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The Lesson Plan – Kristi Buttles
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A giving heart mimics Christ

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul—teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates… Deuteronomy 11:13, 19-20

“By the way, Mom, I’ve volunteered to bring snacks and drinks to church for the next two Sundays,” my daughter casually remarked on her way to the car.

Inside, I freaked. What? More snacks. More drinks. My knee-jerk reaction was harsh, though I kept it internal. I was in the throes of providing snacks for two different soccer teams, delivering meals to sick friends and family, having friends over for dinner, and participating in our school’s food drive. I didn’t have more time, more energy, or more money to give.

My emotions waffled between frustration and angst over my daughter’s actions. I wanted to have a voice in this decision. Now I was fully committed. However, the Lord gave me eyes to see things from an entirely different perspective—His. He showed me my daughter’s giving heart. She didn’t hesitate to help provide for the large group of middle schoolers.

The reasons for her attitude are two-fold. God has given her the gift of hospitality. She happily shares whatever she has. She doesn’t keep score about what she gives or what she receives. Secondly, giving freely is something my husband and I try to teach our children, leading by example. Helping others is obedience to God. It’s our responsibility as parents to help our children learn this truth.

It isn’t easy. Being selfless certainly isn’t a trait we’re born with. Looking out for the interest of others requires humility and intentionality. It also requires overcoming our own selfishness of time, energy, and expense.

God must have chuckled at my inner tantrum. He reminded me the lessons we’ve teamed up to teach are working. I could hear Him say, “You want your children to be openly generous, caring, and helpful. There’s so much more to giving. It’s what you’ve worked so hard for all these years.”

Wow. I got the message and laughed at myself. My perspective completely changed. I was more than happy to supply what she needed to take to her church group. I am delighted that, not only does my daughter want to do this, but she assumes I will be fine with it too—and I am.
Think about the biblical concepts you’re teaching those in your life. When you see God moving, don’t hinder His work. Celebrate the progress.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer and has been published in the books Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust and Faith & FAMILY: A Devotional Pathway for Families. Her passion is global missions, having traveled to Kenya and Ukraine on mission trips and she can’t wait to see where God leads her family next. She’s involved in local missions and several ministries in her home church. Kristi has been married for twenty-two years and she and her husband Bruce share the adventure of raising three wonderful children. Kristi received her B.A. from the University of South Florida. She has written a Bible study, non-fiction, fiction, and a children’s book. Her heart in service is tender toward childhood parent loss and trauma (including death, divorce, abandonment, and major sudden loss) based on her own personal experience. She also speaks to women’s groups with emphasis on Christian living, parenting, and family missions. Visit Kristi’s blog at www.RealDeepStuff.com.

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Crossing Family Lines – Kristi Buttles
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The LORD turned to (Gideon) and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” “But LORD,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The LORD answered, “I will be with you…” Judges 6:14-16

The call came Christmas Eve. “Hurry to the hospital! Granddad has just been rushed there by ambulance!” My sister’s voice carried a sense of urgency. He suffered from stage-four lung cancer. This was the call I’d dreaded.

I pleaded with God in the I.C.U. “Please don’t take Granddad on Christmas Day. I couldn’t bear it if his death overshadowed Jesus’ birth on Christmas.”

In the cramped, stale waiting room on Christmas morning, our small family honored Christmas by reading Christ’s birth in the Bible. We were called to Granddad’s side and there we spent Christmas day holding vigil.

“Please God, no!”

Granddad hung on.

Early December 26th, the nurse gave us the news. It was time to give Granddad permission—time to say goodbye.

I stood by Granddad’s bed and pondered how much I loved him. He was an upstanding citizen, a veteran, and a devoted family man, well-respected in the community.

However, the Holy Spirit pressed me about Granddad’s faith. He was a good man who regularly attended church, tithed, and blessed his food, but I never heard him profess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

“I can’t ask him about this,” I replied to God. “We don’t talk about this.”

“You don’t have much time,” God replied. “Do it now.”

I took a deep breath and placed my hand on Granddad’s arm. “Do you want to dedicate your life to Christ?” I whispered. He nodded yes.

“I know you cannot speak, so I’ll say the prayer for you. Nod your head in agreement, okay?” He nodded. I prayed a sinner’s prayer, and Granddad nodded his head a second time.

There it was. His assurance, and mine, that Christ was undeniably his Savior. Granddad died within minutes.

There is a time and a place to minister to our families. God’s divine sovereignty orchestrates both. Our job is to follow His lead. Listen to and follow His lead. You may not get a second chance.

