Simple Steps - He Said

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

Listen to Simple Steps

Often, the simple steps are the hardest to take. Stepping aside to let another take your place. Walking away from a fight. Saying, "I'm sorry."

I'm allergic to apologies. Can't hardly give one without shaking all over. Makes my cheeks go flush, my voice quiver. I'd rather have a tooth filled than say, "I'm sorry."

I hate to lose. Drives me crazy to back off and let someone else have their way. Especially when I know I'm right. Takes both hands over my mouth to keep me from getting in the first and last words, plus the ones in between.

And don't even think about cutting in on me. I can ride the rear of the car in front so close that, to the cars in the other lane, it looks like I'm bump-drafting.

You see, I suffer from leprosy of the soul. Naaman suffered from leprosy of the skin but, as is often the case in Scripture, his condition pointed to a spiritual affliction, too.

Leprosy begins when the bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae, multiplies. Muscles become weak, especially in the hands, feet and eyes. As the skin hardens, the victim loses feeling in his fingers and toes. He becomes blind. Severe pain grips his body. There is no cure.

Leprosy of the soul begins with one misstep away from God. Like the bacteria, it spreads throughout our lives, weakening our resolve to do what is right. We become numb to its effects, blind to the hurt we cause others and hardened to the consequences of our actions. There is no cure…save one.

Naaman sought to spend his way to a healing, but God's man refused his money. Naaman thought his position would curry favor, but God's man turned him away. Naaman thought some grand and great effort would save him, but God's man offered a simple solution. "Go wash in the river Jordan and you will be cleansed."

The cure for our leprosy is similar. Repent, and be cleansed in the name of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, the simple steps can make all the difference in the world… and, the world to come.

Making Right Choices - Phoebe Leggett

"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction... Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." Deuteronomy 30: 15, 19 NIV

It’s God’s desire that we make right choices in life, yet He gives us the exclusive privilege of making our own decisions and choices. It’s up to us to make the right ones. Often we get so scooped up in the busyness of life that our judgment becomes clouded. Making good choices gets tough and it requires us to take the time to ponder our options and not hurry through life without realizing our choices will determine our future.

Just as a parent’s heart breaks because their child makes wrong choices in life. God’s heart breaks when we make wrong choices. Still, He is merciful to forgive and help if we ask. Sometimes the right choice comes too late and we have to suffer the consequences of our actions.

God suffers too, when we make wrong choices. He loves us—so much that He sent His son to die that we might have abundant life. And still, we fail to turn to Him for guidance in our life’s decisions.

Yesterday I saw a car wreck being cleaned up on the side of the road. The highway was blocked and medics and police swarmed to help. It reminded me of the day my son lost his life in a car crash. It broke my heart again to see this scene. How much more does God’s heart break?

Sometimes our choices bring death. It isn’t God’s choice that we die, but that we live.

Trust God to help you make right choices. If wrong choices are made, He is willing to forgive if we ask.

Lean on Him when you face major decisions, even when the choices are small. Only He can make things right 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 a tragic accident in 2004. Learn more about Phoebe at http://www.phoebeleggett.com/.
Read Phoebe's devotions.

Don't Get Mad, Get Glad - She Said

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


Listen to Don't Get Mad - Get Glad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

I Could Have Prayed - She Said

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

Listen to I Could Have Prayed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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




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

The Wealth of Health- He Said

"Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. 'By all means, go,' the king of Aram replied. 'I will send a letter to the king of Israel.' So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, 'Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!'" - 2 Kings 5:4-7 (NIV)

Listen to The Wealth of Health

"Say a prayer for Dan," my friend said. "He has cancer and they sent him home to die." I did.

"Your uncle was admitted to the hospital yesterday with dehydration and low blood pressure. Now your cousin has to stay with your aunt. Aren't you glad your mother is doing as well as she is?" Yes.

"Dr. called. He's scheduled a 2nd ultrasound on my thyroid. Hope they don't find anything." Me too.

A few months back I was in a restaurant where butcher paper served as the table covering. A box of crayons leaned against the saltshaker. While those at my table discussed editors' appointments and pending book deals, I listed the things I was thankful for on the paper. A blue sky so clear I could see stars light-years away. The golden rays of sunshine that had warmed my face on the mountaintop. Friends and family who were, that night, at least, healthy.

Our family says a blessing when we eat out, but a casual glance at other tables leads me to believe that giving thanks for our daily bread… and every breath seems to be a dying tradition.

The wealth of health is huge. Without it little else matters. When Naaman sought healing for his leprosy he carried with him 750 pounds of silver. In effect, Naaman was buying back his life nine times over.

Like Naaman, we spend large amounts to be healed, cured and repaired: Even if it bankrupts us. And yet, we're too busy or embarrassed to say thanks to God for the bread before us and the breath within us.

The next time you're tempted to skip the praise of provision and health, remember: Christ spent much more than Naaman to save us from sin and death. The least we can do is say "thanks."

Clearing the Air - She Said

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

Listen to Clearing the Air

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

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

I’m not sure how to do this, I typed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

Call The Man- He Said

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

Listen to Call The Man

We have a running joke in my house regarding my lack of home repair skills and the punch line usually ends with, "Call the man."

Andy Griffith fans may recall this phrase from the episode where Diamond Jim opens a new butcher shop in Mayberry. Aunt Bee, always on the hunt for a bargain, walks out with a side of beef to put in her bargain-purchased freezer. The freezer dies, Aunt Bee panics, and in the next scene, we see Aunt Bee rolling a red wagon of ribs, rump roasts and chuck round steak down the sidewalks of Mayberry. Andy hears dogs barking, peeks out the window and hurries across the street to see what all the fuss is about.

"Aunt Bee, what's going on? What's in there?"

"The meat, Andy. Mr. Foley's offered to store it for me."

"Aunt Bee, I'm not gonna let you do that. I'm not gonna have Mr. Foley putting himself out for our mistake. Now, you better get that meat back home."

"But Mr. Foley said-"

"I don't care what Mr. Foley said, it's not fair. We'll call the man from Mt. Pilot to come over first thing in the morning and fix the freezer. It's what we should've done to start with. Now, get the meat back in the freezer."

"But Andy-"

"Call the man, Aunt Bee. Just call the man."

Pride. Stubbornness. Arrogance. We all suffer from blind spots. Entrenched beliefs. Intolerance. Social snobbery. Our refusal to consider other's options and differing points of view keep us enslaved to old perceptions, patterns of thinking and prejudices.

When Naaman's leprosy became the topic of household conversation a slave girl offered hope. "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."

What's striking about this passage is how it points to the life of Christ. The message of hope coming from a Jew-the healing coming from a prophet.

We are all slaves to sin and captive to our thoughts, but we don't have to remain imprisoned. The call to "come and see," and "be cured," is for us as it was for Naaman. Our healing lies with the Prophet if only we will call on Him.

Today, if you find your little red wagon overflowing with problems, sickness, unpaid bills and sins you can't kick, call the man. Put your pride and aside and just call the man.

Just Listen - She Said

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

Listen to Just Listen

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

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

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

“I know. We’ve got the GPS.”

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

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

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

“I know. It’s exit 3B.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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?"