tysthatbind

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into o

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.          -  Psalm 119:133  Father God, Thank you for another day. We ask that as we go throughout the day that You will direct our paths. Show us the way to go. Order our steps Lord God.  As we go about our day let us seek Your face in decision making. Let us show compassion in our encounters with others. Order our steps Lord God.  Let us be deliberate in our witness. Let us be purposeful in our praise. Let us be intentional in showing love for our neighbor.  Order our steps Lord.  Thank you for hearing our prayer. In Jesus name. Amen.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.               - Psalm 30:4  Yesterday morning I was sitting on my porch quite early.  Suddenly, I heard singing: “There is a name bless that Name, Jesus there is a name”. My new neighbor a couple if doors down was having praise and worship. An unexpected blessing I enjoyed listening to her beautiful voice. This unexpected blessing.  I sat for a while and listened. I kept my seat but my soul was running down the street shouting. There is a name. Blessed be the name. Jesus! God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of Joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. - Psalm 16:11 At times joy seems to elude us. It gets buried under depression. It is hidden by sadness. It may be weighed down by grief. Yet, real joy, the joy of the Lord never disappears.  Joy needs to be watered. It has roots that run deep. And like plants and flowers it needs to be watered. The refreshing sprinkles of kind words from another, the drenching rain of God’s Word nourish joy.  In the light of the presence of the Lord, joy thrives. Today I pray joy for you. In His presence there is fulness of joy.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.  Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.  - Psalm 71:7-8 There is a Shelter in place.  This is what we have in Christ Jesus.  He is Our Shelter. He is Our Refuge.  He is Our Hiding Place.  Wherever we are, whatever the need, we can find a safe haven in the arms of the Lord.  This assurance is our main stay, not only in times like these but in times past.  The Lord is constant.  He is never changing.  The same yesterday, today and forever.   Take courage all who hope in God.  There are some times when knowing the appropriate words to say to a person can be difficult.  However, even in those difficult moments the Word of God holds fast.  It is not bound.  The Word of God is secure.  Hide it in your heart.  Let it saturate your mind.  I am a witness that every time you need "a Word from the Lord" He will through the Holy Spirit impart the right Word at the right time in your soul.  Yes. Th

    In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.                            - I Thessalonians 5:18 I just cannot believe how many things I took for granted.  Some things were big and others were small.  Yet, taken for granted nevertheless.  I am learning to be  more thankful.  I am learning how much the little things matter.  Little things add up to big things.  In every thing give thanks.  There is a difference in giving thanks in every thing and for everything.  I am not thankful for bad things that are happening but I can be thankful in the midst of them.   Look for the good.  Expect to see the good and you will find it.  My heart is aching for the grief that I see.Tears are falling for the despair that is all around.  Yet, something on the inside stirs and reminds me that nothing is to be taken for granted.  There is always something to be thankful for. Nothing should be taken for granted.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. - Colossians 4:5 Our lives are on constant display. People observe us to determine whether our walk and talk are in alignment. Now more than ever there are those searching for hope. My prayer is that when nonbelievers, observe  believers, they will see hope in action.  A hopeful heart encourages a faith filled mind. Combined with love we are living our lives purposefully. That is we are redeeming the time. We are reclaiming territory. Redeeming the time. It is to know that every moment counts. We redeem the time with a prayer always in our hearts. We are intentional in our interactions. Our focus is singular. With eyes on Christ we can walk the water. Faith walking, exercises the  soul.  Redeeming the time. Time matters.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in  praising  and thanking the  Lord ; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the  Lord , saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the  Lord ;  - 2Chronicles 5:13 Praising the Lord for another day. God does deserve all the honor and praise. He is Almighty. He is unfailingly. He is God Alone.  Praising the Lord for new mercies and saving grace. Praising God for being Faithful God. He is God All by Himself.  I praise God for His magnificent love. Even though daily I fall short, His love lifts me. Thank you Lord. Thank you for the privilege of praise.  I just want to praise the Lord.  God bless!  In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!   If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.  -  Job 14:13-14 Father God Hide Us Keep Us Shelter Us Our Father Thank you Bless Your Name Dear Lord  Guide us Strengthen Us Deliver Us O Lord Heal us Forgive Us Renew Us Restore Us Father God Refresh Us Revive Us Unite Us  Heavenly Father It is in  Jesus Name We pray Amen God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie

These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33 Cheer up! Jesus gives encouragement down through the ages. He lets us know ahead of time that we are going to experience challenges, trouble, and at times great and terrible trouble. Tribulation.  His Word of cheer is based on certain victory. In spite of everything, I have overcome the world. The overcoming status is past, present, future. Spoken Word. Jesus has proclaimed. Therefore, consider it done.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. - Jude 1:2-3 Mercy. Peace. Love.  Praying an abundance of all three on your life. Abounding in these virtues will add strength in the ability to contend for the faith.  Contending for the faith is in essence to stand strong. It is to stand firm on the source of our faith.  As we contend for the faith we encourage ourselves and other believers. The Word of God deserves reverence. We endeavor to share the good news in our daily walk.  Contend for the faith. Our faith authored by Jesus Christ, finished and complete in Him. Glory to God.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.                 -  2 Chronicles 7:12-16  Prayer works.  Solomon prayed earnestly that mercy be granted.   In 2 Chronicles chapter six he pleads with God for the children of Israel.  Summarily, he asked that should they fall short and follow sin and afterwards repent, 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. - 3 John 3:4 Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life... The joy of a life following Jesus Christ.  There is no greater joy. For many years I sought to be happy.  Happiness does not compare to joy.  I have found that happiness like happenings are always changing.  Joy, however, real joy, is constant. How can this be?  It is because Jesus is Joy.  One songwriter penned:  He's the Joy of My Salvation, yes He is. Walk by faith. Walk in truth. Keep going.  Don't stop.  Stay on the path.  Do not lose focus.  Things are not always as they appear.  Joy. Claim it.  It thrives even in the darkest of hours when you know the truth.   Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. - John 8:31-32 God bless! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth...  - Romans 1:16a The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation.  Salvation.  Salvation of our souls. Redeemed. Delivered. Set free.  The saving grace of God empowers us to live out  our faith from day to day. The power of God is made manifest  through the Word of God.  Gospel truth is the only tool we have or need to go the distance.  Within the Word of God there is guidance, there is strength and hope.  There is also the call to accountability.  We are all accountable to God.   Don’t get weary.  Keep doing good. In time we will reap if we do not faint.   Unashamed.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.       - 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Peace. Sweet peace. Everyday we should seek it. Peace    offerings. Seek it. Pursue it. Give it.  When the Lord gives peace, it is sustaining. It goes down into the depth of ourselves and we cannot explain it.  The water fall experience of peace that washes over us bears repeating. Many of our loved ones, neighbors, co -workers are struggling to keep their focus. Share peace with them. A peaceful word can go a long way.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Ask God - by sdktyus@2020 Trying hard to understand To make sense of it all Numbers rising, people falling What's going on Ask God Some are losing hope Balances seem off When is it all going to be over The answer Ask God Praying for strength to keep going Praying to be able to encourage others along How can we reach out when burdened down The answer Ask God There is really is light at the end of the struggle  It is true that healing comes with time Joy still comes in the morning Oh yes the Word of God holds true He alone has the power to deliver Ask God  God bless! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe in the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. - 1 John 5:13-15 Confidence. You that believe in the Name of the Lord, have confidence. Jesus is the Name above all Names.  I am confident in Christ. I am thoroughly convinced of the power in His Name.  Confidence. Holy boldness is available when you know all the grace, mercy and access available through the mention of the Name of the Son of God.  Call His name with assurance. Jesus. Confidence. Know that the Lord is listening. He hears the faintest cry. Do not doubt that any thing asked according to His will shall be made manifest. Thank you Jesus.  Confidence. Walk it. Talk it. Live it. Co

