It's Raining - On the Inside! - Cokiesha Robinson

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1Peter 5:7

Not long ago, I came home from a busy workday. As soon as I opened the front door, I heard a thunderous sound of water. Exhausted and startled, I dropped my purse. Where was the water sound coming from? I knew I hadn’t left the shower on and I prayed the water pump hadn’t burst. What could that noise be? I walked from room to room searching for the culprit.

Then, water dripped on my head and face. I felt it every time I walked into the living room, down the hallway and into our home office. I soon discovered the sound increased when I walked into the closet in our guest room. To my amazement, water from a neighbor’s condominium upstairs poured into ours on the first floor. I couldn’t stop it! It looked like an indoor waterfall. The more I mopped, the more the water rained down. Water was everywhere. I pulled out every trash can and bucket that we had and placed them throughout the house. I even called my husband who was traveling, as if he could help.

It seemed never ending and I just wanted the problem to go away. Who has ever heard of it raining on the inside? Every drop of water that fell onto our pictures, books, clothes and carpet, represented little drops of trouble.

Do you ever feel that way? Have you ever had a long day only to get home and be confronted with problems? Do you ever feel as though the inside of your life has rain pouring in?

Later in the week, everything dried and we had little damage. What once seemed overwhelming and hopeless was not so bad after all. Who knows why some things happen? The blessing is that God doesn’t allow us to walk alone. In the middle of life’s storms, when the rain pelts us relentlessly, remember Jesus’ command to the storm—“Peace, be still!”

Cokiesha B. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree, and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full-time ministry work. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and her greatest passions are encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She has contributed to 3 books, one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down, This is My Story, and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace, She is a native Texan and currently resides in Yonkers, NY with her husband, Tim. Read Cokeisha's devotions.

Named - Susan Lyttek

"Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name." Genesis 2:19

Kids instantly understand the importance of a name. When my son Erik was between 1 and 2, his favorite question was “Dat?” He needed to know its name in order to understand it. Karl, at that stage, also wanted the names. He pointed and said “Isee?” to every curiosity.

To this day, the boys are disappointed when I can’t name something. I have not studied entomology so, often, the tiny creatures they find perplex me. If I can’t identify the critter, they persist until they find out. The name is important. The name is what it is and what it will be.

When God renamed Abram, the Lord reminded the patriarch that He knew not only the man by name, but his purpose. At the moment, the name seemed inappropriate, like calling a duck-billed platypus a teddy bear. Could Abram, a man who had one son through his wife’s maid, be a father of a multitude of nations? Could Abram, who was already 99, be the father of a promised child?

The idea was so ridiculous to the renamed Sarai that she laughed—giving the baby to come his name. Isaac, meaning laughter, would be the child of promise.

When God calls us as His children, He puts His name upon us. We may not feel like Christians or even look like Christians to our friends, family and neighbors. They may laugh at our new name. “You? Impossible. That new name doesn’t mean a thing.” But it does because the Author of time named you.

The name is the promise.

Prayer: Father God, help us remember that You named us when You called us. You see us as we are meant to be and name us through the grace of Your Son.


Susan Lyttek writes early in the morning from the D.C. suburbs before the day calls her to homeschool her two boys, coach writing online, and attempt to minimize household chaos. She has sold everything from plays to interviews to short stories and greeting cards.
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How Much Do I Have? - Jo Huddleston

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37, NIV

Nothing else in the house moved as I stumbled up the hall. I stood half asleep at my kitchen sink. Looking through half-closed blinds, I discovered what had interrupted my pre-dawn sleep. On the deck, several pesky blue jays perched atop my patio table, ready to welcome a new day. Aggravated at them for disturbing me, I pecked impatiently on a window pane. With much fluttering, the birds scattered to nearby trees—all but one.

The lone bird pranced around the table top, tilting his head this way and that, beady black eyes searching for his would-be attacker. I raised the miniblind and pecked fiercely on the glass again. There! He looked my way—he’d found me. He stared at me; I glared at him. Appearing to know my threatening noises couldn’t harm him, he didn’t budge. Then the concert began, his music as crisp and crystal clear as the day’s spring morning. Each warble imitated his previous one.

Each time he chirped, the little bird quivered from the black collar across his throat to the trembling tip of his brilliant blue tail feathers. Every inch of the bird moved to produce his melody. This little bird put all his body behind each note—he gave it all he had. I forgot the blue jay’s peskiness, enjoying instead, my private recital.

Watching from my quiet kitchen, I thought about the tremendous effort the little bird displayed. He certainly didn’t go about his singing in a halfhearted way. I wondered if Christians could measure up to the blue jay. Are we as committed in our efforts of praise and worship? Then I pondered, “How much have I given? Have much do I have?”

