Step Out in Faith: A Devotion by Judy Davis

Step out in Faith, by Judy Davis


"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.)"  Hebrews 11:1 AMP


I love to read about the women whose faith in God made a difference in their life. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Ruth. The book of Ruth is more than a beautiful love story. It’s about an attractive but lonely widow who steps out in faith and, through perseverance and endurance, achieves the seemingly impossible. Her life is changed dramatically from poverty to abundance. How can this happen? Ruth chose to leave her home, the country of Moab, and follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to the land of Israel, God’s chosen people.

As Naomi was leaving, both daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, followed her; however, Orpah decided to return to Moab. Ruth couldn’t wait to arrive in Israel. She had seen the love of God’s people and faith had risen in her heart to turn from everything unlike God. Even though Naomi tried to change Ruth’s mind about going, Ruth told her:


“Where you go, I will go and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16


When they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth immediately went to work as a gleaner, gathering crops that were left by the reapers. Not long after she started working in the fields, she noticed Boaz, the owner of the fields. Each day he would speak to the field workers, always leaving with a smile. His way of saying thank you was, “May the Lord be with you.”



After Ruth told Naomi about Boaz, she was surprised to hear he was a relative. According to Jewish custom, a relative was expected to marry the widow of the deceased.


Boaz began to notice what a hard worker Ruth was. He also saw her sincerity and integrity. Love began to work a miracle in Ruth’s life. Because of her kindness and willingness to give of herself, God blessed her. It was not long before Boaz, a mighty man of God, fell in love with Ruth.

Ruth proved love could lift one out of a life of misery. Love can shed its light, like a sunbeam, on all that it touches. When she stepped out in faith, leaving her home, family and friends behind, her life could never be the same. It is faith that moves the hand of God.


Materially, Ruth had nothing; yet, she had so much to give. She gave up everything when she followed Naomi to Israel. She gave a labor of love when she went into the fields to glean what the reapers had left behind.


And because Ruth gave of herself, God multiplied it back to her in a way she could never have dreamed. God made her name honorable throughout the end of the ages. For after her marriage to Boaz, she had a son, Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David, the ancestor of Jesus Christ. What greater honor could one receive?


Thought for the Day

Faith moves mountains

Prayer

Dear Lord, we come boldly before the King of Kings seeking you with all of our heart. Help us today to move forward having faith to believe with you all things are possible. Amen.

Cross references:

1. Isaiah 1:18 : S 1Sa 2:25; Isa 41:1; 43:9, 26
   
2. Isaiah 1:18 : S Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14
   
3. Isaiah 1:18 : Isa 55:7

Judy Davis has been writing for Christian publications for over 30 years. Her 12th book - Scripture Woven Prayers was published last year. Judy and her husband Colin are planning to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They are retired and enjoy traveling and visiting their grandchildren. Judy writes a blog on her website http://happynewyoujudypdavis.com.

© Judy Davis

Cloud Gazing, a Solioquy by Ray Hawkins

Cloud Gazing, by Ray Hawkins

We saw dinosaurs, mountains, faces and many fanciful designs, my grandchildren and I. Where were they? In the fleeting clouds. What a wonderful time we had as we played together. After they went home Lord, I had time to recall your association with clouds. Really, it’s an impressive list.

If my memory serves me right, the first mention of clouds in the Gospels is on a mountain, according to Matthew 17:1-5. This followed your words about the cross in the region of Caesarea Philippi. Rather appropriate as I think about it; first the cross, then the glory. Was the mountain in the same area? Anyway, the gospel says, ‘…a voice from the cloud said, “this is my beloved Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”’

Did Peter, James and John’s minds recall their nation’s history when you spoke to Israel out of the cloud on their journey at Mount Sinai? Now, on this mount, the Father stresses an important fact. After all which is recorded in the Old Testament for our blessing and protection God has one final word. Hebrews 1:1, 3. Tells us that Jesus Christ is God’s last Word to a lost and wayward Humanity.

