Tag Archives: Encouragement

Like the Redwood – Carol Guthrie Heilman
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I am small compared to the rest

I am small compared to the rest

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

The towering giants dwarfed us all, one December visiting a redwood forest near San Francisco. Our teeth chattered and we shivered in our too-thin jackets, but we lingered long enough to marvel. Those ancient, majestic trees seemed to reach into the heavens. Aloud, we concluded their root system must grow deep inside the earth to keep them from toppling over and crashing to the ground.

“Not so,” our guide assured us. “Notice no redwood grows alone, but in ‘families’ of other redwoods. Their roots intertwine with each other, hence their strength.”

“Cool,” our grandson said as I wrapped my arms around him to keep us both warm.

Our group headed back to the gift shop, the thoughts of hot chocolate hastening our steps. As we held the steaming mugs to thaw our hands and sipped the warm sweetness, I thought about this: “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”

The Lord expects us to get involved in the lives of those who are struggling to survive. Two friends can help one another, but three friends working together can develop an even stronger bond.

Like the redwoods, we need each other for support, encouragement, and strength. We are created for fellowship and individuality, but not loneliness and solitude. Some of us are blessed with a strong family structure filled with unconditional love. We rejoice with those closest to us in the good times and we lean upon each other in the inevitable bad times. Others, through death, divorce, or abuse, have no choice but to persevere alone. Whatever your earthly family, all believers are our Father’s adopted sons and daughters. We are a part of His family.

How can you reach out to someone who might be in danger of toppling over –someone trying to stand alone? Step out in faith and serve others, and serve Him.

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Carol Guthrie Heilman is a published writer with articles and short stories in a number of newspapers, including Blue Ridge Country, Country Home, and Reach Out, a Christian magazine. She is the co-writer of Just Go and is presently working on a novel. Carol lives with her husband in the mountains of NC.
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Just One Touch – Diana Leagh Matthews
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Just a touch...

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them Mark 10:13 KJV

It’s amazing what can happen with just one touch.

Once a month I go to a nearby nursing home to sing to the residents. I always notice the way these seniors open up when I go around and shake their hands. It’s like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon and spread its wings. I love watching the residents come to life when they receive that special individual attention. Last week one woman even had tears in her eyes. It broke my heart and I instantly reached out to hug her.

Touch is something that many of us take for granted. There are some people who enjoy being touched more than others. Still, it’s a great way to communicate. How many times have you been lost for words? A hand on the shoulder to let your friend know you cared, might have been the only way you knew to communicate.

Jesus used touch in his day. He touched the blind man and made him see. He touched the lepers when no one else would even get close to them. He touched the dead and brought them to life. Then there was the woman who touched his garment, believing he would heal her. Jesus instantly knew what she’d done, the moment her fingers caught the hem of his cloak.

Today we can still reach out and touch Jesus. He’s waiting and ready to help us with all of the things we’re dealing with. Sometimes he even wants to bring healing.

Are you touching Jesus? Reach out to him…grasp His cloak. Allow him to touch your life today and then share that precious gift with someone else.

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Diana Leagh Matthews is a vocalist, speaker, writer, and genealogist. She is a 2011 graduate of Christian Communicators Conference and 2012 Christian Devotions Writers Advance! Boot Camp. She currently resides in upstate South Carolina. Visit her blogs: www.dianaleaghmatthews.com and www.alookthrutime.com

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Sealed – Jo Ann Walczak
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Stamp of Approval

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

Ka-thunk! Ka-thunk! The carved stone seal came down, ka-thunk, on each telephone bill.

I stood in a line of people at the China TeleCom office in a large Chinese city. We were queuing up to pay our monthly bills. As each person presented payment, the clerk’s official seal stamped the bill, ka-thunk, “Paid in full.”

The seal is an ancient Chinese tradition symbolizing power and authority. A Chinese emperor ruled the empire only when he was in possession of the imperial seal. He used the seal to put his stamp of approval on documents. Chinese artists use a seal as a signature on their art, showing that the work is a unique, artistic creation. Today, institutions, businesses, and individuals in China have official seals to confirm their identity.

As Sovereign God, Jesus has put His seal on those of us who have heard the truth of the gospel and turned to Him for forgiveness of our sins. He has promised to give us His Holy Spirit as the official seal indicating that our sin bill has been paid and the debt has been satisfied.

He seals us with an imperial stamp of approval; we are accepted entirely and fully because of Christ’s shed blood for us.

He seals us with His signature, indicating that we are His unique, artistic creation. He seals us and confirms our identity as belonging to Him for eternity.

When I presented by telephone bill, ka-thunk, my debt was paid, but echoing in the recesses of heaven, I heard the sweet voice of Jesus: “You are mine, uniquely created, covered with the blood of forgiveness, accepted forever, and sealed with my Spirit. Your debt has been paid in full.” Ka-thunk.

