thoughts by Idelette McVicker Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published October 19, 2021

Lord, Teach Us to Pray

“Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Luke 11:1

Leonard Sweet recently wrote (on Twitter):

“When my mother died, I set her Bible on a table and let it open itself. Psalm 91, to my surprise. Where does your Bible open itself?”

I decided to take the fun challenge and let my Bible open by itself. It’s a small Bible because I like to carry it in my purse, so honestly it kept falling over. Finally it opened to Luke 11. Jesus’ teaching on prayer. I read it with fresh eyes. I was struck by verse 8:

“I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.“

Jesus prescribes boldness in our asking. How do I approach God – Am I asking for the world? Am I stepping out in faith, asking for the miraculous? Once I have aligned my heart with God’s purposes, God wants to work through His children as we pray. God wants us to ask for brokenness to be restored, slavery to end, abuse to stop, mountains to move.

Today, let us align our hearts with His and be bold in our asking.

Father, we want Your Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. Today, help me direct my prayers in such a way that Your Kingdom will come through me.

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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Journey Through

Published September 9, 2021

Journey Through

“As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs.” Psalm 84:6 (NIV)

Our faith isn’t made only for the mountaintop experiences.

Sometimes we pass through dry seasons and valleys in our journey. It is in the valley that we discover what our faith is made of. Can it survive when we have to walk it out, day by day, even when the height of experience attained on the mountain is merely a memory?

When the Israelites left Egypt, they were thrilled to move into the promise of a better future. But they had scarcely left, or they began to complain. They’d forgotten God’s faithfulness and provision and they had lost sight of the promise. When God gives us a promise, rarely are we transported there instantly. We always need to walk it out. It is in the journey that character is revealed and built. We all need to pass through the valley. What makes the difference, however, is how we pass through. Our heart attitude determines whether we spend 40 days or 40 years in the desert.

Where are you at in your journey?

How are you turning your valley into a place of springs? May you always find the treasure of Jesus in the midst of your own valley.

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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Who Stands With You

Published September 2, 2021

Who Stands With You

“But Lord,’ Gideon asked, ‘How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh and I am the least in my family.’ The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you …’” Judges 6:15

How often do I look within or to another before I look up? Gideon looked at where he came from. He looked at his own accomplishments and his personal sense of identity, trying to establish whether he was equipped for the task, but God had a different answer: “I will be with you,” God told Gideon.

Sometimes, living in our fearlessly independent society, we forget that we don’t have to rely on self. We don’t need the perfect credentials to walk in the call God has for us.

Instead, we are partnered with the God of the Universe who promises: “I will be with you.” It’s the promise of Emmanuel—God with us. We don’t have to do it alone. We can look up and fix our eyes on this God who can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us …”

Thank you, Lord, that You are my partner and my strength. Thank You for the promise that You will be with me as I set out to do what You are calling me to today. Amen.

By Idelette McVicker
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Contentment

Published July 20, 2021

Contentment

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are, no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” Matthew 5:5 (MSG)

Contentment. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, to be contented is “feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.” This past summer I watched neighbors buy luxury SUV’s and new furniture and paint their homes. Some have elaborate play structures in their backyards; others are constantly remodelling. For the first time in my life, I had to come face to face with the notion of “keeping up with the Jones’s.” At the same time, I’ve read Raising Kids for True Greatness by Dr. Tim Kimmel.

My inner world felt turbulent as I grappled with my own notions of success. How do I define a successful life? Is that really what God calls me to? Instead, Kimmel suggests, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and aim for true greatness. It’s still hard when you watch what feels like an entire neighborhood marching to a different drummer. Recently I caught a snippet of a radio broadcast on our local Christian station. One of the speakers shared how his children were constantly saying, “It’s not fair.” He challenged them through the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20) to realize that when we compare our lives with others, we lose our contentment. Instead we focus on what we have and turn our hearts to gratitude. “Comparison ruins contentment,” he added. That’s exactly what I needed to hear. In our home, we have decided to follow Jesus and follow the beat of His heart. What a relief not to have to live up to any other expectations.

Reflection:

– What moves you out of your place of contentment?
– What are you grateful for today?

