Tag Archives: Trust

Can I Trust You with This? – Ellen Andersen

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In your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy. Psalm 68:10

I was out of work.

I’d been employed at the hospital for about four months and enjoyed my duties. One day I went to work only to learn the hospital had closed the hospice and contracted its services with another agency.

Now what God? I thought. How am I going to live without an income? I looked for work, but to no avail. I prayed for months, asking God to direct me to other work, but found nothing. Still, I never went without food, electricity, or heat.

God’s provision came in some of the most unpredictable ways. I received a windfall owed to me that I’d long since forgotten about. One day I picked up my mail and found an envelope with $40 cash. Whoever sent it clearly didn’t want to be recognized or thanked, as there was no return address and they’d sent it to “eLen anDerson,” and printed it as a four-year-old would.

To this day, I don’t know who it was, but I’m grateful God used them to provide for me. God proved quickly that I was to trust in Him, not in the world.

After several months, I landed a job with a temporary agency. Though it only provided intermittent work, it was enough to sustain me until I found permanent work a year later.

Through this, God showed me He knows what we need, when we need it, and He will provide, even when we can’t see how. Despite the circumstances, God is in control and has a plan to accomplish what He wants to do in our lives.

If you’re wondering how to get through a seemingly impossible situation, turn to God and ask Him to show you. He will meet your needs in His time, and according to His plan. You can trust everything to God.

Ellen Andersen is a member of the Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writers in Greenville, SC. She serves as a Stephen Minister at her church and is involved in a women’s Bible study. She is working on a memoir detailing how God used unforeseen circumstances in her life to change her focus and make her more dependent on Him.
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Follow Me – Venita McCart

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Jesus said, “If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness because you have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT

“Stay behind me. Grab on to my belt loop and follow my footsteps,” said Gary. I considered the pitch-black night sky and thick wooded forest and willingly walked behind him, seeing only his light shining on the trail ahead. Occasionally he stopped to cut branches, step over logs, or calculate surroundings. Finally we sat. “Now we wait for daylight,” he said.

Within moments there was sudden movement in the quiet; a wild turkey’s wings beat the air above me and with a powerful whoosh, swooped down from a tree close behind me with a jarring thud. My heart pounded, I jumped, and the bird quietly sauntered away. I was on full alert then, when the supposed sound of a man walking revealed a large turkey crossing on a distant ridge, a stunning silhouette against the backdrop of dawn. He walked toward me. I was mesmerized as he broke into thunderous full-throttle gobbles and a massive fan strut-dance. What a show.

I was perplexed by our dangerous return out of the woods. We traveled a rugged trail past masses of rusty barbed wire, downed trees, and snake dens; edged a high ridge between deep ravines, and skirted a narrow path around a black hole of water. Finally I asked, “Why are we taking a different route out?”

“This is the way we came in,” Gary said.

I was incredulous. I had followed him through dark rugged dangers, unaware; then within moments was given a glimpse of God’s splendor. His leading and my trust had kept me safe, and then amazed me.

I thought of that day many times after diagnosis. Life is dark in the unknown rugged terrain of cancer. When I could not see ahead, fearful and weary of the disease, Jesus said, “Follow me.” I focused more on my Bible and prayer. He has shown many wonders.

Our ultimate Guide knows the way through cancer and willingly leads His followers with His word to keep us safe, sane, and reveal the light that leads to life. Won’t you grab deeper into His word and allow Him to lead you through your journey?

Venita McCart, founder of Faith Force Cancer Support Ministries has, with her group, ministered to hundreds of patients since 2005 through group meetings, personal contacts, writing, and speaking. A cancer survivor herself, Venita is currently working on materials to comfort and encourage cancer patients, their loved ones and to help others create support ministries for the same. She and her husband live in central Illinois. Venita may be reached at venitamccart@yahoo.com.
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Peddling Through – Eli Linton

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Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10

I remember when I first learned how to ride a bike. I was a four-year-old—a cynical four-year-old at that. I was convinced if I took the training wheels off my bike I’d never be able to ride it again, forever lost in a purgatory of skinned elbows and scraped knees. I was perfectly content to ride my bike with four wheels forever. I had no faith in my ability to keep it upright on only two. But my dad thought otherwise.

That dreadful, terrifying day is still burned into my memory. Dad walked outside—no doubt after watching me perform uninspired loops in the driveway.

“It’s time,” he said. I stared, wide-eyed as my dad dismantled the training contraption and prepared the bike for its christening.

My heart thumped against my chest as I climbed onto the bike. My courage failed me, and I let Dad know just how futile this exercise of adolescent maturation was. Dad wasn’t about to let me go flinging myself wildly about the street on two wheels alone, so the next words he spoke calmed my fear and gave me the confidence to press on.

