The Perfect Storm

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." Luke 8:22-25 (NIV)

Have you ever been in a storm out on the open water? I haven't been in the heart of a storm, but I've been out on the water and raced to get back to the shore before the full wrath of the wind and waves turned our boat upside down. Have you seen the movie 'The Perfect Storm'? Can you picture the disciples' boat being dwarfed by the monstrous waves? When I think of this passage in Luke (also recorded in two of the other Gospels) I remind myself that many of Jesus' disciples were fisherman - experienced men of the sea - whose livelihood before they followed Christ meant they were out in their boats every day. They had faced many storms and challenges before this one, and the fact that they were scared tells me this was one fierce gale. So fierce, the Bible tells us, they were in danger of sinking. The boat was being swamped - filling with water from the height and ferocity of the waves and the wind whipping the water into their boat.

Can you picture it? The men trying to scramble across the boat to bail out the water - a man on the helm, trying to keep her steady in the heaving swells, the men - yelling over the roar of the wind, being tossed back and forth, slipping, falling, trying to get a secure grip or handhold while trying to keep their feet under them on the drenched deck. It was chaos. They were in desperate peril, fighting for their lives. It must have been terrifying even for experienced sailors. I imagine them desperately using all their skills and knowledge of the sea and finally exhausting all their own resources, they turn to Jesus - who is curled up in the back of the boat asleep! They probably had to shake his shoulder in order to rouse him from his deep slumber - I mean, it would seem there had to have been plenty of noise from the wind and cries of the men to awaken Him. He had to be tossed back and forth from the broiling seas - yet they had to wake Him!

While His disciples are frantic, Jesus gets up - speaks the word, and immediately the storm's gone. From absolute chaos to calm waters. It's hard to even imagine the shock of that experience. One minute the men were clutching anything they could find to grab onto, frantic for their lives, the next it's over. Boom. Absolute peace on the water.

What's all the commotion about - "Where's your faith?" - Jesus asks them. What did you wake me up for? I can hear them now "B-but Lord - the wind was - the waves they were over-powering us. The water was swamping the boat!" And then it hit them - Jesus had the power to stop what no man could ever dream of stopping - the force of nature. They had forgotten that Jesus was the Creator. He spoke the world into existence; it was nothing for Him to calm the storm.

This was a testing of their faith - Jesus knew there would be a storm, He knew they would come out of it. He wanted the disciples to respond in faith. I wonder if Peter was thinking of this lesson when he wrote to the saints in his first epistle that their faith would be tested - tried by various trials - to prove its genuineness - to prove its worth and to become strong enough to praise, honor, and glorify the Lord.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. Our faith needs testing so that it will stand up to anything. We are told in Scripture that trials are inevitable - the storms of life will come. The only question is how we will handle them. Like the disciples - who, despite their experience of living day to day with Jesus - forgot in the heat of the moment who He was? Will our faith fail? Or will we remember to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2)

Have you thought to embrace these trials that will inevitably come - our own 'Perfect Storm'? To 'greatly rejoice', as Peter tells us in 1 Peter, as we are 'grieved' or distressed by these challenges that come our way. Peter learned that day on the sea - as well as the many other miracles of Christ he witnessed - that these difficulties in life - these tests of our faith - are a good thing if we allow God to work through them and in us and to bring Him praise, honor, and glory.

Father, we know that difficulties will come, please help us to have faith that pleases You. Faith that in the midst of our own storms of life will ultimately please You and bring You praise. Amen.

Missy Horsfall

Growing Older with Jesus

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, .They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him." Psalm 92:12-15

Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of working in a place where I am surrounded by those older and wiser than I. I have learned much from them. I am learning life lessons from them in my thirties that they learned in their fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond. By watching and listening to them, they have taught me about faithfulness, humility, the goodness and faithfulness of God and the injustices of life. They have shown me what it is to rise above circumstances and to succumb to them. They have taught me that life is what you make it. They have taught me that attitude is everything. They have taught me that life is short and while we have it, we can embrace it. We can embrace each passing year and the blessings that come with them. They have taught me that growing older is not always fun but growing older with Jesus is absolutely beautiful. Growing older with Jesus means wisdom, godliness, being teachable, beauty and humility. Growing older with Jesus means deepened intimacy with Him and realizing the importance of relationships with others. Growing older with Jesus means the utter realization that Jesus is all there is. When all else changes, He is the constant. He remains. He is there.

Over the last week, I have had the opportunity to join several older individuals in a prayer group. They meet daily to lift up the people who administrate, work and live at their retirement community. It is an amazing time as we come before the Lord with praises and requests. We feel His Presence, His peace and His Spirit of unity. I hear sentiments from grateful hearts- voices of men and women who have become witnesses of God's goodness and marvelous works. I am sitting with individuals who are pillars in the Christian faith. They would not profess that at all. They would say they are just common, ordinary people who love the Lord and want to proclaim Him to those around them- to the next generation. My question is to those in the next generation. Are we listening? Are we placing ourselves in a position to hear? Maybe that means finding a godly, older woman in our church or neighborhood to visit with or maybe volunteering at a retirement community. Let's begin to pray how we can grow deeper in our faith, how we can continue to learn and grow in wisdom. God has gifted us with His Son, His Word, His Spirit and His people.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to all those that have gone before us. Thank You for the lessons You have taught them that can be passed on to us. Put us in a position to hear so we can grow in faith, wisdom and Your love. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Do you mean what you say?

