Faith in the Spoken Word

By Carin LeRoy –

My little grandson will never let my husband or me get away with not keeping our word. When my husband mentioned he would make a swing in our backyard, he came in weeks later and said, “Papa, when are you going to make that swing? You said you were going to build us one.” My husband got busy and kept his word. Or to me he’ll say, “Nana, you told me I could have a Popsicle after you taught your piano lessons.” His expectation was that we would keep our word. As grandparents, we want to show our little guy that we can be trusted.

In John 4, we read the story of the official’s son who was sick and near death. When the father heard that Jesus was nearby, he went to Jesus and begged him to come heal his boy.

“Sir,” he said, “Come down before my child dies.”

Jesus said, “Go home. Your son will live.”

The man believed the words Jesus spoke and left for home. While he was still on the road, his servants came running to meet him and tell him that his son was alive. The father realized he was healed at the exact time that Jesus had spoken the word and told him his son would live.

As we look at Scripture we see great men and women of faith. Noah built the ark because God spoke. Even though he didn’t understand, he obeyed. The Israelites marched around Jericho for seven days and conquered it. God spoke, and they had faith to do as He said. Mary, mother of Jesus, didn’t comprehend how a virgin could conceive, but trusted that what God said was true. All of these incidents needed a listening heart and willingness to obey even when it made no sense to them. Circumstances that seemed impossible, took faith that God would do exactly as He had spoken. And He did.

Do we believe when God speaks? We have a Bible full of Scriptures where God speaks to us. We have promises to believe, commands to obey, admonishments to follow and warnings to adhere. We can become great people of faith, too, as we take God at His word. What is God speaking to you today?

PRAYER: Lord, give me the faith to believe that what You speak is true, and that You will fulfill all the promises that You have given in Your word.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1: 3 NIV).

Today’s devotional is by Carin LeRoy, wife to Dale and mother of three grown children and one almost-grown teenager. She has been a missionary with Pioneers since 1982. Her passions are family, missions, piano, and writing to challenge others to live faithful lives for God.

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

Dancing Despite Our Defects

By Peter Lundell –

I recently watched two unusual ballet dancers. The pair dances passionately, with meaning and effect. Their achievement is different from most others, though. They each had the vision and will to overcome what few of us could imagine. The woman doesn’t have an arm and the man doesn’t have a leg. Yet they have mastered ballet. I’d never before seen a crutch used so artistically.

What is your handicap? Is it a beaten-down heart? Years of being abused? Lack of ability? Failure in the past? Fear of the future? If so, you’ve got lots of company. But ask yourself: Is there anything that God has created you for that you have yet to fulfill? Something you feel called to but have held back? An obstacle you’re trying to overcome?

Too many times I’ve shrunk back from being and doing what I could because of some setback or painful experience. I didn’t fulfill the role—or dance of life if you will—that God had given me. I only wish I had. The man without a leg and woman without an arm faced their handicaps and got creative. The result has blessed millions. What could happen with you and me as we do likewise in the coming months and years?

My point is not to motivate us toward success but rather to fulfill what God has made us to be. We’ll always have obstacles. We can see them either as barriers that stop us or as hurdles to overcome—and with each one we will grow.

Who are you? Who will you be?

In this new year, what steps might you take in the dance of your own life?

PRAYER: Lord, we both know my hurts, handicaps, and obstacles. Here and now I give them to You. Do with me what You will. Show me how to turn my negatives into positives. Make my hardships the foundation of blessings.

“I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD” (Psalm 40:1–3, NIV).

Today’s devotion is by Peter Lundell, author of the award-winning book Prayer Power. A rising new voice on connecting with God, Lundell is a pastor, Bible college teacher, and conference speaker. Visit him at www.PeterLundell.com for his inspirational “Connections” and free downloads of articles, parables, short stories, and book chapters. [Go to youtube to view this beautiful dance.]

Trying and Trying Some More

By Carin LeRoy –

Jason was the cutest little guy you ever saw, but he had a real problem in my kindergarten class. He just couldn’t sit still. I’d tell him to get to work, but before long, he’d be squirming out of his seat or disrupting a classmate. I remember his adorable smile as he came in the room each day and said, “Mrs. LeRoy, I love you!” His wiggly nature was not only a problem, but his learning was also hindered by an inability to focus. Nevertheless, he stole my heart that year.

On some days his behavior would become so challenging that I sent him to the principal’s office so the rest of the class could finish their work. As he walked down the hall, I’d hear him plead, “Mrs. LeRoy, I’ll be good. I’ll be good.” But the problem was that Jason couldn’t sit still, as hard as he tried. As much as he wanted to be good, his squirmy make up just wouldn’t let him.

That reminds me of my relationship with God. As hard as I try, I still sin. I’m always messing up. I try to obey God and do the right thing, but my old habits always seem to rear their ugly head. I am reminded of what Paul says: “… I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing,” (Romans 7: 18, 19 NIV). The struggle of sin is ever-present in our lives. We are just like little Jason, trying hard but failing.

Thank goodness for a God who sent His son to earth so that His power can set us free from the law of sin. Just as Jason stole my heart, we captured God’s. He loved us enough to send His son and free us from our bondage to sin. By putting our faith in Him, we now have His power and spirit to help us—giving us power to change and to break free from the habits of sin. I’m glad I serve a great God! Aren’t you?

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the Son You sent who gives me the power to break free me from habits of sin.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering” (Romans 8: 1-3 NIV).

Today’s devotional is by Carin LeRoy, wife to Dale and mother of three grown children and one almost-grown teenager. She has been a missionary with Pioneers since 1982. Her passions are family, missions, piano, and writing to challenge others to live faithful lives for God.

The Power to Heal

By Carin LeRoy –

She went to Jesus out of desperation. Her last bit of energy was spent as she walked through the village and pushed her way through the crowds. This was the last ounce of hope she had left for healing her sick body. She knew Jesus could help. She pressed on through the throngs of people getting a glimpse of Jesus. Reaching forward, she touched the hem of His garment. Immediately, she was healed.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Knowing she would not go unnoticed, she fell trembling at Jesus’ feet. In Luke 8, we read this story of the woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years. I’m sure she was physically exhausted, discouraged and financially strained from visits to doctors who could not heal her. Yet with one touch, Jesus could.

I know she must have questioned the reason for her suffering for twelve long years. Yet it was her faith in Jesus and His power that ended her suffering. Instantly, God had the power to change her life.

Let’s worship Him today as we remember these words, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power” (Psalm 66: 3 NIV). We believe in a great God whose power can change our lives, just as He did those many years ago.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to remember that You are a God with the power to heal and change lives. Thank You for Your wonderful and awesome deeds.

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and I will meditate on Your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of Your awesome works, and I will proclaim Your great deeds” (Psalm 145: 3-6 NIV).

Today’s devotional is by Carin LeRoy, wife to Dale, mother of three grown children and one high school teenager. She has served as a missionary with PIONEERS since 1982. Her passions are family, playing and teaching piano, missions, and writing stories that show glimpses of God.

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