Forever Friend - Phoebe Leggett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His Beloved - Cynthia Lott Vogel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

What Are You Chosen For? - Beverly Hill McKinney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Landing in "Grace"-land - She Said

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


Listen to Landing in "Grace"-land

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fellowship of Suffering - Cary E. McQuaid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have Faith - Sauni Rinehart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Sauni's devotions.

"Daddy, I Felled" - Linda Rondeau

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Just Wait - She Said

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

Listen to Just Wait


Suction cups, I wondered.

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

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

I wondered what was taking God so long.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Different View - Linda Rondeau

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

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

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

That was before Don came to our church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Look for the blessings in church. God never disappoints.


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

Read Linda's devotions.

Life Lessons - Phyllis Qualls Freeman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Phyllis's devotions.

Down in the Hole - She 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 Down in the Hole - She Said

The kennel door creaked as we pushed it open. A bouncy Golden Retriever puppy straddled my knee and licked my neck—happy to have someone pay attention. This was not a responsibility I wanted. Neither did my veterinarian friend. But we were saddled with the nasty task.

I wrapped my arms around the puppy and pressed his head tight against my chest. He needed to know he was loved, even if was only for a few minutes. I kissed him between the ears.

“Don’t drag this out. It’s hard enough as it is.”

“I know. I know.”

Stilling the rambunctious pup, I wrapped my hand around his foreleg and rolled the vein into view. The vet pulled the pink liquid into the syringe. Slipping the needle into the vein, the pup whined from the prick. He nodded for me to release my grip. Relaxing my fingers, the fluid seeped into the vein. One, two, three beats and lethal drug hit his heart. The pup licked my chin and grew limp in my arms. His heart stopped… his life snuffed out.

In my 15 years of work with a veterinarian, most was joyful. The work was hard and it wasn’t all wagging tails and soppy licks. There was this part too, and the dungeon we looked up from held hundreds of healthy animals sentenced to death because the shelter was overflowing.

Joseph spent his time in the hole as well. Tossed away by his brothers like a piece of trash, he was left to die at the hands of the enemy. He did his time, even caused some trouble and agony, but he did not go unrecognized by God. He was given charge and though he’d done some things he didn’t want to do, he eventually made a difference.

At times, we’re all thrown in the pits - each one suffering a private prison of some sort. Christ accepted the position of Savior knowing His prison would be filled with souls just like mine…souls who needed to be saved and He was willing to feel the prick of death for us. Straight from the right hand of God, He lowered Himself into the pits without hesitation with the intention of saving me.

The daunting task of euthanasia was one of the darkest places I’ve been. I hated it and though I was able to save a few mommas and their babies, it wasn’t enough. Just as I longed to save the puppies, Jesus longs to save us.

Sometimes, like Joseph, we’re taken from the pit and placed in a place of prominence. Other times, like Jesus, we’re taken from prominence into the pit. Either way, it’s what we do with the charge we’ve been given. Joseph changed lives…Jesus changed the world.

If you’re in a hole and life looks impossible, if the needle of death is pricking your heart, let Christ take hold. He will free you from the prison that holds you. Won’t you let Him?

**On a side note…Millions of animals are euthanized yearly because of irresponsible owners. Spay and neuter your pets, tag them with identification, keep them safe at home and don’t let them roam hostile streets. Support your local animal shelters and Veterinary offices in their efforts to curb cruelty, abuse and senseless euthanasia. Until you hold the animal that receives the lethal injection, you’ll never understand the ache. Be a responsible pet owner.

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

Clean - Kristi Buttles

“Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:7, 9-10

Run! Seek shelter! A hurricane is coming! I never anticipated the fury Katrina unleashed on the Deep South. I cried and prayed for those stranded in the Superdome, on rooftops, and on highways.

One afternoon, the news showed a striking image amidst the jaw-dropping devastation. A mobile aid unit had been set up to feed people, pass out blankets, etc. Nearby, there was a tiny, free-standing shower hooked up to a hose for victims to use.

From this shower emerged a clean, dressed man. His smile stretched ear-to-ear. Relief, rejuvenation, and hope beamed from him.

Think about how filthy that man must have been living in New Orleans for days among the ruins. Truly this survivor must have felt like a victorious, new man.

