Author: Vanessa Taylor

“For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape… Continue reading Stewarding Emotions

“May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love…” (Ephesians 3:17 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Yesterday, one of my students was very emotional, hiding behind her helper, expressing her fear and unwilling to cooperate. This same… Continue reading Be Rooted in Unfailing Love

“Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing…” (1 Peter 3:3 World English Bible) Read full chapter REFLECTION  I believe that while good grooming has its place, inner beauty is far more important than what we look like.… Continue reading The Beauty of Patience

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your… Continue reading The Power of Prayer

“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten [of you] cleansed? Where are the [other] nine? Was there no one found to… Continue reading Serve Anyway

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” John 16:33 AMP Read full chapter REFLECTION  The Bible is clear… Continue reading Be Undaunted

“Put all things to the test: keep what is good and avoid every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 GNT) Read full chapter REFLECTION  There are some things that are clearly black and white, that I deeply know to be true. For example: I deeply know that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and… Continue reading Test, Taste & See

“Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 15:13 NLV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Trust — trusting God — precedes joy, peace and abounding hope. Every good thing comes from Him, who… Continue reading Growing Hope

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Whatever can mean “no matter what happens” or it can imply indifference (depending on the tone and context). Ref:https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en I used to say whatever with a shrug when I felt disillusioned, but… Continue reading Whatever

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law.” (Romans 13:10 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Sometimes we can go the extra mile and love in wonderful ways, by God’s grace, and instead of connection and appreciation, there is pushback or indifference. But, let’s… Continue reading Love Anyway