Category: YouVersion App

Prepared for Each New Day

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion App5 Comments

Get Ready (Daily Refresh, You Version, 10-25-25)

Would a doctor begin an operation without surgical gear? Would a firefighter run into a burning building without a protective suit? Would a soldier head into a battle without armor?

With the exclusion of extreme situations, of course they wouldn’t.

In fact, not only do they spend years preparing for such moments, but they also learn to protect themselves from harm. If they aren’t prepared, they cannot do their job. 

Writing to the believers in Ephesus from a Roman prison, the apostle Paul said:

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Every day, we face battles that we can’t fully see. And if we’re not prepared, we cannot do our job of loving God and people well. 

God’s armor is readily available, but we must make the intentional decision to dress ourselves for battle. 

When we intentionally dress ourselves in the armor of God, we can be ready for the attacks that will inevitably come our way.

My Thoughts

One of my favorite things about being retired is that I can wear my pajamas every day when I don’t have an appointment to go to. The comfort and coziness of being in my favorite attire makes me content and able to move around more freely without the restriction of sometimes uncomfortable and weighty clothing.

But whether I stay at home in pj’s or venture out in my regular clothes, I always prepare myself for each new day by putting on my armor of God. I always start each day with a devotional and Bible reading, my quiet time to talk to the Lord and to listen to what He has to say to me. He is the One preparing me for whatever circumstances I will face that day, so spending time with Him is not an extra thing I do, it’s a must that I feel lost without doing it. Satan is always ready to attack, especially when we least expect it. So, isn’t it best to be prepared? I don’t fight fires as my fire chief brother does, so I don’t need to don his gear. But I do face the enemy of my soul daily who tries to tempt me to do things that are not pleasing to God and that might hurt other people. With my armor on, I can recognize the attack for what it is, fight back with God’s Word and continue on with my day. The attack may only last a minute, but it is important that I win the small battles so that I will be ready for the larger ones that Satan will use to try to defeat me.

Each of us who calls ourselves a Christian is a friend of God. That fact makes us automatically an enemy of Satan. God has given us exactly what we need to defeat him each time he shows up to thwart us in our daily journey with the Lord. But we have a part to play that is vital. We have to prepare ourselves daily, knowing that the lion roams about and that we don’t want to be his next snack. Thus we get ready with God’s armor, every day. And we don’t go to battle until God’s presence is clearly with us. He will show us what to do and tell us what to say, if we just listen and have our armor on, ready to take on the enemy and be victorious. The battle belongs to the Lord, He is and will be victorious, but we cannot sit around in loungewear and wait for God to do everything for us. He could, but He told us to put on the armor. So, let’s obey and get ready for the day!

Accept and Share

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

The Best News (Daily Refresh, 10-20-25)

Have you ever done something significant, but someone else stole your praise? You served behind the scenes, voiced an important idea, or crafted something wonderful—but somebody else swept in and demanded full credit?

It’s not exactly the same (because we’re not nearly as awesome as Him), but we must be cautious not to steal credit from God.

The apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, said:

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

On a foundational level, we wouldn’t even be here without our Creator and Sustainer.

We wouldn’t exist without the universe and body in which we live—a universe and body that we did not make ourselves. We wouldn’t be able to breathe without the oxygen in our lungs or the oxygen that hovers right above our planet. We wouldn’t think or see or hear or talk without the minds, eyes, ears, and mouths He’s given us.

But on top of creating us, God is the only One who can save us.

The story of God and the story of us is that He pursued us when we didn’t deserve it—He saved us when we were lost and hopeless. We are not capable of saving ourselves. We are not capable of being the solution. We are not capable of being our own saviors…

…and that’s good news! The best news, actually.

God saved us by His grace, and that’s a gift. Salvation isn’t something that can be earned, but a mercy that is given.

We can’t think we’re better than anyone else. We don’t get to decide who’s deserving of His love and who isn’t—because none of us are.

