Cultural Wisdom

My teaching and preaching were not with words of human wisdom that persuade people, but with proof of the power that the Spirit gives. This was so that your faith would be in God's power and not in human wisdom. I Corinthians 2:4-5 (NCV)

For centuries we have been aware of cultures and classes of people. There are the rich and poor, the intellectuals, diplomats, blue collar and white collar. There are fools and wise, weak and strong. Some are more financially successful than others. College was either a smooth ride or a difficult test. Jobs have come easily, or skill levels are limited, making it harder for that individual to land a job. Everyone, no matter where you fit on a list of categories or a social class, has experienced success or offered knowledge at some point in their life. We all have something good to contribute!

If we were to be honest, we can say we have made a judgment about a person based on one of the above cultural criteria. There have been times when we chose not to speak because we felt unworthy or unprepared. Have you ever felt "beneath" a person based on how they spoke to you or treated you? Have you figured out a solution to a problem but nobody would listen to you? Have you ever decided someone was unapproachable because of their wealth or position in society?

Paul, the author of this passage, was intelligent, well known, and had had a powerful position in society. When he converted to Christianity his life changed drastically. The lifestyle he led before his conversion served as a tool for his ministry. The gospel message he presented was not characterized by eloquence (although he certainly was capable of it). Rather, it was a declaration of the testimony of God Himself, at work in Paul's life. Paul gave careful thought to his approach, and was considerate of the people who would be listening. Paul had a deep sense of his own insufficiencies, and determined that his ministry be one of modesty and humility. Paul mentioned the Spirit here, knowing the Corinthians thought they knew so much about the Holy Spirit, as they had experienced the gifts of the Spirit, but still had a lot to learn. Paul wanted their faith to stand in the power of God, not in his clever speech or the logic of his arguments.

In verse 2, Paul says, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and His death on the cross." God looks upon the heart. He does not see the class of a person or their status in society. So, the next time we are in a ministry position (grocery store, work, community event, traffic jam, time with family, etc.), let's be considerate of one another because of what Christ has done for us. God has given us His Spirit; the mind of Christ! There is no place for pride or a know-it-all attitude, or for feeling inadequate to share the gospel. There is no class of people who do not need the Lord! There is wisdom in understanding all cultures need to know about Jesus Christ and His power in their lives. Is there proof of the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Lord, help us to be blind to the cultures of those around us in order to see the hearts of the lost and troubled more clearly, as You do. Give us boldness and humility as we share your gospel in word and deed.

Janet Stutzman

News Worthy

How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, violence!" but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Habakkuk 1:2, 3

I used to be a news junkie. I watched television news all the time. Seeing world events transpire was exciting and I felt like I was keeping up with the world. But I found myself feeling overwhelmed by all of the injustice and violence. Sometimes I was frustrated by the small mundane or non-stories that were promoted simply to fill the twenty-four hour network schedule. Then I quit watching. I have not watched the news in a long time. I keep up with world events through online articles so I do not get overwhelmed by the constant barrage of images and opinions, although it is hard to find news that is not skewed by the writer's (or reader's) opinion. I must say I have turned on major network news a few times only to turn it off a minute later.

There are times in my life when I echo Habakkuk's sentiment in these verses. Sometimes it reflects what I see in the world, sometimes it applies to my own life. Many times I cry out to God, asking Him why He does not just fix it. Why do people have to suffer so deeply and for such superficial things? Why can't governments see to serve the people who have placed them in power instead of lording over the ones they promised to protect? I don't know and God has not blessed me with the answer to that age-old question yet. It is confusing to live in a fallen world when we know personally the One who has the power to change it. Just like it is hard to understand why God had to send Jesus to die a horrible death and then be resurrected to save us. God's ways are so far above ours, we cannot possibly understand or fathom what He does or why He does it. So instead of wasting my time asking Him why injustice goes on year after year, century after century, I know what I can do. I can reach out to those people who are hurting, starting with those around me. Jesus wasn't focused on correcting the injustices that were going on around Him, but helping those who were hurting near Him. I must do the same.

God, guide my thoughts so that I don't question your ways, but so that I ask You how I can help our hurting and fallen world. Send me people that I can witness to and show me how You want me to help them. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

The Big Top- Week 2

These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.Deuteronomy 6:6-7

The Big Top. Our lives are busy, sometimes chaotic and even may resemble the likes of a circus. However, in the midst, it is imperative we take time to slow down, re prioritize and rediscover one of our most privileged and vital tasks- leading the next generation to Jesus Christ. Last week, we discovered the importance of growing in intimacy with Jesus ourselves. If we do not nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we cannot expect our children, our nephews, our nieces or anyone watching us to want Him. We must walk the talk.

The task before us can seem huge. And it is. However, God has given us a very wonderful and practical word on how to do this. Deuteronomy 6 says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. We are to teach God's Word and apply it to life and its situations. We are to seize the teachable moments! What does that mean? We can read bible stories before bed, have prayer/devotions before school, post theme verses of lessons on our walls, bathroom mirrors and even rear view mirrors, that we are trying to instill in our children (being kind, dealing with temptation, speaking words of encouragement, no grumbling or complaining). We can point out a sunrise and tell our children that the heavens are declaring the glory of God that exact moment (Ps. 19:1), that once again His compassions never fail but are new again for another day (Lamentations 3:23). Let us discuss with them the events of the day, people's choices and the natural consequences that followed. Let us pray for the school bully and watch together how God handles it. Dozens of life lessons are right in front of us.

I remember the evening our church gathered for prayer for a very ill young lady in our congregation. One by one, people prayed out loud praising and petitioning God. As my head was bowed, I heard a very familiar voice begin to pray. It was my 11 year old son. On the way home that evening, Micah told me, "Mom, I did not want to pray tonight. But I knew I had to. I had this burning in my heart and I just knew I had to pray." That night before bed, I called Micah over and we read from Luke 24. Two disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus after Jesus' death and resurrection, discussing all that had happened. Jesus Himself came along and walked with them, but they did not recognize Him. He talked with them about the scriptures and when arriving at their destination, broke bread with them. It was then that they recognized Him but He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us, while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" I looked at Micah and told him that the burning he felt in his heart was the Holy Spirit! And yes, He was asking Micah to pray. Teaching the Word and applying it. What a privilege.

