Category: Scripture

From the Holy Bible

God’s Strength

On By vickleaIn ScriptureLeave a comment

Through all of the recent tests, medical visits and frustration of no real resolution, God has been right there beside me. I had a bone scan on Friday. The orthopedist had told me that there was a possibility of a small fracture in my humerus (upper arm bone), so he had recommended a bone scan. The procedure took most of the day since I had to go in, get the injection that lit me up inside, wait three hours, return to the hospital and get the scan done which took about thirty minutes. The tech Debbie was very kind and helpful the whole time, so I was made to feel comfortable and at ease as much as possible. Again, I prayed and sang praise songs to myself as the procedure was being completed. I got the written report yesterday in “My Chart” and attempted to understand it. I didn’t understand much, but it was repeated several times that there was no evidence of bone cancer. I didn’t even know that they were looking for that! But I have no doubt that God did know and had given me peace even before I looked at the report. I return to my orthopedist in a few weeks, after he has time to receive the full report and review it. Meanwhile, I am pressing into God because He is my strength, the One who sustains my life in every way. I don’t always feel well and I hardly ever feel rested these days, but I am grateful for the rest that I have in Him and the confidence that whatever happens, He has not left my side.

I pray for each of you today that you may have the same assurance that I have. I want you to know that God is always the same, regardless of the circumstances in life. His love never changes, His mercy is new every morning and His faithfulness is unending. I am reading in the Old Testament about the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. They whined. He provided. They whined again. He provided. Sometimes there were consequences for their lack of faith, but He still provided. Moses had to intercede for them because at one point God wanted to destroy them completely. We have an intercessor who is always making a case before the Father for us, our Savior, Christ Jesus. Thus, you and I can be certain that God is working on our behalf, even when we don’t see it or feel it. That is what I want you to take away from today’s blog post, that God is right there with you, just as He is with me. He is omnipresent, a characteristic that we finite humans cannot understand. But I don’t have to understand it to know that it is true. God is as close to me here in Virginia as He is to you in California, Michigan, England or Norway. I am so thankful for His calming presence and for His grace and love that sees me through the trials of getting older.

Lord, You Are My Strength-Jelly Roll

Jesus Is the Way

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Our world wants us to accept that there are many ways to God, but there is only one way and it is up to us to share that truth with others. We can run to Him and be comforted, but only when we accept with our whole hearts that He is the way to the Father. His sacrifice makes a relationship with the Father possible and our future secure.

From YouVersion, Daily Refresh 2-21-26

Perseverance Is A Challenge

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Perseverance Brings a Harvest (Daily Refresh, 2-29-26)

Have you ever started something new, but gave up after a few tries? Maybe you tried to create a new morning routine or a Bible reading habit, only to give up after a few weeks. It can be hard to build enough discipline to start something new—or to change.

It can also be challenging to receive discipline from someone. Maybe you remember being disciplined as a kid by your parent. Or maybe you’ve faced discipline at work for a mistake you made.

In either case, discipline is hard and takes a lot of work.

Scripture says that for those who endure discipline, and persevere, there is a harvest of righteousness and peace waiting for them. However, it doesn’t happen easily and often makes us uncomfortable. We have to be trained through discipline to create godly habits that will then produce righteousness and peace in our lives.

Take some time today to consider: Where can you allow the Holy Spirit to build discipline in your life? What daily habits should you begin working on today? 

Building discipline into your life is worth it—with the results being peace and a desire for righteousness.

My Thoughts

I am thankful that the Lord loves me enough to discipline me. I recall disciplining my children who are now all adults with their own families. Discipline was not a “once and done” thing. It seemed that I was reminding them constantly of the rules and the consequences. Most of the time, I was alone, since my military husband was not at home but regularly deployed. I remember that sometimes I was so tired of the whole routine of disciplining, but I knew that it was training them for life, so I persisted.

I am thankful that the Lord never tires of disciplining me. He doesn’t just throw up His hands and say, “I give up! You are just not going to change!” Instead, He lovingly and consistently disciplines me, prodding me to go in the right direction and showing me when I got off the track and how to get back on it. God’s discipline is not always welcomed by me. I don’t always want to have to repent and apologize, but He wants me to be in a right relationship with Him, so His Spirit keeps prompting me to do the right thing. I don’t think that persevering in our discipline is a challenge or a chore for God as it seemed to me for me at times. His love for us is so great that from that abundance of love, He chooses to discipline us. I remember telling my children that I was disciplining them because I love them. It does my heart good to watch and hear my children tell their children the same thing. Discipline is love in action and it brings a harvest that we don’t even realize at the time.

My word to you today is to persevere. Choose to allow the Lord to discipline you and accept that we are sinners saved by grace. We aren’t perfect but we are a work in progress, and God loves us so much that He wants us to strive to be more like Him.

