Imitating God

On February 17, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, testimony1 Comment

I used to watch the people that I admired closely so that I could be more like them. One particular person comes to mind immediately. My high school Spanish teacher was Sra. Mary Smith. She was my teacher for four years and I learned some important lessons by watching her. I learned to look for the good things students were doing and praising them for that before I offered any criticism or instruction. I learned to smile no matter how challenging a day was, with a smile that I hoped others would see sparkling from my eyes. And I learned that the louder students got, the softer I should speak. Those were important lessons for me to learn, especially since Sra. Smith is the teacher who encouraged me to study languages and I became a Spanish teacher for over thirty years myself.

These days my focus is more about wanting to be more Christ-like, so I am learning to imitate God. How do I do that?

I try to do good for others, as much as I can. I want other people to see proof that God lives inside me. I may be the only representative of God they see that day. Children imitate what they see and hear. Go to a grocery store, for example, and listen to the words children say. If a bunch of expletives come out of a small child’s mouth, it is imitation of what they have heard. The child needs to be corrected (not by a stranger, of course), but the behavior doesn’t change unless the source that they are imitating changes. Whether they are imitating words from the TV or from the parents, they are saying what they have heard repeatedly.

As Christians we are being trained daily to speak and act as the Father does. The only way to do that is to spend time with Him, praying, worshipping and reading and studying His Word. We don’t become more like Christ by watching TV or (alas!) by reading books that are not the Bible. My priority time each day is spent with God. Am I succeeding? Well, some days more than others, to be honest. But I am trying every day and God rewards my efforts with a peace that I can’t explain and by answering prayers that may seem small to others, but they are big to me because they show how faithful to details God is if we are watching for His hand at work in our lives.

My prayer for each of my readers is that you will strive to imitate Christ because even if we are not aware of it, others are watching us and may want to be more like us. Let’s be the good example for them to follow and let’s lead them to be more like Christ, not more like our worldly selves.

No Perfect Church

On February 3, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture9 Comments

In moving twenty plus times, my husband and I have also been to at least that many different churches. And although you may not agree with my title, I can assure you that there is no “perfect church” this side of heaven. After all, the church here on earth is made of imperfect people doing their best to strive for perfection, but our humanity keeps getting in the way.

We have been attending a local church for almost four years now and have been basically content with the teaching, the fellowship, and especially the worship. That changed a few weeks ago when I had to leave the service in tears because the bass was set too high and it was hurting my brain. Literally! I know that is hard to understand, but since my stroke, heavy bass and extremely loud noises cause me to cringe and sometimes cry out in pain. My brain seems to be almost bouncing inside my head and I just cannot cope with the pain. My neurologist said that is not abnormal for stroke survivors and suggested noise canceling headphones when I need them. I got several really good pairs of headphones but I had not had to use them for several years except for occasional birthday parties with grandchildren. I had my headphones with me in church that day, but they did not block the reverberation in my brain, so I ended up leaving the service. I came back in for the sermon and then left before the closing song since it was too hurtful, also.

My husband, ever protective of me especially since my stroke, called and spoke to the senior pastor. He suggested that we go to the “Common Room” which is usually used for overflow from the services when they get too crowded. There we would have access to closed circuit TV broadcasting the service. That has been better, but it certainly is not providing the fellowship I would like.

The problem started when we got a new worship leader and apparently his way of doing things is louder. I have asked that the audio person adjust the bass because it affects my health. The reply was that others are affected too, those with heart monitors or pacemakers. And yet the problem continues.

Yesterday was a bad attitude day for me. I didn’t want to sit in the room with just my husband. One of my friends from our small group joined us, saying that she was going to be our fellowship. Harry went into the auditorium and got our communion for us, so everything went okay. But I was still feeling excluded over a problem that I have no control over. I have prayed and prayed about what to do and the answer came this morning. I am to be quiet and to wait for God to take care of it.

Since I am a big proponent of spreading life, I know that I have to be quiet in this situation because my negativity is doing the opposite. Instead of calling the worship team a “garage band on steroids” I am choosing to call them the worship team or praise team. The fact that I cannot be in the auditorium to participate does not take away from the service that they are providing. And I am trusting God to take care of me and my needs, whether in the auditorium or a side room.

