Christian Morphine

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. Colossians 3:15 (The Message)

Have you met the incredibly cheerful Christian? You know the one I mean, the person who lives in eternal sunshine, no problems, everything is peachy. Not the one who has matured and experiences real deep joy. This is the one you avoid seeing because you know your life has troubles, problems and seasons of storms that shake your core, but they never seem to have a hangnail or a bad hair day, let alone a real problem. They never question or doubt, they sail ahead on smooth waters, always answering, "God will take care of you," even when you don't see how He will. They walk around like they are high on what my husband calls "Christian morphine", a drug that numbs them and places that 'all is well' smile on their face when you know that isn't the case.

I am not saying doubt is good, or that God won't take care of you, I am just saying that it is entirely human and normal to feel that way. Those times drive us to the feet of the cross, those times cause us to fall on our knees and really whole-heatedly pour out ourselves to Jesus. Those times of doubt can actually work to cement our faith, to place Ebenezer's (stones of help) in our walk with God, so when doubt creeps back in we can look back and know that God is able, He is willing, and He will make a way. But those 'other people' don't seem to have those times. Their mask of happiness covers it all. Their Christian morphine makes all the pain of real life seem to go away.

But it doesn't really go away, does it? I have to admit, I have done this in my own life. The answer of "fine" when asked "how are you doing?" by someone who may or may not want the real answer. No, you don't need to spill your guts to every acquaintance that asks. But what about Sunday morning? When you are among fellow Christians? Why don't we open up ourselves then? That, for me, is when I become especially guarded. This is the time I should really open up! This is where I should feel safe to pour out my soul. This is when I should say,"Hey! I am having trouble here!" But it is the last place I do that. Just as we are told in Colossians 3:15, we are not alone. We have each other to help us when in trouble, and to delight in times of joy. We don't have to rely on artificial happiness to carry us through until things get better. We have our friends, neighbors and fellow Christians to help us, to be Christ's hands and feet for us. Stop taking the drug that pastes on a smile and allow yourself to be real, authentic. You may open up a door for someone else.

God, remove my reliance on artificiality and help me to open up and be an authentic Christian today. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Dying to Live

Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? "Father, get me out of this"? No, this is why I came in the first place. I'll say, "Father, put your glory on display". John 12:27-28 (Msg)

Right now I am walking in faith. I have friends, that at this season of their lives, are walking in faith as well. One who is on a journey of great heartache-her family life hangs in the balance; another friend is watching the most important person in her life struggle. All of us are looking to God to provide Himself. We are walking in question marks and a whole lot of vulnerability.

Jesus had started His journey towards Jerusalem, a journey that was leading Him directly to His death. As He faced this daunting experience, He began to teach His disciples a most important lesson-one that transcends time and hearts. "Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over." (v. 24)

Dying to self. It doesn't come natural, and if you look around at our culture, the world has no idea what that means. People are figuratively and literally dying to be thin, dying to be beautiful, dying to be wealthy, dying to find significance and the meaning of life. Jesus tells us that in order to find true life and satisfaction we need to die to ourselves-abandon our will and plan and embrace His. We need to change our way of thinking and renew our minds with His. Until we die to ourselves, we are never any more than 'a grain of wheat'. A single grain of wheat not buried in the ground, doesn't serve its purpose, it doesn't accomplish what it was intended to do. But one that is buried and dies, gives way to life, life for itself and life to feed others. From one single, solitary grain, comes much. Jesus embraced the plan of His father. Jesus, in the midst of His impending torment and death, opted to trust and surrender. He came to do what He was called to do. He came to die so that we could live. He came to glorify His Father. As we walk out this privilege called life, our job is to trust and surrender. Our calling is to say with great joy, no matter what the situation, "Father, put your glory on display". As Christ-followers, are we dying to live?

Lord, put your glory on display in my life. Give me a love for you that runs so deep that dying to self will be my heart's desire always. Bring forth life in me and be glorified. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

The Big Picture

"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 2 Kings 6:16

There has been a storm raging in my life for a long time. The storm's effects on me have lessened but the storm itself continues to blow. I know I am not alone in the hardships that life can throw our way. Like you, I know many women who are experiencing immense difficulty- a spouse's infidelity, financial devastation, a diagnosis, a hurting or wayward child, or a seemingly uncertain future. Some situations leave what once was so solid in our lives now pummeled, and we wonder how these events are even remotely redeemable.

In 2 Kings 6, Elisha's servant was facing a storm of his own. Israel and Aram, a surrounding country, were at war. One morning as the servant came out of his tent, the entire Israelite encampment was surrounded by enemy soldiers. He turned to Elisha in panic but heard from him a calming and powerful command, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them". Then Elisha prayed, "Oh Lord, open his eyes so he may see," and the Lord opened the servant's eyes and allowed him to see the hills full of horses and chariots of fire!

