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Clean – Kristi Buttles
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“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.

Human Nature Verses Holy Nature – Kristi Buttles
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“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14

“Not again!” I huffed. This particular professional office had grossly failed in their customer service regarding an important matter. My anger grew fiery hot over this repetitive issue. As I left my home to meet with them, my favorite worship music played in my car. However, worship was not what I felt like doing at the moment.

I pulled into the parking lot and contemplated what I would say and how I would say it. This office is to blame and I have the right to better customer service. I have the right to be furious. I have the right to throw a fit! However, as daughter of the Most High King, I have the responsibility not to.

A war waged in my soul. Who would I be when I walked through their office door — a ticked off client or a person who purposely decided to work toward a quick and peaceful resolution? The Holy Spirit prompted me, “If the person you talk with today visits your church this Sunday for the first time, attends your Bible study, or hears your testimony, could you interact with him or her at that time in a way that is consistent with your behavior right now? Or, will a double-standard attitude compromise Christ’s integrity and yours as well?”

Those words penetrated my heart. The last thing I wanted to be was a hypocrite, causing someone else to stumble. As I walked into the office, I prayed God would be in control of my words and actions so I could represent Him in an honorable way. The meeting was productive. I was able to express myself in a way that was factual, but without the unnecessary drama. As it turned out, submitting my attitude to God was my act of worship.

We live in a fallen world. We will endure unpleasant experiences. It’s how we handle them as God’s children that make the difference. Be it professional or personal interactions with others, our words and actions are a direct reflection of our relationship with God, and consistency is key to our witness. Will we represent our human nature or God’s holy nature? It is our choice.

Who do you want to glorify in your life? Will you serve God or yourself with your words and actions today?

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer 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 soon publish. She has also designed her own line of unique greeting cards that combine her love for words and her passion for photography. Read Kristi’s devotions.

A Cinderella Story – Kristi Buttles
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“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” John 15:19a

What do lawnmowers and limousines have in common?

Once upon a recent time, I spent my Saturday evening mowing the lawn. It was dusk, and I needed to finish the lawn before dark. The ground was dry, and I was covered in grass, dirt, and dust.

As I mowed, a stretch limousine drove past. Its white color glowed against the twilight blue of the evening.

“Wow!” I thought to myself as I mowed, “That looks like a lot of fun!”

The limousine stopped at my friend’s home. The driver stepped out and walked to the door—not that I was watching. Friends emerged from her home, dressed and ready for a good time—not that I cared.

In fact, I did care. I wasn’t invited. I felt left out—rejected. To make matters worse, there I was in plain sight, grungy clothes and dirty. The limousine drove them to their ball, and I, Cinderella, stayed home and worked.

I know why I wasn’t invited. Our definitions of a good time are different. I commend them for hiring a designated driver, but I don’t drink. That separated us—not by my choice but theirs. Their occasional drinks turned into excessive and unsafe.

As much as I wanted to throw my own pity party, I couldn’t. I willingly chose and accepted the cost of following Christ.

A commitment to Christ means I’m excluded from some experiences the world offers. But, like Cinderella, in the end my Prince Charming—Jesus Christ—will come and sweep me off my feet!

Whether He calls for me one day as Cinderella’s Prince Charming did, or whether he rides in on a white stallion in all His power and, majesty—He’ll come for me, and we’ll live happily ever after.

What has it cost you to follow Christ? Whatever price you have paid to have Christ in your life; Christ paid an even greater price to have you in His.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer 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 soon publish. She has also designed her own line of unique greeting cards that combine her love for words and her passion for photography. Read Kristi’s devotions.

Where Did God Go? – Kristi Buttles
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“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
 2 Corinthians 4:18

“Look at all that blue!” I said to myself in awe while driving carpool home from school. Above us stretched the most beautiful blue sky I had ever seen. There was not a single remnant of a cloud anywhere.

“Look up!” I told the children, “Look up and enjoy the big blue sea above your heads.”

My five-year old whispered, “Where did God go?” His question came out of the clear blue sky (pardon the pun).

Puzzled, I looked in the rearview mirror at him and asked, “What do you mean?”

“Mommy, you read us Bible verses that say the clouds are the dust of God’s feet. If the clouds are gone, where did God go?” What a question!

“Honey, you can’t see God with your eyes, look for Him in your heart. He’s always there, and promises to never leave us. The Bible tells us to live by faith, not by sight. Sometimes we can easily see His hands working in our lives. Sometimes we can’t. But, He is still there—still working.”

Our world appeals to our physical senses and we demand physical proof to believe its validity. Not with God. We’re tempted to discredit or belittle God’s work. If only we had eyes to behold all He does for us, we’d never question or doubt Him.

There are days when I am so impressed by God’s handiwork that I long to see what He has in store next. Other days it seems I can’t see anything God is doing. Those days teach me to trust and believe God’s truth. That brings me closer to Him.

What is the truth about God? There is only one God. He is holy, and perfect—He loves us unconditionally and died for us. He forgives, redeems and He is faithful. Always with us even when the clouds are gone.

Through blue skies and storm clouds, God is always at work for the good of those who love Him.

When you can’t see God with your eyes, believe Him with your heart.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer 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 soon publish. She has also designed her own line of unique greeting cards that combine her love for words and her passion for photography. Read Kristi’s devotions.