Dear Lord, Thank You that You are my shepherd and I have everything I need. Your love covers me, lifts me and fills me. Today, again, I choose to dance to the beat of Your heart. I love You, Amen.

By Idelette McVicker
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An Act of Devotion

Published July 2, 2021

An Act of Devotion

“I know the greatness of the Lord -that our Lord is greater than any other god.” Psalm 135:5 (NLT)

Dictionary.com defines “devotion” as “profound dedication; consecration” and “earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc.” We know that devotion is our 24/7 way of being with God. At the same time, setting aside consecrated time daily to spend with God is my act of devotion; of showing God my profound dedication to Him. It is not a matter of habit or religious duty, but rather it flows out of love.

During this time before our Lord, our Heavenly Father becomes the central focus of our devotion. We worship Him, and only Him. We can come, not only because we love God, but also because we know that God loves us unconditionally. We can come without our armor. We can come expectant and with our hearts opened up to Him. From this central place of devotion, we can move out into the rest of the day, pointing our life towards our King.

What brings you today to spend time with our Lord?

Dear Father, I am devoted to You. May I center my day around You today, so that I can walk in the great Love You have for me.

By Idelette McVicker
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At Home in God’s Love

Published May 17, 2021

At Home in God’s Love

“Make yourselves at home in my love.” John 15:9 (MSG)

I have lived in three countries and in many different places. For many years I was on a quest to understand what it means to be home. Home used to be the place where I grew up; later it became the place where I rested my head at night. After I got married, it became the life I shared with my husband.

Home may carry many different meanings for those who have crisscrossed the world. But even those who have stayed home all their lives, may not have come home yet.

Jesus makes it very simple. He says, “Make yourselves at home in my love.” We don’t need to go looking for home; we may simply come home to Jesus. He invites us in. Because of His great love, He has already prepared a place for us. Come in, today. Open the door wide and enter into Love.

Where are you standing in relation to Jesus today?

Are you at home in His love yet? If not, is there anything keeping you from entering in? What is it?

If you already know the Love of Jesus, what is He saying to you today?

Thank you, Jesus, that You have gone to prepare a place for me. I have a home in You, in Your everlasting arms of love. I come today, to be scooped up and embraced in your love. I am here, Your child. Amen.

by Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

At Home in God’s Love

“Make yourselves at home in my love.” John 15:9 (MSG)

Home may carry many different meanings for those who have criss-crossed the world. But even those who have stayed home all their lives, may not have come home yet.

Jesus makes it very simple. He says, “Make yourselves at home in my love.” We don’t need to go looking for home; we may simply come home to Jesus. He invites us in. Because of His great love, He has already prepared a place for us. Come in, today. Open the door wide and enter into Love.

Reflect: Where are you standing in relation to Jesus today?
Are you at home in His love yet? If not, is there anything keeping you from entering in? What is it?
If you already know the Love of Jesus, what is He saying to you today?

Thank you, Jesus, that You have gone to prepare a place for me. I have a home in You, in Your everlasting arms of love. I come today, to be scooped up and embraced in your love. I am here, Your child. Amen.

By Idelette McVicker
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Tap Into the Source

Published December 28, 2020

Tap Into the Source

“I am the vine; you are the branches; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

Life tends to get busy. I had a meeting with two women in our home yesterday and we shared some of what our week was like. Let’s just say our plates were full. (A third friend called to cancel, because she simply hadn’t managed to finish up her work in time for the meeting.)

I don’t mind being busy, but I always want to have time for the people and activities that are truly important in my life. When life gets full, I find it crucial to know my priorities.

I was reminded again of that when visiting a friend’s house recently. When her husband opened up his computer, the following words flashing across his screen: “Tap into the Source.”

I can’t do anything disconnected from my Source. My Source offers me peace in the midst of chaos. My Source offers me strength when it feels like I have nothing left to offer. My Source offers grace beyond what I deserve.

My Source offers everything I need for every situation I may encounter. My Source feeds my soul.

Thank you, Jesus, that you are my “Source” of everything I need for today. Amen.

By Idelette McVicker
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At Home in God’s Love

Published December 2, 2020

At Home in God’s Love

“Make yourselves at home in My love.” –John 15:9 (Msg)

Home may carry many different meanings for those who have crisscrossed the world. But even those who have stayed home all their lives, may not have come home yet.

