Category: Scripture

From the Holy Bible

We Are All Needy

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Needy by Default (YouVersion Daily Refresh, 10-16–25)

Jesus healed people who were sick and fed people who were hungry. Because of that, great crowds were following Him. But He wanted them to know that who He was was greater than what He had to offer…

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God could have hardwired us to need nothing. But instead, He made us dependent on things like food, water, oxygen, sleep, sunlight—and Him. He designed this world intentionally, with specific needs and certain limitations.

We are needy by default. 

Just as food and water are essential for human life, everyday realities point us to spiritual truths…

We need Jesus even more than we need the essentials of life.

We can search for fulfillment in our work and relationships, as well as in money, fame, power, sex, achievement, and adventure. But it all results in emptiness—like chasing after the wind.

So let’s not follow Jesus merely for what He has to offer, but for who He is. Let’s realize that this world will never satisfy, but we already have access to true nourishment.

We can come to Him to be filled because He is the bread of life!

My Thoughts

About a decade ago, I had a hernia surgery that included rebuilding my esophagus. As a result, for about three months after the surgery, I was on a liquid diet since swallowing was difficult for me. Then, the next step was to take medication to numb my esophagus and help me to swallow better. I had difficulty swallowing bread. Yes, bread! So, the surgeon told me to always toast my bread and that would make it easier to go down my esophagus. It worked! I still sometimes have difficulty with the whole swallowing mechanism and when that happens, I know that it is time to quit eating .

The fact that Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life means a lot to me since I have trouble swallowing real bread. I never have any difficulty taking in Jesus and reading and learning from His Word. I am thankful every day that he took care of me during that long ordeal before and after the surgery. But more than that, I am thankful for who He is, that He is always there, always reliable and never stops feeding us and leading us closer to the knowledge of Him. No matter what the world offers, it will never be able to draw me away from the truth and the light and the bread that is Jesus. I hope that you have found this saving grace in your life and that you realize that Jesus is more than what He offers. He is God, come in the flesh to show us how to live an abundant life.

Purpose in Pain

On By vickleaIn Admonition, praise, promises, Scripture3 Comments

This morning during my online devotional reading, I was drawn to the devotional with this title. I read it through several times. The focus was on Paul. You know him, I’m sure, the one who was shipwrecked, beaten, tortured and imprisoned. But he also kept preaching the gospel.

Paul’s answer to his suffering is told throughout the many letters he wrote that are included in the New Testament. The focus of this devotional was on Philippians. According to the author of the devotional, Shawn Johnson, Paul says sixteen times in this book to rejoice.

Not once does Paul say to rejoice when all is going right and your world is just as it should be. He just says to rejoice in spite of challenges and difficulties, or actually, in the middle of them.

Like the author of the devotional, I tend to throw myself pity-parties. Then, when no one attends with me, I am disappointed, pull myself out of my funk for a little while until time to throw another party. Paul didn’t throw a single pity party. Instead, he exhorted anyone who would listen to rejoice, not to whine and complain about suffering. Paul knew more about suffering than I have ever known and yet he did not moan about it. In fact, do you remember that while he was in prison one time, he and Silas were singing praises? What a model for us!

Paul knew that his suffering had a purpose and set out to fulfill it.

He clearly states that the gospel has been advanced and that his suffering has helped to promote the spread of the truth about Jesus. Notice that Paul is not boasting here. He is stating facts that all of the palace guards and “everyone else” knows that he is imprisoned for Christ. He doesn’t say all of them have believed, but he does say “most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord…” And even more that they are not afraid to proclaim the gospel because they have seen Paul’s boldness. Now, my friends, that is boldness with a purpose!

I read all of this and pondered it, coming up with this blog post as I considered my “affliction” with my foot. I threw a pity party and no one came. I railed at God and I am sure He listened with compassion, but the injury is still there. Now, I am to the point that I want to know the purpose of this whole thing. God brings good from everything according to Romans, so although I don’t know what good purpose could come from a broken foot, I am willing to have God show me and use me. That is the best that I can do right now. But for me, I think that is enough. I have surrendered my desire to be completely healed to God’s will to use the injury for a bigger purpose. I hope you will join my in prayer that He will show me what that purpose is and give me the strength and grace to fulfill it. I am no Paul but I am a willing servant of the Lord, broken but not forsaken. And in that I am rejoicing!

