tysthatbind

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. - Psalm 63:4 I’ve decided that I am going to lift up my hands in His  name. Now I know I cannot physically walk around waving my hands all day. Yet my spiritual hands can remain high and lifted up. Lifted hands waving to indicate my surrender to the Lord’s will. Lifted hands recognizing the One Who is High and Holy. Lifted in hallelujah praise.  Decisions. Decisions.  I have decided to follow Jesus no turning back. No turning back.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.        - Psalm 100:4 Think Thankful - by sdktyus @2020 Think thankful.   God deserves our thanks.  Think thankful  God deserves our praise  Think thankful  At the beginning of your day  Think thankful at day’s end  God has shown the way Think thankful  Remember blessings of days gone by Think thankful even when you are living  With the unanswered “why” Think thankful for we serve the God of matchless love Think thankful He is watching from the throne room above Think thankful  Be thankful  Live thankful  Thankful let your life be Thankful for all the manifold blessings granted to you and to me  Think thankful.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.          - John 20:19 KJV I love Sunday. The first day of the week. The Lord’s day. As.a little girl it seemed as though the whole week was lived in preparation for Sunday. Sunday go to meeting was my life experience growing up. Sunday school and Sunday morning service.  Sunday dinner was cooked on Saturday and it was a meal unlike the meals we ate the rest of the week.  Sunday is still special to me.  It symbolizes newness. As the first day of the week it is a reminder that we can begin again.  The Lord is in the midst. It’s Sunday. He is pushing the restart button. It’s Sunday. Blessed Sunday. I always look forward to when Sunday comes.   God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. - Isaiah 9:7 “Let Jesus lead you. Let Jesus lead you. Let Jesus lead you, all the way.” Leadership. On a daily basis we hear about the many challenges faced because of a lack of leadership. And daily the Lord is sounding the alarm. He is reminding those who would hear His voice, that He is the Leader Who will not fail. Today’s verse tells us that His government, the government of the Almighty God will have no end.  Leadership. We do not lack leadership if we know in Whom we have believed. God is Faithful. In His Word we find the road map. There is no negating the consistency in God’s leadership. The question is will we    consistently follow.    “He’s a Mighty Good Leader. He’s a Mighty Good Leader. He’s a Mighty Good Leader all th

Hebrews 2:9-10   King James Version (KJV) 9  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. All around us predictions of increased trauma and turmoil.  Fear is running rampant in many hearts and minds.  But we see Jesus.   We see the Lord high and lifted up.  Powerful in His ability to straighten out that which seems insurmountable.  Does this mean we don't have questions?  Certainly not.  But it does mean that we have everlasting hope.  Hope that anchors the soul. But we see Jesus.  We see him in the smiles of children.  We hear him in the rustling leaves and singing birds.  We feel Him in light or pouring rain.  We delight in Him when our eyes open to a fresh ne

 “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,  that  the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?  there is  no searching of his understanding.” - Isaiah 40:28 Have you heard? Did you know? Has anyone mentioned lately, how great God is? He is Awesome. Infinite in understanding. Man cannot figure God out. God holds the solution to every problem. He knows the answer to every question. Every mathematical equation and scientific inquiry exists only by the mindfulness and permissive will of God. There is no searching of God’s understanding. Creator. God. Sustainer. God. Way Maker. God. Haven’t you heard. Company Keeper. God. Anchor. God. Everlasting to Everlasting. God. Alpha and Omega. God. Finisher of Our Faith. Have you heard? God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

“ But to do good and communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”         - Hebrews 13:16 Often we can become so absorbed with what is going on in our immediate family and daily life that we put off checking in with others. Reaching out requires sacrifice. Sometimes we are just so busy or tired. We may be feeling a little down. However, communication is crucial.  Do good and communicate. Talk and listen. We are being encouraged to share with one another. No one way relationships. God is letting us know that conversations are important. The sacrifice involved in communication is not just one of time. It means opening our hearts and minds to others. It may require allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and transparent.  Communicate. Let’s talk. Make the call. Send the text or email. How about a card or letter?  Do good. Don’t forget to communicate for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

John 14:1-3   King James Version (KJV) 14  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. "Everyday when I wake up and see and of the things God has given to me, It lets me know my God is real.  How can I doubt Him? I can't live without Him.  I believe in God He's so real to me. Real to me, everyday in every way." I believe in God.  I know He is real.  His promises are true.  The same Lord who came that we might have life and that more abundantly is the One who has prepared a place for us.  He has secured for the born again believer, eternal life. Heaven is real.  Praise God.  Someone once said, "a prepared place for a prepared people."  No trial is coincidental. No meeting happenstance

