Tag Archives: love

Break it Open – She Said
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Shut Tight

“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. Matthew 27:65-66 (TNIV)

to Break it Open – She Said

The door slammed shut and latched. My shoulders were wedged tight in the tiny locker so I inched my foot forward and kicked at the door. “Somebody let me ouuutttt!”

“Is there someone in there?” I never thought a voice could sound so good.

“Let me out.” The latch rattled and the door popped open. I twisted sideways and stepped out of the locker.

The band director took me by the shoulders. “How long have you been in there?”

“An eternity.” The school  halls were empty, band practice over, and my mom would be getting frantic because I wasn’t home.

It’s no fun to be bullied. The sixth graders were brought to the high school every day for band practice – a disaster waiting to happen and the high schoolers considered us fresh meat to torture. It was a daily occurrence for me. I’d seen the inside of those lockers more times than I wanted…blocked in by chairs, tape, and a trash can filled with mops and brooms. Each time the fear of being sealed in grew stronger. What if they put a lock on the door? I’d never get out.

The only time you seal something shut is when you fear it will escape. That was Pilate’s fear…that Jesus would really do what he said… rise from the dead. How embarrassing would that be? Kill an innocent man then have him rise from the dead. Of course, his excuse was “the body might be stolen,” but the truth was this innocent man might actually be the real thing. I have to wonder if Pilate thought, “better safe than sorry. Seal it.”

Seals are made to be broken so there is easy access to the contents and God popped that seal, releasing the one victorious over death. Now there was proof nothing was stronger than the God of Israel…our God. A broken seal opened the opportunity to salvation and the ability to come before Abba Father ourselves.

The resurrection of Christ solidified God’s might. It proved His love and He is always true to His word. Until that moment, man saw no hope after death but once the seal was broken, all the joy, reward, and truth poured out.

If you’ve sealed your heart shut, break it open and walk straight into the eternal love of Christ. He stands victorious at the tomb.

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Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and cofounders of ChristianDevotions.us. They cowrite the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host Blog Talk Radio’s Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! along with Scott McCausey. Eddie and Cindy travel and speak at conferences across the country and they are available to speak at your church or conference. Contact them at cindy@christiandevotions.us.

 

 

 

Do you sense something vital missing from you relationship with your spouse, children, and God? Try He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion. This compilation of 54 devotions includes scripture verses, space for journaling, individual prayers and words of wisdom from two of today’s funniest and insightful Christian authors. This heart-warming collection of stories will inspire you to reach for the true source of joy: a life lived for and through God. These deeply personal devotions offer biblical insights and spiritual truths from the perspective of one man and one woman.

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Time to Tuck Your Shirt In – Sarah Loudin Thomas
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Tuck into God

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Matthew 11:25

Last year’s Palm Sunday service starred our children waving palm branches and performing a series of songs and readings. It was beautiful and touching, but it was also, as things so often are with children, funny.

Three of the children performed solos, each taking a verse of a song. Camden went first. He’s five and very poised for his age. When he began to sing, clutch that microphone and pour his whole heart into the song, I got a little teary. He was trying so hard and obviously wanted to do his very best. He finished his verse and handed the microphone off to the child next to him.

And then . . . he heaved a sigh and began untucking his shirt. He looked like a tired businessman at the end of a long day loosening his tie and unbuttoning his collar. With his shirt half out, a worried look came over Camden’s face. I’m guessing he realized this wasn’t the time or place for getting comfortable. So he began stuffing his shirt back into his pants—largely without success. With half of his shirt tucked in too deep and the other half flopped over his belt, he stood straight, thrust his chest out and looked pleased.

I think when Camden began singing, many of us got a little dewy-eyed. But as I looked around the congregation, I suspected the tears were from suppressed laughter.

That’s what Jesus might have been getting at in Matthew when he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Camden did his very best. He sang with all his heart and he remembered his manners—if a little late. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t worried about what the congregation thought as we giggled through his antics. He just knew what was expected of a boy in church and did his best to meet those expectations in his own special way.

