Hope & Faith

Agree and be Healed amen.

Actress and Christian Candace Cameron Bure mentioned that while reading the Old Testament book of Job, there was a verse that caused her to laugh out loud.

When most people think of the book of Job, laughter is not commonly associated with it. Job, in the Bible’s Old Testament, tells the story of Job – a righteous man of God. The Lord had blessed Job. He was a wealthy man with a wife, many children and an abundance of livestock.

However, Job’s life soon took a dramatic turn. Satan told God that Job would not praise Him if all his material blessings, family and health were taken away. So, that’s what happened – everything was taken from Job. But Satan was proven wrong, and Job continued to praise God. 

Later in the book, as Candace mentions, as Job is enduring these hardships, he has individuals giving him advice. Their advice is not helpful for what he is going through, and it is one verse in which Job responds to them that caused the “Fuller House” actress to react with laughter.

“There’s a line in there that he says back to them, and I’m paraphrasing: ‘If only you would just shut your mouth, and let that be your wisdom,’” she said. “I was like, ‘Job, that’s so smart.’ 

She added: “Sometimes people think they are so wise, and I’m, like, if you’d only shut your mouth and being wise from keeping silent. It made me laugh out loud reading that in the Bible.”

One of the nation’s presidents, Abraham Lincoln, has a quote often credited to him that also expresses this idea. “It is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”

Sadly, we all know people who would benefit greatly from Job’s and Abraham Lincoln’s wise words.

Job 13:5 “If only you would keep quiet, it would be a sign of wisdom!”

A reading from the book, Holiness by J.C. Ryle. This is the first reading, The Preface.

A 28-year-old and father of five gave a stunning and emotional performance of Sam Cooke’s classic, “Bring It on Home to Me,” during his audition on American Idol.

Most people want to better their situation in life and take steps toward making that vision a reality. They desire a better future for themselves and their children. That’s something all parents want for their children. Anyone who doesn't want to provide or at least try to do so for their kids isn’t much of a parent.

One of those people hoping to change his lot in life and make a better life for his children is Odell Bunton Jr. In a clip posted on YouTube, Odell reveals that he and his wife are the proud parents of five little bundles of joy. To provide for them, he works security during the overnight shift at the Dallas airport.

But Odell and his family live in a hotel, and he wants more. He sees music as a way to do that for him and his family. After his stunning audition on American Idol, Odell may be right!

Moments after singing the first few words of the iconic song, it’s clear that Odell has a ton of musical, God-given talent. Given the expressions from Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan during his audition, they also agree.

All the judges gave the father of five plenty of comments and compliments on his audition. However, Katy gave him the highest, kindest compliment.

“I would say that you’re the best soul singer we have this season,” Katy said. 

Lionel and Luke agree with Katy’s assessment. Luke said that he even got chills while listening to Odell.

Odell is on his way to Hollywood and is one big step closer to giving his family the better life he desires for them.

Psalm 95:1 “O come, let us make songs to the Lord; sending up glad voices to the Rock of our salvation.”

The Lord is WITH you woman of God! The Lord is with you man of God! You are about to see the hand of God move mightily in your life to move you into the NEXT level of DESTINY and what He has promised you! The Lord is with you! Come, let us encourage our faith with this brief exhortation! Check out my FREE podcast also on the following below: SPOTIFY podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masteringyourlifewithjay AMAZON podcast: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1e112dcb-2916-4352-a84e-0645343ae2b8/mastering-your-life-with-jay IHEART podcast: https://iheart.com/podcast/127020364 GOOGLE podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/search/mastering%20your%20life%20with%20jay Check out my BLOG by clicking the link below: https://mysteriesofmastery.com/ #jesus #divinedestiny #blessings #success #victory #propheticdestiny #breakthrough #wealth #faith #warriors #warrior #gideonsarmy #chosenones #chosenone #chosen Rooted: SI3OMZPMLOAMOG2L, Just look up: BRMAR9UVXSVDL0H9

Fun and community for writers--3rd Day Writers meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month to talk and pray a little, and to write a bunch. Fiction, non-fiction, or just some scribbles and scratchings--it's all writing and we'd love to have you with us!

Street Evangelism

This video clip begins with Billy Grammer telling the audience that this song, ‘Unknown Solider’ is one of his most requested songs. Then he starts to play. 

