Devotionals
Making Room To Grow
“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us.” —Hebrews 12:1a (CSB)
When it comes to growing plants, my thumbs are brown instead of green — literally and figuratively. But some blessed saint designed self-watering pots so I could become a “plant mom” too!
Still, one day I noticed the leaves on my money tree turning yellow and falling off. I was perplexed. Like any resourceful woman, I went to Google, and my research pointed me to the twist tie holding the braided trunk together. The tree had grown so much the once-necessary tie was now choking it.
Pursue Your Purpose Only
“And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’” — Mark 1:38 (ESV)
I was setting my priorities for the new year when my mentor gently told me that I’m often easily distracted by “bright, shiny, new opportunities.” Is he saying I’m like a cat chasing a laser light? I thought.
He encouraged that if an opportunity came up that didn’t fulfill my priorities, I needed to say no. Period. But I’m one of those people who dives into every exciting idea. If it’s a good thing, why not?
Honestly, it can be exhausting. Thankfully, Jesus shows us a better way.
The Gift of Wise Counsel in Spiritual Growth
“After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.” Acts 18:26b (CSB)
After my knee surgery, many people admonished me to do my prescribed exercises at home if I wanted to heal well and completely. Armed with my stretching strap, I diligently tackled exercises three times a day, pulling the strap as hard as possible to make my knee bend further each time. But when I worked with my physical therapist again, he noticed my execution was not quite right.
Apparently I was supposed to bend my knee as far as I could unassisted, then pull the strap to go further. Although it was harder, I’m grateful he taught me more accurately, and I’m happy to report my knee is strong and well today.
The Savior Who Comes Back for You
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.’” John 20:27 (CSB)
Sometimes I get serious FOMO (fear of missing out) when my friends are gathering for something I love — like a ministry retreat or church event — and I can’t attend. If I have to do some unexciting, far-less-life-changing task instead, it just adds insult to injury.
Seek First: Resting in God’s Faithful Provision
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:33 (CSB)
Years ago, the Lord called me to rebuild everything in my life from scratch. As bills added up, I found myself discouraged at the slowness of God’s provision. I thought I was moving into a promised land like in Exodus 3:8, "a land flowing with milk and honey" (CSB). But it felt more like a wilderness.
With every step, I asked the Lord, You’ve got me, right? Where’s that milk and honey? I wanted to start making the way myself instead of trusting Him.
The Spirit Whispers Truth When I Forget Who I Am
“The women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name become well known in Israel.’” Ruth 4:14 (CSB)
The past few years have been hard, filled with some of life’s most challenging transitions. One particular therapy session was heavy as I came up against my lack of faith, my need to control, and my difficulty with letting go and trusting God. In my heart, I was shaming myself, wondering who wants me … like this.
Carry Yourself With Great Expectation
“But Peter said, ‘I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!’” Acts 3:6 (CSB)
My life has had its share of grief and heartache. The pain of dreams deferred has sometimes made me push hope down, keeping my expectations low. However, God recently challenged this posture I tend to settle into by reminding me of His healing in Acts 3.
Honored and Chosen by God
“Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?” Luke 1:43 (NLT)
One of my favorite paintings is Visitation, created by Mariotto Albertinelli in 1503. It depicts the story of Mary the mother of Jesus visiting her older cousin, Elizabeth, who was John the Baptist's mother and a descendant of the high priest Aaron. Rich with theology, the painting reminds me that these women, both recipients of a miracle, were honored and chosen by God for high and holy purposes.