JAMES WILCOX ~ My Encounter With the Lord ~ Devotional

 My Encounter with the Lord

by James Wilcox

 

Image courtesy Pixabay.com

I dearly love this saying. “It isn’t of great concern…a child who fears the dark.”  But this is tragic…an adult who fears The Light!”  I can assure you…The Light is nothing to fear.                                                                                                 

September 21, 2011 started out like most mornings. Even though I had been having some chest pains off and on over the last several days, the past thirty-six hours had been pain free. Yet getting up that Wednesday morning, I somehow knew the pain was going to return. Nonetheless, I went outside a little before seven to do my chores. By the time I finished, the pain was the worst it had ever been. My chest felt like it would explode!  Approaching a tractor, I leaned on it, my vision beginning to blur.                                                                                                       

 

I suddenly realized that death was very near and it frightened me. However, the fear quickly left and never returned as I became aware of a caring light that enveloped me. It was paper-thin but was enough to keep the utter, unbelievable, coal black darkness next to it, away from me. I was not seeing any colors, only white and black. I didn’t see Him, yet I knew with all certainty it was Jesus who asked me if I wanted to live. Immediately, I answered, “Yes.” 

There were many things that began to happen. The light pushed hard against the endless darkness, moving it back several feet. Until then, I felt I was suffocating because the blackness was so heavy and seemed so determined. I thought about lying down but knew for certain, if I voluntarily lay down, I would surely die! I decided to try and make it to the car, which was about eighty feet away. Without realizing it, I was beginning my journey through ‘The Valley of the Shadow of Death.’ During this walk and for a short time afterward, I have no memory of the relentless pain in my chest. When I began to walk, the sinister darkness attacked the light, battering against it constantly. As the protecting light was pushed in at various spots, it repelled the single-minded darkness every time and maintained its posture. Walking on, this action continued and was now occurring at a faster pace than when it began. Many times, the harsh darkness formed a cone, ramming into the light, attempting to penetrate it. I reasoned from the beginning of this battle, if there were even a hole smaller than the size of a tiny pin in the serene light, the ruthless darkness would get through and I would be engulfed in complete blackness. Suddenly, I heard a voice asking. “What if you fall down?” There is no doubt in my mind; Satan himself had asked this question!                                                       

 Without any misgivings, I quickly and confidently answered. “If I can’t help it, I needn’t be worried.” The constant, persistent, ramming and repelling was even faster now. I ignored the possibility of involuntarily falling as I continued to walk, not fearing what might happen, should I fall.                                                            

 Reaching the car, I stood against it. The raging battle began to subside, and then stopped altogether. Jesus inquired once again. “Do you want to live?” My mind said, “Yes,” but I really didn’t give an answer, being certain my response needed to be delayed. I now saw a door. An image behind it was obscure through a glass but nonetheless there…Jesus Himself! Suddenly, I realized I was in a very unique room. This rectangular room was not large but had a ceiling, hardwood floor and walls. The door Jesus was standing behind was at one end. The other end was completely open to the world I knew. Gazing at it, I even saw colors! Having no desire to go to that familiar world, this one-of-a-kind room quickly drew my focus back to itself. I was awestruck, at great peace, very content and felt totally secure in this extraordinary room which was full of wondrous light. The soothing light was comforting beyond description! Somehow, I could see the darkness was confined on the outside of the two walls and ceiling. This matchless room had no roof.  All of a sudden, I was sure, if I chose to die, Jesus would be a bit disappointed in me, yet I would still be welcomed into heaven. It made me realize God must still have something more for me to do in the world!

 The moment was now upon me to respond to the all-important question Jesus had asked. With the aid of the Holy Spirit, I discerned the answer I needed to give Jesus was not a simple “yes” or “no,” but involved a great deal more. Was my faith and relationship I professed with my Savior a facade or was it real? Without any concern about the outcome, it was with complete sincerity, release, trust, and peace I answered His question saying, “You decide. It’s up to You.”

 Instantly, the darkness cowered away in retreat to a point I could no longer see it being replaced with that marvelous, all-encompassing light. Next, the door, image and room were gone as life started to become normal again, except for the Herculean pain deep in my chest. I managed to get the car in front of the yard, made my way into the house and in a few minutes was taken to our local hospital by members of my family.