Jesus makes it very simple. He says, “Make yourselves at home in My love.” We don’t need to go looking for home; we may simply come home to Jesus. He invites us in. Because of His great love, He has already prepared a place for us. Come in, today. Open the door wide and enter into Love.

Reflect:

Where are you standing in relation to Jesus today?
Are you at home in His love yet? If not, is there anything keeping you from entering in?
What is it?
If you already know the Love of Jesus, what is He saying to you today?

Prayer:

By Idelette McVicker
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Inviting God into the Chaos

Published May 26, 2020

Inviting God into the Chaos

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Whenever I get to a place where life seems more than I can handle, there’s that still, small voice that nudges me: “Remember, Idelette, be still and know that I am God.” Often it’s easier to run and accomplish tasks rather than putting on the brakes and quiet my heart. On those days, it is what I need most. My Creator reminds me of that often.

Where do I need God to be God? What are the questions in my heart? Where is it that I need to be still today and invite God in?

What will this day bring, Lord?
Be still and know that I am God.

Is there a relationship that needs healing?
Be still and know that I am God.

Am I anxious about finances?
Be still and know that I am God.

Someone I love is sick, Lord.
Be still and know that I am God.

Am I concerned about my work, my future, my purpose?
Be still and know that I am God.

Prayer:
Thank you, God, that You have already saved the world. I don’t need to. I only need to do what You require of me. Help me return to that place of stillness where I find perspective and strength.

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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He Knows Pain

Published May 22, 2020

He Knows Pain

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

One of my close friends suffers from chronic headaches. She lives with pain. It is something I am, thankfully, rather unfamiliar with. Her suffering, however, has introduced me to the huge realm of those who suffer from severe pain. Sometimes I just feel helpless. Most days I stand on the sideline and watch her endure.

While reflecting on the power of the cross again, it dawned on me that dying on a cross meant, for Jesus, enduring unfathomable pain. He doesn’t stand as a bystander, removed from the pain. Jesus became intensely familiar with pain. When you talk to Him about pain, He knows. He knows what you’re talking about. He has entered into Pain with you. This is the amazing God we love. There is nothing too far removed from Him. I may not be able to enter into the pain with my friend, but her closest Friend can and already has.

Reflect:

We have all suffered pain, whether emotional or physical. Imagine Jesus being right there with you. Then thank Him for enduring a pain that is so far beyond our imagination. Thank Jesus for being willing to suffer, so we may call him Friend in the places where we need Him most.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for Your incredible sacrifice on the cross. Not only did You carry the sins of the world, ”past, present and future” but You died an extremely painful death, all for us. You are the best Friend we could ever ask for.

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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Jesus is My Hero

Published May 20, 2020

Jesus is My Hero

“He is the sacrifice for our sins. He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” 1 John 2:2 (NLT)

A few years ago, I participated in a course called The Ancient Paths put on by Family Foundations International. It was a time of beautiful healing for me. After bringing my stuff to Jesus time and time again at the cross – every detail, every bad thing, every lie that had been whispered to me, every wrong turn I
had taken, I was amazed again by the power of Jesus, and especially Jesus on the cross.

I got a glimpse, even in just a small way, of what He must have experienced on the cross. Besides the humiliation, besides the physical pain, He took the sins of the
world on him. As I looked at the stuff I had in my life – the pain, the disappointments, the sin, knowing how heavy these things had been in my heart, I couldn’t imagine Him carrying the sins and pain and disappointments of every person who has ever lived and will ever live on this earth. But He did. He broke through and created space for each and every one of us. That power is now available to us as we bring our lives to Him.

This is our Jesus, amazing God who became man, my Superhero.

by Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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Facing the Lions

Published November 23, 2019

Facing the Lions

My three-year-old has been very aware of her strength. “Feel how big my muscles are,” she says, thrusting her arm out. This morning as I was driving her to preschool, she said, “Mommy, Katie doesn’t think my muscles are big.” As we talked through it, she suddenly added, “Mommy, I can’t slay a big lion.” She connected her strength with what we’d been reading – the story of Samson who was so strong that he could kill a lion with his bare hands.

After a little thought I asked her: “Do you think you can slay a little lion?”