Too often we choose to focus on the circumstances in our lives, the small picture. The small picture can pack a powerful punch in that it takes up full view in our earthly perspective. It is all we see. It can determine how we think, how we make decisions, and ultimately, how we live. However, as God opens our eyes we see that in reality, there is a big picture. The big picture He is painting in our lives is far more powerful because it is an eternal perspective, a lasting and permanent one. The big picture is truth. It is being painted by the Lover of our souls and He is in the business of creating masterpieces. As we allow God to hold us through the storms, we cling to His promises and trust His heart. Elisha's ancient words still ring true today,"Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

What we practice focusing on, we will train our eyes to see. Where in your life are you focused on the small picture? How do you need to readjust your vision? Do you simply need to be reminded today that God is painting His big picture His masterpiece in your life?

Lord, open my eyes that I may see. I know that no matter what comes my way, you hold me and surround me. Give me eternal perspective that I may live this life in faith, joy and perseverance. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

A Way Out

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

I first remember learning about temptation on a visit to my great-grandmother's house when I was about four years old. My little brother and I wandered into her basement while the adults were busy talking. Now my great-grandmother raised chickens and sold the eggs and what first caught my eye in that darkened room was a towering stack of open egg crates. As I gazed in awe at the hundreds of gleaming white eggs nestled in them, I gave into the urge to pick one up. It was smooth and warm in my hand. I looked around. A pristine block wall across the room beckoned me. I don't know why I had the urge to throw that egg, but the thought had no sooner entered my little head than the egg was winging it's way through the air. The splat on the wall was apparently very satisfying because I picked up another one and threw that too. My two-year-old brother joined in. Soon we were happily smacking eggs against the wall until at last the adults noticed we were missing and came searching.

Unfortunately, I don't have to be four years old to give into temptation. It's a human trait that all of us carry and one I find particularly annoying. How many times have I given in to the trappings of sin and hurt a loved one? How often have I thought no one would know if I did such-and-such and then lived to regret it? When was the last time I gave in to a sinful thought and dwelt on it, allowing it to bloom and take root? Hah! How about five minutes ago? And I've only been out of bed for an hour! I used to think that as a sinful being, I was just going to sin and couldn't really help it. And yet, God's Word says differently. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13 above.)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man: All the temptations I've ever experienced or will ever experience are what others have already gone through. I will have no temptations that are somehow 'super-human' and impossible to resist.

And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear: God knows my own personal limitations. He knows what I am capable of resisting and what would be way over my "resistance limit". I find this immensely comforting. He, not Satan, is in charge of what temptations are allowed to come my way.

But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it: Whoa, what a promise! No matter what I am tempted with, God provides me with the strength to resist, the capability to find a different path.

Now having said all this, I am not implying that I as a sinful being will resist all temptations that come my way. I simply won't because I have been born with a sinful nature. And that is where my desperate need of a Savior comes in. I need Someone to forgive me and to love me anyway, despite the number of times I ignore His "way out" of a temptation and decide to give in to sin once again.

Precious Father in heaven, I pray for strength to resist the temptations that will come my way today. Thank you for the patience You have shown me over and over in the past, for the number of times You have helped me to find a way out of my sin, and for all the times You forgive me when I mess up.

Janine Miller

Grasshoppers and Giants

But my servant Caleb thinks differently and follows me completely. Numbers 14:24 (NCV)

My dad is a pastor and he will often share his excitement about a study he is in. His latest is Caleb, and the fact that Caleb followed God completely. My curiosity always inspires me to gather my own information and I immediately found a message for me; for us!

Caleb was one of twelve spies asked to scout out the land of Canaan, the land God had promised to the Israelites. They found beautiful fertile land, truly flowing with milk and honey, and heavily fortified cities; one with giants.

After forty days, they returned with their report. Ten of the men gave the people a bad report. They said the land was too large to conquer and the people there were so large, they made the spies feel like grasshoppers and look like grasshoppers. Caleb boldly told these ten to be quiet and said, "We should certainly go up and take the land for ourselves. We can certainly do it." He had complete faith in God's promise.

The people of Israel began to complain against their leaders and threatened to kill Caleb and Joshua. Caleb's response was, "If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land and give us that fertile land. Don't turn against the Lord! Don't be afraid of the people in that land! We will chew them up. They have no protection, but the Lord is with us, so don't be afraid of them."

When we face very difficult decisions or circumstances, are we going to see ourselves as grasshoppers, like the ten spies did? Does the opinion of the world make more sense to us? To the world we may look small and insignificant, and we probably feel alone at times with the standard we have set. It is easy to forget God's character and the mighty things He has already accomplished in our lives.

On the other hand, Caleb was a giant in his faith! He didn't see the obstacles of human force; he trusted God's promise to deliver them into the Promised Land. More importantly, he voiced that controversial opinion and followed God completely. He remembered the miracles God used to lead and protect them.

