Stepping on to the Battlefield

Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:7

This week, I have not written a "regular" devotional. It serves more as a reminder and word of encouragement to guard the truth Christ has revealed to us. Last weekend, Circle of Friends hosted a women's conference entitled, "A New Name: Discovering who you are in Christ." All of us were challenged and encouraged through worship, testimony, workshops and teaching. We had the opportunity to lay down our old names and receive new ones Christ has given us. How are we doing walking in our new names this week?

Have we "picked up" any old names that we laid down before God last weekend? Have we allowed others or situations to label us?

Have we encountered struggles that have challenged or hindered us from walking in truth? What were they?

Are we choosing to battle or succumb if we have encountered lies?

How are we choosing to battle?

What is the believer's Battle plan (See above verse for reminder)?

Let's be reminded to keep Truth center. We must run to the Word and cry out, guarding our hearts so that Satan cannot steal the Word from us (Luke 8:11-12). Battling isn't easy. Transformation isn't easy. But both are essential for life.

Do the goose thing and keep encouraging one another with truth! :-)

Lord, strengthen us and protect our hearts and minds. Give us wisdom to see the lies that we are hit with everyday. Enable us to believe and walk in Your Truth as we take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Let's Get Ready to Rumble - Part 2

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. Scripture Reference: Genesis 32:24

The match between the two was relentless. Each of the wrestlers determined not to give in. Hours pass and the "Man" and Jacob continue kicking up dust as they secure their footing. As the dust rises up to the face of the 'Man', He is reminded of the moment He formed man and breathed into him. When He grabs at Jacob's arms and shoulders, He touches the skin, his flesh, and sees that the carnality of man is strong and must be tamed. So the 'Man', who is God, shows His sovereignty and strength and touches Jacob's hip. "If Jacob is to walk out the promise I professed to him", God reflects, "then I must wrest this old paradigm, this old mode of operation he is used to doing." God notices that Jacob's wrestling becomes more zealous-it is different from the beginning. "It is almost daybreak, let me go", God asks of him. He wonders if Jacob understood what He asked him "Jacob, my son, do you want to attain this promise legitimately? Understand that no flesh can glory in My Presence." Jacob responds, "I will not let you go unless you bless me".

God smiles because He heard the response He has desired from His wrestling partner "Yes Lord, I want to do this your way! No more self-reliant, self-preserved, self-sufficient supplanter. Have your way, Lord." God notices Jacob's hard-earned sweat was mixed with a steady flow of tears as Jacob spoke. Now, God pins him and looks Jacob dead in the eyes and inquires, "What is your name?" Jacob tells God what he understood about himself. God's Spirit spoke into Jacob's spirit, "My child, my child--how do people know you? Let me tell you who you are as I know you. You are the one who wrestled with the One who created you.You are the one who wrestled against your past deception and past scheming, and you overcame! You are no longer Jacob, but Israel!!" Then the one who was called the "Deceiver" exits the match as the "Overcomer".

Dear one, the intention behind God wrestling Jacob is the same reason He desires to do the same with you. God longs to bless you. He is determined for you to have life and have it more abundantly in Him. Are you ready to relinquish it all to Him? Are you ready to accept the new and surrender the old? Are you ready to answer to a new name, your true name? If your answer is yes, then all that can be said can be summed up in five words: Let's get ready to rumble.

Show me Father that I need to trust You completely, and relinquish everything, so that You can be more abundant in my life. Amen

Tammy Miller

Let's Get Ready to Rumble Part 1

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Genesis 32:24-28 (NIV)

For the record, I am not a WWF fan or novice. I have never liked anything about it except one thing-the announcer starting off the evening with the proclamation, "Let's Get Ready to Rumble!!" Even though the wrestling matches leave much to be desired, you knew from that announcement something big was about to happen. The same can be said of one of the most popular wrestling matches of all time. I have heard pastors preach about the tenacity of Jacob desiring the blessing of God. What about the 'opponent's' point of view? What was God's intention for the match of a lifetime?

Let's start with the pretext of this story. Jacob had left Laban in a tense departure due to some under-handed dealings by Laban (see Genesis 31). As Jacob and his family left, they were heading toward his brother, Esau's territory. Terrified that Esau was coming to make good on his threat to kill him, Jacob cried out to the Lord to save him. He reminded God but you have said, "I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand in the sea, which cannot be counted" (Genesis 32:12 NIV). The match began. God and Jacob in the throes of the night, one trying to pin the other; both are strong opponents. It almost seems nonsensical that God would initiate this wrestling in the most stressful, life-threatening time for Jacob.