Later the disciples were in for a shock as you outlined future events affecting Israel and the Gentile nations. (Matthew 24). By the time you got to mention clouds I reckon their minds were reeling from your words. Then you say “Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken” At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.”’ (Matthew 24:29, 30) What a great incentive to be a cloud watcher!

You were accused of blasphemy because you linked yourself to the quote of Daniel 7:13 As Daniel saw it, he wrote ‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.’

If you hadn’t risen from the dead but your body had remained in the tomb, the judgement of the High Priest and Sanhedrin would have been correct. The message of the angels is our victory chant, “He is not here; He has risen!” You are the conquering Lord over sin, death and Satan’s kingdom.

What an emotional moment it must have been for those with you on the Mount of Olives. As they were enjoying your company you ascended into your Father’s presence embraced in a cloud. (Acts 1:9) Awe struck seems apparent as they stand there gazing at the cloud. I’m sure they never lost the significance of the angel’s words when he said “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11 and Zechariah 14:1-4) That is so plain. Why do some try and tell us you have already come, invisibly beats me! They have eyes but do not see what is written. They have hearts which choose not to believe your word. They will be amongst the mourners when you return.

I look forward to my grandchildren maturing so as to talk to them about the spiritual significance of the clouds. Until then I will enjoy both the fun of seeing ‘things’ in the clouds with them and anticipating the spiritual reality of the clouds.

Thanks Lord!

Personal soliloquy. There’s a cloud experience waiting for you. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Post card from God. ‘Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.’ Revelation 1:7.

Ray Hawkins is a “retired” church minister who had material published numerous times over his many years in ministry. This included articles in religious national and state journals, Decision Magazine and regular feature writer for David House Fellowship’s Vineyard ’magazine, which was distributed around the world and translated into at least five languages. Bible studies were published by Vital Publications in a well-received booklet called Rekindled. Multi-published Debra White Smith in USA included several of his poems, devotional thoughts and prayers in two of her books released by Harvest House: 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage (2003) and Romancing Your Wife (2005). In more recent years, he became a regular contributor to Upper Room daily devotional magazine. Now he continues to write books for his 31 Day Themed Devotional series and with his wife, multi-published author Mary Hawkins, presenting workshops to writers.

More info at http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au

Fearlessly Blooming

Fearlessly Blooming, a devotion by Deborah Hemstreet, writing as Dvora Elisheva 

It was one of those days where you wake up and are not quite sure where it will go. The air was cool with promise of warming up. By the time I left my congregation later in the morning it was air-conditioner hot. But getting into my house with most windows closed, it was a bit cooler. The day warmed up as I sat and read, and then proceeded to my office to get some writing done. Rain drops began falling in drips and drops, to stop. Mud splattered the cars with the cooler air. I still had to water my flowers—fearlessly blooming in the gloom of this cloudy mud-rain day.

Fearlessly blooming. That is what I want to do for my Lord and Savior Jesus. It really doesn’t matter where I am or what I do. I want to bloom for Him. In my friendships, my writing, my work, my recreation. And the wonderful thing about blooming in this way, is that there is always the promise of continuation—when you are a perennial.

Did you ever think of yourself as a perennial fearlessly blooming for Jesus—wherever you are? Washing dishes, cleaning toilets, or doing some highly respected professional job? The thing is, after the blossoms wither and fall, perennials patiently wait for the next season when it is time to bloom again. With the creator of the universe as our wonderful gardener, he knows the conditions needed to make us bloom fearlessly for him—in season and out.

I remember as a little girl, my father loved his perennials and his annuals. But one in particular was the Easter Lily. He had planted the bulb tenderly and always looked forward to its glorious blossom. Then, one year, after a heavy snowfall, he noticed an amazing thing. For some reason the lily had gotten confused. Was it because of the late timing of the snow? The proximity of the garden to our centrally heated house? I don’t know. I do know that the reporters visited our house and took pictures of our Easter Lily fearlessly blooming in the January snow.

May we all learn to blossom like the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley (Song of Songs 1:17), and may we hear our Lord whisper to us, “Like a lily among thorns, so is my beloved among the thorns” (Song of Songs 2:2).