With his guitar, Billy is sitting in a chair, playing to the audience at Larry’s Country Diner. The clip is from the 2nd season of the show, which was quite a few years ago. 

Billy Grammer was an American country music singer and accomplished guitar player. One of his most popular songs is ‘Gotta Travel On,’ which made it onto both the country and pop charts in 1959. He was also popular at the Grand Old Opry and designed his namesake guitar, the Grammeer Guitar.

 

Sadly, Billy passed away in 2011 when he was in his 80s. But his music and his spirit live on through his music and past performances. 

The song he is singing here has a sad quality to it. It is the song of the unknown soldier. And begins, “I looked down from heaven’s window on a grave so all alone. I’m the soldier whose body lies there and my grave is marked unknown.” 

The idea of an unknown soldier is a tragic one. We often think of those who have passed as having family who mourn them, but in the case of an unknown soldier, their family could be out there not knowing what happened to them. 

At least we know that God was with the soldier as they passed and he is with the family, who are probably missing that soldier, even if they don’t know what happened to them. 

Larry’s Country Diner is a unique hometown variety show. They have many different musicians and entertainers come on their show. While it does appear to look like a local diner, it is a show and not a normal restaurant. 

“For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.” - Romans 14:8 

A host of the Today Show, Savannah Guthrie, has opened up about her deep faith and God's impact on her life.

One’s faith and belief in God is very personal to many people and can be hard to discuss openly and publicly. Some people will completely disregard it, and others may even ridicule and mock the person who brings up God and faith. However, someone talking about God and Jesus Christ and the difference He has made in their life may be just what someone needs to hear.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Savannah, who admits that she had fears about discussing her faith publicly, put them aside. Savannah, in her book, “Mostly What God Does,” opened up about her faith and how God has touched her life. 

She states that she grew up in the church. But it was during a devastating time as a teenager that she grew even closer to Him, clinging to his healing, comfort and protection.

Her father passed away when she was only 16 years old. She came home one Friday night to learn that he had passed unexpectedly. 

“My father was a deep man of faith and conviction,” Savannah said. “I remember being asked by friends, ‘How can you still believe?’ And I remember saying, ‘Oh no, this is when I need Him the most. I can’t lose my dad and lose God at the same time.’”

Later in the clip, Savannah talked about becoming the mother to two beautiful children and how God uses parenthood to show His deep and unending love to us.

“I came to understand that parenthood is God’s greatest metaphor,” she said. “I look at my kids, and I think about how I love them and how they delight me and how much I enjoy them. And when I clued into the way I feel about my kids is how God feels about me and how God feels about us, that was transformative.”

1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has given us in naming us the children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not see who we are, because it did not see who he was.”

One mother found out her daughter was bullying another student at school, acted and used her daughter’s punishment to send a powerful message.

Most people are struggling and battling against something. There is not a single perfect person walking on Earth. Everyone has their problems, failures and flaws. That’s why picking on and ridiculing someone is never helpful. Such cruel and hateful treatment will only serve to make things dramatically worse. 

As everyone knows, kids can be some of the cruelest and cold-hearted people, especially to one another. So, when one mother found out that her daughter had been treating a classmate of hers in a less-than-optimal manner, she punished her daughter in a pretty incredible and moving way. 

In a video posted on TikTok, a mother showed what she made her daughter do to apologize for her actions. The short, 40-second video begins with the mother and her daughter walking through the aisles at Target.

Text in the video explains what viewers are seeing as they watch the short clip.

“POV (Point of View): Your child decided to be a follower and bully another kid today knowing you hate bullies! This is how we apologize in our house hold,” the text reads.

Next, the video cuts to a basketful of items. There is also a card in which the child wrote a message apologizing to the other young lady for her actions.

The note inside the card reads: “Im sorry for being mean to you and talking about your hair, you are a wonderful friend to me, so I apologize for that.”

The mother, who posted the video on social media, wrote how she always tells her children that they never know what someone else is enduring and what they are experiencing.

Children can be cruel to one another, teasing and making fun of others for something they have no control over. However, it appears that this mother is doing things the right way. She is trying to teach her children to be empathetic and to show kindness and compassion for others.

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

Actress Danica McKellar has shared her faith journey and her biggest hope for this Easter.