Nevertheless, it was necessary for this to happen, but not for the obvious reason of Jacob being saved from imminent death and destruction. This was about God answering Jacob's prayer and following through to see that nothing would stand in the way of His Covenant promise. Let me bring this to your house. Are you in the beginning phase of a wrestling match with God? Has He been initiating this match to see what He has promised come to fruition? Have you been hesitating because you don't know what is on the other side of the wrestling match or even in the midst of it?

Holy Father, I thank you that you are a tenacious God who is deserving of all my praise. Help me Lord to understand that You desire the best for me and that you desire for me to be the best Me. Help me to remember that Your thoughts are not my thoughts and that my ways are not Your ways. So, I yield myself to You. Amen.

Tammy Miller

Community

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2:46, 47a (NIV)

Imagine it is midnight. Five kids are buzzing up and down steps, asking for more candy. Sitting around a dining room table, several adults go from laughing, to nearly crying and back to laughing again. A two-year-old tries to take another piece of chocolate off the table and is probably more successful than the adults realize. They also don't realize the game they started playing several hours before sits unfinished in front of them, the conversation too interesting to be interrupted. Plates of Chex mix are spilled on the living room floor, where a children's movie is playing, but the kids are too busy playing themselves to notice. At this very moment, people are sharing their home, their hearts and their lives with each other. Community is being established. People are becoming comfortable with another. They are revealing situations, trials and heartaches they have never spoken of to others before. They are also relaying good things that have come out of these problems. They are sharing their experiences and their triumphs. The "aha!" moments are coming. "I have been there, too," is said a lot. People are connecting, feeling less alone with their problems, knowing that someone else has been in the same boat or realizing that someone else is in the same boat. This is community.

I imagine the verses above describing similar events. A shared faith, a shared life played out as the early Christians sought comfort with each other as the new faith blossomed around them. They ate together, prayed together and learned together. They talked about the challenges that lied ahead for them all. Where would this new faith lead them? To ultimate comfort? To happiness? To death? They knew not where the road was heading, but they had each other. They had a fellowship of believers, a church if you will, and they knew that God's presence was with them. It was a 'best of times' scenario.

I like to think of these verses whenever I am in the midst of a group of believers. I know it is a bit idealistic, and I am sure there were times of discord and strife. But to know that true community, true sharing, can be achieved here on earth to help us through the struggles of life, encourages me. To know that there are friends I can call and talk to and know they understand brings me peace of mind. Sometimes just knowing is enough to help me through. We have a great example of people coming together to help each other through the daily ups and downs, and we need to better emulate that. They weren't too busy to help one another out. They had time to sit down and talk, to share a meal, to relate to others. Every time our small group comes together like we did a few weeks ago, I can't wait for the next time. The scenario at the beginning happened only two weeks ago, and yet I find myself longing for the next time we can all get together and share. My prayer is that you also have time for community, whether it is with a group of friends or establishing it with in your own family. Take time to do as the early Christians did, breaking bread with one another, listening and sharing as you grow closer in Christ.

God, in our busy, individualistic lives, help us to establish community with each other. Assist us in finding friends that we can truly share our lives with as we walk the road of life. Thank you for allowing humans to communicate and build relationships with each other. Give us the courage to do so. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. Romans 14:12-13 (NKJV)

I vividly remember the first time 'religious liberty' affected my life. I was a young teen, spending summer vacation in Wisconsin at my grandparents, and wanting to listen to the radio on a Sunday afternoon. My cousin was playing in a baseball championship game and I was so excited that I was actually able to hear his name and share this moment. I remember lying on the bed crying after my grandma left the room. It was Sunday afternoon; the Lord's Day. They did not partake in any activity other than eating and sleeping and visiting with friends on Sunday. We were not allowed to listen; my cousin's team won.

In our walk with Christ, understand each person is accountable to Christ, not to others. We need to take a stand against activities that are contrary to scripture, but we also must be very careful not to create our own rules, and add them or make them equal to God's. Our own opinions, standards and prejudices cannot be the basis of our interpretation of God's Word, or our view of how others should be living. This is evidence of a weak faith. God alone is capable and powerful enough to lead each of His children and guide them in their walk with Him. We will each give account of our life and activities individually.

Both strong and weak Christians can cause their brothers and sisters to stumble. At times a strong Christian may appear arrogant in their way, while a weaker Christian, not as established or mature in the Word, may become defensive against the actions of the strong. Dissention and doubt set in and Satan can begin to work. Instead, recognize your own strengths and weaknesses and constantly be aware of how your actions and attitudes are affecting others. Strive to learn and seek God's intentions for your life.

Paul urges us not to judge one another. Throughout chapter 14, he proposes circumstances that cause us to evaluate our sensitivity toward those whose faith may be harmed by our actions. We cannot sacrifice our freedom in Christ in order to please those who may be trying to force their opinion on us. We need to live with the convictions we have and not those of others. When we stand before Christ, the differences will fade and we won't be concerned about what others have done.

