Ankles and Feet

By Robin J. Steinweg –

Work boots, maybe with a steel-reinforced toe; that’s the fellow two doors down. Black suit  hem, polished black shoes; the man across the street and down one. Tennis shoes, jeans; that’s the young mother next door. Nice slacks, sturdy shoes; next door on the other side.

This is my neighborhood in the winter. My neighbors are a variety of footwear, trouser-bottoms, and an occasional glimpse of sock. How can I obey God’s command to love them as myself if I never see them? And what keeps these folks isolated? Garage Door Closers—I think they’ve conspired together. In the mornings, a car with tinted glass backs out of its nightly cell and turns left or right. The Garage Door closes as the car disappears around the corner. It admits no one till evening. If I bent down quickly as it closes the gap between itself and the pavement, I might witness evidence of a real human presence. I might see enough of my neighbors’ shoes to guess whether it’s male or female, white collar or blue, adult or small child.

What can quell this wintertime technological conspiracy? The only thing I can think of is a significant fall of snow. Then the air comes alive with the surrendering groan of Garage Doors opening to release boots: tall, rubber, zippered, buckled, black, blue, pink, heeled or flat. Snow suits and heavy wool socks fill them, jeans or slacks tucked in. Shovels push the snow ahead of them, or snow blowers roar to pave a path. The Garage Doors are forced to stay up.

An elderly neighbor, someone with health issues, or an unfortunate whose snow blower is on the fritz could proclaim: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good news.”

“Here, let us clear that for you.”

This is my view of the neighborhood in the winter. My neighbors are more than a variety of footwear after all, and I guess the Garage Door Closers haven’t taken us hostage!

AUTHOR QUOTE: The best way to overcome closed garage doors is to invest in a pair of beautiful feet.

“…Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39b NET).

Today’s devotional is by Robin J. Steinweg. Robin’s life might be described using the game Twister: the colored dots are all occupied, limbs intertwine (hopefully not to the point of tangling), and you never know which dot the arrow will point to next, but it sure is fun getting there!

A Fitness Formula for Prayer

By Laurette Willis –

“Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24, NKJV).

We’re over a month into 2011. Two of our most popular resolutions are losing weight and developing our relationship with God.

Why not do both at the same time? Combining faith and fitness is powerful! Pray while on the treadmill, elliptical, or while taking a brisk walk. Prayer is talking to God. It also involves listening to Him. Like any good conversation, there is the give and take of two-way communication.

For some reason most of us tend to think prayer is a one-way street. We talk (or whine) to God about our problems, then spend the rest of the day worrying and trying to figure out solutions ourselves. Then we gripe when it seems God isn’t answering our prayers. Could He even get a word in edgewise?

Here’s a formula that helps us remember the steps to effective prayer. “CARAT” is an acronym (“carat” is the unit of weight for precious stones—and prayer is precious!). You can follow this simple formula while working out—the acronym will help keep you on track.

CARAT (Confess, Adore, Request, Attend, Thanks)

Confess: Wipe the slate clean. Ask the Lord to forgive you for any sins that come to mind. 1 John 1:9 says when we confess our sins to Him; he forgives us and washes us clean.

Adore—Praise Him with your whole heart and voice. What if you don’t feel like it? That’s why it’s called a “sacrifice” of praise! Your flesh would rather go back to bed, but you’re not going to be led by your flesh anymore, right?

To give you an idea, read aloud a few of David’s Psalms of praise: Psalm 34, 95, 96, 98, 100, 103, 121, 148, or 150. Then use your own words as well to tell your Heavenly Father how much you love Him.

Request—Ask God to meet your needs and the needs of others. Speak God’s Word and promises over leaders of our nation, church, workplace. Pray for friends, family and yourself.

Attend: The King James Version of Proverbs 4:20 says, “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.” When we attend to God we pay attention to His words in scripture and wait upon Him to receive further revelation and guidance. Listen for His “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). The Holy Spirit or your own spirit may quicken a scripture to your remembrance for you to meditate upon.

Thanksgiving: “How do I know that God will answer my prayers?” If you are praying according to God’s will (His Word in the Bible) He hears and will answer your prayer. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:15, NKJV). You have it! So thank Him!

Rejoice! And since you’re combining faith and fitness, dance in advance—even before you see the outward manifestation of your prayer. Keep your focus on the unseen spiritual truths instead of the physical circumstances. Answers to prayer are birthed in the realm of the spirit before they manifest in the physical. That’s why faith is called “the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Thank your heavenly Father for answered prayer. You can even get excited about it (and burn more calories)!

Christian Fitness Expert Laurette Willis is the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry (http://PraiseMoves.com and on Facebook http://bit.ly/aAlS4u ). Get your free kit at http://ChristianFitnessKit.com.

The Next Step

By Heather Arbuckle –

It is a story that began when I was just six years old. Angry about a perceived injustice handed down by my mother, I packed my bags and decided life would be better at Grandma’s house. Walking briskly down our long dirt lane, I quickly reached the point where the rubber hit the road. The driveway, stretching a quarter mile behind me, was at its end. A two lane highway now lay before me and I didn’t have the faintest idea which way to step next. Looking one way, then the other, the anger in my heart faded to regret, then on to desperation all in the span of a few minutes. As I sat on my suitcase, sobbing big salty tears, I cried out for my mom. Moments later, she parked beside me in her car and waited. Never letting me out of her sight, my mom had watched me from her kitchen window and was ready to bring me home. Without a word, she opened the heavy door and I stepped into the car. My trek to Grandma’s house was over and we were on our way back home.

