The Page Turn

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118: 6-7

It was the night of our community's annual Gospel Concert - the night when all of the local area church choirs gather together and sing a concert for the community. I am the accompanist for our Senior Choir and the organist at our church. I look forward to this event very much each year as it is such a wonderful evening of music.

I sat with my fellow choir members that night listening to each choir sing their beautiful anthems. Unfortunately my mind was filled with worry and anxiety over various issues I was dealing with in my life at the time. One of the least of those worries was a page turn in the music that I was having trouble making in the song our choir was planning to sing.

I had practiced the music and the page turn many times, but it was not as smooth as I would have liked it to be. I prayed that God would calm my spirit and help me to enjoy the concert instead of being anxious and worried. Thankfully that prayer was answered. As I continued to listen to the beautiful music around me, I was able to enter into an attitude of worship and started to forget about my problems.

Soon it was time for our choir to sing. I took my place at the piano bench and made sure that the bottom corner of my page of music was folded over a little bit so it would be easier to grab and turn when the time came. The choir director motioned for me to begin playing the song. Then the choir lifted their voices to the music I was playing. I couldn't help but enter into an attitude of worship as I heard the beautiful music fill the sanctuary.

It was soon time for the page turn I was concerned about. But as I was getting ready to lift my left hand from the piano keys to turn the page of music, I noticed that the page was starting to turn on it's own. I watched in amazement as the page continued to turn the whole way and then lay flat! It was like another piano player or a person who could read music was sitting on the bench next to me and knew the exact moment when to turn the page!

The music page stayed there perfectly and my hand never had to leave the keyboard. In all my years of playing the piano and organ, I had never seen anything like this before! Sure, there are times when your music blows in a breeze, but never as smoothly as this. There was no doubt in my mind that the hand of God, or one of His angels turned my page of music for me that night.

I started to cry as I continued to play the music. I felt overwhelmed by God's presence and love. He was reassuring me that He was right there with me in a way that I, a piano player, would definitely recognize. It reminded me that God is concerned about even the little things in my life; things as insignificant as a page turn. And if He is concerned about the little things, I know that He must be even more concerned about the big things!

I silently prayed a prayer of thanks for this special moment I was allowed to experience. I completely forgot about all the worries and anxieties I had on my mind at the beginning of the concert. I knew that God was with me and that everything would be alright.

Others may say that my page of music turned because there were ceiling fans on in the church that night. But I know differently. That was the only page of music that turned on its own all night and it turned smoothly and gently at the exact moment I needed it to. It was not a coincidence.

Little did I know at the time, but God was preparing me for some difficult days ahead. Two months later, I had a seizure and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As I walked through that difficult journey which involved three different hospital stays, major brain surgery, and months off work, I knew I was not alone. The same God that was there with me at the concert to turn my page of music was with me through my brain surgery and recovery too. And I know that He will be there always.

Thank you, Lord for your help in our time of need whether it be for big things or small things. May we never forget that you are always with us and that you care about even the minor details of our lives - whether it be the number of hairs on our heads or a difficult page turn. May we be mindful of your great love for us and be thankful.

Beth Wehr

But You Were Laughing

My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves. Hebrews 12:6

Blonde, blue eyed Garret, sitting quietly in the pew in front of us suddenly whipped around and gave us a huge grin. Our family serenely smiled back, wiggling our fingers at him before returning our attention to the service in progress. Garrett returned to his seat, put his attention on his coloring, but a few moments later, and whipped around the other way to give us another huge grin. I couldn't help myself, I began to giggle.

I saw his mother out of the corner of my eye, sitting quietly on her end of the pew and giving him a motherly stare. You know what I mean.I patted myself mentally on the back, congratulating myself for having survived those elementary years and let myself be thankful for the 16 year old Nate sitting serenely on my left. Certainly no mother had ever been so blessed.

Garrett continued his erratic behavior through the liturgy and first hymns. The more he whirled and turned, the more tickled I became, and soon our pew was shaking as I tried to contain my laughter.

Then...I saw it. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Nate's hand stealthy reaching out to tap Garrett on the shoulder. By the time Garrett had completed his twist and whirl, Nate was sitting quietly, both hands in his lap, eyes straight ahead. His halo, however, was definitely slipping.

For some reason, this behavior stuck me as even funnier. I started to shake a little more, and Nate glanced sideways and grinned. The moment he made eye contact, I mouthed the word "grounded."

"What!?" His eyebrows rose.
"Grounded" I repeated and he knew I meant it
"But you're LAUGHING"
Yes, indeed I was. I was also still grounding him and he knew it.
Garrett returned to his coloring, and all was peaceful.

