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Put Temptation Out of Reach – Sue Payne
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But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Gianna, a precious two-year-old little girl, comes to visit us ever so often, bringing with her a pure innocence and curiosity that can only be described as childlike faith. Upon her first visit, she discovered quickly that our home was not childproof. Having some of our most delicate items on lower shelves, we soon realized the necessity of moving them higher. Gianna does not miss much and learned quickly that certain things in our house should be “out of reach.”

After several visits, Gianna would instinctively go to the shelf, pick up the “forbidden” items, and gently move them to a higher shelf on her own. They were not really out of her reach at all, but because she knew and trusted those who showed her what was untouchable, she would not touch them again.

In his letters to Timothy, Paul encourages, cautions, and reminds his young associate of his Christian upbringing in an attempt to protect him from the dangers of temptation and deception. Paul stresses the importance of faith and truth, discernment, and purity. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were responsible for teaching him God’s Word when he was a small boy. These two faithful women had an incredible influence on his life.

When you think about it, there is precious, little time to influence a child for Christ. Competition from the world and its “untouchables” complicates and confuses little ones who naturally long for the direction and pure love of Jesus. A child’s spirit can easily be crushed under the weight of conditional love, impatience, exposure to temptation and evil, and the lack of instruction in how to deal with it all.

We, as Christians, all have the opportunity and the responsibility of influencing others for Christ. Our example can show them how to deal with a world that is not childproof, protecting them, and helping to keep temptation out of reach.

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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Proclaim Good News of Great Joy – Sue Payne
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Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

With hushed voices, we waited to make our entrance. Nervous excitement filled the hallway as the doors to the darkened auditorium opened. The candles we carried shed a warm glow on the faces of those seated, revealing their anticipation. We took our places silently, hearing only the soft rustle of the taffeta material we wore. Suddenly the sopranos pierced the silence singing, “Holy!” From across the auditorium the altos echoed in harmony, “Holy!” The tenors and basses followed, completing the descending chord, “Holy!, Holy!” As the song continued, something beautiful and sacred happened. The a-cappella vocals took flight on wings of angels declaring, “Holy is the Lord God Almighty!”

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to sing. It seems like just yesterday I stood in the midst of thirty other sixth graders and tried out for Junior High Choir. I clearly recall my knees shaking, but the anticipation of being part of something so special pushed me to stand tall and with great joy, sing with all my heart. It was an anticipated and very defining moment for me, though at the time I was unaware of all God had planned.

How anticipated the birth of Jesus must have been in Heaven! What a defining moment not only for the angels chosen to proclaim it, but for the shepherds who received it and whose faces glowed in its glory. Imagine the privilege of announcing such Good News and having the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing plan.

Beloved, there is no need to imagine anymore. We can and must proclaim it. Shout it! Sing it! Jesus is born! Tell the world of God’s amazing gift. Reflect the glow of His love.

As a youth, I longed to participate in something so beautiful, words alone could not communicate it. Knowing this, God fulfilled the desire of my heart and gave me the gift of singing so that I could declare His Good News with great joy as part of His perfect plan.

May you find great joy this Christmas, celebrating and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus’ birth and all that it means to be part of His amazing plan!

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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Mission Possible – Sue Payne
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At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.” Luke 13: 31-32

Mission impossible. My day laid before me, planned and packed full. If I could at least accomplish half of what was on my agenda I’d be satisfied. “I need a clone,” I thought, “or maybe some extra hours in the day.” No, I could do this if nothing interrupted my schedule. Beginning is half done, I always say, so I set out to complete my mission.

Life does not always go the way we plan. The phone rings, the kids get sick, the car gets a flat tire. Interruptions can be detrimental to our timetables. Frustration in not accomplishing our own priorities can easily blind us to God’s itinerary. Have you ever looked at the interruptions in your life as God opportunities?

The Pharisees expected very strict adherence to the traditional and written law. Nothing was more important than following their self-righteous ways. Jesus’ code of conduct contradicted their hypocritical attitudes. He was an interruption to their quest for power and priorities.

“Hurry! Go away quickly for Herod wants to kill you!” they said factitiously, hoping to prevent Him from going to Jerusalem. Ah, but Jesus’ life and mission was planned and directed by God Himself. Nothing would thwart God’s will today, tomorrow, or ever. Mission Possible. It’s too bad the Pharisees did not see Jesus as an opportunity rather than an interruption. Will you?