 I will always remember the peace that continued to dwell deep within me on arrival at our local emergency room. There was never any uncertainty in my mind that God would see me thorough whatever lay ahead. Since our small rural hospital isn’t equipped to handle a major heart attack victim, a Flight for Life helicopter was called to take me to a hospital in Colorado Springs. Given the way our medical system works, I should have been taken to a hospital in Pueblo. Was it oversight? I’m sure it wasn’t! It was unbelievable how every event of that day fell into place like a well-fitting puzzle. Only God could have orchestrated it. Later that same day, I had triple bypass surgery and spent six days in the hospital.    

 Am I bitter because I had to endure the pain, trauma, expense, and inconvenience that accompany heart surgery? Not in the least. God allowed me to encounter Him in an unprecedented way and took me on a spiritual adventure I wouldn’t trade for the entire universe!

 

James is a lifelong rancher living in southern Colorado. He and Bobbie have been married nearly fifty-one years, having three adult children and five grandchildren. The ranch has been in the family since 1893.

 I have experienced several ‘spiritual adventures’ as I like to refer to them. The one you have just read is the most profound so far. Yes, I am expecting and looking forward to more. My hope is; if you have any doubt there is life after death, by the time you finish reading this remarkable encounter, you will dispel that thought.        

 

                                               

GOD'S PLANS ~Faithful Friday ~ Leslie L. McKee

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God’s Plans

A Devotional  
by Leslie L. McKee

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

2020 has been a crazy, chaotic, and even scary year. It’s pretty much a guarantee that if someone had been asked in 2015 what they’d be doing five years later, they would’ve been incorrect. This year has been something nobody anticipated.

Yet, 2020 was not a surprise to the Lord. He knew long before we were born exactly what would happen this year, as well as what our response would be to all that is going on around us.

Some people may question where God has been in all that’s gone on in their lives. Not just with the pandemic, but with each trial they have faced. They may feel abandoned, forgotten, or without purpose.

The truth is actually quite simple: God is right here with us. He’s never left. He is still in control, and He still has a plan. Even when we don’t see a way, God can—and will—make a way.

It’s hard to fathom yet amazing to understand that God knew us before birth. (Jeremiah 1:15) He knows every little detail of our lives, right down to each hair on our head. (Luke 12:7) God sees the big picture that we can’t see or perhaps even imagine.

God hasn’t forgotten His people. His love, grace, and mercy are never-ending. That’s true even when life (or the world) seems out of control. Knowing that His plans are for our good—to prosper us and give us a hope-filled future—is comforting and certain, even when times are uncertain. He is the peace amid all the chaos. 

 Lord, help me to cling to the reminder that everything in my life is for a purpose—Your purpose—and I can trust You, no matter what is going on around me. Amen.

Leslie L. McKee

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.

ALEXIS A. GORING ~ The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly ~ Faithful Friday

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The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

A devotional by Alexis A. Goring

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

– 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

This devotional was inspired by some of the first words spoken to me by one of my dear writer friends. I’ve changed her name for privacy reasons.

I will always remember my first conversation with my friend Juniper. She told me from the start that she’s ready to talk about it all – “the good, the bad, and the ugly” – because “life is too short to ease into friendships.”

Her words touched my heart and I knew she was a friend for life. As I write this devotional, I am reflecting on her words and thinking of my Best Friend who is always there for me and willing to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. His Name is Jesus Christ and He is my best friend forever!

Jesus loves me unconditionally and He’s been with me through all the ups and downs of this life. He promises to comfort me, bless me, protect me and give me strength for the journey from Earth to Heaven. Best of all, He is my Savior, Redeemer and Lord over all!

There’s a song by Kari Jobe called “Lord Over All.” In this song, Kari touches on very important points that will get you through this life here on Earth. She says that when she’s facing the unknown, she knows that she can raise her voice to God and rest assured that He is with her and know that God will never leave her side! God is with her in the shifting shadows, the darkness, the uncertainties, the deep valleys of life, the troubled times … and He rescues her from it all effectively every single time without fail because He is Lord Over All!