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matt. 24:35 (NIV)

I have been homeschooling my four children for a total of 13 years so far with who knows how many years to go. During that time I have made some rather reckless statements:

This is a great curriculum. I think I will stay with this one for good. (I did not; something better came along.)

I would never put my children into an online school. (My two oldest children attended one last year and one of them just blossomed.)

I will never let my children attend such and such a public school. (My two middle children were enrolled last week and so far it looks like a good fit.)

The problem with my words is that they change over time due to changing circumstances, my observations and feelings from day-to-day, or just because I may not always have complete control over a situation. What I want during one moment may be something totally different the next.

God's Word however does not change. What He means one moment is the very same thing He means the next. What He says He will never do, He will not, and what He says He will do, does not fail to happen. The Bible mentions God's Word over and over. It refers to it as flawless (2 Sam. 22:31), true (Ps. 119:160), and living (Heb. 4:12). It says His Word will never pass away (Matt. 24:35). What He promises will happen does, and what He condemns, will stay condemned. When He promises that He will never leave me or forsake me (Joshua 1:5), I can rest assured that He will always be there for me. When He says that stealing and cursing are wrong (Ex. 20:7, 15), I had better refrain from those activities or face His wrath. I am so glad God is not human like me. My words change with the times; God's never do.

Thank you, Lord, for your unchanging words. Thank you for saying something and meaning it, no matter what circumstances may change. And thank you for Your mighty promises which will all come to pass.

Janine Miller

Am I obvious or oblivious?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ JesusI Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

As I scrambled to find something to write, I looked at my inbox and thought surely something will speak to me.I looked at my facebook and thought is there a message here.

I have sent out messages out all day long, and I have prayed for people all day long. I would pick something up and it would make me think of a specific person, so I would pray for them. Somewhere today, I read a comment about a pastor praying for people in his church while he was driving. His comment: "I have about 200 miles worth!" I read another blog about grocery lists and prayer lists. Where is my priority? Is my prayer list as important as my grocery list?

I have two children in college and one already making his own way in this world. So, within the next two years I should have three children graduated from college and making their mark on the world. I wonder what kind of mark they will leave? I hope that my children will make a lasting mark. One that will be able to be measured in the kingdom of God. In reference to my devotional posted yesterday, I hope that my children will be prepared to work the harvest.

I live on a farm, so in my world harvesting is a very important thing. While we are not the ones that do the actual farming, I do pray for the yield. I pray for the farmer and I pray for the man that owns this farm. I know God put me right here in the middle of this beautiful place for many reasons. The first being for our healing. Our family went through a terrible tragedy nine years ago, and God knew the exact time we needed to make the move to this wonderful place. I am a city girl, and moving here was a complete change for me. It was a wonderful healing place for us.

The second, it made a difference in my thinking. I had the time to sit and think. It made a difference in my prayer life. It brought about so many things, but mostly it has made a difference in how I think about and look at things. It has made me realize that there are many people in this world that are going through tough times. Can I make a difference? I will pray for people all day long, if God leads me to speak to someone, I will do it. If the circumstances that I have been through will make a difference in someone's life, I will share it and pray with them or for them.

Am I obvious in my attempts to make a difference? I am trying to be more intentional to pray, to speak and to help people if I am able. Can people tell that there is something special about me and my attitude? Can they see Jesus? There is a goal for each one of us. Will people see Jesus when they look at you?

Lord, let me see everyone through Your eyes, and as everyone looks at me let them see just how much I resemble my Father! Amen

Becki Reiser

The Harvest Fields are Plentiful

He told them, "The harvest fields are plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest fields." Matthew 10:2 NIV

Harvesting is heavy on my mind this time of year. I love to can, and I certainly have plenty to do. I put out the biggest garden that I have ever done. My tomatoes are ready and I imagine that as you are reading this I will be up to my arm pits in tomatoes. My corn is literally ready to pop, my beans are coming to a finale... All this said to set up the actual story. As I pondered what to write, the Lord brought to mind what I have been doing for the past few weeks. Then He brought to mind the scripture posted above.

