Category: Scripture

From the Holy Bible

The Way, The Truth, The Life

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Book Review, Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

The Only Way (YouVersion Daily Refresh, 9-25-25)

It’s common in today’s culture for people to believe that all roads—various religions or belief systems—lead to God.

While this way of thinking is widely accepted, it does not agree with what Jesus says in John 14:6. Jesus says that He is the only way to God, and no one can come to the Father unless they come through Him. 

Jesus also says that He is the Truth, which means that all other truths must be measured against Him. He is objective truth. In other words: Jesus is the standard by which we can judge the rest of the world’s truth claims.

Lastly, Jesus says He is the Life. This means that it’s only through Jesus that we find true and eternal life. True life comes from following Jesus’ words and His path for our life.

A true and meaningful life begins with knowing Jesus. He alone has access to the good life that God intended us to live, as well as eternity with Him in heaven.

Spend a moment thanking Jesus for revealing the true path to life and salvation, and for making it possible to have a relationship with Him. Continue to learn from Jesus through His Word, and share the hope He offers with others in your life.

My Thoughts

Back in the 70’s when I became a Christian, it seemed that all of the new converts like me had purchased a Bible called “The Way.” It was easy to understand, the New Living Translation, and didn’t have a lot of commentary to distract me from the scripture verses. It did have an introduction to each chapter telling me what it would be about. Now, over fifty years later, I still have that Bible, although my husband has confiscated it and added it to his Bible collection. I don’t mind because I can read that version online now. That Bible led me to discover many truths about Jesus contrasted with many lies that the world had been telling me. For example, the world said I wasn’t worth anything. Jesus said I was worth dying for.

I am sad that so many people today have walked away from reading the truth in God’s Word and thus have never found the way to eternal life and the purpose that God has for them. I have friends who think that they can pick and choose what they believe from the Bible. If it fits their current worldly beliefs, that’s fine, but if not, they just don’t read it or heed it. I talked to my good friend yesterday, a friend I met in church over twenty five years ago here in Virginia. I taught her daughters in Sunday school and now they are grown and have definitely walked away from God. One is gay and just had a baby by IVF with her “partner.” One is transitioning to a male and is in a relationship with a female. I am sad for them because they didn’t just walk away from God and His truth, they ran to find their own way and it is one that leads to a wilderness of sin and eternal destruction. I tried to talk to one of them, but she was having none of what I was saying. It was too “restricting” and not at all “loving.” God who made her didn’t understand her. Hmm. Is that even possible? The world still has the same practices of lies and deceits, but they come in more subtle forms nowadays and tell everyone that they can be whatever they want to be. I said I could whistle, but that doesn’t make me a teapot. They didn’t like my joke.

Anyway, Jesus says he is the way, the truth and the life. Those who don’t accept that are choosing to follow a path that leads the wrong way, straight to Satan’s kingdom of eternal torment and separation from God. Yes, I am sad that some choose to run away from God. But I will continue to pray for them. It took years for them to turn from God, and I am confident that they can repent and turn back. With God, all things are possible. They may not believe, but I will believe for them.

What Barriers Have You Erected?

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

Breaking Down Barriers(YouVersion, 9-23-25)

Human beings tend to form groups, drawing close to people who think like us, act like us, or look like us. It gives us a sense of safety and belonging. But this also means we tend to build barriers. We place ourselves into categories based on culture, language, race.

Throughout history, religion—our practiced efforts to please God—has included some and shut out others. The results have been awful, because…

This is not the way of Jesus.

Before Jesus walked the earth, God chose the people of Israel to uniquely demonstrate His goodness to the nations. Outsiders could and did follow God, yet there was still a clear line of distinction between Israel and the other nations.

The book of Ephesians is the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. They’re struggling with issues of division and exclusivity. Paul explains that the division between the Hebrew people and the rest of the nations changed when Jesus came.

Jesus broke down the barrier that separated humanity from God, and the walls we built between each other.

Paul writes in Ephesians 2:18: “Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.”

