The Last Meal

“For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ” – 1 Kings 17:14 (NIV)

The Texas sun beat down on Maria’s head as she walked to the only convenience store in her tiny town. She was just about to step inside the store when a man who looked homeless reached for her arm.

She stepped back, feeling wary at first. But there was something about the look in the man’s eyes that relaxed her.

“Please, a bottle of water, I beg,” he said.

Maria reached into her pocket and felt for her change. The last bit of change she’d been able to scrape together. She’d spent over an hour searching for it.

“Perhaps a slice of bread, too,” the man said hopefully.

Maria sighed, her heartbreaking for the stranger. Tears filled her eyes and she whispered, “No, I’m sorry. I’m here to buy a final meal for my son and myself.” She pulled the crusty change from her pocket. “These are my last few cents.” Her voice trembled.

“Don’t be afraid,” the homeless man said softly. “Bring me a cup of water and a loaf of bread. Then go feed yourself and your son—for God Himself will provide for your family.”

The widow’s act of faith was also an act of love. She gave what she must have thought was the last of her food to Elijah, a stranger she hardly knew. She chose to trust that God saw her loving sacrifice and would provide for her.

God, let me be generous with every resource You’ve entrusted to me. I hold nothing back from Your hand. Everything I have is Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

New Places

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” – Joshua 1:5-6

Joshua had spent years, learning from his mentor, Moses, and protecting the people of Israel. But the day came when Moses passed away and it was time for Joshua to lead the great nation that God had created.

God starts his instructions to Joshua by reassuring him of his holy presence. Then he goes on to command Joshua to be strong and courageous. It’s not that Joshua was cowardly, he was quite brave.

But God knew the difficult tasks that would lie ahead for Joshua. So, He promised his presence and encouraged him. He wanted Joshua to know that his nation was about to enter into the Promised Land.

It can be hard when God calls you out of the familiar. Joshua was comfortable living in the desert lands with the Israelites. He was accustomed to being a nomad. But God had bigger plans and longed to move His people.

When God calls you into new places, you don’t need to fear. He will be with you just as He was with Moses and Joshua. So take courage, precious one, God will guide you on your journey.

God, sometimes, new places are scary. It’s easy to feel small and want to hide out. But give me faith that’s bigger than my fears. Lead me in Your paths. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

My Cup Overflows

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” – Psalm 23:5

Tamara never knew her father. He was a first responder to a horrible disaster. Although he saved many lives, he was killed in action. This left her mother alone and pregnant with her first child.

Growing up, Tamara’s family struggled in many different ways. The biggest one was financial. Without a second provider, Tamara’s mother couldn’t afford a lot but she always found a way to give back to those in need.

Once, Tamara watched her mom give money to a homeless man. When she asked why, her mother simply responded, “Because my cup overflows.”

It wasn’t until years later that Tamara realized her mom’s perspective allowed her to give despite her own struggles. “She always had this way of looking at life. She was thankful for everything, both the big and the small.”

Tamara says her mom’s generosity has influenced how she thinks about her own money, time, and energy. “It’s hard to give sometimes. It’s not my first instinct. Then I think about my sweet mama and I find myself repeating those four words: because my cup overflows.”

Giving back even when you don’t have a lot comes down to perspective. If you view everything as a gift from God, then it’s easier to share your own resources with others.

God, help me to have a thankful spirit and a willingness to give. I thank You for all the ways my cup overflows, both big and small. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Led by the Spirit

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” – Psalm 143:10

Gina had always heard about Christians doing something simply because they were led by the Holy Spirit. But she’d never experienced this for herself and she wondered why.

Then one day, Gina was on her way to work when she thought about the position at her company that was just about to open up. One of her favorite co-workers was moving away and management hadn’t found a good replacement yet.

She’d often thought that Anne would make a great addition to the office. But she was busy raising two kids.

Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she should stop by Anne’s home and tell her about the job. So she did a U-turn and went back to Anne’s home.

