Category: YouVersion App

Trusting God

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/13

As usual, this devotional spoke to me right where I most need it. This last week has thrown me for a loop, and not in a good way. Hearing that Isaac likely had cancer last month, well, to be honest, I handled that news pretty well. I prayed and trusted God to take care of him. After all, the surgeon was confident that they could remove it all and he could go on with his life. Then, the surgery happened. Same reaction, same report from the surgeon. Unfortunately, the news at the follow up was not all sunshine and flowers. In fact, our family is still reeling over the report that Isaac has to have bloodwork to check for the cancer spreading into his circulatory system, he is getting a CT scan to see if it has spread to other parts of his body and then he is getting a referral to an oncologist and going to talk to that specialist about chemotherapy. Wait! What just happened? My mind nor my heart can keep up with the changes. From, “It’s all fine” to “You need to undergo treatment for aggressive cancer.” All at the ripe old age of twenty-two. So, I have gone through some real rebellion and pouting this week. Yes, I confess. I got mad at God, but He is big enough to take it and loves me enough to understand it. I ranted and raved at the unfairness of it! I told God that I would rather the growth that they found and removed in me be cancer than that my beloved grandson be stricken in such a way. “Unfair,” I cried. And God patiently waited for me to calm down so he could speak to me. This devotional was one way He spoke to my anxious heart. Things are not better physically, but I am calmer and more willing to listen to God’s Spirit speak words of comfort and encouragement to me. Am I happy about everything? No, of course not. Do I understand why this is happening? No, of course not. But I am CHOOSING to trust God in spite of my feelings and the circumstances and trusting that God will come through and fulfill His will for Isaac, even in the middle of bad news that keeps getting worse. God says to fear Him. That means to me that I need to let Him be God and I will just be the loving Nanna, standing by and praying, and crying some, too, of course.

By the way, I do have a prayer request/favor to ask of you, my readers. If you or anyone you know has the capability of videotaping the eclipse next week and sending me a copy, I would be very grateful. Isaac and his dad planned for two years to go to northern PA (where my daughter lives) and see the eclipse. But because of his new health problems and medical appointments, they can’t go. I just want something to give to Isaac so he can see the miracles of God in the heavens and believe that same God is working in his life. He can’t even see the 85% eclipse in VA because he has an appointment at that time to get a referral for an oncologist. If you can help, thank you in advance. If you cannot help, would you please remember to pray? God bless you.

In the Throne Room

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

www.bible.com/en/videos/45292

I am not worthy to stand before God, but Jesus makes me worthy and He is waiting for me there. In these troubled days, I find myself crying out to God, not for an explanation of what is happening, but for some relief from the heartache of the unknown. Every day brings more questions, yet God is patient and continues to answer with patience and kindness. He wants me just to be still, trust and wait. Jesus knows exactly what I need and He is providing it in His time…not according to my demands. We can go boldly into the throne room because the door is open to us, and once we get there, we need to be willing to be completely honest. My frustration at feeling helpless, I am laying at the foot of His throne. My anger at a disease that does nothing but destroy, I am laying at the foot of His throne. And the pain I feel for my young grandson, I am laying at the foot of His throne. May God do with it all as He will, but may He know that I am committed to not turning away from Him for guidance and help. He is the only one I can turn to, and I am thankful that He welcomes me into His throne room, even when I’m an emotional wreck.

Keep Preaching

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/11

What a challenge this is to keep preaching when it seems none are listening! We live in a world in which so many things grab people’s attention, and unfortunately, God is not usually their attention grabber. In a world of Apple, Microsoft, Google and Tik Tok, we are called to be an “Isaiah,” one who does not let people bad choices dissuade us from sharing the truth. We never know when one might turn to God, and after all, isn’t one soul worth all of the effort we put into going and telling. We are being obedient; God is waiting. Maybe this is our time to step out, accept the challenge and tell until there are no more left to hear.

Bearing Fruit

On By vickleaIn devotional, Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/7

As you read the devotional and Isaiah 5 today, consider that the vineyard can be any nation that the Lord has called to serve Him and to bear fruit for Him. Yes, the verses are applicable to Israel first, of course, but are they not also applicable to the current nations of the world? God has blessed the United States for many years with abundance, prosperity and a reputation as a world leader. As I watch our slowly losing all of this because of our great determination to go our own way and against God, I am not surprised that the vineyard is not producing fruit. We who are Christians need to produce fruit, pray for God’s mercy on our land and give the fruit that we produce to others so that they, too, may know of God’s goodness and provision. We are not producing fruit to consume it ourselves; its purpose is to feed others so that they may live an abundant and God-fearing life.

The Church: A Signpost to God

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/6

Do we as members of God’s great church here on earth attract people to Him or chase them away? Do we get so involved in the sins of the world and our attempts to add our opinions and try to correct them instead of fulfilling our purpose of drawing people to God? This is definitely food for thought. May the church be a signpost pointing to God, not the judge of evil. That is God’s job and He does it perfectly. Our mission is one to lead people to reconciliation and restoration to a relationship with our Creator. As much as we want to condemn, shake our heads and walk away, that is not our purpose.

Action Verbs that Can Change Lives

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

I am a grammarian from way back, so I notice the use of action verbs, verbs that call for the subject to do something. In a command, the subject is YOU. So, when Jesus tells us to come, we move towards Him and read and study His Word, spending time with Him. When He says “see”, we are seeing the truth of His Word and all that He did for us during His short life on earth. “Go” means just that. Don’t just sit around filling your head and heart with God’s Word…go and tell others the truth of what you have read. Food does no good for anyone if it just sits in the pot and you stir it every once in a while. You have to eat it yourself and then share it with others. And “tell” is sharing the Good News with others. We are quick to share gossip or bad news about the current state of the nation or when our President falls again. How quickly do we share the good news that can change a life forever? I wish that the MSM would start each evening with a prayer and a Scripture. I know that is wishful thinking because they are MSM, but if they were taking part in fulfilling Jesus’s commission to come, see, go and tell, that is exactly what they would do. We cannot take over MSM, but we can influence our little corner of the world. Thus, it is imperative that we come, see, go and tell, for the sake of our world and future generations.