Accept the gift of paid in full.

Jo Ann Walczak was a middle and high school English teacher for thirty-one years. She taught spoken English in a public high school in China and has returned to China many times to minister in an orphanage. She is active in women’s Bible studies in her church and teaches ESL through the local literacy agency. She has two sons and five grandchildren.
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I Need a Bigger Harvester – He Said
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I Need a Bigger Harvester

I Need a Bigger Harvester

The farmer sows the word. - Mark 4:14 NIV

Two years ago I met Bruce Wilkinson at the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Bruce served as the keynote speaker for the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. During the event I asked Bruce to sign my copy of The Prayer of Jabez, his first book in the “BreakThrough” series. For years my copy of Jabez sat on a small nightstand in our guest bedroom. A few months prior to the event, however, I began praying this prayer aloud and writing these words in my prayer journal: Lord, bless me indeed. Expand my territory. Enlarge my area of influence for you. Keep me from harm; keep me from sinning.

I love reading and writing about pirates and voodoo witch doctors in the Caribbean, but I don’t really believe in black magic. There’s only one source of supernatural power and He can’t be manipulated. So, my Jabez prayer isn’t some incantation meant to conjure up a blessing. Rather, it’s a simple and persistent plea to be plugged into God’s work – whatever that work might be.

The writer of Mark offers this simple advice to his readers: Sow words. Don’t fret over the harvest. Don’t build a speaking platform. Don’t Tweet and peep and post on Facebook in hopes of gaining friends. Simply seed words. Many of our words will fall on hard dirt. Some will find soft soil and take root. The key is to keep tossing seed and walking the field.

This summer our small ministry has over twenty-five books in production – many of which are devotionals aimed at specific groups and individuals who might never open a Bible. This week I returned from teaching at my seventh writing conference this year. I have books to write for other publishers (more words) and writers to mentor and none of this is my doing. I simply pray for larger areas of influence for Him and obey when He calls.

Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.” If your plot in life seems small, ask for more work. Then say, “Yes sir, boss,” when He sends you into his fields.

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Below are a few ways God has increased our influence since we launched Christian Devotions Ministries. If you want to help harvest, drop me an email: eddie@christiandevotions.us

Inspireafire.com – Be the change in someone’s life (Missions)
ChristianDevotions.us – A devotion may be someone’s only Bible for the day (Devotions)
ChristianDevotionsSPEAKUP.com –  Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Radio)
iBegat.com –  A safe site for teens–a place where teens can be introduced to Christ (Teens)
DevoKids.com –  Building strong foundations one child at a time (Children)
Lighthousepublishingofthecarolinas.com – Working hard to make His words shine (Book Publishing)
PrayersPraise.com - Need a prayer? Have a praise? Let us know! (Our Prayer Team)

Ducks in a Row – Jana Dean
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Follow Him

…how often I long to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Matthew 23:37b

I saw them just in time to slow down. A mother duck charted a course for her seven ducklings across Liberty road, a fast four-lane. It was morning rush hour. She bustled along and her babies followed, one little webbed foot after another. My emotions ran the gamut. First from raw fear to relief as cars screeched to slow. I laughed at the mother duck’s audacity—Mama Duck vs. the highway.Then I cried at the little ducks following their mother—it was all they knew to do.

Those baby ducks had no clue any moment they might be mashed out of existence by a stray tire. They just followed their mother. What a picture of blind trust.

Unlike a baby duck, I have many options when it comes to who or what I’ll follow. And it’s easy to complicate things fast. The worries of this world whizzing around my life easily distract. I might get mashed. God gave me a brain and with it, the freedom to question. But He also gave me the freedom to follow. Following happens one decision at a time. One deliberate step at a time. It is simple. Not easy, but simple, and ultimately peaceful. God wins.

We can follow Jesus—one little webbed foot after another. Let Jesus guide you across the scary highway of life. As far as I could tell, the duck family made it. Deciding to follow Jesus, so will we. What is keeping you from following Jesus today? Put one foot forward toward Him, the other has to follow.

Jana Dean is a globe-trotting missionary kid who resides in Kentucky. She supports her writing habit as a corporate communicator and sales trainer. She also teaches youth Sunday school, and performs as keyboardist and vocalist with Aaron Austin and the Bootleg Preachers as well as the women’s trio, Rahab’s Rope.

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*Photo by Vlado – used by permission FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Spread Your Wings—But be Careful – Pat Jeanne Davis
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Be Careful

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

I sat and watched with some anxiety. My husband stood, hands tightly gripped on the bicycle seat, as he taught our son how to ride his bike. We were so happy with our five-year-old’s success. Later I watched as he whizzed down the street, both arms in the air.

“Look, Mom, I’m flying.” he shouted.

“Be careful,” I told him. “Look out for pedestrians and keep your helmet fastened.”

