Conformation of Transformation - She Said

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Listen to Conformation of Transformation

I prayed for renewal. Down on my knees, car door open, snow falling. My stomach turned as the memories flooded back. I’d barely got the car stopped and the door open before I threw up. I thought I could handle it—being back in the spot I’d been rescued from 25 years earlier. I didn’t think it would affect me. But it did.

A friend had passed away and I rode with the boys 800 miles to pay our respects. I’d forgotten I had no respect in that city. No respect from family and no self-respect either. I’d hidden the hurt, prided myself on forgiveness, and then conveniently forgot the pain.

I’ve been a lot of things in my life. Brave, happy, cowardly but lost never seemed to be verb that applied. Except it did. There came a point when I had to choose between the man I thought loved me and the God whom I knew did love me.

I couldn’t stand in the bars and be a part of a life I knew wasn’t pleasing to Christ. I couldn’t be someone I wasn’t. Raised in the Bible belt, my convictions to God ran deep, so when a drunk walked up to me and asked me to dance, I turned to my husband, shook my head and walked home. Conformation to the world was not for me and the loneliness I felt from that point forward seemed unbearable.

Paul understood what it meant to conform to the world and he knew the ache of going to his knees and asking for renewal. He’d gone from Christian killer to Christ lover in a short amount time. He’d wrestled with pain, sought the forgiveness of a God whose will was grander than he could imagine—a good and perfect will that changed his life and made him new.

I made my decision to walk away. Torn between the judgment of man and the forgiveness of Christ, I packed my kids up and went back to the roots instilled deep in my heart. I cried for renewal, sought out the face of God and found His good and pleasing, perfect will—I found His confirmation of transformation and I was saved.

When your convictions are tested, don’t conform to the world, rather seek His will. You will be transformed and renewed by the forgiving love of the Father.

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

Staying in Shape - Marilyn Nutter

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I sent a quick text message to my daughter Kate, “What are you doing?”

Her reply came immediately. “Getting ready to exercise. Just bought a new DVD. Talk later.”

Kate is disciplined when it comes to maintaining a regular exercise program and she’s in great shape. I have an assortment of DVDs in my cabinet too: Pilates, dealing with trouble spots, strength and cardio, stretching and flexibility, and walking in a confined area. I am not nearly as disciplined as Kate and my body shows it. The promotional messages on the DVD cases persuade us that exercise will improve health, shape bodies, reduce stress and boost performance. With benefits like that, I don’t know why I procrastinate. Staying in shape is a mindset.

The apostle Paul gives us a guideline for maintaining a regular exercise program to stay in shape too. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. His message was to continue in a disciplined lifestyle with a focus on God, not circumstances. Developing an attitude of joy, maintaining a prayer relationship, and learning to give thanks in situations (not for them) are Paul’s recommended ways to get and stay in shape - get our minds in shape for the word.

Yes, joy energizes us, prayer strengthens us and gratitude changes our focus.

Are you stretched today or overwhelmed by circumstances over which you have no control? Consider Paul’s instructions and their benefits. Remember that while happiness depends on circumstances and people, joy has an upward focus. As we develop a regular prayer life, we will see strength emerge. When we cultivate gratitude, each day becomes a gift.

Paul’s program doesn’t come on a DVD, but when we take his advice we are bound to see results for our trouble spots. Our health will improve, our stress will be reduced and our daily performance boosted. More so, we develop the mind of Christ. Someone may even notice and comment, “Wow! She’s really in shape.” Get your mind in shape. Study, pray and exercise.

Marilyn Nutter is the author of three devotional books: Dressed up Moms’ Devotions to Go, Tea Lovers’ Devotions to Go, and Diva Delights Devotions to Go. She and her husband are new residents of the Charlotte, NC area. Marilyn enjoys speaking to women’s groups about discovering extraordinary treasures in ordinary days. Visit her website at www.marilynnutter.com. Read Marilyn's devotions.

Target Practice - Susan Lyttek

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Every other Tuesday morning, the boys tear the dirty sheets off their beds. “Mom! Get in position!”

I stand at the bottom of the stairs while they hurl, with youthful gusto, the ball of dirty laundry at me—hoping, at the very least, to knock the wind out of me. A powerful, mom-altering throw and they win. They have figured out how to put all their sheets into a pillowcase for better control. And on alternate laundry days, when I wash the blankets, too, they relish the extra weight it provides their delivery package. They laugh as I dramatically stumble backwards from their efforts and cry for mercy.

One bad week, the sheets desperately needed changing, but my head pounded from a migraine. Praying the throws would miss or at least hit lightly, I assumed the position. My eldest took one look at me and stopped himself in mid-throw. Instead, he brought his laundry downstairs. But when his younger brother insisted on having a target, he said, “Throw it at me. Mom can’t take it today.”

Years ago, on a dusty hillside, someone became the target when we couldn’t take it. He took all the dirty laundry aimed at him. We flung it at him without the slightest hint of giggles or affection. Instead, our missiles had hate, evil and envy at their root. The burdens we threw made him stagger and fall under their oppressive weight.

