JUST BELIEVE ~ Leslie L. McKee

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Just Believe

By Leslie L. McKee

“What do you mean, ‘If I can?’” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

Mark 9:23 (NLT)

Have you ever faced something that seemed absolutely impossible? I know I have—on multiple occasions. It’s likely that everyone has encountered such a situation at some point in time. Perhaps it was damage from a natural disaster, a medical report that wasn’t good, or a child who’s gone astray. You may run yourself ragged trying to “fix” the situation. What you find instead is something that feels like pushing a three-ton cement wheel up a steep hill.

Any of those circumstances could be overwhelming … and a “quick fix” is often way beyond our human control. That’s like what was happening surrounding today’s verse.

A father brought his son to Jesus. When the evil spirit inside the boy saw Jesus, the boy went into violent convulsions. This had been happening for years. The father had tried everything to rid his son of the spirit, to no avail. In desperation, the man went to Jesus, to see if there was any way He could help the boy.

Jesus reminded the father that “Anything is possible if a person believes.” What the father cried out is likely relatable to most people. He said, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Do you ever feel that way? Know that you believe in Jesus, but, on occasion, wonder if your current circumstance is beyond repair … even for Him?

Jesus wasn’t offering a quick fix, though it would be possible for Him to do so. After all, He’s more than able. Yet Jesus is seeking something else. He’s interested in the long-term spiritual fix … for that father and for us.

Like the man in today’s verse, we’re asked to believe. To have faith. Faith doesn’t put limits on God’s ability. If we trust in Him, we can be witnesses to great things. (Mind you, this doesn’t mean that we’ll automatically receive anything and everything we ask for.) But if we believe, we will see things come to pass according to the Lord’s plans. His power is released through our faith.

 Lord, help me to not put limits on You, but, instead, to fully trust in Your Word. Amen.

Leslie is an editor, reviewer, and author. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN. Some of her devotionals were published in 2017 compilations by Ellie Claire: Just Breathe and Refresh Your Soul. Another is in Breathe: Devotions to Quiet the Soul, published in 2020. Her flash fiction story, “A Knight to Remember,” was published in Splickety Magazine’s September 2018 issue, and “Love on the Scrambler” in Spark Flash Fiction’s July 2019 issue.

Leslie enjoys reading, playing piano, crocheting, spending time with family and friends (and her turtle!), and rooting for the NY Giants.

Are You a Worrier ♦ Devotion ♦ Tanya Eavenson

Are You a Worrier?

by Tanya Eavenson

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

Truly, how fitting that I’m writing a devotion about worrying. Just a few minutes ago, I was praying for God’s protection over my oldest daughter.

She was safe. In her dorm. But then my mind began to take over. Soon she’ll be living off campus, and thoughts about her future, God’s direction in her life, and His protection overwhelmed me. Sometimes I think I need a tattoo like this on my forehead so it's the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. How easy it is to worry—about today, tomorrow, or months into the future.

Scripture says that we are to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts. I’d like to say that’s easy, but when is following the Lord easy? Well, sometimes it isn’t too hard. Other times, not so much. He is continually stretching us, molding us to be more. To have more faith, to have more trust, and to be more like Him.

So, what does it look like when we trust in Him?

For me, it’s praying when I can’t sleep at night and the world feels heavy. It’s believing in faith that He will do as He has promised. It’s knowing no matter what, He will be at my side; He will never leave nor forsake me. It also means needing to meditate on Scripture, not by etching verses in my skin, only to forget about them later, but to press them into my heart so I may live them out.

If you’re anything like me—a worrier—I want to encourage you. God has you in the palm of His hand. Therefore, do not worry ... because the Lord is already there. He is in our todays, our tomorrows, and our futures, asking us to trust Him.

About To Gain a Bodyguard:

A job worth dying for, a love worth fighting for.