Yet, in His great mercy, God has chosen to reveal Himself to us at this particular time in history—because He loves us. He initiated salvation when we couldn’t save ourselves. And He has invited us to join Him in the greatest story on earth. 

Are you in? Will you accept and share this great gift?

My Thoughts

We all like to receive gifts-birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, all kinds of occasions. God gave us a special gift that is always there for us to claim, the salvation that is ours in Christ Jesus. We accept gladly and are so happy to have the knowledge that we are saved.

But the gift doesn’t stop there. I know you have all heard of “the gift that keeps on giving.” Jesus is that gift, but He keeps on giving because we keep on sharing. We don’t hide the gift of His love and salvation and hope that no one finds out about it. God wants us to share. The more people in His family, the better! I like what this devotional says about no one deserves it. Sometimes it is hard to pray for certain people to be saved. But, I was once that person, and so were you. I was the one who liked getting the praise and the attention and all of the kudos. In the case of salvation’s free gift, it is for everyone and God deserves all the credit. He created us and carried out His plan of salvation. Now He calls on each of us to spread the good news to others who are just as needy of His love as we are. Accepting is the first step. Sharing is next. With whom will you share God’s grace today?

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.

Being Thankful

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

Choose Thankfulness (Daily Refresh, 10-02-25)

For years, nothing in King David’s life looked “good.” His family underestimated him, giants despised him, and his father-in-law spent years trying to kill him. But the whole time, David clung to a promise that God would establish him, and eventually make him king of Israel. 

David never gave up or gave in—he chose to stay close to God and wait for Him to act. And when God showed up, this is how David responded:

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

David knew that even when life didn’t look good, he served a God who IS good. And this same God is still actively fighting for us now.

Through His Son, Jesus, He has given us continual access to Himself. We can never lose His unfailing love toward us—a love that endures forever, no matter what goes on around us.  

David recognized this, and proclaimed it. And every day, we have the opportunity to do the same. 

Here are 2 practical ways that we can respond to God’s goodness and love:

– THANK HIM IN PRAYER
When Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, he told them to start like this: “Our Father in heaven, help us to honor Your name.” It’s fine to ask God for things, but real relationships include both giving and taking. So at least once a day for the next week, go to God in prayer and thank Him for something He’s done—without asking Him for anything in return. 

– SHARE YOUR STORY
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to honor God by “proclaiming our allegiance to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) So what has God done for you? Where have you seen Him provide, protect, show up, or show off through your life? Look for natural opportunities to share what God is doing in you with someone else. 

Right now, reflect on your life and thank God for His eternal goodness. Nothing you have faced or will face is too much for the God who loves you and died for you. Bring Him your concerns, surrender your expectations, choose thankfulness, and allow Him to reveal the evidence of His goodness in your life.

My Thoughts

I am really thankful that God’s love is always there for me, in the early morning hours and in the late night ones, too. This has been a season that has been different for me. I am the one who picks up dropped items because I am still limber enough to do so. I feed the cat, get her clean water, scoop her litter. All of which requires bending over and stretching. But, then, I broke my foot. What does that have to do with bending? Honestly, I don’t know how it all works together, but I know that it does because since I have been in my boot, I cannot bend over more than a few inches without severe back pain. I can only sleep a few hours without getting up, stretching and awkwardly shuffling around due to the pain in my back. Yes, my foot throbs some, but it is my back that has been giving me fits. I get up early and sit with the heating pad to ease some of the aching. But through it all, God has been close. He lifts me up and comforts me. He is always good and His love is always right there, reaching out to me.

Unlike David, I don’t have enemies pursuing me or a giant to slay. I dare say that you don’t either. Nevertheless, we each have our own daily struggles. This month it’s my foot and my back. Next month it may be something else. (As they say, getting older is not for the faint of heart.) But I know that I know that just as God has carried me this far, He will continue to carry me to the end.