Lord, help us to see the teachable moments and take the opportunity to share You and Your Word with those around us. Unleash your Holy Spirit on our "everyday". Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Rewiring My Buttons

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like you could be just a dandy Christian if it were not for other PEOPLE? Sometimes I feel like I could shower love and good will around me by the bucket load until someone goes and pushes my buttons. It is usually easy to love the faceless masses as long as I do not watch the evening news. I can give my fellow church-goers a big smile and some pleasant conversation as long as they keep their distance and do not come to me with complaints or well-meant advice. And I adore my family when things are going smoothly, the kids are not fighting, and my husband is easy-going. But when conflict raises its ugly head, watch out. The un-Christian thoughts that sometimes run through my head when I happen to read the newspaper are not glorifying to my Lord and Savior. When people come to me at church and disturb my 'worshipful mood' with their needs and wants, I do not always inwardly respond with joy and peace. And when my family does not act like I think they should, I am ready to ship the whole lot away on a nice long vacation--without me.

And yet God put me into a world where I have to interact with other people--even people who sometimes cause me to get a little grumpy, frustrated, and even downright mad. Jesus dealt with these kinds of people all the time. He ran up against some characters who were just downright annoying. The Pharisees immediately come to my mind. They were constantly trying to get His 'divine goat.' They were always trying to push His buttons and make Him say things that might turn the crowds against Him, trying to get others to think that He was not the great guy everyone thought He was. The neat thing is that they never could. Jesus did not have any buttons that made Him say things He did not mean, or which caused Him to do unkind things to others around Him. He was perfect. I wish I was more like Him. I wish I did not have those buttons. But, because I am a sinful creature, I do. And I need to get rid of those buttons, or better yet, rewire them, so that when my buttons are pushed, I react with patience and love instead of frustration and anger. When I see a violent act on the news, I need to react with prayer instead of fear. When someone does something I do not like, I need to get patient with them instead of getting upset. And I need to do it automatically, without hardly thinking about it. Just like Jesus did. Jesus, who went so far as to die for those who tried to annoy Him. I may not have an opportunity to die for them, but surely I could be patient and kind to them. Surely I could follow the example of my Lord and Savior whom I claim to love and follow. Who, I know for a fact, puts up with some very annoying behaviors from me and constantly forgives me over and over.

I think it is time to do some rewiring.

Help me Lord to have Your loving attitude-towards everyone. Help me to be sensitive toward You and not toward my own selfish ideals or feelings. Amen

Janine Miller

Don't Strive To Be Ordinary

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1Peter 4:12,13 (NIV)

Most all of us have some type of goals in life or at least aspirations of what we hope our life will be like. Usually, society and others around us influence our desires, things such as, true love, healthy children, beauty, a new home, a successful career with a hefty income, and an upstanding reputation. The grass always seems greener on the other side doesn't it? We always seem to think if only I had this or that I would be so happy, but we know deep down true happiness and contentment comes from only one place, God.

If we did have a choice of all that would happen in our life, why would we ever choose catastrophe, we wouldn't right. We would never choose to lose a loved one, lose a job, or even lose respect from others. Lets be honest what we all really desire is to have an ordinary, mundane, average life. I'm not saying it is by any means good to desire bad things to happen, but when these bad things happen, it gives God the opportunity to do amazing, surprising and astonishing things. We need to be open to and ready for God to shake things up a bit.

I think sometimes that I have something engraved in my mind that makes me worry about things going wrong. If my husband is ten minutes late I assume he has been in a car accident. Or when I am talking to my sister on the phone and we suddenly get cut off, I automatically think an intruder has broken in. The thought of losing one of them is unbearable to me, but one day all of our lives will come to an end and that is when our real life will start. I should put some of that energy of worrying towards the ones I may not get to spend eternity with, the unsaved.

God is able to understand how short our lives really are, and how long eternity is. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV) Lets stop thinking how wonderful our life could be, and take the challenges God has place before us and watch him do the extraordinary.

Father, Thank you for not giving me everything I want, thank you for showing me how amazing and real you are, for turning pain into hope. Thank you that this life is not the end.

Sarah Hostetler

Of Stars and Men

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)

I love to grab a thick blanket, spread it on the ground and star gaze. Even though we live in town, our backyard is unaffected by light pollution and is a fantastic spot to lay back and stare up at the heavens. I also remember searching out an unobstructed view of a lunar eclipse several years ago after a snowstorm, just to see a rare burgundy moon. I also like Scripture that shows God speaking directly about taking care of the universe. If He can manage the stars, how much more capable of taking care of us is He? Not one star goes missing. How could He possible let one of His children go astray? He knows us as intimately as the constellations. We do not often think of a star getting lost. We have science to take care of the why and how of that. But to think that all is held in place not because of the scientific explanations, but because God is in control of those such things, simply overwhelms me. How could I not worship the One who can name all the stars? How could I not trust the One that set gravity in motion? How could I not bow down before the One who knows what happens when matter gets sucked into a black hole? How can I not lean on the Rock who created rocks? If our insignificant planet is significant enough for the One who chases stars, what is holding me back? Am I relying on God like I should be?

The next time you are out on a clear night, look up. Visualize a star gone astray. Next, imagine the Creator tracking it down and setting it back on its course. Now picture that star as you.

God, set me back on the right course and watch over me just as You do the stars. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Rahab: Changed Her Profession

By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31 (NKJV)

Growing up as a PK (preacher's kid) had its advantages. I learned many life lessons just from listening and watching as my dad invested time into the people he led in his ministry. The memories of struggles some of those people faced, and the effects their decisions had on family members helped to shape the direction I would take in my life. It never failed, when someone chose to turn their back on God's ways, they found themselves in misery and regret. As for those who walked with God, I saw blessing and honor in their lives.

In Joshua 2, we meet a woman named Rahab. Rahab was a harlot, or prostitute, in the city of Jericho. Her house was built right into the city wall, providing convenient lodging and favors to travelers. When the Israelite spies chose to stay in her home, they knew her profession would provide a cover for them; they would be Rahab's customers in the eyes of her neighbors. The location of her house also provided an easy escape for them if needed.