The Race for Christ – Kristi Buttles
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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Thousands of people – I stood alone. Ready, set, run! The race began, and I was lost in the crowd. It had been fourteen years since my mom died of breast cancer. I was not a runner, but this was my first opportunity to publicly recognize her life in The Race for the Cure. In her memory I wore a pink label with her name on my back. Others also wore pink labels in memory of a beloved, while some wore white labels in celebration of survivors.

Everyone participated in the race for different reasons. Some strolled with coworkers wearing business logos, some jogged with baby strollers and spouses. Others ran to beat their own time. Some saw the race as fun, some saw it as competition, and others cheated and took a shortcut! I wasn’t running against others, I ran for my mom.

I began at the back with the non-competitive runners; however I realized that if I could make my way in front of people, they would see my mom’s name. I wanted everyone to see her name! This was my chance. I ran as hard as I could for as long as I could. It rained. I ran on. My glasses fell off and I lost a lens. I ran on. I had no idea where I was going, but I ran. With everyone I passed, I said to myself, “Read her name. She lived. She was beautiful and a fighter.” I turned a corner, finishing with the competitors.

As believers, we run our race wearing Jesus Christ’s name on our lives. It’s a privilege to wear His name, and it comes with great responsibility. His name is the last thing people see as we pass by them in our daily lives. Do our lives, our races, reflect Him? With everything that tempts us and vies for our attention, we cannot forget why we run – we race for Christ. Paul tells us, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Jesus is our reason and motivation to run. He is our finish line and our prize. Don’t stop running! Finish strong.

Everyone’s life is a race. Who are you running for?

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer 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 soon publish. She has also designed her own line of unique greeting cards that combine her love for words and her passion for photography. Read Kristi’s devotions.

Armed and Dangerous – Kristi Buttles
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“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the whole armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

I received dreadful news recently. News that made my stomach turn. News that shocked. Terrified. Stunned. My knees buckled. My palms sweated. I was shaken to my core. I couldn’t compose myself.

“Get it together, Kristi!” I firmly said to myself. I couldn’t. I couldn’t fool myself.

“Why has this hit me so hard?” I panicked.

God answered, “You weren’t prepared for it.”

“Well, no one is ever prepared for this kind of news,” I replied.

“Your spirit wasn’t prepared,” He said.

God was right. Most days I remember to put on His armor and pray over the day, but every now and then I forget. Sometimes the day jumpstarts the minute my eyes open, and moves 90mph from there. This was that kind of day.

I was completely defenseless, unguarded, and blind-sided because I had not prepared my spirit for the day. I’d made other things more important but I’d justified time spent with God first thing in the morning as optional. I paid the consequence that day.

Today, I heard more devastating news—worse than before. News that could cripple my heart and steal my breath. News so unsettling it has the power to make me physically ill, to rob me of sleep, and to think unreasonably fearful thoughts. Not so this time.

This morning I remembered to give God the day. I put on the armor and gave today as an offering to the Lord. I asked Him to reign over my thoughts, actions, and words.

So what has life been like since the news today? A call to battle. A day of courage and hope. My spirit is buffered by God’s mercy, wrapped in His love, protected from irrational thoughts, and fear.

I have no control over the outcome, but I’ve experienced the difference God’s power makes when we utilize His armor. Believers threaten Satan when spiritually armed. In all circumstances, I will stand with Paul and fight the good fight of faith—armed and dangerous.

Stand with me! Arm yourself and fight with me! We already know who wins.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer 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 soon publish. She has also designed her own line of unique greeting cards that combine her love for words and her passion for photography. Read Kristi’s devotions.

God’s Junk in My Garage — Kristi Buttles
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“Everything under heaven belongs to me.”
Job 41:11

“Hold a garage sale and donate the profits to the benevolence fund!”

Those words nearly knocked me off my chair. Our pastor had challenged our church in a unique way because he understood that while many of us didn’t have extra money to give, we could donate the profits to help families with desperate needs in this difficult economy. Unknowingly, my husband, Bruce, and I had decided that week to hold a garage sale to fund a few home repairs and improvements.

My heart struggled over whether to keep or donate the profits. “How is it wrong to use this money to meet our own needs?” I asked myself. I told God I didn’t understand why we shouldn’t keep the money. He replied, “You have forgotten that none of it was yours to begin with. I own it all, and will do with it according to my plan.” Somehow, I’d forgotten that the things we had to sell were given to us by God in the first place. They were not ours, nor were the profits from our yard sale.

Still, I struggled. Bruce and I talked about it again. “Yes, we need it,” he said, “but, God is obviously saying there is another family who needs it more.”

During our conversation, God reminded me of the talent parable in Matthew. We could keep our one talent (the garage sale profits) and it would be a drop of relief in our own bucket. Or, we could obey God and invest in His kingdom, trusting that He would meet our needs and those of the other families. After giving it more thought, I realized that some of the needs we had were actually wants.

Thinking back to previous times, I thought I had given sacrificially when, in fact, I gave out of abundance. Sacrificial giving is exactly what Jesus did for us, and we are indebted to Him because of it. That week, we joyfully sacrificed the profits from our junk. In return, God met our true needs.

How much should believers give to others when we need it now or may need it soon? How can we be sure that God will meet our own needs? Can we trust Him to care for us?
As someone once told me, you can’t out give God. What will you give in His name today?

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer 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 soon publish. She has also designed her own line of unique greeting cards that combine her love for words and her passion for photography. Read Kristi’s devotions.