God knows we’re not going to get it right. I think He loves it when we do our fallible, human best. He sent His son to die so we could keep trying to get it right every day. It’s nearly Easter. It’s time to tuck your shirt in, stand straight, and remember what’s expected of a man, a woman…a child of God.
*Photo by David Castillo Dominici

Sarah Loudin Thomas is currently seeking publication of her novel, The Memory of Drowning. She has written articles for magazines and newspapers including Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, The Asheville Citizen Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. A member of ACFW, she maintains a blog at www.sarahanneloudinthomas.wordpress.com.

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Just a Hug – Jeanetta Chrystie
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Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4 NIV

I attended another funeral today. A memorial service actually. There was no body in a casket for attendees to file past and say goodbye. A photo and a few items of memorabilia brought by family and friends had been placed on the communion table at the front of the sanctuary. My friend had lost her barely twenty-one-year-old daughter. Suddenly and unexpectedly, many lives were forever altered.

My friend saw me and opened her arms. I had no words left. Everything had been said over and over. I embraced her in a big hug, matching her desperate grip to comfort her aching heart. We held one another for a long time. When I loosened my bear-hug grip, she barely loosened hers – only enough to peer up into my eyes with that age-old question, pleading for answers.

“You’re my best friend,” she whispered. I gently kissed her hair as I further loosened my hug.

“I love you,” I said. There was only the reassurance I was there for her – understanding her pain as best I could.

My friend’s daughter had come to our church almost two years before, found joy in accepting Jesus, and brought her mother who also discovered Christ and Christian friends waiting to love her. Although she moved away last year, she continued to pray that her step-dad, my friend’s husband, would also find salvation through Christ. We pray he will soon.

Meanwhile, the testimonials and memorial message have completed. The pastor reminded us to take time for those we love, and never assume we’ll have unlimited opportunities to heal any wounded relationships. Life is fleeting.

Sometimes words of reconciliation are needed, or leisure time is better lavished on those we love. We workaholics need to purposely make time for our relationships rather than take them for granted. Our loved ones are not fixtures in our lives; they are not comfortable couches waiting for us to rest with them. They are precious and priceless and need us to say it and show it often.

Who needs a word from you today – or just a hug?

Jeanetta Chrystie is an author, educator, and speaker. Her articles, devotions, and poems, have appeared in Church Libraries, Christian History, Clubhouse, Discipleship Journal, Mature Years, and other online and print publications. She serves as president of her local Christian writer’s group, and in her church. Her web site is www.ClearGlassView.com. She recently began a ministry to people who have lost their jobs at www.JobToJoy.us and is looking for writers.
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The Stacking Doll – Gail Purath
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So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12

God used a doll to teach me a lesson. I’ve collected Russian stacking dolls for years, and God knows I enjoy them. But I had no idea He’d use one quite this way.

It was 1992. I was in Prague, Czechoslovakia and I was on a mission to find the perfect doll. I couldn’t have been in a better place because these unique Russian nesting dolls were everywhere—in shops, at flea markets, and on the streets.

After shopping awhile, I saw a doll with bright green and pink accents at one of the sidewalk vendors and bent to pick it up. Closer inspection revealed it wasn’t the quality I was seeking. As I lowered it back to the sidewalk, the bottom section fell off and rolled across the pavement. I picked it up and noticed the fall had chipped the doll’s finish.

“Okay?” the Czech seller asked nervously. I nodded yes and quickly returned the doll to its display with the chipped section away from the dealer’s vision. But as I walked away, my heart was heavy in my chest.

I had always prided myself on being honest—telling clerks when they’d undercharged me, not exaggerating in conversations, and even admitting errors that made me look bad. But I’d just lied, and done it so easily. The chipped doll wasn’t actually my fault—the bottom was loose. But that wasn’t the point. The point was, I’d seen the chip, but told the dealer everything was okay so he wouldn’t blame me or pressure me to buy it. In this area of my life—where I’d prided myself on standing firm—I’d just fallen flat on my face.

