Tag: Holy Spirit

Dependence and the Wilderness

On By vickleaIn encouragement, Scripture4 Comments

All of us undergo a wilderness experience at some time in our lives. You know what that is like; it’s dry and you feel all alone. Think about Moses leading the Israelites through the wilderness and Jesus going to the wilderness to be tempted. In both cases, how did they survive? I think it was by total dependence on the Father, and that is what our wilderness experience should teach us too, if we are willing listeners.

Moses led the people in the wilderness, with the Lord leading the way to show them exactly where they should go. Moses was well acquainted with the voice of God as He spoke to him from the burning bush and called him to lead. Moses had already spent forty years in the wilderness as a shepherd, and I am sure that he was learning from God during his sojourn there. Part of the wilderness experience is learning to lean on God and not be so self-sufficient. We can’t follow if we don’t listen for the voice to lead us. We don’t have a cloud or a fire to guide us, but we have the Holy Spirit inside us, guiding us in the way we should go and reminding us of the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus’s wilderness experience was specifically for Him to be tested and He passed with flying colors, as they say. How? He spoke back the Word to Satan and then Satan left Him.

I don’t know that the Spirit leads us into the wilderness, but He might if that’s where God wants us to be for a season so that He can get our attention and speak to us clearly. Many of us, including me, need to learn the lessons that we can only learn in difficult experiences, things we call a “wilderness experience.” It takes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to look honestly at ourselves and our relationship with God as well as what our next step should be.

Our strength comes from the Lord and it is in the challenging parts of life that we learn to depend on Him and not on our own knowledge and abilities, things that God has gifted us with, by the way. We learn that He is the one who sustains us in the dry periods of our lives, giving us just what we need, just when we need it, and also just when we are open to really listen to Him.

I think we can all agree that wilderness experiences are not fun and entertaining. But they are necessary for growth and we all want to become mature Christians, fulfilling God’s purpose for us. If God is calling you to a wilderness, be ready to depend on Him and to wait with Him there until He leads you to the oasis. The wilderness is not where He will leave you; you are just passing through it on your journey to a closer walk with the Lord.

Spiritual Maturity

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture1 Comment

When someone says this phrase, “spiritual maturity” it generally makes me cringe because I know I am not there yet. And I am also aware that according to the standards of others, I may never be “there.” But where I am is seated in my recliner, reading my Bible and devotionals and praying for God to speak to me. One of the things He used this morning was a devotional from Faith Gateway by Dana K. White. Here’s a line from it:

“My level of spiritual maturity is the level of control I’ve given over to the Holy Spirit. It’s the opposite of an achievement. It’s knowing and accepting the truth that anything I understand, I understand only because God’s Holy Spirit gave me that understanding.”

So, maybe it’s my definition of spiritual maturity that needs to be honed. I have kept trying to achieve something, much like passing a test in school, but that is not it at all. Did you hear my sigh of relief? I can quit striving and just give over the wheel to the Holy Spirit. Here’s the link to the devotional if you would like to read it in its entirety. It is well worth the few minutes that you will spend doing so and I hope that it frees and enlightens you just as it did me.

Faith Gateway Blog

Let’s just close with scriptures to ponder so that we can grow together today in the Lord.

All things…everything. Sounds like getting mature in the Lord to me. And we just have to relinquish control to the gift of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised us.

When we confess that we cannot do this Christian walk alone, maturing ourselves all by ourselves, then we are on the road to admitting that the One who is strong can use our weaknesses to teach us how to be more like Him. And isn’t that part of being spiritually mature?

I hope that your day is blessed so that you can be a blessing to others. 🙏🏻

Out, In, Through

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture1 Comment

Some of the most important words in the English language are prepositions. Prepositions play an important role in our sentences because they connect words and as a result our language is more precise and expressive. In today’s devotional, part of what I read is that Jesus freed us from slavery, just as God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Since Egypt and slavery represent sin, Jesus freed us from our sins. He took us out of slavery, led us into the presence of the Father and today He continues to be with us through the wilderness that we face in life. He didn’t promise we wouldn’t have wilderness experiences, but He did promise that He would be with us when we face them. So…out, in, through. Has Jesus led you out of slavery? Are you secure in your privilege to go right before God and present yourself and your prayers to Him? Are you going through a wilderness right now? Do you feel the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate that Jesus promised would be with us?