And   at   midnight   Paul   and   Silas   prayed ,  and  sang praises unto God:  and  the prisoners heard them.  - Acts 16:25 Paul and Silas did not stop praying.  Though they were imprisoned and the outcome looked bleak they held onto their faith.  And at midnight they prayed.  Midnight. In the dark, in a dungeon.  They prayed and they sang praises.  They did not just sing praises.  But they sang praises unto God.  Then what?  The prisoners heard them. It is midnight in our homes and communities.  Midnight in cities and the country.  It is midnight around the world.  Yet, just as Paul and Silas did, saints are praying.  From a place of restriction, while having limited access to familiar places and people, it is praying time.    Behind prison walls today men and women are praying. Family members are praying for loved ones.   No, prayers have not just begun.  Yet, in some instances they have become fine tuned.  For we know every second, every minute and hour is praying time.  We shoul

  He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.     - Psalm 91:1 A Secret Place - by sdktyus@2020 (dedicated to my father) Happy Father’s Day Daddy! There is a place a secret place It is under the shadow of Almighty God Peace is there, refuge is present  Rest from the "weary road we trod" He that dwells in the secret place  That Father God provides Will come to know the joy and understand The grace where the believer with God abides I learned first of this secret place because my Earthly father shared with me He had a steady gaze and unwavering stance As he shared this favorite verse over and over again It defies description, it cannot be explained The comfort I have come to know trusting in God alone It is one thing to hear of His goodness spoken of by others It is assurance when you can testify to it on your own Bear witness to the truth that a life lived in Christ Is a life well spent A life guided by God's Holy Spi

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.       - Philippians 1:2 "Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved.  How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed."  A grace so amazing. God's grace. We do not deserve it.  We cannot pay for it.  Freely God extends it to us.  A grace so amazing.  Another songwriter penned: "How marvelous, the grace that caught my falling soul.  He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs."  Grace.  So amazing. Grace. We are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)  It is the gift of God. God grace.  It is a grace that "catches" us.  It is magnificent.  It is illustrious.  Well known fact that the grace of God is amazing.  When trouble is compounded and the temptation presents itself that would cause despair, meditate on the grace of God.  It is pure, lovely it is good.  Think on it.  A grace so amazing. Grace.  Yesterday a friend sent me a

He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. - Deuteronomy 32:4 God doesn’t make mistakes. No eraser is necessary. Perfection. It is something we strive for. Perfection is Who God Is.  Righteous God blesses us daily. We sometimes take for granted: food, clothing, shelter. Yet, God’s ways are perfect. Perfect. God is.  God is perfect in grace. He is perfect in mercy. He is perfect in forgiveness. No missed steps. No inaccurate claims. No failed promises. Perfect. God is.  God will never leave us. God is always with us. His ears are open to our cries. He is Just. Right. Holy. Always the same. God does not change. Forever constant. Perfect! God is! God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. - Psalm 77:5 I have considered not getting out of bed some mornings. But God renews my strength and speaks to my weakness and I get up.  I have considered going down memory lane, daydreaming about better days. But then i am reminded that reflection is okay but one cannot live in or relive the past.  I thank God for this day.  I have considered giving up on some of the dreams I have, because it seems like obstacles are greater than my aspirations. But then the Holy Spirit reminds me that the Lord is on my side I shall not fear.  I have considered watching the news several hours a day to stay abreast of the latest updates and so I can remain current on events. But then I realize God has always kept me current through His Word. I know how the story ends. God has already won every battle.  I have considered so many times the many ways God has provided in the past. I move in faith knowing He will continue to make a way.  I have

Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. - Psalm 119:11 I sincerely desire to do good every day. I desire to show love towards others. I desire to sow seeds of peace. I desire to be genuine in expressing concern. My grandmother used to say: “Lord help me to be real. If I can’t be real I don’t want to be nothing.” I desire to be real.  I realize that I am unable to be successful in the pursuit of these desires apart from the will of God. The will of God is revealed through the Word of God. Word. God’s Word is quick. God’s Word is powerful. God’s Word is alive. Word. God’s Word. Every word of God is pure. He is a shield to those who trust in Him.  Word.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

