The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. Psalms 18:1-3

“I put on my big girl britches this morning!” I said as I bolted toward the nurse who attended my daughter. Due to some pregnancy complications, my precious, beautiful daughter was born ten weeks premature. At just two pounds and fourteen ounces, she spent the first eight weeks of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

My tiny daughter lay in her incubator with all types and colors of tubes coming out of her little body. I sat by my daughter in her incubator, talking with her and praying over her, when a nurse came by and said it was time to change out her IVs.

“You don’t have to stay in the room while I do this,” said the nurse.

“I’m fine; I wore my big girl britches today!”

I had awoken early that morning to spend some time with the Lord before heading to the NICU. During my quiet time with the Lord, I opened my Bible and read Psalms 18. These verses tell of the comfort and strength we can receive by holding on and relying on the Lord. There are many difficult situations we may be forced to deal with in life and God may ask us to step-up our faith or to “put on our big girl britches.”

What can we do to grow our faith? We can start with prayer, reading scripture daily, attending church and developing Christian friendships. During times of challenge, the most important thing we can do is to hold to the Rock of our salvation…Jesus Christ our Lord.

With a slight giggle from the nurse…a deep breath from me… and a high pitched cry from my daughter, the nurse removed one IV and reinserted another into my brave, precious daughter’s arms.

Be brave. Let God lead you through the difficult times.

Abbey Medcalf Cooler is a dynamic and energetic speaker with a heart for women. She has a Masters of Arts in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Gardner-Webb University. Abbey has served as the Associate Director of Elementary Ministries and as the Preschool and Children’s Director before moving on to teach sixth grade. She is currently residing in Acworth, Georgia and is a stay-at-home mom. Abbey is married to Adam and they have a daughter, Ava. Read Abbey’s devotions

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. Proverbs 22:1

Have you ever thought about the significance of your name? Some believe there is a vital connection between the names that we are given at birth and our destiny. In giving a child a name in biblical times, the parents would reflect the circumstances of the child, the features of the child, and/or their commitment of the child to God.

Abraham means “father of a multitude.” Eve’s name means “mother.” Hannah means “grace of God.” Isaac means “laughter.” Joseph means “God will increase,” and Josiah means “fire of the Lord.” What a blessing to see, in the pages of God’s infallible word, each of these people and others living up to their name.

Names are not only significant in the Bible but in our rich history and also in modern day society. We see their significance in family and historical names. Cleopatra means “father’s fame.” George means “a tiller of the soil.” Timothy means “honored by God.” Our names often mirror our dreams and future.

What does your name mean? Does it mean joy, peace, champion or gift? Does it mean beautiful/handsome one or dreamer/visionary?

Better yet, do we find that we live up to our names? Our name makes us unique. Yet, there is a name above all, more special because it is sacred. It evokes power and supersedes all fads, trends, cultures, and time. This name is the name of Jesus! His name is holy, hallowed, and to be praised!

Take a moment and thank God for the uniqueness in your own name. It was not given to you by accident. Thank God for the power that we experience in His name. You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Since we wear the name “Christian,” may we wear the name of Christ as a badge of honor each day.

Heavenly Father, we reverence your holy name. Thank you for saving us and adopting us into your family. Teach us to live up to our names in Christ so that the world may encounter your personality.

Cokiesha Bailey Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree, and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full-time ministry. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and studied in Izmir, Turkey. Her greatest passion is encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She writes for several devotional sites and has contributed to 3 books; one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down (written by the Bailey family), This is My Story (written by Dr. Cleo Larue), and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace (written by Mrs. Denise George). A native of Dallas, Texas, she and her husband Timothy enjoy being students of the Word and of the world. They serve together on the leadership committee for laity at Princeton Theological Seminary and serve in ministry in NY, NY.Read Cokeisha’s devotions

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun had stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Luke 23:44-45

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a popular Christian conference center in North Carolina. This beautiful center, built on the Blue Ridge mountainside, contains a large cross, visible from most of the campus.

