Movie Star In the Making

By Sherri Holbert –

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Did you want to be a fireman, a princess, the President of the United States, an astronaut? Are you living that dream today? I wanted to be a movie star. As adults, most of us can’t see ourselves on the big screen, as a fireman, leading our country, sprinkling fairy dust, or making a trip to the moon.

But in childhood we have a zillion grand things we’d like to be. As we grow and develop, we change our minds and learn new things that appeal to us. God provides us with new experiences that shape who we are and what we are to become. God also puts nuggets of dreams and hopes inside of us but many times we don’t live out these dreams because of fear.

Fear is why my name is not on the big screen in your hometown. I let others talk me out of my dream. They said, “You’ll never make it. The odds aren’t good. You can’t make a decent living. You’ll be a waitress to supplement your acting career.” I let fear allow me to change career paths but God still had a plan for me. He was equipping me for my future “movie star” role.

I have come to realize I am the movie star in my own life! I can produce my own script. I can be a star who inspires others and helps them reach their dreams—maybe not from the big screen but from a local community stage, in a conversation with my girlfriends, or as a life coach willing to motivate and encourage others to overcome fear and follow the dreams God has put in their hearts.

God has equipped us for whatever star role we decide to pursue. He gives us skills, knowledge and strengths to help us live out our dreams. What do you want to be when you grow up?  Will you be obedient to God’s script for your life?  What are you waiting for?

PRAYER: God, thank You for being the Screen Director of my life and equipping me with a Grammy-winning script that inspires and motivates others.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 NIV).

This devotion is by Sherri Holbert, a life coach, author and co-founder of Walk of Purpose Ministries. Her study, DIVAS of the Divine:  How to Live as a Designer Original in a Knock-Off World guides you through setting a step-by-step plan in place to help you accomplish the changes you want to make in your life. Learn more at www.walkofpurpose.com

Playing Grown-up

By Cheri Cowell –

I remember laughter-filled days playing grown-up with my sister under a tree in the front yard or in a make-believe schoolhouse in our bedroom. With just a sheet or a cardboard box we turned any cozy spot into an imaginary scene of what we thought our world would be like as adults. In our game we took turns being the grown-up, which, of course, was the prized role in our drama. Sometimes the interpretation of that role caused arguments our mother needed to referee.

I’m sure all of us have played some form of this childhood game whether it was dress-up, cowboys and Indians, or tea party with our stuffed animals as guests. Still, many of us know adults who have never grown up. If we have to admit it, sometimes our own behavior would not qualify as very grown up. So, how do we know when we have reached the goal of finally growing up? The writer of Hebrews has a few suggestions in today’s passage.

The Jewish Christians were beginning to question whether following Christ was worth the persecution they received. The Hebrew’s author answered their questions by defining maturity. He told them mature Christians eat the solid food of the Word of God, not just the baby milk or easy stuff. He challenged the Jews who were looking for an easier way, one with fewer restraints, to continue to taste of the Holy Spirit. And like our childhood play repeated over and over, through repetition of godly principles the Hebrews (and you and I) could learn to distinguish good from evil.

PRAYER: Dear God, help me become a more mature Christian, able to eat the meat and potatoes of Your Word. I am hungry for that solid food. I’m willing to hear the things that may be difficult but which will allow me to grow up in You.

“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong” (Hebrews 5:11-14 NLT).

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. Her first book, Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life, is called a biblically grounded no-nonsense approach to decision-making. To order your copy or to learn more about Cheri, visit her website www.CheriCowell.com

Conquering the Tower of Terror

By Elaine James –

Have you gone on the ride at Walt Disney World called The Tower of Terror? I reflect on the time when I was standing in the line, asking myself, “Why I am I doing this?”

I looked at the evidence: others went on and got off and didn’t die, faint or get sick! Based on that, I decided I could do this—I had to experience this. Of course, then I had the bragging rights to say “I survived The Tower of Terror.” I actually laughed myself through it.

When the movie The Passion of the Christ was out, while waiting in line, I knew people who chose not to go see it. Looking at the people leaving the theater, I was left anticipating and asking myself, “Why I am I doing this?” I looked at the evidence: others were leaving the theater in total silence and even crying. In this case I decided I must witness this myself.

