Strengthen Yourself in the Lord - Dawn King

"But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6b

It was the last straw! I just wanted to lie on the floor in a puddle of despair and hope that Jesus would come soon. On top of fighting with my insurance company for over a year after my fire and losing my job, now the window air conditioning units we had stored in the shed did not fit in the windows of our newly rebuilt house. With our finances in disarray from the trials of the past year, I knew we could not buy new ones and I was worried how I’d survive the summer without air conditioning. My asthma does not handle the heat well.

David also felt like this. Arriving back home after being kicked out of the Philistines’ camp where he hid while Saul persued him, David finds that his entire city has been taken captive--including his wives and children. But, instead of allowing his grief to overwhelm him, David strengthens himself in the Lord. How? Maybe he remembered his epic battle with Goliath and how God guided the rock from his sling to the center of Goliath’s forehead.

When I’m feeling down, frustrated and like I can’t take it anymore, God reminds me to come up and trust Him. I have to. There is no earthly thing I can do right now to make my situation better. Nothing.

Instead of collapsing in a puddle of despair, I’ve been reminding myself of the times God has come through for me. We’ve received cash in the mail from an address in England during a long period of unemployment, miraculous provision of food, clothing, and shelter, and favor with those in authority to get our house rebuilt quickly. Remembering past times of trials and how God has solved the problem without my help, gives me hope for the future.

How about you? Have you listed the times that God has rescued you? Remind yourself of these times when you are facing impossible odds and overwhelming trials to strengthen yourself in the Lord.

Dawn King is freelance writer and a mom of seven. She is active in her local church and enjoys praying, reading, writing, and cooking. Her heart is to bring glory to the Lord and draw people to Him through His work in her life. Dawn is currently working on a Biblical historical novel. Read Dawn's devotions.

Broken Dreams - Sue Payne

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

The pieces were scattered everywhere. Confused and hurt, I scrambled to gather them up before one of them was lost. As I picked up each treasured fragment, memories of lessons taught and shared, plans anticipated, and hopes only a mother would dream, assaulted my heart. How could I ever get it together again? Was it beyond repair? Would it ever be the same? I comforted myself thinking, at least I still had all the pieces.

A wise mother once told me that when your children are young they’ll step on your feet. When they’re older, they’ll step on your heart, but only if you let them. I had not been prepared for the events that unfolded in my son’s life, so contrary they were to his character and to how he had been brought up in the Lord. My heart shattered.

Surely God would see what was happening and intervene, I thought. He would hear the cries of my heart and the midnight prayers. He would comfort me in the sleepless hours when fear overtook my thoughts.

Nothing changed. In fact, it continued to get worse.

After weeks of fighting this emotional stress, weary and defeated I told God that I just could not continue on in this way. It was not long before God’s Spirit whispered, “Your heart may be fragile and broken, but my power within you is greatest when you are weak.”

I treasure my son, but in my weakness of mourning his decisions, I had forgotten the ever present treasure of God’s grace and power in my life.

Although things remain the same in my son’s life, I have chosen to change. I believe that God’s perfect plan is unfolding even though I cannot clearly see it. I receive, daily, the precious gifts God has given me in this fragile jar of clay I call my heart and point to Him when others ask me the reason for my joy and strength. I hold on, in faith, to the broken pieces because within them lies my hope; Jesus, the Ultimate Treasure.

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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End to Enders - Kevin Spencer

"…and you will hear a voice say, ‘This is the way, turn around and walk here.’" Isaiah 30:21

Hanging on the wall in my office (okay it’s not so much an office as a corner of the living room), we have a framed document proclaiming that my dear wife Charlotte and I are official “End to Enders.” Part of a promotional campaign for the Blue Ridge Parkway, the document is ‘awarded’ to anyone who has traveled the entire length of the Parkway.

From almost as long as I have memory, my family has traveled and camped on the Parkway. When I was a boy, it was a road of mystery. There might be waterfalls, amazing vistas, ancient log cabins, or deer, and maybe even a bear around every bend. The Parkway is host to a lifetime of memories, from camping to picnicking to racing my little brother, David, up Mt. Pisgah. (He won, the speedy little scoundrel.)

From a host of mountain tops up and down the length of the Parkway, you can look down and see miles of the ribbon of concrete as it winds along the ridge tops below. As a boy, I imagined this must be how God sees us, gazing down on us from some remote spot high above, occasionally brushing aside a cloud to get a better view.

As I’ve grown older, though, I’ve discovered that my youthful analogy has held up. No, I don’t think of God peering down through the clouds anymore, although He might, but rather that He lives in me and with me. But what is comforting, like my boyhood image of God looking down on the Parkway, is that God can see all the twists and turns of my life from beginning to end. God can see what I can’t.

He can see what lies around the bends in the road. He can see what joys and dangers are hidden from me by the curves of life’s road. He provides for me what He knows I’ll need. He teaches me lessons that will serve me up the road, in some future situation I can’t even imagine now, because He knows where my life’s road is going. I take comfort in that…when I remember it. Unfortunately sometimes He has to remind me that He is in control, that He knows the road ahead far better than I do.