Most importantly, follow Christ as closely as you can! Make sure your convictions are based on the flawless Word of God and not on the traditions and whims of man. There will be times when we make mistakes along the way and our actions create a stumbling block in the life of another. When we are walking closely with God and allow Him to guide us, He can use those blocks we created and turn them into stepping stones for His glory.

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we cause someone to stumble. Make us and use us to be stepping stones in the lives of others.

Janet Stutzman

6:01 a.m.

For my determined purpose is that I may know Him (that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly). Philippians 3:10 (AMP)

I had been wanting to get up earlier in the morning to enjoy a quiet uninterrupted time of prayer and reading God's Word. Several mornings in a row I overslept and pulled myself out of bed at the regular hour. Disappointed with my lack of discipline, I prayed one night that when my alarm went off the next morning the Lord would enable me to get up. When the alarm went off at 6:01, I turned it off and laid back down beginning to doze. At that exact time, I heard a very loud vehicle driving up the road past my house. All of a sudden a man's voice bellowed from the vehicle, "GET UP!" I jumped from my bed, wide awake. I have to admit I was slightly freaked out until I processed what had just happened. I shook my head and laughed. God heard my prayer and wanted to spend time with me too.

God wants to reveal Himself to us so we can know Him more intimately. He does it through His Word, through creation and through very tender and personal situations where you know without a shadow of a doubt that He is speaking. Just like we spend time with friends and family and become familiar with their likes and dislikes, know their voice and what sounds like them and what doesn't, God wants us to spend time with Him. His desire is for us to know His heart, character and nature. When we know His heart we can trust Him, even when we don't understand what He may be doing in our lives.

Lord, thank You for wanting to show me Your heart. Give me a determined purpose to know You more. Give me a hunger for Your Presence and Your Word and reveal Yourself to me. As I go about my days, may I recognize You in them and grow to trust You completely. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

The Love of Christ

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:17b-18 NIV

It amazes me just how much God loves us! I read the above scripture and I think about the Grand Canyon. Yet, even that is small in comparison to God's love.

I have had to deal with a lot of situations in my own life where I have felt unloved and unloving. At the same time I have also been in situations where I felt immersed in love, and felt free to return it. Recently I have been operating more so in the second type. God knew the struggle I was going through about missing a loved one, and it was beginning to get me down. So much so that I felt that feeling of depression knocking on the door to my heart.

Through a mistaken identity on a certain computer program (I will not mention what it was, I'll let you figure it out) Nevertheless, God knew my heart was aching. I tried to make contact with someone that I thought was one person, but turned out to be someone else. I felt foolish and embarrassed, but God knew what He was doing.

One thing led to another and we have become fast friends and I have even had the wonderful opportunity to meet this person (she is from another state). This has turned out to be a most amazing thing. I hear from her daily, sometimes multiple times during the course of the day. I never cease to be encouraged by her. She has such a heart for God! I can see God in everything she says! This has been a very encouraging thing for me. I feel as though God heard my hearts cry, and knew the things I was struggling with, and plopped this very special young woman of God into my life.

I must say that it was the very last thing I expected to happen. Through this relationship that began as an accident, I have felt the love of God in way that has been a missing part of my life for many years.

When Paul wrote the words in the above scripture, I feel sure that something special must have happened to make this a very real thing in his life and he wanted to let us know just how important it is for us. We really have no idea about how much God loves us. I do not think our small minds can absorb it, truly! God cares about everything that concerns us. He wants to show us just how much He cares by doing things that prove His love to us in different ways.

This is how God showed me His love, it is wide, long, deep and high. It is amazing! I am so thankful that He chose this way to show me how much He cares!

Father, even when my heart is aching and feels like it is breaking for the lack of something, I can trust You to show me just how much you do care, and how much you love me. Thank you Lord and I love You too!

Becki Reiser

The Way

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NIV

Have you ever had someone tell you,"all roads lead to Heaven." I even have a friend who says that surely God is smart enough to make more than one way.

Well.I just returned from a vacation where it took a total of six flights to get to where we were going and back. And every single time before takeoff, the flight attendant reviewed all of the safety precautions. And every single time, we were told that in case of an emergency, a light along the floor would show us the way to escape. Just follow the path.

And do you know - not one person questioned it. No one argued - what if I don't want to follow that particular path? Surely the builders of this plane were smart enough to create more than one way out. No -- we all accepted it -- gratefully.