This verse is powerful! Have any of you ever inherited anything? I once inherited a small sum of money from my great aunt. The inheritance was a surprise and I put it away in my savings account as I prayed for what I should use it for. I ended up buying a new bedroom set and then my husband and I took the trip that I had always dreamed of to Spain. I didn’t do anything that I know of to receive this inheritance. My aunt was a distant presence in my life, the one who taught me how to set a table and behave properly once I got there. She had no children, so she divided her estate between her nieces and nephews. The inheritance that we have from God is so much bigger and better than we can imagine. We are His children and His heirs. The riches we inherit on earth can never compare to what He has in store for us in Heaven. From slaves to to an heir is a pretty big leap, but Jesus took us OUT of slavery, led us into freedom and promised to be with us until we stand in the presence of the Father as His heirs. Those who were once enslaved can probably tell you that they don’t want to go back there again. But, as Christians, sometimes, we turn back to our old ways and sin. Jesus doesn’t leave us there in our servitude to slavery; rather, in I John 1:9, He provides a way back to freedom by repenting and asking for forgiveness. God’s plan is for salvation for all: out, in and through. Our victory and ultimate destination depend on the work that He already completed to purchase our redemption. So, I ask you again. Have you been redeemed out of slavery? Are you free to worship in the presence of the Almighty God? Are you walking through the wilderness and not lingering there as you throw yourself a pity party?

Out, In, Through!

We Have Come a Long Way

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

The Spirit of Truth (YouVersion Daily Refresh 5-17-25)

One of the major promises in the Old Testament is that one day the Spirit of God would dwell within the people of God. Previously, the people of God interacted with the presence of God within the temple.

In fulfillment of Scripture, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort God’s people. This has big implications. It means that Christians have access to the presence of God by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. God’s Spirit is with us wherever we go.

Jesus mentions in John 16:13 that the Spirit of God will guide us into all truth. God desires to be part of our daily journey through life, helping us and guiding us towards what is right. 

When we have questions about what direction in life to take, the Holy Spirit is there to help us. When we’re not sure what is right or wrong, the Holy Spirit is with us to bring light to our decision.

Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will speak to us in accordance with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit will also reinforce and help us understand what we read in Scripture.

Throughout this week, make an effort to be mindful of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Remind yourself that God is with you every day. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and illuminate your path in life, and spend time praying to be comforted and strengthened by God.

My Thoughts

I don’t know about you, but I have come a long way in my faith walk. I started by going to Sunday school with a neighbor to a local Presbyterian church. When I went to college, I sometimes went to my roommate’s Catholic Church, just to see what it was like. I couldn’t really understand much of the service since at the time, most of it was in Latin. Then, I graduated from college, moved into my own apartment, and a neighbor introduced me to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Shortly thereafter, a pastor introduced me to the Holy Spirit and the fact that He lives within me. That…that was the life change I needed to continue my faith walk and to get closer to God.

When I have difficulty making a choice and have to make one in a split second, I depend on the Holy Spirit to guide me. When I am lonely, frustrated, getting angry or depressed about life’s circumstances, if I can just get still for a few minutes and still my raging thoughts, the Holy Spirit will calm me.

One of the things I have purposed to do this year is memorize more Scripture. I confess that I am not very good at it, but I keep plugging along. One of the verses I memorized is John 14:26 which says: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Teaching and reminding are important parts of my life, especially as I grow older and forget things more often. Leaning into the Holy Spirit for help remembering God’s faithfulness when my faith is failing helps me to get through hard times. We all need to be reminded of where we started and where we are now, if only for the sake of learning to be appreciative. I am so glad that God promised the Holy Spirit, fulfilled His promise and now His Spirit lives within me, not in a hokey, woo-woo kind of way, but in a way that is as real and as close as my next breath. I try to be ever mindful of the Holy Spirit in my life and I desire to make choices that would be pleasing to God by following His leading. I hope each of you who reads this post today take time to reflect on the difference the Holy Spirit’s presence has made in your life and take time to thank God for this awesome promise. We have indeed all come a long way!