Is Your Receiver Working?

On By vickleaIn Admonition, God’s blessings, promises, Scripture3 Comments

I got the idea for this post from the Bible Study I attended last night that focused on the first two chapters of I John.

The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, but even more, His presence in us creates a line of communication to our Heavenly Father whereby we can understand better what He has taught and learn how to apply it to our own lives. The speaker in last night’s Bible study presented a good analogy. It’s like having the satellite receiver on your television all set up, turned on and you get a signal, a clear picture and the words to go with it. The Holy Spirit is like our receiver, but we have to be tuned in and have our receiver turned on. What makes it go off? We do, when we focus on everything in the world and not on what God is trying to tell us or show us.

We need God’s Spirit to truly worship Him and to understand Who He is and why we worship. We are His creation and He has gifted us with a part of Him, His Holy Spirit, so that we can always be in touch with Him and be guided to choose to do right and to share His truth as He leads us.

When I think of anointing, I think of the oil being poured on David as he was recognized as king. God had chosen him for a special position and made it clear to all who saw him that he was the anointed king of Israel. It is mind-boggling to think that we all who have accepted Christ as our Savior have also received an anointing, one that doesn’t get washed away with the next shampoo, but one that is there forever. God anointed us so that we could be taught the things of God, the spiritual things that we would have difficulty understanding otherwise.

I confess that I do not understand all things about the Trinity, especially the Holy Spirit. But I do know that when I pray and ask for understanding as I read the Bible, if I will sit quietly and wait, the word will become clear to me. I think that is the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life. When I see a stranger and I am prodded to give them a word of encouragement, I think that is the Holy Spirit in my life. The anointing is always there. The receiver is always present. I have to turn it on and leave it on and be willing to wait instead of rushing to do my own thing. God moves in His time and in His way. And through His Holy Spirit, He is teaching me to move with Him and for Him.

Being Content

On By vickleaIn Admonition, God’s blessings, promises, Scripture4 Comments

Life changes so quickly that sometimes it is hard for me to keep up with all of it. A month ago, our granddaughter came to live with us in order to pursue her Master’s Degree. We had agreed that she could live here for the two years that this degree would take and have been delighted to have her here. She is such a blessing to have around!

Then on Saturday morning as Josh (Teya’s boyfriend) and Teya were getting ready to go out to breakfast, Josh followed me to the laundry room to tell me in a hushed whisper that he was proposing that day. And that Teya’s friends from Pennsylvania were coming to set up a picnic in the backyard. The gist of it was, Teya was surprised that her friends had driven over eight hours and that Josh had planned everything: friends, food, surprise and ring! So, Teya’s life will definitely be changing, just not right away. She plans to get married next year, probably in August, but nothing is really set in stone yet. She is just starting her new life and has plans to continue her Master’s degree with Josh by her side.

Paul, the man who was beaten, imprisoned and tortured for his faith, wrote these verses. He said that he had learned the secret of being content in all situations. I think I am still learning this contentment thing. I am not one who likes change, whether it’s expected or a surprise. I plan and organize and expect things to follow my plan, but then, they just don’t. Why not? Because change and unexpected events are part of life.

Teya’s engagement is a good thing and I am thrilled for her. Some things are not as pleasant or welcome. Isaac, our grandson, is still looking for a job after almost five months since graduation. He is discouraged at times which is understandable. He has a good degree in math and computer science, but he keeps saying that he is falling into the black hole of non-responsive employers. What happened to the bright future he had planned? I think it is still on the way, but it’s hard to be content in the waiting. If you have ever waited for something and expected a happy ending quickly, then you know exactly what I mean.