The fact that God is “Lord Over All” means that He is in charge of this world and the entire universe! He is intimately involved in human affairs and He cares about everything that affects us – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

God has the solutions that you’re looking for in this life. You can trust Him today, tomorrow and forever! You can run to Him and He’ll welcome you with open arms, every single time. Why? Because, dear one, He loves you with ALL of His Heart. There’s nothing you can do to make Him love you less and there’s nothing you can do to make Him love you more. God’s Love for You is perfect and complete. He sent His Son (Jesus Christ) to save your life! Read John 3:16 for details on that point. He wants you to be reunited with Him for all eternity. God wants to help you through all the trials, tragedy, trauma and drama in this life.

Contrary to popular belief, God is not just watching us from a distance; He is here! He is everywhere! You cannot hide from Him because He sees all and knows all. But not in a scary way. In a loving, compassionate, strong and caring manner. His Presence is powerful! But you don’t have to be afraid of Him because His love for you is gentle and enduring.

Will you allow God and His Son Jesus Christ to be your Best Friend? They want to be there for you and they want to hear it ALL: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

You can safely confide in God and His Son without worrying about your information traveling elsewhere. They have the solutions you seek!

Will you allow your Maker, Savior, Redeemer and Best Friend to be there for you? They are waiting with open arms and a heart of love for you.

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

ALEXIS A. GORING ~ Conversations with God ~ Faithful Friday

Hi, all. It's Faithful Friday here on Whispers in Purple. Please welcome author Alexis A. Goring as she shares an adventure in traveling unfamiliar roads and encounters God in an most unusual way.

Conversations with God

A devotional by Alexis A. Goring

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

–      Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

God taught me many life lessons when I moved from Maryland to Montana to take my first big break in Journalism almost a decade ago. One of those lessons was that even when He’s silent, He’s still there.

Allow me to explain …

One Friday afternoon, I was driving my car down a gravel road, on assignment, trying to make it to a small town and back to my apartment before sundown.

I lived near the city in Maryland so I never actually had driven on a gravel road. Therefore, I didn’t realize that I couldn’t safely go the same speed on a gravel road than I could on a paved road. I think you know where this story is going … in a matter of minutes, my car fishtailed and spun around several times before crashing into a wire fence in the middle of nowhere!

Literally nowhere. To my left of the road was the wire fence that my car crashed into and to the right of the road was another wire fence that blocked off lines of farm property.

I got out of my car to survey the damage. The entire rear bumper was ripped off and it looked like my car had taken a beating. In addition to all of this, I realized that my car’s undercarriage was trapped because it was entwined with the wires from the fence. Clearly, I could not drive my car back onto the gravel road. It wouldn’t move! Surveying the damage, I just about lost it and I had a conversation with God. Just me, God, and the cows grazing on the farmland that was on the other side of the road.

My conversation was clearly one-sided and it went something like this:

What are You doing? How am I going to pay for this? You know that most of my paycheck goes to rent, bills and food! I have no more money! What am I going to do? Where are You?!

In the middle of my venting session, I paused as my gaze lowered from looking up at the sky (because God is beyond the heavens), to looking at a cow. To this day I remember that cow because he was the only cow whose coat was all black. All of the other cows were eating grass farther away on the right side of the fence, and they all were white and brown in color. But this cow, as beautiful and sleek as a black stallion, was positioned directly across from me. It stood by silently like a faithful friend, pressing close behind that fence, looking at me with pools of sympathy and empathy in its expressive round and dark eyes.

For a moment, I paused, completely awestruck. I’ve never seen an animal look at me like that, it was as if he knew what I was going through and somehow he wanted to comfort me.

But that moment was gone as quickly as it had come and I returned to my conversation with God. I flailed my arms and shouted at the sky, “Great! How is a COW going to HELP ME?!”

I reached for my phone to call the police so that I could report the accident and call a tow truck. But when I tried to dial a number, I noticed that there was no signal! I panicked, realizing that I was still in the middle of nowhere and it was only two hours before sunset. I did not want to be stranded at night!

Once again, I turned to God. This time, my conversation was more panicked. I asked God, “Are you just going to leave me here?”