Several years ago, nine to be exact the song "Days of Elijah" was very popular. Today it is back on the charts as Twila Paris sings it. The message in that song is true no matter who sings it or how it is sung. The second verse is below:

These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh;
And these are the days of Your servant David,
Rebuilding the temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in the world,
And we are the laborers in the vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord.
Words and Music by Robin Mark

Needless to say, each and every time I hear this song I feel convicted. I realize that I take my garden seriously, but I fail to take the world seriously. I fail to take the Word of God seriously. What I mean is, do I live my life as a testimony? Would I be ready to help in the 'harvest' if God tapped me on the shoulder and said "Becki I need for you to help with the harvest". Actually, I should not be waiting for God to tap me on the shoulder, I should always live as though I am ready to help with the harvest. Am I ready? Or am I to busy with the mundane things of this life to care about the spiritual harvest? Yes, what I have to do in this world is a good thing, to garden and harvest, but where is my heart? Where is your heart? Are you ready for the harvest? Is your heart ready to be harvested? Have you toiled in the 'spiritual garden' to help prepare the soil, or to water, or weed?

Father, help me to remember that I may live in this world, and have to do all the things required everyday. More importantly, let me see the fields as they are ready, and be willing to go out to be a laborer and help with the yield. Amen

Becki Reiser

Heavy Lifting

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14 (NIV)

How hard is it for you to forgive someone who has wronged you? I was talking with a few people from our church one evening about lots of different spiritual concerns. One of the men in our group had brought to light the topic of forgiveness. I immediately thought of self-forgiveness. Now for another question: how much more difficult is it for you to forgive yourself?

The concept of forgiving ourselves is tough to swallow. I know I constantly beat myself up for past wrongs. It can be tremendously tough to let go of our past, even when we have righted the wrong. I believe firmly that when Jesus talks about forgiving others' sins, He also is saying we should forgive our own. How many people have fallen into bad behavioral patterns because of the mindset that they can never outlive their sin? How many times have I made a bad choice because of who I thought I was because of un-forgiven sin? How many times have you? The burden of carrying sin on your back, simply because we cannot forgive ourselves can become some serious heavy lifting. The crushing weight of knowing what you did and not laying it at the Savior's feet (and leaving it there) can change lives, and not in a good way.

Why then, can we forgive other people? That is not always easy, but for some reason, it is easier. I think sometimes it is like giving gifts and receiving them, or helping someone rather than asking for help. It's so much fun to give, and it is so much easier to give help than ask for it! Forgiving someone else also means they are in your debt. Asking for forgiveness is humbling, even when you must ask it of yourself. But it is an important step in moving past your past, and in clearing your walk with God. When your conscience is clear, when you can see yourself in the light of God, and how He sees you, without all that you have done on your back, true freedom in Christ allows you to really do great things. Take time to see what in your past is holding you back and leave it at the feet of Jesus in prayer. Then, stand up tall, with no weight of sin on your back and move forward in a way you could not before.

God, give me the strength to let go of the things I have done that I am still carrying around. Forgive me, just as I have now forgiven myself. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Get Behind Me Satan

But Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matthew 16:23

This is a pretty familiar verse among evangelical Christians. But this past year I was reading it and God catapulted me to a new place of understanding its profound truth. Peter meant well when he spoke the words of rebuke to Jesus, and initially Jesus' response seems somewhat harsh.. But on closer examination there is a life-forming spiritual discipline revealed. Jesus had a job to do. He had a specific calling - to do the will of the Father- to go to the cross and become the sacrificial lamb that would save the world from sin. Peter, attempting to protect Jesus from His assignment, gets a stern rebuke from our Savior. Jesus spoke, "Get behind me, Satan!" You are a stumbling block to Me...." Why?.... "for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."

The Greek word for "stumbling block" is skandalon derived from the Greek word kampto-to bend or bow. Skandalon means: a snare, an offense, a cause of displeasure or sin. The Lexical Aids to the New Testament show skandalon as meaning: the trigger in the trap on which the bait is placed and springs the trap when it is touched by the animal. Skandalon always denotes the enticement or occasion leading to conduct which brings with it the ruin of the person in question." (pg. 936) Isn't that interesting? Peter's words made him a stumbling block, a baited trap, ensnaring not only himself, but potentially ensnaring anyone else who takes the bait. And here is the kicker.... all because he had his thoughts on "the things of man."

As Christians we cannot get lazy about where our minds dwell. We need to soberly recognize that Jesus calls Peter, Satan, because he set his mind on the things of man rather than the things of God. Therefore we can draw some very clear conclusions from this one verse. Number one, that Satan is identified as having his interest on the things of man and not the things of God. Number two, that we resemble Satan when we do the same. Number three, that setting our mind on the things of man takes us off course, making us and others stumble, becoming ensnared, and potentially keeping us and them, from our God-given assignments. It is important to recognize that when we BEND or BOW our mind, our thoughts, towards the ways of man, we are taking the bait, following Satan's lead, and setting ourselves and others up for some deadly captivity. In 2 Cor. 10:5, we are told to take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." I do not know about you, but I have some serious mind-work to do.

