Tag Archives: Promise

With you Always – Aimee Lynch
avatar

Posted on by

…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Another sob racked my nine-year-old body. A puddle of tears already soaked the pillow beneath my head that served to muffle the sound. It was another three-day weekend away from my mom and the comfort of my home. I was visiting my dad’s house like I did every weekend, but this weekend was especially hard because it was the monthly long-weekend – a day longer than all the other weeks. I had woken to the familiar heartache of being homesick and lonely, feelings that plagued me almost every time I came to stay in this place.

In that moment I had forgotten that Jesus said He is with me to the end of the age. That means every second of the day He is inside me comforting me, urging me, and reminding me of the truth. He is a constant companion to my heart. He never leaves me just because I forgot what He said, and He never grows tired of helping me through my darkest moments. God is forever with me.

There are still times I feel alone. But now I know I have a constant friend who will stick by me no matter what. Other friends will come and go at different times in my life, but God never changes his affection for me. When I start to get that empty feeling in the pit of my stomach from being homesick or lonely, I remind myself I am not alone. I don’t have to feel lonely or homesick because God himself is my best friend and He never leaves.

Maybe you feel alone in a big world, or maybe you have just been deserted by someone you were depending on. Remember, Jesus is your constant friend. Develop your friendship with the only One who will never leave you.

Aimee Lynch is a high school senior hoping to major in communications. Her own experience with divorced parents has given her a passion to help other teens in the same situation. Her articles are published regularly on spiritualcandy4girls.com and the-washington-project.com. She maintains her own blog at allfilledup.wordpress.com and she is currently working on a book to guide teen girls through the hard issues caused by divorce. Aimee enjoys reading, getting involved in various youth projects, interning at NASA as a science writer, and writing articles.
Read Aimee’s devotions.

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

Meet Him in His Glory – She Said
avatar

Posted on by

Sunrise over the Appalachians

For in him [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (TNIV)

Listen to Meet Him in His Glory – She Said

We raced to the sliding glass doors and opened them. “I don’t see God yet,” I said.

“Has it begun?” my husband asked.

“Nope, still pitch black. God hasn’t slipped past yet. Let’s perch on the porch.”

And we did. The nip in the air reminded me we were deep into fall. Steam slipped from my lips and rose toward the sky. I balanced the camera—primed and ready for the first glimpse of morning.

Morning over the Appalachian Mountains is nothing short of breathtaking. Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the fingers of its glow reach upward. Twirls of lavender dot the graying sky and a pink haze eases over New Foundland Gap. From up here, you can see farther than you can travel in a morning.

Birds silhouetted against the clouds dipped and dove on the breath of the morning. An orange burst opened with tinges of red and maroon, quickly softening to pink. Streaks of blue dripped through the darkness as the golden sun peaked across the gap. How can people look at this royal artistry and question the existence of the Creator?

I love morning and I rarely miss a sunrise. To me, it is the ultimate of God’s creation; His promise of renewal. Every day is different, unique—from the kiss of morning to the touch of night…God is the master of creativity.

I’ve laid on the edge of the mountaintop and watched as God drew the morning and I’ve walked the edge of the land as God slowly erased the daylight over the water, and nothing…nothing I can say can fully describe the moments when God demonstrates His majesty.

I once told my friend, “Watch the sunset. Just watch it. It’ll take your breath.” And it’s true. God in all His glory offers us an opportunity to see Him brush by…just for an instant as the sun opens into day or just before the moon rises.

It’s easy to offer praise daily to the original da Vinci. But more so…more than the beauty, is the promise within. He is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. He is the Authority.

Meet God and His mastery. Walk outside and wait for morning. Just before the sun opens its eyes, you’ll see Him in all His glory…the glory of His creation.

Read Cindy’s devotions

HE SAID, SHE SAID RADIO IS MOVING TO MONDAY NIGHT…Join us as we delve deeper into the meaning of God’s word and apply it to our own lives.

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. And now you can catch them on He Said, She Said Radio. at their new time, MONDAY’S at 6 p.m. (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ).

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.

He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion
by Cindy Sproles & Eddie Jones

That's Why They Call It Making Love: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion

Print version $9.95
Kindle eBook $2.99
NOOK eBook $2.99

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

Crossing Family Lines – Kristi Buttles
avatar

Posted on by

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.
Read Kristi’s devotions.
Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

Never Alone – Joy E. Miller
avatar

Posted on by

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. John 14:16

My parents were going away on a trip, but I didn’t want them to leave. At five years of age I was sick with croup and I craved the comfort of their presence. Our pastor and his wife stayed with my sister and me for the weekend. Mom placed a vaporizer/humidifier in my room. The cool mist enabled me to breathe more easily. Mom also wrote a message of love for me on a blackboard and put it by my bed so I could see it when I awakened. But one morning I saw that the vaporizer’s mist had erased Mom’s message. I was inconsolable. To my child’s mind the connection to my mom was gone. I wept as someone tried to comfort me. I wished with all my heart I could get that love note back.

