A Movement of Hearts: 100 Devotionals Beating as One

Introduction

I started Granola Bar Devotional Ministry at my local church with a handful of ladies in 2006. I then put all of our devotionals online and opened submissions to men and women around the world. Granola Bar Devotional turned into enLIVEn Devotionals, and we began publishing award-winning anthologies with proceeds going to world missions. Writers donating their words to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the hungry, hurt and lost. What could be better?

Recently, I looked through our blog (which came online in 2009) and re-read the devotionals that I had gathered and edited over the last fifteen years. They were each so special to me, and I decided to do the impossible. I began trying to contact each of the writers—some of which I hadn’t spoken to in more than ten years—and ask them if they wanted to publish their online devotionals in an anthology. I found quite a few of my earlier writers. In fact, I decided to publish the devotionals in two books: A Movement of Hearts and A Testimony of Voices.

I opened submissions to new writers, as well. I was hoping to get 100 devotionals in each book, but God gave me even more. I call them my overflow, which God is in the business of doing.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NIV).

I gave God my best, and He, in return, gave me His best, which is always more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I pray these devotionals bless you. We have writers from all different backgrounds, uniting together as one heart to declare the goodness of God and salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. May their words encourage your faith and inspire you to claim the purposes God designed for your life before time began. We are a tapestry of unique styles and voices woven together into an inspiring, collaborative design.

“And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants” (Jeremiah 32:39 NLT).

Thank you to all of my amazing writers for writing, proofing and donating your words. Also, I am grateful to Patricia Coughlin and Shay Lee for your additional help.

With love,

alisa

Forward

Tears rolled down my face as I sat on my couch intently reading every word from this book, A Movement of Hearts. My heart’s posture transformed from focusing on the mundane to a spirit overflowing with grateful awe. As I read, the common theme was that God is in the midst of His people, going before them through all life’s circumstances.

Each devotional allows us to witness God’s steadfast faithfulness, His everlasting goodness and His comforting peace that transcends beyond time and space and beyond tragedy and victory. Wherever we are in our own story, this anthology points us to experiencing even more that God is our Strength, our Confidence and our Hope.

To personally know Alisa Hope Wagner and her ability to celebrate other writers with grateful collaboration is something I’ve personally been able to be a part of for a number of years. This book reveals it. Meanwhile her vision over these devotionals is incredibly evident as these writings from various authors usher in worship to Almighty God. Alisa’s intent is a simple yet profound glimpse of the heartbeat of God.

Amazingly enough the words on these pages unveil the seeds that have been sown to the Lord with every writer’s testimony. Seeds sown in the form of words, faithfully planted not for profit but for treasures beyond earthly gain. To discover that these words will help others across the world by supporting missions is beyond imagination.

The contributing writers in this anthology sowed their prayers, stewarded their time and articulated what God has done in their lives. They did this not to hit a profit margin, but to donate their words, becoming people who have invested in the Kingdom of God. The greatest gain to all people is to be reconciled and redeemed back to their Father God, which is exactly the heart of this book. It’s about living a life that is attractively touched by God, pointing others to their Father.

Join me and almost sixty other writers as we become a Movement of Hearts: Beating as One.

Revealing God’s Goodness,

Teresa Ann Criswell

Two Concerts

While my husband and I were in Ireland for our 20th anniversary, we had a choice between attending one of two concerts in Dublin: Matt Maher on June 12 or Elton John on June 13. The first concert was at a Catholic church with a few hundred people. The second concert was at a large arena with several thousands of people.

We chose Matt Maher because I had a promise.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13.12 NIV).

About two years ago I was struggling with my faith. God had given me so many promises, and they had stacked up on each other. The weight of them became heavy, and God wanted to add a new one to my burdensome expectancy.

“I don’t believe it,” I told God plainly. “I have too many promises still unanswered. How could I believe for another one?”

I was getting into my car, and I felt the Holy Spirit say, “A song by Matt Maher will be playing on the radio when you turn on the car. That will prove that what I say is true.”

I don’t ask God for signs often. I’ve learned long ago that faith is greater when less is seen. However, during that particular season of life, my faith was weakened under the weight of hope deferred. Matt Maher’s worship music had recently been encouraging my faith, keeping belief afloat with words of Truth. To hear one of his songs at that moment would truly be a miracle.

I got into my car and turned on the radio station. Matt Maher was not playing.

“Turn to the other station,” I felt the Holy Spirit say.

I have two Christian stations set on my radio–a local one and a national one. I turned the station. I heard Matt Maher’s worship pouring out of my speakers into my car.

I smiled. “Okay, God. I’ll tuck this new promise into my belief system with the other ones.”

I drove on. Matt Maher’s song ended, so I turned back to the other station. Another Matt Maher song was playing on the first station I had checked. My smiled broadened. God was showing me that I needed to wait. My promises were simply on the playlist waiting for their turn. They were there in the supernatural and were set to play in the natural at the appropriate time.

“So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen” (Matthew 20.16 NKJV).

Later that evening as my husband and I walked back to our hotel in Dublin, we discussed Matt Maher’s concert. The presence of God showed up powerfully, and the worship was personally refreshing for me and for everyone. My faith needed a night of focusing on God and praising Him. Matt Maher led a united audience in worshiping God and praising His Son.

I thought about Elton John’s concert that was happening the next day. We had been offered tickets, but we turned them down. I knew there would be thousands of people there. His legacy is long and the effects of his music far-reaching on earth. To the natural, Elton John’s concert would appear grander than the one we attended.

But I realize that sometimes God’s Kingdom is upside down to the world’s standards. What seems meek is actually powerful, and what seems small is actually gigantic

I imagined Matt Maher’s concert in that old church, and I could envision an unseen audience of tens of thousands descending upon it. The angels and the crowd of witnesses all came to worship the One True God, and His presence filled the church and streets of Dublin. I could see Jesus standing beside Matt Maher, like a proud older brother, enjoying the talents of His kin.

In the reality of eternity, Matt Maher’s concert will be recorded in Heaven because it was rooted in the Vine of Christ (John 15.5). The praise of Jesus, God in the flesh, will echo forever, and one day all will hear the music. Matt Maher’s worship concert will have no end because it is united with the Immortal Concert of God. The concert my husband and I chose to attend was so spectacular that it’s beyond human comprehension.

Memory Verse:

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’”

- Mark 9:35 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Father, help me to see through Your eyes. You see what is eternal and what truly matters. I want to be directed by Your Kingdom, not the kingdoms of this world. Thank You for giving me an eternal perspective…”

Contributing Writer:

Alisa Hope Wagner

The Veiled Provider

It was mid-December of 1990 as I drove my clunker across town in disillusionment, anger, and disappointment. Hot tears burned my eyes and rolled down my cheeks as I made my way to the Department of Family and Children Services as a recipient of the Empty Stocking Fund.

I had returned to my hometown that spring as a divorced, single mother with my toddler son, Cole, and my seven-month-old daughter, Candace, who was in desperate need of a liver transplant. Candace had received her transplant in July, but life remained full of struggles with no relief in sight. Following her surgery, Candace required twenty-two doses of medicine daily and constant care. Most nights there was little sleep for either of us.

On this cold and rainy morning, I was physically and emotionally exhausted. Finally left alone to myself, I was flooded with humiliation, and I angrily lashed out at God. Why have you allowed rejection to rule my life almost since the day I was born? Do you even care at all? Where are You?

Arriving at the distribution center, I was directed to a table where I would receive two gifts for my children, a frozen turkey and a bag of groceries. Returning to my car, relieved and somewhat thankful that I now had gifts to give my children, I still bore the weight of embarrassment and self-pity as the hot tears returned. God, why aren’t You providing for us? Deep in my spirit I heard, “I just did.” My pride instantly melted, and I was changed by the warmth of God’s love.

On Christmas Eve, I baked my Christmas turkey with thanksgiving and joy. On Christmas morning, Cole was ecstatic over his gift, and I’ll never forget Candace’s big smile and twinkling eyes as she hugged her teddy bear. That Christmas was to be my last spent with Candace. On February 13, 1991, she succumbed to liver transplant complications, and my maternal hopes were dashed as I watched her lowered to the dark earth on a cold and rainy Sunday four days later.

Many Christmases have passed since that dark day, yet with each year I become more convinced of God’s goodness and provision in the mystery of sorrow and pain. No matter the circumstances of our lives, God remains sovereign, and His purposes cannot be thwarted. Those who have found Jehovah Jireh behind the veil of broken dreams can testify of the God of hope.

Memory Verse:

“May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

- Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Blessed Lord, may we always search for You behind the veil of pain and suffering. When sorrow washes over us in waves, help us in our unbelief when we think that You do not care. Show us Your glory that we may testify of Your never-ending love and provision…”

Contributing Writer:

Sheneka Land

What's in Your Heart?

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees…Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path” (Psalms 119:11-12 &105 NIV).

“Oh Wow $20.00!” I exclaimed to myself as I pulled what I thought was a piece of paper out of my handbag. I hadn’t used that particular bag in a few months, and I had put it there the last time I used it and had forgotten about it. However, I found it at just when I needed it most.

This is how the Word of God is. At times we read, and it seems like we’re not understanding it or getting anything from it. However, as we read and listen to the Word of God, we are hiding it away in our hearts without even realizing it. But like that $20.00 did to me, it will come back to you when you really need it.

There may be days when you’re going through situations and a scripture you didn’t even realize that you knew just comes to mind. At that moment that scripture may contain the answer you were seeking. It may be something that causes you to pause and think a moment of a decision you were going to make. Or maybe it is something that encourages or motivates you to make it through the day. Whatever the case may be, it can only happen if the Word is already in you.

So, I encourage you to hide God’s Word away in your heart. Even on the days when it doesn’t seem like anything is sinking in continue to spend time in His Word. I promise you’ll never regret it.

Memory Verse:

“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”

- Psalms 119:15-16 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“God, I know that Your Word, the Bible, gives me everything I need to live in victory. Help me to continually read and meditate on it, so when I need it most, the Holy Spirit can use verses to encourage my faith and give me clarity when I feel lost and confused…”

Contributing Writer:

Bernadine Zimmerman

Beauty for Ashes

A near death experience left me with debilitating migraines, neonatal loss, empty arms, and an abrupt end to expanding my family. One thing I realized early on was that the things that spoke to my heart and brought me joy was receiving hugs and looking at beautiful things. I realized once my kids started school that I needed a little companion dog. I wanted a white dog to remind me of my daughter being in Heaven. I had never seen a Bichon Frisé, but according to my research they seemed to be the perfect breed for me.

I began looking into dogs rescued from a puppy mill. They were not socialized and not allowed to be placed in a family with kids under ten years old. I prayed for God to make a way for us to adopt one. I heard a still small voice say, “I will give you a dog, but I need you to be patient.”

Months later, my friend, Linda, took me to a dog show to learn about the breed. I went expecting only to research, seek contacts, ask questions, and enjoy the day with my daughter. I met two strangers that day who became fast friends. Carol, let me hold her Bichon, and my eyes filled with tears. I quickly apologized and told her that I had just had a stillborn and this was the first time that my arms felt full since my loss.

Carol responded so lovingly, “Oh honey, I’m so sorry, I had a stillborn too,” and she hugged me. She told me to hang on to her therapy dog, Charity, for a while. As we talked, we approached Kayley, an elite show groomer, professional handler, and respected, responsible Bichon breeder who saw our rosy cheeks and smeared mascara.

Kayley asked, “What’s going on with you two?” After I shared with her, she told Carol, “We were just talking about this last night.” Then Kayley said to Carol, “You know when it’s the right one.”

She informed me that she had a three-year-old male finished champion, he had been her stud, but she was retiring him. She was looking for a special family to place him with. She gave me her business card and told me to come get him that week and if we were a good match, she would place him with me. I told her I don’t know what that means. She said, “Honey, that means I am going to give him to you.” Tears fell. I again replayed that still small voice’s words in my head. I was flabbergasted, grateful, and elated. I told her that God sent me to her.

That precious dog stayed with me through migraines and tears. He brought so much joy and beauty to our lives. His soft fur comforted me; his loyalty was his love. He was such a vivid representation of the Lord to me. He was always there, always comforting, faithful, and a present help in trouble.

Kayley also gave both of my kids a dog too! After the last two died recently, I thanked her again for the gift of each of them. I told her those little angels changed our lives. They made us better people and helped us heal. I can never thank her enough. Her acts of love and sacrifice continued to blow me away when she again offered me another dog. She told me, “I will always have a dog for your empty arms.” Through Kayley, God gave me beauty for my ashes. I thank Him each day for Kayley and though I bless her, I ask the Lord to bless her back for me too, as my debt of gratitude is great.

Memory Verse:

“To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.”

- Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

Prayer Prompt:

“Father, thank You for the Kayley’s in the world that love with all their heart. Thank You for the ripple effect on the lives of the giver and the receiver. Lord, show us how we can love people extravagantly today. Use us to give beauty for ashes at difficult times…”

Contributing Writer:

Stacey Tuley

Generation to Generation

Recently I attended a women’s event at the church I grew up in. I was surrounded by women that had impacted my life and influenced my decision for Christ. It’s been many years since I shared a time of spiritual growth with these ladies and yet, it was as if no time had passed at all. These women invested in me. They taught me the principles of God’s word, not just in Sunday School classes, but through their daily lives.

I watched one trust God for provision when her husband became unemployed for many months. I watched one cling to the Comforter in the loss of her teenage son. I watched one battle the enemy to keep her marriage intact, and I watched one rise above sexual abuse to give God glory for her complete emotional healing. Amazing women!

And I am forever shaped by their relationship with the Lord. So as I looked around at this faithful group of godly women, I wondered about the impact I was having on the younger women in my life. God calls us to reach out to the generations beneath us and provide a support system in order to nurture them in their walk with Jesus.

Our trials and tribulations are not in vain. We have an opportunity to be real and transparent in order to teach those in our circle of influence to hang on to Almighty God through every circumstance. He is the answer to every situation; and as we live that out before our younger sisters, they are transformed for His glory. It is a high calling to commit to train up the younger women, and I don’t take it lightly.

I know the difference it has made in my own life to be inspired by the women of faith that God has strategically placed in my path. I am eternally grateful for those that have gone before me, and I pray that I can pass the torch to those that will soon come after me. May we never stop learning from one another and may we never feel that God can no longer use us.

From generation to generation, we have a story to tell. Our sisters are counting on it.

Memory Verse:

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women…”

- Titus 2:3-4a (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Lord, thank You that we do not have to walk through this world alone. You have created us for fellowship and we have the privilege of sharing it with our sisters in Christ. Help me to openly and honestly live out my faith as I strive to be an example…”

Contributing Writer:

DeeDee Sharon

In Celebration of Grandma

Years ago, I traveled out of town to be with our oldest daughter, Jennifer and her three young children who were grieving the loss of their grandmother. As expected at their age, our time together was filled with a mixed bag of emotions. One minute the kids would be playing and laughing, the next they’d be climbing onto my lap for another round of snuggles and kisses. Occasionally, one child would quietly ask a question about Grandma, or why she had died. It was obvious their young minds were trying to understand the implications of her death and their loss.

Later that week we had dinner together at a local restaurant. Children’s menus were colored, dinner was ordered, and the food was delivered to our table. As we joined hands to give thanks for our meal, my nine-year-old granddaughter, Karis, asked if she could say our dinner prayer. So, we bowed our heads to pray in silence with her. Although her thoughts were choppy, her prayer this evening was profound in simplicity and sincerity: “Thank You, God, for my family. Thank You for letting my mommy be with us. Thank You for our time together. Thank You for this beautiful day.” And finally: “Thank You, God, for letting Grandma go to Heaven.”

Immediately, tears sprung to my eyes, and joy filled my heart as I realized she was thanking God for the most important gift of all. The promise of Heaven: a life beyond death. And in a blink, her prayer ended.

Wow! Jen and I locked eyes across the table, both realizing the wisdom of her words. Then, that suddenly my darling Karis raised her glass and said, “Let’s make a toast to Grandma!” We all raised our glasses together in celebration of their grandmother’s life, clinking glasses with shouts of “To Grandma!” Looking around me, I offered a silent prayer of thanks for the faith of my granddaughter, and the promise of our Father who reserves a place in Heaven for all of His children.

Memory Verse:

“‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”

- Mark 10:14-16 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for my grandchildren and the wisdom I gain from their childlike faith in You. I pray they will always seek You and claim the wonderful blessings You have in store for each of them. Lord, I pray for parents and grandparents everywhere, that they will be an instrument in sharing Your good news in their families, neighborhoods and communities…”

Contributing Writer:

Vicki Beck

God’s Transfer

I’ve been blessed in my life to have had military wives as friends, and I’ve learned a lot from them. I respect and admire them so much. When their family is stationed somewhere new, the women know that they will only be there for a short time. Therefore, the women have learned ways of making the most of the time they have in their new home.

One friend summarized it this way. “The first thing I do is put out my pictures of family and friends. That makes any place feel like home to me.”

Yes, families and friends give us an anchor in this life. They point to the most important things here on this earth to us. “The second thing,” she says, “is that I plant things–flowers, trees, whatever it’s the season for. I know I’ll enjoy them and nurture them for a while; then, I’ll pass them on to others who will watch them grow and enjoy them.”

She grows the plants in season–she doesn’t try to force daffodils in December. Just as we should work within the seasons of our lives and not try to force something that it isn’t the right time for. And she knows that these earthly things are hers for only a while. She is giving to others, willing to invest some of herself and her time for their future enjoyment.

She continues. “Planting also gets the kids and myself involved in something outdoors. We meet people, make friends in the neighborhood, and become comfortable with where we are. Aside from the usual children’s activities, it’s one of the best ways I know to meet people. Everyone comes by to stop and chats.”

The military wife is an excellent example for us. We should anchor ourselves with family and friends, allow our talents to grow beautiful things around us, and get to know others while investing in them. We all know that our tour of duty here on earth has a time limit, so we need to make the most of the time God gives us. We will never know when we will be transferred.

Memory Verse:

“That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

- Psalms 90:12 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Lord, please teach me the value of everyday moments, of family and friends, of investing in others and reaching out to them. Teach me to truly number my days that I may be a blessing in this short life...”

Contributing Writer:

Bobbie Bonno

Becoming Who You Already Are

Has God ever asked you to do something that you didn’t understand and left you scratching your head and asking, huh? Ah, but His ways are so much higher than ours! When I was 15 years old, the Lord gave me such a huge hunger for His Word that I felt led to memorize over 40 scriptures in just a few months. I didn’t understand why but I did it. His truth gave me a new foundation that transformed my mind and my life.

The sanctification process grows us into becoming who we already are in Christ. In Ruth chapter 3 we see Naomi act much like the Holy Spirit and give Ruth some guidance. Her instructions included, “Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor….” Ruth, being a Moabitess, likely didn’t fully understand Naomi’s unconventional guidance regarding the Jewish customs, but she obeyed anyway.

Let’s take a closer look at these instructions through a spiritual lens:

First, “wash” yourself which indicates a cleansing. When God is getting ready to do something new in your life, He wants to purge the old. He does not deposit new wine into old wineskins (Matthew 9:16-17). He wants you to be able to contain and maintain the fresh outpouring He is bestowing into your life. That includes not only washing away your past hurts, disappointments, regrets and mistakes, but also your way of thinking. It’s so important that you see yourself, others and circumstances through God’s word. We need to change the way we think. We can’t walk in Bethlehem’s blessing with Moab’s mentality!

Second, “perfume yourself” meant that Ruth needed to bust out her fragrant oil (aka Christian Dior). Naomi was asking Ruth to anoint herself and give off a different fragrance. We know that oil usually represents the Holy Spirit’s anointing and His presence in us changes everything. Because the Holy Spirit lives in you, you can believe and do whatever God asks of you!

Third, “put on your best clothes” indicated, dress up! Because Ruth was a widow, she likely was wearing her grieving garments. In changing her outfit, Naomi was encouraging Ruth to believe for a new beginning. If you’re believing God for more, then look like it. Change your spiritual wardrobe. Put on your garment of praise! Let God transform that pity party to a confident celebration and any negative words into positive declaration. Possess, take a hold of, own, and walk in who you are in Him and embrace all that He has for you. Changing who you are on the outside begins by believing who you want to become on the inside.

Becoming who you already are is a process of yielding to God’s Word and humbly obeying the Holy Spirit, even when His guidance may not always make sense. When we walk out His instructions, we are sure to experience our Redeemer’s plan in greater measure.

Memory Verse:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

- Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Lord, help to remain teachable and humble to obey You when You ask me to…”

Contributing Writer:

Rochelle Rocha Roots

Get Lost

Thankfully, I can’t remember ever feeling burnt out while serving here in Kenya these past eight years. This week, however, it happened. My husband, Wayne, and I talked about how feeling overwhelmed and exhausted could lead to bitterness. I’m thankful for a husband who knows me and makes a way for me to get away. We had a lot to do today, but he said he would take care of it.

I decided I had errands to run. My mind so was full, as I drove around with my to-do list. Without noticing, I took a wrong turn. I started to panic when I realized I had no idea where I was. Then I felt God say, “You’re not lost. I have you. Keep going.”

I was afraid, but I kept driving. I drove until I couldn’t drive forward anymore, and there I saw a little dirt road. I looked toward where the dirt road ended, and I could see the beach in the distance. But I decided that I would stay in my car. It was safe. Mombasa can be a dangerous place. After a scary incident, I hadn’t been back to the beach in eight months. But I felt God compelling me to walk down the dirt path.

It’s not safe, I thought. I’ll stay here. I decided to obey, but the man who owned the little hut on the path said that I needed to pay 100 shillings ($1) to stay there. I didn’t have any money. Ok, I guess I need to leave now.

But I felt God say, “No. If I want you here, I’ll make a way,” so I began to look for money in the car and in my purse. Nothing. “Keep looking,” I heard God say.

I looked for 15 minutes in every nook and cranny and every pocket. “Keep looking,” He said again. Then I found it…100 shillings squashed down into a fold of my wallet that I never used.

I felt God had a divine appointment for me. I thought maybe there was someone He needed me to share His love with. I walked down the path. I sat down and sunk my feet into the warm sand and lied back not caring if my hair got sandy. I just sat and listened to the waves, breathed in the salt air, and stayed still, knowing that He was God.

At that moment, I realized that God had wanted to spend time with me. He created that ocean as a deep place of healing just for me. I can’t pour out what I don’t have. So He restored me and filled me with His goodness and peace. And, yes, I finally found my way back home.

Memory Verse:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

- Psalms 23:2-3 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Oh God, I’m constant need of restoring that can only come from spending time in Your presence. Help me to walk in tune with You that I would hear even the slightest whisper that says go this way. In Your name I claim victory over the stress that threatens to take over my mind. It’s just me and You right now…”

Contributing Writer:

Tammy Andrus

Thorough Cleaning

My department was moving to a new floor. We were told our new spaces had been cleaned already by the previous occupants. We hoped that was the case. From a distance they looked clean.

However, as we walked into the cubicles and took a closer look, we were disappointed. The desks and cabinets were filthy. It took lot of cleanser and elbow grease to get the spaces clean enough for us to feel comfortable moving in. I was tempted to complain because I hate dirt and filth. But the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “The desks and cabinets are like your heart.”

That took me by surprise. What kind of comparison was that? I thought on it for a moment and came to a humbling conclusion. While on the outside I might look “clean,” a close look inside would show my heart was soiled by unconfessed sin. The longer I wait to confess sin, the harder it is to hear from God and allow Him to wash away my sin.

Just as I was upset that the spaces were so dirty, how much more the Holy Spirit must be grieved when I allow sin to fester in my heart. Once I thoroughly cleaned my space, I was happy to move in. The Word tells us that “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).

By confessing sin daily, our hearts become a clean and welcoming place where God is able to move and speak clearly to us.

Memory verse:

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

- Psalms 51:2 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Dear God, thank You that You want to always be at work in my heart. Thank You for always being available to hear my confession of sin. Let my heart and spirit be washed clean by Your mercy and grace. Allow me return to sweet fellowship with You by confessing the sin…”

Contributing Writer:

Marietta Taylor

Scar

I have an extremely large and very visible scar on my left hip. It is one of many. My scars symbolize months of incomprehensible physical pain and suffering. These bodily scars are connected to an overabundance of non-visible scars that represent incomprehensible emotional pain and suffering.

These emotional scars bring back horrible memories of ambulance rides, life flights, BiPAPs, central lines, vascular filters, catheters, bed pans, chest tubes, leg traction, nerve pain, hundred plus hours of physical rehabilitation, morphine detoxification, crutches, wheelchair, walkers, shower chairs, anxiety, depression and tears.

These scars symbolize many horrific experiences, but they also symbolize many amazing and wonderful experiences. When I take a second glance at my scars, I see devoted family and friends who gave up the comforts of their homes to be by my side in the hospital for weeks on end.

I see a husband who held my hands, carried me, pushed my wheelchair, shaved my legs and helped me dress over the course of 4 months. I see hundreds of get-well cards and gifts, such as food, clothes, teddy bears, and candy. I see 300 paid vacation hours donated to me by loving co-workers. I see amazing physicians that God blessed with exceptional skills. I see nurses, physical therapist, and occupational therapist with big smiles and even bigger hearts.

I also see prayer, kindness, strength, sacrifice, and especially love. I will never fully understand the reasons I had a car accident; but because of it, I fully understand that I am loved. God knew I was both physically and emotionally broken; therefore, He sent hundreds of people to profess His love for me.

Memory Verse:

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

- Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

“Thank You, Father, for helping me through that time of pain and brokenness. I don’t quite understand suffering, but I know that You are a God of healing. Thank You for showing Yourself to me through the people around me that cared and loved me. Show me what I can do to help others...”

Contributing Writer:

Christina Downing