I turned around that day in Prague, went back to the unsuspecting salesman and bought the most important doll in my collection. It’s not an especially pretty doll, nor was it worth the price I paid. But it’s an important reminder that I must always be careful, even in areas where I think I am standing firm.

Is there an area where you are overly confident in your righteousness? Give it some careful prayer.
Gail Burton Purath is a former Army wife, former missionary to Budapest and a grandmother of seven. She’s the Christian Women’s Encouragement Examiner, the Charlotte Grandparenting Examiner, manager of WOW, Writing on the Word, and writer of Bible Love Notes, which features one-minute devotions for women each weekday.
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Hidden Pockets – Sara Holley
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Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

“Teacher,” he said, “I can’t find my pockets.” As the wind picked up at recess, one of my kindergarten students had his coat on inside out. He frantically pulled at the coat in search of his pockets. I calmly removed his coat, flipped it, and slid his arms into the sleeves. Puzzled, he tried again. This time he succeeded in putting his hands in his pockets. A smile stretched across his face and his eyes lit. “There they are.” he said. Contented, he joined his friends to play.

There are many times when I feel like I have lost something. I feel frustrated and fear takes over as I search frantically for comfort. I try everything I can to get it back—coffee with a friend, a hug from my husband, chocolate. But the truth is I haven’t lost it at all. I simply need to be still and recognize His presence. God is near and He calmly sets things right. There is no better feeling than to be found after feeling lost. Only in Him can we find the peace we seek.

When you feel lost, when you can’t find your way—be still and know He is God. He will press His hand against the small of your back and nudge you forward.

Dear Lord, help me to not be frustrated and frantic. Show me how to be still and recognize that you are with me all the time. Thank you for being calm and patient. Amen.

The writings of Sara Holley draw from her past roller coaster ride in life, including childhood as a pastor’s daughter, motherhood, divorce, poverty, multiple jobs, remarriage, and the accompanying feelings of joy, doubt, abandonment, fear, and contentment. She learned that only by loving and serving as Jesus taught, can true peace be found. Currently a kindergarten teacher holding a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on the young child, Sara fills her time loving on young children through literature and the Lord. She encourages her five grown children and three grandchildren and is devoted to her husband in the mountains above Lyons, Colorado.

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Vacuum By Example – Jenne Acevedo
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Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

It wasn’t our normal day for housecleaning and my seven-year-old son knew it. “Did Maria come today?” he asked as he walked into his room after school. The room was vacuumed and tidied.

I chuckled. “No, I cleaned the house.”

He looked at me in amazement. “You know how to clean the house?”

I wanted to say, “Duh, of course I know how to clean.” But I didn’t. I realized he is usually at school when I clean the house (or when Maria comes) and doesn’t actually see me doing it. I graciously explained I do, in fact, know how to clean the house.

His questions made me wonder about other areas in my life. Do my kids see me loving my husband and reading my Bible? Or would they ask, “You know how to read your Bible?” Do I model prayer regularly? What do my children see when they watch me?

The Apostle Paul teaches us to be an example. The Message says, “Teach believers with your life.” Whoa . . . am I teaching my children with my life? I am certainly teaching them something, but I realized I better stop and think about my example.

If my kids see me studying my Bible, praying daily, and snuggling on the couch with my husband, they see me live out what I say. If they don’t see me doing things I say are important, my words will be overshadowed by my actions. I hope my children never doubt these critical things. I don’t need attention like the Pharisees, but it is crucial our lives reflect what is in our hearts. My life will teach my children even more than my words.

Our actions show our priorities. It doesn’t matter what we say if we don’t live it. Encourage others to look at their priorities and be aware of what their example is. Teach others with your life.

