Brings a Harvest (Daily Refresh, 2-29-26)
Have you ever started something new, but gave up after a few tries? Maybe you tried to create a new morning routine or a Bible reading habit, only to give up after a few weeks. It can be hard to build enough discipline to start something new—or to change.
It can also be challenging to receive discipline from someone. Maybe you remember being disciplined as a kid by your parent. Or maybe you’ve faced discipline at work for a mistake you made.
In either case, discipline is hard and takes a lot of work.
Scripture says that for those who endure discipline, and persevere, there is a harvest of righteousness and peace waiting for them. However, it doesn’t happen easily and often makes us uncomfortable. We have to be trained through discipline to create godly habits that will then produce righteousness and peace in our lives.
Take some time today to consider: Where can you allow the Holy Spirit to build discipline in your life? What daily habits should you begin working on today?
Building discipline into your life is worth it—with the results being peace and a desire for righteousness.
My Thoughts
I am thankful that the Lord loves me enough to discipline me. I recall disciplining my children who are now all adults with their own families. Discipline was not a “once and done” thing. It seemed that I was reminding them constantly of the rules and the consequences. Most of the time, I was alone, since my military husband was not at home but regularly deployed. I remember that sometimes I was so tired of the whole routine of disciplining, but I knew that it was training them for life, so I persisted.
I am thankful that the Lord never tires of disciplining me. He doesn’t just throw up His hands and say, “I give up! You are just not going to change!” Instead, He lovingly and consistently disciplines me, prodding me to go in the right direction and showing me when I got off the track and how to get back on it. God’s discipline is not always welcomed by me. I don’t always want to have to repent and apologize, but He wants me to be in a right relationship with Him, so His Spirit keeps prompting me to do the right thing. I don’t think that persevering in our discipline is a challenge or a chore for God as it seemed to me for me at times. His love for us is so great that from that abundance of love, He chooses to discipline us. I remember telling my children that I was disciplining them because I love them. It does my heart good to watch and hear my children tell their children the same thing. Discipline is love in action and it brings a harvest that we don’t even realize at the time.
My word to you today is to persevere. Choose to allow the Lord to discipline you and accept that we are sinners saved by grace. We aren’t perfect but we are a work in progress, and God loves us so much that He wants us to strive to be more like Him.
narrowpathministries.wordpress.com/2026/02/19/in-his-heavenly-presence/
As you read, I hope you will follow this blog. And be encouraged that this is not our real home.
ISBN-13:9780800746162
Publisher:Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:02/17/2026
Series:Hidden Bay , #3
Pages:352
Investigative journalist Cressida Dane arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father’s manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the “ghost ship” Specter’s Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind—Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.
County detective Braden Sanders is in Hidden Bay for one reason—to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge—driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter’s Bounty.
But more is brewing under the surface than they could ever imagine. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before the current sweeps away their future.
This novel captured me from the beginning scenes when the main character is on a boat in Hidden Bay and then almost immediately after disembarking, Cressida is attacked. The unexpected twists that began in the first chapter continued throughout the book as Cressida tries to unravel the mystery behind her father’s death while also investigating the threats she faces in Hidden Bay from unknown stalkers. The author does a masterful job of weaving a former government agent and now a local detective into the story as Braden has been surreptitiously recruited to protect Cressida while keeping his assignment a secret from her. While Cressida is busy trying to finish her father’s manuscript and doing research on a ghost ship that somehow plays into his story and his demise, Braden is also investigating and trying to figure out how all of the puzzle pieces fit together. This book is action-packed and addictive, with details that enrich the story with authenticity that immersed me deeper into the complexity of the storyline. Infused with spiritual truth as well as the lore of pirates and a sunken ship, this novel wove all of these intricate plot details into a tapestry that was intriguing and skillfully written. I honestly had difficulty putting this book down since the suspense was intense with head-spinning twists. With a multi-layered plot and the points of view of both main characters, this was a compelling story with relatable and dynamic characters as well as a unique story that kept me turning pages long into the night.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and two-time Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
2011 Carol Award Winner—The Camera Never Lies
2016 Carol Award Finalist—Submerged, (Mountain Cove, Love Inspired Suspense)
2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense double finalist—Buried, Backfire
2017 Daphne Finalist—Deception
2022 Daphne Finalist—Deadly Target
2022 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Winner—Deadly Target
2023 Holt Medallion finalist—Critical Alliance
2023 Christy Award Winner—Cold Light of Day
2024 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Winner—Cold Light of Day
2024 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Finalist—Shadows at Dusk
2024 Holt Medallion Finalist—Cold Light of Day
For additional information, check out the author’s website at https://elizabethgoddard.com/
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narrowpathministries.wordpress.com/2026/02/17/no-sanctuary-in-the-cities-church-sanctuary/
Please follow at the original post. If you think that persecution isn’t possible in the USA, think again!