I wondered about this event a few days later, when it was evident in my life that the Lord was giving me a little discipline.

"But you were laughing" I wanted to cry out to Him.

I wonder sometimes, if God watches our escapades and chuckles. He loves us to much to let us escape His discipline- this I know. But I bet that sometimes, He is smiling as He doles it out.

Father, we pray for the grace to welcome your discipline, to receive it, to learn, and to live joy filled lives.

Sally Conkle

Our Abilities

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Recently I heard a little saying - One ability God needs from us is our availability. My high school affection for vocabulary kicked in and within seconds two other words ending in ability came to my mind - capability and accountability. Recognizing a devotional application, I began thinking and looking for verses in the Bible to connect these words.

Availability - Being available requires the ability to prioritize. If we were to write down the itinerary for our day at the end of the day, how much of our day was spent on useful tasks? Availability means to be of use, of worth, to benefit. Romans 12:1 tells us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. When we present ourselves to someone, we become available to them.

Capability - Having the qualities necessary to accomplish a task. We all have physical abilities as well as spiritual gifts. Can you identify yours? Are you using them for others? Ephesians 2:10 says, We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. God created us with capabilities for good work before we came to know Him, so that when we accepted Him, we could accomplish those good works.

Accountability - Subjecting ourselves to giving a report or reason. I do not know of one person who loves to answer to someone for their behavior. I do know people who have allowed themselves to be obedient and vulnerable in the area of accountability, and they have found blessing. In II Chronicles 19 Jehoshaphat appointed judges and told them to act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart. Verse 11 of that chapter ends with, Behave courageously, and the Lord will be with the good.

God can use our abilities! But, we must act. Make yourself available to do His work. Identify your capabilities and put them to good work. Allow yourself to be transparent with someone, be faithful and loyal. The Lord will be with the good! Where do we find the strength to accomplish these abilities? Through Christ who strengthens us!

Lord, what a blessing it is to know we have your strength to use our abilities and accomplish good work for You. Keep us aware of the work You have for us to do.

Janet Stutzman

Tangible Love

Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. . .Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. . . Ephesians 5:22, 25

I had an awful day. I came home, threw my stuff on the table and marched past my husband to my bedroom without saying a word. The night continued and the house was tense. I was irritable and let my children and husband know it when I was interrupted in things I was attempting to accomplish. However, whenever the telephone rang, I picked it up and answered politely. This happened several times as I rattled on in happy conversations with those outside my home. As I worked at the table, the phone rang again. I answered it and said "Hello" as a familiar voice spoke from the other end. It was my husband on the upstairs phone with a smile in his tone. "Since you are so friendly with people on the phone, I thought I would try this approach". I threw my head back and laughed heartily. My irritability melted and I realized my selfishness. I was taking my bad day out on the people I loved the most.

We have been given an incredible privilege to love people. My husband and I share with couples in premarital counseling that they have the opportunity to love the other with a love that mirrors Christ's to a hurting world. Each spouse has the wonderful challenge to love the other well so that when outsiders look at their marriage, they can see how much Jesus loves them personally. More recently I heard Pastor Andy Stanley remark that an individual is the vehicle of God's love to his/her spouse. We can be overwhelmed by that thought or we can be energized by it. That truth alone, if applied, can take our marriages to new heights. With the Holy Spirit's help, how can you show your spouse daily how much God loves him/her?

Thank you Lord that You love me unconditionally and unfailingly. Open my eyes every day to see tangible ways in which I can show those closest to me how much You love them. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Brokenness Can Minister

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, oh God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:16-17 NIV

Have you ever noticed that when you are the lowest that we are the most receptive to being ministered to? Yes it is true if you think about it. When we are doing well, we tend to think that we are flying right beside the angels, we are doing great. When in actuality, we are not fine. There is always room for improvement, there is always a way that we can get closer to God. Fine? I don't think so.

Yet, when we are broken and have no where else to look or to turn, our brokenness is able to minister because it brings us to our knees, and there you will find God. Right where He always is, but we forget to look.

A couple of weeks ago, I was recording with the Circle of Friends for the Columbus radio station, and we were talking about accountability, and being a part of accountability group. I confessed that those that were there, were a part of a group that I had no experience with. I felt left out of something that I felt was vitally important to my very soul and where my heart was headed. Then within a few hours, (without my help or suggestions to God) a friend approached me about being an accountability partner with her. We are in a writing group together, and have been dear friends for years, so we know each other very well. She said that God had really put it on her heart to find a friend to pray with, and to have to answer to.