When she arrived, she found Anne looking pale. When she asked her what was wrong, Anne answered that she’d just come from a doctor’s appointment with her husband.

The doctor had just informed Anne that her husband would need several surgeries and would be unable to work in the coming months. “I’m scared,” Anne whispered when Gina hugged her tight.

After listening to her fears and comforting Anne some more, Gina shared about the position at her company and promised to talk to her supervisor about the spot that day.

When she shared the experience with her ladies group, one woman beamed at her. “Gina, what you experienced was being led by the Spirit. You didn’t know how or why but you knew to go to Anne.”

God, help me to be led by Your Spirit. Make my heart sensitive to Your leading so I can hear and respond to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

A Bold Decision

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14

Esther had spent years being told to hide her Jewish heritage by her Uncle Mordecai. She knew she’d be in danger if she revealed to the king her true background.  So when King Xerxes put the crown on her head and declared her queen, she still held back her family history.

But the day came when all of the Jews were to be sentenced to death. Her uncle encouraged her to go to the king and plead her cause.

Esther’s stomach must have dropped when she heard her uncle’s words. She explained that she hadn’t seen the king in over a month and she could not enter his presence unless she had first been called into it.

Mordecai again encouraged her to go to the king, pointing out that God may have set her in the royal palace for just this very reason.

So, Esther told her uncle and the Jewish nation to pray for her and fast. She would do the same and afterward, she promised to seek out the king.

Up until this point, Esther’s silence had guaranteed her survival. But she made a bold choice to stand up for her nation. Not only did God reward her bravery by rescuing the Jewish people, but He also destroyed their enemies.

God, when it’s hard to speak up, please give me the courage to stand. I want to be brave and bold, just like Esther was. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Extending a Warm Invitation

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew11:28

Robbie checked the weather on his smartphone and his heart sank. At nineteen, he was an employee for a local hotel and he dreaded seeing the low nightly temperatures. The hotel where he worked was in a downtown area that had a large population of the homeless.

He’d made friends with Austin, a military veteran who had spent the past few months sleeping on park benches. “Life just kind of fell apart all at once and I couldn’t put back together,” he had explained.

When he clocked in to work that night, Robbie checked the logs and several of the rooms would be open for the evening. He gathered his courage and hurried to his manager’s office before he could talk himself out of it.

Robbie opened the door when the older man barked permission. He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans, “Record cold temperatures are expected tonight.”

The manager kept playing a game on his smartphone, “I have a weather app, too. Spit it out.”

“Well, I checked the log and we have more than a few empty rooms. I—can I book them in my name? You can take it out of my paycheck.”

Robbie’s manager stopped the game and leaned back in his chair. “Are you havin’ a family reunion in the middle of this mess?”

Robbie shook his head, “I know a couple of guys. They don’t have any place to go.” He flushed, “Jesus was homeless once.”

The manager considered his request for a minute before finally blowing out a breath. “Keep it quiet, kid, and don’t get me in trouble.”

Robbie was almost to the door when his manager called out, “Oh, and put me down for half of the rooms.”

God, help me to be invitational when it comes to others. Show me how to be a blessing to someone else this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

God Reigns

“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” – Psalm 47:8

Kelly felt the familiar pit in her stomach as soon as she saw the office manager. As a nurse, she worked for Dr. Benson, who had hired his wife to run the office. Although Dr. Benson was pleasant, his wife rarely was.

She was always cornering Kelly and sharing her latest conspiracy theory or a negative report she’d seen on the news. Kelly tried to leave as early as possible but today, she’d stayed late to educate a patient about her diabetes diagnosis.

As she clocked out, she saw Dr. Benson’s wife head straight toward her. Taking a deep breath, Kelly plastered a smile on her face and listened while the other woman prattled on. When her phone notified her she had a text message, she managed to leave.

Later, Kelly reached out to a friend. “I see her and I get all these knots in my stomach,” She explained. “She always shares these doom-and-gloom prophesies and I don’t know what to do anymore!”