Trusting God

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

Everyone who has a relationship with our Creator knows that it is easy to trust Him when the road is smooth, the view from the mountaintop is delightful and life is generally going well. But what about in the valley? The place where you feel alone, perhaps not sure that God is with you? That is where I have been for months now, but I am here to emphatically state that I will not let my feelings get in the way of my relationship with God and that includes continuing to trust Him.

Can I see the end of the battle with my health issues? No, but God knows. Can I understand why all of this is coming at me at once? No, but God knows. Do I want to go through all of this? Of course not, but I am willing to do what God allows to happen in my life so that I am in a stronger, more dependent relationship with Him.

None of the bad reports that I have gotten lately surprised God. He is not wringing His hands and saying, “Oh, my!” Or “Oh, dear, that’s too bad.” Or even, “I feel so bad for Vickie.” None of that is in God’s character. He is omnipotent, always. He is omnipresent, always. And, most importantly, He is always loving and merciful and I am believing that He will use all of this for a greater purpose. I don’t see a straight path out of this health dilemma, but this verse says clearly that God will make a path. The Creator of the Universe, the One who made me just the way I am, will make a path for me to follow, a clearly designated way up and out. Do I know how He will do that? No. But I trust Him and believe His Word and His promises. I hope that you will believe with me.

Is there anything happening in your life that I can pray for you about? It would be a privilege to do so. God, who is no respecter of persons, is totally trustworthy to handle your issues as well as mine. God bless you and keep trusting and believing. The answer is on the way and God is making a path for you!

Happy Valentine’s Day

On By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

If today is a day that you are feeling lonely and unloved, remember this verse. Nothing can separate you from God’s love, ever! He is right there if you just reach out to Him and tell Him honestly that you need Him, today and everyday. Let Him show you what real love is all about. It’s not hearts and flowers and chocolates. Real love went to a cross and sacrificed Himself so that we can eternally be with the Father. It’s our choice to accept Jesus’s sacrifice, repent of our sins and live in the presence of His great love for us forever. Repentance just means telling God you are genuinely sorry for all you have done in your life that was wrong, sinful, disobedient. You don’t have to make a list. He knows. Just say with your whole heart that you are sorry. Then, you show Him you mean it by turning away from those things and starting a new life with Him. Find a good, Bible-believing church, talk to the pastor and tell him that you need a mentor to disciple you. Read your Bible every day and let God’s Word minister to you and grow you into the person He created you to be. Then you will know His love and that will sustain you through hard times, lonely times, heartbreak and health problems. God’s love is forever. So, give God your heart this Valentine’s Day. That’s all He wants is a relationship with you!

God’s love isn’t a feeling. He chooses to love us, sometimes in spite of us, but always because He created us and truly, deeply loves us. Choose love for God and eternal life with Him.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Prayer from the YouVersion Daily Refresh, 2-14-26

God Gives Strength

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Strength in Every Season (Daily Refresh, 2-12-26)

Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on coffee mugs, social media, or even cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.

Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a football game or having the courage to do something daring.

Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.

In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with abundant food and resources.

Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.

Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.

So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He’s given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.

If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.

My Thoughts

I needed this devotional today to remind me that God is not finished with me yet and I have not completed His purpose for me here on earth. My health problems are not diminishing, but neither is my faith in God. In my meeting yesterday with my orthopedist, I was told that I do have a torn rotator cuff and he wants me to endure the pain for as long as possible without surgery. (The surgery is a real bear!) The next step is to have a bone scan which I need to schedule. I confess that the news didn’t surprise me since my shoulder has been in pain since early December, but I also confess that it upset me. I keep feeling as though I am taking two steps forward and three steps back. But God reminds me repeatedly that He is moving forward, with me. I am here to complete my purpose, so in spite of the circumstances, I can still be a witness for Him to the caretakers I keep meeting at hospitals and doctors’ offices. I am trying to be a little beacon of light and spread hope and cheerfulness to others. I may not feel like doing that, but God gives me strength and the words to say as well as nudging me towards the people I need to encourage. Thus, I am resolved not to have a Pity Party and sit in ashes as Job did but rather to keep moving and keep doing. Jesus didn’t stop ministering to people, even as He was dying. He encouraged the thief on the cross next to Him, He told John to take care of His mother, and He implored His Father to “forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Since I want to be like Jesus, I am strengthened by His example and soldiering on to the next medical test, the next diagnosis and my next opportunity to tell someone about God’s love, mercy, peace and grace.

Perseverance and Trust

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Joy in Hard Times (Daily Refresh, 2-10-26)

Nobody enjoys suffering. It’s hard to find joy in the midst of trials or difficult seasons—it’s much easier to feel sadness or misery.