That means every person is invited to come and know Jesus—His love, mercy, and compassion, and promises. Every person is invited to follow Him into eternity. There are no exceptions!

None of us earned this gift. Jesus reached out first. He loved us when we were lost, hopeless—when we didn’t even know we needed Him.

Consider this: Are you hiding behind walls that Jesus has already torn down? Or will you open your heart and arms wide, as Jesus did, when He extended His generous welcome to everyone?

The Gospel is Good News for the whole world. Let’s share it!

My Thoughts

This devotional today convicted me of shutting myself off from some people and not being willing to share the Good News with them because they are different from me. The neighbor who drinks too much, the lady at book club who is a little snooty, the child who is dirty and smelly and comes to school without supplies. They are all different, but they all need the Savior in their lives. Is there someone whom you have shut behind the gates of a barrier that you erected? We all need to be willing to take the barriers down, knowing that Jesus welcomes everyone who would come, not just the ones that we consider worthy. Remember that once someone considered you unworthy and yet they shared Jesus with you anyway.

Faith and Doubt

On By vickleaIn prayer request, Scripture, testimony10 Comments

Jesus says everything is possible to the one who believes. But how do you believe in a situation that poses a challenge to you?

This has been me for several weeks now. I started with pain in my foot after our trip to Maryland. I went to the ER, they said it was probably sprained and put me in an orthopedic shoe, telling me to make an appointment with a specialist to check for a hairline fracture. I had that appointment on the 16th and my left foot does have a hairline fracture, and I have a new orthopedic boot to wear.

Then, shortly after the ER visit, my allergy symptoms got worse and I thought I had a sinus infection, so I scheduled a visit at the office of my PCP. I didn’t get to see my regular doctor because he wasn’t in that day, and the lady I saw gave me steroids for my persistent cough and said I had Flu A, so I needed fluids and rest. I explained that I always get sicker without help from antibiotics because my immune system doesn’t work well. Nevertheless, I went home with the medral and got increasingly worse. I have been doing breathing treatments for almost two weeks now, interspersed with my rescue inhaler. I have never had to use my nebulizer to much in one time frame before, so this is a little scary for me. I see my pulmonologist tomorrow, for which I am very thankful since after two weeks of coughing incessantly , my abdomen and my ribs hurt. Not trying to whine, just telling you what has been happening in my world.

I got up Saturday and had trouble moving my right leg and bending at all. I think it is a side effect of wearing the very heavy boot on my left foot, so I called my orthopedic specialist this morning and left a message about what to do about this latest problem.

I’m feeling a little discouraged and with not a lot of faith left in my bucket. I have prayed, oh, how I have prayed. I prayed for my foot not to be broken. Well, it is. I prayed for my cough to get better, but it didn’t. So, with what little faith I have in my bucket, I am praying that God will work in this situation as only God can do and that He will help my doubt to spring forth with seeds of faith. It’s not that I don’t believe He can. I do! What I am not sure of is what His answer will be and I am holding on tightly, waiting to breathe better and to walk without excruciating pain. In the meantime, I am grateful for specialists, thankful for my husband who takes me to all of these doctors and especially thankful that I have my faith in God that comforts me even when I am feeling “undone.” I don’t understand why all of this is happening, but I know that God does and He is right there next to me, comforting me with words from the Holy Bible and with His Spirit to keep me calm and focused.

I would appreciate your prayers, not for healing, although that would be good, too. I need prayers for a bigger faith and less doubt. I have found that faith is easy to find on the mountaintop, but in the valley, it is not readily apparent, although I know it is still there.

Meanwhile, I will praise and exalt the God who created me, who knows all things and who loves me in spite of my doubts in my trials.

Relaxed vs. Self-Reliant

On By vickleaIn Admonition, ScriptureLeave a comment

This is a devotional that I receive in my inbox daily from Faith Gateway. I had never thought of describing Jesus as “relaxed.” But, you know, He really was. He trusted completely in His Father’s plan and providence. I wish I could say the same about myself, but I am more of the self-reliant type. I try to do it myself until I reach the point where I can’t and then I cry out to God to help me out of the mess I have made. This devotional touched a place in me that needs to change. How about you?

https://faithgateway.com/blogs/christian-books/are-you-living-the-relaxed-life-of-jesus

Look carefully at the last part of this verse: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” If you are like me, you are always striving to do many things and only call on Jesus when you think that you can’t do it any longer. He needs to be involved from the beginning.

