Author Archives: VoW

Lean into Me

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “All this comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.” (Isaiah 28:29)

I love quiet moments with you. When I can fill you with the fruit of the spirit, counseling you, and infusing your mind with wisdom. I am always eager to communicate with you, but sometimes you are too distracted to hear My counsel.

Keep your thoughts and eyes focused on me. When you face any decision, big or small, bring it to me. And I will show you the way.

Indulging in my presence, not only heightens your awareness to my voice, but you’ll also be better able to decipher my voice in the lives of those around you.

I’ve given you the gifts of leadership and wisdom. Forgive others as I have forgiven you. So that I may use you as I intended in their lives, and in the lives that they themselves will touch. It’s a reciprocal effect. And it starts with you leaning into me. 

You are Enough

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) 

I see you for all that you are. I know how good your heart is. I know when your intentions are pure.

I love that you work so hard to please me. But remember, I love you despite your work too. 

Just as you are is enough. More than enough. In fact, it’s through your weakness and vulnerabilities that my power can shine the most. So cease striving! 

Your work has touched the lives of many. And it will continue to touch many more. 

Your life itself has touched the lives of countless others, many of whom you’ll never even know. That is My work.

So take heart and remain humble, that I am doing this work through you!

Guard Your Thoughts

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “We take every thought captive so that it’s obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

I love when you sit in My presence. Soaking up all that I offer you, rather than focusing on your to-do list. What I have to offer is far more important than your daily, weekly, or even monthly tasks. What I offer is eternal and bleeds into all of your to-do’s. Everyone and everything around you is blessed when you’ve taken the time to fill up on me.

Likewise, when you keep your eyes focused on me throughout the day, such blessings can continue to flow through you and all that you do.

Guard your thoughts. The mind is the devil’s playground. He will use it to harm you and others, and to distract you from My will. So hold every thought accountable. Is it true? Is it good? Is it from Me? If not, let it go.

In this way, you’ll be better able to accomplish the plans I have for you. Which may be different from what you initially think.

The Potter and the Clay

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “A potter has the right to do whatever he wants with his clay. He can make something for everyday use from the same lump of clay.” (Romans 9:21)

Do not ask, ‘Why has this happened to me?’ or ‘Why am I this way?’ Don’t you know that I have made you? I don’t make mistakes.

You may not see the entirety of my plan, but I can. I am the Author and Finisher of your faith. Know that I am God. Not even one hair falls from your head without me knowing about it.

You want to be used by me? Well, like the clay in the hands of the potter, this requires complete submission to My will. Even when you don’t understand the why. My ways are higher than yours. Have I not proven that My ways are good?

Presence

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. And remember, that I am with you until the end of time.” (Matthew 28:20)

Precious child, I am always with you. When you’re present, you’re aware of this. You can sense it. My presence, actively working in you and through you.

Being present doesn’t just ease the burden on you, but it also opens the door for me to reach others through you. Indeed, your gifts are meant to be shared. How, when, and where is up to me. So cease striving! And watch in awe as my power is at work in your life.

Do not be seduced by the ways of the world. The overworking and the busyness. This is not my way. I can do far more through you than you could ever accomplish on your own.

So go forth, and carry my presence with you like a light that shines into the lives of those around you. A light that can be seen in all the fruits of your labor.

Wait on Me!

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5) 

As you wait, beloved, let your heart rejoice in what I’ve done. If I did all that to save you, you can rest assured that I’m not finished with you yet.

Indeed, in your life on Earth there are times of waiting. You’ve been here before. Did I not shine my face upon you then? Have you forgotten how I came through for you? 

Wait on me! And rejoice in your waiting period, for you know that glory is just around the corner. While you rest, I’m at work. My love never fails. 

The Power of Thought

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

You are aware of the power of thought. Thoughts affect your mood. They trickle into your everyday reality and change things to fit their existence. Therefore, be careful with your thoughts!

Be careful also of your consumption. As the information you take in can drive your thoughts. Don’t let your mind be distracted by the darkness of this world. You are no longer of this world. I have overcome this world!

Experience has taught you to be wary of others. But My Word is more true than experience. If you are to be the light that I intended for you to be, you must reside in me. Not in this world. And not in your experiences of this world.

My son, Jesus, walked in your shoes. He lived as you do. So I can assure you, I am well aware of the pain and suffering that others can inflict upon you. Justice? Fairness? When you get to where you’re going, and only then, will you experience the justice and fairness that I intended for my people on Earth. But your work here is not yet done.

So in the meantime, reject lies. Reject fear. Reject anxious thoughts and worrying. Lean into me, into truth, into light. That you may be that light to others. It is needed now more than ever. 

Be the Light

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8

My precious child, surely you have noticed the darkness all around you. Do not be afraid and do not be overwhelmed. For I am with you.

In the midst of darkness, you are light. Internalize that. Embrace that. Even as the darkness rises.

As others begin to divide, you must continue to bring together. You are the light. Do not go dim. Do not burn out. Every day, in all circumstances, walk as the child of light that you are! 

What does this mean? Light is goodness, kindness, gentleness… Light is hopeful and joyful… Light is an energy source. The people around you need light. You need light. The world needs light.

Even while surrounded by darkness, be the light. 

Can You Imagine being Mary?

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality

It is written, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5) 

Can you imagine being Mary? Watching as your son is tortured? Feeling pain in the depths of your being as there’s nothing you can do to help? Then seeing him die on the cross…

When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Do you think Mary knew of Psalm 22? That this would be the fulfillment of a prophecy? 

Do you think her heart sunk with thoughts of her son’s abandonment? Or of her own? Can you imagine the mix of emotions as she trusted in her son when He said, “I’ll come back”? Would he? Is revival actually possible?

What does it look like to wait in anticipation? To be faithful during the “in between”? Can our hearts be both broken and expectant at the same time? 

…Can you imagine being Mary?

Forgiveness (An Easter Poem)

Posted on by under Poetry

If it were up to me and me alone,

I’d make you feel the pain and hurt you just as you’ve hurt me.

But I know a route that starts with love and ends in love, just like a circle.

It’s a healing route;

life changing and fulfilling all the same.

And so I choose to take with you, the path that Jesus took with me.

It’s the only path that works and my hope rests in its effectiveness.