Israel had been on the move and God was using a new leader, Joshua, to direct them to the Promised Land. It was only a matter of time until Jericho, a strongly fortified city, would face the Israelite army. They were afraid because they had heard the news of God's extraordinary power in defeating the armies across the Jordan River. God directed the spies to Rahab's house because He knew her heart was open to Him. She hid the spies on the rooftop of her home under piles of drying flax stalks. When the king's messengers questioned her, she lied to them and sent them outside the city walls in pursuit of the spies. Her explanation for her actions is in verse 10 and 11. She heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for the Israelites as they came out of Egypt, and what they did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan; they were completely destroyed. People in Jericho had lost their courage. She said, "For the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath." With her trust in God, and understanding the danger of her situation, she begged the spies to spare her and her family from death. They promised her safety, and then she helped them escape by letting them down by a rope through the window on the city wall. She was willing to risk everything she had, including her life, for a God she barely knew. She put her trust in Him and did her best.

We should never measure a person's interest in God by his or her background, life-style, or appearance. It is only important that we let nothing stand in the way of sharing God with others. People are watching us, and as Christians, it is so important that our life-style and our appearance reflect the image of God. His power should be evident in our daily lives.

Rahab saw the power of God in the lives of the Israelite people and she believed in that power for herself. We can still worship this same powerful God! God was mighty enough to deliver Israel from wicked armies, and He is powerful to save us from death, just as He did for Rahab. Her profession as a harlot now stands in the shadow of her profession of faith in the God of Israel. She is recognized in Matthew 1:5, Hebrews 11:31, and James 2:25.

Lord, help us to recognize Your power in our lives and be willing to risk everything for You. We want You to be known and seen in us.

Janet Stutzman

The Big Top- Week 1

"Martha," the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.Luke 10:41-42

The Big Top, wild lions jumping through rings of fire, trapeze artists flying through the air, tightrope walkers "oohing" the crowd as they take each death-defying step, the ring master introducing each act.. Description of a circus? Or perhaps our lives. At times we have felt like the tightrope walker balancing on a fine line, sometimes the trapeze artist as we flew through the air wondering who on earth was going to catch us. Many of us have felt like the man who swallowed the flaming sword and who hasn't felt like the lion tamer? And I'm finding as I get older, sometimes I am the bearded lady!

Whether we are single or married, mother or aunt, whether we work outside or inside the home, if we are women period- we have to juggle life. When life gets harried, we want to say to God, "Stop the world and let me get off for just a little bit. I need a breather!" It's at these times, where we need to stop, reexamine what's important and get back to basics. You see, there is a crowd watching this circus. That crowd is namely our children, the lost, the seeking and people who just want to see if there is anything real to this stuff we are presenting to them.

One of the greatest privileges a woman has is to teach the next generation the most important thing there is. She has the opportunity to teach, not just about Jesus, but who He is. To walk the talk. To invest intentional time and effort into relationships and live a life where God is the center of her reality. In the book of Luke, Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made for her dinner guests. Interestingly enough, the word preparations in the Greek means "service or ministry". Ouch. There are lots of things that are good and important, but one thing is necessary- Him. Making God real to others has to start with us. We have to choose what is necessary. How are we nurturing our faith in Jesus? What does our relationship with Him look like? Have we compartmentalized our lives, separating Him from our work, from our activities, from the way we think and speak? Do we just know about Jesus or do we know Him intimately- what He likes and dislikes? Can we recognize His voice from our own? Are we on a journey to discover His heart more and more? Have we made Him life itself? He has created us to know Him intimately (Is. 43:10). Not only has He offered us true Life (Deut. 30:15-20), He is the Bread of Life (John 6:57) that we can feed on. He is the Living Water that we can drink (John 4). He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14) and His love is better than life itself (Ps. 63). If we don't teach the next generation who Jesus is, if we don't demonstrate to the world how He loves, who will? It takes one generation for the faith to cease. It's time for us as women- as mothers, aunts, guardians, grandmothers, friends, daughters, neighbors, coworkers, as Christians- to walk the talk.

Lord, it begins with me. Give me a burning desire for intimacy with You. I want to know You more. I want to walk what I talk. Help me to be a model, not of perfection, but of obedience and faith to those around me. I believe You transform hearts. Begin with mine. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Dealing with Disappointment

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Disappointment.

It's something all of us have faced at one point or another, yet something I personally just do not have an appreciation for. Disappointment disrupts the harmony of my days; it messes with my enjoyment of life. I do not like it. And I do not like watching other people go through it either--especially my children. I think I am a pretty normal mom. I see my children sad or depressed about something and I want to make them feel better, tell them it is really not that serious, not important enough to disrupt their peace of mind. But somehow disappointment is not always that easy to erase. It tends to hang on and take the fun out of other things. My son enjoys baseball and he usually plays pretty well. But lately he seems to have hit a wall. His pitches no longer hit squarely into the strike zone, his hits no longer make it out of the infield; suddenly he is making dumb mistakes over and over again. He normally shakes it off and returns pretty quickly to his usual cheerful self, but his quietness last night all the way home from his game demonstrated the extent of his disappointment. I wanted to hug him and tell him it was all right. I wanted to let him know that a baseball game just wasn't that important. But it is important to him. And that's why I need to be sure to prepare him to deal with what life doles out. Disappointment is going to hit him again and again, just like it hits everyone. And the only answer to disappointment is to take it to the One who has conquered it.

Christ dealt with disappointment. He lost a good friend to death. (John 11) He was betrayed by a guy He hung out with for three years. (Matt. 26:14-16) His best friends deserted Him in His time of need. (Matt. 26:56) But during these situations, He not only conquered the downer of disappointment and the heaviness of sorrow, but dealt with the agony of loss and tribulation and death as well. When I find myself smack dab in the middle of a discouraging situation, it is a comfort to know that I can take it to Someone much bigger than I who has already been there. Someone who knows how I feel and Who loves me dearly. Someone who can help me deal with the pain and is able to bring peace back into my circumstances. Someone who can help me to learn from the situation and even possibly to find joy in it.

So the next time my son loses a game or does poorly on a test or makes a bad decision, it is my job to remind him Who to go to with it--Someone who knows what it feels like to be let down, but even better, who knows how to conquer and rise again.

Thank you, precious Lord, for being there for us when life gets a little tricky. Thank you for helping us deal with life's trials and tribulations and getting us safely through the rough spots.