On that hillside long ago, we won—not because we knocked him down, but because he allowed us to. He let our filth knock him down so he could do the cleaning that we could not—the work that would make us new.

And tomorrow, when the laundry game is over and fresh, clean sheets cover their beds, we can snuggle together talking about the one who makes all things perfectly clean. So toss your dirt at the Christ who washes you clean.

Prayer: Father God, remind us that You sent Your son as the sacrificial Lamb that Passover foretold. He took the blows sin meant for us, so we could enter the eternally promised land.

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.
Read Susan's devotions.

Watermelon Seeds - Kay K. Mortimer

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
Eph. 3:20 (NKJV)

One of the things I love about summer is watermelons. This year, we grew our own. Today I cut into a delectable forty-pound delight, one of the sweetest I’ve ever eaten.

The one drawback to eating watermelon is the pesky seeds. But today, as I dug them out and enjoyed the fruit, the Lord spoke to me. He asked me to count the seeds in this slice. There were seven.

Then, doing a simple estimation of the whole melon, I calculated maybe 100 seeds. He showed me how in this natural fruit He embedded a spiritual concept of multiplication.

Various natural things serve as spiritual examples. Jesus used them many times – fig trees, mustard seeds, pearls, etc. When the Lord speaks to me about something natural, I’m always interested in what He’s really saying at a deeper level.

So, back to the watermelon seeds. He began to show me how He has placed within one melon the ability to reproduce not just another melon or two, but exponentially.

Think about it. One watermelon, holding one hundred seeds, can reproduce one hundred plants which, in turn, produces perhaps two or three melons each. You can see how one melon can produce two or three hundred other melons. Each of those melons holds many seeds, repeating the cycle again. Herein lies God’s view of multiplication and increase.

This makes me join in Paul’s prayer “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.”

God desires that we bear much fruit. Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified that you bear much fruit...” And, a few verses later, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…”

The next time you eat watermelon, think about those pesky watermelon seeds. God desires us to be watermelons and bear exponential fruit for His kingdom. God can take one seed and make hundreds of fruits from that one seed. Allow Him to plant the seeds of His word in your heart and cultivate them.

Kay K. Mortimer is a freelance writer, Licensed Tax Professional, and bookstore owner who lives in Aiken, SC with her husband. She writes for a local newspaper, as well as nonfiction devotions, meditations, and Bible studies. She is a member of the SC Writers Workshop. A deacon at River of Life Church in Aiken, Kay serves as Chairman-Elect of the Midland Valley Chamber of Commerce, is the accountant for the Aiken Community Playhouse, and serves on the Board of Directors of SCNATP. Her greatest passion is teaching and sharing the Word of God, helping Christians to grow and be encouraged in the faith.
Read Kay's devotions.

Take a Chance… Advance! - He Said

"Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!" - Ephesians 5:11-16 (The Message)

Listen to Take a Chance… Advance!

When did "work" become a four-letter word? When did God's first command become a burden? Perhaps it began when we exchanged God's gift of enjoyment through employment for the fleeting security of career entitlement. As the resource officer waits for us to clear out our desk, we cry, "You can't do this to me! I've been here since…" Work was meant for more than provision, position and posturing. When we labor "heartily as unto the Lord," it becomes an act of worship.

I'm writing from the mountains today. We're preparing for our second Writer's Advance Event. I've attended other writer's retreats, but the idea of giving ground and falling back doesn't fit our calling. So, over the next few days, we'll discuss, prepare and advance toward the next big thing God has planned. There's snow on the ground, ice on the parking lot and fire in our bones.

How about you? Are you burned-out instead of on fire for a cause, craft or ministry? Do you fear you've missed your chance to "make" a difference? Don't worry. Our God is the Lord of second and third chances. His eyes roam the earth seeking those who will open the door when He knocks. Will you respond to his banging?

Here are four tips for how you can "make the most of every chance you get."

Find a problem and fix it. Opportunities are often disguised as problems. These challenges force us to explore other options, examine the resources we have, and push on. When faced with a dead end, listen for God to say, "This way." A closed door is only a dead end when you don't follow the detour signs.

Move with urgency. Open doors do not remain open forever. New opportunities are time-sensitive. Ground floors become foundations for tall buildings, so seize the moment. Don't wait, ponder, pray and procrastinate. By the time you act, it may be too late. If the chance to do something different, untried and frightening excites you, then step through the open door.

Expect resistance. Often we mistake hardships for God's disapproval when, in fact, the rocks, weeds and ruts are just confirmation that we're plowing new territory. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, "A great and effective door has opened to me and there are many adversaries." The fastest point of sail is when the wind is against and slightly ahead of the boat, not blowing from behind. The gusts buffeting your cheeks could be God's breath cooling you down and keeping you refreshed.

Face down your fears. Don't let your fear of the unknown stop you from doing the thing that excites you. Wake up. Climb out. Watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. Christ will show you the light.

These are desperate times. The world needs pioneers who are willing to put aside the slothful acts of darkness and step boldly into the future. Today, if you feel God calling you to a new challenge, don't hesitate. Advance!