 

(Peg note: I purchased the image to the left from dreamstime.com. It could very well be the lily in this story. What do you think, Dvora?)

 

Deborah (Shapiro) Hemstreet has spent more than half of her life in Israel. She has dual citizenship. Her father was a Jewish believer in Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew), her mother was a non-Jewish believer. Deborah likes to identify herself as a follower of Jesus—with no denominational affiliation other than a member of the Body of Christ.

Professionally, Deborah has been a nurse (LPN), and holds a BA in Special Education and an MA in Technical Communication. Currently she is the English Communications Specialist at Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Israel—the largest hospital in northern Israel. She is actively involved in representing the hospital to the Christian community.

Deborah came to Israel in 1982, and other than for a brief period of time (2007–2011) has lived there ever since. She married for the first time in 2007 and relocated to the USA, she thought forever. However, God had different plans and in 2010 her husband Rich died, and in 2011 she returned to Israel to live.

Find Deborah / Dvora on the Internet:

• http://www.hope-challenged.com
• Email: dvora@hope-challenged.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DvoraElisheva
• Twitter (I don’t tweet much though): @DvoraElisheva (https://twitter.com/DvoraElisheva)

Crumbs: A Devotion by Cassandra Wessel

by Cassandra Wessel



Mark 7:28 – "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." (NIV)

This morning after breakfast, as I ran my finger around the plate "licking up" toast crumbs, my mind flew to my mother. You see, she grew up in extreme poverty. As a result of the deprivation, she had a true appreciation for the things we take for granted—things like food. At the end of her meal, she would lick her finger, wipe the plate with the damp digit then lick her finger clean. That was her way of "licking the platter clean". Naturally, I grew up thinking that I was supposed to "lick up" the crumbs. I wasn't to waste one crumb. Mother always said, "Waste not; want not."

This morning as I "licked up" the crumbs from the plate, my mind drifted to the movie, "Jesus", and a scene based on today's Scripture, where a Palestinian woman fell at his feet begging our Lord to heal her desperately sick daughter. His reply was that he had been sent to the Israelites, not to the Gentiles. Her reply stuck with me like crumbs to my damp finger: "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs lap up the crumbs beneath the table." Jesus responded that she had exhibited great faith and he told her to go home; her daughter was healed.

In the movie, Jesus' disciples objected to this healing. He replied that He had seen a dying child and asked them, "Did you want me to let her die?" The mother's situation had been hopeless, desperate. Jesus was her last and best hope. Thus he honored her crumbs of faith.

Just as Jesus honored the request of the Palestinian mother from long ago, crumbs on my plate remind me that Jesus still honors our smallest crumbs of faith.

Prayer: Father God, we find it hard to have faith when life throws impossible challenges our way. We ask you to increase our crumbs of faith so that we may face life's difficulties through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Thought: God will honor our smallest crumbs of faith.



Cass Wessel spends her time reading and crafting stories to win the heart. She has many published devotionals, contributions in denominational magazines, anthologies, and also in the books of other authors. She is currently editing her own Amish romance, Choices, and has written two other novels. In her role as Influencer, she edits, critiques, and promotes other works. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW Pennsylvania Group, ACFW NW PA group, and the DOGMA critique groups. In past years she attended ACFW Conferences and also Writing Success Conferences. In the latter event, she won awards in writing and poetry three years in a row. Cass lives in Tionesta, PA and is a retired elementary school teacher, minister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

http://www.wordsabouttheword.com

“The Ability to Soar” A Devotion from Sharon Rene

THE ABILITY TO SOAR

By: Sharon Rene

www.facebook.com/creativegraceSRD

Isaiah 40:28-31 (KJV)

I don’t know about you but sometimes I don’t want to face another day. I dread the sun rising and pouring its golden rays into my room. The alarm sounds or the cell phone beeps and I roll over in bed, pulling the covers over my head. Have you been there? Can you relate?

Thank God His strength never fails. Isaiah writes in verse 40:28, “Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding.” God never gets tired or runs out of strength. He’s never sad to see the morning sunrise. He doesn’t dread what the day will soon reveal. So we shouldn’t either. Not if we’re a child of God. We have the greatest power in the universe living inside of us. The precious Holy Spirit directs us and travels with us every step we take.