Follow the Leader

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture3 Comments

Most of us have at one time played the childhood game of “Follow the Leader.” We did all kinds of crazy things because that’s what the leader was doing. Did you know that we are still following a leader? We have to be in tune with the Spirit of God to know where He is leading us, but He will always be there to guide us if we let Him.

When the Israelites were traveling through the wilderness, they encamped or moved based on what the Lord was telling them to do with His presence. When He moved, they moved. But if He did not move, they stayed right where they were for however long He stayed there. I think sometimes we get ahead of God. He is supposed to be leading but we get tired of waiting and move ahead of Him. That’s when we can get into real trouble!

If we get ahead of God, we are stepping into the realm of the flesh. We are going by our feelings, our own desires or our impatience to get things moving along. God warns us to be in tune with His Spirit so we don’t fall into the trap of the flesh. I cannot tell you the number of times that I thought God was delayed and needed my help in carrying something out. This is not a new thing. Remember Sarah “helping God” by giving Abraham her maidservant Hagar to have a child? There are many examples in the Bible of people not waiting for God but trying to lead instead of following.

The words “keep in step” really stood out to me here. I am not supposed to walk ahead of the Spirit, acting like the leader I am not supposed to be. Nor should I fall so far behind Him that I cannot see the way He is leading me. I am to keep in step with Him, creating a rhythm together of moving closer to God and His plan for my life.

God Is Holy

On By vickleaIn Scripture, Song2 Comments

This morning in my devotional, I read several scriptures about God’s holiness. Thus, I was enticed to dig in and find out more about what that means to me as a Christian.

The characteristic of holiness is ascribed to God repeatedly. In fact, one source I consulted (see footnote) reports that the word “holy” is used 431 times in the Old Testament in Hebrew and 180 times in the New Testament in Greek. When we think about God’s attributes, we generally think of His mercy, grace and love. Holiness seems to be a part of God that I don’t think about too much, but perhaps I should. God is holy because He is separate from His creation; in fact, the Bible says no one can look at God and live. Moses got to see the back of God from a cleft in a rock, but He did not see God face to face. That marvelous privilege will happen when we live with Him in a new heaven and new earth, where He is the ruler forever and ever.

But why does the Scripture constantly admonish us to be holy? Is that something that happens as soon as we become Christians? No, rather we are “becoming” holy…we will not be complete until we are in His presence.

I cannot imagine the entire earth being filled with God’s glory, but I am excited about it. The angels called God holy, and God tells us to be holy as He is. We are supposed to be separated from the sinful world and sacred to Him, our Creator and Redeemer.

Our God is holy and we can be like him but we cannot be Him. He is the Creator and the One worthy of all of our praise and adoration.

Is Jesus called “holy”? Of course, because He is the Son and has always been with the Father from the beginning. But Jesus doesn’t make us holy; He shows us the way to holiness by living according to the standards he set forth in His words to His disciples. The resource I used stated that even our best efforts cannot make us holy. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that “holy” is part of the name of the third person of the Trinity. He is the One who continually works within us to help us to be holy. That still small voice that reminds you of commitments to God and things you should be doing, wise choices you should make? That’s the Holy Spirit that resides in each of us once we have become adopted into the family of God as His children. God doesn’t just say, “be holy.” He sends a helper to aid us in our quest to be more like Him. (John 14:26)

I have not arrived at holiness yet, and I don’t know anyone who has. I think that Enoch, the man who walked with God and never died, must have reached that goal, but I don’t know for sure. I am on a quest to be better today, closer to Him, more “holy” if you will, than I was yesterday. Will I fail sometimes? Yes, more than I want to, but I am still striving to the goal of holiness because God says to be holy. He didn’t wave a magic wand and say, “Okay. You’re holy now.” We have to make wise choices every day, every hour and every minute in order to move towards the holiness that God wants to see in us. Does that mean that we are not righteous before God? No, I may be wrong, but I think righteousness is different than holiness. Righteousness is the right standing with God that Jesus gave us by dying for us on the cross. Holiness is what we strive towards in our daily walk with the Lord.