Read the entire story in Numbers 13 and 14 to find out the demise of the people who rejected God and His promise, and the reward Caleb received for his faith. When God asks you to take a step of faith, trust Him. His word is true. Don't be afraid. God has brought you this far. Don't doubt His ability to take care of the big issues in your life.

Heavenly Father, help us to trust You for the big things in our lives. We want to be giants in our faith and follow you completely.

Janet Stutzman

Well-watered Woman

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?" John 4:11 (NIV)

I have felt like the woman that Jesus encountered at the well in Samaria. No, I haven't had five husbands. But I know what it is like to feel unworthy of giving the most basic of necessities to Jesus. I have not been asked to give Him water, but I have felt unworthy to offer Him praise or to give Him my time. I have asked that "Who, me?" question a thousand times before. Who am I to serve Him? I am nothing, I answer, nothing! I am useless, merely human. How can I possibly serve the Creator? How can I possibly serve the Word? How can I compare to His death on the cross?

The answer is that I don't need to live up to His deed. No one can! I only need to accept Him. I only need to say "Yes, Lord." In John 4:10, Jesus tells the woman if she only knew who she was talking to, she would be asking Him for living water! I get to ask for the water, the living water, just as He told the woman at the well to do. I get to ask for the impossible, for His help whenever I need it. Her reply in verse 11 to His statement is similar to mine. "But that is impossible!" I think like her when I say, "God, there is no solution!" It is just like her saying He has no bucket to draw the living water. When I start thinking like this, I need to remind myself that God isn't bound by our thinking. He sees things we don't, He knows things we don't, and He answers things in ways we couldn't possibly imagine. When you feel as though you are not worthy to fetch Jesus a drink, remember that He is able to give you living water. You are worthy to be a "well-watered" woman, because He died and rose again for YOU.

God, remind me that I am worthy of the living water, that you can see a situation differently than I can, and that You will meet my needs. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Do Not Give Up

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I am in a place in my life that doesn't always make sense, especially to those who don't know all the details. However I have peace that this is where God wants me to be, and even though I have this peace it can still be difficult to want to try to plead my case to outsiders who can't fully understand. If I could just stop focusing on how I am perceived by other people and only care how my maker sees me this would not be as difficult as I make it at times.

Doing what you know God is calling you to do is not always easy. Thankfully God's word says we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. I can't help but think of Noah. God called him to make an ark that was four hundred and fifty feet tall, seventy-five feet wide and forty-five feet high. God also warned him of a flood that will wipe out all life under the heavens. I can only imagine what his wife was thinking when he came to share with her the words God had spoken to him. I wonder what kind of scrutiny and ridicule he had to put up with. He spent one hundred years building a giant boat. Try to imagine what your loved ones reactions would be if you were to do that.

In 1 Samuel 16 the LORD sent Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel, a son of Jesse. When Samuel thought for sure the oldest son would be the next king. The LORD said to him in verse 7, Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (NIV) Samuel obeyed God and passed over seven of Jesse's older sons and anointed the youngest son, David, who was just a boy. That same boy in the next chapter defeated a giant, with a sling and a stone and later became one of Israel's greatest kings. We can't worry about what man will think of our decisions, they cannot see our heart, only God can. If God is in control of our lives we cannot go wrong, no matter how crazy we look.

If God has laid something on our heart to do, we need to bathe it in prayer and do it, even when it doesn't seem like the smartest thing to do. Isaiah 40:28 says, Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. (NIV) God's spirit goes so far beyond our human minds; it doesn't always have to make sense. And what relief to know God will not grow weary or tired. He will give us the strength to carry out what ever he has called us to. I'm sure the harvest will be well worth it. Just don't give up.

Father, give us the courage to do what you have called us to. Help us to be heavenly-minded and to look to you for strength. Thank you for always being there for us.

Sarah Hostetler

The Tender Heart of God

What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? Psalm 8:4

I stood in disbelief in my living room as I watched the twin towers fall. I went upstairs, feeling frightened and extremely vulnerable. Was this the end of the world? What does this mean for my children? I fell prostrate before the Lord and began weeping, pouring out my heart to the Lord. I remember the intensity of my prayer as tears fell to the carpet and I cried the words silently to God. I began to pray for my boys as I recalled the verses in 1 Corinthians 9. I prayed that they would run and finish the race He had called them to; that they would keep their eyes on the goal, Jesus Christ. After some time of fervent prayer, I got up and opened the door. Just then, my five year old son, Micah, came running up the stairs holding a napkin on which he had drawn a picture at the table downstairs. It was a picture of himself crossing a finish line with his arms raised. He shouted, "Look Mommy, I won the race!" He had never drawn a picture like that before and he never did since.