It makes no difference how much we have. Jesus demands our all when we accept Him as our Savior and Lord. All we have. We must give all we have, in loving and serving God. Whether in our jobs, raising our children, church work or leisure time, God demands from Christians a 100 percent effort. Like the little blue jay on my deck with only one song to sing, we must give it all we’ve got.

How much have you given? How much do you have?

Jo Huddleston is the author of four nonfiction books and the co-author of an E-book on writing for the Christian marketplace. Her more than 200 devotions, articles and stories have appeared in over fifty publications, including Guideposts and Decision.
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You may visit with Jo at http://www.johuddleston.com/.
Read Jo's devotions.

Say Yes - She Said

“Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.” 2 Kings 5:13-14

Listen to Say Yes - She Said

“How hard could it be? Just do what you’re told?” I stood watching as the coach scolded his batter.

“Raise your elbows, don’t rest the bat on your shoulder, bend your knees and step into the swing.”

“But that’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward.” The girl belted back. “My way is better. I can get under the ball.”

The ump called Play ball!” Stepping to the plate she glanced over her shoulder then shrugged off her coach’s advice. Her bat rested against her shoulder and she stood straight and rigid. The pitcher wound the throw and released—it sailed past her, chest level.

“Striiikke!”

“Tracy! The bases are loaded. Do what I ask.”

Again, she glanced over her shoulder and ignored the coach. The pitcher drew back and fired a second shot, dead center of the strike zone.

“Time out!” The coach shouted. Pulling Tracy to the side he brushed his hand under his cap then snugged it tight on his head.

“Do you need Chipper Jones giving you good advice or can you just take heed? The bases are loaded. You’re looking at RBI’s and a win. Your hit could win this tournament. Don’t be foolish.”
Naaman was a cocky, too. He’d been given a cure for his leprosy and all he had to do was dip in the Jordan River. But his pride got in the way. He grumbled and complained with a cure at hand because he didn’t get the fanfare and attention of a public healing. Dipping in the muddy waters of the Jordan wasn’t good enough and it took his servants calling his hand before he realized the gift he’d been given.

We’re good at letting pride cloud our view. We ask God for help, He provides solutions. Instead of accepting the gift in its simplicity, we insist we know a better way. The answer we’re given couldn’t possibly be right. That’s us. Know-it-all’s—sadly, we’re usually wrong. Somehow we never seem to learn, God’s way is the right way.

Tracy stepped into the batter’s box. Swinging the bat several strokes she stepped away. She rested the bat on her shoulder, eyed her teammates inching from the bases, then took her stance. She bent her knees, raised her elbows and stepped into the swing. The ball cracked against the bat then rose just above the reach of the outfielder then flew over the fence.

God loves caring for us, providing our needs. He simply asks for us to obey. When you ask for an answer and God provides—say yes. His way is the right way and your reward will be great.

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and co-founders of ChristianDevotions.us. They co-write the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host BlogtalkRadio's Christian Devotions Speak UP! along with Scott McCausey.

And now you can catch them each Friday evening at 7 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio! (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ). They travel with Christian Devotions Ministries teaching the art of writing devotions at writers conferences across the country. Eddie and Cindy are featured in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust - A Journey to Financial Dependence.




Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9822065-4-6
Price: $9.95

Prone to Wander - Colleen Luntzel

"All we like sheep have gone astray, and turned each one to his own way; and The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6


When I was little, the kids in my family had 4-H projects. My brothers kept cattle, my older sister showed horses and my little sisters and I kept sheep. We were responsible for our animals for everything—feeding, watering, grooming, vet-ing, safety and training.

You learn a lot about animals when they’re dependent upon you: what they eat, how to shelter them, what their habits are, the characteristics of the breed and their vulnerabilities. You might think sheep would be easy to care for, but they’re not. They’re stubborn, they’re driven by fear and hunger, and they’re dumb.

Heads down, grazing in a slightly frantic fashion, they often stray—their insatiable appetites driving them to search for something more. Easily frightened, they scatter and flee with no thought about where they’re headed. They just run… blindly crashing into fences… falling into ditches. They’re prone to wander.

You can’t really teach the average sheep to do anything. They’re stubborn. Sheep need to be cared for. They need a shepherd.

The Bible compares God's people with sheep. Personally, I don’t think sheep are the most complimentary thing to be compared to. But the truth is, like sheep, people are stubborn, driven by fear and hunger, and, oh yeah, dumb. We need to be cared for. We need a shepherd—one who understands our weaknesses, our needs, our character.

King David (who kept sheep himself) talked about a shepherd in Psalm 23. Jesus. As Christians, we’re His flock—with all of the needs and vulnerabilities of sheep. But He knows what we require and how to keep us, which is saying something because sheep are not all fluff and softness, springtime and daffodils. Sheep are trouble!

Yet, He loves us—in spite of us. Because of love, He who cast a glance across infinity and created all things out of nothing, somehow forced His unimaginable greatness into mere flesh and blood, and became a shepherd—because His sheep had strayed and were lost and needed finding—because we were stubborn and needed saving. Then, the Creator of the universe, The Good Shepherd, took it a step further, and became a lamb.

