Move On

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on." Exodus 14:15

How many of us ever wrestled with something so long that we are just plain tired of ourselves? Maybe low self esteem, fear, negative thinking, self-protectiveness, self-pity, guilt or unforgiveness has robbed us of living in freedom. We know God has more for us, we know we're held back by sin and yet we continue to wallow there. Don't get us wrong. We want what He has, we desire deliverance and yet we hesitate. Because when it all comes down to it, it is a whole lot more comfortable and just plain "easier" to stay in bondage. We continue to succumb to fear or laziness, and captivity continues.

As the Israelites came to the Red Sea, Egyptians barreling toward them on one side and the water lying on the other, they cried out in fear and unbelief. They longed to go back to their life of slavery, for at least there they would survive. Moses redirected them to focus on the Lord and remain still; He would do something to deliver them. God, however, had different instructions. He told Moses to instruct the Israelites to move forward. Moses obeyed, raised his staff over the water and watched the supernatural occur. God's people walked through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left (Exodus 14:22). They were headed towards freedom.

We are all on a journey, just like the Israelites were thousands of years ago as they ventured from Egypt to the Promised Land-from captivity to freedom. Every day we pray for God to work in us, to change us, to make us into His image, to deliver us from this ugly vice that plagues us-and then we wait and remain still. And God looks at us and says, "It's time to move. It's time to choose. It's time to walk in my transforming power that is there for you to take freely. This circumstance, this "enemy" in front of you looks pretty daunting, but I have fought for you and won through my Son's death and resurrection. I have gifted you the path to walk forward, now you just need to do it. Take action, move on and walk with Me in freedom."

All of us have been held in bondage by sin and because of our Savior, Jesus Christ we have been set free from eternal hell and sin's power over us. We are not only headed toward Heaven, our Promised Land, but we can live in that area of promise now. Accepting Jesus as our Savior and Lord, and walking in His grace, power, and forgiveness, we can live the abundant life He has died to give us. What do you need to leave behind? Where do you need to take action and choose thriving over merely surviving?

Lord, I choose this moment to take Your hand, to choose joy, to bring my thoughts captive to truth, to celebrate the new life and the freedom which you died to give me. I thank You for Your transforming power. I'm tired of captivity and looking back. I'm walking through the Red Sea on dry ground and am excited about the journey ahead. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Trapped or Trusting

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25

Have you ever allowed fear to get the best of you? Have you ever made a decision with a motive polluted by fear--fear of what people would think, what they would do, or how they would react? I have feared situations and people to the point where I became immobilized, confused, or many times, turned the opposite direction of where I was to be headed. As disobedient as that is, I find that I'm not alone. Jonah ran from God because he didn't want to be a part of saving Nineveh, Israel's enemy, and then have to answer to his people why he was the mouthpiece. Abraham lied to Pharaoh for fear he would lose his life on account of his wife's beauty. Peter denied Jesus, Elijah ran from Jezebel, David panicked and had Uriah killed after discovering Bathsheba was pregnant. All because of fear.

Fear will come knocking because we live in a fallen world. But the question is when it comes, what will we do with it? Some of us hunker down and cover our heads, immobilized and waiting for the storm to cease. Others of us pull ourselves up by the boot straps and attempt to take control of the situation in our own strength. Either way, when faced with fear, we usually take our eyes off our God and put them on ourselves. Proverbs 29:25 tells us that this fear of man causes us to shake, tremble, become confused, bewildered or even panicked. And because of that, we walk right into the trap. The word snare means a noose for catching animals. When we take our eyes off of God we lose direction, peace, security, and put ourselves in captivity. God's Word promises us that when we keep our gaze fixed on Him, our minds saturated with His promises and our hearts trusting in the Lord, we will be kept safe. We will be kept inaccessible, strong, and set on high. In Him, there is Security. In Him, there is Peace. In Him, there is no fear.