The fact that God reached down and revealed Himself to me in such an intimate way melted my heart. His heart is so tender and so gracious towards us. The Psalmist writes, What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? God is so immense and yet comes so near. He desires to be with us, to speak to us, to commune with us.

On the days that your prayers seemingly bounce off the ceiling, keep praying. And when you feel as though you can't hear a word from Him, keep listening. When doubt attempts to creep over you heart, keep believing. He is right beside you.

Dear Lord, thank you for speaking so personally and intimately to us. Enable us to hear your voice. When all is seemingly silent, help us to rest in knowing that you are right beside us. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Swallowed in Victory?

Death has been swallowed up in victory. 1Corinthians 15:54 (NIV)

To me, the story of Jonah is the perfect illustration of how God is able to take a disastrous situation and turn it around 180 degrees. Imagine the honor of being divinely chosen to deliver a life-or-death message. Imagine chickening out. And imagine trying to survive the string of disasters that resulted.

First, there was the violent storm at sea, followed by the humiliation of being singled out as the one responsible. Then there was the inevitable yelling, the pointing, the clamoring to apprehend the culprit. And in the midst of being hurled overboard toward the raging waters, perhaps there was also the mistake of asking, "What else could possibly go wrong?" I can picture Jonah gulping for breath, struggling to tread water, desperately trying to summon the strength to make it to shore. And along comes this fish...

Now, I have to admit, if I were he, I would have thought this was the end. I have seen Jaws; being swallowed by a large creature is never a good thing. However, just as it appeared that all was lost, Jonah did what so many do as a last resort. He prayed. From the cold, dark entrails of some great sea creature headed for the vast, watery who-knows-where, he cried out to the Lord, surrendering his hopeless situation to the loving hands of Almighty God. And in that very instant, the great fish - the terror of the deep, the disaster to end all disasters - became the perfect vessel to carry Jonah safely to the exact destination that had been God's plan for him from the beginning.

That is our awesome God's amazing power to transform!

Father, sometimes I do feel hopeless and fearful, but God please help me to be obedient and go forth trusting You as I try to serve You. Amen

Suzie Thomas

Life is a Vapor

Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. James 4:14 (NAS)

In these hard economic times it is tough to not think and worry of what our lives will be like tomorrow. It can be extremely hard going though financial difficulties. Just listening to the news is enough to make anyone crazy. I know so many people who are out of work and trying to find a job. I can't help but be scared when I think of what tomorrow may bring. Why do we often wait for these kinds of circumstances to cry out to God?

If we are honest with ourselves, most of the time we think we have some sort of idea what will happen tomorrow. Most of us have a schedule to keep, and days can sometimes just run into each other. However, we truly have no real idea what tomorrow will bring, only God knows. Even through these difficult times we have the tendency to overlook this precious time we have here on earth.

Right before Jesus assented into the clouds after his resurrection, he left the disciples with a task, to go and make disciples of all the nations. To spread his word, to help all people, in every nation realize their sin and know Jesus died to wash them all away. We too are called to this enormous responsibility. Our lives here on earth are vapors, and so are the lives of those who do not know him. Tragedy can strike at any moment. How selfish we can become only thinking of our own lives. The American dream, this can be such a trap in the Christian life. We are not on this earth to relax, God has promised us paradise in heaven. This life is our opportunity to help the lost escape their horrible destiny of eternity in Hell.

If you read though the book of Acts it is full of amazing examples of how to live our lives and spend our time. The struggles they had to deal with were awful, in and out of prison, mockery, and so many people wanting them dead. In the mists of everything they were full of the spirit and full of joy. They called upon God and he provided again and again, as he will for you.

It seems no matter what the problem the answer is always the same; stay focused on God and his Word. We must be strong and strive to live a life that pleases God. How amazing it would be to enter Heaven and hear our Father say, well-done, good and faithful one. Who knows, it could be tomorrow.

Father, Thank you that I do not have to worry about tomorrow and that you have it all in your hands. Help me to realize how short this time on earth really is. Help me to take full advantage of every opportunity to give me to show the lost your love. Amen

Sarah Hostetler

Out of Gas

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

Sometimes I come to the end of the week and think I have nothing left to go on. The creative juices have ceased functioning, the ideas that I had a few days earlier no longer make sense or have proved impossible and I am ready for the weekend. At this point, I usually look at the calendar and realize it is Tuesday. Just give me a big piece of chocolate now, because it is going to be a long week!