Well - there is an emergency -- it's called our sinful condition. And our Father God loves us so much that He created a way of escape in the person of Jesus Christ - The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

Lord, show me the sin in my life, show me the way that I need to go, so that my sins will be forgiven and will lead me to eternity. Amen

Suzie Thomas

Patience Tried

If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints. Revelation 13:10 (NIV)

Bad things happen to everyone, whether through choice or circumstance. Sometimes, it seems certain people or families have the same types of problems over and over again. Maybe your family seems to have medical issues. You or your family member deals with one sickness, and just then another hits. Cancer, a car accident, and then a heart attack. Yours could be money. You dig yourself out of one financial pit, and then another one smacks you from around the corner. Maybe divorce creeps through your family like a flooding river, filling up every available space. I always have to think of the famous Kennedys when I think of family problems and patience tried. We all are familiar with the tragedies the family has faced with the assassinations of President Kennedy and his brother Robert, then the calamitous deaths of John Jr. and his wife Caroline, not to mention the numerous other catastrophes that have plagued the family for years. Apparently, money, fame and power do not always guarantee a happy life like we think it does.

God practically promises we will face struggles, as He clearly states here in Revelations 13:10.Death is not out of the question, neither is captivity. Heartbreak abounds in our lives; there is no way to cure it. Eradicating misery is not going to happen on this planet. But we have hope. We are called to patiently endure these things. We are called to raise our faith. We are called to be saints. Not run of the mill believers. We are called to be particularly virtuous, exceeding the expectations of those around us when it comes to holy living. We are not to grow soft, but to continue to fight the good fight, even when others around us are falling away. We are instructed to do this in 1 Timothy 6:11-12, when Paul charges us to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness" and to "Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called."

Even in the face of many trials and setbacks, we have to press on. We have to remain faithful witnesses of God's enduring love and eternal care. We must be the saints that cannot be knocked down because of the hardships we face, but are strengthened and enriched by them. We have an advantage; we know we will face distress in our lives. We know we will see great troubles. . Hold fast to Him when another problem comes out of nowhere. He will be right there with you, providing the comfort and reassurance you need.

God, be with me through the trials I face today and tomorrow. Thank you for Your promises of never leaving me, even when it feels like You aren't there. Increase my faith so that I can hold on to You. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Gratitude

Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods. Exodus 18:11 (NKJV)

In my parent's home is a beautiful oval oak stand with softly curved legs. It was hand-made by a man who was suffering from years of alcoholism. The stand was a gift of appreciation for the friendship my dad shared with him. After years of weekly prayers at our Wednesday night church services and many visits and hours of friendly conversation and sharing the gospel, my dad received a call one night. This man, my dad's friend, wanted to accept God's gift of salvation, and he wanted my dad to be there with him. What a great example us; the importance of the respect these two men developed for each other. My dad was not harsh and demanding, ridiculing or impatient. As a result, he was always welcome in the home of his friend. The beautiful oak stand is a symbol of gratitude. Dad's friend is in heaven now, and I am thankful for the memories of how God worked in his life.

When Moses was fleeing from Pharoah, he found himself in the desert near Midian. He came upon some women, and he helped them through a dispute at the local well. Their father Jethro, in appreciation, invited Moses to their home, and Moses stayed there. During that time he married Jethro's daughter Zipporah. Jethro was not an Israelite.

Sometime after their two sons were born, God called Moses to lead the Israelites. Exodus chapters 3-17 tell of all the trials, plagues, deliverances and provisions God allowed on their journey. After forty years, upon their return, Jethro was reunited with Moses and they headed for the tent to talk. Jethro had heard the stories, but Moses re-told them all. Jethro then worshiped God wholeheartedly and rejoiced for all the good the Lord had done. In verse 10 he acknowledged that it was God who had delivered the people. Jethro came to recognize the one true God. Moses' one act of kindness more than forty years before began the process God used in Jethro's life to bring him to that realization.

The next day, Jethro watched Moses as he sat to listen and judge the disputes of the Israelites. Jethro realized the difficulty and suggested to Moses that he delegate some of these duties to other qualified men. Because of the respect and gratitude these two men had for each other, Jethro was able to approach Moses. Moses, certainly grateful for a wise solution, heeded the good advice of his father-in-law.

The definition of gratitude is simple; thankful appreciation for favors received. Gratitude does not happen overnight. It develops over time and deepens through experiences and relationships. When we walk with God, we cannot ignore the favor He shows us. Thankfulness comes easily, along with a desire to please God more.

Would others be able to say about us that our Lord is greater than all gods (anything we put in ahead of God)? Do our lives reflect the thankful appreciation we have for the favor God has shown us? Are we willing to be patient and diligent as we allow God to use us in the life of someone who is struggling in sin?

Our prayer can be from the words of a song:

I'm forever grateful to You; I'm forever grateful for the cross. I'm forever grateful to You; that You came to seek and save the lost.