As he stepped out from behind the shower curtain, he smiled and repeatedly exclaimed with immense joy, “Clean! I am clean! I am a new man!”

Tears ran down my cheeks as I thought about how that man represents each of us who have been washed in the waters of God’s grace. However, when was the last time we truly experienced such dramatic hope, change, and triumph?

I had that opportunity this week. A familiar sin presented itself to me. It was the absolute perfect scenario. I could have so easily let the temptation overwhelm me. I asked God for help and deliberately chose not to engage in that sin.

As I got into my car, I closed the door and shouted, “Yes!” It felt so great not to be dirty with guilt and shame. I felt clean, rejuvenated, and victorious. This was a new beginning for me.

If you are living in ruins over sin in your life, come to the Lord and ask Him for a new start—and take it. Fully disclose everything to Him. He knows it all anyway! Telling Him cleanses us, gives us freedom, and allows God the opportunity to be Lord of our lives.

Hope, change, relief, rejuvenation, triumph and victory aren’t reserved just for the moment we accept Christ. This is the lifestyle believers are offered every day!

Don’t settle for sin. Celebrate victory over it!

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

Read Kristi's devotions.

He Restores My Soul - Susan Dollyhigh

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3

Driving up the steep, curvy, gravel road, I asked the Lord to meet me on the mountain. After a season of intense trial, I needed some time alone with the Lord. I needed the peace and comfort and restoration that only come through Him.

After breaking my right foot, I’d been unable to walk or drive for ten weeks. As my world shrunk to four walls, the days crawled by. Satan didn’t waste this time of weakness and discouragement to attack. Life delivered another blow that threatened to break my very spirit - my soul.

As I returned to the doctor for check-ups and x-rays, the news was the same time after time. The bones haven’t healed. The bones haven’t healed. “Why aren’t your bones healing?” the doctor finally asked.

The news from my spirit was the same. The heart hasn’t healed. The heart hasn’t healed. “Why isn’t my heart healing?” I cried out to the Lord.

I felt so helpless. I felt so alone. I felt so wounded. The words that usually poured from my heart onto the page ceased.

Finally ten weeks later I returned to the doctor. With the x-ray report in hand, he delivered the wonderful news - your bones have healed. My foot had been restored.

But my heart - my spirit - that was another story. Realizing that I desperately needed to get away, I made a reservation for a few days at a little tobacco barn cabin. After unpacking my bags, I laid down for a nap. As I closed my eyes, sleep didn’t come – prayers did. Lying on the bed, I began to feel God’s mighty presence as I poured out my heart to Him. Throughout the weekend, I was drawn to God’s Word and read Scripture that I’d highlighted while going through previous trials.

Thinking my broken spirit couldn’t be repaired in one short weekend, I’d merely hoped to find peace and a little restoration. Packing my car to return home, I realized how little faith I have in our big God. I’d asked the Lord to meet me on the mountain and He had met me on the mountain. The Lord had given me His peace that passes understanding. He had healed my broken spirit. I returned home to the same problems I’d left behind only now, by His grace, I knew I could handle them. The Lord had restored my soul.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a free-lance writer and columnist who recently won the Women in Faith Shine the Light Contest. She and her husband have two children and one grandchild and reside in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Susan is a featured writer in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust, A Journey to Financial Dependence.

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

The Impossible Dream - Judy Howard

"'And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJ

After twenty-seven years of selling antique quilts, I moved my shop home. Feeling disconnected, I prayed for God to give me new purpose.

While studying Beth Moore’s Believing God, God revealed his dream for me – to write a book of quilt stories. Using my own intellect and abilities, this dream was absurd. My teachers in the 1950s and 60s cataloged me as a half-wit.

I struggled through high school and college, graduating only because of my bulldogged tenacity. Now at age sixty, I enrolled in my first computer and writing classes. The computer classes contributed only major adrenal stress and migraines but I muddled my way through.

The great thing was, God provided a compassionate writing teacher who patiently instructed me by critiquing every word I submitted. Still the writing came hard for me and I began doubting God’s dream.

As my despair turned to near hopelessness, God graciously provided me with one more nudge, a circular quilt appliquéd with grapes titled, “A Winter’s Harvest” – a real mystery.