There are times in my spiritual walk when I feel this way, too. I feel as though I have no more gas in my tank. Sometimes it has been one too many committee meetings this month, skimping on devotional time, or circumstances arise which push me past the limit and I simply have nothing left to give. I am looking for a spiritual "gas station" to refill with. I am usually drawn towards this scripture. I am reminded with Paul's words to keep going, to see the week I am having in light of Heaven. I can make it a few days to reach my goal of rest and refreshment. I can clear an extra five minutes to pray for strength and help from God. Just as Paul in Philippians 3:12 admits that he doesn't have it all together, I can see that I don't have this mastered, but I can keep on going. Stop by the spiritual gas station that is found in this verse and refill your tank today. Even if it is just Tuesday.

God, I ask that you will refill my spiritual gas tank, and that you would help me press on towards all the goals I have for this week. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Unfailing Faith

But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. Luke 22:32 (NKJV)

Quiet moments allow us to relax and relive some current events. I like to sit on the couch with a cup of coffee and stare out the window. Thoughts of family and friends immediately come to mind and I begin to utter prayers for them as I recall circumstances in their lives. Occasionally I think of someone who has turned away from God and wonder what events in their life changed the path they were on. Will they ever return to their faith and walk with God again? Will they accept the mercy and grace that awaits them?

Recently I read Luke 22:31-34 and it stopped me in my tracks. I could not get the message out of my thoughts. In the passage before this, Jesus was trying to tell His disciples His death and resurrection was near. They, on the other hand, were bickering about who was greatest among them. "Simon, Simon!" the Lord said. "Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

Jesus had to repeat (Simon) Peter's given name twice in order to get his attention. Peter heard because he answered Jesus very confidently. "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." Jesus went on to predict that Peter would deny Him three times before the next sunrise, and he did.

Satan is alive and at work. He would love to grind our faith into tiny grains so that it would blow away with a breath of air. Are we too occupied with our own concerns to hear what God is trying to tell us? Every day we face tests and God is praying for us! He wants our faith to carry us through. Jesus prayed that Peter's faith would not fail and knew Peter would return to Him. We will fail at times, but will we let that failure bring an end our faith? Or, will we return to our faith in Christ?

Also, we cannot miss the fact that Jesus told Peter to strengthen others. Share your stories of trials and failures, and express the peace and joy that comes from a renewed relationship with your Father in heaven. If your faith has failed, ask God to forgive you today and begin again a faith that endures! God is waiting for you to return to Him.

"It is better to be a follower who fails than one who fails to follow." Tyndale

Lord, thank you for praying for Peter, and for all of us, that our faith would not fail. We need Your help daily as we encounter tests of our faith and strive to follow you. Amen

Janet Stutzman

Center Stage

I'm not doing this for you. Get this through your thick heads! Ezekiel 36:32 (Msg)

I was visiting an elderly lady who was extremely hard of hearing. As we finished our conversation, I asked her if I could pray. She consented and I knelt down in front of her so she could hear me better. I bowed my head and offered up a heartfelt prayer, pouring out my heart to the Lord on behalf of this precious lady. As I said "Amen", I looked up and she said, "You are such a natural...". My heart just melted and I thought, Ahhh. Yes, this is where I am supposed to be. God is using me and has confirmed my being here. And then she finished her sentence. "You are such a natural....blonde, aren't you?" As I broke out in a chuckle, I realized she had been studying my scalp the entire time I was praying. She hadn't heard a word I said.

Humility is a great teacher! Have you ever caught yourself taking yourself a little too seriously? As I know that the God of the Universe loves me with an everlasting love, has given me an identity in Christ that doesn't quit, calls me Chosen, Friend and Beloved. I also know that He has shared these things with me for His glory. In Ezekiel 36, God is declaring to the Israelites that He will help them once again, despite their disobedience. The reason is an eye-opening reminder. He says, "I'm not doing this for you, Israel. I'm doing it for me, to save my character, my holy name...I'm going to put my great and holy name on display, the name that you blackened wherever you went. Then the nations will realize who I really am, that I am God, when I show my holiness through you so that they can see it with their own eyes." (v. 22-23)

We would be wise to remember that He alone has center stage.

Dear Lord, pour out on me a spirit of humility, remembering who You are and who I am. My desire is that everything about my life would point to You. Be glorified in me today. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Grace

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2

There I was, a stay-at-home mom with my toddler and preschooler. Hmmm where to start? Laundry, housework, cooking, that sink full of dishes? 8:00 a.m. and I was already worn out. My older son was first to finish breakfast, tearing out of the kitchen and diving into a day of fun with great gusto. The younger-almost old enough to graduate from his high chair, lingered awhile longer over a bowl of oatmeal just as the phone rang from the other room. Ah, yes...the perfect chaotic touch to an already chaotic morning. I quickly ended the call and returned to the kitchen. I had been gone for less than a minute.

Oatmeal was everywhere! After painting his face and hair, my little guy had progressed to covering the high chair, pajamas, walls, ceiling- I did not think there was that much in the bowl! He'd had quite a time splattering the entire room with the sticky stuff. And to think that, only moments ago, I had been concerned about a few dirty dishes calling my name! Now my kitchen looked like an oatmeal factory had exploded.