Janet Stutzman

The Teacup and the Potter

Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully.We're so proud of you; you're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you.All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the Kingdom. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 (MSG)

There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in a beautiful antique store. This trip was to celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked, "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea cup spoke, "You don't understand." It said, "I have not always been a tea cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone,' but he only smiled, and gently said, 'Not yet!'

Then WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!', I screamed. But the master only nodded and said quietly, 'Not yet.' He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then.Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat.

I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet.'

When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh that felt so good! 'Ah, this is much better', I thought.

But after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh please stop it, Stop it!!" I cried. He only shook his head and said, 'Not yet.'

Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering what he is going to do to me next?

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!' Quietly, he spoke, 'I want you to remember.'

Then he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held.

Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"

No matter if we are just beginning in our faith walk or nearing the end, hardships come. They are one of the things we know we can expect in life. In fact, according to 2 Thessalonians 1, even when our faith is flourishing suffering occurs. Hardships are an avenue for Christ to be lifted up in our lives and for our own refinement. It hurts to be refined, but we are in the process of becoming a finished product. We are becoming what He had in mind since the very beginning.

(Author Unknown)

Sweet Jesus, thank You that You are there in the hardships and will not let us be destroyed. Thank You that You redeem hardship by conforming us to Your image. Be lifted up in our lives that all may see who You are. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Smoke Signals

God doesn't disregard our prayers

Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord; My cause is disregarded by my God" Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:27-28 (NIV)

You have been sending up smoke signals and emergency flares in the form of prayer. Minutes have turned into hours, hours into days, days into months. It has been a long time. And there is silence. A hateful silence. You feel as if you are stranded on a deserted island. Alone. You feel as though God has abandoned you and left you to fend for yourself. You run up and down the beach searching for ships-God, relationships, the church, self-esteem, books, anything -- anything to rescue you, to take you away from what seems like a God-forsaken place.

But you see no ships on the horizon. Instead, your lips are cracked. Your throat is dry. The sun is scorching you. You find your knees slowly buckling. And finally you slowly give in, collapsing from exhaustion onto the burning sand. You are convinced that you will die, die all alone. After all, your efforts to get God's attention have failed.

All this searching for God, it seems in vain. Maybe you don't believe in Him anymore. The pain murdered your belief. You're numb. There's no faith. Only delirium.

But every now and then you regain your wits. You faintly recall other times you have been in similar situations. In these sane moments, you remember God. Hebrews 13:5 God promises to never to leave you or forsake you. You remember the words of others who have spoken about His goodness. You remember their hope in Jesus and gather strength.

Your mind turns to remembering that He works all things together for good for all those who love Him Romans 8:28 and that Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, and that He promises to give you rest (Matthew 11:28). You gain more strength and courage, and realize that you are not stranded, that God is not oblivious to your prayers! All of sudden, you become certain that your prayers and petitions have been heard. God has seen your smoke signals. He has heard you screaming for help.

As you start to revive, you cry out, "I know that You always answer and do what You say You will do, but why is it always at the last minute? Why do You allow me to flail about and let me think I was stranded and all alone? Can't You just answer right away?"

He doesn't answer, but it doesn't bother you. You know that He is there. You are conscious of His presence, it quiets you, it calms your fears. The ship of faith has come! So you get up, and restfully wait.

Lord, I know that You have rescued me and will bring me into a spacious place. You gently remind me that You have never failed me and never ever will. Amen

Marlena Graves

A Heavenly Stimulus Act

"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart I will be found by you says the LORD." Jeremiah 29:12-14

Normally I can spot junk mail at 200 paces- it goes immediately from mailbox to hand to recycle bin, but today my junk mail radar was down. I opened an envelope that looked quite official, sent to me by the United States Government. The title read "Stimulus Act of 2008". Yes! This is exactly what I have been searching for. The government had recognized my financial need and was at last coming to my rescue. It looked like countless official government documents I have received over the decades which was why it was saved from the recycle bin in the first place. Continuing on, I read the fine print at the bottom of the page. "This product or service has not been approved or endorsed by any government agency and this offer is not being made by any government agency". Rats!

I realized, much to my dismay, how quickly that piece of mail had drawn my immediate attention. The mere fact that it had the appearance of being authentic caused me to open the mail, spend time reading its content, and then in the end be disappointed.

I couldn't help but think that God's word, The Bible is the one true, authentic and constant written word in my household. Yet very often I treat it as junk mail, choosing to disregard it for other things that have drawn my attention.

The truth is I am in need of a bailout of some kind or another, but it is probably not going to come as easily to me as simply opening a piece of mail.