Precious Father, I surrender my mind to you. You tell me in Your Word that I have the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16). Through the power of Your Spirit, help me learn to recognize the thoughts of man and discipline myself to immediately expel them from my mind. Help me to choose the mind of Christ. Teach me how to replace man's thoughts, consistently and continually, with the Your Word, Your thoughts, and Your interests. Help me to speak the thoughts of God so that my words do not become a stumbling block for others. Continue to purify my mind and the mind of Your precious church. In Jesus name, Amen.

Elizabeth Ward

The Genuine Article

And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, he went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard it. Mark 11:13-14 (NKJV)

My daughter Dana and I were shopping at a flea market while on a mini vacation in Ohio. We stopped to look at some "designer" handbags, completely convinced that they would be obviously flawed in some way that we would walk away from the vendor without making any purchases. While we both love designer purses, we are not quite as in love with the hefty price tags. As we sifted through what we assumed to be designer "knockoffs", we were shocked. We could not find any evidence that these purses were anything but the genuine article. Finally Dana said to me "if these are not the real thing, they certainly fooled me and will fool anyone else. I cannot find anything fake about them." And although the purses appeared to be authentic I knew in my heart that they just could not be, nevertheless, we bought five handbags that day.

Those bags appeared to be genuine, and I cannot help but think how easy it is for us to do the same thing- appear genuine. We look like we are going about our Father's business: attending church, volunteering for each worthy cause to come down the pike, doing everything that has the appearance of the authenticity of faithful believers.

In the story from the book of Mark, Jesus walked by a fig tree that appeared to be a healthy, fruit bearing tree, yet it bore no fruit and he condemned the tree. This is a very frank commentary on what Jesus thought of something appearing to be what it was not.

Our appearance may seem genuine, but I wonder what deep and honest look in the mirror would reveal. Are we simply appearing to be followers of Christ or are we the genuine article? I think of all the things in my life that have the appearance of legitimacy: a taped and pinned up hemline, eyelashes, subtly highlighted hair. Lacking authenticity in those areas isn't a cause for concern, because the truth is, at the end of the day those things don't have any lasting impact.

My relationship with Christ does have lasting impact, and I do not want to simply appear to be genuine. I do not want to be like the purses Dana and I found at the flea market, able to fool myself or others in regard to my relationship with Jesus Christ. I do not want others to have to examine me as closely as we examined the hand bags looking for tell tale signs of an imitation. It is complete surrender, love and devotion to our Savior that will demonstrate our authenticity. Choose to be genuine and choose a blessing.

Father, I ask your forgiveness for those times when I have given the appearance of following you with genuine devotion and my heart has been far from that. I thank you that your Spirit reminds me and draws me back into authentic relationship with you.

Amen.

Monica Mueller

A God Worth Knowing

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Isaiah 6:1, 3 (NIV)

I have made up a few resumes in my life and I always struggle with them. I am supposed to think of my best attributes, things I have done that are spectacular, why I would be perfect for this job. My thought processes go something like this: "Well, I am good at organization-no wait, my closet is a disaster-cancel that one. I am good at typing, if you do not count my 'need for speed' and all the mistakes I make as a result. I am good at." I go on and on, trying to find something that I can really shine at. And I honestly am good at some things, but there is always a catch. That catch is because I am a sinful creature. I am not perfect and have no chance at being perfect this side of heaven. Even if I can write a really good resume, in real life I flunk Perfection 101.

God, on the other hand, could write an awesome resume. His qualities are all top-rate and He never has trouble shining at anything He does. He has so many fantastic qualities I do not really even know where to start but one of His qualities that I absolutely love is His goodness. Goodness is often looked down upon in our world. Phrases like "goody-two-shoes" or "you think you are too good for me" or "brown-noser" come to mind. Of course, our attempt at goodness always has some aspect of sin thrown in, but God's never does. I think of all the movies or TV shows I have watched over the years; it is always a good ending when the good guys win. Our culture may not openly admit it, but goodness is the best way to go. It is the most fun to watch. It gives you a feeling of peace. When I think about God, it amazes me sometimes how blessed we are to have a good God. God's goodness makes Him approachable, it makes Him safe.

Another quality I find fascinating is God's holiness. I think I find that quality so intriguing because nothing on this earth comes close to it. I was trying to think of an analogy for His holiness and could not come up with a thing. The verse above describes the throne room of heaven and in it, the holiness of God is likened to the train of His robe and how it is a physical thing. It actually fills the entire temple. God cannot be separated from His holiness. It is Him. He even has His own song about it. Angels are proclaiming His holiness by singing and repeating "holy" three times. No where else in all of Scripture does the Bible repeat an attribute of God three times in a row. This is the real thing. This is who God is. He is holy.

God's incredible qualities go on and on-merciful, loving, faithful, jealous, forgiving, perfect, slow to anger, all-knowing, powerful, constant, orderly, patient-there are so many, this devotional could get really long. But the bottom line is: He is a God worth knowing. He alone is worthy of our love and devotion.

Precious Father, thank You for being who You are. Thank You for the opportunity I have to know You. Please help me to be like You.

