tysthatbind

  But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. - Jonah 2:9 Like Jonah I sometimes find myself going in a direction that is contrary to where the Lord has led me.  This does not work out well. Ever. One songwriter penned: the safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God.  I bless God that He often stirs me up in my sleep.  Sometimes the stirring is a song in the night that lasts all night.  There are times when He sends shadows, turmoil that shakes me, bringing me back to my spiritual senses.  Then there are times like last night when he covers my spirit with hope and visions of glory. I dreamt of a baby girl whose cries turned to humming. I shouted to her parents: do you hear the melody she’s humming? Her parents and I leaned closer as the baby “cried hummed”, “Amazing Grace.”  I was overjoyed, it was a spectacular scene.  The humming of the baby woke me. That which I heard in my sleep stirred

  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. - John 9:5 It’s not even 6:00 pm but it’s so dark outside. It is taking time to adjust to daylight savings time. For some the lost of daylight hours causes sadness, in some cases depression.  Yet, there is encouragement. There is light in the darkness.  The Word of God is not bound by seasonal changes or time clocks. In Him there is always light for He is Light. Look for him in the moonlight. Consider Him in the stars. Day and night…sunshine and moonlight, designed by His powerful hand.  Light in the darkness…Jesus is.  God bless! In Christ,  Sis. Stephanie 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away         - Revelation 21:4 Gretchen. I still miss my sister. With each passing year there is an awareness that although she is absent from this earth, she dwells now in a state of perfect peace. Her tears have been wiped away. There is no more death. No more pain.  There are still days when I think “I’m going to tell Gretchen about this or that. There are days I cry and wish she had not left me so soon. Yet, for every tear and lonely moment, the Lord has kept me. He reminds me of the power of a Christian witness. He encourages me in knowing that blessed are they who die in the Lord.  My sister was my friend. She was doubly related by birth and by the blood of Jesus Christ. Blessed be the ties that bind us still.  With each passing year, I thank God for the awesome gift of my only sister.  See you in t

So  we  thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give  thee   thank s for ever:  we  will shew forth thy praise to all generations. - Psalms 79:13 The Lord is blessing me right now, Lord right now. Another day to live and serve. Right now wherever we are, no matter the situation, God is with us right now.  There is no need to make an appointment. The need is being handled right now. It does not matter what it looks like, it only matters “what it is.” The truth is, God is the Lord of “right now.”  There is no second, no minute, no hour that God is not present.  He is our ever present help in trouble. Praise God for right now. God bless.  In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

Remember, O L ord , thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses;   for they have been ever of old.   Remember not the sins of my youth,   nor my transgressions:   according to thy mercy remember thou me   for thy goodness' sake, O L ord . - Psalms 25:6-7 Lord God we come to you in prayer. We thank You for your steadfast love and care for us. We come to you on behalf of the men, women and children who are suffering in other parts of the world.   You have told us in Your word to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.  Our hearts are touched with the deep grief and pain being experienced by those whose lives are forever altered through war. Please Lord God have mercy. Hear the prayers of Your children.  We know that You alone have the power to make a change. Father God teach us how to pray.  Grant that in the midst of all we see that we remain mindful of the blessings you bestow upon us. Let us be compassionate  and loving in our interactions and constant and sin

               Pray without ceasing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 kjv Prayerful thinking. Acknowledge the Lord in all ways. Prayer filled thoughts. Prayerful. There is power in prayerful thinking. This way of thinking is a continuous conversation with God. It is working to align our thoughts with God’s will. It is a thought process that informs our decisions. Prayerful thinking, prayer filled actions. The result, ordered steps.  What does prayerful thinking “look”like?  Think, I’m thankful. Ask for mercy. Think, Lord help. Bless my family. Think prayerful  thoughts for others as they come to mind during the day. Prayer in the place of road rage. Help me Jesus. Prayerful thinking is filled with acknowledgment of the “whatsoever” things. Prayerful thoughts  focus on what is true, pure, praise worthy.  There is power in prayerful thinking. Peace in prayerful thinking. Pray without ceasing. Think prayer filled thoughts.  God bless.  In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