From Pit to Prominence – He Said

"So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there." Genesis 39:22

Listen to From Pit to Prominence

In his thirties he led an e-business technology team from a start-up company to its public stock offering. They went big, made a splash in the press and then went looking for a new and younger manager.

Suddenly retired, he helped found a new business. The job took him to Asia where he met with top executives in the semi-conductor industry. Modeling the successful strategy of his previous job, he positioned the firm to go public. But days before their announcement, the global economy burped; investors pulled back, the firm floundered. For two years he watched as one angel investor after another waltzed by his office, but none came bearing good news and gifts. The firm folded.

In order to pay the bills, he began restoring homes, adding decks, and refinishing rooms. Of course, business thrived. He hired additional help, rebuilt his savings and discovered he enjoyed working with his hands, going to bed tired and waking up in better shape than the day before. He dropped pounds, added muscle, plus a few more clients. Over coffee one morning, a customer commented on his leadership skills. "Would you like to have a job with an office, benefits and stock options?" his friend asked.

"Only if it presents a challenge."

Soon his unit led the company in growth, profits and efficiency. He was tapped to head a new division. The promotion would double his salary and vastly increase his responsibility. Then, on the eve of the announcement, he was fired. He learned later his knowledge, experience and wisdom had posed a threat to the owner. But none of that mattered on his drive home from work. With his wife recently retired, a new set of grand babies due and a suspicious mass on his spine, life's circumstances dumped him in the pit, again.

Joseph suffered betrayal, mistreatment and misfortune, too. Told by God that he would become a grand leader, Joseph struggled with the mantle of greatness. "Listen to the dream I had," said Joseph. "I had another dream… No one is greater in this house than I am…When all goes well with you, remember me… show me kindness… mention me… I have done nothing to deserve being put in a pit." His arrogant attitude bred jealousy and resentment, leading others to forget and forsake him.

God has made each of us responsible for someone and some thing. Whether we're serving time in prison, serving soup to the homeless, or serving on the board of a fortune 500 company, our attitude toward others reflects our heart for God.

When my friend arrived home that final evening, he hugged his wife, held her hand and prayed for God to see them through the crisis-just as they'd done in times past. I have no doubt he'll rise, again, from pit to prominence. That's what men of God do.

If you feel imprisoned, don't despair. God's promises, power and protection will set you free if you will trust, work and wait upon Him.

How to Grow Violets - Barbara Beyer

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you." Proverbs 4:6

Love wisdom….

Every afternoon, sunlight streamed in our east window and splashed across the brick hearth. Friendly rays seemed to call for something special to nourish. I envisioned a display of blooming violets such as I had seen in my grandmother’s living room while growing up.

I had frequently noticed that Wal-Mart carried a nice assortment of the African flowers…colorful edgings…maybe solids; dots or streaks; pinks and purples, lavenders and whites…the lively flora often drew my attention as I passed them.

So I headed to Wal-Mart, chose a holder for my flower pots and four beautiful plants…laid a large bag of potting soil in the lower rack and checked out.

That evening I carefully I placed each pot in the rack sitting on the hearth in front of the east window and waited for blooms.

Over the next year, I watered, fertilized and monitored the afternoon sun as it bathed my efforts. Though the leaves grew and prospered, there were no blossoms bursting forth as I had anticipated. Curiosity drove me to Google possible reasons. One site said bump the pot abruptly. Another site said to fertilize and water from the bottom up…make sure sun isn’t too hot… pH must be balanced…pot not too big…on and on I read. Up to this time I thought I had done it all perfect. I guess not.

I thought about grandmother’s success. Her display sat in the north window; while mine sat in the east.

“Maybe that’s it,” I mumbled.

I gave a hardy jolt to each pot as I moved the display to my north window. I watered from the bottom as the root system tightened up. If this didn’t work, I was ready to quit.

Within a month, blooms burst forth. Wisdom comes from experience, and grandma was wise about violets. Solomon prayed for wisdom and God entrusted him the gift. But along with that gift came the responsibility of using it appropriately—learning discernment and following through with a prayerful life, making decisions to heed the necessary information. That same wisdom comes to us through scripture. God tells us how to plant, water and grow healthy spiritual lives. We simply have to follow.

Are you missing the wisdom found in His Word? Open His pages and learn.

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.

Conquering Resentment - Jocelyn Green

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Several Coast Guard wives, myself included, had crammed into an apartment living room for a book club meeting. As we chatted, the hostess unleashed a bitter monologue concerning her husband’s frequent absences at sea and punctuated it with a booming, “I did not sign up to be a single parent!” With one toddler and another baby due soon, this woman was clearly frazzled. Unfortunately, her resentment over having to be solo spilled out of her like a toxin.

Heroes at Home author, Ellie Kay, points out that resentment takes root when the focus is on our own unfulfilled desires and expectations, on why life isn’t the way we want it to be right now. Our book club hostess, like most of us, desired for her husband to be a present father. Many spouses struggle with not being able to pursue professional ambitions due to the transitory lifestyle of the military. And who doesn’t wish we could spend more time with our families or friends we’ve left scattered all over the country?

