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.

Faith for Today - Jorlyn Grasser

"I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1 (KJV)

As Noah built an ark during drought times by following God’s instructions, Abraham raised a knife to destroy his only son in compliance with God’s direction, and Moses left the wilderness to lead the rebellious Israelites to their promised land…their faith is still evident today.

My friend, Tom, left a lucrative carpentry business to attend Bible College, working part time to provide for his wife and three small children. He knew God had directed him. Likewise, Nancy cared for her bedridden husband, meeting the needs of his deteriorating body. She trusted God, knowing this was His desire for her. In that same faith, Joan provided meals for elderly men and women, and researched resources to ease their stress. She knew this was God’s purpose for her life.

Choosing to live faith-filled lives, these individuals served where God placed them—each individual’s unique abilities developed by God, were used to meet the needs of others. These people served with love and humility.

God guides us as we follow Him. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus while walking on water, he sank. When we take our eyes off God, our faith weakens. Faith thrives on daily renewal.

All we possess comes from God. He is aware of our weaknesses, yet in spite of our failings, we are free to commit anew to obedience and faithful service.

Be faithful.


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.

Instruments of Greatness - Jorlyn A. Grasser

“But yield yourselves … and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” Romans 6:13b

Men and women are measured not by their greatness, but by their surrender, according to God. God is not only interested in who or what we are; He is interested in whether we will be instruments He can use.

As we tune into His Word, it provides music for living, strong chords of sustaining strength, direction for our life’s orchestration and songs for struggling times. Following His Word makes our lives a God-honoring composition.

Some of us prefer to be a tiny piccolo; others a booming tuba. Still others view themselves as a graceful harp or a multi-piped organ. Each instrument in God’s orchestra has a place of honor. Together, as He conducts and we respond, His glory spreads throughout a darkened world.

God-created music and our lives thrive when it is played with a servant’s heart, when “me, myself and I” are nowhere in the picture.

Each effort belongs to God. It doesn’t matter whether we are home with small children, learning a new job or caring for an elderly family member. Efforts performed in a Godly fashion sound like sweet music to Him.

As we submit to the opportunities God places in our lives, our actions become scores on which He can write His music.

We must beware lest we see ourselves as a shiny brass trumpet, or gleaming cello playing superbly music of great majesty. Becoming overconfident, He nudges us, reminding us He uses the battered, tarnished, even broken instruments as well. All, when committed to Him, make glorious sounds.

God is a God of the five senses. He encourages us to taste and see that His Words are sweet. He speaks in a soft whisper, only a silently waiting heart can hear. With surging praise He encourages us to make a joyful noise so all creation can hear His glory proclaimed. He sends the spring rains to whet our sense of smell as the earth awakens. His presence wraps us in a tranquil blanket as we lay our anxieties before Him.

Human greatness, without God, creates shallow sounds. The instrument of greatness God desires us to be, comes with full surrender. I love to play in His symphony. What about you?

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.

Cookies Are Not Enough - Jorlyn A. Grasser

"Serve the Lord with gladness." Psalm 100:2 KJV

The chill I received as I leaned against the kitchen window that late fall afternoon was lessened by the warmth of the oven while cookies baked. As soon as the last batch was finished, I bundled up Stephen, age one, and Charlyn, age three, and put them into their wagon. We had watched with interest when new neighbors moved into the house two doors away. Now I planned to officially welcome them.

“I didn’t know there were other children in the neighborhood—how nice,” my new neighbor said, accepting our gift.

“My name and phone number are on the enclosed card. If I can help you in any way, call,” I said as we turned the wagon around to leave.

The glow that comes when you know you have done what is right, brightened our trip back home.

Winter snow turned to spring sunshine before I saw my new neighbor again. My schedule of church work, the children, and family activities had filled the time.

I often felt a slight uneasiness about my new neighbor. Maybe I should call or invite her for coffee. But I did do something, Lord. I gave her cookies. This rationalization did little to ease my mind.

We did finally get together for coffee at her house.

“How was your winter?” I asked politely.

“The pits; just the pits.”

My heart began to ache when she told of her loneliness during the winter months. When I told of my schedule and invited her to our last Bible study of the season, she checked her calendar only to find the date filled.

The tears blurred my eyes as I walked home praying.

Forgive me for being so selfish. Cookies are not enough.

That summer our children played together often and their friendship grew. We started a Bible study and for several months studied the Gospel of Mark. Last week she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior.

How I wish I could say that from now on I will always listen to God speaking to me, but I have seen the weakness of my flesh too much to make such a statement. I do have one assurance. Moment by moment, as I desire to be available, He will use me far beyond giving cookies.

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.

Believer's Bumper Stickers - Jorlyn A. Grasser

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Psalm 92:12 KJV

Bumper stickers proclaim solutions and attitudes people believe. As believers we know life lived for God includes prayer, tears, songs and sharing. Why not create bumper stickers to help though these times.

For example, “Pray ‘Til It Works” as James 5:16 tells us would keep us focused on God’s answers. “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Pray consistently until God answers with a yes, no or wait. His answer will come.

Abraham Lincoln knew his limits and turned to prayer often as he led our nation. “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day.”

To lift our spirits “Sing ‘Til It Brings Joy” introduces the next bumper sticker. God’s Word tells us to sing unto the Lord a new song. People, possessions, place or our position in life seldom brings joy like the music of God’s love. This message causes our hearts to rejoice and revives our relationship with Him. A song from the heart, no matter what the voice, delights our Creator. So make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

“Share ‘Til God Blesses” directs our compassion to people around us. God’s Word states in Matthew 25:45b, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” He is speaking of each act of kindness we commit.

Clara Null, a young Mother, gives a perfect example of sharing. “It was one of the worst days of my life. The washing machine broke down, the telephone kept ringing, my head ached, and the mail carrier brought a bill I had no money to pay. Almost to the breaking point, I lifted my one-year-old into his highchair, leaned my head against the tray, and began to cry. Without a word, my son took his pacifier out of his mouth and stuck it in mine.”

Our lives lived with these bumper stickers may be all that’s needed to remind us of how God values each individual.

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.

Crisis, Closet and Constant Prayer -- Jorlyn Grasser

“…pray continually…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

For a few minutes, a new master controlled my car—the ice. At first I panicked, then sent a crisis prayer. I worked the car to the side of the road, waiting for my heart to calm.

Crisis prayer is a privilege of all believers, but we cannot live by it alone. We need closet prayer to back it up. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father…” Closet praying is quiet time on a regular basis in any location.

When things are going well it is easy to forget to pray. In order to make our Christian life vital day by day we must “pray without ceasing.” During difficult trials, this constant prayer enables us to hold on. When we practice prayer we are joined to a source of power, and that power comes from God. He always delights in hearing from us. He accepts our crisis, closet and constant prayer anytime.

Take time to pray in all things. Prayer calms, soothes and warms the heart. It softens the hardened soul and it cries to the needs of those who call out. Pray over and over. Do not stop. The Father is willing to listen.

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.