Trust the Good Shepherd to take care of you.


Married to a career military man, Colleen raised five children while pulling up stakes and moving her family throughout the U.S. and overseas eighteen times, serving alongside her husband in the diplomatic corps at U.S. Embassies in South Asia and Northern Europe. Life didn’t go exactly as she’d planned but she's had more adventures than any one person should be allowed. God’s plans are not always our plans and He specializes in adventures, using every second of them for His purposes.

Currently, Colleen resides in the mountains of Western NC where she practices interior design, blogs and writes Bible Studies, devotionals, children’s literature and articles on design and beautiful living.

Read Colleen's devotions.

Trust - Barbara "Annie" Beyer

"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto your own
Understanding and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5

The night was damp and chilly. My tears seemed synchronized with the rain washing over my car as I sat in the hospital parking lot. I cried from my soul as I listened to the stanza of an old hymn. “Must Jesus bear the Cross alone and all the world go free? No there’s a cross for everyone; and there’s a cross for me.”

The doctor had called me in for a consultation regarding an EEG done on our seventeen-year-old daughter. We hoped for an explanation as to why she was experiencing headaches and black outs. I couldn’t get away from the message in the song. Each time I wanted to exit my vehicle, I couldn’t.

Ten years had passed since I divorced. It hadn’t been easy. Karen was just one of my five children and each time there was a problem, I was forced to face it alone. Tired, run down and feeling sorry for myself, the song spoke to my heart. Jesus had provided comfort…could he trust me to do the same?

“What is my cross? What is my part?” I cried.

“Trust me! Trust in the Cross and all it represents.”

“Karen’s EEG showed irregular brain waves. She has epilepsy. We’ll start her on a regimen of anti-seizure medication and see how it works,” the doctor advised.

Well-meaning friends shared stories of their children starting these medications. The result was a life-long dependency.

Much to my surprise, I said “no, I don’t want her to take that medicine. God will heal her.”

Once discharged, Karen had a follow-up with the doctor in two weeks. After her examination, I stood by the counter waiting to pay. Karen’s chart sat open on the desk in front of me. I lifted the page and read … ‘EEG normal range.’

“Hmm!” Normal and yet they prescribed this powerful medication?” I stuck to my guns. No harsh meds.

Within a couple of weeks the symptoms were gone.

God wanted me to trust. He knew she didn’t need a brain-altering drug. He knew that ‘this too would pass,’ but could I trust him?

God never puts more on us than we can bear without offering a way of escape. He allowed this trial to groom our faith. His mercy was mighty when He answered. The fire of hardship is hot but when the smoke clears, our faith brings us through.

What trial do you face? Step into the flames and trust. He won’t let you burn.

Barbara ‘Annie’ Beyer was born and raised in the ‘Motor City’ where life happened at a very fast pace. Five years ago she and her husband moved to Florida. Barbara is the mother of five wonderful children and ten grandchildren. Tucked away in her secret place of expression are her paintings of home and family. Her work includes nearly one hundred songs she has composed, along with inspirational poems. Her desire is to be used by God to encourage and edify others no matter what the task.
Read Barbara's devotions.

Sweet Tater Pie - Judy Howard

"Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all..." Galatians 6:7, 9-10 NKJV

Last spring I planted a rotten sweet potato under my crepe myrtle tree to see if I could grow one of those pretty vines for ground cover. Sure enough, it grew so lavishly a lush vine quickly covered the bare soil and threatened to take over the whole back yard.

In October, I chopped down the vigorous vine and, to my shock, discovered nine fat sweet potatoes. I was so excited. “Thank you Lord for this bountiful harvest,” I shouted as I clapped my hands. I gathered my precious bounty, knocking the dirt off, and hurried inside to weigh my crop. Eight pounds. Wow!

Being a vegetarian, there’s nothing I love more than sweet potatoes, whether baked and served steaming, or cold in Thanksgiving pies. I can get very creative with this yummy tuber. I quickly scrubbed, peeled, sliced and boiled the potatoes. Then I pureed them in my food processor, adding cinnamon, Stevia sweetener, mangos and walnuts to make the best and freshest Sweet Tater Pie, fit for a king.

I discovered first hand that we really do reap what we sow—later than we sow and definitely greater than we sow. God taught me a valuable lesson. If I desire friends and love, I must invest my life in others and my efforts will be rewarded many times over, not only in the near future but for eternity. I must plant seeds now, dying to self, pouring out my life in service to others just as Jesus sacrificed His life for me, then wait for the harvest and time of rejoicing and celebration.
Plant your “taters,” then harvest the bounty.

