Author Archives: VoW

Where is God?

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Wondering where is God? Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

My precious child, do you ever find yourself wondering, “Where is God?” 

It is written, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) 

Here I am. 
Here I am.

Love involves choice. You are free to draw near to me, and free to be led astray. 

But as you draw nearer to me, I also draw near to you in response. I am love. 

If you could truly grasp the love I have for you, all of your fears would disappear. Because My love is perfect. And there is no fear in perfect love. 

So next time you find yourself feeling distant from me, or wondering where I am, contemplate My love. Ponder how wide, how long, how high, and how deep My love is for you. 

Know that in the end, My love conquers all. It already has. 

Want to grow in your walk with God and deepen your love for Him? I highly recommend reading the Bible as a daily practice. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

The Word of God

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the Word of God is alive and active. We should all be reading it every day.

It is written, “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

You say, “Give me wisdom.”

I say, “Read My Word.”

You say, “Hear my prayers.”

I say, “Pray My Word.”

You say, “Change my heart.”

I say, “Follow My Word.”

Don’t you see my precious child? You have access to the living Word of God. It’s right in front of you! It’s your guidebook on how to live and pray. Your armor against the weapons of this world. Study it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Pray your way through it. Use it in your daily walk.

A day without reading the Bible is a wasted day indeed.

For any questions you may have about the Bible, I highly recommend http://www.gotquestions.org

Leap for Joy and Shine Bright

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leap for joy and shine bright because you are a child of God

It is written, “But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth…like calves (released) from the stall and leap for joy.” (Malachi 4:2)

My beloved, there is healing in My wings. My healing presence shines brightly on you and within you. This is a gift for you because you revere and fear My name. Because you honor Me, you can receive my blessings and leap for joy!

So wait with me. In My healing presence. In My beams of glory light. I will do good work within you. And like a calf released from its stall, you can go forth and shine for others to see all that I have done.

Be sure to give Me the credit for your joy. So that others may see you and want to know Me more. May your life shine brightly and point others to Me.

I highly recommend reading the Bible daily to grow in your walk with Christ. http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource for any questions you may have about the Word of God.

Minimize Uncertainty

Posted on by under Daily Inspiration
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Wanting to minimize uncertainty is a common human tendency. But is it what we're supposed to do as believers?

Why do we have this tendency to try to minimize uncertainty? We’d rather put confidence in ourselves, in our own thoughts and understanding, then trust in God. But God told us not to rely on our own understanding. And He’s proven over and over again that He’s trustworthy.

Rather than attempt to minimize uncertainty, we ought to embrace uncertainty, as it’s during these very moments when the power of God is on full display in our lives. God uses our circumstances to mold us. Like a potter and his clay. Our lack of understanding brings us closer to God as we rely on Him wholeheartedly to guide us and carry us through life. Just as He intended.

To be fearful of our circumstances, and uncomfortable with our uncertainty, is simply a lack of belief in God’s providence.

To learn more about all God has promised to you, I highly recommend reading the Bible. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

If You Want to Write, Read

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if you want to write, read

Over and over again I tell people, if you want to write, read. The number one advice I have for other people interested in become writers, is to read.

I find it fascinating that whenever I’m going through a dry spell in my writing, I’m going through a drought in my reading.

The opposite is also true. As soon as I begin reading a new book, the creative inspiration and ideas begin to consume me in such a way that I have no other choice but to write.

The two activities are directly and positively correlated.

Reading serves as mental stimulation. It provides us with renewed inspiration.

As a general rule, we are readers first. And writers second.

So if you want to write, read.

P.S. Even seasoned writers experience periods of mental blocks and fatigue. I wrote a poem about that and you can read it here: https://vehicleofwisdom.com/2014/12/19/an-artists-dilemma/

Also, if you find yourself frequently dealing with writer’s block, I highly recommend you read, “The War of Art”. You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026

The Song of The Seed

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality, Poetry

Below is a rendition of The Song of The Seed by Macrina Wiederkehr

the song of the seed is a poem by Macrina Wiederkehr

Life unfolds
A petal at a time,
slowly.

