Like a Magnet

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Before I became a Christian, I was not attracted at all to reading God’s Word, spending time with Him in prayer or even in praising Him. But once I became a Christian, I cannot seem to spend enough time with Him. I want to draw as close to Him as I possibly can.

God’s love for me is like a magnet, attracting me to Him and His caring compassion for me before I even knew He was there.

Christ died for me thousands of years before I was born, but somehow He who is infinite knew that this finite person that I am would need a Savior so He demonstrated His love by providing salvation for me, freely and without strings attached.

I think that as we read more of God’s Word, His love letter to us, then we are more attracted to Him and want to know more about Him. At least that is true for me. At one time, I didn’t exactly run away from God but neither did I devote myself to spending time with Him either. He didn’t repel me; He just didn’t interest me.

Now my life is not complete without time with Him daily and throughout the day. It amazes me what I can accomplish if I start my day spending time with God and then do the other things that occupy my “to do list.”

God isn’t trying to run away from me and the scriptures make it clear that I cannot go away from Him. He is with me no matter where I go, all day long.

People tend to repel each other sometimes, especially if they are hurting. It just seems to be a fact of life.

We need the connection but we deliberately create a barrier so that others cannot reach out and touch us in our pain. God, however, crossed that barrier and He never wants us to block Him out because He is the answer to all of our pain and sorrow and troubles. He is out magnet, the only One who knows how to attract us and keep us in His field of attraction for all infinity if we will but respond.

God Is in Control

On By vickleaIn Scripture6 Comments

In my daily struggles with moving around and just living, I find myself talking myself into doing things. I’m sure you know what that is like. I say to myself, ”Self, it’s only a few steps so you can do it. You just have to balance yourself and move forward.” I also find myself talking to God and asking Him to help me remain upright. Before my feet touch the floor in the morning, I am already expressing my dependence on God to help me get up and moving.

I go to a lot of different specialists, but never have I entertained the thought that they are the answer to all of my problems. They PRACTICE medicine, but God IS our help. He made me and He can fix me, and if He doesn’t, then He will help me keep on keeping on in this earthly frame. I appreciate the doctors and their attention to details and their advice, but ultimately, God is my source of strength and healing.

The battle is always the Lord’s, whether it is in your marriage, for your children, in your neighborhood or for the world. I think sometimes that I am fighting this battle all alone, but then God reminds me of the scriptures where angels were all around, just not visible to the servant until God showed them to him. As the Bible says, “we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.” Can you imagine their jubilation when we make the right choices and persevere instead of turning away in frustration?

This is the lesson that God is bringing to my mind frequently these days. I just need to be still. God will give the doctors wisdom and give me peace. God will fight the battles. God is my help, all the time and in every situation.

I am sure many of you are facing temptations, battles and maybe even an uncooperative body as I am. God is all we need during this time. Praying friends help. But they aren’t the answer. Attending church and hearing the wise words of the pastor and leaders help, but that is not the answer. All of these things contribute to our waiting, but they don’t provide the source of life that we need to press into. Only God has the final answer…He always gets the final word in our lives if we are just still and waiting. I’m not going to pretend that waiting is easy because it isn’t. But I have found through decades of serving the Lord that waiting for God’s answer is worth it since His answer is the only one that will actually help and carry me through to the end.

May God bless and keep you close to Him as you persevere and wait.

The Cost of Inflation and Free to All

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

I must first confess that I took two economics courses in college, neither of which I understood very well or enjoyed at all. But I am watching gas prices rise and paying more for groceries, so I know that prices have increased but my retirement pay has not. That means I have to be a much more aware shopper and buy things on sale or look for bargains in different stores. Here is what I found online about prices:

Please don’t ask me to expound on any of these diagrams because I just don’t have the knowledge to do so. I can tell that these charts indicate an upward trend, with some falling somewhat but perhaps prices not being passed on to the consumers (us). This kind of information can be mind-boggling and somewhat discouraging at times. But, you know what price has never changed?

SALVATION!!!

Jesus paid the price for our salvation once and for all and his sacrifice is not affected by oil prices, the stock market or even wars. It has always been free for those who accept it.

Free!

If you were driving by a gas station and saw the word FREE on the marquee, you would probably drive right in and get in line for your free tank of gas. So, why do we hesitate to accept the free gift of salvation from a God who only wants our best and loves us so much? I don’t know why, but I do know that today is the day to accept the free gift of God’s grace and mercy and there is no line to wait in, no interest to be charged and the cost is the same today as it was yesterday and even years ago. The cost is your willingness to confess your sins and accept Jesus as the Savior who gave His all so that you could have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. No gimmicks, tricks or sleight of hand. Free with Jesus is exactly what it says…free!