Talking about faith and sharing how one found the Lord can be difficult and stressful. However, the Bible states we are to go out into the world, into all nations, and make disciples for Him. One of the most effective ways to do that is to share one’s testimony and how Christ’s love and forgiveness changed their life. 

But most people are entirely too concerned with the opinions of others. What will people think about us if we talk about religion, faith and Jesus Christ? Will we offend people? Will they think differently of us? These are thoughts that someone will experience that will likely keep them from sharing the good news about Jesus Christ.

However stressful as it may be, putting those fears and anxieties aside is necessary. Christ’s life-changing message of love, hope and forgiveness is too important to keep concealed and hidden away. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Danica shared how she came to know Jesus Christ, was changed by the Holy Spirit and what she hopes for during this Easter season. 

As The Wonder Years actress mentions, her faith journey all started because of an action from her friend and fellow actress Candace Cameron Bure. 

Danica says that after going to church with Candace where she watched a Passion play, her “life was transformed.” 

“The Holy Spirit came to me; that’s my only explanation,” she said.

Now, Danica has a wish and hope for all people at Easter. She wants all to remain open to learning about and receiving God’s abundant love. 

“His love and forgiveness is here for every single person,” she said. “It’s available to every person on Earth, and that is amazing. I am so grateful.”

Matthew 28:6 “He is not here, for he has come to life again, even as he said. Come, see the Lord’s resting place.”

Victor Pauca is 18 and living with an incredibly rare condition. Francesca Pauca, 21, is his sister and is one of his caregivers. In this YouTube video, we get to hear their story. 

Victor’s parents started to notice that he wasn’t reaching his developmental milestones when he was about six months old. He was then diagnosed with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome at 2.5 years old. 

Pitt-Hopkins is an autism spectrum disorder that causes developmental delays and he was one of the first people in the world to be diagnosed with it. Pitt-Hopkins is caused by a mutation of the gene, TCF4 on the 18th chromosome. 

Francesca talks about how the day-to-day with Victor is a team effort by her family. “Different people take on different tasks,” she says. “One by one we pick it all up and we do it together.”

Although Victor used to eat by mouth. Now, however, he requires four feedings with a feeding tube per day. His health can also be unstable and he has ended up in the hospital, but Francesca is right there with him through it all. 

Victor is nonverbal but he can communicate either nonverbally or through using different sounds that his family can understand. He does sometimes use a touch-chat. The family talks to Victor like he is any other 18-year-old boy. 

The family also includes him in household chores. You can see a clip of him doing laundry. 

Francesca goes to Princeton as a psychology major. She plans to return home after graduating college to care for Victor. She says she has been planning to do so for a long time. “It’s the only life I know,” she says when talking about taking care of him.

“I am 21 years old and I’ll be my brother’s caregiver in the future.”

While her parents still plan to be his caregiver for a few more decades, both she and her sister are committed to being his caregivers in the future. What an amazing thing for a sibling to do. 

The family has also started the Pitt-Hopkins Research Foundation to help others. 

Francesca took to social media to educate others about how fulfilling caregiving can be. She says, “I would want them to know that the work that they're doing, especially caregiving, is important and it’s beautiful and it’s appreciated.” 

Francesca and her family are not only showing love to their brother, but connecting with their community, and others to help them in their own caregiving journeys. She is quite the inspiration! 

“And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.” - Matthew 25:4

Princess Charming was given just six months to live. But now she is cancer-free and is thriving. 

In this YouTube video, we get to hear the story of Princess Charming and her new owner, Sath. Sath, tells us that she was scrolling on Instagram and found a post about a very sad cat that was living on the streets. She was found by some neighbors and they noticed that she had a wound on her leg. 

It turned out to be an aggressive sarcoma and the neighbors raised money to have her leg amputated. The cancer was going to come back, and she would pass away soon. She couldn’t go back on the streets. 

Sath decided to adopt Princess Charming in April of 2022. “At that very moment I knew my purpose,” she says about adopting the cat. “I just wanted her to have like an easy transition before she left Earth.”

While Sath didn’t know exactly what to do with a cat on hospice, she planned to just give her love and help her have a normal experience of being a cat. Slowly the cat became more and more comfortable with Sath as she showed her the love and care that she needed. 