The next day I solved the puzzle while studying Believing God to Get to your Gilgal. Gilgal means circle and a new beginning and is the first place the children of Israel camped after crossing the River Jordan into their Promised Land flowing with milk, honey and grape clusters.

I’m far from perfect but I’m working and learning. During bleak, barren writing days when I’m seeing slim breakthroughs, my Winter’s Harvest quilt is my stone of remembrance that with God all things are possible. He has brought me success through my weakness – made me better so that I not only do His will, but attain my dream.

Do you struggle with your weaknesses? Take the step to overcome and remember, “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

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


Publisher: Dorcas Publishing
ISBN-10: 0976237539
ISBN-13: 978-0976237532

The Sound of the Abundance of Rain - David Stearman

“… And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. …” 1Kings 18:45

There had been no rain in the land of Israel for three years. Can you even begin to imagine what that must have been like? Crops were non-existent. Everyone, the entire country, was in the clutches of extreme poverty. And it was in that dire setting that Elijah had the gall to believe God’s promise of provision and declare “I hear the sound of the abundance of rain.”

Ahab must have thought Elijah an idiot. But in reality, people of faith can see that which is invisible to the naked eye. Even when Elijah’s own servant brought back a negative report (seven times in a row, mind you), Elijah refused to believe anything but God’s promise of abundance.

And the rain did come—in buckets.

Can you be bold enough to believe God’s promise in the face of contradictory evidence? Are you able to stand on His abundant promises when all indicators point to a future of lack?

Yes, you may be in a drought, but the Lord is sending showers. You may be short on funds right now, but your harvest is on the way. I believe blessings are coming to you because God has promised to meet all our needs.

There’s a sound borne on the winds of the Spirit today. Can you hear it? It’s the sound of the abundance of rain.


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.

Furnace of Affliction - Sauni Rinehart

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10

Things have been rough lately, haven’t they? I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t encountered some kind of loss because of the economy, whether it was something they experienced personally or a problem faced by someone they know.

And in the midst of what’s happening with the economy, war continues, disease steals health and lives, children still go hungry.

Times of affliction continue unabated. And it seems to be getting worse.

I’ve been in the “furnace of affliction” for a while now, it seems. While medication appears to be helping a bit, my chronic health issues continue to wreak havoc on my body. A few weeks ago, my husband and I watched his mom lose her battle with cancer. I have friends and loved ones who are facing their own battle against that insidious disease. And just recently, an amazingly talented group of people with whom I was privileged to work at a local nonprofit theater, was told their show had to be canceled.

It’s hard to understand “why” sometimes. Yes, we can go to verses like Romans 8:28 to be assured that God really does work all things for good, but that doesn’t always help the daily pain.
For me, during dark times, encouragement comes from one thing: remembering what God has done in the past, how the “furnace of affliction” really does refine me and make me more the woman God created me to be. I know I’m stronger because of the trials. I know I’m closer to God because of the afflictions. I know I can withstand the lies of the enemy because I’ve seen God keep His promises.

If I—if we—can remember His faithfulness, then these times, these afflictions that we experience for a “little while” are worth it—every time.
s
Sauni Rinehart is a speaker, vocalist, and writer through Triple-E Ministries (www.saunirinehart.com) or visit her blog at http://saunirinehart.blogspot.com. She is also involved in worship arts and women's ministries at her home church. She and her husband make their home in Eastvale, California.

Extreme Makeover - Lisa Keck

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV


Extreme Makeover-Home Edition has been remodeling homes since 2003. Team leader Ty Pennington, his crew and volunteers work to make life-changing makeovers in the lives of families with unique stories. Every episode brings excitement to the chosen family as they wait to see the results of their home makeover.

One afternoon my friend and I chatted about our spiritual makeover. It wasn’t just a remodel, it was a complete rebuild. That’s about as “extreme” as it gets. But do we really believe that? Do we seek God’s transforming power in our life?

When the Executive Producer of our life sends His Spirit to work, do we welcome Him openly and expectantly? I suspect that sometimes we try to make the changes alone, without the guidance of the Master Carpenter, only to find that a project without a project manager doesn’t work well.