God has a timing for everything and His timing is not always ours. In my human impatience, I want to rush some things in life and slow down others. I want a rush on Isaac’s job situation so he will be settled and more confident. But I want to slow down time with Teya as she shows us things through the eyes of youth and excitement about life, and we have been loving that experience.

Just as we cannot slow things down, we cannot rush them either. That is why we need to learn to be content right where we are. I think of my broken foot and say to myself, “Uh-huh. I am supposed to be content with this painful cement block on the end of my leg?” Yes. Yes, I am. When I started to whine today, I got a news blurb about the release of the hostages. Over 250 were taken by the evil Hamas. Only 20 were returned, starved, tortured and unimaginably damaged mentally and emotionally. Just the images stopped my thoughts on my foot and turned them to the families and the hostages. I am blessed beyond measure and need to accept the things that happen instead of being upset about them. How did these brave people survive for so long in captivity? I like to think that they were like Paul, pressing on and keeping their faith. I pray that many of them have come to know their Lord and Savior in a real way or that they will do so.

You see, what really matters in this life is not this life. It is what comes after this life is done. Thus we can be content with changes and minor inconveniences like a broken foot because we know that this life is not everything there is. God has a plan and He is working to fulfill it. I can choose to be content while He is working out His plan or I can choose to rebel against it. I choose contentment. I don’t think for one minute that God “caused” me to have a broken foot (although He could, of course). No, it just happened as part of my life. His plan is working itself in my life as I deal with this problem. How will I react on a daily basis? What coping strategies can I learn from it? How close can I draw to God in the middle of the night when the throbbing and burning begin? We can all learn something from whatever changes that come, whether we consider them good or bad. Our perspective on it is what determines whether we are content or not. God is still in His throne. He hasn’t moved or abdicated and one day all will be made new. That truth is settled in my heart, so I can choose to be content, knowing that this issue will last for a season, but not for eternity.

I leave you with a prayer request to pray for the hostages who were returned, for their peace and salvation and for them to be comforted. And pray for the families of those who will never come back because Hamas murdered them. Pray that they can forgive and have a relationship with God their Maker that supersedes all their suffering. Pray for contentment.

To Whom Do You Run?

On By vickleaIn Admonition, God’s blessings, promises, Scripture4 Comments

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.””
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.91.1-16.NIV

I included all of Psalm 91 in my post today because I think it’s important that we see what the psalmist saw as the enemies coming against him. Note the bold print: the fowler’s snare, deadly pestilence, night terror, arrows, and a plague. I dare to state that none of us have faced any of these, much less all of them. But all of us have faced difficult times, challenges, things that really try our faith and let us know with a certainty in whom we place our trust.

Some face financial ruin and run to the bank or other lenders to help them out of the hole they dug themselves into. Some face the temptation to take drugs and run to the nearest corner to go ahead and buy some to take away that edge they feel from withdrawal. Some face loneliness and turn to mindless television shows or alcohol. To whom do you run?

The only One who can truly be counted on is the Lord. People will disappoint you. The government won’t keep its promises. Banks may fail or turn you down when you seek help. But God never disappoints, always keeps His promises and will never fail or turn away from you. He is the One we can all count on when everything seems to be topsy-turvy in our world. He will either set it back right side up or He will let us see the world as He sees it so that we know we are safe with Him in spite of the circumstances.

Hold on to the promises of God, my friends. And just a gentle reminder that you cannot hold on to something about which you are not aware. So hide His word in your hearts and minds so when the hard times come, no matter what it is, you will remember the words of Psalm 91 and other promises throughout the scripture.

Turn Worry to Worship

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture4 Comments

I think that I have perfected the art of worrying. I wring my hands in dismay when it gets cold, knowing that now the propane tank needs to be filled and it’s expensive. I worry about guests arriving, guests leaving, what to make for dinner, etc. In other words, I worry about way too many things when I should be doing is worshipping. With the encouragement of an online devotional, I am making a choice to turn worry to worship.