Well, after my complaining and whining to God hours earlier, about not having anyone that I felt comfortable being accountable to, besides God and my husband (sometimes I am not very accountable to either of them) God impressed my friend to ask me...again. I seemed to have forgotten that she mentioned it a few weeks before. She had phrased it in different words the first time, and I missed it. When she asked me again, the word accountability was mentioned, and I felt God send a little shock wave into my heart.

I don't know about you, but I really do not like having to answer to someone. It makes me mad. Hmmm, that sounds sort of rebellious, oops. God is using that part of me that has been broken and rejected and envious to minister to me. Yes, He is. He drove me to my knees, and because I had a broken heart due to years of rejection, He used it and answered my prayers. My friend and I met today and I must say that it was something almost euphoric. I really felt that we were pleasing to God and we were exactly where we needed to be. We sacrificed our PRIDE, and got blessed because of it, He truly does not despise!

Thank you Lord for opening my eyes to the brokenness in my life and how it has been something that has driven me to You. Amen

Becki Reiser

Whiter Than Snow

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Psalms 51:7

Watching snowflakes softly fall from the sky is one of my favorite things about winter. The quiet glistening snow coating streets, roads, homes and trees makes everything look clean and bright. It is refreshing to watch and see God's hand of winter make everything white around me.

But the white untouched snow does not last long once animals, people, cars and trucks begin walking or driving on it. A day or two later most of the snow is very dirty and unattractive. What was once pure white snow is now slushy and unclean.

Jesus, God's son, was sent to this earth as a sacrifice to die on the cross for our sins. If I allow minutes, hours, days or weeks to go by without confessing my sin I am dirty, dingy and unclean again. But if I take the time to confess my sin, at the time that the Holy Spirit points it out to me, God's hand of forgiveness cleanses me and makes me as white as snow.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to this earth to die for my sins. Help me to keep short accounts of my sin so that I am continuously whiter than snow.

Marty Girardier

A Holy Standard

As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. I Peter 1:15 (NKJV)

Holy, according to Webster is defined as: 1. dedicated to religious use; sacred 2. spiritually pure; sinless

Be holy in all your conduct. In all my conduct means 24/7. Is it a little overwhelming when you begin to consider the magnitude of that statement based on the definition of the word?

After salvation, our old nature wants to pull us back into our sinful past. But in Christ, we need to be holy in everything we do. We must establish a standard; a model for living. A standard gives us a focus point or goal, making us less likely to stumble, and allows us to have something good to return to when we fall. Our priorities should be like Christ's, and the Holy Spirit is our power for living holy lives.

Because Christ is holy, He sets the standard for holiness. He is our example. Where do we begin? Read His Word. Every book in the Bible directs us to holy living.

As I studied this verse, a coin became my visual application. One of the verses that came to my mind is Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. A coin has two sides; heads and tails. The two sides to holiness are dying and living. In order to live a life that is spiritually pure, we must die to our flesh, our sinful desires, and live holy lives in the power of Christ. Dying and living.

Don't blend in with the world. Be different because God's qualities are what make us different. Don't be influenced by sin, run away from it. God calls us to holiness. He expects us to imitate Him by following His standards.

Each day, as we deal with circumstances and uncertainties, we can touch a coin and be reminded of our standard; our choice to live holy lives and die to sin. Because Christ lives in us, we posses His power for living and we can live holy lives!

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for your love and mercy. You care about us and call us to holiness. You have given us your example for holy living. Help us to live Your standard of holiness.

Janet Stutzman

Insurance vs. Assurance

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31 (NIV)

It was that time of year again - time to meet with our insurance agent to review our life insurance policies. Part of me always dreads this appointment. For one thing, you know they're going to try and sell you more insurance. Secondly, the mere fact that you are meeting with them to discuss the issue of your death and how important it will be for the needs of your family to be met when that occurs can be depressing and unpleasant to think about.

But having life insurance is a wise and responsible thing to do. It gives you a sense of assurance. It's not a question of whether or not you should have life insurance, but more a question of how much life insurance you should have. When is enough, enough?

Of course you want to have enough life insurance to cover any debts you might have. In the case of your untimely death, you wouldn't want your spouse worrying about possibly losing the house too! So that is why the insurance agent might sometimes recommend getting a term life insurance policy in addition to your whole life policy. A term life insurance policy can be purchased on a temporary basis for a certain number of years to help cover a specific debt you might have. For example, if you still have fifteen years to pay off your mortgage, it might be wise to get a term life insurance policy for fifteen years to make sure that that debt would be covered if you would die within those fifteen years. This then leaves the other life insurance policy money to help the family with other living expenses, etc.