In Lies Women Believe, Nancy Leigh DeMoss points out that no matter who we are, we will always have unfilled longings this side of heaven (Romans 8:23). “We must learn to accept those longings, surrender them to God, and look to Him to meet the deepest needs of our hearts,” she writes.

Naomi and Ruth, both widowed and childless, certainly had unfulfilled longings when they returned to Bethlehem empty-handed. But instead of wallowing in their tragedy, Ruth rolled up her sleeves and went to work—hard work—gleaning in the fields under the hot sun so she could provide for herself and her mother-in-law.

When resentment threatens to infect our hearts, we should take a cue from Ruth and step outside ourselves to serve others. “If our situation won’t change, we must,” says Kay. “The best way for a wife/husband to stop resenting their spouse’s military service is for them to get out there and invest in the lives of other people. Soon you’ll find that the very needs that had built resentment in your heart will turn around as you see God invited into the equation.”

Jocelyn Green is an award-winning freelance writer and author of Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (www.faithdeployed.com), from which this devotional was adapted. She and her husband Rob live with their two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa.












Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN-10: 0802452507
ISBN-13: 978-0802452504

Have Work Your Way At Bigger King- He Said

"Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." - Psalm 103:2-6 NIV

Listen to Have Work Your Way At Bigger King

In these tough economic times when companies are downsizing, outsourcing and capsizing, it's hard to find the perfect job and, by "perfect job," I mean any job that comes with benefits…like a paycheck. That's why I suggest you apply to Bigger King, whose motto is: Have Work Your Way.

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Great, another start-up company that's gonna go under after three months." Trust me, Bigger King isn't going anywhere but up. They've been servicing customers for centuries. Here are a few reasons you should consider going to work for Bigger King.

He forgives all your sins: If you mess up, don't worry. Our boss at Bigger King isn't a screamer. He expects perfection, but gives you plenty of time to grow into the job. We had this one employee, Paul, who, no matter how hard he tried, couldn't do the right thing. Even said as much in his letters. The boss promoted him anyway. Moved him from a small territory in Asia to the regional office in Rome. This gives you some idea of what a great guy our boss is.

Heals all your diseases: We have a great medical plan at Bigger King. If you get sick or injured, don't worry. Our boss will take care of you. Even if you get deathly ill and can't work, he'll stay right by your bed, encouraging you to get better, reminding you that you're loved, missed, and that your work is important to him.

Redeems your life from the pit: If you think your last job was the pits, you'll love working here. You can do any work you want. Seriously. Even if you stink at it. Our boss provides all the training and education you'll need. He places a lot of emphasis on heart, so if you think you can, with him, you can.

Crowns you with love: The boss remembers your birthday, name, your kid's names, and anything that's important to you. Plus, if you need a hug, shoulder to cry on or ear to bend, he's there. His door is always open.

Crowns you with compassion: He knows how you feel and understands how hard life can be sometimes. Even though he owns the company, he once pretended to be a common laborer and took a job in his own company as a carpenter. Before long, he was right back at the top, leading, teaching and helping others. When the boss man says, "I know how you feel," he really knows you feel.

Satisfies your desires with good things: You don't have to "settle" for any old job. The boss man wants you to have a good job. That's part of Bigger King's mission statement. "I came to give you abundant life."

Your youth is renewed: We have a great fitness and wellness program. It's called work. No one gets laid off, takes a "package," or retires. Work with us and you'll die with a smile on your face doing what you love doing.

There you are. The basic package at Bigger King. Don't ask what it pays. Your needs will be covered. Ask instead, "where do I sign up?"

Speak Truth - Tina Givens

“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbors,
for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:25

She turned three years old that day and I stopped by to drop off a gift. My niece, Jordan, like most birthday girls her age, was happy and exuberant. Fueled by excitement, she leaped and twirled in the middle of the living room floor as she told me all about her day.

Her verbal skills always impressed me. Her infectious enthusiasm caused her words to dance as they came out. We talked about everything from her pretty pink outfit to her birthday lunch earlier at a local kids’ center. The conversation flowed when out of nowhere she blurted, “Mommy is tall.”

Eager to keep the conversation going I asked, “Well, what is Auntie? Am I tall too?” Her mother and I are about the same height, so I never expected her response.

“No,” she said. “You’re big.”

Ouch! I laughed at her innocent candor, but I have to admit that it stung a little because it was true. My weight had inched up over the last year. I knew the time had come to make some changes, but hearing it out loud gave me brutal confirmation.

The truth, even when spoken without malice, sometimes hurts. But, like alcohol poured on an open wound – the pain means it’s working.

Has anyone stung you lately with the truth? Maybe your spouse confronted you about your time commitment to the family. Perhaps it was your boss addressing the quality of your work or a fellow believer expressing concern about sin in your life. I know it hurt you but, if you receive it, it can help you grow and change.

On the other hand, maybe it’s you who needs to speak truth to someone in your life but you are afraid of hurting their feelings. Before you speak, pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the right words and to prepare the person’s heart to receive them.