Since 1976, Judy Howard has owned and operated Buckboard Antiques and Quilts in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her love of quilts developed while taking a class from nationally renowned fiber artist Terrie Mangat. Judy became a charter member of the Oklahoma Quilt Guild, and antique quilts became her specialty. Her stories of quilting through the depression have been Awarded First Place by the regional Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. Visit her at http://www.heavenlypatchwork.com//.
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Don't Get Mad, Get Glad - She Said

“Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed. But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage." 2 Kings 5:8-10 (NIV)


Listen to Don't Get Mad - Get Glad

“She stepped onto the porch and gazed at the furniture. Memories, she thought. So many memories.”

I’d worked hard. Couldn’t he see that? My friend believed in my writing skill. He believed in it before he really knew me and when he offered to mentor me, I was thrilled.

I thought he’d be pleased with the chapter I’d written. But he wasn’t. Instead, he came back at me with an odd suggestion. “Here’s a photo. Describe it and send it back.”

That’s it, I thought. Describe a photo. What about the chapter? I’d described it well, or I thought I had.

“Just describe the photo. What do you see in the picture?” He said.

I tossed my rabbit slipper across the room. I thought he’d give me some real direction. Show me how to craft the words. Give me an instant fix. But he didn’t. Instead of doing what he asked, I got mad.

Elisha gave Naaman a simple solution for his leprosy. Go to the Jordan and wash seven times. It wasn’t hard. In fact, it was such a simple request, that Elisha sent his messenger to share the instructions. Naaman got mad and felt insulted. Why seven times instead of once? Why not the rivers of his hometown instead of this muddy trough? Who was this man of God who wouldn’t even take the time to speak?

Like Naaman, I couldn’t get past my own pride either—couldn’t see what my friend was trying to teach me. Some explanation might have helped me understand his simplistic request, but there was none. I could see and describe or sulk and stay mad.

Jesus walked the city streets giving simple instruction. His teachings were for those who wanted to be healed, made whole and helped. He offered simple commands for complicated lives. Commands like, forgive, love, help others before you help yourself.

When you come to the Father with a request and His answer is simple, don’t get mad. Be glad. Do what He asks. His wisdom is right and true. Accept His instruction, apply it and watch the changes occur.

“She walked onto the porch, the sun streaked across the planked floor. A nail raised above the slat next to the wicker rocker. She remembered catching the toe of her sock and tearing it. Hawk never fixed it. Melon green paint peeled in chunks from the old wood rocker and his book and glasses lay in the same spot on the rattan end table, exactly where they were fourteen months earlier. The braided rug remained crumpled against the screening around the porch. She sighed. Memories. So many memories.”

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and co-founders of ChristianDevotions.us. They co-write the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host BlogtalkRadio's Christian Devotions Speak UP! along with Scott McCausey.

And now you can catch them each Friday evening at 7 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio! (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ). They travel with Christian Devotions Ministries teaching the art of writing devotions at writers conferences across the country. Eddie and Cindy are featured in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust - A Journey to Financial Dependence.




Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9822065-4-6
Price: $9.95

Roar - Angie Reedy

"In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears." Psalm 18:6 NIV

“If you get lost, roar!”

After vowing never again to let go of his three-year-old hand, I advised my son of our new plan. Adrenaline slowed its mad rush and the words, “You don’t know where your son is.” stopped repeating in my mind.

Moments earlier, other shoppers watched me rushing around racks of clothes, peering underneath every one, hoping to spot skinny scraped legs with dinosaur socks and Velcro shoes. I couldn’t find him. Each place I checked turned up empty. I feared the worst as seconds ticked by during those minutes that felt like years.

And then I heard it. Either a Tyrannosaurus Rex lived in the department store, or my son spotted something scary and reacted with his typical dinosaur roar.

It didn’t matter—he was near. Relief poured over me when I heard those familiar roars. Not much farther and I would sweep him in a hug and love him, but scold him and squeeze him and clasp his hand tighter than tight so I would never lose him again.

He could have used his outside voice, shrieked, or even whined. I simply needed to hear his call.

God doesn’t care how I call either. He wants me to use any voice to cry out for Him. Whether I cry, sit in silent anticipation, rush with joy, or roar in desperation, God hears.

Throughout the ages, people have called on the Lord and He has listened. David in his despair, triumph, and shame, called to God. Through weeping and joyful dances, he found an audience in God’s presence.

Whatever situation you’re in—enter His presence. Cry to Him. Laugh with Him. Dance with Him. Celebrate the gifts you’ve received. Simply talk to Him. He waits to hear from you.

Roar.


Angie Reedy is a freelance writer living in Central Illinois. For six years Angie wrote market and competitive analyses for a Fortune 50 company, but now focuses her corporate writing and editing experiences into subjects of authentic life and faith. She writes a monthly newspaper column for an Illinois regional newspaper and regularly updates her blog, www.realreedy@blogspot.com. Angie is married to Walter and loves the daily surprises that come with parenting her two young children.

