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

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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

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

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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

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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!

The First and Greatest Commandment

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The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, with all of our soul, and with all of our mind.

It is written, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38)

My beloved, I love you. Do you know why I say this is the first and greatest commandment? For your own good, of course.

See, when the success of your day is measured by how well you’ve loved Me, you are far less prone to feelings of failure. The rest of your day is automatically improved, when your primary goal is to love me. What does that look like?

Stay in close communion with me. I want to be a part of your day. Right down to the details. Seek me with all of your heart, and you will find me.

This world will show you all the ways you’ve failed and not measured up. You didn’t get around to this, you forgot about that…

But when you’ve loved me with your whole heart and soul and mind, you can rest assured that your day was a success, no matter what your circumstances. When you keep your eyes focused on me, and walk in the light of My presence, your paths will be made straight. Your heart and soul and mind can breathe a sigh of relief.

To learn more about God’s commandments and His promises, I highly recommend you read His Word. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

Want more? Check out this post on the joy God calls us to: https://vehicleofwisdom.com/2022/11/16/be-joyful-always/ And sign up for emails so you never miss a post!

If God loves us then why do we suffer?

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Women suffering with head in her hands. If God love us, why do we suffer?

It is written, “The Spirit of the Lord… has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” (Isaiah 61:1) Why does God allow us to suffer, if He loves us?

You want to know why this has happened to you. You want to make sense of your suffering. As though this world operates from a helm of justice. But alas! You live in a fallen world. And true justice will not be restored until I come back. 

Suffering is a part of your life on Earth. Even my own Son, Jesus Christ, suffered. Do you remember what Jesus called out on the cross? “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” There that question is again. Why. 

Indeed, you are not alone in your suffering. You often aren’t even the cause of your suffering. Your suffering is the result of the fall of mankind. And I can assure you that it breaks My heart just as much as it does yours. 

So pick up the pieces of your heart, dear one. And bring them to me. Then watch and wait in My healing presence as I mend your broken heart and turn your suffering into glory. 

I am near to the broken-hearted. And I am near to you now. 

To learn more about God’s promises, I highly recommend you read His Word. And if you have any questions, www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!