God used two innocent, truth-filled words from a three-year-old to make me take a hard look at my diet. How will He use your words in the life of your loved ones?



Tina Givens has a passion for encouraging people through her writing and singing. In addition to writing devotional pieces, Tina writes articles and advertising copy as marketing manager for NRB Network, a Christian educational and informational television channel seen nationwide on DIRECTV. Tina lives in Jacksonville, Florida, where she sings with the group Deliberate Praise and is a member of First Coast Christian Writers.

Making a Dollar Go A Long Way - He Said

"Give generously to them [the poor] and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." - Deuteronomy 15:10 NIV

Listen to Making a Dollar Go A Long Way

A few weeks ago I found a dollar lying on the sidewalk. Occasionally during my walks I'll find a penny or nickel or a nickel-plated hubcap, but seldom cash. I stuffed the bill in my pocket and continued on, thinking as I walked, how I'd spend the money. Of course, first I'd tithe this unexpected blessing; give the dime to some charity. But that would leave me a few cents short of a ninety-nine cents menu item at our local fast food restaurant. Maybe I could just owe God the ten cents, I thought. Pay Him back on Sunday.

Then I decided the free dollar was a pop quiz, God's way of testing me to see if I could be trusted with a small amount. I got excited. Pass this, and it could be, he'll give me lots of dollars. But I also knew you couldn't buy God's favor with false motives. Still, it was just a dollar. And it wasn't like I had to have it to eat.

We came to an intersection. The dog began barking at a paper bag rolling across the grass the way she does every time trash, cats and squirrels refuse to cower at her threats. The light changed. We walked on.

The middle-class men of Israel walked on, too. Hording their wealth, cheating their neighbor. Acting with contempt toward the foreigners living on their land. So God warned them, "…do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother…There should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you."

Just like He's blessed us, I thought.

Centuries later He sent His Son, warning them again. "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."

The least of these... The poor, the immigrant, the ignorant, the illegal.

These were my thoughts as I walked through my upper-middle class neighborhood clutching my dollar. I looked upon the large homes with manicured lawns and I recalled how, after we'd moved into the neighborhood, the taco truck would park across the street. There, construction crews gathered, eating and laughing and listening to the sounds of mariachi bands on the radio. Now those sounds were gone. So, too, were the men.

A block from my house I passed a brother and sister selling lemonade. They'd erected their stand at the base of a sidewalk leading to the apartment complex where the gangs live. Their skin had the coco tint of the Aztec, the large brown eyes and hesitant smile of the fearful.

"Limonada?"

"No, but here's a dollar, anyway," I said. "It's the least I can do."

The least I can do… The least of these...

When we give graciously, a dollar can go a long way. It can change a child, change a future, change a culture. Perhaps, it can even go so far as to change our hearts.

Jump - She Said

"And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." Romans 8:30

Listen to Jump

Cindy K. Hink. That was her name. She kept me company through a lonely childhood. When there was no one else to climb trees with or jump rope, Cindy gave me great stories and adventures through the wooded acre behind our house. When I was snuggled in the little cave below the giant oak tree, she eventually showed. Cindy lived in the confines of a very active imagination and when no one else seemed to care, it was her who said, “Talk to God.”

So I did—squished inside the roots of the old Oak tree, I asked, “God, do ya wanna play?” And Cindy K. Hink whispered, “He said yes.”

As I grew, Cindy K. Hink faded into my memory but I never forgot her voice. When I found myself standing alone, peers shunning me, I could have sworn I heard her say, “He’s speaking. Listen.” But I was too busy fighting the demons to hear.

My life swirled out of control at times, and I wondered why God, who was supposed to love me, ignored me. But the voice reminded me, “Come.” I remained faithful and developed a prayer life and when I realized the voice wasn’t a childhood fantasy …I ran from it.

I worked a job, kept up the ministry of Christian Devotions, managed my family, worked at church, volunteered, counseled, and wrote until my health began to fail. Yet God kept calling. God, I’m doing what you ask. I’m serving you, I thought.

And He said, “You’re doing busy work. Come.” My life became so intense I couldn’t rest. Health issues grew, tests, trials, until then I fell to my knees. Okay. Here I am. What would you have me do?

“Work for me. The earthly pay isn’t great but the greater good is something to behold. It won’t be easy. You’ll sacrifice your comfortable place, but there is greater peace within me. Work for me.”

I said yes a few weeks ago. Turned in for my retirement. Opened the door from comfort, stepped into a free-fall and the ground didn’t rush up to meet me. Instead, the arms of angels took hold. I’ve never soared before, not until the other day. And what a rush! Now I know my imaginary childhood friend was really an angel in disguise readying me for God’s work—constantly whispering.

God calls us all as Christians into His service. It’s not a one-sided relationship. It’s not a free ride. It’s work, but when He calls, it’s up to us to listen. Is God calling you for a task? Listen. Go for the adventure. Say yes and jump!

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 Marianne Jordan.

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

Leftovers - Phyllis Qualls Freeman

“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” John 6:12 NIV

Lord, I am so tired of these troubles. Our life has been upside-down for several years. Bill lost his job after back surgery…our medical insurance ran out for over two years. God, you know it all. When will it end? Please, let’s get to the good stuff. We need Your blessings again.