Jenne Acevedo lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband of thirteen years and three elementary-age children. She loves studying God’s Word, reading, writing, baking, vacationing with her family, and fine dining with her husband. She writes to encourage women to find their worth and hope in Christ alone.
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Stillness Required – Mary Denman
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Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. Psalm 37:7

Be still. Wait patiently. Do not fret. Simple words. Difficult assignment.

Unless you catch and understand three other words. Before the Lord.

All of us live in a super busy world. Noise is a constant for most of us. Our to do list grows exponentially. Electronics dominate our lives. With the click of a button, we communicate with others around the world. Another click and we get the latest updates on news, entertainment, fashion, or our friends. Then there are the play dates. Sports teams. Business meetings. Each of us has our own busy schedule.

I recently had surgery. A week later, a migraine cluster hit and that lasted four weeks. With migraines, sometimes the only thing to do is be still in a dark, quiet room. As a mom with five kids, that’s hard to do. How was I to get my daughter to her college classes when I couldn’t drive? My son to swimming?

Thankfully the body of Christ stepped in. I had wonderful people I’d never even met bringing meals. Someone drove my daughter for me. Others picked up my son. And through all of it, I came to realize that the surgery and migraines were part of God’s reminder for me to slow down. Way down. And be still. Before Him.

It took a while to understand that the suffering is ultimately for my good. The surgery will help in the long run and the migraines made me step back and evaluate what’s important in life. It hurt me to not be so active with my kids, but I spent more time just holding them, as well as praying for God to step in and work on my behalf. I saw God using my suffering in their lives to develop sensitivity and compassion. Is this a path I would have chosen if God had asked me first? No. But has He taught me through it? Yes. And I am thankful.

How has God tried to slow you down to be still before Him? Don’t fight Him. Instead, take a moment and be still before Him.

Mary Denman is an author and photographer and, in her words, an observer. She’s a homeschool mom of five kids. Mary’s keen eye through the camera has allowed her to capture much of God’s beauty in new and unique ways. You can visit Mary at http://marydenman.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html

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Holy Ground – Greg Watson
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“Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.” Exodus 3:5 NLT

The gym floor might as well have been holy ground at my elementary school. Like Moses, we had to take our shoes off before running amok on the natural beauty of its hardwood grain. If not, our shoes would have left behind unwanted scuffs, scrapes, and black marks as permanent reminders of our romping about.

To a kid though, the funny thing was there were already permanent marks all over the floor. There were lines defining boundaries, blocks indicating where to take position, and timelines to mark progression. But to the school those marks were useful and full of purpose, meant to be helpful in the course of one event or another.

Just as the school revered their gym floor as holy ground, there is a sacred place we Christians are to revere even more. We won’t find it in a church, a cemetery, or a site of historical importance. Rather, it’s found in the lives of every person we meet. We know this ground is sacred because if we look closely at the grain of its floor we’ll see a familiar pattern reflected back at us. It’s the image of God.

And whether we mean to or not, our encounters with others will leave permanent marks on this ground. If we don’t remove the scarring footwear of judgment, self-righteousness, and insensitivity, we risk forever marring the beauty of that hallowed place. But if we tread lightly and are careful of our footing, these marks can be lovingly laid to provide guidance and direction to those struggling through the trials of life.

My prayer is to indeed leave permanent marks on the holy ground of another’s life. Not the ugly scars left behind by my ill-chosen footwear, but the sort of marks that will help guide a person to the goal that is Christ.

What marks are you leaving on holy ground?

Greg Watson is an environmental engineer at a chemical plant in far western Kentucky. He likes to view himself in the role of secular minister based in the workplace. Greg enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and enjoys blogging when he gets the chance. His blog of essays and devotions can be found at www.RiverGroups.com and www.quesoveritas.wordpress.com.

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Patience of the Heart – Sally Rowland
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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

I was extremely agitated, inconvenienced, and impatient.