Her friend shrugged, “Just listen. I’ve learned to let people rage and focus on the fact that God reigns. He ultimately decides how each story will end. You don’t have to let her negativity color your attitude.”

It’s hard to deal with a gloomy Gus who never has anything positive to share. But that doesn’t mean you have to be dragged down by their negativity. Instead, turn your eyes to Jesus and keep your gaze there.

God, don’t let me absorb the negativity of those around me. I want to be a bright light shining for You. Let my gaze be fixed on You and only You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

New Every Morning

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

On the outside, Ned’s life looked good. He was a caring husband to his wife and a doting father to his three sons. He actively participated in his community, helped out at his church, and he shared his resources with others less fortunate.

But night after night, Ned came home from work and drank. It had started as an innocent habit, having a beer after work. It was his way to unwind. But as time passed, Ned needed more and more beers to feel relaxed.

Eventually, Ned started discreetly sneaking sips of alcohol in between phone calls at the office where he worked. He also began missing his children’s events and practices. His wife urged him to see a counselor who specialized in substance abuse.

But Ned refused and eventually, he was fired for drinking on the job. Then a few weeks later, he picked up his kids from school while he was drunk. Upon learning this, his wife moved out and took the kids with her.

Distraught Ned reached out to his local pastor. He poured out the whole truth and begged for advice. “What do I do? I’ve been this way so long that I don’t think God wants me anymore.”

Ned’s pastor reminded him of Lamentations 3:22-23. “God has new mercy for you every single day, Ned. He never grows tired of you and He never gives up. You need to make changes in your life but with God’s help, you can overcome this.”

God, help me to remember that You are full of mercy and tenderness toward Your children. Let me feel that mercy in my own life and extend it to others, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Living in Between

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Stefanie was always the woman with plans. If she set her sights on a goal, she got it done no matter what it took. She was the type of person that felt a need to be in control of everything and often had a plan A, B, C, D, and more.

But in the past few months, Stefanie has come face to face with many circumstances that she can’t control. “I’ve always done everything through sheer will. But I’ve spent most of the past few weeks just trying to make it through.”

Stefanie’s husband is in the military and she’s waiting to hear where they’ll be transferring her family. Her youngest son has learning disabilities and she’s waiting for an official diagnosis for her child.

“I’m learning to tackle life one day at a time,” Stefanie shares, “One thing God has been teaching me lately is that He already knows the next step. My job isn’t to figure it out. It’s to trust that He has it all under control.”

Seasons where life feels unsettled like you’re “in-between” or “waiting”, are a great time to slow down and look to God. Often, these seasons exist because God longs to become your focus. So, He removes from your life other distractions.

But rest assured that God never wastes any season in your life. He has a plan and He’s putting it in motion, even if you don’t see it quite yet.

God, help me as I live in these between seasons. Waiting is hard. Listening is hard. But You have a plan and a purpose for this time in my life. Help me to lean into You and trust Your hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

No Dropped Stitches

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” – Psalm 139:13

Robin’s grandmother taught her to knit when she was just a little girl. She would patiently demonstrate stitch techniques to her granddaughter and taught her how to read knitting patterns.

As a beginning knitter, Robin frequently dropped stitches. This happens when a bit of the yarn unravels, leaving a run in the design. An experienced knitter can usually spot a dropped stitch but those who don’t knit don’t notice the missed stitch in a completed project.

Still, Robin would bring each dropped stitch to her grandmother. Patiently, the older woman would fix Robin’s mistake while whispering, “God never drops a stitch, my dear.”

It wasn’t until years later that Robin realized what her grandmother had been talking about. “I was interviewed for a job with a company I really wanted to work for. The interview went well and they made me an offer. But at the last minute, the position fell through. I was crushed at the time.”

Not long after that, Robin received a phone call from her sister. “She told me that she was pregnant with quadruplets. We live hours apart but as soon as I heard the news, I knew I wanted to be closer to support her.”