When the curves in your life’s road seem to be too sharp to handle, remember that He knows what lies around the corner. From birth to death, God has an ‘End to Ender’ certificate for each of our lives. Trust in Him.

Kevin Spencer lives in Tennessee with his beautiful wife Charlotte and grandson Caleb. A former prodigal son, Kevin is now trying to use the gifts God gave him, and by the grace of God has a life far better than he ever deserved. Read Kevin's devotions.

Exalted or Exhausted - Dawn George

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." Isaiah 40:28

When my daughter was very young, she loved to sing along with the worship songs as we drove around town doing errands. One very popular song at the time went like this...."He is exalted, the King is exalted on High; I will praise Him! He is exalted, forever exalted and I will praise His name. He is exalted the King is exalted...”

On one occasion, she was singing along but as I listened, I realized she misunderstood a word. This was her version: "He is exhausted, the King is exhausted on High; I will praise Him. He is exhausted, forever exhausted and I will praise His name. He is exhausted the King is exhausted...” Initially, I had a good laugh at the play on words but, as I drove on, I could not help but wonder if her version was a more accurate reflection of my life. Did I exhaust God more than I exalt Him? Can I exhaust God?

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of the word exhaust is: to use up or consume completely; expend the whole of, tire, wear out. Can I ‘use up’ or ‘consume’ God’s mercy? Do I ‘weary’ Him with my lack of progress? Is He exhausted with my repeated failures and confessions in some areas? I know I exhaust myself repeating the same cycles of sin, only to find myself on my knees confessing yet again. I grow weary when I see little growth in an area I have been struggling with for an extended period of time.

While expressing my frustration and fear of wearying God to a friend, she lovingly pointed out to me that I could not out-sin God's grace. And that was when my heart was reminded and my spirit strengthened by the answer to my question. The answer is grace! Had grace not intervened, I would have continued to live in fear of the penalty of my sin and failure. But, praise be to God, grace did intervene…on the cross at Calvary! And, although I may "Remember my affliction and wandering, and my soul (may become) downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."


Dawn George is a wife and homeschooling mother of four in Miami, Florida. Her love and passion for writing was fanned into flame by her love and passion for the Lord. She desires to share God’s redemptive love to all who thirst for living water. She openly and passionately shares her 9 year old son’s battle against cancer and how it has affected their family through her writing at www.georgefamilyblog.com. Visit their site to see God’s redemption at work and on display through suffering according to His will.
Read Dawn's devotions.

No Greater Love - Cindy Sproles

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Bittersweet. That’s how I describe Easter. It was just a twist of fate, but one that twisted in the wrong direction for us. You never know what rolls around in a child’s mind, and this time we were thrown a curve.

He was six. I sat in my Sunday school class down the hall from his classroom when I heard an undeniable scream. Cameron, I thought. Bolting out of my seat, I rushed down the hall. His teacher stood trying to console him.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as he wrapped his arms around my neck and sobbed.

“I can’t look! You told me Jesus was my friend.”

“He is!”

“They killed him. And my teacher says it was because of me.” His body quivered.

Tears dripped down his teacher’s face. “I never…”

“I know. It’s fine.”

As he pointed at the pictures of Christ’s beatings, His hands being nailed to the cross, the crucifixion, I realized how truly horrible they were. How did I explain this crass act of cruelty to a child?

We take for granted the pictures of Christ and His crucifixion. We look through rose-colored glasses, at a drop of blood here and there. But it was so much more. The longer I flipped through the Sunday school papers, the harder it became for me to look, too.

“I would never kill my friend!” cried my son.

“Honey, you didn’t kill Jesus. The Roman soldiers did. But, you have to understand that Jesus didn’t have to die.”

“He didn’t?”

“No. All He had to do was call on the angels and they would have rescued Him. But He loved us so much that He was willing to die for all the wrongs we’d ever commit – even before we were born.”

“I couldn’t do that.” my son whimpered.

“I doubt I could either. But Jesus is a different kind of friend.”

The day passed and my son calmed, but as I thought about the picture he’d tried to grasp, I couldn’t help but wonder—really wonder—why? There is no love greater than the love that this Friend, this Father, this God, exhibited for us.

With all the powers of heaven behind Him, He chose to pay the price. Christ made a choice.
Easter is bittersweet. Bitter in His loss, sweet in my gain. And, as I think of the lyrics, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” I find new meaning in His friendship. I’m not sure I’ll ever understand why, but He proved He loves me more than life itself.

When you long for true friendship, look upward to the One who gave it all for you. There is no greater love.

Cindy Sproles, along with Eddie Jones, are co-founders and co-writers of ChristianDevotions.us. She co-writes the popular He Said, She Said devotions with Jones and they co-host the He Said, She Said Radio show.
She is a graduate of the University of Phoenix and her devotions appear weekly in papers across the eastern United States. Cindy is the editor of Christian Devotions and serves as a co-host on Christian Devotions Speak UP with Marianne Jordan. She is a popular speaker for women's retreats and conferences and also travels with Eddie Jones representing Christian Devotions and teaching at writer’s conferences across the country.

Cindy is a featured writer in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust, A Journey to Financial Dependence.

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

Be Amazed - God is in Control

“Look among the nations and watch – be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” Habakkuk 1:5 NLJV

After the Communist Walls fell in Eastern Europe, my father, Harry Dent, was one of the first to go with Evangelist John Guest to Romania. He immediately formed a bond with our dear Romanian brothers and sisters who had endured great persecution for their faith. He clearly saw the Romanians needed everything. They needed trained pastors, supplies, and buildings as the large underground church emerged to the surface. The Romanian Christians knew Jesus in such a contagious way. Their faith had an impact upon everyone my father brought to help. Seeing the great need for trained pastors, my father’s ministry assisted in teaching laymen and training them as pastors. These men would be set up in churches on a support package until their church could become self-supporting.

Romania was virtually destroyed by communism and the selfish rule of Ceausescu. To help this country recover, my father formed a partnership between the city of Columbia, S.C. and Cluj, Romania, to assist in their transition from communism to freedom. He paid a visit to President George H. Bush and Secretary of State James Baker to explain why he thought Romania should receive “Most Favored Treaty Status” from the U.S. In time, it was granted.

For years the Romanian Christians prayed through their persecution. After 40 years of Communism and the miraculous growth of an underground church through persecution, God answered their prayers. The Communist Walls fell. James Baker told my father that day in Washington "the Fall of Communism was clearly the Hand of God. No one saw it coming.” God brought it to be—for such a time as this. He always wors to accomplish His will.

I wonder what He will do next to bring other walls that hinders His message. After my trip to the deep dark corners of the Middle East in 1997, the stark realization hit me that most of these dear folks have never had a chance to hear the Good News. Never forget that God is always working and He desires that all people come to know Him. So be amazed and watch! Pray for the Nation—for our God is in control.


Ginny Dent Brant is an educator, counselor, writer, soloist, Christian speaker and Bible study teacher. Ginny was a contributing author for The Chosen Path: 365 Inspirational Messages and has written articles for The Baptist Courier in South Carolina. She has done mission work in Romania, Yemen, Gaza, the Czech Republic, and China. Her first book about her relationship with her father, Harry Dent, and their journey from the White House to world missions will be released in 2011. Ginny and her husband, Alton, live in Clemson.

Read Ginny's devotions.

Everlasting Arms - Jorlyn A. Grasser

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” Deuteronomy 33:27a (KJV)

A recent hurricane’s rage snapped branches, then dropped them to the ground. When the storm veered closer toward our mobile home, my husband and I hurried to our daughter’s brick house. As the storm’s fury unfurled, the electric power went out and the TV’s chatter fell silent. Lights flickered, and then dimmed, as darkness filled her home.

Our two-year-old grandson scurried into my arms. Holding him, I sensed God’s everlasting arms surrounding us.

Multiple meanings exist for everlasting, each one more fantastic than the other. Words like always, eternal, perpetual and without end, head the list. God’s outstretched arms meet all these criteria.

His Word confirms His comfort is ours. At times, we may lack this vision as war news, nature’s rebellion and people’s despairing acts cause fear. We may wonder if God’s everlasting arms are still outstretched.

The answer is “yes.” Not only are His arms stretched out, His love remains constant. He tells us if a people or nation will acknowledge Him, He will be with them during wartime, nature’s upheaval and acts of man’s sinfulness. His arms reach out to all, proving His greatness beyond what they could imagine.

Since the beginning of time, the storms of life have prevailed. When the believer’s world erupts into confusion, he wants reassurances. Resting in God’s everlasting arms, we can lean back and experience the comfort He provides.

Rest in Him.

Jorlyn A. Grasser is a freelance writer living in Knightdale, North Carolina. She has been published in Secret Place, Horizons, Seek, Evangel and other publications. Read Jorlyn's devotions.

My New Name - Leah Mix

"You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God." Isaiah 62:2b, 3 (NIV)

After God’s touch changed the character of their lives, many in Scripture were given a new name.
Sarai, once known as the manipulating wife of Abram, became Sarah. God used this persuasive, elderly woman to be the mother of His people, the Jews. Likewise, Abraham, once Abram, chose to live by faith and in complete obedience. He followed God’s plan, and became the father of God’s people.

After Saul’s encounter with God on the Damascus road, he was transformed and became Paul, meaning small and humble. Saul, once a religious, ardent persecutor of the Church, became a passionate defender of the faith. He became a powerhouse, humbly serving God, in dreadful places and at great cost to him personally.

Finally, spontaneous Peter. He had the strongest faith of Jesus’ friends. Jesus dubbed him, Cephas, the Rock. Chosen to build up the Church – the body of Christ – Peter, after several failures, would never again vehemently deny Jesus. Instead, he openly proclaimed Him as Lord, urging others to stand firm in their faith and suffering.

