Author: Vanessa Taylor

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and… Continue reading Be Transformed

“And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP Read full chapter REFLECTION  I recently received a photo of artwork I created… Continue reading Continual Transformation

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].” James 1:17 AMP Read full chapter… Continue reading Our Perfect Papa

“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; 20 for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from… Continue reading I’m Listening…

“…the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Not one of us is perfect in all our ways, this side of Heaven. Jesus is the only perfect One. Every believer is in an ongoing process… Continue reading Heart Work

“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.” (Romans 12:11-13 MSG) Read full chapter REFLECTION As believers, how on earth do we keep ourselves fueled and aflame and cheerfully expectant (especially when difficulties loom large and… Continue reading Cheerfully Expectant

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  I’ve found that if I don’t intentionally stay tethered to Truth, then I’m more susceptible to believing lies,… Continue reading Tethered to Truth

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 NIV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  It’s wonderful to give and receive sincere affirmation and encouragement, with… Continue reading Perils of People-Pleasing

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or… Continue reading Cultivating Contentment

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4 GNV) REFLECTION  Despite a concerted effort — involving a hairdryer and other products that are supposed to tame my tresses — I went to church looking like I had put my finger in an electrical socket. The frizz factor (courtesy of high humidity) is… Continue reading Deep Joy