I am not sure I am making sense here to anyone but me, but I hope that this post has made you think about holiness and how God is holy all the time and He doesn’t have to work at it. He just is holy! Praise His Name!

**Source: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/what-is-the-biblical-definition-of-holy/

Holy Forever-Chris Tomlin

Holy Is the Lord God Almighty-Chris Tomlin

Not Alone in Battle

On By vickleaIn devotional, Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

Sometimes, I feel as though I am all alone, fighting the battle against my own sinful nature. Today’s devotional was a welcome and humorous reminder that I am never alone. I used to watch the Popeye cartoons every Saturday morning. In spite of the fact that the show always ended the same way, I sat in front of the TV weekly to get my weekly look into heroism and true love. The answer was in a can of spinach. (Yuck!)

These days, when I am battling against temptation, I have only to call upon the name of the Lord and He is right there, reminding me of scriptures that I have memorized and testimonies from my past. God is always there and He does truly love me. We are all blessed to have a Savior as close as the next prayer and always willing to help us in our struggles.

From the YouVersion Bible App, “Daily Power, Day 9” by Craig Groeschel

I loved the old Popeye cartoons. You know, Popeye the Sailor Man? It was clear he was our hero and Brutus was his natural enemy, threatening to harm poor Olive Oil, the love of Popeye’s life. Every episode, after Brutus’ taunting and bullying, Popeye reached the point where “that’s all I can standz, and I can’t standz no more.” Out came his can of spinach, down it went, and suddenly his muscles were popping and fists were flying. Brutus didn’t stand a chance!

I’m convinced we occasionally need to choose a “Popeye moment.” When the Enemy attacks and we keep struggling, we need to “draw a line in the sand” and have a showdown. That’s all we can stand, and it’s time to change.

What fight are you facing today? Are you overworking, missing what’s most important in life? Are you battling an addiction and telling yourself it’s not that big of a deal? Are you putting off a conversation, hoping the problem will solve itself? Are you making excuses as to why you can’t drop the pounds, making jokes about it to help relieve your pain?

Maybe it’s time to stop. Make a decision. Enough is enough. It’s time to change. The good news is your strength doesn’t come from a can of spinach. Yours comes from our God. His power is available to you. His strength dwells within you. His spirit will help you do what you can’t do on your own.

Power Lift: That’s it, Lord. I’m tired of fighting temptation and giving in more times than I can count. Help me change—and help me change now!

Your Story

On By vickleaIn devotional, Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

Since it is the day after Christmas, I am starting a new devotional and will share parts of it with you and I share my heart. Yesterday was a really good day, and not just because of presents. Rather, it was because of the presence of the Lord. I got to FaceTime with two of our three children and eight of our grandchildren. It was so much fun seeing their joyful faces as they opened gifts and expressed their appreciation to us and to each other. Plus, I got to talk to our son while he was traveling back home to Virginia from his Christmas visit to his wife’s family in Pennsylvania. I also talked to three of my four siblings and had talked with my youngest sister on her birthday on Christmas Eve. So, lots of communication with family.

The best thing that happened is after years of praying, my brothers talked to each other, cordially and with love and hope for the future. They had not talked for over seven years, and I have been praying for reconciliation the entire time, but I must confess that I didn’t have a lot of faith for it because I know my brothers well. Anyway, it happened and that was like the best Christmas gift ever!

I want God to write into my story that I tried to be a peacemaker. That is a goal for me, to bring people together and not apart. There is too much division in this world of ours and I don’t want to be a part of that. I want to help people see their commonalities and to build a relationship on them.