When Princess Charming outlived the timeline the vet had given her, Sath took her in for x-rays and was in for a surprise. The cancer was gone. It was a real miracle.

“At that moment I had a sense of gratitude and I knew. I knew that it was the love that healed her.” She also talks about how it was confirmation that God and miracles existed. And there is so much truth to that.

What a lovely turn of events for Princess Charming and Sath. During the video, you can see how much the two of them have bonded and how great the cat’s new life is now that she has a loving home of her own.

"The Lord will be his support on his bed of pain: by you will all his grief be turned to strength." - Psalm 41:3

One father reacted emotionally, unable to contain his joy and excitement about his daughter’s recent SAT scores.

All parents want their children to be happy and to succeed in whatever they choose to do in life. Sometimes that is not always the case, as moms and dads know very well. Children, at times, will fail, fall and stumble. It happens to everyone, and it’s especially painful to watch when it happens to your child.

It's because of those heartbreaking times when parents see their children unhappy or fail that makes their child’s wins that much more enjoyable. I guess it’s true, we wouldn’t know happiness or joy if not for sadness and grief. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, one was blown away after hearing that his daughter received a stunning score on the SAT. The happy family is sitting down at the table, enjoying a meal together when the young woman tells her father the good news.

This was the girl’s second attempt at the SAT. Her first try was higher than what a lot of people score on the standardized test. She mentions that this time, she did better than her original 1510 score.

When she finally tells her dad her 1590 score, he loses his mind, screaming and shouting at the top of his lungs. 

“No way! No way! Are you kidding me? You’re not kidding me?” the proud father responds.

Everyone in the room laughs at the father’s reaction to the unbelievably good news.

The clip ends with the father telling his daughter, “Congratulations seems like not enough. That’s amazing Alyssa.”

What a sweet and genuine reaction from an obviously loving and supportive father who wants nothing but the best for his daughter. 

Also, what child, even though they might be embarrassed at the time, wouldn’t want their parents to react this way to their good news?

Proverbs 22:6 “If a child is trained up in the right way, even when he is old he will not be turned away from it.”

Kirk Cameron and his little sister Candace Cameron Bure shared their thoughts and insights about the importance and power of prayer.

Praying to God is a vital and necessary component of being a Christian. Consistent and honest communication is a must for any relationship to grow and prosper, and that includes our relationship with the Creator of the universe. Through this act of communicating with the Lord, we grow in knowledge and the wisdom of God. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Candace and Kirk point out how and when Christians should reach out to God and why it’s such an important act. Sometimes, as Candace points out, it’s not even about what we say while praying but simply that act of praying that is important.

“God doesn’t always answer prayers the way we want Him to,” Candace said. “But it’s so important because it not only connects us to Him, but it’s just saying, ‘Lord, I am dependent upon you no matter, no matter what happens.”’

Also, in the segment, Candace admits that while she enjoys praying and conversing with God, she is someone who will not volunteer to pray out loud at big gatherings.

“I am not one of these spiritual super powerhouse prayer people verbally,” she said. “Like, I love praying, but, you know, I’m not going to stand up and say, ‘Let me pray for all of you,’ because, you know, I don’t feel as confident in that.”

However, despite her apprehension about praying at large gatherings, Candace says that she's seen God answer prayers repeatedly throughout her life.

“But I pray so much and I see God answer so many things, to the smallest, tiny things, and sometimes really big things,” she added. 

Prayer is something that followers of Christ should be engaged in daily. He wants to hear from us and know what’s weighing on our hearts and minds. 

Romans 12:12 “Being glad in hope, quiet in trouble, at all times given to prayer,”

Experience the power of faith and resilience in our latest video. Join us as we share a deeply personal story from our time as missionaries in East Africa. In a foreign land, faced with unfamiliar healthcare resources, Margaret fell seriously ill with pneumonia. As her condition worsened, we found ourselves at a loss for where to turn. With her health rapidly declining, I made a pivotal decision: to build an altar by her bedside and devote the entire night to fervent prayer. Throughout the night, Margaret's coughing echoed through the guest house, matched only by my cries to God for her healing. It was a night of intense spiritual warfare, where sleep eluded us all. But as dawn broke, hope emerged. We were able to secure medical assistance for Margaret, marking the beginning of a challenging journey home—a journey prolonged by her weakened state. This experience tested not only our faith but also our unwavering commitment to our calling. Join us as we recount this poignant moment of faith, resilience, and the unyielding power of prayer. Subscribe now to our channel for more inspiring stories of faith and mission.