Janine Miller

Will Love for Food

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me-you did it to me.' Matthew 25:34-40 (MSG)

We have all seen this scenario: man sitting along the highway with a sign wanting work or food or a ride somewhere. In the last few weeks, I have seen five or six. What do you do? My "female" side takes over and says, "NO WAY! I am defenseless if he really is not just waiting for those things." My compassionate side says, "Just buy him a burger and give it to him." My politically correctness comes out and thinks, "But maybe he is a vegetarian or is allergic to wheat products!" Whatever the excuse, it is just an excuse. Busyness, fear or plain old lack of compassion usually compels me to pass them by. But why? Why is this passage so hard to follow? Sure, I have volunteered to help complete strangers rebuild their hurricane-destroyed homes. I have served food to the hungry. I donate my clothes to Save and Serve or Goodwill. Something about planned compassion, kindness that has been checked and certified and is "official" is a safe way for us to live out this passage.

But is it the only way? Certainly not. I still do not know that if I was alone or with my six-year-old daughter if I would stop and help a stranded motorist or person looking for a ride. I guess I have seen too many movies, read too many books. But at the same time, is that the right way to view the situation? How long would the beaten man have lived in Luke 10 if the Samaritan man was not willing to take his own time and expense to care for him? Probably not long. Whose life am I playing with when I am not willing to extend a hand? I realize I am throwing a lot of questions out, but I am trying to get myself to think a bit. We face these issues on a broader scale, too. Anytime we as a society give something away, like the current issues of healthcare reform, welfare, and bailouts, are we living out the passage or enabling bad behavior? As you think about the issues, both big and small, color them with the light of Jesus' words in the passage above. Compassion can be controversial and sometimes unpopular. I do not pretend to have the answers to the questions I have asked, and I do not profess to know what government programs are compassionate or ridiculous. But think about it and ask yourself where you are making a difference. Think about this too: what would you want if you were in the shoes of someone who needed help? How would you want help?

Now, go and do just that.

God, give me compassion. Show me where and who I can help today. Give me the courage it takes to help a stranger, and grant me safety in doing what You have called me to do. Amen

Nikki Hamsher

Black Sheep

"I tell you the truth," [Jesus] continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown." (Luke 4:24 NIV)

I have grown to accept, even like, the notion that if I were a sheep, I would definitely be black. Or maybe brown or dark gray. Make me purple; it would only drive my point home: I am different. In my family, I have always stood out for going against the grain. I feel like I do not fit into my community because I have always felt a tug to leave it. I thought I was just being a rebellious teenager when the thought first occurred to me to leave, but that thought has not left for fifteen years. For some reason, though, I am still here. Even my spiritual gifts and the call I feel God has placed on my life scares me because it is so...different. It is different from those around me and it is also different from what I could ever imagine for myself.

I take personal comfort in this particular verse, knowing that my Savior was not even loved or accepted by everyone. I know that the life of Jesus is peppered with rejection and people who misunderstood or refused to believe him. But in this statement, in his own words, he wears it as a badge of honor. I know that even in rejection I am in great company. I am reminded that I am not here to please people, but to serve Jesus, to worship God and to spread the Gospel by word or deed to those around me. Rejection, the feeling of being different or not fitting in, is part of being human. I take comfort in that Jesus faced these same hurts, but still was steadfast and undeterred in his purpose and mission.

God, I ask that you remind me who I am serving. Help me to remember that people will misunderstand and reject the truth, but I am to remain faithful to You alone. Strengthen me to deal with those that oppose Your Word, and soften my heart to accept Your Word. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Refined by Fire

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:67 (NKJV)

Have you ever noticed that in nature, the highest peaks and roughest mountain crags make the most spectacular waterfalls? The force of the water has eroded the rock and what began as destruction is turned into breathtaking beauty. That is the amazing thing about our Creator; the most devastating pain we experience can become, in God's hands, His richest blessing. How can that be? In human terms it is incomprehensible; we cannot understand it, but for God - it is a promise in His word.

A number of years ago, my life was full and busy with being a pastor's wife, a working mother, and a fledgling writer. Life was stressful, but then whose is not? Being wife and mother was hectic, my job challenging, and the ministry often difficult. Then I discovered that my best friend, my pastor, my husband of twenty-three years had been unfaithful to me.

As surely as the Twin Towers fell, my own life seemed to collapse around me. My trust was shattered, my children, my marriage crushed; the devastation was beyond anything I could ever imagine. In those first moments it seemed that all I had believed in - all we as a family had stood for, all we had sacrificed - everything we had lived was a sham. A lie. But in that billowing cloud of carnage and rubble of the disintegration of all that I thought I knew to be true, one thing had not been crushed, one thing had not crumbled, one thing had not been desolated, one thing stood firm - God and His Word.

Like those spectacular waterfalls God brought the healing, rushing waters of His grace and restoration to our lives. A holy God who reconciles sinful man to Himself can use anything for His honor and glory.