As my husband and I met with our insurance agent recently to discuss such issues as these, a sense of peace came over me as we made what we think are some wise decisions to help ensure that things will all be taken care of in the future when we die. But at the same time I realized that assurance in earthly things is only temporary and can have the possibility of falling through or disappointing us.

It made me even more thankful that as Christians we can have the assurance of eternal things. Not just the wonderful assurance of our salvation! But also the assurance that all of our debts have already been paid by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! He is our life assurance policy! Because of His sacrifice on the cross, we can be assured of eternal life with God, our heavenly Father when we accept Jesus as our Savior.

So which would you rather have - insurance or assurance? Yes, insurance here on earth is a good thing to have. But heavenly assurance is even better.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that we can have complete assurance in you and in your Word. May we always put our faith and hope in you instead of the things of this world.

Beth Wehr

Too Much Too Early!

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. Psalm 69:1-3 NIV

It's only 6:30 am and my day is already off to a bad start. The burden of living with someone very hard to please has weighed heavily on me from my first waking moment. My devotions fell flat, my prayers seemed to bounce off the ceiling, checking my voicemail gave me two huge assignments from my boss, and, as a final straw, the internet is down. This is too much to handle this early in the morning. Sometimes life itself just seems to be too much.

What do I do at a time like this? My first inclination is to throw up my hands and say, "I have no idea." But my second response is to go and get my Bible from its spot and dig in. The very first verse my eyes fall on is Lamentations 3:32 & 33: Though [the Lord] brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. Ahhh, balm for my troubled soul, a lifting of the burdens that feel so heavy. Even though I have troubles, the Lord will have compassion on me. He is Someone who loves me without fail-loves me despite all my failings and times when I momentarily forget He's there for me. Troubles may come, but with them comes the assurance the God loves me and cares for me. That thought sheds a bright light onto the rest of my day. He is there! He will show me His awesome compassion! Life is good!

Thank you, precious Savior, for your constant presence in my life. Thank you for being there even on my troubled days when life seems to be too much to take all at once. Thank you for the compassion you shower upon me. Help me to focus on You instead of all my troubles.

Janine Miller

Love Never Fails

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:7-8 (NIV)

Everything in life seems to have limits. Take two pills four times a day. When you speed you pay a fine, and after too many tickets you lose your license. Food has expiration dates. Even when we do our best, we will never achieve perfection. Every pursuit in life will fade away at some time. Our Christian walk is limited by our sin. We will never fully understand God's Word or His ways. However, there is one thing that endures forever; love.

There is no maximum capacity for love. Love will never expire. Love exists on such a higher level than any other achievement. Love is never a vain pursuit. Love will never be out of fashion or unnecessary. In eternity we will never cease to love. Love is the greatest!

Today, our society probably confuses love and lust. Unlike love, lust is based on selfish desires and unnatural inclinations. It requires something in return and leaves a vacuum of unfulfilled wishes. Love is directed toward others and allows us to set aside our own desires so that we can give without expecting anything in return. The only way to experience this kind of love is with God's help. The more we become like Christ, the more love we can show to others. There is no limit when we love.

When we examine our ways in our homes, our workplace, and our churches, the most important characteristic of our service should be how we love. Does our love protect? Do we believe well of others unless convinced otherwise? Are we positive and hopeful, or negative and critical? When under assault do we persevere in righteousness and love? Love is the ingredient that is not bound by time and it is never outdated. Love never fails; God is love.

We have never been unloved. This truth is larger than life, yet it is ours when we put our faith in Christ. And, because of His love, we can love. We can never give too much love or grow weary of loving.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us perfect love. Help us to pursue love and remember that love never fails.

Janet Stutzman

God Is

Praise the Lord O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits-- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems you from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. Psalms103:1-5

God is: How do we picture God? As we were recording a radio program for Circle of Friends the subject of our personal perception of God as a child. It amazed me that we all had different ideas of what we thought of God, and why.

Our backgrounds had such a major effect of our views. One had the thoughts of God shaking His finger at her, one thought that God was expecting perfection, another had a drill sergeant view, yet I felt that I needed to hide in the corner, and keep quiet then I would not get into trouble.

What is your view of God? Do you see Him as someone to big to approach? Or someone that doesn't really care?