So, Robin packed up her tiny apartment and moved. She found a good job and she’s thankful for the one that fell apart. “Now I understand what my grandmother was saying all those years ago. Truly, God never drops a stitch.”

It can be hard when something you really wanted doesn’t turn out the way you’d hoped. But trust that God can use even this disappointment for His glory and your good.

God, You never miss a detail and You don’t make mistakes. Help me to trust even when I don’t understand what You’re doing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Remembering God’s Goodness

“The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” – Psalm 145:9

Shannon was enjoying her second year of college when she found a lump in her breast. She mentioned it to her mom who advised her to make an appointment with her doctor. “It’s probably nothing. Breast cancer doesn’t run in our family but get it checked just to be sure.” Her mom said.

So, Shannon followed up and had the lump biopsied. Then a few days later, the news came. The cells were cancerous and Shannon would need surgery.

Since her cancer wasn’t very advanced, her doctor chose to do a lumpectomy to minimize healing time and pain. But Shannon still had to go through radiation to ensure the cancer cells were destroyed.

A woman Shannon’s mom had worked with went through a similar experience and checked in with her regularly. She advised Shannon to do therapeutic activities like journaling and adult coloring.

Shannon started writing, turning her journal into a prayer journal. She started keeping a list of all the ways God had blessed her. 

“Before then, I hadn’t spent a lot of time thinking about God but after my surgery, I realized how good and trustworthy God is. I kept coming back to that truth in the weeks following my treatment.”

Now, Shannon keeps that journal in a special place. “When things aren’t going so well, I pull out that list of God’s kindnesses toward me and it soothes my soul. I know God cares about what I’m facing.”

God, help me to remember Your kindness and compassion toward me even when my circumstances seem dark. You are always good and You are faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Change of Plans

“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

When Katie Davis Majors graduated high school, she planned to study nursing and go into the medical field. But an autumn mission trip later that same year changed her goals in a big way.

Katie fell in love both with Uganda and the orphans she met while there. She returned to the States to start her degree but found herself drawn back to Africa within a few months.

While she was there, Katie founded Amazina Ministries, an organization focused on educating and providing for the needs of the poor in Uganda. When a local house collapsed, Katie took in a young girl orphaned in the accident.

Katie continued to adopt orphans who were in need of a warm home and a caring mother. By the time she was 23, Katie was providing for 13 kids who called her “mama”.

She even went on to write a book about her unconventional family titled Kisses from Katie and followed it up with Daring to Hope. Both books explore the themes of faith, loss, and redemption.

Katie thought she’d already chosen her path in life. But God led her to change her plans and embrace a different life than she’d imagined.

Although it can be hard and scary when God directs you to a different path, don’t be afraid to follow Him. He knows the way and He’ll never lead you wrong.

God, I confess: sometimes when life deviates from what I think it should be, it scares me. But I choose to trust You. You know exactly what You’re doing and I trust Your plans for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Pray On-the-Go

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Liam longed to deepen his relationship with God and he asked a friend for suggestions. His friend shared that the best way to grow into God was to spend more time in prayer.

So, Liam decided to dedicate five minutes of his day to pray. This worked for a few days but Liam didn’t have a system to track his prayer requests or a way to remember who he wanted to pray for.

He wanted a way to organize his prayers and as a busy college student and part-time pizza deliverer, he needed a mobile solution. That’s when he heard about Echo Prayer Manager. It’s an app that helps users develop vibrant prayer lives.

With it, you can set reminders to pray over certain situations, share those prayers with friends, and track how you’ve seen God respond. Echo is free and easy to use. You can download it on both iPhone and Android devices.

If Echo doesn’t work for some reason, there are many other prayer apps that can help you develop a regular quiet time. What’s important isn’t which app you use – it’s that you grow closer to God by spending time talking with Him daily.

God, I want a more intimate relationship with You. Show me how to pray, draw me closer to Your heart. You’re all I really want. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Loving His Community

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4

Tommy Wynkoop is an entrepreneur and the owner of Fox’s Pizza Den in Pennsylvania. He lives in a small town where winter can be long and unrelenting.