That’s why Paul’s encouragement in Romans 5 may sound contradictory. Paul was writing this to the church in Rome experiencing suffering from ungodly rulers, and yet he encourages them to rejoice in their suffering. 

It wasn’t enough to just endure suffering—he tells them to have joy. Paul knew that it wasn’t natural to be joyful in hard times, but through the work of Jesus, Christians have peace with God and access to faith (Romans 5:1-2). Faith allows us to hold onto the hope that suffering isn’t the end of our story. 

Because we know that God works within our difficult situations, we can have patience and perseverance for God to complete His work. Perseverance refines our character. As we wait on God, we become people who look more like Jesus, and our trust in God grows stronger. This increases hope within us. 

It’s not easy to have hope when you’re suffering. But as we trust in God, we are strengthened to continue to endure. When we look at suffering from God’s perspective, we begin to realize that He is working to bring glory to Himself in every situation.

God has shown us through the Holy Spirit that He loves us. He suffered and gave Himself for us so that we could have a relationship with Him, and He will continue to give us everything we need to live a life that honors Him.

So consider how God is working in your life, even through difficult seasons. Think about the ways God has poured His love into you through the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for strength to persevere, and let that perseverance develop into a strong character that hopes and trusts in God even in hard times. And when persevering gets difficult, hold onto this truth: God has given everything for you, and He will never leave your side.

My Thoughts

Hallelujah! The last word in my life, the only one that matters is from God! That last sentence means so much to me. Persevering has been difficult; a broken foot in September and wearing a heavy boot until mid-November; shoulder pain starting in December; a poor report from my rheumatologist; and generally fatigued from constant lack of sleep. I am not complaining, my friends, but I am laying out the facts of what I have been dealing with for the last six months. But…God! I am holding onto God’s truth with everything I have. He has already given it all, and He promised to me right there with me. There’s a hymn I would like you to look up and listen to that the Holy Spirit just reminded me of as I was typing. It’s called “Through it All.” We used to sing this song in a small church in South Carolina. At the time, I am sure that I just sang along, thankful that my “all” hadn’t been so bad so far. Now, I can say that even when it is bad, I “have learned to trust in Jesus, I have learned to trust in God.” He is my hope, my stay and the reason that I can persevere.

This is another week of medical appointments, with physical therapy twice, my kidney doctor today and ortho tomorrow. My sweet husband takes me to all of my appointments, waits for me outside or, in the case of ortho, goes in with me to hear what is happening with my shoulder. Please keep him in your prayers, too, as he faithfully walks through these trials with me. I appreciate your prayers, but I know that no matter what the test results show and the diagnosis/prognosis is, God is in control. He has never left me in the 50+ years since He came into my life and I am confident that He never will.

Whatever you are going through, please take time to rest in His presence and soak in His love. That will help you, as it helps me, to get through the next thing. Nothing, not one thing, can separate us from the Father’s love! And that is where the joy is!

Choose Joy

On By vickleaIn Scripture5 Comments

First of all, I want to share that I believe that there is a huge difference between happiness and joy. I think happiness depends on our circumstances, but joy is a fruit of the Spirit and comes as we lean into Him. Having said that, I want to assure all of my readers that I am not happy about my health issues, but I am still filled with joy because I am leaving all of the problems in God’s hands and He is giving me peace. It’s a daily thing, coming before His altar and presenting my thankfulness and my petitions as well as my frustrations over thin bones, one kidney and a shoulder that is giving me fits. He already knows, doesn’t He?

God’s closeness to me means that in the midst of pain and anxiety, I can still have joy. He has promised me that He will take care of me, and I believe Him.

Circumstances change, but God never does. Thus we can rejoice in His constancy, His faithfulness and His love.

I wish I could honestly say that I am always faith-filled and peaceful, but I am not. There are days when I am angry at the circumstances, doubting God’s love and crying out my rage to Him. But you know what? He is big enough to take it and His response is to fill me with His peace. It’s like He says to me, “Are you done now? Okay. Now, take this peace, calm down and remember that I am right there beside you.” Then His peace puts a shield around me so that the next thing that happens doesn’t knock me over. I am learning to bend with the circumstances of my life, to accept who God made me to be and to have peace and joy knowing that nothing gets to me unless it goes through Him.

So, how do I try to maintain that peace and joy? By memorizing this verse and saying it to myself. Is what I am thinking pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, true, noble and right? If not, I need to choose to redirect my thoughts. That generally means to change my focus to the Lord and others and not on myself.

This prayer is from the YouVersion Daily Refresh today and it meant a lot to me. God is truly my Anchor in a stormy sea. Whatever I face is not too big for God to handle. I just have to trust in Him and open myself to be filled with His joy. Again, I remind you that I am not always happy, but I am joy-filled.

Amen and amen. In good times, in bad times, in all times, God is always good and deserves all of the glory!