Suddenly, an alternative form of communication dawned on me: I could try using my email on my phone to dial the newspaper office and tell my office manager to send the police and a tow truck. So I did then I waited. While I was waiting, a kind, older gentleman arrived in a pickup truck. He just “happened” to be a plumber (looking back, I wonder if he was an angel sent by God but at that time, I was too distressed to consider that possibility).

I watched as he took his tool kit out of his car and slid beneath my car like a natural mechanic and used tools from his kit to untangle my car from the wire fence. Then, at my request, he sat behind the wheel and maneuvered my car back onto the gravel road.

I thanked him then got into my car and started driving back toward where I lived. My plan was to drive straight to my apartment but as I was driving, I heard disturbing noises that I later learned indicated that I had a flat tire. I knew it wouldn’t be safe for me to drive all the way back to my apartment, which was an hour away, with my car in its battered condition.

When I spotted a restaurant (also in the middle of nowhere) about ten minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot, got out of my car, walked into the restaurant where the aroma of delicious food wafted to my nose, and I asked to use their telephone. It was there, while I was on the phone reporting my accident to the agent from GEICO car insurance that God spoke to me.

The female agent paused in her work to gather data about my accident and told me that she had to be silent for a few moments while she processed my claim but she wanted me to know that she’s “still here.”

And that was when the floodgates that I’d been holding back burst. I started crying. Not hysterically but still, openly crying. I’d kept it all together around other people until that point. God spoke to me. He helped me realize through that agent’s words spoken in the softest, kindest, most reassuring tone that HE was still there with me. And He’s never leaving my side. Even when I railed at Him in the middle of nowhere after my car crashed. Even when I doubted Him to take care of my financial needs which now included trying to figure out how to repair my totaled car.

Longer story short: I got it together, hung up the phone, met with the police and then a truck driver drove me home. Gratefully, God did not allow me to be hurt in that car accident. My car was totaled but I was not.

Thankfully, God never left my side. Even when I couldn’t feel His Presence, He showed up for me through that black cow, the patient plumber, and the kindhearted agent from GEICO.

I am sharing this story with you to encourage you to not give up on God because He will never give up on you! He loves you with ALL of His Heart.

When you’re weary, allow Him to carry you (Isaiah 46:4). When you’re hurt, let Him heal you (Psalm 103:2-3). When you’re in distress, trust Him to rescue you

(Isaiah 43:1-2). May the Lord bless you and keep you (Numbers 6:24-26).

In closing, I’d like for you to listen to this song, “He’s Able” by Pastor Deitrick Haddon.

Remember, God will never leave you to face life by yourself (Matthew 28:20)!

  

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Author Bio: Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

The B.I.B.L.E

The B-I-B-L-E

A Faithful Friday Devotion from

Peggy Blann Phifer

“The B-I-B-L-E, yes that’s the Book for me, I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E!”

How many of you remember singing that little chorus in Sunday school? You stood, or sat, singing for all you’re worth with bright, happy faces.

The Bible. The Word of God. I’ve had many Bibles through the years, including a little, red Gideon’s New Testament that eventually fell apart and I had to keep it together with rubber bands. Somewhere I still have that battered treasure … somewhere …

I recently saw a document in which a Bible verse was quoted, but it just didn’t look right to me, even though the scripture reference was cited as from the King James version. I dismissed it, as something else demanded my attention, but it kept bugging me.

Finally, in the middle of vacuuming, I couldn’t stand it any longer and reached for my own KJV Bible to look it up. Sure, I could have gone to Bible Gateway, or some other online source, but I wasn’t at my computer.

My Bible is well-worn and mended, and I don’t use it much anymore because the print is too small. But it’s a treasure because my mom and dad gave it to me on my 30th birthday some (___) years ago. On the second page inside, my dad had hand-written several excerpts from Proverbs 1 & 2. Words about wisdom, ending with “… Thou shalt then understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.’”

Next to my Bible, was my dad’s equally worn and mended Schofield Reference Edition, also KJV, which my mother gave me after Daddy passed. It is filled with underlined and highlighted verses, and copious notes in the margins. Just inside the front flap is a ‘sticky note’ with these words: “I would have this church be a big church and at the same time be full of the Holy Spirit, but it wouldn’t do it on its own.” You see, Daddy (and Mom) were instrumental in getting several new churches planted.

Next to Dad’s Bible was my Grandmother Blann’s Bible, given to me when she passed away in the late 1960’s, because I was the first-born of her eldest son. She hadn’t written in hers, but I found several bookmarks from events held at her church during the final years of her life.

I own many Bible translations, some of which are ‘study’ versions, most of which are just collecting dust on the shelves … again, because the font is too small.

My regular—and favorite—Bible these days, the one I use every day for my Bible reading and devotions, is the large print NKJV. It has a permanent place on the corner of my desk, always open, along with the current copy of The Upper Room, also in large print.

So, what about you? Do you have any ‘Bible stories’ to share? Any special sentiments attached to copies you have? Which version is your favorite?

Please share in the comments below

PS: That scripture reference I mentioned above? It was quoted correctly.

FINDING REST ~ Leslie L. McKee ~ Devotional ~ Faithful Friday

Image courtesy Pixabay.com

Finding Rest

By Leslie L. McKee

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

This verse paints such a vivid picture. And it is one that I am very familiar with. Perhaps you are, too.

I battle chronic illness and chronic pain on a daily basis. I know all too well how it feels to be weary, overburdened, and in need of rest. My mind and body are not always in sync, and it is a struggle on some days to do the simplest of tasks. And if I am dealing with increased stress or anxiety, my situation can go from bad to worse quite quickly.

Jesus understood what I’m going through. He understands what you may be going through, as well. And He wants to take on those burdens and, in return, He offers peace and rest.

True peace and rest only come through Jesus. We can try to achieve them on our own, but they tend to be just beyond our reach. There are some things we are unable to do on our own, and this is one of those situations.

Life is full of trials, and it can be exhausting. The good news is that we weren’t created to do things on our own. Today’s verse is a reminder of that.

Jesus puts out a call to those who are weary. He offers up his yoke, which is light, for our heavy one. In Jesus’s time, His teachings were in stark contrast to other leaders. Jesus invited others to learn from Him. His message was one of weakness and humility, as well as a submission to God, the Father. Jesus asks the same of us today. He asks us to trust.

How do you become qualified for this peace and rest that Jesus is offering? In short, we need to be weak and trust in Him. We don’t need to feel discouraged about illness and pain or feel like they are holding us back from what the Lord has planned for our lives. This is the pathway to true rest. So embrace those areas you view as weaknesses, and turn them over to Jesus.

Lord, thank you that I do not have to be perfect. You can and will use my weaknesses for your perfect plan for my life. Amen.

Leslie L. McKee

WATERLOO AND THE CRUCIFIXION ~ Rose Spiller ~ Faithful Friday

Waterloo and the Crucifixion 

Hope When it Feels Like All is Lost

by Rose Spiller 

Pixabay.com

On June 18, 1815, the 68,000-man British army, commanded by Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, went up against Napoleon Bonaparte, self-proclaimed emperor of France and his army of 72,000 troops near the village of Waterloo. The Brits had everything on the line in this battle. If they defeated Napoleon, it would be an end to his reign of terror; but if they lost, Great Britain would become yet one more European country taken over by Napoleon.

Knowing the entire country was anxiously waiting, the army devised a system to communicate the results of the battle as quickly as possible. A man was situated in a boat off the shore of Waterloo. When he saw the results of the battle, he was to signal a man in a church tower who would signal someone else, who would signal someone else, and on and on until the results reached the people of Great Britain. When the battle was over, the man in the boat was able to signal 2 words before a heavy fog rolled in, “Wellington Defeated.” This message was passed on down the line until it reached the people of Great Britain. The Brits were devastated. They had put all their hope in the Duke of Wellington, and he was defeated. What hope was there for them now?! Three hours later, though, the fog cleared and the man in the boat was able to get the rest of his message through, “Wellington Defeated the Enemy.” As the completed message was passed on, you can imagine the joy and elation the people of Great Britain felt! History says Napoleon rode away from the battle crying.

When Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, it was like Waterloo for His followers. They had put all their hope in Jesus, and now the message they received was “Jesus Defeated.” I can’t imagine the devastation and hopelessness they felt that Friday and Saturday. But on the third day, the fog rolled out and they were able to get the complete message – “Jesus Defeated the Enemy!” Can you imagine the elation and relief they felt?! 