A dear friend of mine loves to room at the building closest to the cross, where she has a clear view of the impressive symbol of death and life. “I feel like I am sitting at the foot of the cross when I stay here.”

The cross symbolizes peace – a peace made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice. It symbolizes hope – a hope of eternal life in Heaven, a place with no tears. It gives comfort to the grieving. It offers forgiveness to all who are willing to receive. It clears the path to eternal life in Heaven.

No wonder so many people contemplate God’s sacrificial love when they see a cross.

However, the cross was also a scene of death, agony, contempt, and derision. Soldiers mocked Jesus. The chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law mocked Him openly, now that He was dying. Those passing by hurled insults at Him. Even one of the robbers crucified at His side ridiculed Him.

The Son of God bled to save them from their sins even as they scorned His sacrifice.

Jesus took on our sin and God turned His back on His Son for the first and only time. The sun stopped shining for three hours as Jesus hung suspended between heaven and earth. Something momentous was happening.

God took a cruel method of execution, turning it into peace, hope, comfort, and forgiveness for all of us.

The power of the cross is love – a Son’s obedient love for His Father and God’s sacrificial love for all His children.

He wants us to spend eternity with Him so badly that He paid the price of our admittance.

At the foot of the cross. Sounds like a good place to start our day.

Sandra M. Hart enjoys writing historical fiction set in the Midwest. She is inspired by the people around her. Those labeled as “everyday people” are the ones who inspire her most. She hopes to have a nonfiction book published about a couple of these ordinary heroes who fill our lives with hope. Read Sandra’s devotions

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.      1 Corinthians 15:56-57 NIV

They say winning is sweet, and so do I… as I finally conquer those daunting tasks I’ve dreaded doing. For me, facing foes just to gain victory is a daily event.

My foe is procrastination—like putting off the jam-packed closet or cupboards, which desperately scream to be cleaned out.

On a more personal note, recognizing gluttony as a sin, is a battle I wage daily. What would draw me to overeat, cries “Eat me, eat me,” from the pantry or the fridge.
                                                                                                                                Further up the list of things I long for victory over, are my fears. They are many, and I fear even the telling of them. But I must face them and allow my Father to shield me with scripture, by listening to His voice.

I have a fear of driving, but I will not let this immobilize me into staying at home. Instead, I get into the car and pray for victory over my foe as I face the demons that would capture my mind. They may visit me, but they are not allowed to take up residence. I turn music on that reminds me of the power in the name of Jesus, that faith is the victory, or whatever words He sends to minister to me at the time. God uses all of it to reinforce within me just what I can do by stepping out in faith. Often I’ve arrived at my destination, surprised at how uneventful the trip was. With a prayer of thanksgiving, I can enjoy the rest of my trip.

Riding with someone else is quite another thing. Each time my husband and I venture out, we have to battle my fears together. It’s a test of true love and our sense of humor, but the battle must be won on my part. Satan and I volley for control, but through prayer, the giver of grace quiets my anxious spirit.

Maybe you combat an addiction to excessive TV, drugs, alcohol, pornography, or things just like me. Victory is promised to us, one battle at a time, but we must willingly, actively fight to win.
                                                                                                                                   Today, which will you be, victor or victim?

Leah Mix has been married to her wonderful husband Gary for 39 years. A transplant from Upstate New York to Florida, Leah experienced culture shock, but now loves her home and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She found out when God plants you, He will make you happy blooming there. Leah is the mother of two and grandmother of five. Writing is a new venture for Leah, but has been a dream for years. She is excited about the future because she has found, God is good – all the time. Read Leah’s devotions

“Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” John 20:6-7

APRIL 11, 2010 – I followed my wife and son through the massive wooden doors. The Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista was filled with people, and yet, a reverent silence filled the cavernous room. Many knelt in pews praying. Others stood in silent wonder, gazing at the warm glow that emanated from the front of the church. A feeling of expectation overwhelmed me. We were about to witness a true mystery—The Shroud of Turin.