The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever. The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.  Having peace does not mean everything in life is going to be smooth. Yet, it does mean that whether the “tide” is rising or falling, peace immerses you, washes over you. This is the meaning of having peace like a river in your life and soul.  Jesus, the Prince of Peace is Our Confidant. He knows each minute detail of our lives. The Holy Spirit reassures us, reminds us, covers us with the peace of God. Our souls then are at ease.  Peace. Blessed peace. Peace that strengthens is what the Lord blesses His people with. Peace like a river is in my soul.  Peace.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.               - John 11:25-26 Jesus said: I AM THE RESURRECTION and the LIFE.  One day sooner or later we all must die. We were born with this appointment on our schedule and it is one we must keep.  I have found that so many people would rather not talk about dying. It’s so much better to focus on living.  Jesus illustrates for us in the highlighted verses that life should be the focus. Eternal life. He is letting us know that eternity, eternal life matters.   Jesus declares: I am the Resurrection. If you  believe in me though you die you will live again.  Lord I believe. And because I believe and know you are my Savior I realize I will never die. Alive forevermore.  I be

“ The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” - Jeremiah 31:3 Love never fails. When all else is said, when all else is done, love remains. Love everlasting. How can this be? God is Love. And from everlasting to everlasting He is God.  The songwriter penned: “Time is filled with swift transition, none unmoved on earth can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging  hand.” Hold on to the everlasting, eternal love of God. Hold fast!  Everlasting to Everlasting. God.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. "     - Isaiah 55:6-7 Who Knew? God Knew! by sdktyus@2020 All the killing and the trauma All the sickness and the pain Every secret act of  hatred Things we cannot explain  A sickness so widespread and illusive A killer creeping in unaware Global in its proportion Impacting people everywhere Wailing in the streets Hearts ripped apart Mothers losing sons and daughters People gone missing but we have not forgot Who knew that all that was so familiar Would one day seems like a distant dream Who knew that our faith would be tested  And we would learn what true hope means God knew Nothing that has happened or is taking place Has taken Him by surprise God knows the intense beating of worried hearts He sees our tear stained eyes God

2 Corinthians 11:25-27   King James Version (KJV) 25  Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26  In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27  In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Perilous times.  Times filled with danger and great risk.  The Apostle Paul knew about peril. He was beaten.  He was stoned.  He was robbed by people he knew.  Trouble was everywhere.  Painful trouble.  Lonely and in trouble.   We too are surrounded by peril.  Trouble on every side.  Yet, as always there is a Word from the Lord.   I encourage you to stand in this truth.  For as troubling as the times are, as great as the peril is, there is and always will be God. We

"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 4:15 Today I heard a song by Marvin Sapp entitled Thank You For It All.  The song resonated in my spirit.  One line says I thank you for the tears.  I said to myself in agreement with Rev. Sapp, thank you for it all.  Laughter and tears, I am thankful for. One day as I was laughing tears came to my eyes.  I was not having a "I laughed until I cried" moment.  No, the tears  were because I paused to thank God for still having laughter in my soul. I have come to realize this year, just how much I have taken for granted. God forgive me. I do thank Him for it all. Thank You Lord for blessing me exceedingly and abundantly above all I could ask or think.  What a privilege to offer thanksgiving to the Almighty God.   Thank You Lord. Thank You for it all. God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie

“ Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” - Deuteronomy 31:6 Keep holding onto your faith.  Walking by faith and not by sight is not an easy walk.  Yet, it is a certain one.  The certainty comes in knowing that Faithful God is ordering our steps when we choose the path of faith.  In times like these, it is good to know that the Lord is leading and we only need to follow His guidance.  Human nature is prone to wander away and to look at what we can see.   These days we are being told to follow the science.  We should give honor to whom honor is due.  God has ordained science. It is used by God to help us in our earthly lives.  Doctors, nurses, and all on the front lines deserve our respect and appreciation.  We need to take heed to wise counsel. God deserves first honor, all adoration and praise, for He is is control of all.  He is the Great Physician.  Our reverence