Thank you, Father, that in Your boundless grace, unending mercy, and unfailing love You grant Your power of restoration and reconciliation to anyone who comes to You. Reveal Yourself in us that we might be found unto Your praise, honor, and glory. Amen.

Missy Horsfall

This devotional submission is one of the many featured in our Daily devotional guide available at the right side of this page.

I Am The True Vine

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4(NIV)

After being away for a week, I returned home to the potted flowers on my porch in desperate need of water. The green had mostly turned yellow and hardly any flowers were blooming, it was not a pretty sight. I really did not think they would come back, but I watered them and they now look beautiful once again.

It never ceases to amaze me how many parallels God has made with nature and us. I am reminded of the Parable of the sower in Matthew 13. A plant cannot thrive without good soil, and the right combination of sunlight, and water. The same is with us in our Christian walk. If we are not planted firmly in all of God's true living word we will wither and become lifeless.

My flowers may have continued to survive without me, with the little rain they get off the porch, but flowers are not meant to look like that. It is just as my mother says, pretty is as pretty does. When I have not taken the time to spend time with my God, I recognize my heart resembling those thirsty flowers. I do not want to merely survive this life with the little rain that trickles down off the porch. I want God to fill my cup and overflow it. I want to produce the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Jesus said if we remain in him he will remain in us. We cannot do anything on our own, why do we so often try? We are connected to the everlasting life source of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true vine. The Father, who is our gardener, may have to painfully prune us at times, but it is only to help us bear even more fruit. Every plant must be taken care of; no branch can bear fruit by itself.

Father, Thank you for being the True Vine and for giving us true life. Help us all to realize real life in you, full of many fruits and much joy.

Sarah Hostetler

Pressure Cooker

On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark. They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings. Genesis 7:13, 14

Spending vacations, weekends and other events with extended family can be a real challenge, especially when it is your extended family. Personalities and agendas can clash (or worse) with what our own expectations may be. Recently, I spent a weekend with my husband's family at an out-of-state wedding. Traveling together, staying in the same hotel and spending all day together for 3 days can sound like fun, but does not necessarily always end up as fun. By Sunday, I was ready to go home. Nothing horrible happened, no fights broke out and nobody argued, but just the stress of living together with different people can place added strain on everyone. Just making a decision about where to eat can lead to a fight. Thankfully, nothing like this happened, but just not knowing when something might escalate can make everything a little more than tense. We all made it through just fine, but arriving home was great. To be in my own bed, my own shower and making my own choices felt so liberating!

After that, I looked at the passage above with newfound respect for Noah. I cannot imagine the insane pressure he was under and the ridicule he faced just in building the ark. Then, he had to cram all of his family, all the animals in pairs and the supplies needed for their adventure, into a relatively small boat, and just wait for the rain to come and carry them away to who knows where. I am certain the family had more than one argument. I am sure there were slamming doors and bruised egos. The hard work of taking care of the animals and keeping the boat floating probably did not help in diffusing any of the pressure.

Sometimes just getting along with people can be hard work. Strong personalities can get stronger, while weaker people get run over. The same thing happens wherever people gather: church committees, friendships and businesses. As long as were breathing, we generally have to interact with others. Ephesians 4 speaks of how we are to get along with others. Getting rid of anger and bitterness (verse 31), speaking kindly and building each other up instead of tearing people down (verse 29), and being plain old kind to each other (verse 32) is key in making relationships work. As you come into contact with others, especially those with whom you do not necessarily get along with, remember Noah and his family on the ark. They survived! Remember also our call in Ephesians 4, to speak kindly, act compassionately and most importantly: forgive each other. Do your part, and you might inspire others to do their part.

God, help me to control my tongue and my ego. Give me the strength to act kindly towards others, whether they are family, friends or strangers. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Princess of the Most High King

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days are ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)

The sun is shining bright and beautiful outside, but the darkness of my bedroom feels cold and damp, penetrating deep into my soul. I spent hours last night comforting my sobbing daughter, trying to convince her that she is a princess of the Most High King. She is beautiful, not just on the outside, but on the inside too. She is loved more than she could ever imagine, and God has a wonderful and awesome plan for her life. I sang to her, I prayed with her, and finally she fell asleep with peace overtaking her pain.

I look at photo albums and old pictures of my daughter before her eating disorder. They are telltale signs of the contrast difference to her current hollow cheeks and downcast eyes. At what point along the passage to womanhood did she take a wrong turn, traveling down a horrible, abusive and dangerous road of an eating disorder? Where is her joy and that 'love for life' that filled each picture before the eating disorder took up residence? I sit and feel like such a failure as a mom to my young daughter and to the Lord who entrusted her to me. The tears do not easily stop.

Eating disorders have many causes. The current body-awareness culture that impacts our children, especially our daughters, puts pressure upon them to conform to unrealistic standards of outward appearance. We have counseled our daughter not to be caught up in appearance and not to embrace the world's misguided values. However, I know personally, when it comes to appearance, the words can fall on deaf ears. True selves are put aside to become who the culture says we should be, and the result can become an eating disorder.