Three years ago, a snowstorm blew through the town that left many residents trapped in their homes. Tommy’s employees showed up to work on time with their usual cheerful attitudes.

When Tommy saw his employees were able and willing to work, he took to Facebook. He quickly updated his business page to tell residents that they could call or reach out to Fox’s Pizza Den if they needed medications or other errands run.

He explained no purchase was necessary, that he simply wanted to help his community. He did this because he knew his small town had many elderly residents and he worried they would become stranded or hurt in the storm.

Some people view hardship as an opportunity to profit. But Tommy took the opposite approach. Instead of using the storm to gain, he used it as an opportunity to give. That’s the very definition of love.

What situation in your life could you use as a chance to give back and bless others? How can you show love and grace to the community around you?

God, help me to be a giver. When others are takers, I want to keep on giving. Show me some tangible ways I can be a blessing to my community. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Under the Stars

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1

Sophie was a surprise baby for her parents who were in their late forties. Her dad passed away shortly after she was born. So her beloved uncle stepped in to help raise her.

“He did almost everything with me.” Sophie says with a laugh, “Growing up, I sometimes felt like he was more my dad than my uncle. But he’s always loved me so fiercely.”

Sophie’s favorite memories with her uncle include camping in the woods. In her family, it was tradition for each father to take his children camping for a couple of weeks in the summer.

Sophie’s uncle took her when she was eight and she loved the adventure. “I remember how quiet it was out there. We’d stare at the sky all lit up with stars and my uncle would tell the funniest stories about what he and my dad had done together growing up.”

The experience was probably what led Sophie to become a professor of astronomy. “My uncle told me once that God knows every star by name and I think that’s why studying the universe became my passion.”

God’s creation is continually proclaiming His work. You can see this evident in blooming flowers, changing leaves, and even the snow that God sends to blanket the world.

God, You created the world around me with such wisdom and skill! Thank you for the gift of nature. Like all of Creation, let me be continually proclaiming Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

 

Tracing Your Family Tree

“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord…” – Psalm 102:18

Lydia found a box of pictures while she was cleaning her parents’ attic one year. Although both of her parents had passed away just a few weeks before, seeing the images made Lydia smile.

So, she decided to create a scrapbook of her family history. When she wasn’t sure who someone in a photo was, she would scan it and send it to her great aunt.

Photo by photo, Lydia was able to create a story of her family. Who they’d been, who they’d married, what they’d done with their lives. She compiled everything she could get her hands on.

“I just wanted my kids to feel their history. To know who they came from and the decisions their relatives made. It’s important to me that they can trace God’s goodness through all the generations of our family line.” Lydia explains.

Creating scrapbooks and organizing mementos can be hard. It can stir up old memories that comfort and ones that cause pain, too.

But if you don’t have a perfect family, take heart: Jesus also came from a line of people that weren’t perfect. In His family history, there’s a liar (Jacob), a murderer (King David), and a prostitute (Rahab). But despite their sins and their mistakes, Jesus is proof that God is always faithful.

God, when I’m frustrated and overwhelmed with family, remind me Jesus didn’t come from perfect people. Help me to show kindness and grace to my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

A Firm Foundation

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24

Katie had been happily married for almost two decades when her husband served her with divorce papers. It happened out of the blue for Katie who hadn’t seen any signs that her husband was unhappy in their marriage.

“I always thought we had a good relationship with strong communication.” Katie shook her head sadly. “But he set up an account on a dating website and met someone else.”

Overnight, Katie’s world changed. She went from being a middle-class woman, staying home to raise her children to be a single mom working two jobs to keep the lights on. “The only thing that got me through those next few years was my faith.”

Life can shift at a moment’s notice. Maybe like Katie, your spouse decided to walk out on you and your kids. Maybe you were diagnosed with a devastating disease or suddenly became the caretaker of a family member.