The line moved slowly to the front of the church. We stopped and waited. Then again. And then it was our turn. Our group stepped in front of the Shroud. It hung behind heavy glass, a long sepia-colored cloth adorned by a thick wooden frame. I allowed my eyes to roam over the details. I knew every inch of the thirteen foot relic by heart. Every bloodstain, crease and fold. And the image of the body was perfect. Subtle. Difficult to distinguish, but there. From the wounded wrists and feet, to the bloody scalp and spear-pierced side, every detail rang true, clearly pointing to the scriptures. To Christ’s passion. His terrible death.

I fought to compose myself. For thirty years I had waited for that moment, studied its history and the evidence it contains. Given lecture after lecture. Defended its authenticity before Christians and non-Christians alike. But as I stood before The Shroud I found myself in awe, wondering as I had so many times before…Is it the Lord? Is this really his shroud?

And then it hit me…it didn’t matter. Either way, my faith in Christ was secure. But what did matter, I realized, were the years of wonder and curiosity that had led me to that moment. The innocent pursuit of a young man that had begun in his professor’s office so many years before. For in my search for the truth about The Shroud I had gained deep understanding. Knowledge of what my Savior had accomplished for me. Knowledge to share with others of the depth and magnitude of Christ’s love.

Did we stand before his shroud that day? The same one Peter found as he entered Christ’s tomb on that first Easter morning? We’ll never know. Not on this side of Heaven. But for me it no longer matters. Jesus suffered, he was crucified, and he rose again to conquer death. And if he left his image on a cloth to remind us of what he had accomplished, so be it. Either way my faith is secure. The Shroud of Turin remains a mystery, but for me there is still no doubt that Jesus Christ is risen. He is the Lord.

Pat Patterson is a writer, a photographer, a paramedic, a volunteer chaplain, and an instructor of Emergency Medical Science. He is the author of Answering the Call. Pat’s stories are true, based on real experiences from the streets of Durham, North Carolina where he served as a street paramedic for seventeen years. Contact Pat at psquare@nc.rr.com.

Pat is a winner of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference.
Read Pat’s devotions.

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”   Matthew 17:20

The mustard seed serves as an inspiration to me. When I begin to pray and talk with Christ, a bond of love and friendship forms through this simple act. My desire for a relationship is like a greeting to His heart, and sends the Holy Spirit to sit with me in prayer. The Holy Spirit calms and restores me, bringing peace to my soul. It pleases Him to spend quiet moments with me.

Faith begins with a simple desire to grow closer to our Lord. A relationship with Christ—like all relationships—may take time, and we can be disheartened if we believe our faith is insignificant for our desires. Your faith may feel small at times, especially when you are weak or vulnerable, but your desire to be more faithful is, by itself, very pleasing to Him.

Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a tiny mustard seed. If you have never seen a mustard seed before, you will be amazed at its diminutive size. Yet, though having some of the smallest seeds, the mustard plant grows to a large magnitude, providing shelter for the birds.

Jesus said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

In time, your mustard seed of faith will grow like the parable. Soon, your faith will be a twig, then a plant, then a small tree, and finally a large tree. Your relationship with Christ will be a bounteous flora, where the small “birds” of children and grandchildren and perhaps even great-grandchildren will make their nests in the shade of your deep and abiding faith. Believe and know this is true!

Study the mustard seed. Learn about its amazing qualities. Then practice this type of faith. God waits to grow you bigger than life.

Sharon Cece is an internet staff writer and frugal living columnist who’s writing has appeared in AchieveYourCareer.com, The Cleveland Post, Factoidz, Flask and Pen Literary Magazine, Airborne Magazine and the Raleigh Examiner. A 2006 graduate of Florida State University, Sharon is also the author of a children’s book and the editor of a book of quotes. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and two children and believes that faith is the greatest gift a person can receive and share. Read Sharon’s devotions.

