A Devotion May Be Someone's Only Bible

Spirit & Body

We have two bodies as such. The physical body and our spiritual body. The Spirit is an important part of both. Giving our hearts to Christ brings that spiritual body into balance and therefore, helps us understand the ups and downs of the physical body – even accept them when others cannot.

Do Not Be Afraid

A good friend was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer that had already spread.

Her treatment involved chemotherapy, surgery, and then more chemotherapy. A few hours after I received this news, a close friend called to say he was struggling professionally. A door closed for him at his current position, leaving him with an uncertain future.

Both friends faced navigating unchartered territory. Both used the word scared when conversing with me. Fear is a normal human reaction. I shared God’s words to Joshua with them.

Of all the commands God gives in the Bible, “Do not be afraid” is used most frequently. This command appears in this particular section of Scripture more than in any other place and relates to the time when the Israelites wandered for forty years in the wilderness as they made their way to the Promised Land. God always gave specific instructions to them, knowing fear would spring up in their hearts. And He included this phrase in every direction.

After forty years, God called Joshua with these words. Joshua may have been frightened, but he trusted God’s words as he led the people into battle. And he became a strong and courageous leader.

Like Joshua, God may charge us with a difficult situation—a wrong diagnosis, job loss, a parenting crisis, the loss of a marriage, or the death of a loved one. We can memorize and repeat this verse often to help us proceed with faith, strength, and courage.

God will give us the strength we need to face each day. He will strengthen us as we move forward, holding us firmly. He will never let us go.

When new situations come into your life, what is your first reaction? Be encouraged and run to the Father, who knows and sees you.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and darksouls1.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



The Cancer Walk

I walked the cancer walk.

My hair would fall out. The nurse said it would happen soon after the chemo treatments started. I wondered if I would have a perfect round head or a dented and gnarly one. It didn’t matter what I thought; it would happen soon. The experts suggested I shave my head. This would be less traumatic.

I made my appointment at the wig store. When I walked through the rows of different-colored long hair and short, spiky hairstyles, I realized this could be an opportunity. Perhaps I could re-live my teenage days with waist-long hair. Probably not. Maybe my husband would prefer a temporary blonde? Probably not. I tried on every wig that looked of interest. My husband and I laughed at the results that most provided.

Finally, I settled for one much like my hair but nicer in color and thickness. The next step was slipping behind a privacy curtain and shaving my head. My husband video-recorded it at my request. I wanted to share this journey with those around me.

I did what Paul said all believers could. I was not letting fear get in my way. My head was carefully and gently shaved. The wig was fitted, and I entered the world with confidence that this journey was not the final one—just another one I would walk with Christ.

My stage-four cancer came and went. The journey lasted less than a year. But my journey with Christ was strengthened for a lifetime.

Later, I had the opportunity to give a living testimony to other stage-four cancer patients. I told them about the storm. That it had a beginning and an end. Jesus was there through it all.

We can pray to the Father and ask Him to walk with us, strengthening us to do everything.

What steps can you take when you feel your strength has failed?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and jplenio.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



Lens Wipes for the Heart

Before turning on the coffee pot every morning, I stumble into the restroom.

There, a package of lens wipes for glasses sits on the vanity. They remind me to clean my glasses thoroughly.

The oils of my skin and the raindrops and mist from the Seattle weather smudge my lenses. Then I can’t see through the perfect, clear glass. My vision clouds like the Pacific Northwest sky, creating a smudgy film. Everything appears dark and dreary—especially when gloom saturates the sky and pours into my soul.

But when I notice the lens wipes, my mind sometimes shifts to another lens: the lens of my heart. Then I ask myself, Are you looking through smudgy lenses of fear, self-pity, or comparison? Or are you seeing how truly blessed you are?

Suddenly, my thoughts turn back to the truth. Over 75 percent of the world lives on less than two dollars daily. Mothers and fathers watch their children die a slow death because they lack clean water. They struggle to find a few bites to offer their little ones. They would do anything to eat even one small bite of the chicken I’ve eaten for the past two days.

As I ponder these profound realities, I’m reminded to clean my glasses—not only on my head but also on my heart. Am I choosing to look through the glasses of gratitude or letting my circumstances smudge my attitude?

Just as I wouldn’t think of leaving the house without brushing my teeth or applying deodorant, I try to remember to sanitize my heart lens daily—sometimes several times.

Remember to choose the gift of gratitude and remember how blessed you are.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and DariuszSankowski.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



Certain Identification

Once, I had a type of cancer. After successful surgery, I had a month of radiation treatment to ensure my complete recovery. This meant visiting a local clinic every weekday, checking in at the front desk, and accompanying the technician to the treatment room. 

The staff members were cordial. Since I was there regularly, we got to know each other quite well. They patiently answered my questions and concerns, and our conversations were warm.

But what was interesting was that the technician had the same question every day: “What is your date of birth?” 

I wasn’t a stranger to them, yet they always asked the same question. Why? Because hospital regulations required it to make sure they treated the right person. No matter how well they knew me, they still had to ask. Soon, it became amusing and even a joke.

Yet that’s something I never have to fear with God. As the psalmist says in our passage, He has searched and known me. He’s completely familiar with everything about me—my whims, futile attempts to serve Him, and numerous failures. In fact, there’s nothing God doesn’t know about me because He created me. And since He has, there’s a certain identification.

How can you receive comfort from knowing God knows you?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and cytis.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



Joyful Praise Overcomes

The onslaught of nastiness just keeps on coming, but joyful praise overcomes.

Friends getting the dreadful news of cancer and other diseases. Family members and friends succumbing to accidents and Alzheimer’s. People losing jobs and homes. Political stances generating protests and riots. Close friends ending relationships because of opposing views. The things posted on Facebook and other social media are alarming and appalling. I could go on with the list, but even these few statements are disheartening.

I saw the video a friend with a recent diagnosis of cancer posted on Facebook. From her hospital bed, she lifted her beautiful, full-bodied voice in the unmistakable tune and words of “Amazing Grace.” Over the months, as she endured painful treatment, setbacks, and a dire prognosis, her posts continued with words of praise to God and thankfulness for the love and prayers surrounding her.

Although I pray for God’s healing in her body, I have no doubt He has already brought healing to her soul. Like Habakkuk, she found a way to be joyful in the God of her salvation, no matter the calamity. 

How good it is to meet with other believers and praise God with songs and hymns. On occasion, a church might lack someone to lead worship songs, and the only other option is live streaming or musical accompaniment on tape. Even then, we can lift our voices in worship. Through hardship and tears, the joyful sound overcomes.

Lift your voice in praise to the God of your salvation, even when you’re going through the onslaught.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and JillWellington.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



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