Lord, thank You for being my Security. Thank You that because of Jesus, fear does not have to dominate me in any way. Because I am complete in Christ, I am free to be who You made me to be. Give me the tenacity and devotion to keep my eyes and heart fixed on You.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Fully Equipped

May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus-the great Shepherd of the Sheep- with the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

I sat on the ski lift, nervously anticipating the fact that I had to hop off at the top of the hill and smoothly transition into an upright position. Getting off a ski lift is hard enough as it is without skis, let alone with them. I had absolutely no control over my lower appendages. The skis dangled from my feet and aimlessly crossed in the air back and forth. This wasn't going to be pretty. As we crested the hill, our turn came to disembark. Sure enough, my friend and I both collapsed in a heap stopping the entire lift until we could "find our legs" and collect ourselves. Then we looked down the hill. We're supposed to do what? You've got to be kidding.

Sometimes when God opens doors and we sense His invitation to walk through, we may step back and ask, "You want me to do what? God, there is no way that I am equipped for this. I don't have the talent, the brains or the confidence. I need some more knowledge and training. God, are You sure You want me for this?" God reminded me again today that I can rest in Him. He will equip me with what I need to live out what He has called me to do. The God we serve is so big and so powerful. Not only did He raise His Son from the dead but He lovingly and humbly invited small and insignificant people like you and me into covenant relationship. With covenant relationship comes everlasting commitment, and He is creating and developing in us something beautiful. He doesn't stop until we are complete, until we reflect and radiate Him. With faithfulness like that, why wouldn't He equip us for what He is calling us to do? Whether it is a new job opportunity, a ministry venture, children to raise, parents to care for, or other various scenarios where we feel bumbling and inadequate, we can experience His peace. Bunny hill or mountaintop-He equips us for the ride.

Lord, thank You for who You are. Thank You that You promise to equip me for all that You have called me to do. Fill me with Your peace as I depend on You for strength, wisdom and joy. Thank you for continuing to work in me because You are committed to me and love me so much! Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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

Loss into Life

Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! Romans 5:18 (MSG)

I saw the invitation on my Facebook page. "You are invited to hear Dave Barker and Josh Starner share about 'Dealing with Divorce'.." The announcement went on to include details of time and place. I knew Dave and without hesitation, I texted him. I'm not usually that forward but helping others with the effects of divorce is something that is near and dear to my heart as I was a child of divorce. I offered to help if they ever needed a women's perspective, especially to the girls and ladies who would be there.

Dave was excited and invited me to join them. It was later he told me that my text should have never reached him. He was in a region where there was no cell service. God had a plan.

Everyone has a story. If we are human, we have endured difficult days. We live in a fallen world because of "one person". Whether it has been trauma, tragedy, divorce, walking in the consequences of poor choices, financial devastation, or ongoing battles with our thoughts, we know what it is to hurt and what it is to feel hopeless. However, because of "another person", and One far more powerful, we have been saved from being conquered by all these things! Jesus Christ has not only rescued us from being overcome and destroyed, but by His conquering of death, sin and Satan's hell, He has brought us to His side and turns evil on its head. When we give ourselves and our painful trials to Him, He will use them for His glory-perhaps we will see it tomorrow, next year, or not until we see Him face to face. But we can be sure that in submission to Him, He is able to weave together something beautiful. There is redemption!

In the meantime, we have an incredible opportunity to be available for others who are experiencing hardship. To be available doesn't mean we have all the answers, or that we have finished the journey of our experience. To be available means to walk with someone else-to listen, to share where we have been and what God has shown us, to simply be present. When others can see that we have walked the valley and have emerged with a renewed faith in a good God, that there is a hope and a future, then God has already begun to redeem our adversity. God has a plan to use our pain to encourage others, to show others His heart of faithfulness, goodness and redemption, to grow us, and to emphatically declare that He is God and He will prevail. Will we give Him our pain and let Him use it for His glory? Let's pray for opportunities to share with others what God is doing. Lord, thank You that You are victorious and that the wake of my hardship will not destroy me. Lord, take my pain and use it to bring life and encouragement to others. You are an amazing God that You, and only You, can turn loss into life. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Created for Him

For by Him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

My friend Missy just called to tell me she has a new baby granddaughter. She told me her name and how beautiful she is, how much she weighs, how long she is, and how she is doing. This precious little one is a priceless gift from God.