And God said, Let there be light; and there was light. - Genesis 1:3 In the midst of the greatest darkness, there is still light.  Why? How can it be? Because God has ordained it.  And God said, let there be light; and there was light.  God does not go back on His word.  There is the light of the sun to make the day brighter;  The sun shines even behind the clouds.  It shines because God assigned the role of the sun. Its role has not changed. The moon and stars shine at night.  They light up the night sky.  Even when the night is overcast and it seems like there is not a star in the sky, don't be deceived.  Every star is in place.  Twinkling in blessed harmony, according to the will of God. The same God has assigned each believer a light.  He has instructed us not to hide our light but to shine our light brightly that others might see.  The light of good work matters.  Kindness, Goodness.  Love.  Faith,  Peace.  Hope.  All lights.  Let's hold up the light.  Hold the light high

Deuteronomy 10:17-21   King James Version (KJV) 17  For the  Lord  your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: 18  He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. 19  Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. 20  Thou shalt fear the  Lord  thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. 21  He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen. The Lord is the Lord of all lords.  He is the God of all gods.  What does this mean? There are those that would presume to hold the place of lord and yes to stand in the place of god.  Yet, there is One Lord.  He is the the Lord God.  It is said of Him that He sits high.  He looks low.  Songwriters have penned: "He's so high you can't get over him

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor:therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer rhan we believed.   -Romans 13:10-11 Yesterday I sat on the porch. First I sat on the back porch and then I sat on the front porch. It was quieter in the back. I looked up at the clouds.  I looked around at the greenery. I watched the birds fly. I read a few pages from a book. Although the day was cool the sun was bright and it was pleasantly warm.  The front porch offers a wider few. I can see my neighbors yards and porches. Lots of beautiful hanging baskets. Laughter and conversation could be heard from across the street. The sun shining brightly but the air was cool. Fifteen minutes and my front porch sitting was over for the day.  These days I try more earnestly to follow through on the things I used to just think about doing. Many days I'd think about going outside for a sit and didn't   Cu

“....Let your requests be made known unto God.”   - Philippians 4:8cf Be Made Known- by sdktyus @2020 If you have requests If you have concerns Make them known unto God If you lack understanding If answers you seek Let your requests be made known unto God If you have burdens If you have broken promises Let your requests be made known unto God God bless In Christ, Stephanie

“Therefore, let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:6 It is important to always be mindful of what is going on around us.  What is going on in our homes, in our neighborhoods, with us?  So often we miss things because we are sleep walking, in a daze, not paying attention. When we don’t focus we are more inclined to trip or stumble. When we fail  focus things and yes people, tend to sneak up on us. Stuff happens when we don’t pay attention.  There have been may times in my life when I was in a daze. My vision was cloudy. I was very clumsy and often tripped over things.  I praise God for getting my attention. His Word is clear. I’m awake now.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

“ Rejoice  with them that do  rejoice , and weep with them that weep.” King James Version ( KJV ) Romans 12:15 People are hurting. We are hurting. Weeping, wailing over senseless deaths and sharing in the grief of countless broken hearts.  People are seeking. We are seeking for relief from hatred that breeds injustice and oppression. We are mourning with those who spirits are broken and for those whose lives have been lost.  People are praying. We are praying for peace. We pray for healing. We pray to the Almighty God whose hand sustains us and by whose power we will prevail.  People matter. We, the people matter.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever  thou  hadst formed the earth and the world, even  from   everlasting   to   everlasting ,  thou  art God.         - Psalm 90:2 From everlasting to everlasting He is God.  There has never been a time nor will there ever be when God is not.  Present in every circumstance.  Creator of all.  Father God. He is.  Men and women may ignore Him. There are those who will reject the provision He has made for redemption in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ.  Yet, God is.  He remains faithful.  His Word is pure.  His Word will stand. From everlasting to everlasting He is God.  This awesome truth while it defies comprehension it is matchless in its comfort.  The Everlasting God is over all.  He alone has the power to bring peace and to restore order.  Yes, He often uses people to bring about the changes we seek.  But God can, by His Word. speak peace into existence.  He remains the Lord of "Let there be be..." and and so it was. Everlastin

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;   While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. - Hebrews 3:14-15 Father God. Today we pray for tender hearts Hearts of empathy and compassion Let us pray for those we meet today Let us be mindful of those we pass in our cars If there be rage in us please replace it with renewed peace Let us purpose in our hearts to consider others and their needs Please let us be merciful in our interactions with others, even as you have been merciful to us We ask that you would help us to be patient with ourselves and to extend That patience to our family, friends and neighbors Lord, please don't let us harden our hearts Soften our speech. Please sprinkle our conversations with love.  Let us be gracious in delivering advice. Today Lord teach us, lead us, direct us in Your will and in Your Way. in Jesus name we pray.  Amen. God bless! in Christ