Many of us have had times where we have felt devastated by circumstances in our lives, maybe some of you are going through something right now. While we are not minimizing the pain you may be experiencing, you are not without hope; you are not stuck in Good Friday. We have the complete message – Jesus has defeated Satan, Sin, and Death! If we belong to Him, His victory is ours! As 2 Corinthians 4: 6 – 9 tells us,” For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

L-R: Rose Spiller - Chris Paxson

Rose Spiller is one half of a writing team. She and her co-author, Christine Paxson are the founders of Proverbs 9:10 Ministries. Find out more at:

Website: https://proverbs910ministries.com

Link to Proverbs 9:10 FB: https://www.facebook.com/pg/prov910/posts

Link to “No Half-Truths Allowed” FB page: https://www.facebook.com/NoHalfTruths/

You can also find us on Instagram: proverbs910ministries and on Twitter @prov_910

Our podcast “No Trash, Just Truth!” can be found on all major podcasting sites, or here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/615385

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 1, when Whispers in Purple will be spotlighting their new book and sharing an in-depth interview with these interesting ladies.

THE BODYGUARD: Reflections about God's Protection ~ Alexis A. Goring ~ Devotional

The Bodyguard: Reflections about God’s Protection

A devotional by Alexis A. Goring

“You have made the Lord your defender, the Most High your protector,
and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home.
God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.”

–Psalm 91:9-11 [GNT]

This devotional is based on my observations on the commute I took via Metro Rail to work one morning.

A tall, dark, handsome, fit and strong man dressed sharply in a black suit and shiny black shoes skillfully guarded a little girl who appeared to be no older than five. He was five times her height and looked very much like he was her bodyguard. Looking back, I realized that he could have been her biological dad too. Nonetheless, he clearly had one objective: keeping his little girl safe. 

I watched as he scoped out his surroundings inside the train car, even moving to a more secure seat with his little girl as more people filled the train. He was actively alert, listening and watching everyone who may pose a threat to his child. She looked perfectly content, focused on her own little world. She appeared to have no worries because she knew she was in good hands with this man. It was clear that he would protect her at all costs. Then I started wondering about their story. 

We took the same train to the same stop in Northwest D.C. so I speculated if this young girl was a princess from another country, a dignitary’s daughter, or the child of some other high profile person like a politician. Regardless of to whom she belonged, it was clear that she was safe and loved, and needed not to worry about anything because he would protect her from all harm. 

These observations caused me to think about my God as our Heavenly Father. He is a Good Father who wants to protect us at all costs, even if that meant sending His Only Son (Jesus Christ) to this world to show us the way to Him. Jesus lived, ministered to hurting people on this Earth, then died and rose again to complete the plan of salvation that gives us hope of eternal life.

Read the story in John 3:16. Jesus didn’t stay dead in the grave forever; on the third day after his death, He rose again! He is working on our behalf, interceding for us before His Father (God) in Heaven. Thanks to Christ’s sacrifice, we have the hope of eternal life when the final curtain closes on human history! Meanwhile, God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit are here to help us survive this human experience on Earth.

With God, we are always safe. He sends His Angels from Heaven to protect us. It is the common belief that God assigns a guardian angel to each of us to protect us from the time we are born until the time we die. Why? Because God loves us! He doesn’t want anything to happen to His children. 

Just like that little girl clearly belonged to someone important, we belong to God who is the King of the Universe, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. Most importantly, He is our Heavenly Father who loves us with all of His heart. God wants to save your life. Will you trust Him to be your bodyguard?

Author Bio: Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

OUT OF THE FOG ~ Leslie L. McKee ~ Devotional ~ Faithful Friday

Image courtest Pixabay.com

Out of the Fog

A devotional By Leslie L. McKee

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Eph. 3:17-19 (NIV)

I woke up this morning to find a “fog alert” on my phone. Sure enough, when I looked out the window, I couldn’t see beyond the edge of my front porch. It reminded me of years ago when I used to work downtown in a large city.

