Author: Vanessa Taylor

” …in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP) REFLECTION  I woke up in the early hours of this morning with my throat ablaze with pain, and I was about to down spiral into… Continue reading Intentional Thanksgiving

“You see, the short-lived pains of this life are creating for us an eternal glory that does not compare to anything we know here.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 The Voice) REFLECTION As I write this, I am experiencing a mild measure of suffering in the form of physical affliction. It seems unfair that after spending hours… Continue reading An Unexpected Turn

“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].” (1 John 4:18 AMP) REFLECTION… Continue reading Fearless Faith

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP) REFLECTION  By God’s grace, I’ve experienced great victories and breakthroughs, but… Continue reading Unfailing Love

“We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.” (Hebrews  10:24-25 GW) REFLECTION  Today’s… Continue reading Gathering Together

“As iron sharpens iron,So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].”(Proverbs 27:17 AMP) REFLECTION  Tonight marked the end of a nine week Care Group experience at my church. As I looked back at the weeks gone by, I noted that there were many times when someone shared something that was either challenging, encouraging or… Continue reading Unity in Diversity

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4 NLT REFLECTION  It was winter when I landed in Mainland China, which was in shocking contrast to sunny South… Continue reading The Gift of Adversity

Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It… Continue reading A Shift in Perspective

“But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, [that as a practical matter] it is good if they remain [single and entirely devoted to the Lord] as I am. But if they do not have [sufficient] self-control, they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” (1 Corinthians 7:8-9… Continue reading Devoted to the Lord

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay… Continue reading A Question to Prayerfully Ponder