Look at the action verbs here: Trust, depend, seek, show. Choices…it’s always about choices. Relaxing or being self-reliant?

True Freedom

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Quotation and Citations, Scripture1 Comment

Our freedom comes from the Lord, so we need to make sure that we appreciate it instead of abusing it. Lately, there have been a lot of news stories about people who are maligning Charlie Kirk and ridiculing his death. Some have been fired from their jobs over what they have said publicly or posted online. I am not sure how I feel about that.

First, I think that they are heartless and unfeeling, with a conscience seared that does not tell them right from wrong. Second, I think that they are not aware of how harsh their words sound to the family and loved ones of Charlie, nor do I think that they are concerned about it. Most importantly, I think that they need to be saved and find the same freedom I have, a freedom that reins me in when I am about to hurt someone else. After all, life is made up of relationships, vertically with God and horizontally with mankind. These people who are saying Charlie got what he deserved don’t want to get what they deserve. None of us does. But still, they set themselves up as judge and jury and condemn Charlie for his words, words that spread hope and truth, that spoke light into a dark world.

When you are offended by the light, it is because you prefer the darkness. But should you lose your job for your narrow-mindedness or ignorance? I want to say, “Yes, definitely! They should never say such things!” But where does it stop? This is a slippery slope that perhaps we don’t want to start down. Suppose the liberals are in charge (which realistically they will be again), then do they get to make sure people of faith lose their jobs because they post “offensive” scriptures online or say something that condemns sin?

I am not saying that these people were right in what they said. I am saying that they have the right to say it and then can suffer the consequences, if any, of those who are in their community. No consequences doesn’t mean it was right. It is just a sign loudly proclaiming how far from human decency and love for our fellow humans we have fallen as a society.

 “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” ~Evelyn Beatrice Hall (biographer of Voltaire)

I think that I believe what this quotation says. You can say what you want but know that words have consequences that may lead to being ostracized by civil society.

All of that being said, I am not a fan of such hard-hearted people teaching impressionable children. If they can keep their opinions to themselves, that is one thing, but to spew vitriol in front of a captive audience of children, that is where I would draw the line. Posting online…harmful, but someone has to read it to be affected by it. However, standing in front of a classroom and saying that Charlie Kirk deserved to die…I would take a hard line on that and suspend the offender at the very least.

I am in favor of free speech, but as I used to tell my students (the ones who insisted that they could talk when I was trying to teach), their freedom ended where mine began. There was a definite line there called courtesy and respect, and I explained it to my students. If they wanted me to listen to them when they didn’t understand, then they needed to listen to me as I tried to explain the new material to them. Did these people cross the line of respect, courtesy and dignity owed to a fellow human? Yes, but they are willfully ignorant of the Judge who will one day hold them accountable for all of their posts, tweets and other online rants.

We all have choices every day about what to say and what to keep silent about. Jesus didn’t go around condemning all that he saw. Instead, He offered an alternative of peace, love and joy in following Him. We need pray for these offensive hate-mongers, that God will deal with their hearts. Then they will truly have freedom and we won’t have to be worried about the next foolish thing they will say.

Finally, I would not fire the offenders unless they are spreading their propaganda in front of a classroom. Those with sway over our children and grandchildren should be held to the highest standard. Hollywood doesn’t like Charlie and they’re glad he died? Dont’ buy tickets to their films or pay to stream their shows. The wallet is what talks to such insensitive people. Censoring them gives them a platform to spew more hatred into a very sad situation.

Deep condolences to Erika Kirk, her children and other family members. I pray that she will listen to God’ voice and not to the voices of the haters and deniers.

Closing with scriptures and praying that you understood my point today, whether you agree with me or not.