When I heard God whisper to my spirit, Nothing’s wasted, the statement halted my complaining.

Jesus fed five thousand men with five small barley loaves and two small fish. Each of the twelve disciples gathered a basket of remnants—the makings of fish sandwiches. Jesus didn’t believe in wasting anything. The Bible does not say whether or not he sent the disciples back to the city to pass out the food to the needy or kept the meal for supper, but the extra was surely used wisely.

When God nudged me that our personal hardships were not wasted, I was surprised. I imagined I could have been so much more productive for the kingdom of God if I could be stronger and have less problems or distractions. I’m one of those A-types and like to produce visible results—even in God’s work.

Then I remembered my extended hospital stay for complications after surgery. We called our church prayer chain for intercession. Two days later my nurse indicated she had expected I would have a second surgery, but she suggested the meds must have helped. I told her our church prayed. That conversation led to an admission that she had given up on prayer. Before I was discharged, she asked if we might meet outside the hospital to talk about prayer, and we did several times. Hmmm…that hospital stay sure wasn’t wasted. Kathy re-committed her life to the Lord.

I recalled opportunities for sharing our experiences when God was faithful to provide, strengthen, and encourage us. I acknowledged that God took what I thought was useless and gave it meaning. We “gathered the pieces that were left over” and let God help us turn them into great leftovers.

What seemingly wasted part of your life could you gather up and offer to God so he can make use of it?

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

Only Believe - Robin Shope & John Friedman

"Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done." Matthew 21:21

It starts right after Christmas, our list of resolutions for the New Year. Here it is, New Years day and I didn’t make any resolutions this year because I can never keep them. Are you like me, or do you keep turning over new leaves until you look like Sherwood Forest? It’s the first week of 2010—a different day for me, because I am bypassing the websites and books that declare they know the mystery ingredients to be thin, youthful looking and prosperous.

My answer is found in the midst of the most popular book in the world, the Bible.

Some may wonder how a Biblical passage can make the difference between discarding a New Year’s resolution a few days into January and actually seeing change beginning in yourself during that same few days after the New Year. Remember, quite often the answers to our problems are right under our noses.

We become so obsessed with looking around for answers, asking friends or professionals for advice, and paying for outsiders to help, that we forget we have the power inside ourselves. When we finally get that hard to find answer, we smack our foreheads and remind ourselves we knew the answer all along; we just didn't see it.

It’s found in Matthew—the story of Jesus and the fig tree. While in the presence of his disciples Jesus caused a fig tree to wither and die. His disciples asked about this power and Jesus told them they too had the power to make changes.

"Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and believing, you will receive."

The answer to making your resolutions happen is having faith, believing it will happen…and it will! Believing requires thoughtful prayer and hope that something will happen. Athletes would say this is like "having some skin in the game." That means more than just thinking your resolution for the New Year, more than just speaking it to a friend. It means having the commitment of faith in the outcome. Prayer is the instrument of belief that your resolution will be victorious. Praying for it engages more than your tongue and your mind, it engages your being. It commits your whole self to making your resolution come to pass. Stay positive. Jesus said, “Do not doubt.”

There is a popular self-help book that talks about “seeing it and believing it.” However, God requires the opposite of us; He says to believe it and then you will see it. Jesus gave us this advice two millennia ago. Go ahead and make your resolution to accomplish something positive today, then start to work. Remember, faith and prayer go hand in hand. Join a partnership with the Heavenly Father. Believing makes it so. Remember Jesus' words, "And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and believing, you will receive."


Robin Shope is the Special Education Coordinator for a county juvenile justice system for at-risk kids. She has authored a number of articles and six novels. She and her husband are former missionaries and have been married for 32 years, with two grown children.


John Friedman is a businessman living near Lake Michigan. His love of writing survived the legal writing classes taught in law school where they specialized in teaching him to write page-long sentences that made little sense except to other lawyers. John lives in Chicago running a rigid container distribution business, Northern Container.

It's Not About Me - Dina Sleinman

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

I would like to share four little words that are life changing, revolutionary, challenging, and even frightening, but they are also the most freeing words you will ever read.

It's not about me.

It's not about me? Seriously? Are you kidding? This is the most elemental facet of our Christian faith. Being born-again, dying to self, dying to the flesh, making Jesus the Lord of our lives, putting away the old man, loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, all these basic tenants of our faith clearly demonstrate that it is not about me. It's all about God and doing His work to minister to others—accomplishing His purpose.

American culture tells me the exact opposite. It says that it’s all about me and about feeling good. It tells me that I'm number one and I should look out for myself, maybe my family, but rarely farther than that. American culture has colored our Christianity negatively in this area.

“It's not about me” is very freeing, though. When it's not about me, I can let so many things go. Issues I struggle with, stress, and worry, begin to fall away when I focus on Christ and let Him take hold. When I let Christ rule, place Him in control, I lose my pride, greed, and selfishness. Jealousy melts away, competitiveness and pressure fade. The more I forget about me, the more I release fear, guilt, rejection, and hurt feelings.