But he just looked at me, smiled his cherub smile, and began to sing at the top of his lungs. "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so"

Grace. God's indescribable, powerful, unmerited, saving grace. A little boy's simple song was just the reminder I needed. It was the song of one confident in the fact that, even though he had made a mess of things, he was loved.

What a nice, gentle reminder that in the middle of life's messes-large and small-Jesus loves me, too. This I know. For the Bible tells me so. I reached for a sponge and went to work, somehow renewed.

Lord, thank you that when my mind becomes so full from life, You are always there, reminding me that Jesus loves me! Amen

Suzie Thomas

The lesson of the shoe

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6, 7 (NIV)

The happily swinging stockinged foot of my small daughter caught my attention just as we finished our shopping.I thought to myself: " Oh no, her shoe has fallen off again." The little shoes were adorable, but one was slightly loose and refused to stay on her tiny foot. So far I had noticed each time it came off. This might be the day it was gone for good and our tight budget made me worry about replacing it. I thought back to a discussion I'd had the day before with some friends about whether or not God really is concerned with the 'little things' of life. My heart said"yes" but my friends had said "no" and it had made me wonder. "OK, God," I murmured under my breath, "this is literally a 'little thing.' Please help me find this lost shoe."

After retracing our route around the large department store with no luck, I walked up to the check-out lanes on the off-chance that someone there could help me. Only one of the many registers had no line and a (hopefully) helpful clerk. I explained my situation to her and the girl's eyes lit up. "Why yes, I saw it. I set it up on a display case." She directed me to the correct aisle where I promptly located the wayward shoe.

I have often thought of this day which happened many years ago. I have absolutely no doubt that God was orchestrating events to show me just how much He cares about the little things in our lives. It was no coincidence that that particular clerk was the one who had seen the little shoe nor that her lane was the only one empty at the time I needed someone to ask. God cares about the details and He showed me that day just how much He cares. Yes, He is concerned with the major events of our lives-the breakdown of a marriage, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job-but he is also intimately involved in the 'small events' as well. So when I am at a loss over how to get my daily schedule under control or what to say to a friend or even where to find a missing library book, I take it to the Lord, tell Him my troubles, and ask for His divine assistance. He does not always solve all my problems for me, but He always, always listens, and lovingly guides me through each day.

Lord, help to know that You are concerned about even the simplest things that concern me. Thank you for listening and for giving me direction. Amen

Janine Miller

Give Me Strength!

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32 (NIV)

I gathered my lunch bucket, my purse, my coffee, the book I was reading at the time and the stack of items due (or more likely, overdue) to the library and rushed out the door. The day was going to be a long one. I knew that as I went to sleep the night before. I had a busy day at work, as I was in the middle of a large project, and I had a meeting scheduled for the evening that I was not exactly excited about. All of that was compounded by a situation that arose at church where I found myself planning a big event alone. Stress was not exactly a strong enough word for what I was experiencing at the time. Oh, and I also had dinner to fix that night and the laundry pile was threatening to take over the basement. Devotions that morning were, shall I say, a bit limited. I only had time to pray a quick, "Give me strength, Lord," as I rushed around for that DVD we never watched but was due three days ago. I repeated the prayer again as my English muffin slid out of my too-full hands, jam side down, and onto the garage floor. At least my coffee did not spill!

God surprised me that day. I should have expected my prayer to be answered, as He is always faithful, but I did not think He would. I was wrong. He answered my prayer plus one. I found time on my lunch break to read a devotional, which of course, hit me where I needed it. I made serious progress on my work project. The errands I did after work were simple. My daughter, who usually has a meltdown when I pick her up at my sister-in-law's house, was pleasant and cooperative. I managed to fix dinner for that night and get a jump start on the following night's meal. The meeting I dragged myself to went better than expected. I was actually challenged and energized by it.

The simple prayer I said that morning went straight to God's ears. He heard my cry for help and did more than answer it. He did not give me just enough juice to get through the day; He gave me an abundance to make the day successful. He turned chores and meetings and projects into rewarding acts of worship, as I thanked Him for the strength and time to do them. He took my weaknesses and imbued them with His perfect strength, allowing me to proficiently complete my tasks and saturate them with meaning and purpose. God did not give me strength that day, He gave me success. I challenge you to pray that simple and powerful prayer for your life today.

God, give me strength to complete the tasks I have today. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Rainbows and Promises

I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth. Genesis 9:15-16 (NKJV)

What does a rainbow remind you of? I ask my kids every time we see one. We answer together, God always keeps His promises!

In many cases rainbows do not appear until after a storm. Their beauty is hidden from us and when we least expect it, the rainbow appears and suddenly the storm is forgotten. The wonder and beauty of the rainbow captures our attention.