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” - Psalm 139:14     Perfectly designed. Fearfully and wonderfully made. God the Master Builder, formed us and deemed us to be wonderfully made.   How gracious, powerful and merciful God is. He fashioned each of us uniquely. Likewise, He has a plan and purpose for each one. He thinks of us individually.  Jeremiah 29:11 declares: For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  God can be counted on to finish what He started. The God Who fearfully and wonderfully made us will take care of all that concerns us.  That my soul knows right well.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.  - Isaiah 12:4 There is power in His name. Healing In His Name. Jesus. Exalt and proclaim His name. The Bible declares that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue confess. (Philippians 2:10) Exalt and proclaim His Name.  Tell somebody what God has done for you. Jesus. Savior. Strong Tower. Prince of Peace. Lord of Lords. King of Kings. Proclaim his name. Tell it!  Exalt His Name.  Lift Him up. Jesus.  Jesus said: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (John 12:32) The world is looking for a sign. Many are desperate for a solution. It is important, imperative that we proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." (Psalm 34:3) Proclaim and exalt His name.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. - Psalm 46;7 God is with us. “We cannot be where God is not. Where ever we are, God is.” It is great consolation to know that we are never alone in Christ. Always the Lord is near.  Trust God with the details. Believe He can handle the big picture.   God is with us. Yes He is.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

            Give us this day our daily bread.  -  Matthew 6:11 This day. It is new. We have never seen it before. This day. While many things have changed, a lot remains the same.   We look to the Lord for He has blessed us with this day. I heard a sister in the church say many times: “He’s allowed our golden moments to roll on a little while longer.” This day. It may not look like gold. Yet it is priceless. This right now, the present day, is a gift we need unwrap with care. I have come to appreciate the many layers in one day. I know there is so much more than passing time with the tick tick of fleeing seconds, racing minutes, illusive hours.  This day is also about who and what we see. It is about the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus Christ. It is an important place marker in our individual life journeys.  This day We petition heaven. We pray to God. Give us this day our daily bread. Bread for today. Feed us Dear God. Nourish our hearts and spirits this day. We pray this day

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.       - Proverbs 31:28 On December 29, 2012 God led me to start a Christian devotional blog.  It began under the name Unique Inspiration. Many years ago, I authored a Christian newsletter under the same name.  Along the way the Lord touched my spirit while at the keyboard. It was a faint whisper.  "I'm changing the name."  To what? I thought.  Tysthatbind was placed in my soul.  I saw it. I felt it. And now... Today is the 999th post.  I reflect on the first post and I am led to share it again here.  The post title: My Mother's Daughter, led to today's title -- Still I Am Still I Am - by sdktyus@2020 Still I am my mother's daughter Every day she walks with me Her beautiful face, her awesome strength Her sacrifices and what she meant She meant what she said She did not talk a lot My mother spoke with integrity and class Every word placed with careful thought My mother, my mother

They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.        - Isaiah 41:6  Let me encourage you. Know that while news reports continue to be dire and our faith is tried in ways we could not have envisioned at the start of the year,, we remain protected by the Lord. Knowing this gives us the liberty to express our joy and to be bold in our praise. Let me encourage you to remain clothed in praise. The Word of God teaches us that He has given us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. If your spirit is weighted down today praise God with a song. “Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord.” Let me encourage you to pray your prayer. It can be short. It might be long. Maybe you will pray out loud, maybe not. Perhaps you can only hum or moan but the prayer is in your heart. Pray. Keep on praying. God hears. He will respond.  Let me encourage you to be kind to yourself. Love yourself.  This love and kindness

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.              - Psalm 19:12-14  Father God, Thank you for another day. Thank you for a love so great that You sent Your Son Jesus Christ to secure salvation for all who accept Him as Lord and Savior.  As I begin this day I ask that you would search my heart and mind. Create a clean heart in me and renew a right spirit within me according to Your Word.  Please cleanse my mind and heart. Let my motives be pure and my intent and actions be in sync with Your will. Please grant added strength and the promise of your sufficient grace to lead me this day.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie