Posted on July 10, 2026 by vickie j blair
I watched a segment on TV about an underwater photographer. He said while there is beauty beneath the waves when sunlight filters through water, the greatest beauty lie in the depths, when darkness left the light behind, The light of the camera revealed an array of color and beauty not seen with the naked eye or near the surface. Deep sea diving is a risky business as one has to trust in their equipment. It’s the same in our spiritual worlds. It’s a risky business to leave behind all we are familiar with to explore the depths of a life of prayer, but our equipment is the Holy Spirit. He will never fail us.
Most people, Christians and not yet Christians, have some idea and understanding of prayer, but it takes a journey into unexplored territory to experience the depth of its beauty. When we first know Jesus in a personal way, our prayers are filled with thankfulness to Him for what He did for us on the cross. This is most necessary. Our prayers are also filled with requests. This is also most necessary, but it is the requests we must address today.
When we are infants in the Lord, taking our first steps, learning to walk in our spiritual journey, we pray for those things we desire. We even beg and plead that the Lord answer our prayers in the manner we want them to be answered. Always we want our prayers to be answered in the affirmative. We tell ourselves that if we pray in faith believing (Matthew 21:22) then of course we will have what we ask. Oh, the disappointment and confusion when what we plead for doesn’t take place. When this happens, we often and sadly, turn away from praying, telling ourselves we tried and it didn’t work. This is a lie of Satan. Prayer is a journey of learning, like going to school or apprenticing a trade. It takes time and practice.
As we determine to keep on praying, we keep on growing closer to our Heavenly Father. As we grow closer, or may I say go deeper in our relationship with Him, leaving familiar territory to plunge into a space where our former hopes now become entwined with our Father’s heart, we become immersed into what may seem like darkness at first, as we adjust our eyes to this new depth, but then the light of the Holy Spirit lets us see beyond anything we dreamed. He lights up a new path which can only be fully seen when full surrender of heart takes place.
Is that a part of Paul meant when he said he brings his body into submission? (I Corinthians 9:27) If we surrender our minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit, risking a journey into the unknown, into that which we have never experienced before, then yes, we experience the vast beauty of the depth of truth found in Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart (ESV). It is possible for our hopes to become so trusting and discerning of our Father’s plans that we may pray as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, when He, diving deep in prayer, came to a place where His desires were one with His Father. That is when He could pray, Not My will but Yours be done (Luke 22:42 NLT). It is good for all of us that Jesus came to that place. If He did not, salvation never would have happened. Jesus was so entwined with His Father’s heart, that He could fully trust that all things would work together for good (Romans 8:28) and did it ever!
May we each make a daily decision to dive deep in prayer, leaving our own definition of need behind as we enter into the love of God that knows no limits, that displays its most glorious beauty in the darkness where only the light of His love can show the way.
Posted on July 5, 2026 by vickie j blair
Posted on July 3, 2026 by vickie j blair
Recently my mother and I had the most wonderful trip to America. We spent six weeks traveling, speaking in many churches and other events, and joyfully visiting dear friends and family. We both say that this trip seemed especially sweet as we shared and prayed and hugged and laughed with those we love so dearly.
One particular visit was to see my cousin and meet her two new family members: Vinny and Milo. Vinny is a one year old, long haired dachshund. Milo will be one in August and is a dachshund-chihuahua cross. When we entered the house and were seated, they were let loose. Oh, my! What exuberance! They were displaying happiness on steroids!
Every night before my cousin goes to bed, she cleans up “the boy’s” room, gathering all the toys, scattered everywhere, and returns them to the toy box. First thing in the morning, the boy’s run with gusto and attack the toy box, bringing out every toy. They are so happy with what they have been given. To Vinny and Milo, every morning is Christmas. Their excitement is off the richter scale.
What caught my attention when I watched a video clip of their morning happiness, was the fact that the toys were the same toys they play with everyday. The same balls, the same stuffed animals. the same, same, same., but they are appreciative beyond measure. I thought to myself, if only we humans could be so appreciative. Let’s think about what we are given each day.
A sunrise that promises a new day. A sun that warms the earth. Clouds that offer coolness. Rain that gives the plants, animals, and us what we need to drink. A moon to brighten the night, illuminating our way. Fruit on trees, grains in the fields, vegetables to fill our plates. It’s the same sun, the same moon, the same rain, the same food, but where is our excitement? What happened to our thankfulness?
I have been touched by the display of gratitude and enjoyment displayed by Vinny and Milo. May I also look at God’s world with fresh eyes, being excited and appreciative of all that He has given me and each of us.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers — the moon and the stars You set in place — what are mere mortals that You should think about them? Yet You made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything You made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims in the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, You majestic name fills the earth.
Psalm 8:3-9 (NLT)
May we all count our blessings today. May we all stay busy being happy.
Posted on June 28, 2026 by vickie j blair
This is the last of the 66 books of the Bible in the series – Genesis to Revelation. All 66 studies can be found on my YouTube channel. I hope all who listen will be blessed.
Posted on June 26, 2026 by vickie j blair
Financial loans, mortgages, insurances; the fine print must be adhered to as there are always hidden costs. Loans promise financial freedom while calculating the interest added on repayment. It’s no different in our spiritual worlds. Our arch enemy promises unlimited pleasure while stealing away our inner peace. Never forget Satan’s goal for every one of God’s children as Jesus warned in John 10:10 when He told us, The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy (NLT). He always seeks to steal our peace, kill our joy, and destroy all hope. By stark contrast, Jesus said in that same verse, My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. Jesus longs for us to be rich in joy and peace and to be sweetly satisfied with the plans and hope He designs for our futures.
The question then comes, “How do we maintain such peace and joy in the midst of Satan’s constant barrage of temptations?” Some, with all good intentions, make the mistake of concentrating on the enemy’s tactics, focusing on being aware of his tricks and deception. It sounds like a good plan. After all, the famous quote from the film, The Godfather, “Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer,” has permeated self-help books and has even landed in war rooms. This quote originates from the 5th century when Sun Tzu wrote in his, The Art of War, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” It’s a strategy that makes perfect sense in human warfare, but Jesus speaks about spiritual warfare. The game plan is quite different in the spiritual realm.
To fight Satan is futile in our own strength and reasoning. Satan is stronger than any of us, but he is never more powerful than God. Therefore, to maintain our peace, joy, and hope in the midst of strongest temptation, we don’t concentrate on Satan’s tactics; rather and most importantly, we heed the Holy Spirit’s inspired instruction found in James 4:8, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. There we have the simple but profound secret to success in overcoming the temptations of the enemy — purposely draw close to God.
Satan and his demonic forces quake when they see a child of God engaged in prayer, or praising the Lord for His goodness and blessing to us, or reading the Bible because, The Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12 NLT). As it exposes what is weak and sinful in our lives, it allows us joyful opportunity to be cleansed in heart and mind; therefore, to be ready and strong to ward off any attack of the enemy.
Demonic attacks are daily upon; so is the power of the Holy Spirit as He reveals truth from God’s Word, and fills us with God’s power as the result of our praying. Engaging in God’s plans for spiritual warfare brings God’s own strength into our lives that wins every attack Satan can ever plan.
Posted on June 19, 2026 by vickie j blair
Like many of you I love thinking about Jesus as our Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 always gives us a comforting and vivid picture of His care for us. It begins with the reminder that in our Shepherd we have everything we need. He is with us when we are resting and at peace, or when peril strikes threatening the strength of our faith. He constantly refreshes our every thought so that we have all we need to get through anything at all. He guides us along our journey without mistake pointing in which direction we should take. Sometimes the way is difficult, scary, even foreboding, but He does not leave us in such moments; He draws even closer, reminding us of His presence, just as any good shepherd will assure the flock. Taking the rod, the shepherd will clear the path of sharp stones, and prod the sheep to stay on the right path. Should a sheep take a wrong step, the shepherd does not ignore the sheep, leaving the frightened animal to its own devices, but gently and firmly uses the crook of the staff to lift up the sheep, placing him or her again on solid ground. When a sheep is wounded, the shepherd will clean and anoint the wound with oil. Our Good Shepherd does the same, anointing us with oil of gladness (Psalm 45:7). When wolves draw close, smelling the wounded and weakened animal, the shepherd stands guard while the sheep eats with assurance of protection even in the midst of predators seeking to destroy.
Jesus our Good Shepherd does the same for each of us who knows Him, who are counted as one of His flock. Enemies of fear may be biting at our faith and stealing our peace, or despondency seeks to destroy our joy, or disappointment rolls in to kill our hope. The enemy, Satan, never changes his strategy to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Enter the Good Shepherd Who reminds us with His words of love that He never leaves us nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5) and that He will gladly carry our burdens (Matthew 11:28).
Sheep can be foolish animals, just like each of us can be foolish, too. What wonder and encouragement that our Good Shepherd never gives up on us. He is always present, always loving, always forgiving. He never forsakes us. Why do we ever entertain such a thought to ever turn away from His perfect will for our lives? Because we are foolish. Oh what undeserved love is ours from our wonderful Shepherd. Praise the Lord for He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Posted on June 5, 2026 by vickie j blair
There are many things we must do in life even if we don’t feel like it. This fact is from childhood to being an adult. We must go to school even if we don’t feel like it. We must go to work even if we don’t feel like it. We must do our homework, write that work report, and prepare that presentation even if we don’t feel like it. The results of any of the above is positive when we do what we don’t feel like. We get that diploma and get a good work appraisal when we do what we don’t feel like doing.
In relationships, it is always the better decision to be nice even if we don’t feel like it. To go ahead and smile, even be helpful to the irritating neighbor is better for your own self rather than engaging in argument. Showing thoughtfulness to a family member maintains peace in the home. Making the choice to show positive, helpful, and kind behavior is more conducive to peace. The opposite brings calm to no one.
In our personal, spiritual worlds, the same is true. Difficult things happen to us all. We all experience grief and tears. We probably all know what it’s like to be misunderstood or to be treated unfairly. We have a choice — we could fight back or withdraw. Perhaps we even decide to quit talking to God. These choices result in deeper despair and gloominess. We’ve probably all experienced that, too. So, what is the best choice to make, even when we don’t feel like it? Praise.
It’s a wonderful feeling when all is right in our personal worlds. We can praise the Lord loudly and joyfully, but what about when our personal worlds are filled with pain and hard times? It’s especially important to praise the Lord during those times, because praising keeps us focused on the One Who can come to our rescue. We can’t, but He can is a motto of praise to keep in our daily thoughts. Praising when we don’t feel like it keeps our minds filled with hope rather than despair. Praise is the best medicine to maintain peace in any storm. To choose to praise is an instruction from God’s Word that lifts us from our pain and also brings joy to our Heavenly Father.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His faithfulness endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise Him enough? There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.
Psalm 106:1-3
To choose to praise is an investment in our personal worlds that promises dividends of peace, joy, and strength no matter the agony of the storm.
Posted on May 29, 2026 by vickie j blair
Isn’t waiting a difficult thing? I recently talked with someone going through a trying time. “I know God can help me,” the person said. “I know He will help me, but I wish I knew when.” We often know what we want and when we want it, and we long with the greatest of hope for our plan to take place soon. Of course, those of us who have walked with God for a long time, also know that His plans are not always our plans, but they are certainly the best and most perfect plans.
This person was in need of a job. The last place of employment didn’t work out, to no fault of his own. He was truly seeking God. He went to several interviews, some of the jobs even below what he was qualified for, but he didn’t get hired. Months passed by. Money was tight. Fear was knocking on the door of his heart, but he determined to keep his eyes focused on God, keeping anxiety from taking hold. He often repeated Jeremiah 29:11 where God declares, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Finally, out of the blue, a job he had never considered became available. He applied interviewed, and got the job. He now calls it his dream job. In all the months of difficulty, waiting, and wondering, God was in control all along. “He was saving the job for me,” the man declared with joy. Situations like this remind me of that beautiful verse in Isaiah 30:18, And therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto you.
The man in this story made a wise choice in his time of great difficulty — he chose to trust His Heavenly Father anyway. Never forget how much your Father loves you and loves to care for you. When you and I run out of plans — He always has one. Just wait and see how gracious He is to you.
Posted on May 22, 2026 by vickie j blair
Maintaining a healthy self esteem is a battle at times for all of us. Our arch enemy, Satan, understands how important a low self esteem is to bring us down. He does not want you to be happy, peaceful, or successful. Never forget that this dastardly enemy never means well — ever! If he fails in keeping you from knowing Jesus personally, his next endeavor is to keep you from having a close, loving, and joyful relationship with God. How does he set out to accomplish this horrible task? He does what he has always done from the beginning. He lies.