Janine Miller

FRIENDLY WELCOME

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2

"Are you sure your Amish friends won't mind us stopping by?" Rick asked Wayne as they drove onto a graveled driveway.

Rick's wife, Eileen, nodded. "We feel funny about dropping in announced."

Wayne turned off the car's engine. "I've known Eli for some time. I'm sure he and Joanna will be pleased to meet our friends."

"Joanna and Eli have always been hospitable to me," Wayne's wife, Karen, added.

As they left the car and strolled past an Amish buggy parked near the barn, Eileen's apprehension rose. Would this Amish couple really welcome people they had never met?

When they entered the expansive yard, Eileen noticed two children romping in the nearby creek. The tow-headed boy's dark trousers were rolled to the knees, and blue cotton shirttails peeked around tan suspenders. The little girl didn't seem to care that the hem of her long blue dress was getting wet, while she giggled and flicked water with her bare toes.

A young Amish woman wearing a dark green dress with black cape and apron stepped out the back door. A tall Amish man with reddish blond hair and matching beard followed. Wayne made the introductions, explaining that Rick and Eileen where visiting from the state of Washington.

"Welcome," Joanna said, motioning to the picnic table. "Would you care to sit awhile?"

"Maybe you'd like a glass of iced tea," Eli offered with a friendly grin.

For the next hour, the three couples sat at the picnic table, visiting, watching the children play, and savoring the pleasant taste of cool mint tea.

When it was time to go, Eileen shook Joanna's hand and said, "Thank you for your hospitality. We've enjoyed our visit."

"You're welcome," Joanna replied.

As they drove away, Eileen reflected on their time spent with the Amish family. She felt like they had made some new friends. Would I have been as pleasant and hospitable if uninvited guests had showed up at my house? How many times have I put off writing a letter or phoning a friend because I was too busy? When was the last time I entertained strangers?

Hospitality seems easier when we are with family and friends, but God reminds us to entertain those outside our familiar circle. In Mark 9:41 we are reminded that Jesus said, "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Whether it be a cup of water or a glass of iced tea, God is pleased when we show hospitality. After all, for some people, our friendship and hospitality may be the only Jesus they will ever see.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Good friends are like good quilts; they never lose their warmth.

Wanda E. Brunstetter enjoys writing about the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life-something she says we all need in this day and age. Using the knowledge her Amish friends have shared with her, Wanda has also produced several children's titles in the Rachel Yoder-Always Trouble Somewhere series, an Amish cookbook, and a devotional collection entitled The Simple Life, which was released in July 2008 and celebrates the virtues of the Amish lifestyle. Wanda and her husband are members of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. Wanda is also a member of the North American Association of Ventriloquists, American Christian Fiction Writers,the Romance Writers of America, The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Northwest Christian Writers Association. For more information, visit her Web site at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Treasures in Heaven

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

My daughter is afraid of 'robbers.' We have never encountered any such thing, but she is always trying to close the garage door the minute we get home to keep them out. She even instructed me to close a drawer in the kitchen so these 'robbers' would not steal our kitchen towels.

As unfounded as her fear is, as long as we are a part of this world, Satan is waiting to steal from us around every turn. Sometimes we willingly comply with his effort. Giving in to temptation, we let our character and integrity slide. The most common way of doing this is when we give in to our flesh by storing up treasures here on earth. Necessities quickly spiral into exorbitant desires. I know every time I think about a new kitchen sink, my fantasy quickly turns into a complete remodeling of our house. It is easy to get wrapped up in life, in the day-to-day operations of being human. Part of this is God's design. In Genesis 2:15, God puts the newly formed Adam and Eve into His garden to work and take care of it. We were designed to be busy. But because of the fall we have become selfish, no longer working our 'gardens' to feed ourselves and our families, but to gain as much as we can. Everyone has a different tolerance for how much "stuff" is too much. Many people handle wealth with grace and generosity. Others cling to the little they have, hording whatever little they can. It often seems that people who go after the things of the world have more fun here on earth. Sometimes it seems that good people struggle more. But in the end, the people who are heaven-focused have a deep joy that no 'thing' can provide.

Having lots of stuff is not wrong (hey, I like it as much as the next person), but remember the warning in the verses above. Everything on earth is vulnerable to decay or thievery. Nothing we possess physically, not even our bodies, is permanent. They, too, are subject to decay. But the relationships we build, the people's lives we touch, are permanent. When we do good things, we have beautified heaven. We have stored up treasure there, where it will last forever. Do not be concerned with the things of this world, but take note of those things that will carry on into eternity. Make sure you store up treasure in heaven, where nothing can destroy it, where permanence, true joy and best of all, our Creator, await.

God, focus me heavenward, where no one can steal the joy that lies ahead. Take my focus off of the fleeting pleasures this world offers and let my eyes see how unsubstantial it is. Remind me that the relationships I build are more important than things. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Go For The Gold

We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect.Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NCV)

Recently I received a call from the husband of one of my best friends. He informed me he and his four kids were planning a surprise 25^th wedding ceremony for his wife, one of my best friends. Twenty-five years ago they eloped because neither wanted the stress of preparations for a wedding at the time. He and the kids were working hard gathering pictures and sending out letters inviting family and friends for the grand celebration. The men standing up with him would be his three sons, and his daughter would be the maid of honor. Then he asked me if I would stand up as a bridesmaid, along with another best friend. Yes! Yes! I was so excited. The three of us have been very close for twenty years, sharing good times and bad, analyzing children's behaviors, meeting for breakfast, exchanging gifts; what best friends do.

The "wedding day" arrived and what a day it was. The groom was more nervous than the day he eloped! This secret was much harder to keep than the one they kept about their elopement. Saturday morning we all scurried to the church to decorate and prepare food while the bride was at work. After their anniversary dinner, the groom brought his bride to the church for the big event. And boy was she ever surprised! She giggled nervously as she walked down the aisle with her father for the first time. When she glanced over to her left, she smiled at her daughter and shook her head at her two best friends. The ceremony was very special. After they exchanged vows and the groom gave his bride a beautiful ring, we all watched a presentation of precious family photos. I don't think there were too many dry eyes as their daughter accompanied dad and brothers when they sang "She's Got A Way" (Billy Joel).