But, when we allow God to work within us—help us tear down the old and rebuild to new—then our makeover is complete from the inside to the outside.

When the Extreme Makeover Team shouts, “Driver, move that bus,” the receiving families are overcome with joy. What joy if we could come before God saying, “Soul Dweller, move the veil so I may glory in Your work.” What if we came expectantly, trusting Him to supply all our needs? He desires to embrace us, accepting our thanks.

So, go ahead . . . share your heart with Him. Let Him take your life, tear away the old and rebuild you from the inside out.


Lisa Keck is a happily married mother of two. She home-schools her children and is a volunteer Braille transcriber. In her free time she enjoys writing and doing crafts.

Driving Lesson - Yulia Bagwell

“ If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

Sometimes my husband and I bring the groceries from the car to the apartment where we reside, only to realize we have left something else in the car. I grab the keys, trudge back to the garage and press the button to open the door. With the keys in my hand, the car is ready for use. All I have to do is jump in and drive.

Unfortunately, I can’t drive, so the car’s service to me is limited. I can lock or unlock it, but I cannot use the car to drive. I’m dependant on my husband or a friend to get me where I need to go. Outside of hauling things around, our car is useless to me. It cannot serve me according to its real purpose and function.

My Christian life is much the same. I sometimes fail to use it to its potential, forgetting that God will lead me in every endeavor I make—spiritual and physical.

Scripture tells us once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and receive the benefits of this life in the Spirit. Yet, sometimes we as Christians have no idea how to live such a Spirit-filled life and our spirituality sits like my car, in the garage of our lives instead of being used to its full potential.

Our life in the Spirit is like driving a car. The Holy Spirit is not only the Sealer of our reconciliation with the Father, but this divine vehicle is available to anyone who believes in Christ Jesus.

Someday soon, I’ll learn to drive our car. I’ll learn to put it to good use. Until then, I’m led by the Spirit in all aspects of my life. Won’t you unlock the door to your heart and let the Spirit, the Master, slip inside?

Yulia Bagwell is a new writer from Ukraine who now lives with her husband Jesse in Pennsylvania. She obtained her Masters degree from Eastern Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Yulia’s work has been published in The Upper Room, The Secret Place, and Guideposts. She also translates for the Russian edition of Vital Signs Ministries and The Upper Room.

Bring Them Home - She Said

“Your children hasten back… Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you. As surely as I live," declares the LORD, "you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride.” Isaiah 49:17-18 NIV

Listen to Bring Them Home

Sometimes we do for the good of the many at the cost of the one—even when the decision crushes our hearts.

My husband tightened the last screw into the lock. “This is our home. We shouldn’t have to put locks on our door.” He dropped the screwdriver back in his tool box and walked into our son’s room.

“Box up his stuff. All of it. He’s got to hit bottom before he’ll change.”

That night every item I packed away was bathed in tears. Our child—lost. We had to push him away, turn our backs for a time and pray that God would restore him.

Five years passed—two without any word, any news, any knowledge. The rest, sporadic sightings of him from a distance. Shoving him away was the hardest thing we’d ever done; the sacrifice of the one for health and safety for the rest of our family.

God moved away from His children for a time, too. They had to hit bottom in order to be restored. Renovation isn’t a pretty process. Walls are ripped down, wires uncrossed, foundations repaired. But God promised to refurbish, build up and repair. He promised to bring our children, and his, back. To gather them around us.

I prayed every morning this year that God would restore my family. Bring our prodigal home to the arms of the parents who love him. As Christmas approached, we heard he was on his way. But we’d heard this before and he was always a no-show. Would he “no-show” again?

Christmas arrived. Our door opened and there was our prodigal. Home. I gazed across the room at our four sons laughing together as though no time had passed. Not only had God restored our family, but He’d wiped away the hurt of memories past. Our home was filled with joy and when the evening ended, I took a picture of our boys, gathered together, and placed it near my heart. “You will wear them all as ornaments.”

God is a God of restoration. He understands tough love and the pain it demands. But He delights in healing.

Have you felt the sting of loss? What treasured relationship needs to be restored in the New Year? Let the Master Carpenter do His job.

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 Spirit & HEART: A Devotional Journey and also in the new release
Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust - A Journey to Financial Dependence.


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