As I watched the movie, I was filled with agony as Jesus’ torture went on and on. Only God could survive such torture. Anne Graham Lotz was quoted as saying, “Many want to say the Romans killed Jesus, the Jews, or the government. But our magnificent Jesus gave up His last breath and refused to breathe anymore. He chose to die for us!”

Do you know about James, the half brother of Jesus? At first, he did not want part of the adventure of Jesus. He refused the evidence and stories. He was his own person. Then James got in line for the ride of his life after he experienced the journey of Jesus’ death. He wanted the challenge. He wrote the powerful book of James in the Bible that teaches us how to live the Christian life.

The Tower of Terror taught me to conquer my fears. The Passion of the Christ brought me the profound truth to embrace Christ and understand what He did for me. James learned the same things and from it ended up writing a very direct letter concerning Christian growth. If James were living today, I believe his words to us would be: “Slow down, sit down, quiet down, learn, love and live like Jesus Christ.”

Do you avoid facing the challenges James addressed regarding living the Christian life? Why not get in line and accept this challenge? You will experience the exhilarating accomplishment I did through a new life with Christ.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, please help me experience more of You in my life as I face everyday challenges.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 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

A Simple Guide to Pleasing God

By James H. Pence –

If you had to tell someone (in as few words as possible) how they could live a life pleasing to God, what would you say? I’m not talking about how to become a Christian; rather, I have in mind a brief summary of the Christian life.

You can find many possible answers in Scripture, but one of the best short summaries of God’s expectations for our lives can be found in the book of Micah, chapter 6. In that chapter Micah asks a simple question, “What does the Lord require of you?”

His answer is equally concise. “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8b NIV).

This verse breaks down the Christian life into three simple areas. Micah tells us first of all that we are to act justly. In other words, all of our dealings with others should be just. We’re to be mindful to do the right thing, no matter what situation we face.

Second, he encourages us to love mercy—be a people characterized by a love of mercy and kindness. Daily we can demonstrate compassion and be ready to show grace to those around us.

Finally he instructs us to walk humbly with our God. There’s no place for arrogance, pride, or selfishness. Also, our walk must not be solitary. We do not live alone in this Christian life. Our life is always conducted “coram deo” before the face of our God. A constant awareness of God’s presence in our lives will keep us mindful of how to conduct ourselves.

Sometimes we make the Christian life much more complicated than it needs to be. We get so caught up in the busyness and challenges of life that we forget that God expects us to act justly toward others, to always show mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. As you walk with Him through 2011, let it be your goal to live a simple Christian life.

PRAYER: Lord, please don’t let me become overwhelmed by the complexities of life. Grant that I might walk every day in the simple Christian life—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with You.

“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8b).

Today’s devotion is by James H. Pence. James is an author, speaker, singer, and gospel chalk artist, but prefers to be known as a storyteller. To learn more about James and how he draws the stories of your heart, visit his Web site at: www.jamespence.com.

As White As—Eew!

By Robin J. Steinweg –

Here in Wisconsin, the snow comes in fat, determined flakes. When it’s covered our world, the sun shines on it, and its brightness dazzles away even the memory of bare trees, brown, patchy lawns and spent rose bushes. Everything glistens with purity.

By afternoon the plows come through and it is business as usual. The traffic sprays salt, sand and grime that spreads somehow even to the far sides of the cornfield. If there’s no more snow overnight, the next day it starts to look gray, pocked, and—eew—disgusting.

That’s like we who follow Jesus. When we first experience His forgiveness, He washes us as white as snow. His blood, most powerful cleanser, removes our sin as far as the east is from the west.  We glisten with purity.  But over the course of a day, sin splatters our souls with grime and dirt. If there’s not a spiritual cleansing, it’ll get worse.

How can we remove that sin stain? We can only apply the cleanser: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. …and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:8, 9, 7b).

I don’t remember who it was that gave me this advice, but it stuck like wet snow on a sign: “Keep short accounts in spiritual as in other things.” If someone loans me something or blesses me with a good turn, I should pay it back quickly. If I sin, I do well to confess it right away.  I shouldn’t go to bed with a debt of money, deed or sin on my conscience.

PRAYER: My Lord, show me every sin splatter so I can confess it to You. Thank You for making me as clean as fresh-fallen snow, no matter how deep the stain of my sins.

“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Romans 4:7 NIV).

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!

« Previous Page — Next Page »