“Don’t worry, Eli. I won’t let you go. I will be right here the whole time. I won’t let you fall.”

From that moment on I knew I could ride my bike. For the rest of the day, no matter how violently I drove my bike, or how wildly I swerved, he was right there to catch me, encouraging me the whole time.

“You can do it, Eli. You’re doing great.”

God does the same for us every day. No matter where we go, how far we swerve away, or how far we ride, He is always by our side—encouraging us along the way. Just like my dad held the back of my seat as I learned to pedal straight, God is there guiding us. All we have to do is trust Him. He’s there for you too.

Eli Linton is a senior at Oral Roberts University. He is studying History and Journalism, and plans to attend the Graduate school of Education next summer. Linton also writes for ORU’s student newspaper the Oracle. The Oracle was recently named winner of the OCA (Oklahoma Collegiate Association) Sequoia award, given to the best college newspaper in the state of Oklahoma.

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Trusting God’s Love – Susan Howell

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NIV

My trusting, six-month-old daughter sat in my lap, smiling. She didn’t see the nurse behind her holding a needle, preparing to inflict pain within moments – pain my daughter would not understand and would be powerless to avoid.

I felt pain too as I realized she would likely see me as a conspirator. After all, I held her in place so she couldn’t escape. I saw it coming and allowed it. I didn’t even strike back at the person inflicting this ordeal. My daughter couldn’t possibly understand I had allowed this experience so she would be stronger, more able to combat future threats to her health.

Through my daughter’s first immunization, I realized as God’s child I too have a limited understanding of His seeming lack of involvement within painful circumstances. It’s hard to understand why this Parent sometimes prevents my escaping painful situations, allows injustice, and doesn’t strike back at those who hurt me. I often don’t understand when God allows such experiences to make me stronger, more able to combat threats to my spiritual health.

That day as I held my daughter, I hoped she would continue to trust me as someone who loves her completely, even when my actions are hard for her to understand.

Have you endured painful experiences in which God seemed silent or inactive? God’s love can be trusted even when circumstances defy understanding.

Susan Howell teaches psychology at Campbellsville University in Kentucky. She and her husband Dwayne have two children, Katelyn and Patrick. Susan enjoys writing, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and sitcoms from the 60s and 70s.
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An Afternoon with My Dad – Sandra M. Hart

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The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:11 (NIV)

He would have loved this peaceful garden. If I could have one more afternoon with him, what would we talk about?

As I crossed the covered bridge into the prayer garden, the serenity immediately welcomed me. I drank in the beauty of the blooming flowers in the midst of the Mountain Laurel. The brook sang as it skipped over smooth stones.

How I wished I could share this moment with my dad! Four years ago, he had joined my mother in Heaven, a mere five months after her death.

On second thought, I wouldn’t bring him to this mountain. I would take him to a clear stream near his childhood home in the Smoky Mountains. Maybe we’d hike along those paths he once loved.

I’ve often wished for his wise council in the past year. His words had a way of pointing me in the right direction. He helped me consider the costs. Even so, if I could spend an afternoon with him, I wouldn’t ask questions. I’d simply listen to whatever he wanted to say. I’m sure we’d stop talking to enjoy the gentle rush of the stream as the birds serenaded us.

Even though my dad couldn’t meet me here, God did.

God joins us wherever we are – serene gardens, neighborhood sidewalks, and quiet times on our knees. He offers wisdom from His Word and from His Heart, freely given to His loved ones – each one of us. Like a parent with a toddler, He gently guides faltering steps. In our times of prayer, He helps us count the cost of our decisions. His instruction is always just what we need.

God will be with us not only for an afternoon in the garden, but for all our days.

Sandra M. Hart writes for the A Hart for History link on DevoKids.com, where she serves as Assistant Editor. She has written for The Secret Place, Voice, Afictionado, and Common Ground. She is a contributor for Faith & Finance: In God We Trust, and writes historical romance novels.

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What’s Your Zip Code? – Marilyn Nutter

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He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

“We’re moving,” I told my friend on the phone.

Jane laughed at my news. “I’m glad I started writing your addresses in pencil in my address book.”

She was right. We had moved a lot in our forty years of marriage. Some were for jobs, others because our family was expanding. Now, it was due to retirement. Each move brought with it adjustments—some more so than others. When we moved to a new community, there was much to learn—finding new doctors and dentists, a church, and a school for our children. We were strangers in a neighborhood. No one knew our names or our history. There were times when I was lonely, but eventually we met new people and made some lasting friends.