  Psalm 118:24 -  King James Version   This is the day which the  Lord  hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day! This day is the day!   The Lord has made it.  We will not waver in how we consider this day.  We will rejoice, this day.  We will be glad, this day.   We will not be distracted by our circumstances.  Circumstances may be favorable or unfavorable.  Both can distract us.  But, this day, we will focus.  On this day we will look up. On this day we will be thankful.  We praise God that He has given us this day. We made it through the night.  We were blessed to "see" the morning.  Our heart is beating. Our mind is functioning.  The sun is in the sky.  The birds are singing.  Squirrels are scurrying. Air is available for breathing.  This day.  I am talking about, this day. Sure,  we have concerns.  Yet, we are assured this day that the Lord is concerned about all that concerns us.  This day we are going to take a minute.  This is the day we are going

  “While the earth remains the, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”          - Genesis 8:22 kjv The preacher spoke yesterday about “Sacrifice After the Storm”. Genesis 8:13-21 was the text. Todays verse 22 was also referenced.  The preacher spoke about how God prepared Noah for the storm. He advised him that in seven days, it was going to rain for 40 days and 40 nights.  We were admonished to consider Noah and what he may have been subjected to as he labored to build a boat in preparation for rain when people around him did not know rain.  Noah believed God and kept on building. Noah and those on the boat rode the storm under the watchful protection of Almighty God.  We were told that not only was rain coming down from the sky  waters were also rising up.  From top to bottom the water poured.  When we think about the storms of life, we realize they can be all encompassing. Storms can rage so intensely, we may feel as thou

  Ephesians 2:8-9 -  King James Version 8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of  God:   9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. Salvation. It is the gift of God.  It cannot be earned.  The terms cannot be negotiated.  Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God.  Salvation comes through Him.  The grace of God provides salvation.  Christians are aware of this fact. It is good, however, to pause and reflect.  This is what I find myself doing today.  I thank God for His grace.  His grace manifested itself in so great a love for us. Grace.  By that grace He sent His Son.  Glory to His Name.   We are saved by grace through faith.  The gift of God. It is not about us.  It is about Jesus.  Jesus, the Gift of God.   The Gift of God, Jesus. God bless. In Christ, Sis. Stephanie

  Psalm 29:3 -  King James Version The voice of the  Lord  is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the  Lord  is upon many waters. Rain falls. Thunder roars.  Rivers flow. Brooks babble. Streams ripple. Lakes stand. Oceans deep. Many waters. Listen to the voice of God.  All creation speaks of His goodness.  His greatness surrounds us.  The voice of the Lord like water can present itself in many ways. We must listen.  Many waters. His voice falls gently or in torrents. Raindrops and showers are His. He speaks loudly and with great authority.  Thunder commands our attention. The lakes, the rivers, the brooks and springs, beckon us to be still and pay close attention.  God's voice is everywhere.  Many waters remind us of the majesty of God.  The waters speak of His love and tell of His grace. We pray then, O Lord shower us with Your peace. Rain mercy in our lives. We are listening Lord.  Many waters. God bless. In Christ, Sis. Stephanie

 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? -  Proverbs 18:14 Heavy Load - sdktyus@2022 When the load gets heavy and there appears to be no relief When your shoulders are sagging beneath loneliness or grief During times when you smile although inside you cry During times you cannot focus even though you try It is in such situations that the Lord lingers near You are not forsaken while facing your fears Faith may not seem easy when pursued by hounds of doubt Yet faith is always within our grasp we are not without  When the load gets heavy lift your hands and pray Look to the Lord, the Bearer of Burdens  He will lead the way Trust in His time and purpose for every word of His is true Cast not away your confidence  God will see you through   God bless. In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:7-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Where do we go from here?  To God in prayer.  What do we do now? Trust God. How shall we proceed?  With faith in God.  The presence of God. So magnificent. So glorious. Holy.  What a privilege to seek God in prayer.  Sacred communication. God longs to converse with us. Talking to God, listening to Him through His Word, this is to find refuge. Times have changed. Many places we used to go no longer exist  But God is the same. He is s

