I Will Stand devotional

“I Will Stand” is working so well as we have been using it for family devotions. What it does is builds character and gets discussion going. That’s the key right there, is getting your kids to open up and talk, because then they are thinking and applying the concepts to their lives. There is a commitment section, scripture section, self assessment and challenge. We get through in 10-15 minutes. There are about 20 chapters, so you’ll get done in less than a month. It’s a workbook so if the kids want, they can personalize it and write their own commitment to the Lord at the end. I’m not tooting my own horn because I’m the author; God laid on my heart to write this and publish it in 2013 because we all need these truths from the Word of God. This is over 40 years of pearls of wisdom I’ve learned as well in this little book. I’ve lowered the price of this and all my books on amazon. Please check it out for yourself! I Will Stand: A Book of Commitment To Do What is Right I Will Stand link to amazon.com

The Beautiful Role of Older Women

Titus 2:1-15 reveals something beautiful that we can sometimes forget as we go along in our busy lives. As older women, some of us have become accomplished, educated, experienced, etc., and there is much we have to offer others. A barrier is there is a cloud of deception in the air, and not only is truth being harder to discern, but humility is something foreign to many of us in the "me first" culture.

It seems like "everyone wants to be a rock star." Have you heard anyone say that? Any of us can fall into that trap. What is beautiful for a woman is maturity, kindness, a quiet spirit, and a gentle heart. Meekness does not mean weakness; women can be full of grace and yet wise and smart. Those who are wise and smart, as a matter of fact, will know how to conduct themselves appropriately. They will mentor the younger women, not looking for praise but doing their part to pass on wisdom to the next generation. This is something that is beautiful. We women need to be INVOLVED. 

Remember Uncle Sam's campaign that he was looking for a few good men? He wanted YOU? Well, God has called us women to be a few good women, to change the course of this culture toward godliness, purity, discretion, thoughtfulness, and wisdom. Wouldn't your world be a better place surrounded by people who are trying to be Christ-like? 

When we are all doing our best to grow in our character, we all get along better. We will be more tolerant of each other, knowing we are all trying our best to improve and none of us are perfect. We will have a strong work ethic. We will keep our priorities in line: God first, family second, ourselves last. We will encourage one another in the Lord, and build each other up rather than tearing each other down as unfortunately we women tend to do. Ever hear women referred to as fighting like cats? When we are humble, we don't mind that other women appear better than us. We can't control others' opinions; we can only focus on our duty: living a pure and dedicated life for our Heavenly Father who loves us and made each of us special and unique in HIS eyes, the eyes that matter the most. His love is unfailing.

Below is Titus 2:1-15. Please read this and then pray about how God can use you to make a difference in the lives of those around you. It's a very beautiful role that will bring you peace, fulfillment and contentment, and meaning and purpose to your life like you have never known before. Anyone in your periphery who could use a mentor? It starts with you setting the example, and then reaching out and touching others' lives, one at a time, in simple yet loving ways.

"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

10Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

The Great Smoky Mountains

Canaan changing Israel or Israel changing Canaan?

First of all, I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long! My life has been in a bit of a transition the past several months, but I am settling into a normal routine again slowly but surely. I miss sharing things that God has placed on my heart.

The first thing that I want to post in 2019 is a wonderful message by Pastor Darrell Scott. I may have posted this once before but it bears posting it again. I watched it the other night, and it truly inspired and encouraged me.

We are in a dark time in our history, and I truly believe the Lord's rapture is close. But none of us know the day nor the hour, but we are to be prepared for it, and it is our duty to bring as many with us as we can. After Noah entered the ark, GOD closed the door. The people had years of preaching and they chose to reject what they heard. They had a chance but when it was too late, the door was shut.

I want to encourage those of you who have not placed your trust in Jesus to do so today. 2 Corinthians 6:2: "(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"  

Don't delay. Salvation is your hope. It is what you and I need. I have chosen to accept Christ as my personal Lord and Savior because I need salvation for my soul. So do you. That is truth.