Prayer: Lord, help me to see the interruptions in my life as God opportunities to grow in faith and serve in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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Responsibility of Citizenship – Sue Payne
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“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21

Becoming a citizen of the United States requires a waiting period, testing, commitment, and certain other criteria. Those who eagerly seek to become a U.S. citizen look to the example of others who have blazed the trail of opportunity, freedom, and liberty in order to receive these hard-earned benefits. It is a privilege and an honor and one should understand and appreciate the great sacrifices made in forming this great country.

In the book of Philippians, Paul urged the people of Philippi to follow his example as he followed Christ. Paul knew that in order to receive citizenship in heaven, the people would need to take the responsibility of knowing and becoming like Jesus, eagerly committing to serve Him by serving others. The benefits would be transforming and eternal.

Becoming a citizen of heaven requires no test. It is a privilege, an honor, and a free gift. It does, however, require transforming power which we do not possess unless we accept the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. He requires our cooperation and willingness to follow the blazed trail of His will. Are you ready to make that kind of commitment? There is no waiting time … or should I say, there is no time to waste.

Prayer: Lord, through your power and transforming Spirit, help me commit to the responsibility of following your will for my life. I desire to be a good citizen of your coming kingdom. Show me the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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Well Seasoned – Sue Payne
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“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Matthew 5:13

The roasting pan my mom used to create many delicious entrees as I was growing up, always looked dirty to me. I was often tempted to scrub off what I deemed as grime so that it would look like all the rest of the cookware. It was not until I was older that I realized the importance of the seasoning process and how it enhanced the flavor of whatever was cooked in it.

For thousands of years, salt has been used as a seasoning, a preservative, and even as a disinfectant. Jesus’ disciples are referred to as “the salt of the earth.” If you are a follower of Christ, you too are considered part of the flavor that not only cleanses the world’s pallet of temptations while adding spice to life, but also helps to preserve what is good and right in the sight of God!

Salt that has lost its flavor is usually found to have been contaminated with other minerals, making it useless. How many times have we, as Jesus’ disciples, found ourselves contaminated by the world? Whether we are tempted to compromise our behavior in a certain situation or expose ourselves to questionable material on TV or the computer, contamination causes “salt” to lose its saltiness. We are rendered flavorless in a world that desperately needs to be fed the flavorful Word of God. Instead of offering the world a chance to taste and see that the Lord is good, we find ourselves stripped of our seasoning and effectiveness as His disciples.

The sanctifying or seasoning process for a flavorful Christian involves the work of the Holy Spirit. Our cooperation is necessary, though, if we want to be well seasoned. With God, we can help preserve the Good News and disinfect the world of evil.

Read the Book! Like a recipe is necessary for a successful dish, God’s Word needs to be followed and implemented into our lives. Be bold, using the unique gifts God has given you to enhance the environment in which He has placed you. And invite others to take a taste. They will see that the Lord is good!
Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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Broken Dreams – Sue Payne
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“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

The pieces were scattered everywhere. Confused and hurt, I scrambled to gather them up before one of them was lost. As I picked up each treasured fragment, memories of lessons taught and shared, plans anticipated, and hopes only a mother would dream, assaulted my heart. How could I ever get it together again? Was it beyond repair? Would it ever be the same? I comforted myself thinking, at least I still had all the pieces.

A wise mother once told me that when your children are young they’ll step on your feet. When they’re older, they’ll step on your heart, but only if you let them. I had not been prepared for the events that unfolded in my son’s life, so contrary they were to his character and to how he had been brought up in the Lord. My heart shattered.

Surely God would see what was happening and intervene, I thought. He would hear the cries of my heart and the midnight prayers. He would comfort me in the sleepless hours when fear overtook my thoughts.

Nothing changed. In fact, it continued to get worse.

After weeks of fighting this emotional stress, weary and defeated I told God that I just could not continue on in this way. It was not long before God’s Spirit whispered, “Your heart may be fragile and broken, but my power within you is greatest when you are weak.”

I treasure my son, but in my weakness of mourning his decisions, I had forgotten the ever present treasure of God’s grace and power in my life.