That's a whole lot of freedom for four little words to accomplish, and yet the list goes on. I’m still tempted to sin, but it’s much easier to resist with an “it's not about me” mindset. True maturity in Christ comes through an understanding of these words. Once you understand, you can relax, enjoy life, enjoy God, and let go of everything else.

If it’s been about you, let go and make it about Him.




Dina Sleiman holds a MA in Professional Writing from Regent University and a BA in Communications with a minor in English from Oral Roberts University. Following her graduate studies, Dina took additional creative writing classes through Old Dominion University's MFA program. Over the past fourteen years, Dina has taught college writing and literature, as well as high school and elementary classes in English, Humanities, History, and Fine Arts. Her poetry has been published in a number of anthologies. Dina has also written songs, video scripts, and plays, which have been produced and distributed nationally as well as locally.

The Flinch - David Stearman

“For God is not a man that He should lie, neither is He a son of man that he should change His mind. Has he spoken, and will He not do it, or has He promised and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19

I grew up as a country boy, learning to shoot a rifle at an early age. Outdoor sports, when introduced appropriately and responsibly, have the potential of teaching important life-lessons to kids. One such lesson I‘d call “Avoiding the Flinch.”

A high-powered rifle makes a loud noise, accompanied by a sharp nudge to the shoulder referred to as a “kick.” This combination of crack and push tempt the marksman to flinch just before pulling the trigger, thus drawing him off target. If the marksman takes his focus off of his mark at just the wrong moment, the shot will go wild.

Many believers make the same mistake when facing financial problems. Their fear drives them to expect negative experiences. They apply for loans anticipating rejection. They live on the edge of angst, waiting for the next catastrophe to occur. This is the believer’s version of “The Flinch,” causing one to lose faith-focus when they need to stay on target.

The rifleman overcomes “The Flinch” by keeping his eyes open—by forcing his eyes to remain on his intended target. The Christian keeps himself in faith by focusing on the positive promises of God’s Word.

Expecting the worst won’t help you receive the best. Use your force of will to
train yourself to expect blessings instead of problems. For God is not a man that He should lie, neither is He a son of man that he should change His mind. Has he spoken, and will He not do it, or has He promised and will He not make it good?

When faced with financial challenges, don’t flinch. Expect the best and God’s promise to meet your needs.

David Stearman is a novelist, recording artist, and missionary to various European, Asian, and Latin American countries. His stories describe the remote corners of the world and the people who inhabit them as only a physical and cultural eyewitness can. He travels extensively within US borders as well, offering encouragement to the believers in numerous and diverse churches. When home, he and his wife Diane reside in Louisville, KY.

G.I. Joe - He Said

“An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 1:20

Listen to G.I. Joe

"What I want for Christmas is…"

When I was a boy the Sears catalog sat on the corner of the hearth in our den with dog-eared pages and pictures circled in red ink. At least once each Christmas my dad would say, "Son, you already have a G. I. Joe. Several, in fact."

"Yeah, but not enough for a platoon."

The soldiers from the Sears "Wish Book" became my make-believe comrades. I'd dress them out, arrange their weapons and bring them to life… and death. G. I. Joe was a soldier, after all, a warrior in waiting.

When God dreamed of Christmas morning he sought a warrior in waiting, too - an action figure that would survive the battle.

God's Joe, like my Joes, came alive in dreams and visions. He advanced on the news of the heavenly herald, took courage in the command to be brave, reaffirmed his commitment to Mary and accepted his mission without wavering. In the same way my G. I. Joe brought joy to me Christmas morning, Joseph, son of David, brought a smile to God when he said "yes" to the call. God still calls. He calls us to large, life-changing moments that challenge our character, defy our plans and break the action-figure persona we present to others.

Joseph went to bed a fiancée. He awoke destined to become a step-father to a son born in wedlock but not of his flock. His call to action was a blessing and burden, a dream and nightmare. That's the trouble with warriors in waiting. They become wounded.

What dream has God placed in your heart? What Christmas morning wish remains buried under the fear of saying "yes" to God? Do not disregard the impact of a "Wish Book" action figure. It may be God is calling you to come alive.

A Legacy to Live For - He Said

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." - Psalm 23:6

Listen to A Legacy to Live For

Howard was born on the cusp of the Great Depression. At the age of five his father brought Howard into the business, placed him on a stack of empty drink crates and showed him how to feed paper into the Heidelberg letter press. Howard never left his station or forgot that hard work and frugality were the secrets to success.

When his wife wanted a new car, Howard bought her a used truck with low miles. When his daughter asked for time off to give birth, Howard gave her two weeks of unpaid leave. When the Salvation Army bell ringers set up their kettle in front of his shop, he claimed they were a nuisance and had them removed.

In time, Howard brought his grandson into the business. Young Howie took his place on his granddad's monument of empty drink crates. The boy mimicked his granddad's swagger and scowl. Over time he embraced the old man's business philosophy, such that he eventually bought the business. (Howard wasn't about to "will" anything to anybody.) In fact, young Howie became such a good disciple that soon everyone came to view the old man as generous and fair compared to his grandson.