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Living Water - Pat Moyer

"On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’’ John 7:37-39 NLT


Driving to work one day, I noticed that huge rocks had been placed in the yard of a new home under construction. I wondered what they were planning and what kind of equipment had been used to put such massive stones into place.

A few days later I drove past again. The formation was more predictable. I could see what they were making. In fact, it was partly finished. A large waterfall stood like a beacon sending a message from the yard—water tumbled freely and powerfully down the stairway of rocks.

As my eyes followed the path of the water, I thought of the words of Jesus: “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” This water sure was living, it was downright lively. It ran like a NASCAR twisting and turning, spraying and foaming.

Jesus wants to do that in us. He wants to so fill us with the Holy Spirit that we overflow with abundant joy. His Spirit in us will come spilling out, quenching the thirst of those we come in contact with. He will send those who are thirsty to cross our path so we can share the refreshment and strength that He’s given us.

Does your life seem dry and parched? Come to the fountain and drink the living water. Be revived.

Prayer: Thank you for quenching my thirst, Lord. Help me to be the kind of person who will share with others how they can have the same thing you have given to me.

Pat is a freelance writer, wife, mother, grandmother and photographer, residing in Pottstown, PA. She is a lifetime member of The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania and a lifetime member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. She is past president of the Pottstown Area Garden Club and a C.L.A.S.S. trained speaker. She has been an inspirational speaker for Bible studies, women’s groups, retirement groups, conferences, holiday teas and luncheons. She is currently a member of the teaching team for an adult ladies' Sunday school class. Pat has worked in many areas of church ministry and has served as Director of the primary dept. for D.V.B.S., primary dept. Sunday school teacher, Camp Cherith camp counselor, and co-chair for the E.B.C. Women’s Conference. You can reach Pat by e-mail at patricia.moyer@yahoo.com. You may visit her web site at http://www.patmoyer-treasure.net/ and her blog at http://www.thegardenwayfarer.blogspot.com/
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Alone but not Lonely - Kristi Buttles

"Jesus said, “…surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

My beloved, God-fearing grandmother lay dying. I was helpless to help her. For months we watched her condition worsen. Her medical needs necessitated a nursing home, though it was never our wish for her. I felt a huge responsibility to be with her so she would not feel lonely.

At her bedside, I recounted she buried her parents, husband, best friend, and daughter—my mom. I held her hand and retold family stories and read Scripture to her. I talked about what heaven might look like. She lay silent, struggling for every breath.

The Lord reminded me of my bible study. I replied, “I’m not going to bible study today. This is where I need to be.”

God firmly said, “Go.”

Very reluctantly, I went for a short while. I left my cell phone number with the nurse and said I’d be right back. My sister was home gathering Grandma’s legal documents.

The study was an unexpected respite in the midst of unrelenting sorrow and angst…then my cell phone rang. I grabbed it and ran out of the room.

The nurse informed me Grandma had just passed away. My knees gave way as I slid down the wall sobbing. I missed the opportunity to be with her when she died. She died alone. I could never live down the guilt.

I told my sister my feelings. She gently responded, “I believe Grandma was waiting for us to leave. I think she didn’t want us to see her die.”

I believe she was right. There has been so much loss in our family, it would be like Grandma to spare us overwhelming grief. Her giving, selfless life was always lived in others’ best interests. Even in her death she thought of us. This is who she was.

This is who Jesus is. In the midst of His death, He remembered us. Jesus knew why He was dying—to give us life.

Jesus died a horrific death alone. Yet, His grace covers our guilt.

He offers us abundant life—at the expense of His death. No one else can love us this way.

Accept the gift of new life Christ offers you through His death and resurrection. Admit your sin. Believe Jesus’ sacrifice as the Son of God. Receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, and turn from your sin.

With Jesus, even when we are lonely we are never truly alone.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer and has been published in the book Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust. She is an elementary school teacher and is involved in several ministries in her home church. She has written fiction, non-fiction, a bible study, and a children’s book which she also illustrated. All of which she hopes to publish soon. She has also designed her own line of unique greeting cards that combine her love for words with her passion for photography.
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I Could Have Prayed - She Said

“ I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one, I in them and you in me, so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:22-23 TNIV

Listen to I Could Have Prayed

I prayed too late. If I’d known sooner, maybe things would have been different. I stood gazing into the casket of my dearest friend. A sister. One I’d long to be in the company of, so when God blessed me with the opportunity to be her friend, I grasped hold and held tight.

That morning Mom had called me to ask if I’d heard from Lisa. I’d not heard from her in days, but we’d talked the week before.

“Lisa is dead,” Mom said. “Electrocuted in the tub.”

I hung up the phone. Don’t remember much after that. Somewhere between the four-hour trip and the reception line, I woke up to find myself staring into her casket, Lisa’s Bible clutched in her hands. Just like in life, she held Christ tight. Only now she was dead.