What was most beautiful was the picture of God's plan for marriage and family they displayed throughout the entire evening. The pastor pointed out their faith in God and their commitment to one man and one woman for a lifetime. Their love for God and His commandments are lived out every day. Another point the pastor made was that they are a home of believers; whole-house salvation he called it. I do not know of a better blessing, short of heaven, than when our children claim God as their Savior. I don't want to paint a picture of perfection, because they will be the first to tell you they fall short every day. They all face trials and are surrounded by a sinful world. However, they walk with God. They seek Him daily. God's blessing is overflowing as they struggle through life and gain victory over sin. They are running a hard race and they haven't quit. The children were challenged to follow their parents' example as they embark into adulthood and seek out a life-long mate, and to understand God's will for their lives. The congregation was also charged to examine their faith, relationships and commitments.

The ceremony ended with the special kiss and presentation of the bride and groom. As the pastor prayed, he thanked God on behalf of the congregation for this special family. He finished his prayer with this, "And may they not stop with the silver, let them go for the gold!"

Lord, we are faced with so many evil things in this world that can ruin our Christian testimony. Protect our marriages and families, and may we stay faithful to each other and to You, for Your honor and glory. Thank you for Your example of true love!

Janet Stutzman

Seeing in the dark

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4

In the darkest time, when England stood alone awaiting an invasion by Hitler, King George broadcast to his people: "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the coming year, 'Give me a light that I might tread safely into the unknown.' And the man replied, 'Go into the darkness and put thine hand into the hand of God. That shall be to thee far better than any light and safer than any known way.'" (Good News! Great Joy! by Robert C. Hereth)

The heart-wrenching realities of life. As much as we try to avoid them, we inevitably have a head on collision in some way. We sit with a friend who has suffered an incapacitating injury, her future seemingly bleak. We listen to someone else sharing her fears of the unknown. Fears, not of death, but what lies ahead in her struggle against it. We cry as we learn of a child who has just been given a terminal diagnosis. The future is shadowed with uncertainty. And we possess words that cannot begin to be adequate. We are escorted through a door of darkness and are left groping for the answers.

The shadow of death. In the Hebrew, this phrase means the grave, a deep or very thick darkness, terror or calamity. Job refers to it often as he walks through his own valley of grief and confusion. He says that he can't eat and his groans are many, that what he has feared has happened and what he has dreaded has come true (Job 3:24-25). He laments that his days are over, his hopes have disappeared and his heart's desires are broken (Job 17:11). Job's complaints, however, go even deeper. He longs to feel God's Presence and hear His voice but he can't find him, he can't see Him. To Job, God has concealed Himself, stilled His voice and won't even look in His direction. Job says, "Darkness is all around me; thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere." (Job 23, 30). The shadow of death.

In Psalm 23:4, the valley of the shadow of death is real. It is dark. However, the valley's journey has a Guide. It is God who will lead us through safely, no matter how dark our experience. At the end of the book of Job, God speaks and addresses Job's complaints. Job responds, "I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen (emphasis mine) you with my own eyes" (42:5). The darkness can blanket our vision, but how ironic that it can illuminate our faith. Sometimes it is only when we are forced to grope along the walls of life, that we can truly see. Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. To those of us who walk through spiritual, physical or emotional darkness, Jesus Christ is the light that shines through the shadows and shows us Himself.

Lord, shine on me. As I walk through dark times, illuminate my path with You.

As I witness others who take the journey, help me to love them like You, point them to You, and radiate Your Light. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Love and all its certainty

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1John 4:10 (NIV)

I am sure there have been times in all our lives that we've asked the question; is love real? It seems we too often hear the phrase, " We have fallen out of love." After you have heard that phrase used so often you have to question what love even is. Why do we bother with using such a passionate word if it can so simply be brought to an end?

On my quest to find a good definition of love, I found many, and on so many different levels. As in the Greek language I wish so badly we had different words for all the different kings of love. Eros is a physical love. Philia is a friendship love. And Agape is unconditional love, the kind of love God has for us. Not only does God love us with no conditions, with no strings attached, he showed us that love on another level when he sent his Son as a sacrifice. He made a way for us to be made clean amongst our enormous shortfalls. There was no other way to the Father, no other way.

Since we are all humans full of sin this agape love is not an easy assignment for us, as we are commanded to love others as Christ loves us. We are even called to love our enemies, (Luke 6:27). It is easy to love someone who makes you feel good, (Eros). And it is also easy to love someone who you feel you have a connection with, and someone who gives you kindness in return to yours, (Philia). It is not natural for us to want to love someone without these conditions. The only way to love others unconditionally is by the power God gives us. 1John 4:13-21 says it perfectly.

Love is real, and in my mind Agape love is the only kind worthy of the word love. It is the only kind that cannot be erased. Where would we be if God choose to fall out of love with us? He does not love us because we make him happy, we disappoint him daily, if not hourly! If we shut out everyone who does not make us happy or has done wrong to us, we would never have any human contact. We are so quick to think of ourselves, forgetting of all the people we have wronged, maybe even unintentionally. Forgiveness is a usually a vital part of love considering we are all sinners and have all done wrong. We must look to God in all his eternal unconditional love and utmost forgiveness; He is the only perfect example we will ever have.

Father, Thank you so much for your great love. Thank you for showing us that love on the cross, thank you for never leaving or forsaking us. Help us to show your great love to all.

Sarah Hostetler

Live Life out on the plank.

I love the Sea. To me it has always represented life, adventure, freedom, as well as uncertainty, danger and chaos. As a child, I could sit on a sandy beach and stare at the sea for hours on end, but I rarely went too far into it. You see, I grew up shy and insecure and afraid of life. I preferred to avoid stressful situations at all costs. If I grew up on a ship, I'd be the one down in the hold, reading a book or guarding the cargo, putting up with the loneliness and stale air and rats just so I'd be in my comfort zone. At school, I trembled when I was called in front of the class to give a report. I avoided all social situations, and I didn't apply for jobs that pushed me beyond my limits. I tried to live the "safe" life, never taken any big chances. Even in my love life. I stayed away from those men who made my heart skip a beat and stuck with the safer ones. But I was unhappy. God had given me big dreams even before I believed in Him-dreams like becoming an astronaut, flying a jet, sailing around the world, writing a novel. Did I do any of those things? I started a few of them, but my fear kept me stranded in my safe zone.