So, the next time you are driving by a gas station and gasp at the price or rolling a cart around a grocery store carefully choosing items that are in your budget, remember to thank Jesus that He never has and never will raise the cost you pay for eternal salvation. Free to you and to me and to all who call upon His name! Good news, isn’t it?

Near to God

On By vickleaIn Scripture, Song, Video8 Comments

I have been pressing into God lately, mostly because of life changes but also because I want a closer relationship with Him. I have had some physical challenges lately that have let me know that I need to depend on God or I just won’t make it through all of this.

This scripture is comforting to me…He is already near me when I call. He is not a distant God that I have to yell to be heard. He is right there all the time whenever I want to talk to Him.

Talking to God is like second nature to me. The doctor says my spine might collapse so I can’t lift over five pounds. I talked to God. The same doctor says that I have a better than average chance of breaking my hip in the next year, especially if I fall. So, before I get up to walk around, I talk to God and ask Him to keep me upright and stable. My neurologist is sending me to a neurosurgeon because he says that I need spine surgery. You better believe I am talking to God about this one! In fact, I think God and I have a constant conversation going and instead of this being odd or new, it is actually commonplace. I used to talk to Him a lot about our children and their needs and my problems disciplining them. They are all grown, and now I am older, so most of my conversations deal with medical issues that God knows about but that I need to address the issue to the only One who can truly help me persevere.

I hope and pray that you have daily conversations with God, all day long, just as if your best friend were there in the room with you. He is God and He is to be adored and praised and lifted up. But He is also the friend who is close by and also available when I call out to Him for wisdom, relief from pain or safety as I walk from room to room. I really enjoy talking to God because I can be honest with Him and tell Him anything, including that I am unhappy with the situation, even as I ask Him for His grace to get through it. Tell God what you’re thinking and then step out of His way so He can work in your life. He is as close as your next breath and He desires to bless you and to let you know how much He loves you.

Draw Near to God-Russ Taft and Leigh Nash

Is God Your Crisis Manager?

On By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

We were called to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father, but some of us treat Him as though He is our personal and sometimes effective crisis manager. What is a crisis manager anyway? That’s the person within a business structure who prepares for and makes “quick and informed decisions” in order to mitigate damages during an unforeseen crisis. (Wikipedia) This person is paid for his skills in managing crises in order to keep the unexpected event from affecting the business in a damaging way. In treating God like a crisis manager, I think many wait until the unexpected thing happens in their lives and then expect God to stop whatever He is currently doing and immediately address their issue in a way that would have a satisfactory outcome for them. In other words, they want to tell God what to do and when to do it in order to fulfill their expectations of what and who God is supposed to be in their lives.

I have said it before and I will say it again. God is NOT a genie in a box at our beck and call for when we decide we need Him. He is our Heavenly Father who desires an everyday, in every way, relationship with Him. Having a good day? Tell Him and praise Him. Having a so-so day? Tell Him, talk to Him about what is making it not so great and praise Him. Having a bad day? Tell Him you need His help making it through the day and praise Him. God helps in crises, but His primary focus is being with us all the time, whether we are calling on Him constantly or not. If the only time I spoke to my husband was when there is something that I want him to fix right away, we would not have a relationship but a business contract or something similar. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to enter a business contract with God. I am in a covenant relationship with Him instead and that is so much better. We limit God when we try to make Him our crisis manager. We only want Him to come around when bad things are happening and we want His intervention. God is omnipresent, always there. He is omniscient, all knowing, and He is always loving and faithful. He wants what is best for us whether we agree with Him about what is best or not.

I appeal to you all that you form an ongoing relationship with God, one in which He is your “all in all” and that includes your crisis manager because you have established a relationship with Him. So, is God your crisis manager? I hope so, but He is so much more if you will allow Him to be your Father who created you and loves you more than you can ever understand.

Dear God-A Raw Prayer

Review of Operation Guard Your Heart by Alicia Gilliam

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GZ7ZPP8D
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 30, 2026
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 269 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8255593149

Synopsis (from author’s website)

They don’t call Genealogy 1101 the “death class” for nothing. 

Peter’s out to save his job as history professor from fatal budget cuts. His only hope is to enroll students for the least attended course on campus. Who could convince vacationing teenagers to spend a semester studying their grandparents?

Julia, his wife. Er, ex-wife. Wife on hold?

Julia drafts a list of rules to keep their relationship strictly professional but agrees to take on the project. Peter will research and portray members of his family tree. She’ll photograph him and flood the school’s social media with a unique marketing campaign. 

Never mind that Peter’s allergic to the limelight. Or that Julia’s keeping secrets about her mother’s dementia. They’ve signed the contract, for better or worse.