Storms originate from unstable weather patterns and manifest themselves through wind, snow, rain, ice, etc...The storms we experience in life can be illness, marital problems, job loss, un-confessed sin, etc... Are you going through a storm in your life? God has a perfect plan for your life and a purpose. Do you trust Him as Noah did?

Noah did not have an easy life. If you read Genesis 6:1-9:17, it tells a compelling story of obedience and trust. Genesis 6:9 (NIV) tells us, Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. God had a plan for Noah and a purpose. As a result of Noah's faith and obedience, God made the everlasting covenant (promise) not to send another flood that destroys all life. This promise remains for us!

God's promises are unending. Fear not, for I am with you. Isaiah 41:10 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust. Psalm 40:4 - I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Through trials and triumphs we can be assured God always keeps His promises. The rainbows in our lives are results of obedience to God, and trust, as we walk through life's journey.

Whenever you see a rainbow, remember that God always keeps His promises.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your many promises and for rainbows. Strengthen us as we endeavor to be women of faith and obedience.

Janet Stutzman

Out of Control

So he said to me, this is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

A friend is going through a divorce; your child is living in the consequences of a bad choice; your sister is dealing with a diagnosis. Life is filled with situations we with we could fix and yet we 're unable to do so. We can't make the hurt go away-we are not in control. Recently, I experienced some frustration as a good friend of mine was going through a difficult time. She had suffered a great deal of pain and even ventured into territory that was sinful and destructive. As I tried to encourage her and even call her to accountability in love, she did not respond. I couldn't do anything to take away her pain or make her respond the way I thought she should. This was extremely difficult for a control freak to take.

Around the same time, I had participated in a breast cancer walk which would generate funds for research and treatment. AS I wrestled with my friend's situation and her lack of response, my husband gently reminded me that my role as her friend was to love and walk with her and not run ahead of her or fix her situation. Just because I walked the breast cancer event, I can't fix cancer. It is not in my power to do so. But, there is One who can fix and heal all things.

In the book of Zechariah, the Lord is instructing His people to return to Him spiritually. Not only that, He wants them to rebuild the temple which was destroyed by their enemy. God speaks to the king of Judah, Zerubbabel, and says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit ..."The power did not rest with Zerubbabel but with his God. So it is with you and I. Let's be reminded the next time we face a situation which is out of control, that it is God's Spirit, not ours, which can convict, move and mold.

Dear Lord, forgive me when I attempt to push You to the side and take Your place. You alone are God and in control. Fill my heart with Your love and encouragement for those who simply need a friend to walk with. Amen

Jocelyn Hamsher

Changeless

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

I spent much of my youth around a loved one who had a medical problem which resulted in a lack of continuity. Continuity in relationships, continuity in emotional stability, and continuity in reactions were missing, causing a hit-and-miss type of thing, a 'guess which way it will go today' game. Needless to say, for a young child, a growing 'tween, and an emotional teenager it was a difficult lifestyle. I was never sure what the new day would bring. Would innocent words be well-received or taken the wrong way? Would my actions or requests of today be treated in a similar manner as last week or would I be dealing with a totally new set of rules and guidelines? I flew to God again and again in tears, wondering why this was happening.

At an early age I latched onto Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. What a concept! Here was Someone who did not change from minute to minute, hour to hour, even day to day. The Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount is the very One I prayed to this morning. The God of the Old Testament is the same God I deal with at this very moment. As He comforted Hagar who was alone in the wilderness with only her son, so He will comfort me when I am feeling alone and vulnerable. The One who led the Israelites out of their horrid slavery, will also show me the way out of my own captivity of psychological addictions. However, it is also a serious reminder to me as well. When God condemned the Israelites for grumbling in the wilderness and went so far as to bring death on them because of it (Numbers 11), it demonstrated how seriously offended He was by His people grumbling about His good gifts. And because He is the same today as He was then, He is still seriously offended when I grumble about things that He has blessed me with or things that He has allowed into my life to help me to grow.

As an adult, I can deal a little better with a lack of continuity in those around me. My own continuity could use a little bolstering now and then as my children can all testify to! Just being a part of a sinful world reminds me that very few things will be the same ten years from now as they are today. Except for God. He will be the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Precious Lord, thank You for being the God that You are. Thank you for never changing, for always staying the same, and for loving me through it all.

Janine Miller

Unshakable Faith

Accept him whose faith is weak, and without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does for God has accepted him. Romans 13:1-3

In my life my faith has changed in many ways. As a child it was of course childlike, I just accepted it because God and the Word said I should. I never questioned if it was something that existed, or something that you had to conjure up by trust. It was simply and irrevocably there. The scripture about having faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) always was a favorite to me. I figured that if that was all I needed I was going to be just fine because I had a lot more faith than that. As a teenager, I began to question my faith. I had many disappointments, but decided as long as I was going to church and heard a good message, I was OK. Then when I attend youth camp I realized that yes, I had faith, but I lacked zeal. I would get all fired up for that week and determined that when I went home that I would not let that lackadaisical attitude creep in. That lasted at least two weeks, then, as I got back in that teenage rut, I would again fall prey to the same old way of living.