John 15:5 King James Version 5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. The True Vine, our source, is Jesus Christ  The abundant life He promised us is made possible through His shed blood. Jesus. He is the authority. We can branch out with assurance. It is to say that in doing so we understand that we must remain connected.  As branches, we are nothing without the vine. The Vine is our power supply. The Vine is our safety net. The Vine is our security code. We gain access to The Father through the Vine. Branch out. Stretch out today on the promises of God. God’s got you   God bless. In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

  Psalm 24:7-8  King James Version 7  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.  8   Who is this King of glory? The  Lord  strong and mighty, the  Lord  mighty in battle. Hold your head up.  Keep looking up.  There is a saying: "If you look up, blessings will come down."  This is true.  The enemy would like for us to hang our heads.  He relishes when we are despondent and despairing.  Our Heavenly Father is the Lifter of our heads.  It doesn't matter if our eyes are full of tears, our lips quiver or our head shakes. God sees, and He will lift us up. We have a clearer few when we look up.  As we focus our attention on God, the distractions, while present, will not overtake us.  When we hold our heads up, the Holy Spirit reminds us that our steps are being guided. Our perspective is clearer when our head is lifted up. Battles rage.  Yet, Our Glorious God is mighty in battle.  He has never lost a battle.  He

  Revelation 3:8 -  King James Version 8  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Keep looking for the open door.  Jesus has provided a way for us in every situation.  He declares that He is the way.  He is the truth.  He is the life.  (John 14:6) As we continue to abide in Him and look unto Him in all things, He will guide us through by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  No man can shut what God has opened.  Today, let us meditate on the truth.  Let us concentrate on what is good and lovely.  Let us move forward, one step at a time toward the door that the Lord has opened.  He invites us to come to Him.  Jesus said: I am the door: by me if any man enter in  he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9) Jesus is the Open Door. God bless! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

  Psalm 30:12 -  King James Version To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O  Lord  my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever . Heavenly Father, I thank you.  I thank you for my life.  When I was growing up I would often hear the elders say: "If I had ten thousand tongues I couldn't thank You enough." I understand now what I could not comprehend then.  God deserves our thanks all the time.  There is no pomp or circumstance to thankfulness.  For when we realize Who God is, what God has done and the promise of our future in Him, we cannot help but live in a "state of perpetual thanksgiving." For my life, Lord, I thank you.  I thank you for Your forgiveness when I did not stop and take the time to acknowledge all You have done.  I praise You for Your mercy.  You continue to shower me with lovingkindness and tender mercy. I thank You, Dear God.   Lord, I thank you.  You gave me life and daily you sustain me.  You bless my life with

  John 9:4  King James Version 4  I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. I love polish boys.  Give me the works.  All the toppings please.  I could not imagine ordering the sandwich plain.  With the toppings the flavor is extraordinary.  Plain or the works? That is the question. Good morning is received more pleasantly when offered with a smile and followed by; have a good day.  How are you doing? Uplifting greeting when we stop and wait for a response showing our sincere interest in another's well-being. The works please! Light shining.  Love lifting. Life changing.  The works!  It is a blessing to render the works, all the praise to the Almighty God.  Work unto Him and not unto man. Faith without works. It is dead.   God, let our works magnify you.  May you receive all the honor and praise.  You Alone are Worthy.  The works. Let our works be pleasing in Your Sight Heavenly Father.  Let us, Dear God, work for you while i

  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me…Psalms 27:5a Lord have mercy. Let us keep our focus on You. Strengthen us when we feel afraid. Lord have mercy. Let us be mindful of our words.  Let us speak words that encourage and uplift.  Lord have mercy. Guide our steps in paths of peace. Lord have mercy.  In this time we humbly ask You.  Lord. Have mercy. God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 King James Version 3  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5  A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6  A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7  A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. When Words Cannot Convey - sdktyus@2022 When words cannot convey the feelings of your heart  When your sincere thoughts seem inadequate When your soul is overwrought When your lack of understanding causes your heart to bleed When you do know the w