These new names depicted God’s view of them. Each surrendered humbly, by faith, to live up to their name, trusting completely in His plan. They claimed the holiness they exhibited was not their own. Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I prayed, “Lord, what will you call me?” What new name would symbolize my character to You, Father, when I am completely surrendered to your will?”

He answered, “Love. I call you, Love. You give love to those closest and to some you hardly know. You ask to be my hands, my feet, my eyes, my lips to others. I’ve seen you show my love to those who have hurt you. You pray they will come to know Me, as you do. I know your heart; your desire to do my will.”

Then, He quietly whispered, “When I look at you, Leah, I see my Son, Jesus. And that is why I call you, Love.”

Leah Mix has been married to her wonderful husband, Gary, for 39 years. A transplant from Upstate New York to Florida, Leah experienced culture shock, but now loves her home and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. She found out that when God plants you, He will make you happy blooming there. Leah is the mother of two and grandmother of five. Writing is a new venture for Leah, but has been a dream for years. She is excited about the future because she has found, God is good - all the time. Read Leah's devotions.

Seeing His Goodness and Mercy - Lisa Gavin

"The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works (the entirety of things created.)" Psalm 145:9 (Amplified Bible)

My mind envisions the slow, sorrowful walk to the country cemetery, two young cousins carrying the small homemade coffin while the grieving father and uncle lead the way.

God is good to everyone—all His creation. He shows His goodness and mercy to each of us in different ways. Sometimes it is through someone else’s tragedy or hardship that we understand God’s mercy and goodness.

My great aunt left a copy of her journals to our family before she died at age 92. My great-grandfather’s brother and his wife were blessed with 15 children. It was the 1920’s, and medical care was scarce in their rural area. This young family lost 4 of their 15 children in infanthood, including a set of twins.

My great-grandmother helped deliver the tiny twins. My great-aunt was a young girl, watching as her mother washed the little babies and dressed them in “pretty” outfits. My great-grandfather and his brother made a small casket “all decorated in satin.” The babies were buried together in a quiet country cemetery.

Our family has always had a strong belief in God. I know they trusted His goodness and relied on His mercy in this tragic loss. History provides a wonderful place to look for God’s mercy and goodness towards us. When we face trials today, it is wise for us to look at where we’ve come from and be encouraged by God’s provision.

What are you facing today? Is it grief? Discouragement? Hopelessness? His mercy and goodness are with you!


Lisa Gavin lives in central Illinois, 2½ hours south of Chicago, with her husband Dan. They have three children, a son-in-law, and an adorable grandson. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. Through her interest in American history, she hopes to encourage others to appreciate and value all God provides for their lives today through modern conveniences and medical advancements.
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He Is Our Hope - Beverly Hill McKinney

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast…" Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)

Have you ever been in a completely hopeless situation?

On a quiet, sunny fall day leaving a National Park, we were flagged down by a passing motorist instructing us to slow down. Slowing to a near crawl, we approached a small fawn that had been hit and was sitting in the middle of the roadway. The mother doe paced by the side of the road waiting for us to pass.

We waited to see what the doe would do. Driving past the doe, I looked into her eyes. I saw a mixture of hopelessness and despair for her baby. After we passed, she sprinted to her fallen fawn. I felt hopeless.

I wonder if that is how God felt as He looked at His creation and saw the sin that plagued it. Although He cleansed the earth by a great flood in Noah’s day, once again the world filled with sin. Man seemed destined to be lost forever.

God gave hope to mankind. He sent his son to be born of man. The Bible tells us all Heaven rejoiced with the proclamation from the Heavenly host. Good news spread first to the lowly shepherds in the hills and then throughout the earth. Wise men who had been watching the stars were drawn to the baby. A one time encounter was all it took to renew hope on the earth.

“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom.” Christ began His ministry, calling a small band of disciples whose lives were changed by His teaching. When Christ died, they felt hopeless. But, with the coming Resurrection morning, their hope was restored. Simple men, full of love for their Savior, proceeded to proclaim His word throughout the world.

When we face hopeless situations, we can remember that He gives hope to all who are willing to call on His name and acknowledge Him as their personal Emmanuel, “God with us.”



Beverly Hill McKinney, who served with her husband in the ministry for seventeen years, is the author of over seventy inspirational articles, five anthologies, church skits, curriculum, two self-published books, and is a graduate of Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.
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Out of Darkness - Cindy Jones

“Father, eliminate the dark places of my life and make the rough places smooth.” Isaiah 42:16

Fear has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t what I desired when I began my journey into occult practices. I was looking for power; power over my circumstances, over those who had perverted my sense of security, and power to never be hurt again. My concept of peace became a twisted truth and fear. This fruit of darkness, began to dominate my life.