In the scripture we are reminded repeatedly that it is our benefit to seek the LORD. Not just some cursory looking, but to seek Him with our whole heart and our whole soul. This is going to require something of me, some actual effort on my part. Seeking is a verb, it is an action and I cannot sit complacently waiting for my heavenly rescue. Spending time in the Word of God, personal prayer time, and worship, these are the activities I need to engage in to be truly seeking God.

I love the ending of our effort to seek the LORD, we will find Him. I cannot imagine any stimulus package that could offer a better payout.

Choose to seek the LORD and choose a blessing.

Father, I thank you that Your word is filled with promises meant specifically for me. That if I seek You will all my heart I will find You! I ask that You be near me this day, Your Spirit reminding me that I have a role in our relationship and I act on that by seeking You with all my soul, heart, and mind. Amen

Monica Mueller

When I Grow Up

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 (NIV)

When I graduated from high school, I had won a full scholarship for accounting. I turned it down at the last minute, changing my mind about the field I wanted to pursue. After a bit of soul-searching, I became convinced that was not the profession for me, so I backed out. I attended college for about a year and a half, but dropped out when I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to do. Ten years later, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I have several serious interests, and I am just not exactly sure what to pursue. Sometimes I feel like I have no clear cut direction, so following any at this time doesn't make any sense. Someday, in God's time, I will know what direction to go. But not right now.

Proverbs has some great wisdom on this dilemma of mine. It doesn't matter the plans I have, but God's purpose will triumph. If I can be patient, seeking His will, and accept advice and instruction from those I trust and sieve it through God's Word, then I will have done right. Maybe none of my interests will be the path He chose to lay out for me. I can tell you I would be one miserable accountant if I would have held steady with that path. I thank God He directed me elsewhere! Even though by the world's standards I haven't accomplished much, I know I didn't go down the wrong road.

So, if you feel like you maybe lost, remember these verses. Stay true to God and He will never lead you astray. And if you have made lots of plans, remember that God will direct you, and your plans may change. Be flexible enough to let Him guide you and you will end up wise.

God, remind me that You are in control, no matter my plan or lack thereof. Guide my steps everyday, so that I will walk the path you have laid out. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

God is Better

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:19-24 (NASB)

Not long ago a young adult approached me with a very discouraged spirit. She had been on a trip with a group of adults who questioned some of the standards she had established in her life. She felt isolated at times, and one person suggested this young lady felt superior in some ways because of her standards. She chose not to respond to her peers, but wondered how to come to the point in her life that she would be able to share why she took the stand she did.

These verses make it so clear for us when we find ourselves in a situation where we have to make choices. As believers we can trust the voice of the Holy Spirit so we must be careful not to quench His direction. We must never criticize the beliefs of others, but we should test all things against the Word of God. Hang on tightly to truth and reject anything that is false.

We live in a world saturated with sin, leaving us unable to avoid the presence of evil. However, we can make sure to avoid situations where we find ourselves tempted, and focus on obedience to God, every moment of every day. That is where the decision of establishing standards in our lives comes into effect. When we desire to live a life that is holy and one that brings glory to God, the God of peace Himself will sanctify us completely! The result; our whole spirit, soul and body will be considered blameless, innocent of accusation.

Friends, never be ashamed to set a high standard in your life. When your motivation is to bring glory to God and to abe a witness of His power in your life, there is reward.

If you are accused of "thinking you are better" in the world's opinion, I say, "God is better!"

Jesus, Thank You for giving us such a simple plan for living a life that is holy. Keep us focused on Your Word and renew our strength each day.

Janet Stutzman

Obedience or Fish Food

Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because wickedness has come up before Me. Bury Jonah ran away. Jonah 1:2-3a NIV

Let's think for a minute about Jonah. Here was a guy called by God to deliver a message of life and death. He chickened out. And a whole string of disasters followed: The storm at sea, being thrown overboard, and -- just maybe -- making the mistake of asking, "What else could possibly go wrong?" And then . along comes this fish...

But just as it looked like all was lost, Jonah prayed. From the cold, dark entrails of some great sea creature headed for the vast, watery who-knows-where, he surrendered his helpless situation into the loving hands of Almighty God. And in that very instant, the great fish - the terror of the deep, - was transformed into the perfect vessel to carry Jonah straight to the where he was supposed to be in the first place - safe and sound.

What's your disaster? God is able to transform it into a vessel to carry you safely to that perfect place as well.

Help me to be obedient and not fearful. Lead me Lord. Amen

Suzie Thomas

Blessed in the Stress

Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. Psalm 119:142-144 (NLT)

Ever feel like your life is way out of control? Are you an "over-committer"? If there is something that needs fixed or someone who needs help, do you find that you are the one who goes running to the rescue? As many times as my husband has told me to slow down or to work on saying "no", I seem to fail over and over. I suddenly find myself overwhelmed and wondering how I got there.