Although things remain the same in my son’s life, I have chosen to change. I believe that God’s perfect plan is unfolding even though I cannot clearly see it. I receive, daily, the precious gifts God has given me in this fragile jar of clay I call my heart and point to Him when others ask me the reason for my joy and strength. I hold on, in faith, to the broken pieces because within them lies my hope; Jesus, the Ultimate Treasure.
Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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Landslide – Sue Payne
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“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

Landslides occur when the stability of a slope changes from a stable to an unstable condition. Like the geographical phenomenon that causes the onslaught of dangerous debris and devastation, is the “landslide” of the heart and soul. Something unexpected happens which triggers drastic change, causing faith to falter. Concentration is drawn away from the Solid Rock of Christ and focused instead on the challenges that careen down like out of control boulders.

The barrage of challenges that have recently bombarded us, stole our peace, interrupted our sleep, and broke our hearts. Like a genuine landslide, it started with several large “boulders.” We immediately went to the Lord for help. Thinking we were standing firm and handling things well, we began leaning on our own understanding. This, of course, caused smaller portions of the slope we were scaling to come loose. The smaller debris complicated our dealings with the larger boulders and we found ourselves focusing on where the next deluge of destruction might come from. Each time, it seemed, we sought strength from the Lord and obtained His peace, another piece of our lives would break apart. The muddy slopes, sown in frustration and tears, only added to the dangerous terrain we tried so desperately to scale.

We hung on to each other, never letting go. We never stopped praying and searching His Word for guidance and help. When neither of us remained standing, God graciously provided mercy to rescue us. The slippery slopes eventually reaped joy as the helping hands of friends and family offered support and love. Listening ears and wise counsel stabilized our broken life. Sharing the burdens with others and eventually letting them fall at the Lord’s feet served to free us from our fear of disaster.

The challenges and complications have not changed. In fact, some of them have worsened. What has changed is our outlook and the condition of our hearts and souls. Our “landslide” cleared away burdens that were hindering us from seeking God’s will.

What’s “rocking” your world? Know that God is working in ways we may not understand, making a way for His glory to be shown in us. Challenges face us all, but they shrink in comparison to the Rock we stand on.

Prayer: Lord, help me to persevere through challenges, building character and hope in me, so that you may be glorified.

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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Body Language – Follow the Master – Sue Payne
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“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” Philippians 3:17

God’s gift of spring-like weather in early March took us to the boardwalk along the Delaware seashore. Others, seeking the warmth of sunshine and the sights and sounds of the beach, gathered and walked in small groups enjoying an unseasonable treat.

Two characters caught my eye; a large Black Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever puppy. Their master stood close by watching and throwing an occasional ball for them to retrieve. The Lab confidently and obediently recovered the ball each time and returned to his master, never venturing too far. The little Golden, however, lumbered clumsily along behind but was easily distracted by anything that caught his attention. It was obvious that the puppy wanted to imitate his “big brother”, but try as he might, something always seemed to make him stray.

The Lab seemed to recognize this and kept herding him back within safe distance of their master.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he urged them to follow Christ-like examples and imitate their ways. He challenged them to join together with others for support and accountability in order to focus on becoming more like Christ.

Sanctification or maturing in Christ is a lifelong process. Along the way we may find ourselves being distracted by temptations that lead us away from the safety of our Master. The importance of having someone in your life who points to Christ through the way they live is imperative if you want to follow in the Master’s footsteps.

In His great wisdom, God provides guidance for each of us as we chase after our dreams and desires. His desire for us is to look to those who have taken the road to the Cross and can confidently and obediently stand upon His truths.

Do you have someone in your life who cares enough to keep you within safe distance of your Master? Or maybe you are the example God is using to point someone in His direction.

We all seek the warmth and want to play in the “Son-shine.” Your Master stands close by, waiting for you to find and receive it. Once you have it, you won’t want to venture far, except maybe to invite someone else to play “Follow the Master.”

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years. She is previewed in the new book, Spirit and HEART: A Devotional Journey. Read Sue’s devotions

From the authors of Christian Devotions comes the first in a series of 30-day devotionals focusing on the image and attributes given to us by God. Spirit and HEART: A Devotional Journey.

Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN-10: 0982206518
ISBN-13: 978-0982206515

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Love Letters – Sue Payne
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“Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Habakkuk 2:2

Letter writing has become a lost art. Instant messaging, email, texting, Myspace, and Face-Book have replaced the “old fashioned” ways of communication. It’s a shame, really. Receiving news from someone, set in their own handwriting, has such a beautiful, personal touch. Hand-written messages from the heart can truly reach out and touch someone.

As a teenager, I communicated regularly with family and friends through pen and paper; those in college and serving in the Armed Forces. I was the one who purchased postcards and kept friends updated when on vacation with my family. And in college, I would offer my services as a seamstress in return for postage stamps so I could keep connected to those I cared deeply about.

I keep a box in the attic filled with love letters my husband wrote to me while we were dating. As silly as they sound now, I treasure the sentiments that were written to me from his heart. They are keepsakes of a most precious time in my life.

The love letters I have written in recent years have been to my sons. When it was imperative that I communicate a life lesson or spiritual truth clearly and convincingly, I would first ask God for His wisdom, then put pen to paper and pour out my heart. My prayer would always be that, in passing on the wisdom, they would take and run with it, applying it to their lives.

In the Bible, God’s love letter to us, the Lord communicates through His prophets and people with spoken and written messages of wisdom, love, obedience, and warnings of the consequences of disobedience. In the New Testament, God chose to inspire willing servants to write letters recording the wisdom and revelation of His truths. His story has been beautifully poured out for us, reaching through the generations with His personal touch… touching hearts, healing lives, restoring relationships, strengthening souls, and communicating His love.

I treasure His “Love Letter” and am so thankful that it has been written down for me to learn from, grow, and use to reach out and touch others.

God’s written Word is His way of staying connected to those He cares deeply about– you and me. Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
Read Sue’s devotions

Spirit & HEART: A Devotional Journey

Created in the image of the Father, we carry His Spirit and Soul, His Spirit and Mind, His Spirit and Body and His Spirit and Heart. From the authors of Christian Devotions comes the first in a series of 30-day devotionals focusing on the image and attributes given to us by God.

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

Carless Living — Sue Payne
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“But am I the one they are provoking? declares the Lord. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?” Jeremiah 7:19

I come from a line of “green thumbs” whose expertise and love for plants and flowers colored my world for as long as I can remember. I recall working in the garden with my grandmother, never really enjoying the toil of weeding or caring for the flower beds as much as the beautiful results of those efforts and learning about the many varieties that grew there. It was a labor of love for Mom Mom, though. She took pleasure in digging in the dirt, planting seeds, weeding, and pruning. Her joy was multiplied when she was able to share the fruits of that labor. When visiting others, Mom Mom invariably came bearing bouquets of fragrant blossoms. Fresh flower arrangements always adorned her tables, even when she wasn’t expecting company.

I tend to neglect my plants and flower beds despite the instruction I received. I begin with hope and expectations, anxiously anticipating beautiful results, but somewhere along the line my desire and perseverance become insignificant. Weeds choke out annuals and perennials quickly when proper care is not taken and time is not given. Without putting forth the effort, there are few benefits to reap.

Careless living can have much the same results as neglecting a growing garden. When our relationship with God becomes inconsequential, we separate ourselves from the grace-giving source of life itself. Just as a plant dies for lack of proper care, our spiritual health suffers and often dies when we cut ourselves off from our source of strength. Distractions, busyness, and apathy seem trivial until they begin to mess with and choke out our priorities.

I wonder if my grandmother realized how spiritual a lesson she taught me in her garden. By planting seeds, learning and teaching others about them, caring for them, and yes…, laboring in love to pass it on, she modeled for me, care-filled spiritual living.

Have you been careless with your relationship with God? We are the ones who suffer from lack of “Son” when we do. Do some digging in His Word this week. Plant some of what you learn in your heart and then spread the seed! There’s no telling what beautiful fruit will grow!


Spirit & HEART: A Devotional Journey

Created in the image of the Father, we carry His Spirit and Soul, His Spirit and Mind, His Spirit and Body and His Spirit and Heart.
From the authors of Christian Devotions comes the first in a series of 30-day devotionals focusing on the image and attributes given to us by God.

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
Read Sue’s devotions