I am not sure what calamity could come from my voicing my opinion about the bass being too high, but I don’t want to find out either. I just know that I cannot be in that room because I don’t want to take a chance on having another stroke due to the irritation of the bass. So, I am guarding my mouth. Why? Because there is no perfect church and I cannot change hearts and minds by complaining since no one seems to comprehend the damage the overly loud bass does to my brain. My husband and I briefly considered looking for a new church. But we love our Sunday school class and get fellowship there and from our small group that meets each Monday evening. We have made friends there, people who check on us in bad weather and are willing to help out when we need it. Unless God specifically says to move on, we are staying put and trusting Him to take care of things there. Would I prefer to be able to be in the regular service? Of course! But rather than call the Common Room my “exile island” I am choosing now to call it my “refuge island.” Attitude makes a difference, especially when dealing with imperfect people in an imperfect world. God is taking care of me just as He always has and I am thankful for His concern and compassion.

Celebrate Before God

On December 16, 2024 By vickleaIn Christmas, Holidays, Scripture, worship, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

From the YouVersion Bible App Devotional, “Advent, Day 16”

Celebrating When It Doesn’t Make Sense

Joy is an attitude, a resilient cheerfulness anchored in the goodness of God. That means joy is hard to contain. When we experience true joy, people tend to notice.

Reminder: When we think of what it means to show joy, we might think of someone who smiles all the time, laughs often, and has a warm personality. While that might be true for some, you don’t need to be as jolly as Santa, or the person whose story we’ll explore today, to experience true joy.

David grew up as a shepherd, but, through a dramatic sequence of events, ended up becoming king. Now, when you think of a king, a certain image probably comes to mind—a strong, dignified, and imposing presence, probably wearing a big crown and flowing robes. But that’s not how David appears in this story.

In this account, David takes off his kingly clothes and dances with enthusiasm in the streets with the ordinary people. Why? Let’s explore some context.

Early in the Bible, God invited His people to follow His way of life. A life centered on loving God and loving others. Part of this invitation came with a promise—God would be present with them no matter what. This was a strange promise because it wasn’t just for the privileged few, but a promise for all people, from the king down to lowly shepherds.

This connection was symbolized by a few items God called gifted craftsmen to create. One of these items, and probably the most famous, was the Ark of the Covenant.

The Ark symbolized God’s powerful, personal presence in the world and reminded God’s people of His compassionate strength. But at certain points in their history, the Ark had been misused.

On one occasion, God’s people thought they could use the Ark to control or manipulate God into meeting their selfish desires—and God wasn’t pleased. He allowed the Ark to be taken from them to a neighboring nation.

How would you have felt to be a part of God’s people at that time? You might wonder if you’d messed up one too many times and disqualified yourself from God’s love.

But God is merciful, kind, and willing to give unlimited second chances. That’s why God eventually returned the Ark to God’s people with a great parade, and David led the way.

So why did David show so much joyful, undignified enthusiasm? Because this wasn’t just some box. It was a reminder that God is good, even when we’re not. So David worshiped God with song, dance, and generosity. Sure, he might have looked a little foolish in front of the people he ruled, but he didn’t seem to care. His joy was too great to let insecurity get in the way of His worship.

When we think of worship, it’s natural to think about songs at church. Singing is certainly one way we worship, but worship is any action we do that reminds ourselves and others of God’s qualities. So we can worship through music, service, prayer, art, or anything else that reflects God’s goodness.

When we experience joy, we can’t help but worship. It overflows from us as we remember who God is, and who we are.

But it can also work the other way around. If we’re feeling low on joy, worship can help us regain our joyful attitude. When we feel alone, apathetic, or broken, worship reminds us of God’s love, promises, and consistent care.

Pause and Pray:

Lord, thank You for Your commitment to being close. Thank You for always giving us another chance when we turn away. Help me to be as faithful to You as You have been to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

My Thoughts

When I consider all of the second chances God gives me all the time, it is hard not to be in awe of His great love and mercy and to worship Him. I may not be “feeling it” but sometimes I worship in spite of my feelings and the feelings follow. I am grateful every day to worship a God who sincerely cares for me and wants the best for me even when I am determined to have my own stubborn way.

I can’t dance before the Lord as David did, but I am dancing in my heart even as I pondered the verses this morning that go along with the devotional. Only God is worthy of our worship. He gives us joy and we return that joyful worship to Him!

Worship, A Glimpse of Heaven

On September 23, 2024 By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/49366/day/2

During the isolation period of the pandemic, I missed going to church. I missed the sermons, the friends there and the atmosphere of being in the place I should be. What I missed most was the corporate worship…all of us there for the purpose of giving thanks to God and praising Him for who He is and what He has done. I missed church yesterday because our church was having an outdoor service that is hard for me to attend due to health issues. So, my husband and I watched the livestream from home. The sermon was great! Seeing all of the people was nice, too. I enjoyed the worship service and even sang along to some of the songs. But it just wasn’t the same as being there. I encourage you to find a church home and to enjoy the fellowship of believers just like you. It truly is a small taste of Heaven on earth!

Choose to Worship

On December 21, 2023December 22, 2023 By vickleaIn YouVersion App4 Comments

Today I go to the surgeon for a consultation about surgery on my cervical spine. I confess that I am anxious, but I am choosing to worship God in spite of the anxiety because He is always worthy.

Update: I saw the surgeon and he recommended physical therapy, telling me that the surgery is definitely major surgery and not to be done quickly. So, I will call PT today and schedule an appointment. On the plus side, I can travel to see our family in MD for a couple of days before I have to start PT. And I see the surgeon again in two months for a re-evaluation. Getting old isn’t for sissies, but it is okay for those of us holding tightly to God’s hand. Thank you for your prayers.

Intentionally Worship God

On December 19, 2023 By vickleaIn YouVersion App1 Comment

Give Him Your Praise

Worship is the act of praising God for who He is and what He has done for us. Throughout Scripture, worship is a central act of the Christian life.

As Christians, we have received so much from God. Through Jesus Christ, we have received salvation and grace. We now have a new life in Christ and are secure for eternity.

Our response back to God for all of these things should be worship. Praising Him for His goodness and mercy and thanking Him for the things He has done.

We often think of worship as singing songs to God. And within this form of worship, we can do things like clap our hands, pray to God, or raise our hands in awe of Him.

But, singing songs is not the only form of worship. We can worship God in every area of our life. We worship God through prayer and gratitude. We can also worship God by being in awe of His creation.

As the writer of Psalm 47 says, shouting out to God and worshiping God comes from the joy within our heart. As we consider the greatness and goodness of God, as well as everything He has given us, we worship Him out of the joy within us.

Consider during this Advent season how you can intentionally worship God. You can begin by thanking Him for His faithfulness and goodness or any of His other attributes. Express your gratitude for the things He has done in your life and the things He’s given you.

Come, Because He Already Came To You

On December 13, 2023 By vickleaIn YouVersion App1 Comment

Come…

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, come.
If you’re feeling grateful or expectant, come.
If you’re feeling joyful or grievous, confident or doubtful, encouraged or frustrated, come.

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!”
Psalm 95:6

There’s something about falling on our faces before the One who created us—and everything that exists—that reminds us of who He is and who we are not.

When was the last time you stopped—in your car, in your kitchen, in your rushing, in your humanness—to simply come to God?

When you notice a gorgeous sunset, come.
When you can’t see through your tears, come.
When you’re captivated by a child’s smile, come.
When you’re overwhelmed by bad news, come.
When you’re motivated to make an impact, come.
When you’re deflated beyond words, come.

Come to the Lord, your Maker.
He has already come to you.

The Goodness of God

On October 22, 2023October 21, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture, Song, worship4 Comments

How long has it been since you took time to think about God’s goodness? I don’t mean some rote prayer or a list of all God’s blessings. I am talking about His goodness, an attribute that I think is generally overlooked.

When Moses requested to see God’s glory, God agreed to show him His goodness, saying he could see God from behind and His goodness would pass before him.