Satan wants you to feel terrible about yourself. He wants you to believe any good idea that comes to your mind is foolish. He will whisper that you are stupid, appear silly to others, that someone else could accomplish any task better than you, that you were born a loser and will always be one, that no one respects you, loves you, or believes you to be anything special. His lies are relentless.
Your Heavenly Father, by stark contrast, tells you the truth at all times. He tells you that if He puts an idea into your mind, it’s workable. He is not concerned that someone else may do the task better than you; He is only concerned that you understand the truth of Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” He also tells you in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise small beginnings for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Why does He rejoice? Because He knows what comes next. He knows this small task He has assigned to you, that He has trusted to you, is not only doable, but that pressing on to accomplish all He has given you to do will bring inner peace and joy that cannot be measured. God Almighty desires with all His heart of love that you grow in peace and joy. He wants you to have a healthy self esteem, to understand that He loves you so much, that if you choose to receive the gift of His salvation, you will live eternally with Him. He adores you so much it cannot be measured. Satan hates you so much it also cannot be measured.
Our arch enemy always whispers it can’t be done, you’ll fail, how foolish to even attempt. He always tells you you’re not as good as someone else. Your Heavenly Father urges you to go forth, to trust Him to be your everything to get you through anything. He whispers that He has a plan, custom designed for you, to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) You are in the center of His heart. You are the object of His love; that’s why He sent His Son to pay the ultimate sacrifice so you may live in perfect joy with Him forever. Concerning that future home, He gives us this magnificent promise in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Imagine that — gone forever.
God’s eternal joy is yours for the asking. Tell Satan in Jesus’ name to take a hike. Refuse to listen to his relentless lies. Choose instead to focus on Jesus. Do whatever He puts in your heart to do, knowing of a certainty, it’s not important that someone else could do it better — God chose you. He wants to bless you for your obedience to His ways. He knows that with His help you can do anything. If He didn’t know that, He would have never asked in the first place. So, lift your face to the heavens and go forth in joy. Your Heavenly Father is your best cheerleader an
Posted on May 8, 2026 by vickie j blair
Imagine you see someone fall in the water. It’s quickly evident the person doesn’t know how to swim. You throw them a life saver but they won’t grab hold. It’s their choice. You can’t make them reach out to grab hold of that which would bring them to safety and life. You can only warn and encourage. It’s the same in our spiritual world, whether we are giving needed instruction to a person who does not yet know Jesus personally, or whether it be to a Christian who is straying away from the ways of God. We can only warn and encourage, and this we must do out of our love for our struggling brothers and sisters.
I’m concerned, as many of you, for those who have tasted of God’s goodness, known the immeasurable joy of His comfort, but something happens — an attack by our arch enemy, Satan’s demonic forces. They whisper that sin is pleasurable, that committing sin won’t matter once in a while — but sin always matters.
The Bible often uses the disease of leprosy to illustrate sin and what it does to us. Leprosy damages a person’s sensory nerves. In time those senses become numb. Pain is not felt in fingers and toes; the lack of sensation grows into the arms and legs. This happens to us spiritually when we leave sin unchecked. We become calloused, hearts grow cold and unfeeling to the damage of sin.
Today there is effective treatment for leprosy, but if this disease is left without medical care, then the outcome is fatal. It’s the same with a person who lacks repentance for their sin. It leads to death; not a loss of salvation, but a loss of joy and peace that gives us comfort and strength to get through life’s trials. It also dulls our senses, leading us away from the wisdom of God, taking us instead toward bad decision making. This behavior hurts both ourselves and those we love who observe us as we choose ungodliness over God’s cleanliness.
As leprosy worsens, it renders that a person be outcast. The same happens spiritually. For a child of God to choose a path of sin, it leads them away from true heart fellowship with likeminded brothers and sisters. Such a person desires other things and other people with whom to share their dark ways. This path brings upon a person a growing self-loathing. There is only one cure for such misery — true repentance.
If this is you, do not delay. Return to Jesus again. Grab hold of joy and peace again. Worship in awe and ecstasy again. Truly repent, turning away in sorrow from sin, to life giving joy once more. It’s Jesus. Only Jesus. There is no other life saver upon whom we may grab when we fall into sinful waters.
After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (James 1:15).
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