God created all things - things big and beautiful and things delicate and intricate. He has designed things we see and things we don't. Powers and authorities on earth and in the heavenly realm have all been crafted by Him. And they are all for Him.

We often look at creation and marvel at God's handiwork - the majestic mountains or the beauty of a sunrise. But what about you? Have you ever thought about the day God was planning you out in His mind? How He enjoyed fashioning your facial features or how the thought of your personality warmed His heart? Have you ever considered how He delighted to give your parents a smile as they saw their green eyes or dark hair when they laid eyes on you? Have you ever realized that He poured out on you the spiritual gifts and talents He wanted you to have so you could bless Him and His people? You are created by Him and for Him. You have been made to be His.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making us to be Yours. You have created such beautiful and amazing things. How humbled we are that You would consider us Your most glorious creation. Continue to use us how You will be glorified most. We want to bless You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Footie Pajamas

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:30-31

I listened as she stared past me and set her eyes on a toddler clad in footie pajamas, resting on his mother's hip and secure in her embrace. With a longing gaze and soft smile she said, "I am jealous of him. How good it would feel to be where he is at, to be his age - to be taken care of." She is an accomplished woman, gifted and successful, but tired. And like all of us, wants to know there is a place where she can dwell that is safe and secure-a place where she can rest, a place where she is held.

The disciples had just returned from a trip Jesus had sent them on - healing the sick, delivering the demon-possessed and preaching the good news. As they enthusiastically recounted their experiences to Jesus, still others were approaching ready to be ministered to as well. Jesus took the disciples aside and said, "Let's get away a little bit so we can spend some time together, you can get a little rest and a bite to eat." (my paraphrase) They had been doing such important things that needed to be done! Despite the significance, Jesus encouraged them to do something equally important - take a break and enjoy sweet rest.

There will always be activity-an e-mail to send, a phone call to return, another day of work, another meal to make. There will always be people to serve and unending opportunities to pour out more of ourselves. Many things will vie for our attention driving us to the point of exhaustion physically, mentally and emotionally. However, in order to continue on, we must be filled up. Rest, which is often the first thing to go in our hectic schedules is the very thing we need to be effective. Rest ushers us into the posture of seeing, hearing and just being with our Father. There is One who is waiting to be our Resting Place, One who will hold us and take care of us. We just need, like a little child, to allow ourselves to be held.

Father, You are so strong and I can become so tired, not only physically but in my thoughts and emotions as well. Thank You for holding out Your arms so that I can run to You and be held. Not only do You allow me to rest, but You want to be the place where I rest. I love You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Spiritual Resolutions

Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (MSG)

Over New Years, my family got together and discussed this year's resolutions. Realizing how often resolutions fail for the majority of people, my sister shared how each year she makes a spiritual goal. Several years ago, one of her spiritual goals was to get to know the Holy Spirit better, to become more familiar with His voice. As she read through the Bible and came across verses pertaining to the Spirit, she would highlight them and know that verse was for her. If the end of the year came and she felt like there was more to learn, she would make that resolution again the next year. What a fantastic idea! What a way to intentionally place ourselves in a position to grow spiritually.

We often think of growth as not enjoyable and hard work, and it is. However, growth is amazingly freeing. Over this last while, my heart has been in a process of refining and trimming. I am so thankful. God is showing me the vital importance of living out my faith. As basic as that sounds, it is profound to me. Living out our faith comes down to loving and obeying. It comes down to not only professing but obediently doing - from the little to the big, from the inconvenient to the opportune, from the effortless to the gut-wrenching. And what joy and peace come from obeying! My spiritual goals for 2010- intentionally living out my faith, knowing His voice and growing in His grace. What are your spiritual goals for 2010?