Undercover ICE agent Madi Reynolds has spent years infiltrating a human-trafficking ring, but when her life is threatened, she is forced to walk away and advised to leave the country. Undeterred, she continues her plan to attend her brother’s Christmas wedding, with her partner assigned as her bodyguard. But after seeing Brice care for her niece, she finds it's more than her life that needs protecting. Is there really any defense for the heart?

War Veteran and ICE agent Brice Johnson has been defending his country and American lives for as long as he can remember. Now, he faces the biggest assignment of his life--protect the woman he loves. He's never been one to run from a fight, but when an old flame butts in expecting a second chance with Madi, and crippling visions of war call out to him, he begins to wonder if surrender is an option after all.

Amazon Buy Link:

About Tanya:

Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her the links below.

Social Media LINKS:

Website:

Amazon Author Page:

Facebook:

Goodreads:

BookBub:

Twitter:

A Day in the Life of a Fool

 A Day in the Life of a Fool

by Sherri Stewart

Remember that verse in I Corinthians 1: 27 where God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise? I am so glad God chose me as one of His little fools.

  

It was colder than most January days in Calgary, Alberta—so cold that I was reluctant to drive my old Volvo too far from home, but I hated to miss the first day of the new semester. After dropping my son off at the babysitter’s, I decided it would be safer to take the subway, something I had never done before. A small voice inside reminded me that whenever I do something for the first time, I make mistakes, but I told myself that taking a subway wasn’t rocket science, was it?

I bought my ticket, but knew I would have to transfer downtown to another train that would take me to the university. I wasn’t sure how to do that, but surely someone would help.

When I arrived downtown, I jumped off the train and was waiting for the corresponding one to arrive when a thought struck me. I had left a pot of potpourri simmering on the stove. Great. Why hadn’t I thought to turn the stove off? It had been two hours, and soon the water would evaporate, the pot would catch on fire, and we’d lose everything. I thought of my poor dog as I dug a quarter out of my purse to call a neighbor with a key to my house when I realized my purse was missing. (this was before cell phones). I’d left my purse on the train. No car, no keys, one quarter.

I prayed for God’s help.

Taking a deep breath, I called my next-door neighbor who wasn’t home, but my husband was in town, which was rare since he worked for a hockey team that was always on the road. Bobby was gracious as always and didn’t reprimand me for being an idiot.

While I waited for him to pick me up, I stopped the conductor of an arriving train and told him about my purse. He said he would alert the other drivers to be on the lookout.

As Bobby and I raced toward our house, I scanned the sky for rising smoke in the northeast. Bobby reminded me that we would have to cancel our credit cards and get a locksmith to unlock my car since we didn’t have an extra key.

No smoke billowed out of the house, but I didn’t wait for the car to slow down before I jumped out, opened the garage door, and ran into the kitchen. The red light on the stove was still on, the burner under the small pot was red hot, but the potpourri floating inside the pot wasn’t simmering. I dipped my finger in the brown liquid. It was ice cold. ICE COLD.

The same God who parted the Red Sea and made the sun stand still made the liquid on a red-hot burner ice cold.

But that’s not all. A few hours after I cancelled my credit cards, I received a call from the transit company. They found my purse in a plastic bag. Someone had taken the cash, but left everything else—my passport and visa, my checkbook, credit cards, keys, and driver’s license. I called the bank to see if they would disregard my request to cancel my cards but knew it was a lost cause. The woman at the bank said that the system had gone down after I called so my credit cards were still good.

I made a lot of mistakes on that cold January day, but God didn’t reprimand me. I was doing enough of that myself. He made simmering water cold and made the bank’s system stand still for a few hours for me. Instead of being the worst day of my life, God gave me a story to tell.

About the Book:

By Sherri Stewart

Call Me Jane

Her feet are wet from walking on water. Why is she still wearing her shoes? That was her first question when the fugue cleared. But she has more pressing questions, such as —who is she, where does she live, and how did she end up on Peachtree Street on a cold November night wearing nothing but a nightgown?

With Officer Kyle Rossi’s help, Jane, as she prefers to be called, begins the journey to discover her identity. But the more she learns about the real Aubrey Sutherland, the more she realizes she can’t trust anyone, especially those closest to her, but Jane also learns that a concussion might be the best thing that ever happened to her.

https://www.amazon.com/Call-Me-Jane-Sherri-Stewart-ebook/dp/B0784YSC58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512335648&sr=8-1&keywords=Call+Me+Jane

About Sherri: 

Newly retired from teaching, Sherri Stewart is transitioning into full-time writing and editing, but she makes time for her other love—spending time with her family, especially with her 89-year-old mother. She also enjoys travelling to locations to research her books. Israel is her next destination, a trip she has looked forward to for years. Sherri lives with her husband, Bobby, with whom she is celebrating her fortieth wedding anniversary. Son Joshua works at Disney and keeps her laughing. She hones her craft through organizations such as Word Weavers International, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Christian Pen.

Social Media Contacts

 www.stewartwriting.com.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/sherristewart/

Email: sherristewart2@yahoo.com

Website: www.stewartwriting.com/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherristewartauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/machere

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/758893.Sherri_Stewart/blog

Books by Sherri Stewart

Come Out of Hiding

Romance on the Run

A Well-Founded Fear of Death

Stranded with Pearls

Get Your Kiss on Route 66

Très Chic

Inn Danger

Last Chance Island

The Good Little Nurse

"Because He Lives" ♦ Hymn Story Devotion ♦ Lucy Neeley Adams

                                                       

Because He Lives

a Hymn Story Devotional from Lucy Neeley Adams

   As we gather together for Thanksgiving feasts and joyful family times, we also remember some heartbreaks of recent times. There has been gun violence and flooding events.  There have also been tensions with leading officials. We can remember these sad experiences in prayers for healing.

   We can also sing this lovely song with the assurance that God is with us so we can face all of our tomorrows.  When it was written in the 1960's the fears of turbulent events involved extreme drug traffic, the Vietnam war and riots that led to feelings of insecurity.  

   The composers, Bill and Gloria Gaither were expecting the birth of their first son and they were concerned about his future.  In praying about these fears and asking God for protection, they experienced a peaceful reassurance.

   So there was much rejoicing when baby Benji was born.  He was welcomed by his sisters, and all friends.  No one knew that a song would soon be written in response to this great event and it would eventually  travel around the world.

   The words flowed from the Gaithers' thankful hearts as they wrote: "How sweet to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives.  But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days because Christ lives."

   When Bill and Gloria met, they were high school English teachers in Alexandria, Ind.  As they worked together, they discovered their musical interests and Gloria joined the family trio.  They were married in 1962 and one of the greatest musical teams of contemporary Christian music was formed. 

   The many requests for their songs was surprising.  Gloria says", We had copies stuffed in boxes under the bed and in drawers all over the house.  Our parents helped us fill orders and we knew, very soon, that we were to open our own printing place and devote full time to our music."

   Gaither Music Co. is now a large industry in Alexandria as recording studios and distribution centers have been added.  The couple have composed hundreds of songs and have won many awards. In 1974, "Because He Lives" was selected by the Gospel Music Association as the "Gospel Song of the Year." 

    Of this song they say, "The routine of each day can reflect resurrection hope, and new life.  Before the crucifixion, Jesus said, "In a little while, the world will see me no more. But you will see me, because I live, you shall live also. (John 14:19).

   During this blessed time of Thanksgiving, let us sing joyfully and with blessed assurance:

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow:

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future.

And life is worth the living, just because He lives."

Footnote: The soloists are...in order of appearance...Bill Gaither, Mark Lowry, and Guy Penrod.

Lucy Neeley Adams     

SONG STORIES

 www.52hymns.com

Casting All Your Cares . . .

      God Will Take Care Of You           

a Hymn Story devotion from Lucy Adams

   The title of this song story is heartwarming as many parents go through the experience of saying good-bye to their school children for the day. In their hearts, I am sure many are leaning on their faith with a similar message, "Have a good day at school. I'll be praying that God will take care of you."