The Boot and the Attitude

On By vickleaIn Characteristics of God, Scripture, testimony1 Comment

Well, yesterday I saw the specialist at Ortho VA and he provided me with new footwear.

He told me that I do have a broken bone in my left foot, one that starts under my small toe and extends to the underside of my foot. Having discussed all of my medical conditions, he forthrightly told me that he would put me in a boot for the next five weeks or so and hope that it heals. But he also told me that since I cannot take extra Vitamin D and calcium (due to my kidney), he doesn’t think that will happen. The next step is to have surgery and insert a screw. Again, he said it probably would not heal because I just don’t have a lot of bone to work with. At that point, I think he was waiting for me to start crying or get really upset because he looked at me perplexed and asked if I understood.

I told him that I did understand and I knew that my body has a lot of problems. I also joked that my warranty ran out and God isn’t renewing it until I come to live with Him. He told me I had a good attitude and was happy to work with me to find a solution for my foot problem. I followed up by telling him that I wasn’t too concerned since I personally know the Great Physician. His entire face smiled and he said that was why I could have such a good attitude.

I must confess that I am not generally “Merry Sunshine” who looks for all of the good things wrapped up tightly in the bad. But I am realistic and know what my body has been through and what God has already done for me. Thus, I am wearing this wonderfully heavy boot, using a walker to steady myself and believing that God can do the work in me that man says is impossible.

If you have not read or do not follow Grace Fox, I encourage you to do so. She is the sweetest Christian lady, lives on a boat with her husband and travels for missions trips a lot. She also writes some wonderful devotionals. The latest one is on the names of God.

In closing, I appreciate your prayers, but I feel that I must assure you that God is in control and I know it. No matter what happens. If He heals me, to God be the glory. But if He doesn’t, to God be the glory! May He continue to use me to show people a good attitude and thankfulness. In a world filled with darkness, I want to be a light.

Worry-Planning

On By vickleaIn Scripture, testimony5 Comments

I am not the originator of this phrase, but I think that I have been doing it all my life. It actually came from one of the devotionals that I receive in my email each day and this phrase stuck to me like glue on paper. I confess that I am a “worry planner.” I think of all of the what if situations that I can and try to plan for them, just in case. Yes, I am a Christian, and yes, I believe in God’s sovereignty and control, but when it comes to laying things down at the cross, I confess that I fail miserably.

I was looking out the window this morning at a hummingbird at its feeder and thought to myself that soon the hummingbirds will be gone and the cold will come. Now, think about that. I didn’t ponder the beauty and wonder of the hummingbird. I started thinking about preparing for the cold months to come. That is the worry-planner in me. God’s Spirit spoke clearly to my heart and told me to slow down and enjoy what is right in front of me instead of being so concerned about what is coming. Talk about a slap of reality and a good old dose of the Spirit getting my attention!

I realized that I want control. I say that I let God have control, but in many ways, I really don’t. Because I plan for every eventuality (to the best of my limited capability) and get frustrated when life interrupts my plans. God is telling me just to let go and enjoy the present. I don’t know what will happen next, but I do know that if it’s from God, it will be good for me in the end. So, pray for me as I am in a season of learning to let go, lay things down at the altar and unclasping my firmly grasping hands so that God can truly be in control. I don’t want to be a worry-planner anymore. I want to be a faith-filled, confident child of God. That will take some real doing on my part, but God is able to build this part of me just as He has built others. He knocks down walls and then builds from scratch what I could never build on my own. So again, prayers appreciated.

