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

John16:33 In this workd you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

Too often I’m enchanted into thinking that life should be easy. I want it to hum ahead. I want the days to flow beautifully without sticking and clunking and crashing. I once imagined life to be perfect only when my house looked like a magazine and I didn’t get frazzled by the demands and surprises of everyday life.

Hello, real world. Hello, my frail humanity.

I keep thinking, Life is kind of difficult right now and, honestly God, I’m not liking it and I don’t understand it. But I love how God speaks and births Divinity into my very humanity. Most times it’s in the hard times, the questions, the longing, where Jesus wants to be birthed. I am reminded that today, God wants to meet me in my struggle and my discomfort. If I make room—welcome Him in—I have a Savior who offers a Kingdom of Peace. This Kingdom needs to come—not some day in a perfect heaven, but right now, today, on earth, in my broken humanity.

Jesus, please meet me today in the center of my struggles and questions. Meet me in pain and loneliness. Meet me in discomfort and anger. Wherever I’m at, please come and meet me. May Your Kingdom of Love, Peace, Patience and Humility come in me, even now. Amen.

by Idelette McVicker
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devotional

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also..2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV)

In “Sparkling Gems from the GreekRick Renner explains that the word “commit” comes from the Greek compound word paratithimi. When the words para and tithimi are compounded together, creating the word paratithimi, it means to come close in order to make some type of deposit, like a person who goes to the bank to place a deposit into the repository for safekeeping.

It doesn’t require any effort to come alongside someone or something, but not actually make a deposit. It’s so much easier to just slide through life: pick up something here, put it down and move on to the next thing. This grazing mentality doesn’t bring about an abundant life. Not only are we not depositing of ourselves, we are not receiving what God intended there either.

Commitment requires a decision to position ourselves with the people and around the issues we are called to and make our unique and necessary deposit.

Reflect:
Who are you committed to?
What are some of the causes you are committed to?
What deposits have you made?

By Idelette McVicker

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SceneryIt is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Since those first euphoric democratic elections in 1999, citizens of South Africa celebrate Freedom Day every year on April 27. It is a reminder that freedom is truly precious. Jesus’ death on the cross made us free from the burden of sin. Now knowing Him and receiving His gift of salvation makes us truly free. It is a freedom we can celebrate every day of the year and it is a freedom that is magnetic. In “Bread for the JourneyHenri Nouwen writes, “When you are interiorly free you call others to freedom, whether you know it or not. Freedom attracts wherever it appears.”

Reflect:
Are you standing in the freedom that Christ has bought for you?
Is your freedom so attractive to others that they also want to know this Jesus?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for my freedom. I don’t take it for granted. I receive and embrace this freedom that makes me free body, soul and spirit. Help me to live in such a way that I make You attractive to others.

By Idelette McVicker

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/05/17/im_celebrate-freedom/


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by Idelette McVicker

And this is the will of Him who sent me that I should lose nothing of all that He has given me, but raise it up on the last day.”  John 6: 39 (NIV)

I took a picture of the recycling truck in our neighborhood a few days ago. “Transforming waste to resources,” reads the sign on the side. It reminds me so much of Jesus.

So often we see the experiences, mistakes and sins in our life as plain garbage. We want to leave it on the side of life’s road and see it disappear into forgetting. Jesus, however, wants to take our waste and is ready to transform it into resources for others who need to know that He meets us and loves us, even in our messiest moments.

In the hands of Jesus, our wasted experiences and the lessons we learn along the way can become a message. If only we would turn our hearts towards Him. As soon as we hold out our garbage to Him, He recycles it into resources and transforms us into His likeness.

Reflect:
Is there anything in your life you need to put out for Jesus to recycle?

Jesus, I love that You can transform even my smelliest garbage into something to serve another person’s heart. I place it all before You. Thank You for Divine recycling and transformation. With You, nothing is wasted.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/10/13/im_jesus-recycles/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

by Idelette McVicker

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise.”  1 Corinthians 3:18

In the book “There’s Always Enough”,  Roland and Heidi Baker tell the story of their ministry to the poorest of the poor in Mozambique.  Serving some of the most forgotten and rejected people on the planet, they often have to rely on God to provide in miraculous ways.

Through their need, they have seen God come through for them. They have even seen people raised from the dead. What struck me about this miracle, however, was not that someone was raised from the dead as much as the incredible commitment on the part of the person who prayed for the dead person. One pastor prayed through the night, non-stop, and didn’t give up until the person started showing signs of life.

What incredible faith. What commitment. Am I willing to stick with it in order to see the miracle? I have not prayed like that. Am I willing to appear absolutely foolish for God? I have not been enough of a fool for God.

Reflect: Where do you need a breakthrough or even a miracle? What are you willing to do in order to get it?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/08/12/im_becoming-a-fool-for-god/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

by Idelette McVicker

He restores my soul.”  Psalm 23:3 (NIV)

God is in the restoration business. He restored the Psalmist David’s soul and He desires to restore every soul.

