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Hail from Heaven – Sue Payne
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“He sends His command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?” Psalm 147:15-17

The day finally arrived. I knew it would and had anticipated it with a sense of foreboding. Two weeks had passed in a blur of grief and confusion. We had been by my Mom’s side as Jesus came to take her home into His Heavenly presence. Her memorial service was a beautiful tribute to her sacrificial life. A place was chosen, overlooking the peaceful landscape of their 54 acres to lay her ashes to rest. Everyone else had gone home, and my brother and I were the last to leave my Dad. And it was time.

I offered up a silent prayer: Lord, please help us…Leaving is so hard… I added a “thank you” for Brandy, their dog. At least he won’t be totally alone, I comforted myself.

As we walked to the car, the sky swiftly began to darken and the wind picked up considerably. Though my heart was aching, I knew if we didn’t get going and allow Dad to retreat to the safety of the house, we’d all be caught in whatever was blasting across the area. Our “goodbyes” were mercifully short and as we drove down the dirt road we had no time to dwell in our grief, for the heavens opened and hail the size of pennies hurled down upon us.

God knew our hearts were breaking. He knew it was an impossible task for us to leave. He knew that we were stuck in our grief, so He sent an “icy blast” that we could not withstand. We had no choice than to avert our attentions away from the sorrow of separation. He had heard my prayer and run to our rescue using a most unusual thing…hail.

God can speak and minister to our souls through the most amazing things! I wonder how many times I have missed the opportunity to hear God “speaking.” How many times has He tried to get my attention and I’ve missed the chance to enjoy His blessings?

God’s ways are not our ways so we must train our eyes to see His miracles and our ears to hear His voice. Who knows what blessings will be hurled in your direction?

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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Tunnel Vision — Sue Payne
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“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:14

Driving through the Lehigh Tunnel in northeastern Pennsylvania recently, I was struck at how the process of going through it paralleled my spiritual life.

Approaching the tunnel there is a sign that reads, “Remove sunglasses.” I have a difficult time doing this because mine are clip-ons. It would require taking off my glasses while driving and let’s just say that would be risky.

Entering the tunnel, I always feel like I’m entering a “Star Trek” movie. Bright lights line the inside ceiling, making it possible to adapt to the darkness. Gradually, the lights diminish, assuming that the human eye will adjust. At this point, I always fear that my eyes won’t, of course, because I have not removed my sunglasses! Towards the middle, the darkness seems to cave in, but amazingly my eyes adjust and I can discern. Looking ahead, I realize the light is increasing again, leading me onward towards the bright light on the other side.

I can’t count how many times I’ve traveled through that tunnel and found the weather on the other side different, usually better. And the view of the mountains can be breathtaking.

Before I was saved by grace, I thought I knew it all. Everything seemed clear-cut and manageable. Following the crowd, I had no need to see more clearly, I just watched through “rose colored glasses” and assumed I was traveling in the right direction. It wasn’t until I found myself in situations where I had no control that I realized how much I didn’t know. I found it hard to see in those places, the darkness caving in around me.

Through grace, God gave me His Word and sent special people into my life to light the way and guide me through the fear of darkness. Gradually, the dim light brightened and I was able to discern where I was, who I was, and whose I was. It was a long, eye-opening process, but as I emerged on the other side, I could see more clearly than I have ever seen. The view was breathtaking and my joy was Jesus!

As Christians, we all must learn discernment. Training our souls to distinguish good from evil is a process of adjusting our eyes and lives to His Word. What kind of “glasses” are you wearing?

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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Soul Testing — Sue Payne
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“Search me , oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

I was one of those students who worked hard to get fair grades. I faced tests with a trepidation that sometimes made me sick. I would spend hours re-writing my notes and studying my text books until I could recall the information, what page it was on, and even what the page looked like. Still, I would sit down to take tests and panic. I found myself second guessing and confusing the information, sometimes erasing answers I should have known were correct. I would always pass, but my grade never corresponded to the effort I put into studying.

My heart is a book only God can completely understand. He made it and gave it to me so that I could devote it to Him. The only way for the Lord to help me read and understand what He’s written in it is for Him to test me.