When the time came for Jesus to leave earth, his disciples were grief stricken and afraid because the visible connection to their Savior would soon be gone. They couldn’t imagine a life where they could no longer hear His voice or walk beside Him. But before He left, He promised them He would send His Holy Spirit to dwell in them and be their constant comfort and guide.

Today we have that promise too. We also have His written Word. It’s His personal message of love to us and nothing can erase it…not heartache or fears or loss of loved ones…not even the fog and confusion when He seems absent. His words are forever. They are our comfort and strength until we see Jesus face to face and the time of separation is finally over.

As a little five-year-old, I learned that just because the message disappeared, it didn’t mean my mom’s love had been lost. I had to trust that she would return and that I would be taken care of in the meantime.

What do you do when you don’t feel God’s presence? He hasn’t left you. Challenge your feelings with the truth of God’s Word. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us. His Holy Spirit is within us. We are never alone.

Joy Miller lives in Central Virginia. She is passionate about volunteering at her local crisis pregnancy center. One of her greatest pleasures comes from encouraging others, both at the center and through writing devotionals and sending notes to loved ones. Having worked at one time at a home improvement store, Joy now has her own interior decorating consulting business. She enjoys her friends, her precious niece and nephew, and her beloved golden retriever.

Read Joy’s devotions.
Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle. 

He Hears – Lisa A. Gavin
avatar

Posted on by

I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me (Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them). Psalm 57:2 Amplified Version

Whales know how to listen. Our family went whale-watching off the Massachusetts coastline this summer and while we looked for an 80-90 foot humpback whale to surface and entertain us, we learned these magnificent creatures can really hear. A whale swimming in the Atlantic Ocean can send out a signal heard by another whale swimming in the Pacific Ocean. A calf, separated from its mother and swimming with the wrong herd, sends out a distress signal that she recognizes from miles away.

At times I’ve drifted off, lost my way in life. I’ve been confused about an issues I faced and even found myself in the wrong crowd. It doesn’t matter how far away I feel, God still hears my cry for help. His word promises He has a purpose and a plan for me and one for you too. He will bring it to pass in our lives if we trust and follow Him.

God is a loving Father who listens for the cries of His children and seeks after each one, lost or not. He does this because He is a God of promise and a Creator who loves His creation.

None of us follow perfectly, but He has taken care of that too. He sent His son on our behalf. With all these things in place we can rest assured we are carried in His palm.

Do you feel like you and God are an ocean apart? He knows your voice from every other, and hears you when you call. You are never too far away. In His care, you are never lost.

Lisa Gavin lives in central Illinois, 2½ hours south of Chicago, with her husband Dan. They have three children, a son-in-law, and an adorable grandson. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. Through her interest in American history, she hopes to encourage others to appreciate and value all God provides for their lives today through modern conveniences and medical advancements.
Read Lisa’s devotions.
Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

God’s Marvelous Sunset – Judith Riddle
avatar

Posted on by

My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. Malachi 1:11

I needed to relax. With my hectic schedule at work, caring for my family, and fighting debilitating exhaustion at the end of the day, I was beat. So I decided to wind down each evening with a stroll around my neighborhood, camera in hand.

Last summer, I revisited my long lost hobby of photography. It had been nearly 25 years since I’d held a 35-mm camera in my hands. When I took the camera in hand, God opened my eyes to the beauty of the trees, flowers, landscapes — and the sunset. I’d never taken pictures of the sunset before, much less thought about zooming in on the intricate details of flowers and trees. God directed my attention away from my troubles through that small viewfinder and tiny lens. I saw the greatness and majesty of God.

I focused on Him as I walked through my neighborhood snapping away. The more I honed in on the wonders of the world through the camera lens, the more my stress disappeared—energy and strength returned.

Each picture I snapped brought me to a deeper realization. Imagine what would happen if I focused on Christ at the end of a busy, trying day. Not necessarily taking photos, but simply focusing on God and listening to a favorite worship song, meditating on a Bible verse, or praying with a friend.

God promises that all things work to the good when we love Him. He knows His plan includes the necessary tools we need to manage the stress of the world and He waits patiently for me to just look through His lens and see the beauty in which I can find rest. Rest in him.

Whatever directs our attention to the Lord is all that matters. When we focus on Him, He speaks to us when we least expect it and promises to give us signs of His glory.