Then I became a Christian and discovered that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7. Oh, I loved those words! They really spoke to me. I wanted to be that kind of person. I mean, we only get this one life to do things for God, this one chance, and I knew from Scripture that God had a unique purpose and plan for my life. Yet years went by and still I cowered, learning and growing in God, yes, but not answering His call to go forward.

Finally, one day, I gave in to the burning in my soul to write a novel. I didn't plan on submitting it. No way! I couldn't stand the rejection. But then God got me laid off from my job. I needed income and I needed it fast. God had pushed me to the edge of a long plank hanging off my ship of safety and he was asking me to jump in. So, I did. (Actually, I think He pushed me!) Was it scary? Yes! Did I get rejections? Yes! Did they hurt? Yes. But I also got a contract! Now, I'm writing my 6^th novel and I'm swimming along just fine. I speak to groups, I do book signings, radio interviews, things I would never have dreamed of doing before. I get an occasional heart-sinking review, but I also get some good ones too and more importantly, I get letters from readers who have told me my stories have brought them closer to God. I'm living the adventure God planned for me. Now, I'm wondering what took me so long!

Whether it's writing a novel and submitting it, or talking to your neighbor about Jesus, or taking that job that scares you to death, or saying yes to that handsome guy or pretty girl who keeps showing interest, or speaking at a conference, if God keeps knocking on your heart to do something, do it. Do you want to stand before God after your life is over and hear him say, I had so much more for you, if you had just believed and stepped off the plank.

In fact, don't step off, don't wait to be pushed, jump in! Jump into the adventurous, beautiful sea and then rise up and start walking on the water. Take a hold of your Savior's hand and don't let go. You'll experience the abundant life other people only dream about!

M. L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of seafaring adventures during her childhood days in Florida. Her love of history and passion for story drew her to create the popular Legacy of the King's Pirates series. MaryLu is currently writing her Charles Towne Belles series, in which book two, The Blue Enchantress, releases in August 2009. Writing for more than twenty years, she lives on California's coast with her husband and six children, where her imagination still surges with the sea. For more information, visit her website at www.mltyndall.com.

Character Witness

Then I asked, "Who are you, Lord?" "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," the Lord replied. Acts 26:15 (NIV)

Paul's account of his encounter with Jesus is very dramatic. It also mirrors many encounters I have had with my conscience. I have not been struck blind, but I have been blind sided by the realization that I have done wrong. How many times am I guilty of persecuting Christ? How many stumbling blocks have I thrown in front of someone's path? Romans 14 talks about weak faith, and how we should not cause each other to stumble. Persecuting Christ does not mean we are blatantly set against Him like Saul before his transformation into Paul. Persecuting Christ is done by little things daily. Jesus was tortured, physically persecuted, and died for our sins, and not just the big ones. He died for the little thing we do not always think about. A word we know we should not say, but do anyway. The little piece of gossip that we think is so important, but only undermines the person we're talking about and our own character. The thoughts of lust and covetousness. Unimportant things we do not realize we are doing, much less hold ourselves accountable.

I know I read Paul's story and think, "How could he kill Christians? How could he openly do so many terrible things?" Paul's transparency about who he was and how he changed is inspiring. I do not even know a confessed murderer. God used him for a purpose. His story is life-changing, not only for him, but for those who read it. But when I stop and think, I persecute Jesus, too. I am not killing, but how many doubts am I planting with questionable decisions? How many times am I the one lashing the Savior's back with my sin? How many Christians' faith have I killed because of what I did? I need to think about my actions, my decisions and my words very carefully. I may not be Paul, traveling throughout the known world spreading the Gospel, but I need to be an accurate witness, full of great character. I need to hold myself to a different standard, one based on Jesus' standards, not man's. I do not want to be struck blind in the road someday, like Paul, convinced I was righteous, only to find out how wrong I was. I am called to be willing to be persecuted with Christ (1 Timothy 3:12), not persecuting Him.

God, point out to me the ways I persecute You and put stumbling blocks in the paths of other believers. Clean my conscience and set me on the right path. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Tamar: Sin by manipulation

Judah begot Perez and Serah by Tamar. Matthew 1:3 (NKJV)

Mommy, are there onions in the casserole? Okay moms.time to fess up and admit how you answered Johnny and Suzie. Did you say, "No honey," as you were scrubbing the telltale onion juice from your hands? I found a way around "the lie". I told the kids and their friends if they found any onions they could pick them out. Honestly, it worked. They ate the casserole every time! Manipulation in its purest form.

Actually, there is no 'pure' form of manipulation. Many times we attempt manipulation to hide the truth or to get our own way. The story of Tamar and Judah is about manipulation for restitution. It is a very old story told in Genesis 38, but it is one that could be televised at 10:00 PM on primetime television in 2009. That is how current the message has remained.

Judah is a son to Jacob, and the brother to Joseph whose idea it was to sell Joseph into slavery. Judah had three sons; Er, Onan, and Shelah. Tamar was the wife of the firstborn, Er. The Old Testament law required the marriage of a widow to the brother of her dead husband. The purpose was to provide children to carry on the family name and inheritance, a very important aspect of Israelite culture. (Deuteronomy 25:5-10)

Er was a very wicked man in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord killed him. Judah followed the law and told brother Onan to marry Tamar. However, Onan despised knowing the children would not belong to him, so when he was supposed to have sexual relations with Tamar he did not complete the act. This made it impossible for Tamar to have children and for Er to have descendants. The Lord was displeased with Onan's actions and killed him, leaving the youngest son, Shelah. Judah was afraid Shelah would die like his brothers so Judah told Tamar to go back home to Timnah and wait for Shelah to grow up. He never made plans for them to marry.

Years later, and after mourning the death of his wife, Judah traveled to Timnah. When Tamar heard of his arrival, she removed her widow's clothing, dressed as a harlot and covered her face with a veil to hide who she was. She sat at the gate where people entered the town. When Judah saw her, he approached her for sexual relations. He did not know who she was. Before she would have sex with him, she requested a deposit; his seal (a form of identification) with its cord and his walking stick. He granted her request, and Tamar and Judah had sexual relations. Tamar became pregnant. When she went home that day, she removed her veil and harlot's clothing and put on her widow's clothes. When Judah sent his friend to retrieve Judah's belongings, the harlot could not be found. About three months later Judah was told about the pregnancy and he demanded she be brought out and burned to death for accusing him. Tamar called his bluff and showed them the items Judah had left behind, proving without a doubt she had been with him. He relented and admitted Tamar was more in the right because he had not given her to his son Shelah as he had promised. Tamar was driven to manipulation. She seduced Judah because of her intense desire to have children and be the matriarch of Judah's oldest son. Tamar gave birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah, which gave her a place in the lineage of David and Jesus, found in Matthew 1.