“A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels, and her value is far above rubies or pearls.” Proverbs 31:10

“You have a problem!” a close family member shouted at me. It was 7 a.m. on a Tuesday just before my 45-minute drive to work. “You can’t remember anything!” she screamed, banging her fists on the staircase railing. “And you need to do something about it!”

I shook inside.

“Why am I always messing up?” I asked the Lord, sobbing on my way to work. “I can’t do anything right. I can’t live up to this Christian life. I’m always making mistakes. I feel like a failure.”

I sent a text message to a close friend to give her a hint about what happened — but I told her not to call me. Just pray. She called anyway. Tears spilled down my face as she read Psalm 59 and prayed for me.

After our call, I felt peace. I began searching the Web for a bible study I wanted to introduce to my women’s group — only to realize it was out of print. I called the publisher to see if it had any study guides in stock. No such luck. The gentleman on the phone suggested a similar study written by the same author.

As I read the first few pages of the excerpt online, I gasped. You are a “capable, intelligent and virtuous woman,” the Lord said. No matter what anyone thinks. He said I am his precious daughter. Holy. Innocent. Righteous.

My spirit soared!

The Lord also said everyone makes mistakes, but don’t dwell on your shortcomings or condemn yourself. You’re forgiven and free of guilt. You’re the apple of My eye and surrounded with My favor.

I smiled.

The next day, I discovered a Christian bookstore that sold 8½ x 11-inch single sheets of stationary with various scripture messages. I saw one that featured Proverbs 31 with the words “A Virtuous Woman” displayed across the top. It now hangs prominently in my cubicle at work as a reminder of what God says about me.

God’s Word met me right where I was that dreadful morning — far down in the pit of despair. He healed my broken heart — and promises to do the same for you. So when your world seemingly falls apart, cry out to the one who loves you perfectly. He will lift you up and give you a firm place on which to stand.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving us so much and for answering us in our desperate times. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Judith Riddle is a Christian devotional and feature writer, editor and author. She enjoys leading bible studies, cooking, exercising, swimming, and socializing with friends. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. Read Judith’s devotions

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.“  John 15:1-2

I’ll say here at the start that if you’ve never been through hard times and you aren’t experiencing any trouble now, this article is not for you. Still here?  I thought you might be. I’ve got some encouraging news for you.

Have you ever pruned anything? If so, you know why it’s necessary. Jesus says, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

I don’t pretend to understand the ways of God, but He’s saying here that to be effective for Him, we have to go through some pruning. Imagine yourself as a branch that just got snipped by the Gardener’s shears. In the middle of the pain and loss, remember this. The Gardener is never closer to you than when He’s pruning or picking fruit.

I’ve faced my share of trials… actually my share and your share, too. But like James, I’m counting it all joy. I finally see that trials help us mature in Christ. I’ve got to be pruned to bear more fruit. And I want to be fruity! God once spoke to me in the hardest season of my life and said,” I care more about your character than I do your comfort.” And while that wasn’t very comforting, I knew He loved me enough to want to make something out of me.

I’ve lost a few jobs. Maybe you know what that’s like. On one occasion, God spoke two words to me…“Diamonds and pearls.” Instantly I knew what He was saying. Diamonds are created when a lump of coal undergoes thousands of years of intense heat and pressure. Pearls are formed when an oyster secretes a fluid after an irritant gets into its shell. (That’s all for our physical science lesson.) The point is, remember when you’re extremely irritated or going through an insanely long season of intense heat and pressure, rejoice! God’s making you shiny like a diamond or pearl, and the fruit you bear will bring Him glory. While it stinks at the time, keep God’s faithfulness in mind and count it all joy.

Do you need to be shaped up? Reach for the pruning shears of His word.

Scott Chaney is the author of the book “Christian Warriors.” He and his wife Janet have three children and make their home in Franklin, TN. Read Scott’s devotions.