I thought about being thankful and realized that very seldom do I just stop and thank the Lord without also asking for something along with my gratitude. I plan to change that and start just thanking Him, and then being quiet. After all, do we really feel that someone has been thankful when in the first breath they thank us and then the next one they ask for something else? If all I learned this morning is to just stop and say thank you to God, then that is enough.

The Price of a New Heart

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

A New Heart (Daily Refresh, 9-28)

When someone needs a physical heart transplant, it’s desperately serious. Their heart is failing and, left on their own, that person will physically die. 

But there is hope—the possibility of a new heart. But, in order to get a new heart, a good and capable surgeon is essential. More importantly, in order for that person to live, somebody else must die. The failing heart is then replaced with a thriving heart, and abundant life is once again possible.

In the same way, when someone needs a spiritual heart transplant, it’s desperately serious. The heart is failing and, left on their own, that person will spiritually die. 

But there is hope—the possibility of a new heart. In order to get a new heart though, a good and capable surgeon is essential. However, in order for that person to live, somebody else must die. Only then can the failing heart be replaced with a thriving heart, and eternal life is possible. 

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.”
Ezekiel 36:26 NLT

God is our good surgeon, and Jesus gave His life for yours. He takes your insufficient efforts and replaces them with something better. But to receive His abundant life, you must humbly ask for His help. You must allow Him to do surgery on your heart. You must surrender what is dying and trust Him with your life.  

Maybe the thing that needs to die is a habit that’s impacting your life.
Maybe it’s an unhealthy relationship, or guilt and regret over your past.
Maybe it’s an attitude of pride or insecurity. 

Whatever it is—Jesus wants to take the broken and failing parts of your heart and replace them with something completely new and life-giving.

As you process today’s verse and what God is capable of doing, ask yourself:

Do I trust Him—really trust Him—with the details of my life? Am I willing to let Him do “surgery” on my heart and show me a better way to live?

My Thoughts

If you were told that you would die without a heart transplant, you would do all of the research, assure yourself that the surgeon is capable and get yourself on the list for a new heart. Why, then, do so many need a new spiritual heart and ignore the free gift that is already waiting for them? There is no list to get on, no time you have to wait. Jesus already died so that you could have a new heart. Trust Him to show you what real life with Him means.

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.

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.

Let Jesus Live Through You

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

Live Prepared (You Version Daily Refresh, 9-12-25)

Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors. 

But does your list include you? 

As followers of Jesus, we are called to…

“…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded unless we are also observing His commands ourselves.

Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our own money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.

When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His love, joy, and hope to transform you. As this happens, your life becomes an act of worship that reveals His hope within you.

When you live like Jesus, people are drawn to Jesus in you. 

As you worship Jesus with your life, you will be able to honestly say that Christ in you is your hope and glory—and people will believe it because they see the evidence. 

They might not like who you are or agree with what you believe, but they won’t be able to find a logical reason to hate you when your life is centered around loving people the way Jesus loved you.

So as you go about each day, aim to live with gentleness and respect toward everyone. And let Jesus’ joy, love, and hope permeate your heart, mind, and relationships.

My Thoughts

Honestly, I am still reeling from the loss of Charlie Kirk. One meme I found online brought tears to my eyes and a new purpose to my heart. It said that one of our Lions was shot down, but the purpose of the enemy, to scatter us and make us unable to function with faith, has been thwarted because the pride has awakened to a new vision of fulfilling Charlie’s mission. So, we do have to be prepared, at all times, to share the hope within us. We don’t know who the next raging, hate-filled person will be, but they are out there, sent by the enemy of our souls to discourage and frighten us not to share the gospel. If we are not prepared and we do not share, then they win, and we know, we know from the Bible and from everything that God has spoken into our hearts, that we win! Charlie is with the Father and we grieve his loss, but we need to be prepared to lift the banner that fell the day that coward shot him down and carry it into a world that is lost and dying.