As I matured into a college student attending a Christian college, I just knew that while I was there, God was going to do something in me. I did not realize that I needed to be an active participant. I would sit back and watch other classmates and wonder where their faith was, or how their faith was so different than mine. I was so determined that I was going to find the desires of my heart at that place. As I watched others around me I could see so many people that were serving the Lord with vigor, and in the very same room or office I would see people that were only there because it was necessary. What kind of a person was I? Again I was one of those people that had started out so excited to be at a place where people really wanted to be, where they were serving God. I soon realized that most of those people were much the same as I was. A lot of them were 'acting' out the part, while another group was trying desperately to make a name for them selves. My whole world was rocked to see that. I realized that there were a lot of people including myself that did not see their faith as something real but, just as something to say they believed.

Then there was a group of people that were rarely seen you only heard about them. They were the people that were in the background, they were the people that were the prayer warriors the people not seeking anything other than God Himself. Quietly serving God, and serving everyone that was there within that ministry through prayer. People that were making a difference, they had a peace because they were called to be there to serve the Lord with all their heart. They had FAITH.

As I look at my life now, I see all of the stages that I have gone through and just wonder what God is going to be able to do with me? Do I really want to serve God, and what is my motive? Do I want to be seen by those around me, just acting a certain way or do I want to be one of those that are hidden in the background, one that is called and SERVING, with a faith that is real. Am I being a person that is trying to live faith, or am I a person that is trying to shake and test someone elses' faith?

When my faith needs stimulated or shaken, God tends to do that several ways. It is typically through trials for me. I have been shaken down to my core at times, and my faith has gone from something the size of a mustard seed, to the size of the rock of Gibraltar. As I see God moving in me, and changing me, my faith grows. No, I do not like the trials. I do not like being forced do anything, but sometimes God has to force me to look at what I have become. I am lazy, lethargic, and sedentary. My faith is not shaking, it does not exist. I want my faith to move. I want it to shake me as it grows. I want it to be real, to know it is alive.

Where is your faith? How would you describe it? Is it something that is real? Is it moving and growing, or has it turned into sand, simply blowing away each time the wind blows? Think about it? Do you have unshakable faith, where it stands as a rock not to be blown away, or is your faith like the sand dunes always being blown around, never fully formed?

Lord, show me the way to walk in faith, to yield to Your leading and to trust You as I do the things You have shown me to do. Amen

Becki Reiser

Confessions

Then I let it all out; I said, "I'll make a clean breast of my failures to God." Suddenly the pressure was gone— my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. Psalm 32:5 (The Message)

I discovered recently I am more than just a procrastinator. Some days I am downright lazy. I can't tell you how freeing this revelation has been to me.

Oh, I know what you are thinking! At least I have a guess. How could that possibly be freeing? Let me tell you, when you acknowledge a character flaw (let's pretend for a minute that I am not the only one with a flaw; just humor me, OK?) it can be enormously liberating! The old saying, "the first step is acknowledging you have a problem," is so true. Just saying out loud to myself "I am lazy" has helped me tremendously. If I can acknowledge the problem, then I have already fought half the battle.

The same is true in confessing my sin. It doesn't only mean those big, life changing, sin-webs I have woven. It means daily confessing those little things that lead to the bigger stuff. Did I tell a half-truth to someone? Did I cheat my employer out of a few minutes (or more) of my work time, that wasn't a scheduled break? I need to confess these. When my husband asked how much I spent shopping, did I give him the full amount or did I 'round down'? These little things give way to bigger things. Sometimes one small lie becomes a bigger lie, and it only becomes easier to start the next one. The consequences might be different, but all sin drives a wedge between me and God, and between me and those I come in contact with. Confession gives me liberty from these sins that are no smaller or larger than any other. Owning up to these sins before God also raises my awareness of them, helping to change my future behavior by making me think an extra split second before I do them again, and hopefully allows me to change tack and tell the truth. The guilt that is absolved is a tremendous weight that I do not have to carry! How liberating! It serves to energize me (even a lazy person), giving me strength do to the right thing from that point forward.

Instead of dreading the realization of my character flaws and the confession of sins, I have learned that these unpleasant recognitions are a momentary and necessary part of cleaning out my soul and mind so that I can concentrate on getting better at life and closer to the God that has washed it all away already.

Lord, bring to my mind those elements of my character that are flawed and the sins that I have committed so that You may fully redeem them. Strengthen me as I strive to be the Christ-like person you created me to be. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher