“Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?” Romans 9:21 A year or two ago, I decided to try a new craft with my two girls: air-dry clay. I had watched many videos and tutorials on how to make adorable little animal figurines and was determined to create some of my own. I (unfortunately) hyped my daughters up and convinced them that they would be masters of air-dry clay in a matter of seconds. You can probably guess how this venture ended. Air-dry…
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 Plans. We women love to make them. We purchase cute, trendy calendars at the beginning of each year in an often futile attempt to plan the next 365 days of our lives. We display calendars on our walls, have apps on our phones, and take mental notes of upcoming events on the schedule we need to plan/attend. I feel flustered and exhausted even typing this. Too often, our need for control and desire to see into the future bleeds over into our relationship with God. Surrendering control can appear daunting, but I echo the words in Psalms 37:25: “I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” In moments of doubt and uncertainty, when complete surrender seems to be too much of God to ask, I have never been forsaken by the One who authors my story. The KJV translates the word “expected” in the above verse as “cord, hope, the thing that I long for”. I imagine it as a constant connection, always in view of one another…
“Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalms 62:8 Have you ever had something you wanted to talk to someone about but thought it might be too heavy for them to handle? That perhaps they would get a glimpse of the deepest, darkest parts of you and run for cover? Or maybe think to yourself that they would never be able to look at you the same way again? We all have sin; it’s just the way it is. We all struggle with different temptations and ungodly desires, but that does not scare God away. He knows about the deep, dark places of our hearts and still loves us unconditionally! Nothing can ever separate you from His unwavering love. This scripture tells us to “pour out our hearts before him.” It does not say “let a little but trickle out.” It tells us to POUR. We can lay it all down before Him today, every thought we struggle with, the bitterness we battle daily to let go of, and the pain from the past that haunts us every day. When you pour it out and get…
“All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.” Hebrews 11:13 Have you ever watched an old clip of Winnie the Pooh and noticed how gloomy Eeyore is? His head is hung, his eyes are pointed toward the ground, and his mood is depressed. If he were real I imagine his body would ache from his poor posture, and his mind would be weary. Some of us have an…
“And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:23 ESV The human race is fickle. We can be easily swayed in one direction or another, tossed about by every wave or wind that comes our way. We struggle with loyalty, and standing up for what is right and good, and most importantly, what is moral. This isn’t something new. Scripture tells us time and time again that God’s children wrestled with their flesh and to keep their eyes fixed on Him. We often settle for what is good instead of what is best. The people in this story decided to worship idols that held no comparison to the glorious, ever-living God they knew. What are your eyes fixed on today? Are you settling for something less than what God has for you? His plan for you is perfect, and there is safety in His will. Take the time today to adjust your focus and allow God to sit on the throne of your heart once more. Devotion by Caitlin Walker
“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.” 2 Timothy 4:17 I’ve read a quote by Bob Goff that said, “We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose.” When my young daughter asked me what “purpose” was, I explained that it means every single person has something that they are intended to do with their lives. Something good. Something important. She quickly responded, in her matter-of-fact way, “Daddy has a purpose. You have a purpose. I have a purpose, and my sister has a purpose.” We are all dealt different hands in life, some good and some bad. But no matter what you have been given on this earth, YOU have a purpose. Today has a purpose. Your tomorrow has a purpose. Your past even has a purpose. When you become too weak to stand, be reminded that God stands beside you and will strengthen you, so that His purpose can be fulfilled in your life. Every moment of your life is important. YOU are important. Your life matters. Ignore…