Life is busy, sometimes because of situations and sometimes because of our own making. I have learned the hard way that at times that I am most overwhelmed and "active", I must take time to spend with God in the Word. As I read these verses from Psalm 119, I was reminded again that in the energy-draining days of life it is His Truth that nourishes my parched soul. It is His Truth that brings joy and refreshment. It is His Truth that keeps me anchored when life is coming at me fast. It is His Truth that gets me through the day! His Word is essential in a busy life. Join me in taking time to meditate on His Word today.

Lord, draw me close to You. Help me to always put You first- in my day, in my decisions, in my passions. Transform me with Your Word. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Two Gum Grace

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NIV

When I was a little girl, my dad told me that I'd had enough bubble gum for one day. I disagreed and - when he wasn't looking - helped myself to another piece. How could he possibly know - I figured - if I just stay out of sight? Well -one out of control bubble and you can guess what a mess of evidence was stuck in my hair.

But my dad was a genius at making the most of a teachable moment -- he asked me if I had disobeyed him. What else could I say; I was as guilty as sin -- I could only confess -- yes. And then he said the words I'll remember all my life - "Because you told me the truth, I'm not going to punish you."

Mmm. Saved by grace.

We have a Heavenly Dad who knows exactly what we've done, too. And He says, when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. How will you respond to His saving grace today?

Father, please help me to be honest and tell you exactly what I have done so that I can be forgiven. Amen

Suzie Thomas

Walk With God

Do two walk together unless they agreed to do so? Amos 3:3 (NIV)

While waiting in the local bookstore, I found myself browsing through a little book with short devotional messages. I read several of them, but this one passage stuck with me. One of the picture moments it brought to my mind was from my elementary days attending AWANA in our church. One of the games we played was the three-legged race. My partner was my older sister. I remember running once in a championship, and marvel at how we made it that far. You see, we had a typical sister relationship. Doing anything together was rare, and in fact, we have opposite personalities. Yet, for this race, we tied our legs together after school every day for weeks and practiced our start, walking together first, then running, turning and reaching for the center pin. The two of us were intentional as we worked together and won together. I have silently giggled as these memories fade in and out of my mind.

The context of this passage has Amos prophesying a certain judgment for the Israelites because of their hardened spiritual condition. Their sin had blinded their ability to discern right from wrong, and they were far from God. In verse two, Amos reminded them they were God's chosen people. They had a rich history of God leading them and caring for them. God wanted to walk with His chosen, His loved ones, but they turned away from Him. They chose to walk alone.

In our human relationships it is a struggle at times to remain side by side. Simple misunderstandings, harsh words, neglect, or apathy can separate our walk with a good friend. The desire to be together fades unless both parties choose to work persistently at cultivating a close friendship.

God does not walk away from us. It is our sin that separates us from God. By choosing our own way, we disagree with God and find ourselves walking alone. We lose His strength, His joy, and we lose victory over sin.

What is awesome about God is that He desires to walk with us, and to care for us, just as he did for the Israelites. Micah 6:8 says God has shown us what is good and only requires from us that we act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. Ephesians 5:1-2 calls us to be imitators of God and live a life of love.to walk in love as Christ also loved us. 2 John 4 says that God rejoiced greatly when He found His children walking in truth!

Today, let's agree to walk with God! With Him by our side we can walk victorious through life. We don't have to walk alone.

Lord, we desire to walk with you; we need you by our side. Help us to be children who walk in your truth daily.

Janet Stutzman

Love Letters

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." Exodus 34:6, 7 (NIV)

I would never characterize the Ten Commandments listed in Exodus 20 and the rules outlined in the following chapters as love letters. There is nothing warm and fuzzy or dreamy about them, attributes we usually associate with that kind of romantic gesture. But after I became a parent, I realized just how "loving" rules can be. Reading the verses above reinforced how love-filled the set of laws really is.

What struck me first was that God Himself delivered these laws to Moses. In Exodus 34:28, we learn that Moses was with God on the mountain for forty days and nights. That kind of experience is unimaginable to me. God cared for us so much that He was willing to be face-to-face with humanity in the person of Moses for over a month. God meticulously laid out the standards of behavior for mankind in person. He didn't show Moses in a dream or leave Him a note or even appear in an object, like He did with the burning bush to Abraham, but appeared as Himself, in all His transforming power. He did this because He loved, and still loves, us. He chose to breach His own etiquette of using other people or objects and came by Himself, as Himself. The power of God's love showed up right there on a mountaintop.