If I’d have known there was a problem between Lisa and her husband I’d have prayed for her safety. My heart broke as the loneliness swept over me. Christ had brought us together as friends and now we were divided by the shroud of death.

Lisa and I prayed together, talked about everything. And not once had she mentioned her deep fear of her husband or that he'd try to harm her. I’m not sure she knew the possibility. She’d ask how I was doing and yet, she kept silent about her own life.

I felt so helpless, torn. I could have prayed - would have, if I’d known. God might have saved her...changed her circumstances. But I didn’t know.

But Jesus knew. I took comfort in the fact that, just as Jesus prayed for us then, He prays for us, now. Long before my birth, He fell to His knees and pleaded that I would know the Father as He knew the Father. Christ prayed for me like no one else has ever prayed - He asked for me to be brought to Him and united in His love. He wanted me to have that peace and reassurance that He would die for. He prayed that same thing for Lisa.

It took years for me to learn the secret of prayer is not in the words but in the purity of our hearts. That it’s the sincerity of soul, a naive faith that believes we can know God and that God knows us. That He seeks us and desires our presence with Him. Christ pleaded to the Father that I would know the unity of His presence in my life and He prayed those words with that same purity of heart and a “Father’s faith,” believing that through my trials, I would respond.

In death Lisa clung to His word. Like Christ clung to the cross. Like I cling to the hope I’ll see my friend again.

Won’t you seek the One who reaches out from the cross to you? Allow His love to fill your heart. Hold tight to the unity found in Him through the Father and through the love we share with one another. He has provided a way to know Him.

We only need to stand in the shadow of the cross.


Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and co-founders of ChristianDevotions.us. They co-write the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host BlogtalkRadio's Christian Devotions Speak UP! along with Scott McCausey.

And now you can catch them each Friday evening at 7 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio! (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ). They travel with Christian Devotions Ministries teaching the art of writing devotions at writers conferences across the country. Eddie and Cindy are featured in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust - A Journey to Financial Dependence.




Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9822065-4-6
Price: $9.95

Clearing the Air - She Said

"Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. ‘By all means, go,’ the king of Aram replied. ‘I will send a letter to the king of Israel... As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, ‘Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!’" 2 Kings 5:4-7

Listen to Clearing the Air

Once more I’d managed to frustrate him. Once again, he’d done the same.
In a day and time when communication is such an easy feat, it’s still the hardest thing to manage. I slammed my hand on the desk. Shish, I thought, that’s not what I meant at all. Cut me some slack.

My partner and I work virtually, and instant messages, though speedy, lose something in the translation. I say something, he misinterprets it, and vice-versa. There’s no inflection, no emotion, no…anything—just typed words that give us permission to assume the meaning.

I’m not sure how to do this, I typed.

We’re moving backward. We can’t move back, was the instant message reply.

“Phooey. I’m doing my best,” I snapped at the screen. I’d followed the instructions. My questions only served to agitate him, so I did what any good-natured woman would do…I turned him off—him and the computer—went downstairs and sulked.

Communication is hard. And when we’re not listening, not getting the inflection, we assume the position of others.

The King of Aram meant well with his letter and money. He wanted to help Naaman and he knew the prophet Elisha was with Israel. But that’s not what the King of Israel assumed. He took for granted the meaning of the message. Israel’s King knew he couldn’t heal Naaman, so he assumed the King of Aram was picking a fight. “Perform the impossible, he growled.” Right!

The King of Aram wanted to find healing from Israel. I wanted my partner’s understanding, but without the clarity of the spoken word, neither of us “got” the message. The word of God is clear. His pathway is laid firmly for us to follow, but often we don’t listen to the guidance of the Word

My partner and I came to an understanding. If it’s important, we talk ear to ear.
Talk ear-to-ear with Christ and listen to the clarity of His Word. Then you’ll never misunderstand.

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and co-founders of ChristianDevotions.us. They co-write the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host BlogtalkRadio's Christian Devotions Speak UP! along with Scott McCausey.

And now you can catch them each Friday evening at 7 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio! (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ). They travel with Christian Devotions Ministries teaching the art of writing devotions at writers conferences across the country. Eddie and Cindy are featured in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust - A Journey to Financial Dependence.




Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9822065-4-6
Price: $5.95 (special price during our book tour)

Camera Ready - Jo Huddleston

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23, NIV

My eyes serve me like a camera, clicking away. Each evening my mind develops the snapshots and I discover my day’s mood stamped across them.

On stressful days, it’s obvious my impatience has spread intimidation across my sweet child’s face. Pictures taken on difficult days reveal a loving husband, now reserved, letting me pour out my frustrations on him simply because he’s there. Images from these warped days unveil store clerks, bag boys and even neighbors perplexed at how to handle me. They withdraw from my nearness, uneasiness lining their faces.

My mind’s screen displays people whom I hurt this day. Oh, I didn’t bring them physical pain or even verbally insult them, but my attitude quenched their happiness like water splashed on a campfire.