When I first moved to Canada, I heard a pastor say: “You are a spirit, you live in a body and you have a soul.”  This helped me gain a clearer understanding of my personhood, with the soul being my mind, will and emotions.

I began to understand that when I received Christ as Savior, my spirit was redeemed, but the work on my mind will and emotions just began. In many places, the landscape of my soul was rather rocky. Christ wanted to bring beauty, wholeness and restoration also to those places where the lies, hurt and disappointments had become part of the landscape.

One by one we removed the rocks and the rubble. We weeded and tilled. We worked on my soul quality.

About a year ago, while leading a group of women through an exercise on ‘watering each others souls’ speaking words of blessing and encouragement to one other, one of the participants said, ‘God has been restoring your soul in order that you may pour it out to others.’ I believe this is God’s desire for every one of us. As we invite Christ into every place of brokenness, He restores us to beauty and wholeness, so that we may again pour it out to others. In this way, the desert may become a garden.

Dear God, Thank you for restoring my soul. Show me today where I can help water another soul and be part of your restoration process. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/06/13/im_landscape-of-the-soul/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

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He has endowed you with splendor.Isaiah 55:5 (NIV)

Splendor relates to being magnificent, impressive and brilliant. Wouldn’t we all want to be magnificent, brilliant and impressive?

The Lord provides Zion with splendor, but He also desires to clothe each of us with splendor. To me, splendor speaks of the riches and glory of God. When we are dressed (emotionally and spiritually) in splendor, we reflect the image of God and our very being points to heaven.

Splendor does not necessarily speak of material riches. This is illustrated to me so clearly in nature. We love to visit a local bird sanctuary with our children. They love to feed the ducks and be outdoors; I love seeing them get excited about the simplest things. While all the birds are beautiful, the peacock specifically walks around dressed in splendor. Still, there’s nothing the peacock has done to achieve or accomplish splendor. Splendor was a gift. In the same way, we don’t achieve splendor, nor can we buy it. Instead, we are given it from heaven.

Are you clothed in splendor? Walk in His ways and ask God to endow you with splendor today, so that your life may speak of the glory of God and point others to the amazing riches of heaven.

by Idelette McVicker

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

by Idelette McVicker

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

I recently caught snippets of “Thelma & Louise” again on TV. Right after I put our eldest to bed, this bit of dialogue woke me right up:

Thelma: Are you awake?

Louise: I guess you could call it that. My eyes are open.

Thelma: Me too. I feel awake … Wide awake. I never remember feeling this awake. Know what I mean? Everything looks different.

I remember when Jesus became the center of my life. There was life before Jesus and life after Jesus. How grateful I am that He banged at the door of my life and came in to wake me up to Himself.

Reflect:

– Do you remember the time when you made Jesus the center of your existence? How has life changed for you since then?

– How awake are you today?

Jesus, You are my Awakening and my Life. Breathe on me today and fill my body with life so I may worship You with all that I am.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2012/02/23/im_waking-up-to-life/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

By Idelette McVicker

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me …”  Psalm 23: 4 (NIV)

During the Rwandan genocide in 1994, Immaculée Ilibagiza spent 91 days in a bathroom the size of a closet with seven other women and girls. It is hard to imagine what that would have been like. Not only was the space cramped, they were in life-threatening danger. Soldiers came looking for her, even shouting her name, wanting to add Immaculée to their list of killings.

God protected her and she emerged with a deep faith, believing she had a story to share with the world. In her book, Left to Tell, she shares how God met her in that cramped space and how she was challenged to choose the path of forgiveness. I am still amazed at the strength of spirit this woman showed. While her circumstances were horrendous, for 91 days, she spent her every waking hour in prayer and focus on God. She also chose to forgive the people who killed her parents, most of her family and who tried to wipe out her tribe.

Her story gives me hope, however, as she confirms that our spirit can soar way beyond our immediate circumstances and our deepest pain.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/12/02/im_soaring-spirit/

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

by Idelette McVicker

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise.”  1 Corinthians 3:18

In the book “There’s Always Enough,” Roland and Heidi Baker tell the story of their ministry to the poorest of the poor in Mozambique.  Serving some of the most forgotten and rejected people on the planet, they often have to rely on God to provide in miraculous ways.

Through their need, they have seen God come through for them. They have even seen people raised from the dead. What struck me about this miracle, however, was not that someone was raised from the dead as much as the incredible commitment on the part of the person who prayed for the dead person. One pastor prayed through the night, non-stop, and didn’t give up until the person started showing signs of life.

What incredible faith. What commitment. Am I willing to stick with it in order to see the miracle? I have not prayed like that. Am I willing to appear absolutely foolish for God? I have not been enough of a fool for God.