I’m usually in touch with my emotions, but when it comes to testing them, I sometimes panic. Second guessing and confusion set in, sometimes causing me to forget the way I need to respond. Often I have reacted, offending God or those around me, exposing my anxiety and self-sufficient sins. Testing can be revealing!

Unable to erase what I’ve done, I appeal to Jesus. Search me. Lead me. Show me the correct answers. Holding the keys, He gently unlocks the mystery for me to see and lays bare the condition of my heart. With His help, I am able to sort through, toss out, re-organize, and find rest for my soul.

It was only recently that I took notice of the “test” in Psalm 139. I now realize that the many “tests” in my life have given me the opportunity to grow smarter in Christ. And unlike the tests I took back in school that affected my GPA, these “exams” hold eternal value because not only did they change my heart, but also may have touched someone else’s soul.

How are your test scores? Starting today I’m going to begin preparing for my final “exam”. I want my “Teacher” to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Join Me in the way everlasting!” How about you?


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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Dress to Bless — Sue Payne
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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

Lately, one of the important decisions I make daily is how many layers of clothing to wear in order to stay warm. I am not a cold weather person, so I take great care in dressing properly during these chilly winter months. Our thermostat is set at 65 degrees, so I have been known to wear a hood or winter hat inside the house to keep my body heat from escaping. These kinds of layers can become quite burdensome and time consuming. The time I spend getting dressed and then removing layers, not to mention doing the extra laundry it creates, takes a lot of extra effort and still some days I find myself chilled to the bone.

According to God’s Word, we’re also responsible for dressing ourselves with “moral excellence”, which is Webster’s definition of virtue. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are the wardrobe for the “chosen” who choose to put it on. These are layers we must decide to wear in order to share the warmth of Jesus.

Unlike the insulated attire we put on during the winter that holds the heat in, this virtuous line of clothing shares the warmth! And though there are more of them than layers of winter clothing, you’ll find when you wear these virtues, you can move about with ease, your heart and soul lifted with the joy and privilege of dressing like Christ.

Sharing this kind of warmth is never a waste of time, in fact, time management skills improve when you’re “dressed” appropriately. Others will notice your new look, too. You will be “dressed to bless” and they will be the recipients.

I have to admit, though, once you put these clothes of virtue on, it takes quite a bit of effort to keep them from coming off. That’s where the perfect accessory for your new outfit comes in! Colossians 3:14 says, “And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Now, all you need to do is a little “soul searching” in your prayer closet. God has chosen the perfect attire for you to wear. Be a super model for Christ.


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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ALERT! — Sue Payne
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“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

We sat by the warm glow of the campfire, surrounded by the cold darkness. My husband and I had decided to take a couple of days in mid-November to do some camping at the state park. Other than the shadows created by the fire and the dark outline of our tent and trees, the black of night draped itself around us like a long, hooded cloak. Though the campground was practically deserted, I felt safe, relaxed, and warm. We had come prepared or so we thought.

Our German Shepherd, Kelly, had been resting contentedly on her bed next to me when she suddenly began growling softly. I listened and heard what sounded like something or someone coming up from below the ridge where we had set up camp. Struggling to see into complete darkness, I quickly grabbed Kelly’s collar, noticing her heightened state of alert.

Whispering, I said to my husband, “Get the flashlight.” The steps were closing in on us and thinking his response was not quick enough, I repeated a little louder, “Get the flashlight!” At that moment a silhouette appeared just above the ridge. “GET THE FLASHLIGHT!” I screamed, just as the animal began to charge at us. The beam from the flashlight broke the darkness and quickly paralyzed our intruder, stopping it in its tracks not six feet from where Kelly and I sat.

Have you ever been so focused on something that you become unaware of what is going on around you? Blinded by circumstances, sickness, addiction, or loss, you can quickly be overcome by intruders like fear, despair, and sorrow. Even finding yourself in situations of comfort, blessing, and success can blind you to the fact that something lurks outside your unprotected boundaries; pride, apathy, or greed.

Satan is a master of disguise and gets along quite well in places where we can not see. We won’t give him credit though, because once his schemes are brought to light he is paralyzed and fails miserably. Exposing his tactics requires alertness. Resisting his attempts of deception requires self-control. All the light we need is in the name of Jesus.

Have you checked your boundaries lately?