Then one Sunday morning while setting hot lead on the Linotype machine, Howard dropped dead. Young Howie offered a local pastor five hundred dollars to perform the ceremony. The pastor refused, explaining that Howard had once threatened to have the choir arrested for singing Christmas Carols in front of his building. Howie doubled the sum, adding this warning, "You'll perform the service and say something nice about my granddad or I'll have you and the whole congregation audited by the IRS."

Howie's threats ensured the church was full on the day of the funeral. The pastor stepped to the podium, looked at Howie on the front row, his granddad in the cheap pine box and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the man before you needs no introduction. You've suffered under his tight-fisted, ungrateful, cold-hearted business practices for seven decades. He's evicted widows from his apartment buildings, refused to give to the orphanage, fenced off his parking lot to keep the homeless out of the dumpster. The man was a blight on this town, a menace to our community. But compared to that tight-fisted, cold-hearted, womanizing grandson of his, Howard was a Saint!"

What will your legacy be? Goodness and mercy, or greed and malice?

The Psalmist says those lead by the Good Shepherd will inherit a legacy of love, grace and mercy-that our deeds of compassion will follow us beyond the grave. This is not a reputation to be earned, but received. When we've been forced to our knees in green pastures, led to peaceful waters, refreshed with hope, convicted by God's law, ushered through the valley of fear, anointed with His Spirit and seated at our Lord's table, then we can rest assured that goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and that we will dwell in His house forever.

A life lived for Christ lingers after the casket is closed.

Betrayed - Joni Lamb

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

"Get your knife out of my back!" I wanted to scream.

This was one of my close friends, someone I supported, encouraged and loved. I was lied to, treated like a fool. I was devastated when I opened my heart and was hurt—betrayed.

The only thing worse than the pain of betrayal is the anger, hurt, and bitterness we ignorantly carry in the aftermath. Unforgiveness hangs on our spirit like a heavy chain dragging behind us, weighing us down and keeping us from our God given purpose.

Each painful hurt is a heavy anchor, making it hard to hold our head up and impossible to break free.

How do I overcome this? How can I ever forgive these things? The answer was simple. Choose to love and forgive. It was my choice. I could carry the pain or let it go, and I needed to move into the peace of God's tomorrow—leave the pain of the devil's spear behind.

Sound simple? Of course not. It’s downright hard. But with God… Oh, with God, all things are possible!

You see, God will do the work, all we need to do is choose to say yes. The miracle begins when we say, "Today I choose to love those that have hurt me. Today I choose to forgive." When we reach inside of ourselves and ask God to enable us to love and forgive, amazing things happen. After all, God is love.

In the beginning, it won't be easy. We might pray through gritted teeth and shake our fists in the air. Philippians tells us, He that has begun a good work in you will complete it! Soon you'll find your fist isn't shaking any more, your teeth aren't clenched—but more importantly, the anger and hurt are gone.

God will take the chains from your back, lift you high, and put you back on the right track.

Make your heart right. Pray. Then, choose to love and forgive in every way.


Joni Lamb is co-founder and vice president, along with her husband, President and CEO Marcus Lamb, of Daystar Television Network, the fastest growing Christian network in the world. She is executive producer and host of “JONI,” a talk show addressing relevant Godly issues for today’s complex problems, and co-hosts “Celebration” with Marcus. She released her debut book, “Surrender All,” in late 2008. In addition, she is full-time wife to Marcus and mom to three children, which she considers her foremost and greatest accomplishment.




Publisher: WaterBrook Press
ISBN-10: 1400073758
ISBN-13: 978-1400073757

He'll Lead You to the Other Side - David Stearman

"I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18, 19

The Children of Israel came out of Egypt full of hope. But their hope turned to despondency when they learned Pharaoh’s army was on their trail. Soon enough they found themselves hopelessly trapped between their violent pursuers and the mighty Red Sea. But the God who can make a way where there is no way, divided the waters and brought them safely to the other side.

Later, the Israelites became thirsty. There wasn’t a drop to drink within miles. But at God’s direction, Moses struck a rock, and a river broke forth—enough to satiate a million men, their children, and wives.

Before long, their food supplies tapped out, so the Lord rained down meat and manna from the skies. Yes, every step of the way through the wilderness, the Children of Israel found themselves challenged by enemies, barrenness, and lack. And yet somehow they never went without. God kept them safe, filled, and provided for, all the way through to their Promised Land.

And He’ll do the same for you. You see, God doesn’t listen to the evening news. He’s not intimidated by reports of lack. God is the Source of all supply and nothing’s too hard for Him. He’ll make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, and He’ll take good care of you until you reach the other side.


David Stearman is a novelist, recording artist, and missionary to various European, Asian, and Latin American countries. His stories describe the remote corners of the world and the people who inhabit them as only a physical and cultural eyewitness can. He travels extensively within US borders as well, offering encouragement to the believers in numerous and diverse churches. When home, he and his wife Diane reside in Louisville, KY.