My husband and I have a big event happening next Sunday. No, not an anniversary or anything like that. Our granddaughter Teya is coming to live with us while she pursues her Master’s degree. We are the closest relative to her new college, so when we were asked if she could live with us and commute there every other weekend for her in-person classes, we readily agreed. This week, in the midst of illness, problems walking and regular life challenges, it hit both of us that we have not had anyone live with us long-term since our youngest moved out about twenty years ago. The plan is for Teya to be here for about two years. But, I am holding that plan with an open hand, knowing God is in the midst of this plan and He has His own plans for Teya and her future. In the meantime, pray for us to be helpful and loving grandparents to an adult granddaughter who is steadfastly devoted to Christ and will undoubtedly be a blessing to us. I wish I could say I did not worry-plan for this event, but I did and now I have let it go. My bum foot won’t let me clean and prepare for the visit, so my husband has cleaned out the closet for her and is getting things ready for her arrival. I am letting go and letting God tell me what He wants me to do with my limited mobility right now. God is good and He doesn’t want me to worry-plan anymore, so this is the first thing I am letting go of. I hope it lasts and that I don’t grab it back as Sunday approaches. Again, prayers, appreciated.

God’s Riches and Our Blessings

On By vickleaIn Book Review, God’s blessings, Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

Bottomless Riches (YouVersion Daily Refresh, 9-14-25)

Writing from prison to the believers in Philippi, the apostle Paul divulged that he’d learned the secret to being content—no matter the situation. 

Because of the faithfulness of God and the generosity of the Philippians, Paul’s needs had been met—even while in jail. He went on to say:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

What an incredible perspective from captivity, where Paul was placed for spreading the truth about Jesus.

God had given Paul peace, his friends had sent supplies, and Paul’s joy was unapologetically obvious—despite his imperfect circumstances. 

Paul knew that the same God who was taking care of Him would also take care of his friends. He knew that, because Jesus had already made a way, they could access the storehouses of heaven. He knew that, because of God’s generous character, they were covered in His grace.

Have you ever considered what a treasure trove of riches God has? And it’s not just what He has, but also who He is. God’s glorious riches, never-ending resources, and both visible and invisible qualities are limitless, bottomless, boundless, and inexhaustible. 

Think about that for a moment.
The amazing thing is—He’s granted us access. 

In His kindness, God fashioned raspberries and puppies. In His brilliance, He crafted the human eye and hung the earth on nothing. By His creativity, He made hammerhead sharks and sparkling fireflies. By His power, He designed galaxies that even the smartest of scientists are just now discovering.

The same God who cares for His creation will also provide for you.

When we become His children, we are given the key to eternal riches, to incorruptible goods, and to traits of His Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Do you need peace? You have a God who gives peace. Do you need provision? You have a God who offers provision. Do you need rest? You have a God who extends rest.

The ways in which God shows up are literally countless, and it’s all because of His gloriously limitless riches.

My Thoughts

When I started my devotional this morning, I was ready to throw a big pity party. After all, I am dealing with Flu A, a sinus infection, breathing treatments for asthma and a possibly broken foot that is swollen and painful to walk on. Then, I read the devotional and was reminded of all that I have available to me if I just take my eyes off the problems. So, re-routing, as my GPS says.

Now, I am thinking only about God and all He has done for me and will do for me. I need healing, yes, but more than that, after this tumultuous and tragic news week, I need peace. I need peace deep down in my heart, a peace that only comes from God. As I continue to read and meditate in His Word today, I fully expect Him to show up and speak peace to me because that is who He is and what He does.

My life isn’t perfect and I have challenges. But who doesn’t? God reminded me just now that I am not a new widow with two small children whose husband was murdered by a heartless man. He spoke to me that I can be still in His presence and receive His peace. I cannot go to church because I am coughing so much, but I can have church at home, worshipping the Lord and giving Him the honor He is due, not because of what He does for me, but because of who He is, all the time, for everyone in the world.

I look outside and see hummingbirds, probably the last week or so they will be here this season. Isn’t it remarkable that this is the first time for the baby hummingbirds to migrate, and yet they know just what to do and where to go? Why? Because as small as they are, God provides for them, just as He does for each of us.

I’m a mess, but God isn’t. He is good all the time, even in the middle of my mess and when I am pouting because I am ill again. I’m over it, by the way. I’m ready to take on the challenges that the day presents, with my face turned toward my Creator who is healing me, in His time and because He loves me, not because I demand or deserve it.

God bless you all “real good” as our South Carolina pastor used to say every Sunday.