These laws struck me as love when I became a parent because I found out firsthand that love in the form of guidance and discipline is the toughest and truest form of itself. The simple act of taking a beloved object away from a child or any other form of chastisement to demonstrate discipline or safety is one of the hardest things to do. But we do it because we love those we are charged with raising, whether they are our children or in our care for another reason. God's love started when He created us, and did not end when we were forced to leave Eden. That is when we could truly understand the breadth of His love. He didn't let our sin go unnoticed, and for our own good, set us out. The fact that He cares enough to give us guidelines for living, even starting in Paradise, proves that His ultimate purpose in creating us is to love us, just as a parent sets rules out of love for their children.

So the next time you study Exodus or any other book where God's law is set down, read it as a love letter to you, His child that He protects, and not as a list of do's and don'ts. His purpose in giving law is not to limit, but to allow us to fully and freely enjoy all that He intends for our lives.

God, remind me that Your law is for my protection and ultimate happiness. You don't set rules arbitrarily, but give them out of love. Help me to obey all Your precepts so that I may enjoy the life You have given me. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

It's a bad, I mean, good day!

Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever.Psalm 45:6

Have you ever had a day, or maybe even a season, where nothing went right?

A time when you thought something just had to "give" or you were going to explode? Have you ever felt like the bottom was dropping out beneath you and you just weren't sure how things were going to end up? This week I had a day where I felt the most vulnerable I have felt in a long time. Through silent tears and some questions directed to God, I laid down in my bed and this song from FFH popped into my head.

However long our feet have walked on this world,

We've all lived long enough to know

That sometimes life will go our way and other times it won't.

But still I've got this joy inside of me,

with each new dawn I do believe. To

Say hey, it's a good day,

Even if things aren't going my way.

Jesus is Lord and I am saved.

So, say hey, it's a good day.

Circumstances and situations change.

You know life can turn on a dime.

But there's a constant hope and peace

That I have come to find.

And it's all because of who God is

And that He is alive and I am His. So

Say hey, it's a good day,

Even if things aren't going my way.

Jesus is Lord and I am saved.

So, say hey, it's a good day.

We are all as happy as we make our minds up to be.

I have just decided that nothings gonna take this joy from me.

Whatever we are facing today, we aren't facing it alone. We have One who is sitting on the throne, who is Alive and Victorious, and holding us in the palm of His hands. Life can be crumbling down around us in some form or fashion, but the truth is that He is the foundation that never gives way. Because of who He is and that He calls us His, we can rest in knowing this truth above all else. It's gonna be a good day.

Lord, You are all that matters. You are my Foundation. You are the reason I live and sing. Fill my heart and mind with Your Peace and Presence today that I rest in nothing else but You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Ticker Tape Moments

Happy are the people who know how to praise you. Lord, let them live in the light of your presence. Psalm 89:15 (NCV)

One thing I love about Ohio is the seasonal changes. I love the snow in winter, the new green growth on the trees in the spring, warmth and sunshine in summer, and the beautiful colors of fall.

Strangely, fall is the season that triggers deep thoughts and deliberations about my life. My mind is like ticker tape right now; so many random thoughts. Have I seen spiritual growth in my life this last year? I still struggle with my lifelong problem of poor time management. My friend Beth made me feel better by calling it EDD (Easily Distracted Disorder). Maybe this coming year will be the first year I read through the Bible. Ten years ago my marriage hit rock bottom. Am I guarding my heart and nurturing our relationship? My adult children are moving on in their lives and facing choices and changes. Have I let go? How much instruction do I give them? Have I said "no" lately? Our parents are getting older and many adjustments are on the horizon. What will happen in the next year? Do I really trust God? I know so many people who need encouragement. Have I called them? Have I shared the gospel with anyone lately? I find myself constantly talking to God. I am either asking Him a question, begging Him for forgiveness or mercy, or thanking Him for His daily blessings.

When I read Psalm 89: 11-14, it sparked that familiar feeling. David hopped from one thought to the next. The skies and the earth belong to you. You made the world and everything in it. You created the north and the south. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon sing for joy at your name. Your arm has great power. Your hand is strong; your right hand is lifted up. Your kingdom is built on what is right and fair. Love and truth are in all you do.

The God who created everything, designed the seasons and effortlessly orchestrates the world is also the God who is my strength and protection. He is my direction. In Him there is no confusion. Everywhere I look I see His creation, and joy and peace pours into my mind and soul. No problem is greater than my God. I can trust Him completely. When I hear His name I must remember to sing for joy. There is no other being more strong and powerful than my God. He is right and fair, full of love and truth.

I have decided to interrupt my confusing ticker tape moments with these highlights of praise. All of those thoughts in my mind are real, but I do not want them to dominate my mind and heart. I want to praise God and live in the light of His presence.

Lord, we want to praise you. When we are feeling overwhelmed and confused, help us to picture your mighty hand in our lives and trust You in every situation.

Janet Stutzman