“Sure” she said. “I can slay a little lion.”

I thought about the challenges we face in our lives – the lions that come on our path. I realized that God allows us to grow in our capacity and confidence to fight the lions. Samson started with a lion and moved on to Philistines. David learned to keep the lions and bears at bay before he faced Goliath. With every challenge we conquer, we grow in strength and capacity. We build on experience and face the new challenge, knowing that God has seen us through the previous trials.

Reflect:
– What challenge are you facing in your life right now?
– What “little lions” have you slain in your journey up to now?
– How does your past experience inspire you to face your current challenge?

Thank You, God, that You grow me in my capacity and strength to face the challenges of every day. I bring my lions to You right now and I ask for the confidence and strength to conquer these new challenges. Remind me of what You have already brought me through successfully. Amen.

Bu Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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Urgency

Published November 20, 2019

Urgency

“Do not say, “Four months more and then the harvest.” I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” John 4:35 (NIV)

I have felt a rising urgency in my heart. Whether it’s about understanding the times and the seasons, or responsibility in taking care of our personal matters, the urgency is growing.

At first I experienced it with increased anxiety. Then a wise friend reminded me that even the disciples lived from the perspective that the end was near. This was how the New Testament was written – with an urgency – because Christ is coming soon. Now, a few thousand years later maybe we can smile at the disciples’ sense of urgency, but perhaps Christ wanted us to understand that part of living the Christian life is grasping this urgency. It’s not intended to invoke fear in us; instead we may understand that while every day is closer to His coming, it is also one more day in which we can give and love and work to help establish God’s Kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven.

We can look up, today, and see that the fields are ripe for harvest. And as Isaiah 61 reminds us, “This is the year of the Lord’s favor.” We need to make the best of today.

Reflect:

– How are you living from an understanding of the urgency of the day?
– How will you seize this day?

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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There is Room

Published September 25, 2019

There is Room

“I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

In my daughter’s preschool, they learned this song early on: “Let’s make room for our friends”. The school’s philosophy is clear: they foster an environment where students learn inclusivity. They make space for each other. I’ve watched the children grow into this atmosphere. On the playground after school or on occasions when we have gone out in a group, they all romp together. They naturally gravitate towards certain friends, but it is not at the cost of other friends. Each child is respected. No one is left behind.

“Let’s make room for our friends” has become a philosophy in our home too. When the neighborhood kids or other friends come over, we make sure we include everyone, especially the younger ones.

Jesus came to make room for each one of us. He came, so as a family of God, we make room for each other. How ironic that right from the start, there was no room for the Prince of Heaven. His life defied this exclusion and He opened doors. He still knocks on the doors of closed hearts. “I stand at the door and knock,” He says. He moves right into the tight places we create around the marginalized. He makes space for each of us. We can love in His welcome and in turn, open doors for others.

Reflect:
Have you made room for Jesus today?
Where do You need Jesus to make room for you?
Where are you called to make room for someone else?

Thank You, Lord, that You have prepared a place for me. Even when life may exclude me, You are there, right beside me.

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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Category: <span>thoughts by Idelette McVicker</span>

“Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Luke 11:1

Further Reading

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Our faith isn’t made only for the mountaintop experiences.

Where are you at in your journey?

Further Reading

Follow Us On:

Further Reading

Follow Us On:

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are, no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” Matthew 5:5 (MSG)

Dear Lord, Thank You that You are my shepherd and I have everything I need. Your love covers me, lifts me and fills me. Today, again, I choose to dance to the beat of Your heart. I love You, Amen.

Further Reading

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What brings you today to spend time with our Lord?

Further Reading

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“Make yourselves at home in my love.” John 15:9 (MSG)

Where are you standing in relation to Jesus today?

FURTHER READING

“Make yourselves at home in my love.” John 15:9 (MSG)

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

“I am the vine; you are the branches; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

“Make yourselves at home in My love.” –John 15:9 (Msg)

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Follow Us On:

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Follow Us On:

“He is the sacrifice for our sins. He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” 1 John 2:2 (NLT)

This is our Jesus, amazing God who became man, my Superhero.

Follow Us On:

Follow Us On:

“Do not say, “Four months more and then the harvest.” I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” John 4:35 (NIV)

Follow Us On:

“I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

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