I am reminded of my own striving to "conform" to the world around me, and having my own preconceived ideas of what my daughter should be, based on the "world's" standards. I saw how we each, in our own way, desire the outward appearances the world values. I know that God's values are different. He has no place for conformity to the world. He never intended for us to all be the same, because He created us individually! Who better understood this than David, the shepherd boy chosen to become King? He praised God for creating him as an individual.

Dear Father, please help us not to place more value on outward appearance over inner qualities. Help us to love and respect the individual within us. Please use our uniqueness and help us Lord, to honor You with our lives.

Tammy Koser

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The Belt of Truth

Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground.Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist... Ephesians 6:13-14

Have you ever grown impatient with God? Last week I reached a point where I was downright frustrated. I am not proud of that. I was unsettled and irritable. I felt like I had no sure footing- as if I was mentally, emotionally and spiritually 'thrown'. I cried, I pouted, I grouched- the 'party' was big and it was not pretty. I was growing weary and lost sight of the promise God had given me.

We are in a spiritual battle and Paul has given us a charge: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (v. 10). We must be empty of ourselves and filled up with Him- completely dependent. We must realize we are fighting against a deadly enemy whose schemes are predictable but gravely serious (v. 12). But then Paul gives us a battle plan: We must put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, we can stand our ground. This day of evil is not some far-off future event that we do not need to concern ourselves with, but it is any day when we face Satan's attempts to bring us down. It is today.

Paul begins spelling out the battle plan with the first piece of armor- the belt of truth. This belt of truth can represent Christ because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This belt can also represent the Word. Jesus says in John 17:17 that the Word of God is truth. This word "truth" can also mean living in integrity and obedience. Whether it is one or all three combined, the belt of Truth keeps us from being thrown to and fro in the battles of life. It is our support, it keeps us grounded, rooted and centered on Christ and the task at hand. I have been waiting on a revelation from God for months. However, at the beginning of this journey, God led me to His promises found in Psalm 25. He placed the belt of truth around my waist knowing that the next several months may get a bit stormy and I would need an anchor of His to hold on to. He is so gracious. Satan has attempted to discourage me, frustrate me regarding God's time frame and plant seeds of doubt in my mind about God's character. Satan would love to distract me and hinder what God has called me to. When I have become unsettled and frustrated, it is the belt of truth which holds me firm to that which I am convinced. It keeps my heart and vision focused on Him. God is good and He is faithful. He does not let those who trust in Him to ever be disgraced. He leads us by His truth and teaches us. He reveals the right path for us to follow. He rescues us from the traps of our enemy. He is a friend to those who fear Him.

The belt of truth. Do you have it in place and buckled?

Lord, thank you for the belt of truth. You and Your Word are truth and the anchor that holds me firm. Keep me grounded in You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

The Lesson of the Honeybee

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:3, 4 (NIV)

Have you ever stopped and watched a honeybee? I find them fascinating. I also have had a little closer look at them than most since my husband keeps several hives of bees in the far back corner of our yard. I have helped him care for them on occasion and as I watch them work and dance and just rest it occurs to me that God knows each one of those little creatures. He knows which ones are lazy and which ones are working their little tails off to get that pollen into the comb. He knows which ones are caring for the babies and which ones are guarding the hive. He knows each of those bees individually (I almost said "by name" but I do not actually know that). If He takes the time to know each of my honeybees, how much more care does He take with me, someone created in His own image? How much more concern and love does He shower me with?

In Psalm 8, David talks about the very same thing. He looks at the sky and sees the heavenly bodies and it amazes him that the God who made such incredible beauty should be concerned with him. The God who set the moon and the stars in place is mindful of people, of each individual person, of David himself. And the God of the universe is mindful of me. That just blows my mind. He who cares for my bees by giving them flowers for pollen, dew for water, and providing them with a queen to continue their species, knows me. If He cares for the bees like that, creatures that are here today and gone tomorrow, how much more does He care for me?

Why in the world do I go through my days worrying about things that might happen? Why do I spend my time frantic about daily finances or college scholarships or medical problems when the Creator of heaven and earth knows me personally and cares deeply about what happens to me? I do not know. Maybe because I am very forgetful and have to be reminded over and over again to just quit worrying about life and trust Him. And since God cares for me so much and is aware of my forgetfulness problem, He sends me little reminders like my honeybees to let me know how important I really am to Him.

God, You are awesome. You are constantly reminding me how much You love me. Please forgive me for forgetting. Thank you for never giving up on me and for continuing to send little reminders to help me remember You are there and that You will always be there to take care of me.