Just yesterday, it seems, he was twelve-months-old and learning to walk. By the time he reached seven, Johnny was skating down the rough pavement in front of our home. By eleven he played hockey.

At each turn in the road I instructed him, “Be careful. Keep your helmet fastened and your eyes on the other players.”

I observed him doing some basic moves on his skateboard. Again I warned, “Keep your helmet on. And no jumping off high walls.”

Time marches on and now my sixteen-year-old stands six-feet, two-inches. He readily takes on new responsibilities and continues to master new skills. He surprised me the other day when he announced, “Mom, I’m saving my money to take flight lessons.”

Why should I have been surprised? Since he turned ten, I’ve gazed at pictures of aircraft plastered on every wall in his bedroom. Nevertheless, other sons fly—not mine.

My husband tries to reassure me. “Flying is safer than driving a car.”

So now he’s a junior driver. I thought he should wait a little longer to start learning this new skill. But his dad says, “He needs to spread his wings.”

I know God must sit on the edge of His throne occasionally chewing His fingernails, observing me. He sees the decisions and risks I take daily then gently nudges me to keep my spiritual helmet on. Without a doubt, God has watched over me just as I watch over my son.

When it comes time for my son to take those flight lessons — to literally spread his wings, I’ll be ready. “Be careful. Fasten yourself into your seat. Wear your harness.” I’ll say. In the meantime I’ll trust God has him in His watchful eye.

When you step out on the risks of life, trust God is watching. He’ll nudge you to be careful and watch as you spread your wings.

Pat Davis writes from her home in Philadelphia, PA where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her articles, essays and short stories have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soup (6 books), Guideposts, The Lookout, GRIT Magazine, Bible Advocate, Faith & Finances–In God We Trust, Renewed and Ready, God Answers Prayers, Blessings for Mothers, Woman’s Touch, Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Harpstring Magazine, Horizon Magazine and Woman Alive. Pat has completed a historical inspirational novel and has agency representation. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Writers View. Visit her at www.patjeannedavis.com.
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A Bump in My Sock – Twayna Shaffer
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Sock the Bumps of Life

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

It was a typical morning — except we were leaving on time. This didn’t happen every day and I held the door  open triumphantly for my two sons. Zach was headed to the van and Justin, who is 3-1/2 years old, was steps away from the door when he crumpled into a heap off frustration.

“What’s wrong buddy?” I asked as our perfect morning faded fast.

“There’s a bump in my sock.” he mumbled between pitiful sobs. Utilizing my best mothering skills, I tried to convince Justin it would be fine. We removed the shoe and sock, inspected both and found no cause of the perceived “bump.” I reassured him, but no amount of reassurance would convince him. He had a bump in his sock and he couldn’t leave home until the mystery was solved.

After changing his socks three times, I discovered the culprit. I had bought both boys a new type of socks that had a thicker, reinforced line of thread sewn on the toe. This completely normal seam bothered my preschooler. As a last attempt to salvage what was left of my once perfect morning, I assisted Justin to don his old, familiar socks. Wiping away his tears, he jumped in the van, ready to face the day.

Bumps in your socks may not be something you have encountered, but consider the other irritations of life: negative attitudes, a co-worker that rubs you the wrong way, slow drivers, and countless others. Irritations come in all types, but all can get in the way of an otherwise great day.

Justin’s complete focus was on his bump and he couldn’t see past it. Had he made it to the van, or even to his pre-school, he may have gotten past it by other distractions. But, because his bump was as big as a mountain in his mind, he couldn’t see past it.

Are you allowing “bumps in your socks” to shift your focus away from the good in your life? Satan loves to create negative attitudes and unnecessary distractions that take our focus off the blessings that God bestows on us every day. It may be the most insignificant irritation that can make your perfect day dissolve into a dismal one. Make a choice daily to say, “This is the day that the Lord has made,” and be willing to say it bumps or no bumps.

Tawnya Shaffer is blessed to be writing and speaking for God’s kingdom. She had been a registered nurse and pastor’s wife for over twenty-three years when through illness and God’s direction, she began what she calls her “God given career,” as an author and public speaker. She resides in Indiana with her husband and four children.
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Sweet Fruit – Billie Jo Youmans
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The Sweetness of Christ

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Song of Solomon 2:3

Some tasty observations on a short morning walk and a simple grade school science fact have me rethinking a lifelong practice of early-morning berry picking. Better yet, my newly found berry fact reminds me of a God-truth. Time in the presence of the Son is sweet, and it sweetens the fruit of the Spirit dwelling in me.

The sun’s warmth persistently penetrated the morning fog as I walked along the wooded path toward town. The thorns of the blackberry bushes at trail side tugged on my jeans, and my delight in fresh berries tempted me to munch. Yielding to the lure, I popped a berry in my mouth. It was cool and juicy, but the sweetness that had enticed me was absent. I snacked my way to town never finding a sweet berry. A couple hours later, I made my way back up the now sun-drenched path. In the mid-day heat, the glistening berries tempted me with a promise of juiciness. This time the berries were delightfully sweet.

