Do you inquire of the Lord before making major life decisions? Maybe you need to inquire about a life’s partner, or selling your home and moving, or changing your career path, or deciding on a life-or-death medical procedure.

In the Scriptures we read about David, who is referred to as “a man after God’s own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22.) David always went to God to inquire of him before going into battle. Sometimes he was told to “Arise, and go.” Sometimes it was, “Go not.” Having God’s guidance was a huge strategic advantage against the enemy. (There were times David did not inquire of the Lord about some of his decisions, and we know the disastrous results that followed.)

We, too, can have confident assurance in our life battles, and even in the details of daily living. I once was praying over a major decision I had to make. I was desperate for some guidance. After prayer, I opened my eyes, and there on the wall in front of me was a framed Scripture that was the exact answer and guidance I needed. I had seen that Scripture innumerable times, but this time it was as if God had spoken to me in an audible voice.

When you inquire of the Lord, you can be guaranteed a ready answer and can confidently proceed in calmness of spirit knowing you have made the right decision. Often the answer will come through His Word. You do not have to stumble alone in darkness hoping for the best. His Word is a lamp for your feet and a light on your path. Inquire of the Lord. He will make your path abundantly clear.

By Margie Briscoe

Recently I was involved in a minor conflict at work. Harsh words were spoken. (by my coworker) Feeling were hurt & tears were shed. (Mine) Although my coworker apologized soon after the incident, I questioned his sincerity.  I felt he was in the wrong & I was innocent. I decided to leave work a little early to help the situation & also to escape any further encounters.  Driving home, I knew in my heart as a Christian I must forgive him.  Even a small situation like this requires forgiveness.  Angry words can’t be taken back once spoken. “No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8)
We should realize people will get angry at us or treat us unfairly. However, Jesus still wants us to forgive them. “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.” (Mark 11:25)
Forgiveness is not always easy. We must try to maintain an attitude of forgiving. I am reminded of Christ’s great sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Only by His mercy & grace am I forgiven.
Forgiveness should start by praying for the one that has hurt you. “But I say love your enemies! Pray for those who curse you, do good to those that hate you. ” (Matthew 5:44) Holding on to grudges is dangerous. It can grow bitterness in your heart.  I realize some people & situations  are simply easier to forgive than others.  Giant wrongs done to us might seem impossible to fix.  Trust Jesus with that. He is able.  He knows all your hurts, & concerns.
Let me encourage you today to ask Jesus  to help you forgive those people who have hurt you & seem impossible to forgive them in your own strength. Only through Christ can true forgiveness come. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) By Deborah King

I call this Devotional, “Come Share With Me.” These 4 words, came tenderly to my ears just weeks ago. I, a senior aged Sunday School teacher, was invited by my little curly blond hair, blue-eyed 3 year old student to come sit down at his little table and share his snack with him. So, as he patted the seat next to him, I bent down and squeezed as best that I could on the edge of the toddler picnic table. Although my attention should have been on, would this toddler table hold me, or how would I ever get up, I took one of his little donuts and scooted near, with both of us giving thanks. Being so touched by his tender child-like heart of faith that I would join him, I instantly responded. It was then that I thought, this is what my Jesus does. He tenderly bids us to come, patting the seat next to Him. He desires for us to come with the faith of a child to draw near and sup with Him.

What about you, have you been to that special place? It’s a holy place you know. It’s a constant place of intimate fellowship of the deepest love ever known. The Savior of the world bids you to come and share with Him every need of your life so that you would grow deeper in trust and Love, as you seek His face.

If you haven’t been there, the offer is still at the table. Kind David has heard the Lord’s invitation many times.  Psalm 27:8  says My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me. ”And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” David, a Read more…

“Good morning, how are you today? This is the greeting I receive from my super cheerful co-worker as I walk into work most mornings.  Underneath the dark sunglasses, the over flat ironed hair, & severely caffeine deprived me, is someone who would really like to be a “morning person.”  I manage a less than enthusiastic “I’m good”, and walk briskly to my desk.  But, how glad I am that God is ready for us anytime day or night.  “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness! His mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)  We can always tell him our every burden and concern without waiting.  There is no appointment needed.  He is ready for us even early in the morning.  “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3)  There is no problem or concern too small for God.  If it concerns us, then it concerns our Heavenly Father.  We don’t have to bear it alone.  God is not too tired, bored, or impatient with us.  “He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. (Isaiah 40:28b) Aren’t you so thankful our God loves us so much?  We have a faithful God who is ready to listen, to forgive, & to show mercy.  We all need his help and forgiveness.  Life’s problems can seem almost impossible at Read more…

I watched my sister struggle for 6 years with a loss of taste and smell after suffering with a severe case of pneumonia. The mouthwatering taste gradually disappeared, and an unsettling  offensive smell and taste became the norm.  Even the memories of the taste of foods disappeared. The joys of “sweet fellowship” with family and friends around the table decreased and the church fellowship meals were of no interest anymore, the memories of feasting and rejoicing ceased.

While making a memories photo book for my grandsons15th Birthday, I came across one of my most breathtaking photos of him. It was his first look at the ocean from the window of our condo in Florida. Through the eyes of this 4 year old came this look of “awestruck” at the beauty of the spoken words from his Heavenly Father before the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:10b) “God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.”)

As a grandparent I want my grandson to always be in awe of His Heavenly Father all the days of his life. The one that created him in His own image and to always remember God’s words when He said “it was Very Good” (Genesis 1:31b).

I also want him to have memories as a young child reading that when Adam and Eve sinned God didn’t just leave him in a fallen world but made a promise to redeem him back to Himself  (Genesis 3:15b) “He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Thus making a way for my grandson to have spiritual life by sending His son as a sacrifice to take away his sins and the sins of the world. 

And lastly, I want him to cherish knowing that he is now a Friend of God. (Romans 5:10) “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” 

With my grandson turning 15 in a few days, my prayer would not mainly be for him to cherish all the wonderful memories in this photo book of his childhood moments with his grandparents, but cherish and to be “awestruck” all the days of his life as he recalls the memories of His God who spoke and these waters gathered.