Whatever your situation is, make Jesus your firm foundation. Lean into Him and rely on His strength to carry you through this season of pain and uncertainty. Know that just as a mother tenderly bandages her toddler’s scraped knee, God is tenderly wrapping your aching heart and whispering words of comfort over you.

God, when life hurts, help me to turn to You. Be my strong foundation, the refuge where I can continually return. Wrap me in Your arms and hold onto me, I pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Creating a Network of Love

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Marcie was a social butterfly who was active in both her community and her church. She taught Sunday school to little kids, worked with the senior ministry, and handed out meals to the homeless.

Marcie built a huge network of people because she was so active. She could easily recommend the best plumber, mechanic, or handyman around. She always knew who was looking for work and who was hiring.

It wasn’t until she was helping a newly divorced father find a babysitter that Marcie realized how helpful her network was. She felt blessed that she knew so many wonderful people.

So, Marcie asked a friend who was gifted with the administration to help her organize a list of people she knew along with their contact information. The purpose of the list was so she could keep up with events in their personal lives and pray over them.

After completing the list, Marcie quickly discovered that she could help members connect with others in need even faster and she became the go-to source in her neighborhood.

Consider starting your own contact list. If known, add the dates of special events like birthdays and anniversaries. This will help you stay in touch with others and bless them throughout the year.

God, relationships are so valuable to You! Help me to treat everyone I meet and know with kindness and love. I want to shine Your light for all the world to see! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Teacher at Heart

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

Diane had spent years of her life in a corporate job that she loved. But in her late fifties, Diane became sick. It started as muscle pain and fatigue so at first, Diane thought she was getting the flu.

But as the weeks dragged on and she still wasn’t bouncing back, she knew something was wrong. Eventually, she became too ill to work and had to leave her position at the company.

Not long after that, Diane became bedridden. Her doctors weren’t sure what was happening to her body and she spent hours crying out to God to heal her.

After several months had passed, Diane adjusted to her new routine. She spent hours studying the Bible and praying for others. She’d longed to teach the Word of God to other women when she was young but she’d never had the time.

Now with nothing but time, Diane began using Facebook Live to create Bible study groups. At first, she wanted to do it as a way to reach out to other women who might be homebound.

But she quickly discovered that women all over the world were tuning into her daily chats. Diane kept sharing what she was learning from God and eventually, a well-known publisher asked her to write a series of Bible study books.

With God’s help, Diane continues to minister to women today. What started as a tiny seed has become a large tree that allows Diane to comfort and inspire others.

God, help me to use every season of my life to glorify You. I long to be a faithful steward with every gift that You entrust to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The Family Legacy

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

Jane was at work when she got the news that her father was in hospice care. Her brother urged her to come quickly and see their dad before he was gone.

When Jane arrived, she found her father hooked to various machines, dozing in and out of sleep. “When I saw him, all I could think about were all the nights I’d seen him stumble into the house drunk. His sober moments actually stand out in my childhood memories because they were so rare.”

While her dad slept, Jane cried softly. “I had just learned I was pregnant three weeks earlier. My father was an alcoholic, both of my brothers were, and I thought about my family’s legacy.”

Whether good or bad, every parent leaves a legacy. The legacy your parents left you might be filled with sweet memories that warm your heart or your parents may have given you a legacy of pain and shame.

You can’t change what your parents did or said. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to repeat history. You can choose to start a new branch on the family tree. Like Joshua, you can choose to become a household that serves God.

God, help me and my household to honor You. I want my family to walk in ways that please You. Show me how to encourage and love my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

When You’re Blessed with Abundance

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.” – Luke 12:18

In one of Jesus’ parables, He shared the story of a farmer who had an abundant harvest. This farmer decided that he would take his abundance and store it up so he’d have grain for years to come. Then he could relax and enjoy his wealth.

So, he decided to tear down his current barn and build another. But the farmer dies and leaves behind all of his wealth before he can put his plan into motion.

The point of the parable is not that it’s wrong to be wealthy. Rather, Jesus wanted to point out that the farmer kept all of his abundances for himself and hoarded.

When God has blessed you with more than enough in an area of your life, it can be tempting to hold tightly to it. You may have been blessed with more than enough money, more than enough health, or more than enough family.

Instead of keeping it to yourself, look for a way to share it with others, too. For example, if you’re healthy, volunteer to run errands for someone who is sick. If you’re surrounded by family, welcome someone into your life who is alone and needs community.

God, when I see all You’ve blessed me with, let me respond by sharing. I don’t want to spend my life trying to hoard what You’ve so generously given to me. From abundance, let me be a blessing to someone else. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The Perfect Parent

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” – Psalm 27:10

Violet’s father was a quiet man who worked seven days a week to support his family. He made sure his kids never lacked anything. But words were hard for him and he rarely expressed his feelings out loud.

Violet was settled with her own family, happily raising three kids when the news came that her father could no longer live on his own. Her mother had passed away several years earlier.

“I talked it over with my husband and we decided to bring him home. I didn’t want strangers at a nursing home caring for him. I knew the stroke had taken his ability to speak but I wanted him to be surrounded by the love and warmth of family.”

One day, Violet was helping the home health aide care for her father when she saw scars on his back. Curious, she called her aunt to ask about them.

Her aunt sighed softly before she said, “Your grandmother had nine kids and your granddaddy—he was mean. Your father stood up to him, time and again he protected us. He was my hero, growing up, always saving people.”

The words shocked Violet. “I’d never considered where he’d come from before,” She said, “For the first time, I realized my dad carried a lot of pain, and maybe that’s why he struggled to say out loud how much we meant to him.”

Relationships with parents can be complicated. Sometimes, parents don’t express their feelings like Violet’s dad and sometimes, they aren’t supportive or kind.

You can’t change who your parents are or where they came from. But you can rest in the knowledge that God is holding onto you. He’s the perfect parent and He’ll never fail you or abandon you.

God, help me to remember that You are the perfect parent. When my heart is overwhelmed with hurt, let me turn to You for comfort. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Unexpected Detours

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” – Psalm 37:23-24

Aiden was a football player in his third year of college. He was hoping to be drafted by a professional football team as soon as he graduated with his degree.

There were already several scouts buzzing about him and his coach hinted that he thought Aiden would be a top draft pick when it came time.

But one day, Aiden was in a car accident when another driver lost control of his vehicle on an icy road. He survived the collision but his shoulder was damaged and his season was cut short.

A well-known surgeon performed an operation on Aiden’s shoulder and told him that with physical therapy, there was a good chance he could go on to play next season.

Although Aiden wondered why the accident had happened, he forced himself to stay positive. He focused on working hard at his physical therapy appointments.

One day while at the office, Aiden met Brittany, a young woman training to become a physical therapist. The two hit it off, bonding over their favorite movies and it wasn’t long before Aiden asked her out.

A year later, after being picked sixth in the draft, Aiden proposed to Brittany.

Aiden smiles when he reflects on the injury that he worried would ruin his career. “Without the accident, I never would have met Brittany. God sent me down a detour that I didn’t understand at the time. But I’m so thankful for it now.”

God, help me to trust in You when my life detours from what I thought it’d be. I believe You care about me and You have good plans for my life even if I can’t see them right now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Seek His Face

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Zach was at a crossroads in his professional life. He’d spent years working his way up in the family company. He enjoyed working with his loved ones but he also felt a yearning to do something different.

He’d started doing leather crafting in his spare time and he felt this nudge to start his own line of products. But he wasn’t sure if he should turn his new hobby into a business or continue with his current path.

His wife encouraged him to take time to seek God’s face before making a decision. “What does that even mean?” Zach wondered as he pulled his truck into the parking lot of his apartment complex.

As he came up the walk, he saw his toddler at the open front door. The boy was waving at his father with the biggest grin on his face as he chanted the word “Da-da” again and again.