Now, onto the devotional…

From the You Version Bible App Devotional, “Daily Power by Craig Groeschel, Day 1”

One small decision today could have a big impact on tomorrow. Chances are you can think of something right now that you know God would love to include in your story. Just consider what might happen if you remember to floss tonight or work out tomorrow morning or attend church this Sunday or spend some special time with someone you love.

It doesn’t always take a long time to see big differences in your life. What story do you believe God wants you to tell five or ten years from now? What does God want you to want? Jot down your thoughts about what you believe God wants for your future. Your ideas don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to commit to what you write just yet. Just capture on paper the first thoughts that come to mind.

Based on what you believe God wants you to want, what discipline do you need to start doing to head toward where God wants you to go? Choose one thing. You’ll be tempted to pick three, four, or even ten, but don’t. Whatever you do, pick just one thing. Because if you pick more than one, you likely won’t achieve any of them. But if you select just one, you absolutely can start writing the story God wants you to write.

Power Lift: Show me how you want me to grow this year, God. Give me your wisdom and discernment to know how to focus my habits, choices, and routines on one area of change.

If we are keeping in step with the Spirit, we are in step with what God wants for our lives. Sometimes, I think I have totally missed the Holy Spirit, and then something happens and I know that He is watching me and urging me to “come on and get with the program.” God is writing my story and I know that I am not what He wants me to be yet but neither am I what I was.

Choose Joy

On By vickleaIn Christmas, Holidays, prayer request, Scripture, Song, YouVersion App1 Comment

From the YouVersion Bible App Devotional “Advent, Day 14”

Joy vs. Happiness

There are many similarities between joy and happiness. They’re both positive, make you smile, and improve your day. But there are also some big differences. So let’s explore the differences between joy and happiness.

Happiness happens to you. When a friend sends words of encouragement, you get the job, or find your lost keys, you feel happy. It’s a response and it feels good. But, like all emotions, happiness fades over time. Joy is different.

In the Bible, joy isn’t an emotion. It’s an attitude. Joy is a resilient cheerfulness anchored in the goodness of God. Think of it like a lens, helping you see your life in a different way. Joy recognizes the pain people experience every day but also remembers God’s kindness, love, and good plans for the world. Then, joy allows these truths to influence how we speak, act, and present ourselves.

So what does joy look like? Well it doesn’t always look like constant smiling and a bubbly personality. Instead, it looks like a perspective informed by the good news of Jesus.

Imagine your best friend has a surprise party later in the day. It’s your job to keep them busy until the celebration kicks off. So while you do ordinary activities with your friend, knowing there’s a party coming changes your attitude.

Knowing good news changes you, so it’s often hard to hide. As followers of Jesus, we know the best news—God loves us despite our flaws and failures and will do whatever it takes to restore every broken, painful, and unjust thing in our world. When we trust this news, joy overflows from our lives into the people around us, no matter what we’re facing.

Today, you’ll get to read a passage written by David, a shepherd who became king. In it, you’ll see he’s experiencing pain and doubt, yet he can also rejoice. Why? Because he trusts God’s love, goodness, and salvation.

But what if you’re not feeling particularly joyful this Christmas? Does it mean God isn’t working in your life? No, definitely not.

But here’s the good news: God wants to help you become a joyful presence in the world around you. In the New Testament, we get a list of qualities God’s Spirit develops in our lives. These are called the fruit of the Spirit, and as you might’ve guessed, one of them is joy. This means that as we pursue closeness with God, God will fill our hearts with joy.

There’s a party coming in the future when God finishes His restorative work, heals every injury, and wipes away every tear. We can embrace lasting joy no matter what we’re going through.

Pause and Pray:

Lord, thank You for Your offer of joy. Please help me choose to accept Your offer. Help me to be thankful and to joyfully celebrate what You have done before and what You are doing now. Teach me to be obedient to You in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

My Thoughts

The emphasis added above with the color red is mine. God helps us have joy, but I think we have to choose to have an attitude of joy first. I really like the idea of focusing on the celebration that is coming in heaven. That does make it easier to have joy in a world full of turmoil and difficulties.