Lord, grow us more and more that we gain strength, hear and obey Your voice, love deeply and reflect You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Memorable Moments

Above all, love each other deeply.Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8-9

Over the last six months at the retirement community where I work, the team has been working to create memorable experiences for those that live there. Recently, I learned that employees came in on their day off and took several residents out for breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Others arranged a Sweetest Day banquet for various couples and "pulled out all the stops". One employee's example truly blessed me. A woman who needed her bath was not overly impressed about taking it that day, so this young lady asked her what would help make the experience a positive one. Her response was candlelight, soft music and dimmed lighting. And so it was. In her whirlpool bath she relaxed and enjoyed the ambiance of candles, soft music and lowered lights. And the employee never said a word about it to anyone else. Even though it made more work for her, she thought of someone else first and made the memorable experience happen.

How I want to be like this day in and day out! One of my heart's desires is to love and serve Jesus by loving and serving people- and enjoying it! When I empty the dishwasher again, or do another load of laundry, I want to do it joyfully. When my sons walk by me at home, I want to take a minute to stop and hug them, letting them know how glad I am they're mine. When I'm tired and they request something else, instead of a sigh I want them to hear love. These moments may not be impressive banquets or expensive trips, but they leave an impression on their hearts and refine my own. Memorable moments for all of us.

Lord, I give my heart to You again today. Help me to love selflessly like You do and enjoy it! Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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

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 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

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

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

Sacrificial Love

Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing. Matthew 10:42 MSG

I was overwhelmed. I had things to do and not near enough time to accomplish them all. Among other things, my visit to an inmate at the local jail was overdue. As hard as I tried, the week was crammed full-family obligations, things to accomplish stemming from my work as well as my husband's and a writing project that I had to keep on top of. The day came that I knew I had to write- it was the only time I had. Ironically, the message I was to write about was sacrificial love and as I prayed about it, I sensed a word from the Holy Spirit. I felt a conviction knowing that writing about sacrificial love is one thing, but writing about it doesn't mean a whole lot if I'm not going to live it. So, I climbed into my van and headed toward the jail. Because I can be the most self-centered woman I know and need some significant improvement in putting others before myself, I wanted to obey and walk in sacrificial love. I wanted to be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only. On my way, I not only prayed for the visit but that He would redeem the time that was spent at the jail. Whether that request was selfish or not, I was already behind on the project and wanted to honor Him in that as well.

Once at the jail, I sat and listened to my new friend. Two weeks earlier, I had sat across from the same woman- except she had been weeping. One who was scared, alone and described herself as "lost". Now, I saw a woman who was telling me that she had been in the Word everyday, that the church services they had every week were wonderful, that the job she needed on "the outside" came through. She now had the support of her family where two weeks ago, she didn't know what they thought. When I asked her how she felt compared to two weeks ago, she responded, "I have peace." She acknowledged that for the first time in a long time, she had hope. God had given her hope and a new beginning. God had revealed Himself to her- in a way that this woman could see it was Him.

As I drove home in tears, I praised Him for revealing Himself to her in this way. He is so good, so near, so crazy about us. He wants to give us freedom and hope. He wants to teach us that to draw near to Him is hope and restoration and to turn away is to reject Life itself. He wants to remind us who we are without Him and who He has made us to be through Jesus. He wants us to see Him. What He says, He will do. As I praised Him, I felt so blessed. Not because I had done anything. But because He allowed me to be a witness of what He had done in that young lady's life. What a privilege. If I hadn't taken time to go visit her, I would have missed out on His teaching. Sacrificial love- it is a lifestyle. It is a choice. It is as big as care giving for an aging parent or spouse, or giving up your dreams for God's. It is as small as making an interruption an opportunity- making a phone call, praying for others when nudged or giving someone else a cup of cold water. It is a giving of self to serve others. It is living like Jesus.