Take time to focus on the One who offers you rest.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may you help us direct our thoughts toward you in the morning and at the end of the day so our strength will be renewed. Amen!

Judith Riddle is a Christian devotional and feature writer, editor, and author. She writes devotions for christiandevotions.us and has been published in For Better, For Worse: Devotional Thoughts for Married Couples, and Anointed Magazine. She enjoys leading Bible studies, photography, crockpot cooking, exercising, swimming, and socializing with friends. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son.

Read Judith’s devotions.
Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

If – She Said
avatar

Posted on by

If We Pray

If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 American Standard Version

Listen to If – She Said

She was my best friend and her husband murdered her. Lisa was the girl whose talent couldn’t be measured. Her voice was melodic, her gift for art astounding, her humor exquisite, and her laughter nothing short of joyous. I can remember standing in the back of a large meeting room at Bible college wishing I could be her friend. It seemed impossible. She was grand and I was…was little in the crowd. Still she found me when I was lost and cared for me.

“Lisa is gone. She’s dead.” My mom’s voice quivered through the phone. The rest was a blur…Lisa’s funeral, the odd circumstance of her death—nothing made sense. Ten years later, her killer was brought to justice and as I sat in the courtroom listening to the testimony of a man I’d once admired and cared about, devastated didn’t describe my emotion.

I’d loved Lisa’s husband as much as I’d loved Lisa and despite his atrocities, my heart wouldn’t allow me to turn my back on him. Someone had to pray for him. Someone had to remind him God keeps his promises.

Solomon prayed God would be merciful and forgiving to His people if they would come before Him and turn away from their sin. At the dedication of the temple he continued his prayer before God on behalf of his people. God responded with a promise. If His people would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, He would forgive them and heal their land. What a loving and forgiving Father.

That promise remains to this day and it’s available to all of us. Even when we do horrible things, God promises He’ll forgive us and heal us. Of course the biggest word in that promise is if — if we will do these things.

Only my friend’s husband can humble himself and pray. Only he can turn from the things that separate him from a loving God. And by the same token, in my own sin – only I can go to my knees and ask for forgiveness. I am no less a sinner myself.

We’re fortunate to have a loving God and we’re blessed He never fails to keep His promises. Are there things in your life which require you to humble yourself and pray? Then do it. Don’t let the if separate you from a promise of eternity.

Read Cindy’s devotions

Today’s He Said, She Said marks the second in a new series with a focus on God’s promises. Join us over the next few weeks as we claim the goodness of God in our “weakly” lives. – EJ & CS

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. And now you can catch them each Friday evening at their new time, 6 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio. (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ).

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.

Perfect for your quiet time. No matter if you are newlyweds or newly retired, this book of devotions will help you put the spark back into your love life and explore the precious relationships God desires for you. Begin this new year committed to spending a few moments each day connected to God. He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion touches the heart, tickles the funny bone and brings you to your knees in worship.

He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion
by Cindy Sproles & Eddie Jones

That's Why They Call It Making Love: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion

Print version $9.95
Kindle eBook $2.99

NOOK eBook $2.99

I’m Still Standing – Crystal Hathcock
avatar

Posted on by

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

It never occurred to me a pair of shoes could save my life. I love shoes and it’s always been my policy that shoes match the outfit. However, as a waitress I didn’t have the privilege of soft and lady-like. I had to wear thick rubber-bottom shoes for safety reasons. They were sorely unattractive and as I laced them that July morning, I dreamt of a day when I would be free of the grease-laden, boxy shoes.

5:10 A.M. and my husband was still sleeping. I slipped into the bathroom to finish dressing and curl my hair. Thunder rumbled in the distance as I plugged in the curling iron. Our area had experienced a rash of thunderstorms and I didn’t look forward to driving to the restaurant in a horrendous rainstorm.

The curling iron steamed against strands of my hair. “Lord,” I prayed, “please go with me today, whatever I may face.” When I said “Amen” I saw a ball of electricity straighten the electrical cord on the curling iron and sit on top of my head. It sounded like the house exploded.

I don’t remember much after that, except being told by doctors that my ugly shoes saved my life.

I’ve thought about the decisions I made that fateful morning. I’m thankful I surrendered my life into God’s hands by lifting my shield of faith with my simple prayer. I could have chosen to rebel against wearing the right protective covering on my feet. Instead, I was walking in peace and in God’s will.

Since my accident, my road of healing has been challenging over the last twenty-five years, but in spite of it all, I’ve never walked a moment alone. God promised me if I’d put on His whole armor, I would be able to stand against anything. And I did.