By all appearances, I seemed normal. No one would have guessed the turmoil I’d suffered to get past the ingrained fears—fear of people, public places, superstitious non-sense that I’d been taught, plagued me. During a 1979 youth camp, I made my “profession of faith” hoping it would ease the panic attacks. The fear increased and destructive emotions developed. I became defensive and judgmental. What was meant to be an escape from a bad start in life, turned into captivity that was more overbearing than I imagined. Darkness blinded me and freedom eluded me.

Once I believed that I could outwit the very thing I feared the most, death—an enemy lie I’d aligned myself with. The church I attended never had answers for a real demonic foe, to ask about it would was social suicide. This was modern times and devils were myths, fear of them unfounded, yet that knowledge did nothing to calm my suffering.

Then I snapped. “I’ll just end it. Kill myself.” I made careful plans. What I wanted to escape from, seemed my only means of escape. Then I came face to face with Jesus. The gentleness in His words, the comfort of his Spirit, swayed me toward His hope. I truly made him my Lord.

God does that--shows us hope, when we’ve come to the end of ourselves. He changes our thinking and truth prevails. After all, He is the “truth.”

The world is full of lies and we’re easy prey but the scales drop from our eyes when we see with clarity, the truth and the authenticity of Christ.

When you feel as though darkness has you in its grip. Look to the Light. Give Him lordship. He will rescue you.



Cindy Jones has been married to her knight in shinning armor, Bryan, for twenty years. They live in the hub of Mississippi with their children, Daniel, Nathan, and Amber. A writer all her life, she has contributed as a lifestyles reporter to area newspapers for over 10 years. As a creative writing teacher, she has learned the value of encouraging others through the written word. “Whether one is writing or reading, words can be a healing balm to a broken heart.” Read Cindy's devotions.

Forever Friend - Phoebe Leggett

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24 NIV

“I need a friend to play with,” whined Olivia.

“Why can’t I go out with my friends?” asked Justin.

“I wish I had a friend to talk to,” said Dawn.

“It would be helpful to have someone to talk this situation over with,” remarked an old man.

“I wish somebody would come by and see me,” whispered an eighty-five-year-old woman. “I just need a friend.”

Often, in the rush of our busy lives, the need for a friend may go unnoticed. But there are moments when having a friend to talk to — someone who will understand what you have to say — is vital and necessary.

Where can we find such a friend when we really need one? We find Him when we embrace the companionship of the Father. God lends Himself to us as our Abba Father, our friend and our Master. He hears our cries and comforts our fear. This is the joy of knowing Him personally, living to love Him, and seeking after Him.

There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is your forever friend if you’ll invite him in. His name is Jesus. Open your heart to Him and you will never be lonely again.

Phoebe Leggett was the recipient of two poetry awards from the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference in 2007. Many of her poems, articles, and short stories have appeared in various magazines and Christian literature; and she is currently working on a book about grief. She is married with two grown children and one grandchild. Her youngest son was killed in tragic accident in 2004. Learn more about Phoebe at href="http://www.phoebeleggett.com/">www.phoebeleggett.com Read Phoebe's devotions.

His Beloved - Cynthia Lott Vogel

"How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!…And the fragrance of your perfume than any spice! Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride;…." Song of Songs 4:10-11

I am not sure when the shift occurred. I think it was most likely a gradual process as, in my prayer life, I stopped viewing God as a demanding Judge and, instead, saw him as a tender lover.

Because I am an artist, God gave me a picture which I drew about a year ago entitled, “Pillow Talk.” It is a picture of a man and woman in bed, conversing. The woman is nude, only her back faces the viewer…and my favorite part of the drawing is that her hand is held up near the man’s hair, where his hand firmly clasps hers in a tender grip.

When I drew that picture, God told me this was an image of prayer. At first I was shocked—and embarrassed—by such an intimate portrayal, but as my prayer life has deepened and as I have more and more often come to Y’shua for a comforting embrace such as this, I have come to understand this analogy.

We are naked before our Lover, our Husband; his eyes are fixed on us and we have his full attention. Our prayers are as sweet to Him as the fragrance worn by one’s beloved is to us.

A. W. Tozer said. “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us…”

Do we come before our God as a wife before a loving husband? Do we “bare all” before him and let him grasp our hand as we stumble through difficulty? Who is your God?


Cynthia Lott Vogel is a writer who writes in much the same way as she prays. The words are the cry of her heart to her Lord and to his people. She loves studying and memorizing Scripture and is currently working on two book manuscripts. Facing numerous physical challenges, she is a mom and a wife of 20 years and does everything possible to remain active despite the limitations of her health. Cynthia is an avid blogger and you may visit one of her blogs at www.cynthialottvogel.blogspot.com. Read Cynthia's devotions.

What Are You Chosen For? - Beverly Hill McKinney

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…" Romans 12:6 (NIV)

I pulled my car to a stop by the nearby horse farm. I loved coming here to watch the horses as they frolicked in the meadow.

Leaning on the fence, I saw two small “colts.” I realized one was a colt and the other a baby mule. The colt was beautiful, sleek and trim. Its long, slim legs and a shiny chestnut coat seemed to gleam in the sun.