And  God   is   able  to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: - 2 Corinthians 9:8 Don't be afraid.  Don't worry.  Don't panic.  God is Able.  Able to heal. Able to fix hearts.  Able to regulate minds.  "God is a heart fixer and a mind regulator."  I heard the deacon pray in my childhood.  I laughed at his words then.  Who needs their heart fixed and mind regulated? Now, I know better.  God fixed my mind.  God regulated my heart.  And, God is able. Can't see your way Bills are piling up?  Few friends?  Health challenges?  Concerned about loved ones?  Believe this:  And  God   is   able  to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: - 2 Corinthians 9:8 Sometimes it may seem like impossibility is the theme of the day.  But God, and God is Able .   He is God.  He is the Lord of possibility.  There is n

  “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all  men , even as we  do towards  you:” - 1 Thessalonians 3:12 My prayer is that the Lord will bless you exceedingly. May He add strength to your heart and establish your thoughts. I pray.  Praying that our love towards one another will increase and abound. May this bounty and increase in good will and compassion be evident to everyone we meet. I pray.  Lord God may our “walk” and “talk” be consistent with Your Word. Let us choose right over popularity. May we be participants in shining our lights and not bystanders peeking from behind the shadows.  Ever increasing and abounding in love let us be.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

“Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give thee rest. “ - Matthew 11:28 Press pause. Take your time. Slow your roll. Steady the pace. Life events can be exhausting. We are still moving while standing still. God knows. Press pause. No fast forwarding into tomorrow. Remember today. Live today. No pressing the rewind button to revisit old wounds and lament over past mistakes.  Press pause. Take the time to relish the moment. Experience joy don’t fly past it. Tired? Let the Lord sooth your soul. Meditate on Him. Be still. Know that God is still running things.  Press pause. Press pause.  Press pause. God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Every day that the Lord allows us to see is full of opportunities. A fresh start. A chance to renew our thoughts. Another chance to thank God. Newness. Fresh flowers. Fluffy clouds. Singing birds. Rain or sunshine. Each rising sun ushers in a new day. Today is the day.  Today we can decide to be kind. Thoughtful words can proceed out of our mouths. This day we can pray more earnestly. Pray for peace. Pray for wisdom. Today, a prayer filled day.  We can decide today to eat healthy food. Today we can begin to make better choices. Today should be a day to rejoice in the Lord. He is worthy if honor. Today. Don’t put off doing good. Do good today. New day. New self. Newsworthy: If any man be in Christ he is a new creature. Behold the old is passed away.  Today. Live anew. Today.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

The   Lord  liveth; and blessed  be   my  rock; and  let   the   God   of   my   salvation   be   exalted . - Psalm 18:46 Blessed Be - @sdktyus 2020 Blessed be my Rock. God. The Lord.  My King. My Strength. God.  The Righteous One. Advocate. Holy.  Blessed be my Rock. The Lord is always with me. Present. Unfailing. Comfort. Guide.  He reigns  supreme. Always the same. God. Blessed be my Rock. The Lord hears even my smallest cry. He cares. He made me. He shelters me. Faithful. God  Blessed be my Rock. The Lord keeps me company. He directs my path. He opens doors.  He heals my infirmities. He rebukes my enemies.  He is.  God.  Blessed be my Rock. This Lord is blessing me right now.  He has brought me this far.  He won't leave me. He holds my future. He saved my soul. Lord Jesus.  Awesome Savior. Thank you.  God.  Blessed be my Rock. God bless! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

Psalm 147:3-5   King James Version (KJV) 3  He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 4  He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. 5  Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. "Jesus knows all about our struggles.  He will guide till the day is done.  There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus.  No, not one. No, not one." Our Lord is a healer.  He binds broken wounds.  He counts the stars in the sky. He calls them by their name.  And just as the Lord counts the stars, he knows each one of us.  He knows and understands our strengths and our struggles.  Our going out and coming in, God knows.  As the songwriter penned: "He knows my name." It is good to know that there is One who understands us.  Creator God is familiar with the intricate details of our being and our lives.  My grandmother used to say: He made us and He knows all about us." Powerful is Our Lord.    God hath spoken once