That was the first of many journeys my mother and I have taken together. She has comforted me in my heartbreaks. Counseled me through tough decisions. Encouraged me in my trials. And held me accountable in my rebellion. Many times, my mother and I have been on opposite sides of the fence. Yet, she has never let me wander too far from her side. When I stumble, she is there to help me stand. And when I cannot find my way, my mother is there to guide me as no other can, this side of Heaven.

Years have passed and I have stepped out of childhood. Now, I too, am a mother. With children as strong-willed as their mama, we encounter many challenges in our journey together. In this season of my life, I see my mother differently. Through trial and error, I have learned the road of motherhood is sometimes difficult and lonely. I now appreciate her wisdom and strength more than ever. Filled with gratitude, I remember well what she taught me. First, Mom is just a phone call away. Second, some things just require time and a little faith. Finally, and most important, I never walk alone.

Furthermore, In the pilgrimage of life, I have found a faithful guide in Christ. A child of God, I am assured, “When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble” (Proverbs 4:12). The eyes of my Heavenly Father see my every move. Because of the LORD’s work in my life, I am free to step boldly in faith.

Sometimes, however, I miss those days when I could depend on the daily instruction of my mom. Today was one of those days. A bit discouraged, I meandered for a bit through the aisles of a local store. Taking a little time away from the numerous responsibilities awaiting me at home, I wondered what my mom might say.

Then, I saw a sign that spoke directly to my heart, and made me think of her. It simply said, “Faith. Start where you are. Take the next step.” Filled with uncertainty, my steps appear hidden. Bowing my head in prayer, I give a sigh of relief. I understand. There is no need to fret, for “my steps are determined by the LORD” (Proverbs 20:24 NIV). But I have my mom on speed dial…just in case.

Loving Feeling

By Elaine James –

Did you wake up tired? You look around the house and perhaps there are clothes on the floor from your loved ones. Maybe something is lying around that you asked someone to put away. Maybe dishes and wrappers are lying out on the counter, because someone did not put them away. Frustrating, huh? If relationships with those in your home are strained already this kind of stuff adds fuel to the fire.

You may be thinking, I’ll tell her or him this or that. You’re ready to fight. Your argument is rolling around in your head.

This person is driving me crazy. How can I love them the way the Father loves?

Remember it is a command to love one another. It is not a choice. I have heard some say “I don’t feel like being in the relationship any longer.” Or this one: “I don’t want to be nice to him or her because they were not nice to me.”

Here is what God tells me. Love is not always a loving feeling. So take some time to speak to God about the lack of love in your house. If relationships are strained the last thing we should be doing is ordering people around and be controlling.

Maybe the advice to “fake it to you feel it” has some merit, since feelings can be so fickle. Combat the lack of feelings with prayer. Prayer is the way to stay. Wait on God.

What happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard. Things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Make a list and pray the positive things about that person who is difficult to love. I had a relationship that was strained. Things weren’t changing until I changed.

So if you have an ugly relationship put aside: “Well, if they put their stuff away and do as I say, then I will love them.” Say instead, “I will serve and love this relationship (with God’s help) back to life.” The power is in our actions and tongue.

Keep the peace. Stop looking for that loving feeling. Look instead to the Father and ask for help.

PRAYER:  Dear Father, I don’t feel like loving _________ today. I have been struggling with their lack of love and help. I just can’t go on this way God. Help me! Give me the love to love them. Help me to see them the way You do. Give me the feelings to love them. I want to honor and obey You Father, but sometimes I just struggle. Forgive me Father if I have hurt this other person in any way. Help us to get back to joy and our commitment toward each other.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV).

Today’s devotional is by Elaine James, author of the tract JOURNEY, certified personality trainer and graduate of Christian Leaders Authors and Speakers Seminars. She is a prayer ministry counselor, accomplished actress, and certified Christian storyteller. Her dramatic performances have made many aware of their problem with Major Mind Overload, and their need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. Elaine is a recycler—nothing God teaches her is wasted. www.elainejames.com

God’s Love Game

By Cheri Cowell –

“I love you more than vanilla ice cream with hot fudge,” my friend will say to his daughter, to that she will reply, “and I love you more than kisses from a puppy.” Instead of sharing the usual I love you they share in this lighthearted game. Each time trying to top what the other person has named. Not in a competitive way, but as a playful expression of the depth of love they share. God plays this game with us, too. He gives us a breathtaking sunrise and then whispers in our ear, “See this? I love you more than that.” He sends someone into your life with an unexpected blessing and then whispers again, “I love you more than that.” God’s love is so great there is no way we could have ever comprehended unless He sent Jesus to die so there would be no doubt. Still have a few doubts?

The word used in the Greek for “inner being” means in the secret depths of one’s soul. God longs for us to know Him deeply, intimately, and from the place within our souls we allow very few people to go. To love from this place requires a depth of vulnerability and trust that are difficult for us to give. God knows this so He demonstrated His love and vulnerability to us first in the life and death of Jesus. Everyday He sends us reminders of His love and His desire for communion with us. May we have eyes today to see His call, and hear His whispers, “I love you more than this…”

PRAYER: Thank You God for Your great love expressed in the life and sacrifice of Jesus. Thank You for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life that continually woos me and seeks to draw me closer to You. Help me notice the blessings You put before me today, and to return the favor by responding with my own, “I see that God, and I love You more than ___________.”

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV).

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. In addition to her books and articles, you can learn about her speaking ministry and sign up to receive her daily devotional at www.CheriCowell.com

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