Author: Vanessa Taylor

But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. (James 1:22 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION First, a confession: this morning I really did not feel like going… Continue reading Faith Fortifying Choices

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38 AMP) Read… Continue reading Blessed to Bless

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;…” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  I certainly don’t seek out suffering, but while we are living in this fallen world, it will invariably show up in some form. How we respond to suffering determines how… Continue reading Steward Suffering Well

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs… Continue reading Love Well

Indolence wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives.(Proverbs 13:4 MSG) Word study: indolence (noun) REFLECTION  There is a time to work and a time to rest. There’s a vast difference between a healthy rhythm of wholehearted work and refreshing rest versus a life of laziness.  When I was younger,… Continue reading Work & Rest

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image… Continue reading Ongoing Transformation

You received a gift from God when I placed my hands on you to ordain you. Now I’m reminding you to fan that gift into flames. God didn’t give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment.(2 Timothy 1:6-7 NOG) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Every living being is bestowed with gifts… Continue reading Fan the Flames

He again sets a definite day, [a new] “Today,” [providing another opportunity to enter that rest by] saying through David after so long a time, just as has been said before [in the words already quoted], “Today if you hear His voice,Do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 4:7 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION  After I’ve… Continue reading Listen & Learn

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NET) Read full chapter The words we wield carry more power than many may realise. Careless words  can cause… Continue reading Wield Words Well

Be Strong So you, my son, be strong [constantly strengthened] and empowered in the grace that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teach in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who… Continue reading Trust in the Trenches