Come, See, Go, Tell.

What we hear affects what we know.
What we know influences what we believe.
What we believe impacts what we do.

That’s why it is so important to listen to God’s truth.

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Throughout the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we see Jesus inviting His followers to “come and see,” to “go and tell,” and to “listen and understand.”

Paul explains why “going and telling” matters in his letter to the Romans:

“For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:13-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So what is this “Good News”?

To truly understand it, let’s first look at the bad news: we’ve all messed up. Our sin separates us from a good and holy God, and there’s nothing we can do to bridge that gap.

Now, the good news: God loves us so much that He has already made a way for us. He put on skin, paid the ultimate price by dying a criminal’s death (even though He was innocent), and has conquered the grave by rising again. He has granted us the right to become His!

This is why “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

So right now, take a moment and thank God for the gift of His Word, and the ability to receive His Good News. Then, ask Him to strengthen your faith by showing you how to share your hope with others.

God: Devoted Doctor and Loving Parent

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/4

I think we can all agree that our society is broken, headed in the wrong direction. The author of this devotional hits the nail on the head when it says it’s a heart and head problem. I would add that it is also a problem of idol worship, the idols being social media and all of the technology that has a corner on the market of minds today. It is not a coincidence that Satan is called the “prince of the power of the air.” I am grateful that God is a doctor who is totally devoted to healing His people as well as a loving Father who disciplines, corrects our way and shows us the right way. How many times have you sat in a restaurant lately and watched a couple have a meal together but never really communicate with each other? Both are absorbed in whatever is on the little screen that they hold in their hands. My husband and I found ourselves doing that a while back and determined that when we go out, our dining table is a no-device zone. The restaurants aren’t always compatible with our philosophy since some have QR codes to read the menu and then to pay at the end. But, we persist in trying to establish a conversation with each other instead of with random strangers online. How many times have we turned to social media for advice or solace when the best advice we can get is from God’s Word and the best solace is from His Holy Spirit? Yes, we are a broken people, but the good news is that God is a devoted doctor and a loving father, and He doesn’t give up on diagnosing the problem and coming up with a solution. He will find a way to get our attention!

He Has Done Great Things

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

It’s easy to focus on the bad things happening in our lives, but if we keep our focus on God, those circumstances all around us fade away so that we can truly say, “Holy is your Name, O Lord!” Our circumstances don’t change who God is, but God can change how we see our circumstances.

Holy is His Name

Have you ever found yourself feeling uncertain and weighed down by your circumstances? In times like these, it can feel almost impossible to praise the Lord for all He has done.

Life’s trials can often cloud our vision, making it difficult to see past our present struggles. Mary’s declaration in Luke isn’t solely about her blessings; it’s a testament to the unchanging character of God. Despite her uncertainties and forthcoming challenges, she found the strength to proclaim the greatness of God and the holiness of His name:
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”
Luke 1:49 NIV

Even when we don’t have all the answers, we can declare, “Holy is his name.”
Even when we’re faced with hardships threatening to steal our praise, we can declare, “Holy is his name.”
Even when the weight of fear presses down on us, we can declare, “Holy is his name.”

Our declaration, like Mary’s, is rooted in the belief that God’s faithfulness remains unwavering. The belief in God’s faithfulness strengthens our resolve to glorify Him—especially in the midst of uncertainty.

So, take a moment today to recall the “great things” the Mighty One has done for you. As you do, pray that your heart may be stirred to praise His holy name, remembering He has done great things not just for others but for you, too.

We Have Earned Justice

On By vickleaIn Book Review, Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/2

The word “justice” is much talked about these days. There is the feeling that justice has been perverted, that there is no real justice. Our understanding of justice is clouded by the actions of those who do not support what true justice is. God is just; He would be totally just in destroying the earth right now, just as in the days of Noah. Instead, He reached out and provided grace and mercy for us in the form of His own Son. It’s difficult for us to fathom what justice would look like if it were meted fairly to all, but that is what God’s justice is all about. But if you explore the Old Testament and the many times that God destroyed an entire group of people because of their sin, or when the Israelites and then those in Judah were taken captive, we see a clear picture that God will not be mocked. We have earned His justice, but He offers us His grace in place of it. It is our choice to accept it or not. I am blessed to have received God’s grace and mercy, His free gift of salvation, over five decades ago. But my story does not end there. Every day is a new day to say “yes” to God and “no” to my own desires. God’s mercy is indeed new every day and we can all be grateful that He loves us enough to show us His mercy instead of His justice. One day His judgment against all of mankind will come, but if you have accepted His gift of salvation, His justice is not to be feared, but rather to be welcomed because it means that we who know the Lord as Savior will be able to live with Him forever. Yes, we have earned justice, but thanks be to God that He has shown us His love and mercy and called us His own. God’s great love for mankind reaches out in love while He holds back His mighty hand of justice until the time is right for His judgment. Why is He waiting? Because He is God and justice and judgment are His choice in His time. I believe, and I think that others believe the same, that God is waiting until as many as possible come to the knowledge of His grace. He does not want to destroy His beloved creation, but one day He will. We will stand before God without excuse because He provided the only way to Him, the way to escape His justice, and so many have turned away and chosen to live in sin instead. May we ever be mindful of the fact that we have earned God’s justice, but He extends His mercy and grace.