The Psalmist tells us that the dwelling place for security is in the shelter of the Most High God. It’s a place that offers rest in the midst of changing circumstances and a place of safety when we’re faced with the unknown.  When we don’t know what to do next, He offers security and refuge. He says, “Come and rest here,” when we’re exhausted from going in too many directions.

Yes, the shelter of the Most High offers me a permanent zip code. We can reside and we remain there, because it is a secure and trustworthy place. Are you facing a challenge today? Do you have choices to make? Check your zip code. God promises shelter and a refuge. His residence is a place of safety and rest. He is faithful. You can write the address in ink.

Marilyn Nutter is the author of three devotional books: Dressed up Moms’ Devotions to Go, Tea Lovers’ Devotions to Go, and Diva Delights Devotions to Go. She and her husband are new residents of the Charlotte, NC area. Marilyn enjoys speaking to women’s groups about discovering extraordinary treasures in ordinary days. Her blog, http://grandmothersviews.blogspot.com/ is designed to encourage boomer women to put puzzle pieces together in their new life season. Visit her website at www.marilynnutter.com.

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He Will See You Through – She Said

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Names of God

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:12

Listen to He Will See You Through – She Said

“Arrrggh. Will you let me sleep?” I shouted when I bolted up from the bed. I knew there was a decision to make…one that affected my entire family and God wasn’t going to let me rest until I said yes.

It meant stepping out on faith. “God,” I said, “I have a good job at a time in our economy when thousands do not and you’re asking me to give it up?”

He was. So I did.

Three months after I retired, the house fell into dire need of repair. New siding, new fencing, new stairs, broken driveway, and I’d taken early retirement. Mistake, I wondered?

I call God the great nudger. He’s like the cartoon Daffy Duck dressed as an angel, sitting on my shoulder nudging me. He wakes me in the night whispering in my ear, “Come, follow Me.” Yet when I say yes, His devil counterpart is thrilled when, for lack of better words, “all hell breaks loose.” Something just isn’t right here. When you go to work for God, you’d think things would be smooth sailing.

God nudged the Magi too. After their visit to the Christ child they were warned in a dream not to return home by the usual route. It was their hint from God that it wouldn’t be safe to revisit Herod.

More times than not, when He calls us to do something for Him, it involves a price. These Magi, scholars of their time, had studied for years, paid attention to the signs and wonders and when God placed it on their hearts to GO, they did. They were to serve as witnesses of the fulfillment of scripture and it meant danger for them. Still they did what they were led to do.

Despite the hardship and dangers any of us face in the service of Christ, God always provides care for us. He never fails to open a door of safety, send provision, or warn us of the dangers we might face when we say “yes.” He doesn’t promise a smooth path, for in the wake of Him are those who work to destroy His ways.

God provided for us just as He did for the Magi. The math doesn’t work out on paper but somehow we’ve managed to survive the impact of major home repairs on one income. And we’re still managing because God is Jehovah Jireh (God of Provision). The Magi returned home safely even through the danger because God is Jehovah Shammah (God who is there).

When God calls you, listen…answer…trust. Will it be easy? Definitely not but El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) will see you through.

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

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Just Wait – She Said

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Revenge of the Mummy Roller Coaster

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… and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. Matthew 1:24B-25A

I didn’t want to. I found every reason not to, but I did it anyway. I hate roller coasters. But here’s the thing. My husband and son love to ride them so I suck it up, pull down the shoulder bars, shove my knees against the front of the car, and grit my teeth.

When we visited our son in Orlando, we made a visit to Universal. “Mom, you gotta ride The Mummy.”

I looked at Cameron and raised my brow. “It’s a roller coaster, isn’t it?”

“Oh, uh, yeah. But Mom, it’s not bad. Even Shauna rides it.” He pulled his girlfriend close. “We’ll squeeze you between us and you won’t budge.”

My family knows it’s not the speed of the roller coaster that bothers me…it’s the feeling I’m going to fall. When the ride loops and I feel my rear lift off the seat, panic shoots through me.

They nudged me through the gate and Shauna stepped to the side.

“Wait, where’s Shauna going?” She took Chase by the arm and headed down the stairs.

“Just wait, Mom. You’ll love this.” Cameron stuffed me into the car.

Just wait. I can’t count the times I’ve heard those words. Waiting is hard, especially when you’re waiting on something you really don’t deem as fun.

The Christmas story is so much more than just the surface story. Mary and Joseph’s lives were turned upside down. Just like us, they had plans. Perhaps they were simple…marry, get a few sheep, make a few tables in the carpenter shop…but they had plans. With very little warning they were told to “just wait.”