Janine Miller

A FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES

...Your word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in. Indeed I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9

It has been my prayer for many years now, that the Lord would give me an insatiable appetite for the Word of God. There were times in my Christian life when I struggled to understand His Word or didn't make it a priority to spend time in the Word each day. I came to a place in my Christian walk where I confessed these challenges to the Lord. Humbling myself before my merciful God, I began to ask Him for a supernatural desire for the Word of God.

Like the persistent knocker found in Luke 11:8, my desire to know, love, and understand the Word of God ran so deep within me, I shook the "halls of heaven" with my persistent prayers. Through the grace and power of God, this verse in Jeremiah, is now the reality of my heart. The Word of God is like a fire, shut up in my bones. The seed of the Word of God has literally become life to me and I physically long for it, if I don't get it. Just like our physical bodies need food, our spirits need the Word of God. The Word begs to take hold of us, to feed us, to become part of us to such a degree, that we, as people of God, ultimately grow weary of holding it in.
Precious Father, by your grace and power, plant a deep and passionate longing for the pure milk of the Word of God within my heart. May my spirit long for the truth of your word, like my physical body longs for nourishing food. It is my desire that if I neglect your Word, I would feel a physical ache in my body that leaves me no choice, but to open my Bible, and take time to feast on the living, life changing, Word of God. Amen

Elizabeth Ward

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Fear

"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Genesis 22:12 (NIV)

Fear is something I have come to, well, fear. Generally, it isn't a good feeling or one I want to go around feeling a whole lot. Fear is different from excitement or exhilaration or thrill. That kind of "fear" comes when you are bungee jumping or riding a roller coaster. You know deep down that you will be perfectly safe. Real fear means that danger, serious danger, is imminent. It means that every decision, every word, every action could lead to improving one's safety, or increasing the threat at hand. If fear is something we humans tend to avoid, then why does God command us to fear Him (Deuteronomy 6:13, et al.)? Fearing God is mentioned hand-in-hand with serving Him and keeping His commandments. Do we fear God today?

The story in Genesis where Abraham is one arm's swing away from sacrificing Isaac is a classic example of going all the way for God. Abraham so feared God that he was willing to kill for Him. The Lord recognized his fear and stopped Abraham seconds before the sacrifice took place. I wonder what would have happened to Abraham had he not been willing to go that far for his Lord.

I do not know anyone, nor have I ever felt the call to do this to my child. But I wonder, where would God take me, what would He do, if I truly feared Him? Sometimes we only see one side of God. We either see the harsh, unmoving God who only punishes. Other times we see the God of grace and mercy. Hardly ever are these two characteristics reconciled. God combines these two in the example of Abraham. He shows that He can demand whatever He wants, even without our understanding or approval. I am certain Abraham did not want to sacrifice Isaac, but did so out of sheer obedience. But God also showed His mercy and grace by stopping Abraham before he had to go through with it. On the flipside, God showed mercy and grace by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus, on the cross. God showed us through both those examples that He will never lead us astray. He proved both days that fearing Him, which requires faithful and unwavering obedience, will never take us off course.

God, build in me faith that does not blow off course, but obeys Your will no matter what it requires of me personally. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Sacrificing or Serving

Therefore brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Yesterday we had the distinct pleasure of serving. Yes, it was a pleasure, yes we did it with joy (a little less at the times when it rained). We offered ourselves up to be the hands of God to others. We attend a church that decided to close the church (the building) for the day, and go out into our community to serve. It was labeled "go- 09 Community Impact Day" We took the church outside the walls of the building, and took it to the lives of those that "we served. We stepped out of the pattern of the world, and transformed our minds into service. It makes you feel absolutely amazing. We think of serving as a 'chore' or something not pleasurable. Yet, when we step out of our comfort zones (out of our normal Sunday go to church routine) and step into the rolls of 'being the church' it changes your mindset.

I do not typically put pictures in the devotionals, but I want to give you an idea of how many were involved.

Here is our group minus three. I am taking the picture, and two of our group went to love on another family member when we were finished. Here we are... hot , sweaty, and wet. After we washed cars, swept them, washed the windows and cleaned the seats for our parents that are Senior citizens, or other Senior citizens that we know.

The back of the shirts say:

"The Church Has Left The Building"

And that is just what we did. There were probably between 1500-2000 people

within this community serving. Some worked at schools, some did construction repairs, some did yard work and the list goes on...

Is this what it means to offer ourselves as living sacrifices? Well, yes in some ways I believe it is truly that. We worked diligently, we worked together for one purpose. To be servants of the Most High God. Were we tired? You bet? Did we worry when the skies were dark with rain?

ABSOLUTELY! See the puddles?

But, after we began and really got into what we were doing, the skies began to clear. We were able to complete six cars, and sweep and clean the inside on another. Everyone was working unto the Lord.

I believe that as we did our jobs, that it was something that pleased God. It transformed our thoughts, it renewed our hearts toward God and to people.

What a privilege it is to serve!

Lord, help us to look forward to serving You. No matter how we do it. Help us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, and to represent You to others! Amen

Below: A job done as unto the Lord!

Becki Reiser