Reflect: Where do you need a breakthrough or even a miracle? What are you willing to do in order to get it?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/09/19/im_a-fool-for-god/
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by Idelette McVicker

Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no …” James 5:12

What do we really mean when we say “yes” to someone or something?

Commitment requires that we come alongside a person or cause and make a deposit. We are required to give of ourselves; not just camp out. Commitment requires us to dig in our heels and give where we’re at until we are released. Sometimes it’s hard for me to say “no”  to something. I like to be involved in a variety of projects, but when I don’t make my unique deposit when I say “yes”  I am not truly fulfilling my commitment.

It’s easy to drift along when most people around us have a ‘grazing mentality.’ Jesus, however, takes commitment very seriously. In fact, He committed His life. He was willing to make His whole deposit while He was here on earth with us. He didn’t just pass through until His time came to go Home. He knew that He was meant to bring us all of Himself.

Prayer:

Lord, please help me understand the full meaning of my “yes” when I commit to a person, a project or a cause. Help me make my unique and beautiful deposit where You call me.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/05/04/im_commitment-2/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

by Idelette McVicker

Christian DevotionalAnd the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also..” 2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV)

In “Sparkling Gems from the GreekRick Renner explains that the word “commit” comes from the Greek compound word paratithimi. When the words para and tithimi are compounded together, creating the word paratithimi, it means to come close in order to make some type of deposit, like a person who goes to the bank to place a deposit into the repository for safekeeping.

It doesn’t require any effort to come alongside someone or something, but not actually make a deposit. It’s so much easier to just slide through life: pick up something here, put it down and move on to the next thing. This grazing mentality doesn’t bring about an abundant life. Not only are we not depositing of ourselves, we are not receiving what God intended there either. Commitment requires a decision to position ourselves with the people and around the issues we are called to and make our unique and necessary deposit.

Reflect:

Who are you committed to?
What are some of the causes you are committed to?
What deposits have you made?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/05/02/im_commitment-1/
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Short Thoughts for Cell Phones – God-daily.com

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by Idelette McVicker

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)

When I lived in Taiwan, there was a general understanding that shopping is the national pastime. Stores stay open until 10pm every day and whatever the time of day, you can usually find a place to buy something. I, too, love a good shopping adventure. Just today I found two fabulous jumpers for my girls at a quarter of their original price. I love the thrill of the find.

In Isaiah, the Lord refers to himself as a store! A rich store filled with everything good, beautiful and necessary for abundant life.

When I am in need of salvation, wisdom and knowledge, there’s only one place to shop.

You always get more when you shop with Jesus. There’s endless variety with individualized packages for each customer. Abundant life just doesn’t come any cheaper. In fact, at Jesus & Co. salvation is free. A lifetime membership, offering you every available treasure of heaven, will cost you everything and yet nothing. The value?   Priceless!

Reflect: How often do you spend time shopping for the treasures of heaven?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/03/20/im_store-of-salvation/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

by Idelette McVicker

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)

A few years ago, my sister-in-law gave me a stone plaque with a paraphrase of Psalm 127:3 which reads, “Children are a blessing from the Lord”. I noticed, however, that some days raising children didn’t necessarily seem like a blessing. That’s when I began to question my understanding of “blessing”.

Children are a gift from God meant to benefit us. How often, in my very human, narrow way of looking at life, I have wanted “blessing” that look like gifts under the Christmas tree; gifts that come with no requirement for growth and expansion.

Instead, I am learning that God’s perspective on blessing is so much greater than ours. His blessings sometimes nudge me to dig deep, expand, grow and deny self. I am learning the way of sacrifice and of caring for the needs of others. I am learning the way of love, patience and of seeking wisdom. Ultimately, God’s blessings help shape me into a follower of Jesus.

And that’s truly a blessing.

Reflect:
How is God currently stretching me with His blessings?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, You pour out Your blessings in so many ways. Please transform my thinking to see Your blessings for what they truly are, tools to transform me into a follower of Jesus.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/12/29/im_blessings-from-the-lord-1/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

By Idelette McVicker

Jacob was willing to cheat and steal in order to get his father’s blessing. Rebekah, his mother, understood the power of that blessing. She conspired with Jacob and told him exactly what to do so he may be the one blessed by Isaac.

Isaac understood the power of his blessing. He didn’t give it out randomly. He created a ritual around it and asked his son to prepare a meal for him before he would give the blessing. Isaac understood that even though these were mere words spoken over his son, they carried power and he believed that what he said would be done.

After Isaac blessed Jacob, Esau asked his father, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?” But Isaac had already given his best, his very best “words of blessing” to his youngest son. Isaac had to answer Esau: “I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I have sustained him with grain and new wine. So what can I possibly do for you, my son.”

We too have the power to bless. How often do you bless your spouse? Your children?  Your friends?  Have you ever blessed your parents?

God loves to bless us. In Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”  Just like God blesses us, we can bless each other.
Try it, “bless someone” and experience the power of a blessing.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/05/28/im_a-blessing/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women