Confronted by my camera’s disclosures, I declare my shame before God. Sleep overtakes me as I seek God’s forgiveness for not being His approved witness today.

After such an imperfect day, I awake the next morning asking God to cleanse my heart, knowing it’s the wellspring of life. Scripture reminds me diligence is necessary in the housekeeping of my heart, because what starts from within will affect every aspect of my life. It’s essential for me to search my heart and clear out dust balls of negative thoughts—to replace them with wholesome thinking about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable.

Maybe today I’ll see my child’s bright eyes that, yesterday, clouds of my impatience darkened. Today I’ll speak more kindly to my husband and see his relief as I hold my tongue. Perhaps my smile will signal store clerks, bag boys and neighbors they don’t have to cross to the other side of the street when they see me coming. Tonight, before I surrender to sleep, I’ll thank God for loving me no matter what my mood. God knows and tests my heart. His unconditional love can equip me to meet every day. God’s joy can make me camera-ready so that my daily pictures will please Him.

Are you camera-ready? God can help you maintain a clean heart and attitude pleasing to Him. What will the photos of your daily life reveal?


Jo Huddleston is the author of four nonfiction books and the coauthor of an E-book on writing for the Christian marketplace. Her more than 200 devotions, articles and stories have appeared in over fifty publications, including Guideposts and Decision.
Read Jo's devotions.

You may visit with Jo at http://www.johuddleston.com/.
Read Jo's devotions.

Tobacco Sacks at Church? - Judy Howard

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old,
he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Clara Schoeck was married at age seventeen in a tiny church in Adair, Oklahoma in 1934. When Clara’s first baby was born, the church ladies wanted to surprise her with a Flower Basket Quilt for her daughter. Unfortunately, nobody had the money to buy fabric.

I’ve stashed away some old tobacco sacks,” volunteered one lady, a little embarrassed to admit it.

"We could use the calico dress I've outgrown," another said.

"I’ve got some C&H Sugar Sacks I've been saving for a special quilt."

Another volunteered, "My husband has a WW-I airplane cover stored in the barn we could use for backing.”

"We've picked enough cotton to card for the batting," the farmer's daughter exclaimed.

The next week they brought their scraps to church and the needles started to fly.

"Let's embroider our names on the blocks and in the middle stitch, 'To Baby with love, 1935'” brainstormed one of the quilters.

"How about writing our favorite Bible verses on the handle of each basket?"

Two months later the quilting group presented the Flower Basket Quilt to Clara. "Where did you find such beautiful fabrics in this day and age?" Clara inquired.

With a sly giggle the spokeswoman explained, "Where God guides, God also provides."

Nellie cherishes her Flower Basket Quilt and she loves to share the story of how faithful God was, and still is, to provide for their needs.

“The legacy of God's love is embodied in every stitch,” she said. "The verse on each Flower Basket handle is etched in the minds of my children. As I tucked them into bed at night, we repeated the verses together until they fell into a peaceful slumber.”

Regardless of the creativity used to teach our children God’s word, the important thing is that it’s taught. Whether stitched with love in a quilt or spoken together in prayer, rear them up in His ways and they will not depart from it.

Since 1976, Judy Howard has owned and operated Buckboard Antiques and Quilts in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her love of quilts developed while taking a class from nationally renowned fiber artist Terrie Mangat. Judy became a charter member of the Oklahoma Quilt Guild, and antique quilts became her specialty. Her stories of quilting through the depression have been Awarded First Place by the regional Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. Visit her at http://www.heavenlypatchwork.com//.
Read Judy's devotions.

Just Listen - She Said

"Now bands from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, ‘If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.’" 2 Kings 5:2-3

Listen to Just Listen

I knew what was coming. If only he would have listened. I knew the exit had changed.

Wives can relate to the moment you try telling your husband what exit to take, but he blows you off. Any attempt we make to help navigate is construed as being a know-it-all. So, I’ve learned to hush. Occasionally, I say something as I see the off-ramp approaching at a blistering speed.

Last summer on our return trip from the beach, we were navigating Asheville, NC. “Honey,” I said, “the last time I came this way, they changed the exits.”

“I know. We’ve got the GPS.”

“What I’m trying to say is, the GPS showed the old exit.”

My husband was confident he knew the way. He blew me off - and past another mile marker.

I squirmed in my seat as the exit approached. “This is the exit that’s changed.”

“I know. It’s exit 3B.”

“It's 4A, now,” I added, watching as he veered off the interstate and headed toward downtown Asheville. Minutes later we were stuck... As I'd been for months.

For some time I'd heard God calling me to serve Him full-time in a ministry. Like my husband I would smile and say, “I know. I’m working on it." Weeks went by. My "real" job became more stressful, others demanded all my time—and I got sick. Real sick.

Sitting in the doctor’s office, I listed my daily activities. The doctor glanced over the items and looked up. “You’re over-worked and stressed. If you don’t stop, you'll die." Harsh, but when is the truth gentle?