Tamar was widowed twice, rejected, and alone. Her right to a family and children had been stripped from her. She was a victim of circumstance with no ability to fulfill her desires; until Judah showed up. She had a choice, and chose to take the sinful path of manipulation to satisfy the debt she felt she was owed. I wonder if she ever regretted her actions or understood the legacy of her manipulation. She is a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ; but at the time she didn't know that. Tamar could not see the long-term impact of her choice.

We all have been at points in our life when things just were not fair. Our rights were mistakenly taken or abused. A good friend once told me, sternly, that I had no rights. My situation was allowed by God, and God alone could handle it. He cares about me and He cares for me! It was not my 'right' to make demands and stomp my feet until I got my own way. What was right was for me to honor God, my heavenly Father, in everything I said and did, and trust Him.

When we get in the way of God's plan we miss blessings along the way; blessings we will never know. Tamar will never have known what plans God would have designed had she not sinned. What blessings in your life are hindered or altered because you have chosen to do things your way? Are you misunderstood or being mistreated? Do you trust God to work it out?

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Janet Stutzman

Praying for you

Christ Jesus, who died- more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

Several years ago I visited with a precious woman, 85 years of age, who I knew from childhood. She knew my family, and the difficult dynamics that existed, as well as my husband's family of origin. My husband had grandparents that prayed fervently for their children and grandchildren and from their family line came a slew of pastors- my husband included. As we talked together about my husband and I serving the Lord, she looked at me very seriously and asked, "Jocelyn, I know who was praying for Bruce. But who was praying for you?"

I left her house but her question remained in my mind. Several days later as I was reading the Word, the Lord answered our question. "Christ Jesus, who died- more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." The words hit me like a ton of bricks. It was Him. All those years of aimless wandering, little sense of purpose and worth, dumb decisions and pain. He was the One praying for me the entire time. He was the One talking to the Father on my behalf, the One reminding the Judge of Heaven and Earth that the price of my sin had been paid. He was the One pleading for mercy, grace and protection as I stumbled in utter confusion. He was the One who saw and declared the future and hope that laid ahead.

Jesus is praying for us. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is praying for our protection, that we would be unified as His Bride, that we would be set apart and surrendered to Him by the truth of His Word. He is praying that we would be unified with Him so that the world may see Him and believe. Jesus is praying that people everywhere, including you and me, would know that God loves them just as much as God loves Him! Jesus Christ is praying for our future. He wants us to be with Him and see His Glory one day (John 17). Be encouraged in your everyday- no matter the circumstance. We have the greatest prayer partner we could ever want. Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, is praying for you today.

Precious Jesus, thank you for interceding on our behalf everyday. Thank you for the blood you shed on the cross which has bought and redeemed us. Continue to grow us up in You with a sold out and surrendered passion for You alone. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Beyond Me

No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you. Jeremiah 10:6, 7 (NIV)

Last evening my family and I turned off all the lights and sat in our family room and watched a spring thunderstorm pass by. Lightning flashed and thunder boomed as we sat there in wonder and gazed at the splendor out our back windows. The beauty of the fiery streaks and the resulting rumble made me think of the awesome power of the God I serve. I began to wonder--how many times do I take this powerful Being for granted? How often do I just assume He's there and think nothing of it? Yes, He is always there for me and He is Someone to talk to when I am lonely or sad or confused. He hears my requests and pleas and quite often gives me "yes" for an answer to my prayers. He definitely loves me beyond my understanding. But just how many times do I take all those incredible qualities as my due?! What a mistake!

Jeremiah 10:1-16 is eye-opening. You've got to read the whole thing. (I could only fit two verses from it at the top of this devotional.) Jeremiah talks about the mistakes that people made in his day. Idol makers would go out and pick a nice tree or stump and than fashion a shape out of it to bow down to. Jeremiah states that these idols were like a "scarecrow in a melon patch." They couldn't speak and had to be carried around because they couldn't walk. I read that and think, "Well, DUH! What were these people thinking?" They had the opportunity to worship a God who is more powerful than they could ever have imagined, the wisest Being of all time, the Creator of all that they could see. And what did they do? They went out and asked a rock to do God's job. God's power, His majesty, His holiness was ignored. Maybe it was just too much for them to grasp. Maybe they had to shrink God down to a size they could handle and that's why they worshiped inanimate objects. Is that my problem? Is God so big that because I can't get my mind around Him, I shrink Him down to Someone I can take for granted? I suspect that might be the case. And then I read passages like the one in Jeremiah and realize, "Whoa! This is not some small God I worship! He is enormous! He is way beyond my comprehension." Jeremiah says that "when [God] is angry, the earth trembles and the nations can't endure his wrath," that "He made the earth by his power, and the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding." God's power is huge. It blows my mind that such a God could care for me, could love me, could desire a relationship with me (me!).

Maybe He knew that we as feeble humans would tend to try to reduce Him to something much smaller than what He really is-something we could grasp. And maybe, just maybe, that's why He sends us things like thunderstorms-to remind us of Who we serve, how powerless we really are, and how awesome He truly is.

God, the vastness of your character is beyond my comprehension. You are way too much for me to understand. Forgive me when I take You for granted and thank you for the reminders (like thunderstorms) of how awe-inspiring You really are.

Janine Miller

Dad

I lost my father a few years ago to cancer. It was a really slow way to die. It was about ten years from the first diagnosis until his death and there would be good times and really low times. He had all the treatment, surgery, radiation, chemo. He'd get knocked down, get back up and be better for a while and always the tests would come back wrong. Numbers that should have been zero just would not drop to zero.

I prayed steadily for Dad through that time and one verse that I came to love and cling to, and use as a prayer was:

Isaiah 40:31.

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

During the low times, and toward the end, my dad was so weary. He had no energy and just standing up was a struggle, he even fainted a few times.