The beauty of the process is crippled when I try to hurry growth.
Life has its inner rhythm which must be respected.
It cannot be rushed or hurried.

Like daylight stepping out of darkness,
like morning creeping out of night,
life unfolds slowly a petal at a time

God’s call unfolds
A Word at a time,
slowly.

A disciple is not made in a hurry.
Slowly I become like the One to whom I am listening.

Life unfolds
a petal at a time
like you and I
becoming followers of Jesus,
discipled into a new way of living
deeply and slowly.

Be patient with life’s unfolding petals.
If you hurry the bud, it withers.

Each unfolding is a teaching
a movement of grace filled with silent pauses, breathtaking beauty, tears and heartaches.

Life unfolds
a petal at a time
deeply and slowly

By Macrina Wiederkehr

If you enjoyed this poem, “The Song of the Seed” by Macrina Wiederkehr, I highly recommend learning more about her and her work here: http://www.macrinawiederkehr.com/

Distractions are Plenty

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distractions are plenty, so how do we get quiet time with God?

It is written, “But cling to the Lord, your God, as you have done to this day.” (Joshua 23:8) Do you ever feel like life is too full of distractions to have quality time with God?

My precious child, quiet moments with me allow me to speak to your heart. You can hear the tender words of My voice. Though distractions are plenty, so is My hand. 

When you feel pulled in too many directions, cling to me. Don’t let your mind deceive you into thinking you have no time for me. Time doesn’t exist with me. 

Though you are bound within the confines of time and space, I am unlimited. Unlimited in how I can work in your life, in this world, and through you. But you must listen to My voice. 

So how can you hear from me daily? Quiet yourself without distractions. Come to My Word and meditate on it. It is your armor and your shield in this fallen and broken world. But fear not, I have overcome this world. 

To grow deeper in your relationship with God, I highly recommend reading His Word. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

I am a Christian

Posted on by under Poetry
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I am a Christian. A poem by Maya Angelou on Christianity.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not shouting, “I’m clean living.”
I’m whispering, “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I’m worth it.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not holier than thou.
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s grace somehow.

One of my favorite poems by one of my favorite writers, Maya Angelou. To learn more about the life and work of Maya Angelou, visit this website: https://www.mayaangelou.com/

Paul was Chosen

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality
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Paul was chosen. Want to be disciple of Christ? We can learn a lot from his chosen ones, like Paul.

Paul was chosen, yet he was opposed. Be prepared to stand in the face of withering opposition. Remain bold, even when you’re mocked.

Paul was chosen, yet God took nearly two decades to prepare him. Don’t waste your white space. These in between times are often when God is doing His best work in preparing you.

Paul was chosen, yet he suffered. Suffering is one of God’s greatest tools that He uses to train us. Suffering breeds the very thing that ends it; compassion.

Stand amazed at God’s love for you in His darkest hour. And then believe in His love for you in your darkest hours.

To learn more about the life of Paul, I highly recommend you read the Bible. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

Unafraid

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God says that when we live by the Holy Spirit, we will live in peace and safety. We can live unafraid.

It is written, “All who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid.” (Proverbs 1:33)

My beloved, you’re learning how to listen to me. Isn’t it lovely? That you and I can go through life hand in hand in this way. So intimately connected to one another.

When you hear My voice, you need not be afraid. My Holy Spirit, your Helper, will guide your steps. My Word, alive and powerful, takes root within you and helps you grow to new heights.

Your desire for peace can be satiated with a commitment to listening to me. We walk through life together, so that my Will may be done.

I love you and I’m so proud of you. You can live unafraid. I am doing a new thing!

For more on fearless living, check out this earlier post from my blog: https://vehicleofwisdom.com/2023/07/12/fear-not-youre-mine/ and don’t forget to sign up for emails, so you never miss a post!

I highly recommend reading the Bible to learn more about God’s promises. And if you have any questions, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!