Thank you, God, for giving me courage. Thank You for showing me when it was appropriate to cross family lines.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer and has been published in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust and Faith & FAMILY: A Devotional Pathway for Families. She teaches both middle and elementary school and is involved in several ministries in her home church. Kristi has written a Bible study, non-fiction, fiction, and a children’s book—which she also illustrated. She also speaks to women’s groups with emphasis on Christian living and missions.
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Father – Friend or Foe? – Kristi Buttles
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Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:14-15

Twelve years old. That’s how old I was when I met my birth father.

Other than spending two weeks together when I was thirteen, and him traveling to my home state a couple of times over several years (the most memorable being when my mom died when I was sixteen), our relationship was virtually nonexistent.

My hurt and disappointment built thick walls between us. I wanted him to suffer the consequences from all the years of his absence, so I intentionally excluded him from my wedding and the birth of my first child. “You can be a grandfather to my children, but not a father to me.”

We didn’t speak for months or years at a time. I desperately wanted him to feel the pain and loss I experienced. During this time I realized revenge didn’t satisfy…nor did it heal.

Fast forward several years. My dad and his wife came to town and the three of us sat at my kitchen table and talked. We agreed our methods of building our relationship were unsuccessful. No matter how genuine our motives were, hurt and anger continually sabotaged our efforts.

We are believers. Christ-followers. We knew God was moving in our relationship, but our humanness kept interfering. We agreed to pray and ask God to mend our hearts and rebuild our relationship. We asked for God’s help and strength; that our relationship would honor Christ.

From that moment, God healed our hearts. He was the Master Surgeon, Healer, of my hardened, scarred soul. I look at the past and remember it all, but God miraculously took away its sting. It has been nothing short of a miracle. My dad can say the same.

Now we make new memories together—good ones. Even more than a father, he is my friend. God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness are the foundation of our relationship.

Though not every relationship should be reconciled, I am deeply grateful this one was. Renouncing my sinful nature and clinging to God’s grace, He made a path of hope through my valley of unforgiveness.

Is there a relationship in your life that needs God’s healing power of forgiveness? Begin the healing process.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer and has been published in the book Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust. She teaches both middle and elementary school 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.

No Snow Today – Kristi Buttles
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For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The longest, saddest face appeared in my room early that morning. With Winnie-the-Pooh in tow, my youngest walked toward me, shoulders drooped, head down, and feet dragging.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. He said nothing. “Come here, sweet thing,” I said tenderly, my arms opened wide. He climbed onto my lap and laid his head on my shoulder. His morning bed-head tickled my cheek.

He sighed. “It didn’t snow. I don’t understand it. I wore my pajamas inside out and backwards, put a spoon under my pillow, chewed half of an ice cube, flushed the other half down the toilet, and wished harder than I ever have in my life. Why didn’t it snow, Mommy?”

What can you say to that but the truth. “God said no snow today, honey. I don’t know why. Perhaps the snow would’ve created dangers for drivers or delayed important matters that only God knows about? Maybe it’ll snow next time. I’m so sorry.”

Sound familiar? We’ve all experienced disappointment when we’ve tried everything in our power to make something important happen in our lives. We’ve thought through potential hindrances and removed them, said all the right things…followed the protocol. We wished so hard, prayed so hard, for it to happen. Still, God said no.

As a group leader in children’s ministry, I learned an essential biblical truth in child-like terms: God’s answers are yes, no, and wait. How simple. How complicated. We don’t like to be told no and we certainly don’t like being told it’s for our own good, or because I said so, anymore than when we were children.

We’ve convinced ourselves that our destiny is up to us, and if we meet all of the prerequisites, not only will we get what we want, but we deserve it. When things don’t go our way, God becomes the bad guy.

God always looks out for the best interests of His children. Always. Even when it seems like our request is benign, God still knows—not just better—but best.

God is loving, faithful, and trustworthy in His yes, wait…and even in His no. His answers do not measure His love for us—they demonstrate it. Will you accept His answer?

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer and has been published in the book Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust. She teaches both middle and elementary school 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.

Religion versus Relationship – Kristi Buttles
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You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

“Are any of you Amanda?” a voice called from behind. Some friends and I recently stood outside our church talking after a service.

“No,” we answered.

The man continued. “There are small children inside looking for their mother named Amanda.”

It was late. We were the last ones there so my brother-in-law and I hurried inside to help the children.

Little did we know we’d been deceived. The strange man had lied to us—his intention; to scout out the church, then rob it.

I was angry. How could someone go to church, converse with people, and then rob it? God’s house of all places. Earlier that evening a woman had given her life to Christ. Through sorrowful tears, she repented of her sins, confessed Jesus as her Savior, and accepted His forgiveness in turn for her guilt and shame.

In one instant, a person walked into church and stole from it and another walked in and gave her life to Christ. One stole and the other gave, so what was the difference between these two people? It was the condition of their hearts.