Naaman blew-off his wife's hand-maiden, too. (Typical male response!) Thought he knew better. Don't we all?

That night, I fell to my knees. With well meaning friends and family harping at me to pay attention to what my body was telling me, God called to me. Ready? Will you go now? Be healed? Obey?

God’s will isn’t always convenient, rarely easy. But when He calls He means business. His business - not our busyness.

I finally gave up. Now, seven weeks from retirement, my health has improved. My circumstances haven't changed. I still don't know how we're going to pay the bills when the paychecks stop, but the old way is killing me. I just trust that God knows best. My experience tells me He usually does.

When you think you know it all...you don't. Stop. Listen and go to the one who can cure you. Trust me, God's way is the best medicine.

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and co-founders of ChristianDevotions.us. They co-write the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host BlogtalkRadio's Christian Devotions Speak UP! along with Scott McCausey.

And now you can catch them each Friday evening at 7 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio! (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ). They travel with Christian Devotions Ministries teaching the art of writing devotions at writers conferences across the country. Eddie and Cindy are featured in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust - A Journey to Financial Dependence.




Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9822065-4-6
Price: $5.95 (special price during our book tour)

The Road Before Us - Cherie Sechrist

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

Several months ago I was traveling in an area unfamiliar to me. My GPS was programmed for my destination, but instead of following the direction advised by the instrument on my dashboard, I veered off onto a different course. The GPS simply “recalculated” and advised me what turn was next.

My stubborn willfulness and thinking my way to be the right way meant I continued on with wrong turn after wrong turn, no matter how many times the GPS recalculated and advised me of my error. Hopelessly lost, I took the advice of the GPS only to find in the end, my wrong turns would have taken me completely opposite of where I wanted to be. However, by following the commands this global positioning system imparted, I was still able to reach my intended objective.

There are many times in life we veer off course. Wrong decisions and our own stubborn will take us off the beaten path to places that are not part of God’s divine purpose for our life. We wander down paths that seem right to us, with little thought to the way God is advising we take.

God allows us to make these mistakes. He allows us to take wrong turns. But, just as the GPS knew I made the wrong turn, God knows and He “recalculates” for us. And, like my GPS, He never grows tired of making the recalculations and telling us again and again of the correct path for our lives. If we are willing to listen to His voice – His direction – He will once again put us on the right path for our present and future.


Cherie Sechrist is the author of some 35 plays, which have been performed over the years by various churches. She lives in southern Pennsylvania with her husband of over 35 years. She is the mother of three adult children, all of whom were homeschooled through graduation. She and her husband own a small construction company. Her many loves include reading, writing, entering sweepstakes and Walt Disney World (which she has visited 55 times!) Read Cherie's devotions.

Pesky Typos - He Said

"Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy." 2 Kings 5:1

Listen to Pesky Typos

I hate typos and, yet, I plant them in my devotions and novels. They sprout and grow, turning a section of “perfect text” into a “perfect test” for our copy editor. I’m not alone, however. In books, blogs and on billboards, typos abound. Here are a few of my favorites.

“Naomi sat on the hot, dusty earth eating rice from a rough wooden bowel.” (Hey, waiter can I get a dish of small intestine to go?)

“Every girl dreams of the perfect weeding. Let Contour Lighting make your moment shine.” (Wonder if they color roots, too?)

“The academic scholarship I earned came with a plague.” (March Madness, this time of the year.)

“Most of my experience has been as a blue-color worker.” (From the resume of a sad and cold employee.)

“As part of the city maintenance crew, I repaired bad roads and defective brides.” (Aren’t they all, after a few days with their new husband?)

“My career goal is to shave my talents with a growing company.” ( No McDreamy stubble with this guy.)

“My hobbies include raising long-eared rabbis as pets.” (Torah training extra!)

I laugh because my life is one long string of typos. During my senior year in college, I received an F on a journalism project because I misspelled the Attorney General’s name. My professor (who was also my adviser) loved the article. “But,” he said, stabbing the first paragraph of the story, “You misspelled the guy’s name. The least you could have done was to look at his name plate on the desk and copy it down correctly.”

No matter how good we think we are, our blemishes go before us, marring our reputation and turning an effective ministry or career into a public sham.

Naaman was a great leader, valiant soldier, and respected general. But, his accolades could not save him from public shame. His leprosy, left untreated, would push him to the edges of society, leaving him an outcast.

Our sin is our leprosy. It leaves us outside the Kingdom of God and beyond the bounds of Eden, because God demands perfection. He cannot tolerate typos, not even one. (See next week’s devotion for how we achieve perfection and eliminate typos.)

Writers have critique groups, friends who proof their work. Within the body of Christ, we have fellow believers who hold us accountable. Paul calls on us to confess our sins and carry each other’s burdens. Today, ask a friend to critique your life and find the typos in your testimony.