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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Closer than a Brother — Sue Payne
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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

I was fortunate to grow up, living in the same house, same neighborhood, and with childhood friends who didn’t move away. In elementary school, junior high, and high school I was surrounded, with little exception, by the same peers until graduation. I didn’t belong to any sort of clique, but instead clung to certain close friends, two with whom I am still in contact thirty-some years later. My grandmother and her best friend met in first grade, remaining friends into their 80’s and my dad lives quite close to a friend he has known since grade school. Friendships like that are God ordained and in order to last require care, consistency, and compassion.

My best friend growing up, even at a young age, knew what it meant to be that kind of companion. I wore a Medic Alert bracelet as a child as a precaution against receiving certain medicines and warning that I was allergic to bee stings. The back of the bracelet listed three rather complicated medical terms and important phone numbers in case of emergency. My girlfriend had it memorized.

Knowing the importance of good friends, lessons learned from questionable companions, and what their relationships have done in directing my life, I have spent much time praying for God to send friends of good character and integrity into our sons’ paths. Acquaintances have slipped in and out of their lives sweeping them off the righteous path, bringing chaos and confusion at times, but in doing so have taught valuable lessons they would have otherwise missed. Though it distresses me still, I can see they have served a purpose; God can use anything or anyone to fulfill His purposes.

The transient society we live in today has reduced their chances of having lifelong friends, though God has sent certain companions who seem destined to care deeply, bless, and teach in Jesus’ name. We all need those devoted individuals who will help us see the truth about ourselves and about our lives.

Over the seasons of my life, God has prescribed devoted friends to fill important needs and to keep me on the path He ordained. I have made many acquaintances who God used for blessing or teaching and for that I am thankful, but for the faithful few who have been and continue to be “Jesus with skin on”, I am eternally grateful.

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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Finding Common Ground — Sue Payne
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“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10

I own several official NFL pieces of apparel. They were gifts from my husband who is an avid fan. I don’t particularly like to watch football, but I love to watch him enjoy it. Bill likes to have someone to cheer with, so I put on my jersey, swing the “terrible towel”, and we enjoy the games and each other. I understand also that watching football games on Sunday afternoons reminds my husband of his dad. Bill is able to recall and capture precious memories of their times together just by being involved in the excitement of the game.

Last week, I was brought to tears while watching players fall to their knees on the field praying for one of their injured members. All competition ceased as both teams joined together to honor a fallen teammate. The game didn’t matter at that moment. What mattered most was their brother. Amidst the battle, there was common ground.

Love that is sincere takes work. It requires a workout on common ground. Teaching ourselves to look beyond the fouls, the flags, the trip-ups, and the tackles enables us to see what lies underneath those with whom we are in relationship. We usually find that the common ground is larger than we thought and is what matters most.

Love that is devoted centers attention and activities on others. It’s important to know what makes people tick. How has God wired that particular person in your life and what is important to them? Be sure to play by the rules, although a blitz may be required to get past those tough “offensive linemen”, but it’s worth the risk. You’ll find that the plays after that will run smoother and more efficiently.

Watching football may not be one of my favorite things to do, but being with Bill is! Finding that common ground and participating out of devotion honors him. In turn, he will watch a “chick flick” with me on occasion and sincerely enjoy it.

I am wondering, though, just how far my devotion will go. My husband gave me a motorcycle helmet for Christmas!

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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Powdered Sugar Snow — Sue Payne
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“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

Lying in bed with my eyes still closed, I could already tell it had snowed. The insulated silence permeated my room as if some protective covering blanketed my soul. Peering through the curtains, I was awed by the beauty that had accumulated as I was sleeping. Every tree branch, every blade of grass, every leaf was individually coated with pure, white snow as if powdered sugar had been sprinkled upon the countryside. The stark grays and browns of bare branches and dead grass had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Since it was very cold, I could actually see detail in individual snowflakes stacked up on top of each other. I hurried through breakfast so I could get outside and be a part of God’s handiwork.

As I walked in awe of the blessed hush of the woods, the air was crisp and clean and the sun reflected its light on the snow creating sparkles. I noticed that even though the branches and grasses were laden with snow, it was not a burden for them. The snow was light and fluffy and seemed custom fit to each barer.