Isaiah goes on to tell us in verse 30, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.” So it doesn’t matter if you’re nine or ninety, male or female. We all get tired, physically and spiritually. At times every one of us reaches the point where we just want to lay down and give up. It would be so easy to stay hidden under those blankets and let life pass us by.

But that’s not God’s plan for us. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” God will give us the majestic grace and power of an eagle soaring through the morning sky. Most of the time I feel more like a squawking chicken than a soaring eagle, but God’s word clearly tells me that I have the ability to soar. But I have to lay aside my worries, fears and incessant sins so God can enable me to soar.

Look in the sky and watch the birds as they easily rise, dip and glide. They’re not carrying burdens on their backs. You’ll never see a hawk soaring with a pile of rubbish on her wings. We can’t soar if we hold onto the past, dwell on present problems or worry about the future. We will soar if we give all of these issues to our loving father.

Does this mean life will go smoothly and we’ll never face another problem? Of course not. We still have to go to work, deal with family problems and confront obstacles. The path isn’t always clear and sometimes our hopes and dreams seem to be nothing more than morning mist. But, God will be with us through every struggle. He will not leave or forsake us.

So tomorrow when you start your morning, take a deep breath, lay your burdens down and whisper a prayer to God. Ask Him to give you peace and strength and lift you up on wings like eagles. Then watch out, because you are about to soar!

 



Sharon Rene works as a legal secretary at a large corporation. She loves to write, and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys writing young adult fiction, children’s short stories and devotions. Her short story StageFRIGHT was published in the September 2015 edition of the Kid’s Ark Magazine. Her Facebook page is entitled Creative Grace with Sharon Rene.

“I’m Peter” a Devotion from Joi Copeland

by Joi Copeland

I’m Peter

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

When I first became a believer in 1990, my faith pretty much exploded. I knew that God could do anything, even the impossible. I’ve seen God work so many miracles in my many years of following Him, I still believe He can do the impossible.

Yet, as my family and I prepare for the mission field, I have found my faith wavering. We are supposed to leave by the end of August, and we don’t have all of our support raised. This has been tough. I began to doubt. I began to listen to what others have been saying. Things like, “You aren’t going to make it by August.” Or “What happens if you don’t make it? Do people who support your get their money back?” or “What if you never make it to the mission field?”

To say the least, this is discouraging. VERY discouraging.

And so I became Peter. Peter, the man who had faith to walk on water. I’ve got the faith to walk on water. But like Peter, I took my eyes off of Jesus and began to sink. I sank for a few weeks. It was tough.

Then one day, all of it began to change. No, not because God provided all the money we need. But because I’ve started focusing again on Him. I believe we can still make it on the mission field by the end of August. I’ve seen God do miraculous things! But no matter what, my eyes will remain on Jesus, His calling, and His timing. My eyes are back on the One who controls the sea, the wind, and the challenges.

Prayer: Jesus, sometimes the wind and the waves of our lives take our focus off of You. As we go through these storms, help us to look to You, to trust You, and to know that You are always with us, guiding us, walking through the storms with us. We love You, Jesus, and will trust in You. Amen.

Tweet this: [bctt tweet="Are you a Peter? Find out what Joi Copeland means by that. #WednesdayWorship #WhispersinPurple" username="pegphifer"]



Joi Copeland is married to a wonderful man, Chris, and has three amazing boys, Garrison, Gage, and Gavin. She lives in Denver, Colorado, but within the year, hopes to be living in Galway, Ireland.

Joi’s love of writing began at a young age. She wrote short stories for several years, and in 2009, she began writing her first novel, Hope for Tomorrow.

Joi’s books include:

• Hope for Tomorrow, book 1


• Hope for the Journey, book 2


• Hope from the Past, book 3,April 2013


• Letters of Love


• Christmas Rayne, a novella


• Sheriff Bride Rob's Story, a novella

www.booksbyjoicopeland.blogspot.com

www.joicopeland.com