The baby mule was stocky, its coat rumpled. His legs were heavier and his body larger than the colt. He seemed out of place among the other animals.

Looking at these two lovely creatures, I thought how striking the colt was compared to the mule. The colt could run fast on its thin legs and would be admired. It occurred to me, although beautiful, the colt could not carry heavy loads or endure the elements that the young mule could. The mule had the stamina to carry heavy packs on his back and balance easily on rough terrain. However, the mule could not run fast and win races like the colt.

When Christ chose his disciples, He picked those who could endure hardship and who had the necessary stamina for the rugged life they’d encounter. Many were fishermen who had endured the rigors of physical labor. Each brought his distinct personality to the tasks necessary to be a follower of Christ.

I remembered sermons about each person being unique in God’s eyes and being given the talents they needed for the tasks God gave them, just as He’d created the colt and mule for different tasks.

As I watched the animals, I thought of times in my own life God had called on me to accomplish something I felt I could not do. But He never failed to give me the talents to finish the job.

I thanked God for reassuring me that, whatever task He gives me, He would provide the necessary skills to accomplish the work. I learned not to judge others, as each person is given special talents for what the Lord calls them to do. What are you chosen for? Search your talents and let God use you.



Beverly Hill McKinney, who served with her husband in the ministry for seventeen years, is the author of over seventy inspirational articles, five anthologies, church skits, curriculum and two self-published books. She is a graduate of Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild. Read Beverly's devotions.

Landing in "Grace"-land - She Said

“...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:23


Listen to Landing in "Grace"-land

One, two, three, four, five, six…I count the steps in my head every time I start down them. I started counting steps when the kids were little, after our son took a tumble.

Cameron was six when he fell. He stood at the top of the stairs in his Under-roos and matching Scooby-Doo socks, smiling and laughing. Tim stood behind him and I was at the bottom. I sat my load of laundry on floor and turned just in time to see Cameron’s feet slip. Horror stricken, Tim grabbed at him trying to grasp any part of his tumbling body. I did too, but missed. Cameron flipped twice, somersaulted down the stairs until he hit the wall, smacking his head against the railing.

Unconscious, we scooped him up and rushed him to the ER. The doctor examined him and sent him for x-rays. “You say he fell down the stairs?”

“Missed a step and his feet just flew out from under him. I tried to grab him but was too late.”
“Well, we’ll keep your boy overnight until the swelling goes down, but I think he’ll be fine.”
I miss steps, too, and when I do I feel as though I’ve disappointed God. It seems the harder I try to be what God wants me to be, the more I trip and stumble—the more I feel I’ve let God down. My friend scolded me yesterday, told me there was no way I could let God down.

“You can’t disappoint Him. He loves you too much. It’s like saying your disabled son disappoints you—it just can’t happen.”

I thought about that. A lot. And then I realized he was probably right. We can’t really disappoint God. He loves us too much. He knows we can’t always match up to His perfection. He understands I fall short of His glory. Our weakness and “fallings” are made perfect in Christ. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try to steady my steps. The day I quit making the effort, is the day God cries.

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Yes, we sin and fall short, but there’s no way we can let God down. Not when Christ is lifted up.

When you stumble and fall, remember the place you land is called “grace,” so take His hand and stand in "Grace"-land.

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

Fellowship of Suffering - Cary E. McQuaid

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24

Could it be something that God has given you, this "Fellowship of Sufferings?" Everyone has been assigned a purpose in life; however, few believe their purpose is to testify to God's grace. Few believe God may allow them to suffer so they may be used to help others. It’s hard to understand that the purpose of suffering is to be a means to share our very own experiences of God's grace. To finish this life (race) knowing we have been used by God to help others cross the finish line and enter into heaven together with us, ought to be our ultimate goal and the highest of all honors.

When you suffer frustrations and hardships, consider how God may be planning to use your sufferings. He may be building your character and experience so you’ll be able to guide someone else through the hurdles of life. Count it all joy!

A good coach trains a team to look after one another. Runners are trained to help their teammate finish the race by running alongside—encouraging the weaker to continue to fight, when it seems too hard for them to carry on. When I was in the military, it was the same. We were a team. If one struggled, the team came to their assistance with encouragement, helping them complete the course.

The trials of our lives are tools to strengthen us—ways to groom us into the individuals God wants us to be. Do you know someone who is struggling today? Suffer alongside them and encourage them to continue on.

Jesus suffered for us that we might live. What an ultimate example.

Cary McQuaid is the Director of Souls For Christ International Ministries. He was saved by grace during a combat tour to the Middle East in 1990 and since that time he has been used to reach many souls through preaching, teaching, and writing. He has spoken and taught at various places such as rescue missions, churches, prisons, outreach centers and the World Wide Web. He is the author of “Our Challenge Today”, “The Learner I” and “The Learner II” series. He is also a published poet and songwriter. Cary and his wife Christine currently reside in Naples, Florida. Read Cary's devotions.