I would sit next to him and try to rest my hand on his shoulder when he talked and know that it was important to listen to every word he said. I knew I'd cherish these talks after he was gone. He was the greatest man to talk to. He had the most wonderful laugh and he was generous with it. He was funny and smart and so good hearted, such a loving father. Now that he's gone the thing that catches me at unexpected times are those moments when I think, "I'd love to hear what Dad would say about this."

I'd sit there and listen and pray Isaiah 40:31. "Dear Lord, you know Dad has always put his hope in You. Please renew his strength. Lift him up and help him soar. Help him run and not grow weary. Help him walk and not faint."

My dad loved baseball. He played for the University of Nebraska Baseball Team in college, the B Team he always said. He never made the traveling squad. I remember so well how he loved baseball. Playing it and watching it on TV. He played on a community team after I was born and we'd go watch him. He always played the outfield and I remember him being so tall and young and fast and strong.later on he was older, slower and weaker.and shorter too, I wonder how that happened?

There were eight of us kids and people teased Dad about having his own baseball team, with all of us and Dad together. I suppose Mom was a cheerleader, huh?

Well, my dad finally died after a long, slow, painful battle with that awful cancer. It took me a while, about a year, but one day I was praying and I remembered how I'd prayed those verses from Isaiah, asking God for a miracle to heal my dad. And I had this vision of Dad in heaven going up for a high fly ball and catching it.

It came to me then that I'd gotten my miracle. The Lord had renewed my dad's strength. He had lifted Dad up to soar on wings like eagles to a place where he'd could run and never again grow weary. Where he could walk and not faint.

~~~~~~~~~~

Bio

My book Nosy in Nebraska is in bookstores now and a new three book series, Montana Marriages begins in July with Montana Rose, more romantic comedy with cowboys. A lot of the humor in my writing is a gift I believe I inherited from my wonderful, funny father.

Mary is married to her high school sweetheart, Ivan, a Nebraska farmer/rancher. She is the mother of four beautiful daughters Josie, married to Matt, Wendy, Shelly, married to Aaron and Katy. She's got one beautiful granddaughter, Elle.

http://www.maryconnealy.com/

http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/

http://seekerville.blogspot.com/

http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/

Tears

This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears. No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit. Lamentations 1:16a (NIV)

I must say I have had many days like this one. I feel alone, like no one can help and the tears won't stop. I know I have shared this before, but I know I am not the only one who feels this way. There are many, many people who suffer from depression, that feeling of helplessness. The feeling of isolation can be profound, even when you have people close to you. I hit on this verse one day, and it was like a light bulb for me. People have suffered from depression for thousands of years! I am not alone, and this is not a "new" ailment. God put this verse in the Bible to show us He understands that we feel like we are alone. He knows we sometimes even question whether He is around. He is never surprised at how we are feeling, with what we are going through. He planned for this. He knew this verse would resonate with people throughout all time. Much is made about depression. I know people who don't think it's even real. But God knows. He is right there. Whenever I feel false guilt, whenever I feel alone, this verse, coupled with Psalm 139 lets me know that even though I feel that way, God is with me, He knows me and He has not abandoned me.

My nephew is also like this. It is hard to see a nine-year-old struggle with anxiety and be inconsolable at times, but I know what the boy is going through. I was like that at his age, too. Sometimes we think overwhelming circumstances and crushing depression targets adults, but these things are not age-discriminatory. They can affect young and old alike. Small encouragements and Bible verses that remind me that God is there whether I think He is or not help me get through those long days and nights when dark depression clouds loom overhead. If you know someone like this, take the time to encourage them. If you are like this yourself, take heart. God is near, and He will never leave you.

God, thank you for Your steadfast love. Remind me of Your unwavering character, and help me to encourage and remind those around me who You are. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Deborah: Confidence in God

"Of course I will go with you, Deborah answered, but you will not get credit for the victory. The Lord will let a woman defeat Sisera." Judges 4:9 (NCV)

Margaret Thatcher once said, "If you need something, ask a man. If you need something done, ask a woman." We all have laughed at "man verses woman" jokes. I know we all have one we love to tell! The book of Judges tells the story of Deborah and a man named Barak. I had to giggle to myself as I realized the implications of the strength and confidence of this woman, in comparison to the man, Barak. I also wondered if I would have responded as Barak did. In the ending of the story, I gave out a cheer for women!

In Judges 4, Deborah, a prophetess and wife, was judging Israel and would sit under a palm tree listening to her people. The Israelites once again had fallen into the hands of the enemy, the Canaanites, because they did evil in the sight of the Lord. The Canaanite army, under king Jabin, boasted nine hundred chariots and ruled with unbearable circumstances for twenty years. Finally, the Israelites cried out to God for deliverance and He used Deborah to lead them.

Deborah approached Barak, a military general, and told him, "The Lord commanded, go and gather ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them to Mount Tabor. I will make Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, and his chariots, and his army meet you at the Kishon River. I will hand Sisera over to you." Then Barak said to Deborah, "I will go if you will go with me, but if you won't go with me, I won't go." (verses 6 and 7)

God gave very specific instructions and information. He said He (God) would gather Jabin's army and hand Sisera, the Canaanite general, to them. Why then did Barak refuse to go without Deborah? His request shows a glimpse of his character. He trusted human strength more than God's promises. A person of real faith will trust God and step out in faith, even if that means being alone.

Deborah's response is awesome! "Of course I will go with you." She did not ridicule Barak for his weakness and lack of confidence in God. She walked beside him. She led by example. It is no wonder the people of Israel respected her. How often do we face difficult circumstances and feel so alone and weak in our faith, and fail to trust in God and His promises? I can imagine the relief that Barak felt as he heard her words. He drew strength from Deborah's confidence in God and pursued the task

Because of Barak's cowardly behavior, God did not allow him to take credit for the victory. God used another woman, Jael, to kill Sisera and defeat the Canaanite army. Take the time to read the entire chapter and see for yourself the details of God's plan to restore His people again. It is an incredible story!

Deborah shows us how to lead with confidence and grace, and encouraged others to trust God at His word. She was in a very powerful position, yet she did not rule with her nose in the air. She served God with humility and gave Him credit for the accomplishments in her life. She shows us much can be accomplished when God is in control.

Lord, help us to be a Deborah in our faith. We want to be leaders who can be trusted by others and used by You in every circumstance of our lives.

Janet Stutzman