What is also true is that many who have grown up in Christian homes don't appreciate salvation in the same way as someone who lived a life of sin and were saved out of an awful lifestyle. Many Christians today compromise with the world, and instead of changing the world and turning the world upside down, they instead become like the world. Just like Israel was to change Canaan and instead Canaan changed Israel, we Christians can be guilty of becoming like the secular world rather than shining a bright light into the world and attracting people to Jesus with their pure hearts and lives, dedicated to serving the Lord and not the world and themselves.

We are all guilty of this, but what are we going to do about it? Repent or continue on in the same way? I am repenting and I want to make a difference for my Lord. I love Him, and I love people, and I don't want to see anyone go to hell. I want people to know the truth of God's Word. I want the Holy Spirit to have opportunity to work in my life and in the lives of those I come in contact with. I love the song that says I want to be a part of somebody else's story of repentance. What a blessing!

Please listen to this in its entirety. It is a strong testimony and message. It is time for us to stand boldly for the cause of Christ. It is the HOPE of mankind. There is MUCH at stake, and if we are sleeping on the job then many are missing the message they need to hear. Yes, some will scoff. But yes, some will gladly accept it and be thankful that someone cared enough to share...share a life saving message that applies to THEM. Now...now we need to spread the Gospel. It is truly GOOD NEWS. It is not embarrassing or something to be ashamed of. It is GOOD NEWS! 

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Pastor Darrell Scott (starts at about 11 minutes in)

Liberty and Fish

My pastor tonight at church (Emmanuel Baptist Church in Newington, CT) made a great point. He was talking about how we have liberty through Christ, and yet sometimes we think that means we can do whatever we want. Well, that would be like a fish, who is made to swim in water, feeling like he would like to have the freedom to be out of the water, and onto the beach. So he jumps out of the safety of the water where he was designed to live, and goes on the sand. Was that the best thing for that fish? Of course not. It's destructive. God's laws, instructions and commandments are for our good, and following His will ensures safety and freedom to be who we were meant to be. God is not withholding from us when we live within God's design and instructions; He is blessing us. We are in essence refusing and pushing away His blessings, protection, and best for us when we go our own way in the name of "liberty" and "freedom", denying His plan and instruction from His Word for our lives.


Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Here is an example of some of the instructions God has given us:

Ephesians 4:1-6 King James Version (KJV)

4 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

God is big enough!

Have you ever felt like you were drowning in your troubles? I know I personally have felt like that. But I am so thankful that even when we can’t see what lies ahead, God does. When we feel too weak or incapable of accomplishing the task before us, God is strong.  When we feel small, we can take comfort that God is big and He goes before us. We don’t need to fear the future or the giants in front of us, because God is big enough to bring victory in our lives and accomplish the tasks through us that need to be done.

This song that I found on the Internet has really given me comfort and I want to share it with you. I hope it will be a blessing to you as you seek God and stay close to Him through the good times and the bad, knowing that His strength is sufficient and His love for you will endure. I challenge you to thank Him as you look to Him for strength, and have faith that He will work all things for your good and His glory when you love him and seek His will.
https://youtu.be/x4XJ1QzO_js

Romans 8:28 King James Version (KJV)

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

As an added bonus, this song is sure to be a blessing to you also. It was to me, as it put things in perspective! https://youtu.be/TYSJj-EHAAk

Happy Easter!

I was listening to a song that says, “Heal Us, O Lord, and We Will Be Healed.” As I reflected on that, my conclusion of the matter is the reason why His Word heals is because, and I know this now, He does care about the oppressed. Judgment has been taken care of at the cross. I told God, “That’s what we want. We want to be cared for. This world is hard. Knowing you care makes all the difference in the world. You provide that.” Yes, God is a God of judgment, but He sees us through the blood of Jesus Christ and that’s the glorious news of the cross and the Gospel – that we are forgiven, and this broken world and this broken life is something God empathizes with. And He sees us through the eyes of love and grace. What a wonderful thing to celebrate and to pass on to others, to all the other hurting souls all around us.

Happy Easter - praise the Lord for His resurrection and saving grace!

HYMNS & PRAISES - Music for Prayer, Healing, Soaking, Devotional, Readin...

This is absolutely beautiful music that I believe will bless your soul as it did mine!