At the end of the trail, our neighbor — the caretaker of the bushes — happened to be working outside. He chuckled as I shared my puzzling observation.

“Of course. The sunlight draws the sugars up into the plant. Berries in the sunshine are always sweeter.”

Photosynthesis, of course. I should have known.

Out of that simple, natural-world truth, the Spirit reminded me of a more important truth: It is the warmth of the Son that draws wandering souls. There is sweetness in the Son’s powerful, persistent love that exists nowhere else. When I walk in the Son’s Light, my thoughts, words, and actions fill with the sweetness of the indwelling Spirit. Just as the berries grow sweeter in the sun, I grow sweeter in the Son too.

Are you getting enough time in the Son? Are you walking within His light? He loves to share His sweetness. Soak in the Son and let His sweet Spirit ooze out of you.

Billie Jo Youmans is a wife and homeschool mother in rural New York State. The transforming touch of Christ’s love continues to delight her soul. She enjoys writing as a means to share her joy of life in Jesus with others.

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Flapping Wings or a Peaceful Heart – Kimberly Wells
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Was Lost but now am Found

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7 NIV

A hummingbird trapped in our garage furiously tried to peck his way out. The more my husband tried to help the bird by showing him the way out, the more frantic and stuck the bird became. After many fruitless attempts to get out, the bird decided to rest on the end of a broom that my husband held up. Once he stopped fighting and laid peacefully on the broom, my husband gently led him out of the garage to safety.

Sometimes I feel like the frantic hummingbird. A problem comes into my life and I begin to spend my energy worrying and trying to fix the problem. I want to take control of the situation and rely on my own abilities to fix the concern. The more I struggle, the greater the difficulty becomes and the wearier I grow.

Jesus offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and God heard Him because of His faithful submissions. When we choose to first stop and pray for wisdom, our problems are much easier to handle. Our concerns are in the hands of an almighty God who takes care of anything. Jesus regularly took his concerns to God in prayer and His willingness to do whatever God asked him to do drew God’s undeniable attention.

When you’re faced with problems, are you immediately filled with anxious thoughts or do you pause and take the time to talk to God about your fears and concerns? Cry out to Him first and avoid being trapped by worry. Take the hand of a powerful and wise God who will gently guide you to safety.

Kim Wells is married to her soul mate, Jeremy, and is the mother of three active young boys. She enjoys writing and has authored The Charter School Leader’s Guide to NCLB for the Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University. Kimberly takes pleasure in serving in her local church by teaching preschoolers and leading a small group with her husband.
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Lost in Vienna – Nivine Richie
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Finding Your Way

We must pay more careful attention therefore to what we’ve heard so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1

Where was that steeple? The stone buildings surrounding me hid St. Stephens Cathedral, and I could no longer see the cross that was visible just moments ago. Earlier that day, my friend and I had arrived in Austria on different flights, so we agreed to meet at the steps of the historic landmark. “Just look for the beautiful Gothic church in the center of Vienna,” she told me. Looking out of my hotel window, I could see the church spire towering over the city, so off I went. But once I was in the city center, the once-prominent steeple promptly vanished.

I wandered down a cobblestone street in search of the famous church. Drifting past cafes, I saw folks sipping coffee and speaking rapidly in German. Though I hoped for an English-speaking passerby, I found no one. I started to panic; what if I couldn’t find my friend? Worse yet, what if I couldn’t find my way back to the hotel?

This wasn’t the first time I’d been lost—I do it all the time. I get lost when driving because I rarely look out my side windows and note the changing landscape. When walking, I fail to notice my surroundings and end up disoriented. In short, simple journeys become adventures because I don’t pay attention.

In our walk with Christ, we are warned to pay attention; to treat the object of our attention with care. The writer of Hebrews promises when we take note of our situation we will not drift away.

Now I pay careful attention when I read my Bible and pray. I pay attention to God’s prompting in my heart. Though I may continue to wander through the city streets, in my spiritual life I want to fully focus on God. For me, that begins with looking up and finding His steeple.

Are you paying careful attention? Make daily Bible reading and prayer a priority. Begin to take notes when you read a scripture that catches your attention and finally, find a few minutes to stop and listen to what the Lord is saying to you today. Don’t miss the sights He has for you by getting lost. Look to Him.

Nivine Richie is a women’s Bible study teacher in Wilmington, NC where she and her husband Pat enjoy raising their two high-school age kids. She writes and teaches women’s Bible studies to encourage women of all ages. She is the co-author of Growing through the Storms of Life: A Woman’s Perspective with E. Truman Herring. Nivine is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
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