Seven Bible verses that remind us to have faith in God.

Four women who were friends in high school, back in the 1950s, have now been reunited because they all live at the same retirement home.

Life is all about relationships. No one was made to experience life all by themselves. We all require connection with other human beings. Even the most standoffish and anti-social individual wants someone who knows and understands them. 

One of the most important types of relationships we’ll ever form in life is friendships. Friends are special people who are shoulders to cry on when times get tough. They give a word of encouragement when needed, and they are there to celebrate some of life’s special moments and milestones. 

However, unfortunately, whether due to time or distance, some friendships can fade and cease to exist. But others are strong enough to withstand such hurdles, including four women who went to the same California high school in the 1950s. Despite the time that may have passed, four elderly women remain friends. They now live at the same retirement center.

In a clip posted on YouTube, the women reminisced about their high school days. 

“We had a prom every year,” Joan Harris said. “We had a girls basketball team. And we played other Catholic girls’ high schools. We had typing, and we had music and art.”

While in their advanced age, the women understand just how valuable and important friendship is now. Their time together means everything to them.

“I think friendship is very important,” Sylvia Crane said. “And having old friends is wonderful. There’s so many of us that are gone. It’s very important to me to know that I still have these three wonderful women around me.”

What a heartwarming story about friendship that has endured and withstood the test of time! 

Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

This 10-year-old may be in the hospital, but she has some dance moves. 

Vitoria Bueno is 10 years old and loves to make videos about her life. She loved to dance, do her makeup, and share about what she is going through. 

When Vitoria was born, she was diagnosed with Osteogenesis imperfecta. This makes your bones very small and break easily.

Vitoria has to be extremely careful about her movements. She wears a Halo Traction ring which she tells the camera is for her scoliosis to help straighten her back and prepare her for surgery. She also has a walker with her Halo. 

She had to spend over a month in the hospital and she tells us that she was very nervous about her surgery. She says, “And, and I was really nervous because I’m like I’m going to miss dance, I am going to miss my house, my dog. All that just went away.”

You can tell that Vitoria has such a sweet spirit. She shows off her dancing skills early in the video while wearing the Halo Traction ring. This allows her to move about safely. She also talks to us about all the great nurses she met during her hospital stay and the new friends she has made. 

Towards the end of the video, she is back home after her hospital stay and happy to be there. She was allowed to keep the Halo and says, “But yeah, I got to keep it and I really like it, actually” as she holds it up for us to see. 

We can see the joy in her videos even though she is going through some challenges with her health. She is celebrating what she loves, sharing her life, and embracing the good. 

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” - Romans 15:13

A woman, more than a century old, praised and thanked God for all the blessings in her life during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. 

Life is the most precious thing on Earth. It is a gift from God. Given its importance, it must be honored, protected and cherished in every way possible. Sadly, life is also limited. No one can predict how much time they have on Earth. Life can change in the blink of an eye. A loved one could be here one minute and gone the next. 

Althea Vignaud understands life is a gift. She has enjoyed more than 100 years on Earth. The 104-year-old woman is blessed, which is a fact that Althea recognizes and readily admits. She also understands the source of all of her blessings, and praises and thanks Him for every day He gives her. 

“My high note is all my thanks is to the Man upstairs,” Althea said. “That’s my blessing. When I wake up in the morning, I look out, open my blinds, and I look out, up to the sky. And I say, ‘Thank You for all my blessings. Thank You for waking me up this morning. Thank You for having me feel the way I do.’”

Despite her advanced age, Althea says she has been blessed with good health and still feels well.

“And my blessing is, I get up in the morning feeling great - like I’m ready to hit the street,” she said. 

Before the clip ends, Jennifer hands Althea a bouquet of roses and serenades her with a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Everyone could stand to learn a lot from Althea. Most people constantly want more and more, never content with what the Lord has already blessed them with and placed in their lives. But Althea is grateful for everything in her life and every day the Lord gives her. She understands that every 24-hour period is another gift from God. 

Job 12:12 “Old men have wisdom, and a long life gives knowledge.”