We can trust that God is good and has a good plan for us, no matter what is currently happening in our lives. I know that I need to focus more on my future with God and less on the daily challenges. It’s when I take my eyes off of God and His love for me that I get overwhelmed. His desire for me is joy, not a feeling of despair. So, during this week when I am visiting my sister, I plan to choose joy and focus on the big celebration that awaits all of us who know Jesus as Savior.

Prayer request: Our grandson Isaac has another scan on Monday to check for cancer again. This time, they are doing a CT with contrast dye. My husband is trying to work out a way to be with Isaac at this time, so please pray that it all works out. That is the day he is taking me to meet my niece who then takes me to NC to see my sister. But God is working things out and I hope and pray it all comes together and Harry can be with Isaac and encourage him. Thank you for your prayers.

Celebrate Jesus!

Celebrate Jesus Celebrate-Don Moen

Jesus Is With Us

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

There Was Jesus: When I Couldn’t See It

“Hindsight is 20/20!”

How many times have I said that to myself after something happens or after a lesson I’ve learned? Many times. When things feel chaotic, uncertain or scary, we often act on impulse in the hope of controlling a situation; we can lash out, run away or do any number of things in the midst of a crisis. That’s very normal but it can result in some sad things. We live in a skeptical world and it feels like lately, it’s harder and harder to feel Jesus’ presence. Jesus is with us at all times, even in the moments where we can’t blatantly see His work. Oftentimes, when we come out on the other side of a crisis, we look back and see that Jesus was with us the whole time, and that He used the situation for His good — that’s a ‘Hindsight is 20/20” moment. We need to start trusting and believing that Jesus is with us while experiencing something chaotic, uncertain or scary. We can remind ourselves that Jesus is with us by looking at His Word.  Joshua 1:9 tells us to be “strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Another way to feel His presence is to give thanks. When everything is crashing around us, that is really, really hard. With every inhale and exhale we take, we have something to give thanks for ⁠— breath in our lungs ⁠—  so cling to that when you can’t see Jesus working in a moment to be reminded He’s with you. 

My Thoughts

I don’t know about you, but my tendency when the going gets rough is to hide away, cry, read and sometimes argue with God about the circumstances. I am learning to sit still, read my Bible, recall Scriptures that I have memorized and use those verses to remind myself that Jesus is right there with me. We aren’t Thomas the disciple who doubted until He actually saw Jesus. If we look, we can see Him working in our lives every day. It’s just that we get so busy that we don’t take time to look. And then when a crisis comes, we try to handle things ourselves first and then, in utter desperation, we turn to God. I am trying to train myself to turn to God first. Medical issues? Talk to God. Scary things I have to do? Talk to God. Lonely and missing my children? Talk to God.

My memory verse for this week is helping me to remember that Jesus gave us a Helper, one who reminds us of His teachings and His presence with us.

I was challenged by our Sunday school teacher to start memorizing a verse a week. I am on week 5, and so far, so good. My first reaction was that I am too old to put anything else into my brain. I mean, I go into the kitchen and have to look around to try to remember why I’m there. But, the Caleb, our teacher, encouraged us, and the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and told me He would help me. And He has! I found that I can put my verses on a notecard and take them with me as we travel to our various appointments. I say them first thing in the morning and last thing before bed at night. And since I am a visual learner, writing the verses out several times helps, as well as having the verse with an image as portrayed here.

I say all of that about memory verses to let you know that these verses are helping me to remember to stay calm and focused on God. I don’t like change, of any kind, at all, ever! So, yesterday, when appointments had to be shuffled, my physical response was to have a soaring blood pressure. Then, I paused, did some nice deep breathing and focused on God. I told myself that God was with me and recited some of my verses. My heart stopped pounding and slowly my head stopped hurting, too. All good news for a stroke survivor! And a reason to be thankful, which I agree is a way to stay focused on God and His power in your life.

If you need help with staying focused on the Lord, I strongly recommend memorizing Scriptures. God’s Word is a constant source of strength, even when the world seems to be spinning the wrong way.