  Jude 24 King James Version 24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy This verse is one of my favorites.  Now! Unto Him!  This is time to look unto God.  God. He is able to present us without fault, without blame, without blemish. Now.  It is time to worship God in the beauty of His Holiness.  Acknowledge Him in everything for always He is. God. The presence of His Glory.  The safest place is in His Will.  Abiding in the presence of God. His presence holds the anointing.  His presence is the place of peace.  It is sweet communion. Now unto Him, we render praise.  He is able to keep us with exceeding joy.  This joy like the peace of His presence surpasses all our understanding. Now unto Him we place ourselves, our concerns, our prayers, our life.  We know that

  2 Samuel 23:4 King James Version 4  And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Spring forward.  In a little over a week, clocks will be set ahead one hour in most of the United States.  This time adjustment gives us more daylight hours.  Spring forward. Spring is on the horizon. Soon plants will sprout peering through the soil.  They will grow and eventually bloom. Beautiful. New life in the springtime. Nature evolves at the hand of God.  Spring forward. In the weeks before Easter we pause and reflect on the great sacrifice of Our Savior. Let us spring forward. Moving ahead in the light of His love.  God bless! In Christ, Sis. Stephanie 

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye; the LORD hath made even both of them. Proverbs 20:12 Facial expressions often give us clues as to what people are thinking or feeling.  Pandemic years with mask wearing have made it difficult if not impossible to pick up on such clues.  The eyes, expressive eyes, eyes that are distant, inquiring or afraid peek out from masked faces.   I believe that the smiling eyes exert great influence.  Smiling underneath the mask as you nod your head at a neighbor in the grocery store is impactful.  "I see you and I am glad."   Smiling eyes responding to sad eyes can offer encouragement.  The eyes have the power to convey a myriad of emotions.  The eyes have it. The hearing ear, and the seeing eye; the LORD hath made even both of them. Proverbs 20:12 The eyes have it. God bless! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

  Matthew 6:26-29 King James Version 26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. God is Enough. All of our needs He is able to supply. God is Enough. His ways are perfect. God is Enough. He does not make mistakes. God is Enough. His ways are past man’s finding out.  God is Enough. His mercy is everlasting. God is enough. His truth endures to all generations. God is Enough. His Word is true.  God is Enough. He provided for our salvation. God is Enough. He gave His Only Begotten Son.  God is Enough. The Son gave His life. God is Enough. He guides and comforts us through His

  Romans 8:28 -  King James Version 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. Love is still lifting me. "When nothing else could help it was love that lifted me."  Yesterday, the Lord blessed me to see another birthday.  It was a spectacular day.  Love marked the day.  A milestone year.  One of my daughters asked me if I felt  any different.  Other years, I would say, "No not really."  This time was different.  I feel different.   Physically, I need to address some things.  New health challenges surfaced several weeks ago.  I was startled at first. But, love is still lifting me.  The hymn writer expressed: "I could have been dead sleeping in my grave but the Lord made my enemies behave." Love is still lifting me. The years have taught me so much.  I am still resting in the vanity room where as a woman I am not telling everyone my age. (smile) But the difference is I am

Psalm 30:5 King James Version.    For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Every Moment Matters  sdktyus@2022 Every moment matters.  Every day another “run.” People, places and even things race to get a turn  Grace and mercy matter.    No kindness every lost Blessings flow and overflow  freely from God without cost.  Truth and integrity matter.  Relationships each hold a special place. Some existing for eternity.  Loved ones gone.  None can fill their space  Thoughts and feelings matter.  Prayers that intercede.  Falling tears and laughter  according to the need.  Life and death they matter  so make the moments count while you are here. Cherish time spent.  Wisely, time  invest in what you hold dear.  Every moment matters Moments matter Yes they do Moment by moment this I pray —- may God’s  grace guide us through.  In Christ, Sis. Stephanie