Thanks to industrious addicts who make their own medication, the singular antihistamine that relieves my allergy symptoms is now available only behind the counter. I have to wait in line at one of the few pharmacies that still carry it. And I have to sign for it too, presumably so I can be quickly apprehended should I purchase enough to use it in some criminal fashion.

There were two men in line in front of me. The first man, the one taking forever, wore jeans and a sweatshirt and turned back to smile apologetically as the clerk took a very long time trying to get his insurance to go through. She seemed to know the man, and made polite conversation while trying different things. When nothing else worked, she asked for his wife’s social security number. He had to call his wife for the number and after he got it, he kept talking to her as though we had all day to stand there and wait. Her number didn’t work either so he told the clerk it was okay, he’d figure something out, but she insisted on continuing her efforts.

The fellow who was second in line began to sway and shift his weight from foot to foot like a chained elephant, possibly with the idea that somebody might notice his distress and open another register. It was right there – a register with nobody on it.

I was considering leaving when a second clerk appeared in same window as the first. She greeted the man in jeans and asked how he was doing, as she ignored the long line behind him. Then she seemed to suddenly notice the man was bald.

“Hey, where’d your hair go?” she asked cheerfully.

“Well,” he said bashfully, “I didn’t want to have more hair than my wife….. I shaved it.”

And right then, it was as though time stood still.

The talk continued. They discussed the man’s wife, her improvement, and the oncologist’s advice. I wished I could become invisible because if anybody happened to look, they would have seen shame washing over me. I should have been grateful I had twenty minutes to spend standing in line; that I could stand at all and that I was healthy. Scripture reminds me as one of God’s chosen, I am to clothe myself with kindness, gentleness and compassion. That day in line was a harsh reality check.

Next time I’m stuck in line, I’ll pray for the people ahead of me instead of praying they’ll hurry up. Won’t you do the same?

Sally Rowland has produced live entertainment throughout the United States and enjoys writing when she has a free moment. Previous employers include Busch Gardens, Opryland Productions, and the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. She currently holds the position of Entertainment Manager at Dollywood. Sally lives with her husband, Lonnie, and children, Marisa and Julian, in Seymour, TN, where they enjoy travel and other creative pursuits.
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Essential to Unity – Julie Coleman
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Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2

I am blessed with a happy marriage. Don’t get me wrong—we have our ups and downs. Steve and I enjoy a close relationship developed over thirty years of great times and laughter, but those years have also been sprinkled with hard times we wish we could forget.

We are two very different people. The Myers-Brigg test reveals we are exact opposites in personality type. People ask us if we have a secret to having remained happy together for these thirty plus years. We do have one but it doesn’t really have a lot to do with our marriage relationship, per se. The secret to becoming one, to obtaining a true unity in marriage, has far more to do with our individual relationships with God. As we have each kept our focus on Christ over the years, that sameness in purpose has inexorably drawn us together.

Unity in spite of diversity can be challenging, especially in a church setting. It’s easy to bond with those who agree with us. But we are often presented with the challenge of fellowshipping with those with whom we sometimes disagree. How can a diverse group of individuals achieve unity and operate as one body?

A.W. Tozer observed that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same tuning fork are automatically tuned to each other. They are of one accord, not by being tuned to each other, but by being tuned to another standard outside of themselves.

We can only hope for unity despite differences when we set aside our own agendas and jointly focus our gaze on our Savior. Supernatural unity is a by-product of individuals determined to walk with Him.

If you desire a long-lasting relationship with Christ, develop the relationship. Get to know Him. Turn to Him. In Christ you will find the key.

Julie Coleman is a seminary graduate, speaker, and freelance author. With contagious enthusiasm, she brings hope and encouragement to everyone in her audience. Her warmly personal and insightful messages make her an effective and well-received speaker. More of her writing can be found at www.juliecoleman.org. While her days of teaching school are now over, her twenty-year career earned her the title of Anne Arundel County Teacher of the Year. Julie is a wife and mother and makes her home in Annapolis, Maryland area.

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