God is here, we are not waiting for Him, we are waiting for something, an answer, a leading, a direction.But God is always here! He never leaves or sleeps, or even turns his back. He is and we are a part of Him. We can be used by God, we can be His feet or his hands.

This is truth! Going from who we thought God was to who we think God is now!

So who do you think God is? What is in your heart? Are you struggling? Are you believing lies? You need to stand firm on His promises!

Lord, open the eyes of my heart so that I may see You and all that You are! Amen

Becki Reiser

God and GPS

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5

I turned 50 on Monday, and it got me to thinking about why I am not particularly thrilled with celebrating my birthdays. I have come to the conclusion that each time a birthday comes around I am not happy with the status of where I am in life. I know that sounds rather strange, until my friend and I began to talk about it.

For some reason I am never satisfied with my relationship with God, or other personal issues. My friend said that she thinks that God is able to use us right where we are, whether we are where God intends us to be or not. Sort of like when God speaks something to our heart, to go in a certain direction, and we may start out doing that thing, but for some reason, we take a detour and go in another direction.

That got me thinking about the Garman GPS that I bought for Jeff for Christmas. While using it, it tells you to "turn here or go there". If you by-pass what it tells you, it will actually say "RECALCULATING" Then it tells you the best way to get to the desired destination via another route. Our relationship with God is somewhat like that. We may have a certain "place" where we intend to go, but we take a different route to get there than originally charted. God does not get disgusted and give up on us. No, He will "recalculate" how to help us to get to our goal, by another turn, or exit.

I may not be satisfied with where I am, I may not be satisfied with my weight, or my current accomplishments, but that does not mean that I cannot achieve my original goal, it just means that I will get there by other means! This does not mean that it is OK to be disobedient, it just means that if we miss a turn, God doesn't give up on us, He just helps us get there another way.

Lord, thanks for helping me go in the direction that will lead me to You. Whether it is by the original path charted or not. You will be with me showing me the way to turn, and the best possible route. Amen

Becki Reiser

Euodia & Syntyche: Implored to Agree

"I ask Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord. And, I ask you, my faithful friend to help these women." Philippians 4:2-3a (NCV)

What a blessing it is to have faithful and Godly friends and family. It is encouraging to take the hand of a struggling friend and understand together how God can use tough times to grow us in our faith. There is joy when we share in ministry together. We find strength in the example of others who walk steadfast in the Lord.

Euodia and Syntyche are two woman who must have been close friends. Paul states that they had labored with him in the gospel. It is likely they were faithful and capable leaders in the church and, as women, they probably had a special ministry reaching women and children for Christ. But like us, they were human. At some point there must have been a quarrel. They stopped pulling together and were equally at fault. Their example in leadership was damaged.

Unfortunately, this is still a problem in our churches today. Ministry demands working with people. In our human flesh, we are incapable of constant peace and unity. Therein lays the opportunity for discord and broken relationships. Godly people can lose perspective and become involved in a personal dispute. Also, it is important to remember the rest of the church is threatened when there is unresolved conflict between members.

Euodia and Syntyche had a disagreement, and Paul heard about it while he was in prison. He did not get involved in the dilemma or take sides with either one of the women. He simply asked them to agree in the Lord. Conflict between believers is not consistent with God's Word. Usually it is a product of stubborn pride and selfish ambition. By asking others to help the women, he obstructed gossip and encouraged forgiveness and unity. Christians should be able to resolve differences and preserve peace and unity in a natural way. It should be uncomplicated when we are willing to give up our self-interest and personal recognition.

Paul has a simple remedy for us in his letter to the Philippians. Joy. He tells us in verse 4 to be full of joy always. When things are going badly, when we feel like complaining, when we think we are alone, we have to remember Christ still reigns. When we know him, we can rejoice. Joy does not come from outward conditions, it comes from inward strength. Our joy can be so deep within us no person or circumstance can reach that far to grasp it from us.

Joy in the Lord can be our foundation for agreement and unity. Our dispute should never be with fellow believers but only against the enemy, Satan. When we are unified in love, the strength of Christ is abundant. Teamwork, consideration of others, and unselfishness should be our goals and the outcome will be joy, love, and kindness.

Are you in a dispute with a friend or Christian co-worker? Are you seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, or are you allowing Satan to feed the quarrel? Are you contributing to a conflict between others, or are you helping them to reconcile?

Give up your right-to-be-right and agree with each other in the Lord.

Lord, forgive us when we give in to self and demand our own way. Help us to remember it brings conflict and we dishonor You. Thank you for forgiveness and joy, and may we have a heart to serve with others in agreement.

Janet Stutzman