Have Faith - Sauni Rinehart

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Faith—believing in what we can’t see, touch, or feel—can be tough for some people. They need to be able to grasp something that feels real to them.

It’s these same people who’ll get on an airplane that, by all that’s logical, shouldn’t be able to get off the ground. I’ve done a lot of traveling lately, spending hours sitting in a huge plane that has to weigh, well, tons. And all around me, people slept, read, talked and laughed . . . no one seemed to think twice about how the plane worked or how it could fly.

They have faith that it’ll get us safely to our destination.

Every morning, we have faith our cars will run, when we don’t know a carburetor from a piston. We have faith our spouses will be faithful, when we don’t have control over the decisions they make. We have faith our children will grow up to be contributing members of society, when they easily could be influenced by the world.

All this is faith. So why do we find it hard to have faith in God?

It’s not really a matter of faith at all. For many, it’s a matter of control—we don’t want to give it up. I know I struggle with this more often than I care to admit. My plans. My desires. My abilities. Things I want to do. I want control.

But, if I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that I don’t have control over anything. Not really. But the God who loves me with an everlasting love, does.. And I can trust Him. He’s in loving control and has proven to be faithful—every moment of every day.

While I may not understand everything about Him, although I may not be able to touch His face or hold His hand, I can have faith He’ll work His perfect will in my life. Have faith. Let Him handle the situations of life.

Sauni Rinehart is a speaker, vocalist, and writer through Triple-E Ministries (www.saunirinehart.com) or visit her blog at http://saunirinehart.blogspot.com. She is also involved in worship arts and women's ministries at her home church. She and her husband make their home in Eastvale, California.

Read Sauni's devotions.

"Daddy, I Felled" - Linda Rondeau

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 NIV

The two-year-old darted around the apartment like a butterfly in a flower garden, touching this and climbing that. Her father kept coming from the kitchen to remind her to be still. “Kaylee, sit down. Wait until I finish fixing your lunch.”

As soon as his back was turned, she tumbled about from couch to chair, jumping and oblivious to her father’s warnings.

“Kaylee, stop jumping. You’re going to get hurt.” He gently picked her up and set her back down on the floor, then retreated into the kitchen.

Every piece of furniture proved to be a challenge waiting to be conquered. Her desire to explore the world proved insatiable.

“Kaylee, sit down now, while I fix your soup,” the father said. “It’s almost ready.”

She scurried to her favorite chair. While her father’s attention was turned away, she stood and rocked it, tumbling onto the floor with a loud bang. Her father rushed to her side.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed, “Daddy, I felled.”

She deserved to be punished. She deserved to go to time-out and think about her contrariness. Her father would have been within his rights to scold her for not listening. The fall was the child’s fault. In her stubbornness, she pursued the course of disobedience. But rather than chide, her dad simply kissed her tears and said, “It’s alright, Kaylee. Daddy’s here now.”

From that moment on, Kaylee sat in her chair as a proper young lady should.

As believers, we sometimes pursue paths against God’s good advice. In the course of time, we stumble and fall. Though we deserve condemnation, He rushes to cover us with His love. He desires for us to turn to Him and say, “Daddy, I felled. I was wrong to disobey you.”

When we do, He picks us up, wipes away our tears and reminds us, “It’s all right. Your Father is here.” Let the one who heals all wounds comfort you.


Linda Rondeau is a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, dramatist, and sometimes speaker. A twenty-five-year veteran of human services, she resides in Northern New York with her husband of thirty-two years. Writing credits include Christian Fiction On-line, Adams Media anthologies, Focus on the Family, and Kid’s Ark Magazine. She contributes a spiritual life issues column for her local newspaper, This Daily Grind. More of her writings can be viewed on her website: http://www.lindarondeau.com/. Write to her at http://www.blogger.com/lrondeau@westelcom.
Read Linda's devotions.

Just Wait - She Said

"When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days." John 11:4-6 (New International Version)

Listen to Just Wait


Suction cups, I wondered.

My son pressed the button in the elevator and the doors opened. "Mom, stop worrying. Sometimes Jesus has suction cups on His feet. That’s what makes Him walk so slow!"

I smiled at the mental picture my son offered. We'd gone through a series of tests to measure my oldest son’s intelligence. Now we waited. I was ready for it to be over. I was ready for the final verdict. If we just had the answer, we could move on with our lives. But a few minutes later we exited the geneticist's office with an appointment for yet another round of tests.

I wondered what was taking God so long.

I’m sure Mary and Martha wondered, too. When Christ heard that his friend Lazarus was sick, he delayed coming. It was if Jesus wanted his friend to die. And yet, I admit. I’ve felt that way at times, too. When I saw the suffering of my father, the way he coughed, the sunken sockets of his eyes, the pallor of his skin and the way it pressed against the cheekbone of his face, I said, “Oh Lord, just take him. Relieve the suffering.”

But He didn’t. Dad lived on. Hanging around. Wasting away. What was the glory in that?
After our final round of tests I learned my son carried a broken X chromosome— the marker for mental retardation. Did my waiting, my impatience help or hurt the process? Would it have prevented Chase’s handicap if they’d diagnosed the problem sooner? Where was the glory in that?