I loved seeing the skyline as I approached the city by bus. I had to walk a number of blocks to get from the bus stop to my office building. I’m barely over 5 feet tall, and I was always in awe of the buildings around me. Their height was impressive. I enjoyed seeing them rise up into the sky before seemingly disappearing into the clouds. Some of the buildings had very distinct architecture, which I found helpful. I’m quite directionally challenged, so I would navigate with the assistance of some of the buildings. If I could see them in the distance, I knew I was headed in the right direction.

On foggy days, however, it was another story. The magnificent skyline changed. Sure, I logically knew the buildings were still there, but the view was totally different. Instead of looming, they now appeared short and cut off. Their benefit in my navigation suddenly disappeared. Things felt unfamiliar, and perhaps a bit scary, as I was now left to figure out the direction I needed to go by other means. I felt lost, even though I was in a place I had been in time and time again for over a year.

This challenge to navigate is somewhat similar to some people’s spiritual journeys.

1 Peter 2:25 states, “Once you were like sheep who wandered away.”

Without a shepherd leading the way, it’s easy for sheep to get lost. The same can be said of humans, as well. Just as I used those buildings to navigate, Christ-followers rely on their Shepherd to lead the way … and to help them find their way when they wander or get lost.

We may not always know which way to go or what step to take next … but the Lord does. His love, grace, and strength (and so much more!) are always available to us. He will provide clarity when we’re confused, peace when we’re anxious, and guidance when we feel lost.

He is with us … always … no matter how many foggy days we encounter along the way.

Dear Lord, thank You for your clarity, guidance, and love, which is deeper and wider and greater than anything we could ever encounter.

Author Leslie L. McKee

ONE MAY DAY ~ LoRee Peery ~ Faithful Friday

Hi, everybody, It's Faithful Friday here on Whispers in Purple and I'm delighted to present a thoughtful devotional offering from author LoRee Peery.

Enjoy.

One May Day

by LoRee Peery

I went out at 10 a.m. to pull a few daisies. And pulled a lot more than a “few.” I also yanked up sage that had spilled amongst rocks. Then I transplanted a pot of prolific moss rose. At 11:30, I felt the heat of the sun. It dawned on me that I wore no hat to protect the encroaching crow’s feet.

Bogey, our 90-pound yellow lab mix alerted that he needed a walk, so I scrubbed my hands and we had a romp.

Unleashing him, I recognized that my feet needed attention. Inside, I also readied writing materials related to my present project to work on while my feet soaked. I set a jug of sun tea on the porch, along with foot scrub tools, a towel, my work in progress, a pen and paper.

With the lavender foot salts, the pan, and soothing warm water just waiting for my tired feet, I slipped them into the scented soothing soak. I reached for my highlighter to mark research notes and specific topics on my printed pages. Stretched my fingers a bit farther because I was already reading, and…my pen rolled out of reach.

I also had no green highlighter.

My first thought: what do I do now?

Duh.

How long had it been since I did NOTHING but sit in the fresh air? I LOVE my home in the country. I inhaled the breeze, absorbed the birdsong concert, and smiled over two distant p’cawing peacocks as they called back and forth down the road. I feasted my eyes on glorious flowers along with the sun shining through cobalt and green glass decorating my rock gardens.

An epiphany struck. The Lord knew I NEEDED to do nothing but sit and concentrate on deep breathing. I was meant to listen to the God speak to my soul and count my blessings for longer than a few fleeting prayer words. I called up a song… let my mind go…

And wondered. When had I redeveloped the habit of always having something to read and/or a pen in my hand when I sit?

Prayer: Lord, forgive my multi-tasking, preoccupied busyness. Help me set everything aside and praise You. Help me concentrate on the life You have given me. I long to be still and know You are God. You are the Creator of a calm soul rather than inner turmoil of spiritual chaos. I ask that You remind me to rest in You. In Your Holy Name, amen.

 Nebraska country girl LoRee Peery writes fiction that hopefully appeals to adult readers who enjoy stories written from a Christian perspective, focusing on the romance. These include novels and novellas for women and men in the Contemporary, Romance, Historical, Time Travel, and Mystery/Suspense categories. She writes of redeeming grace with a sense of place. She is who she is by the grace of God: Christian, country girl, wife, mother, grandmother and great-, sister, friend, and author.