Everyone who has a relationship with our Creator knows that it is easy to trust Him when the road is smooth, the view from the mountaintop is delightful and life is generally going well. But what about in the valley? The place where you feel alone, perhaps not sure that God is with you? That is where I have been for months now, but I am here to emphatically state that I will not let my feelings get in the way of my relationship with God and that includes continuing to trust Him.
Can I see the end of the battle with my health issues? No, but God knows. Can I understand why all of this is coming at me at once? No, but God knows. Do I want to go through all of this? Of course not, but I am willing to do what God allows to happen in my life so that I am in a stronger, more dependent relationship with Him.
None of the bad reports that I have gotten lately surprised God. He is not wringing His hands and saying, “Oh, my!” Or “Oh, dear, that’s too bad.” Or even, “I feel so bad for Vickie.” None of that is in God’s character. He is omnipotent, always. He is omnipresent, always. And, most importantly, He is always loving and merciful and I am believing that He will use all of this for a greater purpose. I don’t see a straight path out of this health dilemma, but this verse says clearly that God will make a path. The Creator of the Universe, the One who made me just the way I am, will make a path for me to follow, a clearly designated way up and out. Do I know how He will do that? No. But I trust Him and believe His Word and His promises. I hope that you will believe with me.
Is there anything happening in your life that I can pray for you about? It would be a privilege to do so. God, who is no respecter of persons, is totally trustworthy to handle your issues as well as mine. God bless you and keep trusting and believing. The answer is on the way and God is making a path for you!
If today is a day that you are feeling lonely and unloved, remember this verse. Nothing can separate you from God’s love, ever! He is right there if you just reach out to Him and tell Him honestly that you need Him, today and everyday. Let Him show you what real love is all about. It’s not hearts and flowers and chocolates. Real love went to a cross and sacrificed Himself so that we can eternally be with the Father. It’s our choice to accept Jesus’s sacrifice, repent of our sins and live in the presence of His great love for us forever. Repentance just means telling God you are genuinely sorry for all you have done in your life that was wrong, sinful, disobedient. You don’t have to make a list. He knows. Just say with your whole heart that you are sorry. Then, you show Him you mean it by turning away from those things and starting a new life with Him. Find a good, Bible-believing church, talk to the pastor and tell him that you need a mentor to disciple you. Read your Bible every day and let God’s Word minister to you and grow you into the person He created you to be. Then you will know His love and that will sustain you through hard times, lonely times, heartbreak and health problems. God’s love is forever. So, give God your heart this Valentine’s Day. That’s all He wants is a relationship with you!
God’s love isn’t a feeling. He chooses to love us, sometimes in spite of us, but always because He created us and truly, deeply loves us. Choose love for God and eternal life with Him.
Strength in Every Season (Daily Refresh, 2-12-26)
Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on coffee mugs, social media, or even cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.
Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a football game or having the courage to do something daring.
Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.
In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with abundant food and resources.
Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.
Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.
So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He’s given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.
If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.
My Thoughts
I needed this devotional today to remind me that God is not finished with me yet and I have not completed His purpose for me here on earth. My health problems are not diminishing, but neither is my faith in God. In my meeting yesterday with my orthopedist, I was told that I do have a torn rotator cuff and he wants me to endure the pain for as long as possible without surgery. (The surgery is a real bear!) The next step is to have a bone scan which I need to schedule. I confess that the news didn’t surprise me since my shoulder has been in pain since early December, but I also confess that it upset me. I keep feeling as though I am taking two steps forward and three steps back. But God reminds me repeatedly that He is moving forward, with me. I am here to complete my purpose, so in spite of the circumstances, I can still be a witness for Him to the caretakers I keep meeting at hospitals and doctors’ offices. I am trying to be a little beacon of light and spread hope and cheerfulness to others. I may not feel like doing that, but God gives me strength and the words to say as well as nudging me towards the people I need to encourage. Thus, I am resolved not to have a Pity Party and sit in ashes as Job did but rather to keep moving and keep doing. Jesus didn’t stop ministering to people, even as He was dying. He encouraged the thief on the cross next to Him, He told John to take care of His mother, and He implored His Father to “forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Since I want to be like Jesus, I am strengthened by His example and soldiering on to the next medical test, the next diagnosis and my next opportunity to tell someone about God’s love, mercy, peace and grace.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 