Zach scooped his son up into his arms, realizing God had just answered his question. Sometimes, when you’re not sure what the next step is, it can be tempting to rush your decision and make the wrong move.

But as a child of God, you have access to your Heavenly Father. Instead of wrestling with this decision, take it to Him and wait patiently for Him to show you the way ahead.

God, when I don’t know the path ahead, please help me to seek Your face. Let me be willing to wait for You to guide my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Child of God

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16

Abby’s mom was a single parent who worked two jobs just to keep the lights on and food on the table. As a result, Abby and her younger sisters spent most of their time at her best friend, Tasha’s house.

Tasha’s parents welcomed the three girls into their home. Abby and her sisters regularly ate dinner with the family. Tasha’s dad, Leonard helped the four girls with their homework every evening.

Years later when Abby became a Christian, she struggled with how to see God. “My church told me that God was a loving Father. For a long time, I didn’t understand it. My dad split when my sisters were little.”

Then one day, Tasha reached out, inviting Abby to come to visit her and her young family. “Leonard was there, and I walked in to see him playing with his grandkids. For the first time, it hit me that I did have a father.”

“Leonard taught me to drive, just like he did for Tasha. He took me on college visits when my mom couldn’t get time off work.” Abby laughed as the truth soaked deep into her heart. “Because of Leonard, I knew what it was like to be loved deeply by a father and that made me see God in a whole new light.”

Dear God, let the truth of Your love surround me, soaking into my spirit. I want to feel Your love and shine it so others can learn of Your great compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

 

When Trust Is Hard

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

One cold January day while Peter was eating home-cooked stew with his wife and kids, he shared a concept he’d heard about on the radio. “You pick one word that you’ll use to guide you through the upcoming year. I thought it’d be cool if we did that as a family this year.”

His wife loved the idea and encouraged their children to think up the word they should choose.

After a round of suggestions, Lexi his daughter grinned, “What about trust? You said our home’s foundation is Proverbs 3:5.”

So, Peter and his family chose the word ‘Trust’ for the year. They were surprised to see it come up again and again as the months passed.

“My wife didn’t get the job she wanted and God told us to trust. So we did and God opened up a position for her at another company with better benefits and less commute time.” Peter explained.

“We saw it work with Lexi. She tried out for cheerleading then cross-country running. She didn’t get into either one. But God reminded us to trust. A few weeks later, God brought a wonderful vocal coach into Lexi’s life. If she’d been busy with those other activities, she wouldn’t have time to work on her singing.”

Sometimes, things don’t work out the way we’d hoped. That might mean losing out on a job you wanted, not getting to participate in an activity you love or missing out on a special trip. But rest assured that God is working behind the scenes for you, His beloved child.

God, sometimes I’m disappointed with the way a situation happens. But when those moments come, help me to remember to trust in You. I know You’re always working on my behalf. I love you, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

He Delights in You

“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” – Psalm 18:19

Alice grew up in strict churches. She had a mental image of God as a mob boss, demanding and cold. Strict and unrelenting.

So, Alice spent all of her time trying to be a good girl. She got the best grades, went to a college her church approved of and married a man her parents adored.

Despite the fact that her life looked good on the outside, Alice felt like she was falling apart on the inside. She was always worried she was disappointing God and she lived in constant fear.

It wasn’t until her baby boy became sick that Alice finally approached God. “I fell apart, right there in the hospital room where my four-month-old baby was sleeping. For the first time, I admitted that I couldn’t do it all. It was the first time I’d ever asked God for help.”

She spent the next few days, reading Psalms to her son. “One of them—in Psalm 18, I think—talked about how God rescued David because He delighted in him.”

That was the day, Alice realized that God loved her and truly delighted in her. “Not because I follow the rules or do all the right things but because He loves me, as His child, no doing required.”

God, sometimes, it’s easy to believe that it all rests on my shoulders. On those days, help me to remember that You delight in me. That You love me and You’re the One holding everything together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.