Chase was born broken. As Lazarus was. As I am. As we all are.

Could it be that Christ didn’t rush to save Lazarus because his friend was in no danger of dying? At least, not in the final way we think of death? Now we’re talking real glory.

Regardless of my son’s condition, I love him anyway. Perhaps I love him more because of it. His brokenness reveals God’s grace, for there is not a purer heart than Chases’. When God’s power meets our weakness His glory shines.

Pray for healing? Yes. Hate the disease? Yes. Comfort, care and sit with those you love? Absolutely. Then wait on God. Even when He’s slow to answer, the glory is there. Through our trust He is glorified and we are saved.

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

A Different View - Linda Rondeau

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” Psalm 100:4 NIV

Desperate for church workers, the young people in our small congregation held major positions in the church. At fourteen, I taught Sunday school, was president of our youth group, and sang in the choir. Yet, Sunday mornings were anything but inspiring, especially the music. The organist and pianist dueled over tempos, and I was the lone alto in our all-female choir.

The sermons seemed equally dull. While the pastor preached, I watched three-year-old Mark crawl undetected beneath the pews while his mother pretended to read the bulletin. Most Sundays, the only revelation I gained was that children are squirrelly and Pastor Cliff had a bald spot on the back of his head.

That was before Don came to our church.

Every Sunday he sat on the front pew with his three children with his wonderful smile. He offered a hearty “Amen” from time to time. While the choir muddled through another sour anthem, Don flashed a broad grin. For some reason, the choir actually sounded better.

Don’s off-key notes drowned out those of the other congregants. Yet, his voice possessed a melodic quality—a vibrato from the heart. The words of the song filled my hungering soul, once I paid attention.

Flecks of snow mixed with rain one cold Sunday. Attendance, lower than usual, reduced our choir to a trio. As the sermon began, I retreated to my habit of congregation gazing, stopping at Don’s smile. Curious, I focused on the sermon.

“If we come to God’s house expecting a blessing, He will never disappoint us. True worship is the expectation of communing with God.”

I finally understood. Don’s spiritual fulfillment didn’t require dramatic presentations or professionally produced anthems. For him, worship was an appointment with God. How could God meet me if I didn’t expect Him?

It’s a different view from the back pew of middle age than the balcony of a teenager’s skepticism. I no longer sit in a choir loft.

We are blessed with a talented worship team, and our pastor is a dynamic speaker. While I’m appreciative of the talents that enrich our corporate worship, these are exterior trappings. When my mind wanders, as it is prone to do, I think of Don who now sings with angels. I discount the discordant imperfections and ask God to pluck the strings of my heart with His perfect Spirit.

Look for the blessings in church. God never disappoints.


Linda Rondeau is a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, dramatist, and sometimes speaker. A twenty-five year veteran of human services, she resides in Northern New York with her husband of thirty-two years. Writing credits include Christian Fiction On-line, Adams Media anthologies, Focus on the Family, and Kid’s Ark Magazine. She contributes a spiritual life issues column for her local newspaper, This Daily Grind. More of her writings can be viewed on her website: www.lindarondeau.com. Write to her at lrondeau@westelcom.

Read Linda's devotions.

Life Lessons - Phyllis Qualls Freeman

"On that day tell your son, “I do this because of what the Lord did for me." Exodus 13:8 NIV

Our daughter and son-in-law had their children in their mid-thirties, while David was working hard toward his doctorate degree. I have great appreciation for the way David communicates with his teenage children.

Once he called his daughter and son into the house to watch an Olympic event re-run. He wanted the children to observe the event and the demeanor of the participants.

One of the contestants thought she was going to win and gave a superb performance on the ski slope, until she turned to look at the other contestants with a proud smile. She fell shortly before the finish line.

David asked his children, “What is the life-lesson here?” The teens discussed with their father that you haven’t won until you’ve won—don’t accept victory until you complete the task.

The Israelites commemorated yearly, the event of leaving Egypt. God instructs his people in today’s Scripture to tell their sons, “The Lord brought us out of Egypt with his mighty hand.” God wanted the children to hear first-hand of the miracles, signs and wonders he performed for the Israelites.

William, at fifteen, is rather shy, but has a wonderful ability to memorize scripture. David coaches a Bible Quiz Team and encouraged William to participate. When they won the state competition, we rejoiced that it was more than winning. David taught the team life-lessons and shared spiritual truths from the Bible as they studied.

Beth loves music. At four she could recite the stanzas to several songs while she shook her pom-poms in time with the music. At thirteen, she plays the clarinet. Her parents urge her to attend music camps. Both children plan to participate in mission ventures with their church teen group this summer.

God offers us life-lessons as well. He speaks them to us through His Word and His love. Parents, what life-lessons are you passing on to the next generation? Do your children hear what great things God has done for you, so they will believe he will do it for them also?

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two hundred fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com

Read Phyllis's devotions.