  Many years ago there was a little boy who spoke a similar message to his father.   When he heard him speak to his mother in a voice of concern.  "But dear, I must stay here with you, since you are sick."

  Dr. Stillman Martin and his wife, Civilla, were a great evangelistic team that took their ministry throughout the United States in the late 1800's. When he preached, she led the singing. But on this particular Sunday in 1904, it would be different.  When their son overheard the conversation between his parents, he entered the room and said, "Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away"?

  That question gave fresh insight into the promises of God.  Of course, he could trust God to care for this beloved wife while he was gone. So he kept his appointment at the church that day. And when he returned home he had good news about the people who accepted Jesus as their Savior after his sermon.  Civilla also had good news.  She felt much better and had been inspired to write a very special poem on that very special day. The three verses were the result of their son's question that morning.

  Dr. Martin, who was touched by its loving message of God's protective care, sat at their small reed organ and put it to music.  Soon his beautiful melody carried this message of hope:

      Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you.  

      Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.

  The following year, the joyful hymn was published in the hymnal, "Songs of Redemption and Praise."  Their musical gifts and Christian commitment led them to write many more gospel songs together.  One of the most well-known is, "His Eye Is On the Sparrow."

They moved to Atlanta, Ga. in 1919 and continued their ministry throughout the Southeast.  Dr. Martin died in 1935 and she in 1948.

   It is written in I Peter 5:7 , "—casting all your care upon God for He cares for you."

A little boy's innocent question embedded that truth in the hearts of his parents many years ago. 

Praise God that we can continue to sing those comforting words: "God Will Take Care of You." 

Peg here: I have a little surprise for you ... and Lucy. I found a video of the Oak Ridge Boys singing this hymn. Sit back and enjoy.

        Lucy Adams    52hymns.com    

Lucy Neeley Adams, author of “52 Hymn Story Devotions,” claims there is nothing original in her recently published book.

“I haven’t written a thing that hasn’t already been said somewhere, except for the personal illustrations about what a hymn meant to me,” she says humbly.

But researching the beginnings of some of the most popular hymns through the ages, condensing the story and then adding a poignant “personal touch” has been a popular concept. It has taken Adams on a journey from a music ministry within the Methodist churches where her husband has pastored to a radio personality, then a newspaper columnist and finally to writing a book.

Facing Adversity God's Way - A Devotion from Lillian Duncan

Facing Adversity God’s Way

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Life has its hills and valleys. Life can be tough whether we’re “good” Christians or not. When adversity comes and it most likely will, then we must decide to face adversity in a godly way—in a way that will honor God.

I know a little about adversity.

In 2012 I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors called acoustic neuromas. Without going into all the gory details, it’s been a difficult journey. Five years later, I’m partially deaf; must face the reality that I might become completely deaf; have severe balance issues that affects my mobility; chronic fatigue and numerous other issues. Unless God chooses to give me a miracle none of these things are going away and may even get worse.

Life can get really hard but Romans 8: 28 promises God is there and He will work it out for our good. That doesn’t mean we will all get the happy ending we are praying for. 

Remember God’s ways are not our ways. His good is not necessarily the same as what we view as good. But it does promise that God will work out our situation for our good.

I hate my brain tumors. It seems as if something “new” happens every month or so to make life a little more difficult, but I’m at a point now I can see how God has and is working things out for my good.

I now trust God in a way that I never did before.

I now believe God’s promises.

I now understand just how faithful God is in all things—even when life is difficult.

I know—I know—I know that God does not leave us alone in our battles! So what can we do to “overcome” the world? We can’t always change our circumstances—no matter how much we want to, but we can honor God by choosing to stay in faith.

We can choose faith over worry.

We can choose faith over giving up.

We can choose faith over anger.

When we choose faith, we choose to keep our eyes on Jesus rather than our circumstances. When we choose faith, we are choosing hope. When we choose faith we honor God.

Bio:

Lillian Duncan writes stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem as well as devotions. To learn more about her and her books visit her at www.lillian-duncan.com