Hyssop branches coated with a lamb’s blood were used by the Israelites on the frames of their doors to protect their families. Death passed over each household that bore the symbol. Passover is celebrated in remembrance of that day when each individual, covered by the blood of a lamb, was protected and then redeemed.

As I look out my window today at the bleak mid-winter I am reminded of my life before I was redeemed through Christ. I was bare and frozen in the winter of my sins, but God saw the promise of new life.

He came into my life ever so gently, laying down truths and blessings upon me. It wasn’t long until I started to notice the individual detail and beauty that fell, accumulating in and around my days. My heart and soul, once barren, now filled with His promises and grace, were protected and covered in the blood of Jesus. Instead of being burdened, I was light; transformed into a reflection of His wonderful character.

Are you weary with winter blues? Be clothed and blanketed in the warmth and protection of Jesus’ s gift of redemption. He will sprinkle you with the beauty of His sacrifice, custom fit to cover the bleakest of souls and make you sparkle!

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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Faith Challenges — Sue Payne
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And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

I was experiencing 67 degree weather in January as I ventured up the sandy path toward the beach. The warmth from the sun thawed my bones, bringing a relaxed and renewed sense of peace. Protected by the dunes on both sides, I noticed a slight breeze, but as I stepped out onto the beach the wind was howling! Ribbons of sand danced on the surface of the beach creating patterns resembling zebra stripes. The wind fashioned the sand into works of art as it encountered shells, sculpting creative dune-like mounds of different shapes and sizes. Sea gulls attempting to take flight failed to make head way. The sound of breaking waves combined with the whistling wind made it hard to hear anything but my own thoughts.

As I struggled against this force of nature God had created, I was reminded of faith challenges I have experienced and how hard it is to go against the flow. I saw the sand racing past as individuals caught up in the difficulties and trappings of life. Conformed by the world’s definitions of success, wealth, and high speed impatience, they can be literally carried away.

Gusts of wind threatened to blow me off balance as if a large crowd of people pushed and shoved. Continuing my trek, I turned around, the wind to my back. Walking backwards, I noticed that I needed to exert more energy and that it was slower going. I couldn’t cover as much ground as when I was facing the wind head on. Turning around again, I beheld what was to become the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen.

Faith challenges are hard but they are a fact of life. God understands that by pushing on towards the prize we exercise that faith. And when we exercise, we build strength to face the oncoming challenges of life.

Are you facing strong winds in your life, threatening the delicate balance of your faith? They may be God’s way of fashioning a work of art in you! Don’t turn your back. You may miss the reward God has waiting for you. Walk in faith, seeking Him and building those spiritual muscles! God will be pleased.


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

Inhabited Blues to Inherited Blessings
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“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you live.” Numbers 33:55

I was 31 years old when I kicked the bad habit of biting my fingernails. My Dad gently badgered me for years, warning me of the consequences. I suffered with repeated bouts of strep throat eventually leading to the removal of my tonsils at the age of 27. It took me even longer to develop the good habit of regularly flossing my teeth! I now enjoy cavity free dentist visits.

When the Israelites were preparing to enter the promised land, God told Moses they would need to drive out the evil inhabitants first. God knew that the practices of the Canaanites would influence his chosen people for the worse. The idol worship ultimately would turn the their hearts away from God. The Israelites did not obey God’s command and it eventually led to their corruption and compromise. The Canaanites became a thorn in their sides and an irritant that dominated their destiny.

It’s a fact that the sum of our good and bad habits will dictate who we will become. The habits you cling to today will influence your future and possibly determine your destiny.

God has planned a promised land for you where you will lack nothing and have certain victory. The land you are occupying today may be inhabited with habits and hang ups that are keeping you from crossing over into that promised land. Know that God is calling you to take possession of it, but the excess baggage will have to go first. We all have those “idols” we must decide to live with or live without.

Good habits save effort, ease routines, increase efficiency, release power and lead us toward our promised land. Bad habits distract, irritate, hold us back, and cause us to settle for habitation in the wilderness. Would you like to move ahead to your promised land? Victory awaits you, but not without opposition. Bad habits are hard to break. Good habits are sometimes even harder to establish. Step out in obedience and faith, throwing off the sin that so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1) and receive your inherited blessings!

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