Lord, give me a heart like Yours. Give me the desire to put others before myself, to love others like You do. Thank You for the way You reveal Yourself. I praise You and rejoice in You today! Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

A Bird in a Box

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6: 31

My friend, who is an absolute delight, leads a very active life. She is the mother of six, a part-time hospice nurse, the kind of person who welcomes you into her home at any time of the day. She is full of life and enjoys it at the same rate. She is the type of person who tackles just about anything while admitting the benefits and detriments of her "go-getter" personality. She has taught me much and is one of my favorite people.

One day in particular, she was packing for her family of 8 who were departing for an out of state trip the next week. She was tired of packing and knowing her small group was coming over the next evening, she decided to paint her foyer. She ran down to the basement, mixed all the paint colors together and headed upstairs to begin and finish the job before her husband came home late that evening. She phoned a friend who came to help but also brought along her five children. As time sped along, it was time for dinner. The two mothers then went to work preparing dinner for 11 children while racing the clock to complete their project. Finally bedtime came and with the project finished, her friend departed. She then got her kids bathed and into bed. Remembering that she had been invited to peruse through another friend's garage sale items before the sale tomorrow, she grabbed her purse and turned to leave. Something caught her attention. There on the floor, was a morning dove. It was alive and its big eyes watched her. She noticed it's wing was ruffled and feathers were lying on the kitchen floor. Her cat sat in the corner, apparently the culprit of the bird's injured state. A little intimidated to pick it up, she phoned a friend who was an avid birdwatcher. Her friend immediately came to the house and picking it up, they proceeded to nurse the bird's wing with Neosporin. Her friend volunteered to put the bird in a box and take it home with her for a little while. She would keep him quiet, give him food and water and provide a place of safety and comfort until the bird regained its strength.

As my friend left her house to go view the garage sale items (yes, she still went), she thought to herself, What I would not give to have a box right now where I could go and just get some rest. A place where I could go to be nurtured and fed, to be comforted and provided for, until I regain my strength. Even though she was in her van, her thoughts took her right to the throne room of God. And there she prayed.

Thank you Lord, that you are our Rest, our Comfort, our Place of Refuge from the busyness of life. Thank You that You care enough about us that You invite us, You want us to come quiet ourselves with You. We love you. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

The Tender Heart of God

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

Read Psalm 8

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

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

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

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

Jocelyn Hamsher

Safe in His Arms

He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

As a chaplain, I hear many inspiring stories from the elderly persons I serve. However, there are some days that are emotionally heavy due to the pain and struggles they face. Loneliness, dementia, and other losses are things they may experience.

On one particularly "heavy" day, I walked into a woman's room who has been there for the past eleven years. Once a vibrant Christian woman, she is no longer able to feed herself, walk or talk and spends her days lying in her bed sleeping. As I quietly prayed over her, I asked the Lord, "Why so much injustice, so much pain?" My eyes left her and moved to a picture hanging above her bed - a picture I had never noticed before. Jesus stood in the center surrounded by sheep. In one hand he held a staff and in the other, a lamb. The lamb was resting securely in its Shepherd's arms, cradled against His chest. At that moment, I knew the answer to my question. It's as if God was saying, "I never intended for the pain and the injustice. This world is broken but I am here through the injustice and the pain. I will carry her through this." It was clear, she was the lamb He held in His arms. We are the sheep that follow Him and when one of us is in need, our Father and Shepherd, picks us up and holds us close. Isaiah 40:11 says that He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.

Today, let's be reminded that even though trials and tears may come, we are not alone. Jesus carries the helpless and dependant. He carries you and me.

Lord, there is so much pain we carry. Whether young or elderly, we must deal with the often unexpected things this life throws our way. Thank you for never leaving us, but for carrying us through the storm.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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

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