When the unsuspecting ex-couple stumble into a family mystery, survive a dreaded road trip, and welcome home a matchmaking daughter, their carefully-laid ground rules are tested in all the right ways.

My Thoughts

This is a clean romance with drama and humor dealing with a couple who are separated while the wife contemplates what her next step should be. Julia and Peter tell the story in a dual narrative that adds interest to the story since both have reasons for their choices that need to be expressed. Since Peter is an assistant professor of history and Julia works as an adjunct professor, they still see each other, but their relationship is not stable. When Peter’s job is threatened, Julia agrees to help him save it with social media posts to gain interest in his new class. The pace is moderate, a pace that is perfect for the story being told and the reflection that both adults have to do. It also allows for them to be seen in their own environment without the presence of the spouse in order to better understand how they got to the point of separation to begin with. The book has a somewhat complex plot as Julia’s mother Eileen is suffering from dementia but also desperate to find out what happened to her father. Peter, who is good at historical research, agrees to help find the information for Julia to present to her mom. That whole backstory is a glimpse into the history of a soldier who dedicated his life to serving his country. There is another story of Addison, the daughter who is leaving for college and really wants her parents to get back together. Her getting ready to leave the nest adds another layer to the reason Peter and Julia are having trouble with their relationship. This is a book with layers, family drama told in a realistic and heartfelt way and a history that needs to be discovered before Julia can move on into whatever the future holds. With hope and a big dose of forgiveness and desire to really love, this story was beautifully told and memorable. The characters are relatable and dynamic as they discover truths about themselves in their journey to rediscover the love they once had for one another.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean romance, Rated PG

About the Author

Alicia Gilliam creates character-driven stories, dipped in romance and mystery, always aimed at deepening readers’ faith in God. After teaching writing and literature for twenty years, she reversed roles and became a student of indie publishing. Her other job, managing a resource center for foster parents, pays for her education and a weekly ration of chocolate chip cookies. For more information, check out the author’s website: aliciagilliam.com

To Purchase Your Copy:

Amazon

Not An Exclusive Club

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

Calling Out for Rescue (Daily Refresh, 5-07-26)

Do you remember a moment—maybe dramatic, maybe quiet—when you realized you needed help? Not just a little assistance, but rescue?

Romans 10:13 gives us this promise: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

These words were written by the apostle Paul to the people in Rome, explaining how anyone can begin a relationship with God. Just before this verse, Paul describes trusting in Jesus—believing in Him and calling out to Him. There are no prerequisites, no religious background, no good behavior, nothing else required. It is about turning to God and asking Him to save.

At its heart, this verse is about calling out for help—admitting a deep need, a need you cannot solve yourself. And it’s about trusting that God hears and responds.

This promise is for every person.

In God’s eyes, there are no insiders or outsiders, and no one is too far gone. There is a Rescuer available to all—and His name is Jesus.

Maybe you can look back and see a time in your life when you called out to God, and He answered. But so often, there is more to the story. God loves to use people to accomplish His will. Did someone share God’s hope with you, or encourage you? Did someone show you kindness or point the way forward?

There are so many who don’t yet know about this wonderful promise of God. They don’t know that there is a Rescuer, offering salvation and new life.

This message of hope is meant to be shared. You can be the one to share it. And it can be as simple as saying: There is someone who cares and is able to save you. This promise is real. And it is for you.

Who in your life might be one step away from calling out for help? Will you take a step of faith today and share the hope you’ve found in Jesus?

My Thoughts

I used to think that being a Christian was an exclusive club for those who were “good enough” to be accepted by God. Then, my neighbor shared with me the truth of the gospel message, gave me a NLT Bible to read and shortly after reading the book of John, I prayed and gave my life to the Lord. I remember being on the floor in the bedroom of my small apartment. I didn’t know what to say or how to talk to God, but I just told Him that I needed Him in my life and wanted to accept His free gift of salvation. The next morning when I saw Verna (my neighbor), I shared with her what had happened. She hugged me, prayed with me and invited me to church. Thus began a lifetime of praying and talking to my Heavenly Father.

But life with God is a journey and a commitment. When I accepted His mercy and grace, I also committed to be a soldier on the battlefield of life, to help others to recognize the truth that I had found. I try every day to share a word from God on my social media pages. I give encouragement and tell others that God is in control. I don’t think I am doing enough, but I am doing something.

I would love for you to share your testimony with me, the person or people who introduced you to Jesus as your Savior, whatever you want to share. In addition, please think of several people with whom you can share that testimony personally and make a difference in how they see God. Someone cared enough about you to sow a seed in your life. May you go forth in joy sowing seeds in the lives of others. Being a Christian isn’t an exclusive club…it’s for everyone!