When you feel as though you’ve been struck down, gird yourself in His armor. I’m still standing. You can, too.

Crystal Y. Hathcock, and her husband, Tony, live in Liberty, South Carolina and have been married for thirty-two years. They have two puppies, Hankie and Calvin. Crystal is a freelance writer, a student with the Christian Writer’s Guild, and writes religious articles for the area’s local newspaper. She enjoys cooking for family and friends, couponing, jewelry making, and singing. Read Crystal’s devotions

Can You Hear Me Now? – Lochlanina Tobey
avatar

Posted on by

“Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:2-3

I always wonder about the other side of the conversation on those commercials. You know the ones I mean. The guy with his cell phone takes a step and says, “Can you hear me now? Good.” We are given the impression that he has a signal everywhere from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the top of Mount Katahdin.

But what if this guy is just wandering around talking to himself? Doesn’t he realize you have to wait for an answer from the other end? “You can still hear me? Good. I’m stepping over here. Can you hear me now?” Pause. What if the other end of the conversation is, “No . . . are you there? You’re breaking up. Hello? Hello? I’m losing you. Hello!?”

What if that’s how we pray sometimes? We think we are making a phone call straight to God. The technology works, but we aren’t listening to the other end of the conversation nor have we bothered to actually dial the number. Perhaps we sometimes pretend to pray — like an actor pretending to make a phone call.

What if we get so busy saying, “Good. I’m stepping over there now…” that we don’t stop to wait for God’s end of the conversation. We don’t pause. We forget to wait for the, “Yes, my child” or the “No, I’m losing you, come back.” Are we hearing, are we listening for God’s end of the conversation?

Our Father, who art in Heaven . . . can you hear me now?

Lochlanina Tobey uses her degree in English composition from Messiah College as an excuse for writing and teaching poetry. Her most recent prize winning poem, The Finality of Rain appears on UtmostChristianWriters.com. In 2008 she trained with CLASServices, Inc. as a professional Christian speaker and feels blessed to minister as a leader and speaker at women’s retreats. Read Lochlania’s devotions.

None Are Above It – She Said
avatar

Posted on by

“He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.” Psalm 102:17

Listen to None Are Above It – She Said

The small South Carolina town smothered in the dog days of August. Opening the front door was like walking into a brick oven—heat so intense it sucked your breath away. The sand so hot, sandals were not an option. I crawled on my bicycle and pedaled toward town, the breeze of the passing cars a welcome refreshment.

I turned onto Main Street and headed toward the small farmer’s market. As I passed the City Hall, I heard a whimper. It must be a stray dog, I thought, but the closer I came, the whimpers became a cry. I stopped and walked toward a large dumpster. There sat a small girl, not more than eight.

“You okay?” I stepped over a box and knelt beside her. Perspiration dripped from her forehead and her shirt was soaked.

“I’m thirsty. Momma left and I got scared. When I tried to walk to where Momma worked I got lost.”

Blotting her face with my shirt tail, I said, “Tell me your address, I’ll ride you home on my bike.” I rode through the streets until I found her home. Makeshift boards hardly fit together to form the frame of a house, broken windows and busted door frames showed the stress of poverty. A faucet outside the house provided their only running water. I twisted the knob and the child filled her hands. She was destitute.

When she was safe and calm, I rode to the market. On my way home, I stopped by the shed this child called home, her mother now on the porch, tears dripping. I handed her my backpack filled with vegetables and bottled water. The woman could hardly speak.

“I’s prayed today for food for my baby. I’s got on my knees and prayed hard. Praise the Lord, He answered. Praise God.”

Jesus prayed for the destitute. Some sick, some impoverished, others simply lost to sin. Destitute in His own right, in His own pain and suffering, He prayed fervently for those who needed Him. God answered with the gift of forgiveness.

This woman, in her deprived situation, fell to her knees and pleaded. God heard and answered. I’ve been destitute, too. Broken and worn from the hardships of life—from sin. We’re all destitute in some way. None of us are above it. Perhaps it’s physical, maybe financial, or perhaps we’re simply ravaged by sin.

Destitution takes us to the humblest of places—our knees. Seek His help. Fall to your knees. When we as the destitute pray, God hears our pleas.

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and co-founders of ChristianDevotions.us. They co-write the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host BlogtalkRadio’s Christian Devotions Speak UP! along with Marianne Jordan.

And now you can catch them each Friday evening at 7 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio! (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ). They travel with Christian Devotions Ministries teaching the art of writing devotions at writers conferences across the country. Eddie and Cindy are featured in Spirit & HEART: A Devotional Journey.


Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9822065-1-5

Read Cindy’s devotions