“This is what the Lord says: “At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation, I will help you…” Isaiah 49:8 (NLT)

The bed and breakfast where we vacationed was miles behind us when my husband’s truck began to run hot. We pulled to the side of the road and opened the hood. The Texas sun toggled the heat gage between 98 and 100+ degrees; I could see my four-year-old son begin to sweat.

There we sat along the road, in the heat, with no help and no hope. I prayed for God’s favor and intervention and moments later, a Texas trooper drove past. Father, let him come back and help us. I’d no more finished my prayer when I looked in the rear view mirror and saw the state trooper turn around to offer his assistance. He called a tow truck and took me and my son back to the bed and breakfast, while another state trooper stayed to help my husband.

I thought about God’s promise to respond to his children at the right time. God always puts the right people in our lives at just the right time—though his timing may be different than ours. Isaiah tells us, at just the right time, I will respond to you. But, learning to let go and allowing God‘s control can be difficult at times.

In the midst of this situation, I learned that God always provides for his children. You never know who God will use to help you. There is no situation too hard for God to handle. His grace and mercy is sufficient for any problem I may face.

God’s blessings are always worth the wait. How do we learn to wait on God? When you are in God’s waiting room, that means the doctor is in and He will answer your prayers soon. Sometimes God does not say “no” to his children, but “not yet my child.”

Pray in the midst of every situation. Stand still and let God have complete control. At the right time, God will answer you and give you much more than you could think to ask.

Terri Cullins has a Master’s Degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University. Her recent children’s book is What’s Wrong with Sam?She is published in Treasures of the Wind and is featured in articles published on preschool websites. Terri resides in Texas with her husband and son. Read Terri’s devotions.

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin…and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…” Mathew 6:28-31 NIV

“Put them in the rag bag so you don’t keep wearing them, and we will buy you more,” my husband chided.

“But they have so many more miles left,” I retorted.

I had put my nail through the cloth and with each wearing and washing, the hole had become larger. On the outside, I was saying one thing, but God knew I was not being honest.

With things financially so tight, my heart doubted things would ever get better. My husband did well at juggling money, but we never seemed to get ahead. Therefore, it must be God’s fault. He wasn’t being true to His word; and my holey underwear proved it. Besides, no one but me, Gary and God knew I was wearing them, (and now you) so why should I spend the little we had on something unseen.

The maker of my heart knew what was lurking in the dark corners. I wasn’t being kind to His reputation.

Oh, I would tell others of His provisions, His blessings to us in so many ways, but my heart-harbored resentment that we weren’t at our previous status, or better. At this point in our lives, we should be “set” for our future, not wondering about our health care, or if we could afford to replace a broken appliance or replace a roof. As baby boomers, we were supposed to have more than the generations that went before us, but we didn’t. We were experiencing less.

I expected a bright future and when it didn’t materialize, I had become crushed in my spirit. Things were not like I had hoped for.

“God has blessed me in so many ways,” I said,” so why am I down in my spirit?”

This came the same week as the first earthquake in Haiti. Watching the scenes unfold was a wake-up call for me. With such devastation, I wanted to hold on to my holey piece of cloth. I felt blessed to have it. They had nothing to call their own. I had wealth all around me. Reality finally set in.

Satan snidely said, “See, He wasn’t kind to them either. See how He took care of them?”

Thinking on this, I said, “Yes, I do! He’s sent the world to help them.” Moreover, though they will never know it, the people of Haiti and the response to them, have even helped me!

Leah Mix has been married to her wonderful husband, Gary, for 39 years. A transplant from Upstate New York to Florida, Leah experienced culture shock, but now loves her home and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She found out when God plants you, He will make you happy blooming there. Leah is the mother of two and grandmother of five. Writing is a new venture for Leah, but has been a dream for years. She is excited about the future because she has found, God is good – all the time. Read Leah’s devotions