My son asked me if Christianity was a religion. “Christianity is seen as a religion, but God sees it more as a relationship,” I replied. “God is more concerned about His relationship with you, than your religiousness to Him.”

That’s when it hit me. If the man who robbed our church had a personal relationship with God, he wouldn’t have robbed his Father’s house. I am moved to pray for both the man and the woman, as well as look inside my own heart. Do I have religion or a relationship with God?

How about you? What is the basis for your obedience to God…good deeds and church attendance? If it is because Christianity is religion–deep in your life, consider making it personal and begin a relationship with God. God desires relationship with us more than religion. Let Him share with you.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer and has been published in the book Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust. She teaches both middle and elementary school 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.

The Weakest Link – Kristi Buttles
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Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

“You are only as safe as your weakest link.” I grimaced as I read that quote in an article on how to protect one’s finances and identity. Just this morning we were victims of identity theft for the fifth time! Over the years, my car and purse have been stolen; our credit card number has been used overseas; our account number has been made into a plastic credit card and used across the country; our mail has been stolen from our mailbox; and, once again, our bank account was used in another state. How frustrating. We locked down our identity and finances, taking extreme measures, and still this type of crime and fraud perpetuates.

Our money has been used to buy gas, shoes, fast food, clothing, and pay bills — to name a few. What is our weakest link, we asked? We take as many precautions as possible. Personal information is readily available on the internet; it’s easy to misuse this information if the motive is there. It angers me to be thought of as a target and tool—not a person.

That’s how the enemy sees us —  easy targets. Our weakest spiritual links are not as protected as we think, rather they’re tainted with sinful habits; open invitations to Satan who studies our patterns and knows exactly where we’re unguarded. He is devious and calculating, and strikes without notice…his goal, total annihilation.

God provides us warnings to watch. Do we heed them or, in denial, do we think that nothing bad will ever happen to us? Tell that to our neighbors whose garbage was stolen for their personal information.

Put on the armor of God for protection. The enemy is looking for the chink in our armor. Be wholly committed to Christ. Seek God’s will and know His Word. Whether financial or spiritual, watch as well as pray. Let Him protect you so you are not devoured.

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.

Life After Unemployment – Kristi Buttles
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“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24

September 4, 2001 my husband, Bruce, lost his job. No warning, severance, or money owed him. Within a ten-minute phone call, the company he worked for dissolved. Exactly one week later, September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers fell and so did the technology industry Bruce worked in.

“I know this isn’t true,” I told him, “but I feel like you will never work again.” We were stunned and numb. On the day he was to register for unemployment, all government buildings were under a high-security threat. We sat on the couch and prayed about whether he should go downtown or not. As he left, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and hoped he would return.

No income, no abundant savings, no insurance. We were like a ship stalled at sea—with small children. With the tragedy of our nation, the lack of work, and the uncertainty of how we’d buy groceries or pay for medical bills, the fear overwhelmed me.

Would we ever have a normal life again?

Blessing after blessing, God began to provide—not in a job right away, but in meeting our daily needs. And it wasn’t just about what He provided, but when He provided it. He met needs literally down to the minute. We saw God’s mercy and generosity pour out from family and friends in ways we can’t explain.

We eventually found work, our pantry was full, and there were enough diapers to meet the need.

What lessons did we learn? God knows the need. He teaches the difference between necessity and want. Walk by faith and not sight, especially in stressful times. Never give up on God, because God hasn’t given up on us. God blesses marriages that stick together in the hard times. Don’t panic—pray! Teach children faith—not fear.

Treat finding a job as a job. Remember its place—below God and family. When looking for work, give it your best effort then leave it to God. The job doesn’t define who we are, Christ does.

Unemployment is difficult. But God’s plan is worth the wait, and there is blessing in the waiting. Hang in there. God is with you.

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.

Alone but not Lonely – Kristi Buttles
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“Jesus said, “…surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

My beloved, God-fearing grandmother lay dying. I was helpless to help her. For months we watched her condition worsen. Her medical needs necessitated a nursing home, though it was never our wish for her. I felt a huge responsibility to be with her so she would not feel lonely.

At her bedside, I recounted she buried her parents, husband, best friend, and daughter—my mom. I held her hand and retold family stories and read Scripture to her. I talked about what heaven might look like. She lay silent, struggling for every breath.

The Lord reminded me of my bible study. I replied, “I’m not going to bible study today. This is where I need to be.”

God firmly said, “Go.”

Very reluctantly, I went for a short while. I left my cell phone number with the nurse and said I’d be right back. My sister was home gathering Grandma’s legal documents.

The study was an unexpected respite in the midst of unrelenting sorrow and angst…then my cell phone rang. I grabbed it and ran out of the room.

The nurse informed me Grandma had just passed away. My knees gave way as I slid down the wall sobbing. I missed the opportunity to be with her when she died. She died alone. I could never live down the guilt.

I told my sister my feelings. She gently responded, “I believe Grandma was waiting for us to leave. I think she didn’t want us to see her die.”

I believe she was right. There has been so much loss in our family, it would be like Grandma to spare us overwhelming grief. Her giving, selfless life was always lived in others’ best interests. Even in her death she thought of us. This is who she was.

This is who Jesus is. In the midst of His death, He remembered us. Jesus knew why He was dying—to give us life.

Jesus died a horrific death alone. Yet, His grace covers our guilt.

He offers us abundant life—at the expense of His death. No one else can love us this way.

Accept the gift of new life Christ offers you through His death and resurrection. Admit your sin. Believe Jesus’ sacrifice as the Son of God. Receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, and turn from your sin.

With Jesus, even when we are lonely we are never truly alone.

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.

One Minute Meditations for the culturally challenged and spiritually stuck. Daily devotions from the perspective of one man and one woman, delivered online and by email that inspire you to move beyond the “busy-ness” of life into an intimate relationship with God through an interactive friendship with the Father. Christian Devotions takes Christ from the heavens and places him in your heart.

Who Am I? – Kristi Buttles
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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Writing again?” a familiar voice called to me as I sat in a coffee shop with my laptop.

“I’m working on it,” I replied with a smile.

“I admire that you have the discipline to write—that you’re a writer,” he said.

“I’ve never been published, so I don’t know if I can say I’m an official writer.”

“I think you are,” he said as he left.

His words should have encouraged me. Instead, they reminded me of what I am not. They reminded me of the rejections, unfinished projects, and finished projects collecting cyber dust in my computer. I felt inferior, inadequate, and discouraged.

Have you felt inferior as a Christian, despite someone’s encouragement? Perhaps they encouraged you in an area of life that God has worked in, but the only voice you heard was the one that reminded you of the failures?

“Look at you now!” they whisper. “Look what you used to be and look at you now.” Their whispers become shouts of discouragement.

The voice that cuts down and condemns is not from God. God is not a god of shame. He doesn’t say and do things that drive us from Him; rather, He wants to draw us near. The voice that disbelieves God, criticizes us, and reminds us of what we were before Christ was our Savior, is a liar. That voice is loud, strong, and stubborn. If we give it the slightest second thought, those cursing words multiply in our minds and consume us. Doubt clouds our vision, God, and our salvation.

Can I be called a writer even though I haven’t been published? I don’t know. Can I be called a child of God? Absolutely! Why so sure? Because who I am in Christ is not about what I’ve done, it’s about what Christ did for me…and you. It’s about His victory in me.

The next time you’re tempted to doubt who you are, recognize the enemy’s voice and give God’s Word a try.

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..

Supernatural Strength – Kristi Buttles
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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

My legs dangled 50-feet in the air—heart pounding—hands shaking. “Why am I up here?” I asked myself.

Earlier, my son’s friend attempted to climb the swaying staircase to the zip line’s intimidating platform. As fast as his legs took him up the stairs, he retreated to the ground. He wouldn’t jump though he desperately wanted to.

Standing with his parents, I yelled, “You can do this! Philippians 4:13!”

My words instantly boomeranged back to me as my feet stood firmly planted on safe ground. God said to me, “So, My words are good for him, but not for you. You don’t believe them for yourself.”

God was right. I deemed myself a hypocrite if I didn’t try the sky-high zip line. Hesitantly, I climbed to the platform.

I don’t need to do this to live a satisfied, productive life, I cynically thought while sitting on the ledge. I stared at the mountainous horizon and questioned why I had agreed to zip line. I admitted defeat and whispered, “Jesus, I can’t do this.”

My son’s friend yelled to me from below, “Be a leader, Mrs. Buttles!”

I knew exactly why I was up there. If I wanted this friend to believe the Bible for his life, he needed to see me believe it for mine. His words gave me purpose and a reason to jump.

More than for myself, I needed to do this for a young man who was gripped by fear. I needed to live the words of Philippians.

I leaned forward and zipped off, screaming as loud as I could!

What a rush! What a thrill! A long-time fear conquered. I lived out the scripture to my young friend.

Sometimes God demonstrates His strength to us, and other times—by faith—He calls us to demonstrate His strength to others.

Is God asking you to do something you think is impossible like serving, forgiving, or walking by faith and not sight? Do you believe He will equip you for the task? Do you trust Him to take care of you?

When God brings you to a place of human impossibility, rely on His strength and testify to His faithfulness. There’s no other rush like 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.