Their lives (and even the consummation of their marriage), were put on hold while they awaited the arrival of a miracle child. It had to be a long nine months—knowing what lay ahead. When I chose to put my life on hold to have a family it was my choice, but the choice was made for Mary and Joseph. Their lives and emotions were placed in wait mode.

The birth of Christ was a miracle in more ways than one. God found the perfect couple willing to wait so He could work through them. This humble couple was as amazing as their son. Their faithfulness and willingness to wait on God surpassed everything.

Sometimes God asks me to wait, knowing we live in a time of instant gratification. But waiting on Him is never a bad choice. The payoff may be in the future but it’s well worth the wait.

When the ride started I wondered why I waited, but the reward was the joy it brought my family. When God asks you to wait on His roller coaster, do it. I promise He’ll make it the ride of your life.

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

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Enternal Summer – He Said

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Eternal Summer

HE SAID – He Said
You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. Psalm 89:9

The crocodile in the lineup was almost as long as my board: and I ride a long surfboard. The waves are taller than me, the air warm and the wind howling. This is the dream of a surfer: large waves in a Banana Republic.

On the sidewalks of Tamarindo (mud path), I catch snippets of conversations. Most begin with, “I caught this right and…” Tamarindo is “ground zero” for the Endless Summer. Here Robert August introduced the surfing world to Costa Rica. Southwest swells roll in from the Pacific, hit sand and reef bottoms and pitch: often pitching beginners and advanced board riders over “the falls.”

The psalmist says God stills the waves but at Witches Rock, Ollies Point and Marbella locals and landlocked surfers wait for swells. Not too large, not too fast. Just right… and lefts.

Does God hear our surfers prayer for waves? Does He answer a sailor’s plea for wind or a skier’s request for snow? I don’t know. But I am comforted to know, no matter how large the sets are today, He could smash them with one word. This is part of the lure of the Endless Summer: to tease death and escape the clutches of the waves that threaten to pull us under.

Over dinner tonight I’m sure I’ll say, “I caught one great left and it…” I pray God hears the joy in my voice and knows how grateful I am that His hand moves the waters. For me and others, sitting on a board in the ocean with the sun warming our shoulders, is not just the dream of an endless summer but an endless time of worship with the One who sends perfect waves.

Thanks Lord for the waves. And thanks, too, for the endless Son.

A “Dollar” for Your Thoughts – She Said

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Dollar for your thoughts!

A “Dollar” for Your Thoughts – She Said
You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. Psalm 89:9

Listen to A Dollar for Your Thoughts – She Said

It’s a contradiction. I love the ocean but I don’t like to be in it. Just over ankle deep is no biggie. I don’t even mind calf deep. But I’m not going to venture out to my knees.

I’m not afraid of the water. In my younger years, I was a lifeguard. I’m not afraid of the waves either, but what I do mind is the tug of the undertow. It’s different when I stand ankle deep in the ocean and feel the sand melt from under my feet, but it’s a “whale” of an issue when I can’t see what tugs at me or where’s it’s pulling me.

I’ve been at home in the mountains and experienced the same climatic battles—the only difference was those battles raged within my heart. I found, even at home, I don’t venture out much past my ankles.

It seems wherever I stand, there are waters deeper than I care to venture into. That same darkness and undertow pull at me, sometimes in directions where I’m not confident. If I stay in very shallow water I can see where I’m stepping.

This year on our beach vacation, I listened to God’s nudge and eased deeper into the water. Strings of stuff wrapped around my legs. “Don’t let that be a jellyfish…or worse.”

Seaweed, He whispered. Dig your feet deeper. There’s something I want you to see. I did and my toes tickled the top of something solid. Go on, pick it up.

I wanted to say, “Are you crazy? That means I have to put my arms down into what I STILL CAN’T SEE. But then who am I to say, “No, God!”

I wrapped my toes around the edge of a sand dollar and pulled it loose from the bottom. God had walked me into deeper waters to show me something special – and though the waves thrashed around me, He stilled them so I could see.

Look at that. A dollar for your thoughts.

I smiled. Not only does God rule the surging sea but He has a keen sense of humor. Had I stayed in the ankle-deep waters, I’d have never experienced the beauty of a sand dollar, but when I ventured deeper into the unknown, He placed a protective arm around me and calmed the sea.

Just outside my line of sight, God’s vision extends into massive. He controls the universe…rules the sea. Why would I be afraid to step where I cannot see or be pulled by anything less than His love? What a thrill to trust fully in the Master of the sea.

Come on…you try it. Wade out just a little deeper and trust. Let God show you the sand dollars you might have otherwise missed.

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 each Friday evening at their new time, MONDAY’S at 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.

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!