When a worrisome thought enters my very stubborn mind, I plan to change it to worship. I will recite a Scripture verse, thank God for something that He has done in the past and sing or hum a worship song. I may or may not be successful since the worry habit has taken hold of me for many years, but everyone has to start somewhere, and I am starting with worship. I hope that you will join me!

What Jesus Said about Fear and Anxiety

On By vickleaIn A Miracle a Day, Admonition, God’s blessings, Scripture1 Comment

Once again, I am sharing a devotional that came into my inbox this morning.

Jesus.net

This article really spoke to my heart right where I am right now. You see, the orthopedist told me that my foot may never heal. So, each morning as I get up and slip on my slippers, one of which is too tight due to the swelling, I look at my left foot and am dismayed to discover that a month after the injury, not much has changed. So, what do I do? I can’t just ignore it since it’s painful, but I can give the problem to God. Towards the end of this wonderful piece on peace, there is practical advice about what to do with all the fear or anxiety we have been carrying around. The first thing to do is acknowledge it. Going around with a smile and falsely claiming healing doesn’t work. I absolutely have to admit that there is a problem. But I also have to remember that God is in charge, He is the Great Physician and I can trust Him to take care of me no matter what happens.

This article is filled with scripture, but here is my favorite from it.

Jesus didn’t tell the woman to quit bothering Him. Instead, he told her to “Go in peace…” And so I begin my day. My foot still hurts, as well as other parts of my body that are trying to compensate, but my heart and head are filled with peace. Last night, I dreamed that I was walking without my walker and I was pain free. I hope the dream becomes a reality, but if it doesn’t I plan to be at peace with God, knowing that His plan will work everything out in the end.

The original devotional reminded me to throw down my anxiety before the Lord instead of carrying it with me. Writing it on paper or on a note on my phone works well. Then, I give it to God. Here is the original devotional from Grant if you would like to read it or subscribe to “A Miracle a Day.”

Grant’s Message Today

Today is National Mental Health Day. Let’s be aware of those around us who need a good word of encouragement and offer it freely.

Inspiration from Ava Pennington

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, Substack Inspiration2 Comments

Every once in a while, I come across a real gem in my Substack email. Today was one of those days, so I am sharing with you. Click on this link, and go to “Pause, Pray, Proceed and Two More.”

Ava Pennington on Substack

I actually thought her original idea of three P’s was brilliant, but the last two she added are absolutely necessary before proceeding! Check it out and let me know what you think.

I am one who tends to jump in, find out I am in the frying pan and then try to jump out before it gets too hot for me there. You know, the whole leap before looking dilemma. Lately, since I have a broken foot, I am moving much more slowly with my body and making deliberate choices with my mind. After all, if I have to get up and move around, causing great pain to several other parts of my body besides my foot, I make sure that I am doing all that I need to do during that trip. That being said, I proceed to do most things with great caution these days and I am finding out that perhaps that is the way I should approach all choices.

A Spirit of Sonship

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, SongLeave a comment

One of the tricks of the enemy of our soul is to convince us that we don’t belong to God, that we are still captured by sin and just cannot ever escape. In other words, the enemy uses lies while God uses promises. If we know His Word and have it hidden in our hearts, it is much more difficult for the enemy to convince us that we are not saved from our sins. We need to know that we know that we have been adopted by the King of the Universe and we are His children. We are not slaves, running in every direction and fearing punishment if we do not complete the prescribed tasks. Rather, we are His beloved sons and daughters whom He wants to get close to and have a relationship with. The last thing our enemy wants is for us to realize our position with the Father, but it is also why he works so hard to convince us that we are no different now than before we became Christians. Remember that the walk with God is a daily journey, not a sprint to win a prize. The prize comes at the end of our life’s journey. Thus, we must be patiently continuing with the Lord and ignoring the traps laid out by the enemy to make us think we are still his. Use the scriptures as Jesus did and reply when you are tempted with the truth of His Word. The father of lies cannot stand against the truth. I am a child of the king, no longer a slave to sin and the fear of death! And if you are a believer, so are you.

The Truth-Megan Woods