Devotions
Circumcision of the Heart: True Faith Beyond Outward Religion
We often try to change ourselves from the outside in. We adjust habits, modify behavior, and manage our appearance. We set goals and make resolutions. God is concerned with something deeper. He is waiting for us to choose a relationship with him–one where sin is cut away to enable us to love him more.
Peace in the Storm: Trusting Christ When Life Feels Shaken
On the eve of his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prepares his disciples for the change ahead. He tells them to not let their hearts be troubled even though he knows that the events to come will be difficult, shake them to their foundation.
The Good Shepherd Knows Your Heart: A Devotional for Trust and Surrender
Human expectations and standards are not the same as God’s. When God sent Samuel to anoint a new king for Israel– to follow Saul’s reign– Samuel was reminded that a man’s stature and physical attributes say nothing of his heart. God alone knew what was written on the heart of Jesse’s sons that passed before Samuel and God alone knew who Israel needed to lead them–a shepherd named David.
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From Diagnosis to Hope: Trusting God Through Fear and Uncertainty
Shortly after receiving my daughter’s diagnosis, I took a trip to the store to buy her baby clothes. In that moment, I had no way of knowing if she would ever need them, but I couldn’t stop myself from preparing for her arrival. I remember thinking that to anyone else I would appear just like any other expectant mother. But I wasn’t. The fear I carried in my heart for my little girl’s safety outweighed the joy of her upcoming arrival.
People-Pleasing vs. God-Pleasing: A Christian Caregiver’s Struggle in Healthcare
My first year in college I remember reading a book about the church being counterculture. It was a rather revolutionary thought to me, as well as deeply uncomfortable. As a recovering people pleaser, there have been many times when I thought, no I felt, that I needed the approval of everyone I met. I have great admiration for those of you who do not share this burden.
Stop Carrying It Alone: Giving Your Worries to God
Have you let worry creep into your life? It happens with great ease when we take our eyes off God. In the middle of caregiving tasks we become distracted by our to-do lists. When we finally look up we realize that a whole day, week, month has gone by without spending time with the Lord.
A Better Way to Care: Centering Your Home on Christ
I’ve been putting a lot of thought into what makes a successful caregiving household. It is easy to make a list of attributes that help things run smoothly: caregivers that are well trained; a house that can accommodate medical needs; financial stability. These things all help of course, but they are not the key component. The true linchpin to a successful household—especially one shaped by caregiving—is whether or not the household is centered on Christ.
From Empty to Overflowing in God’s Presence
Family caregiving is the sort of activity that will leave you feeling drained physically, tired emotionally, and even spiritually empty. You give so much of yourself by pouring out love and care on your loved one that you may forget to seek renewal for yourself. God offers strength that doesn’t run out.
Letting Go of Control in Caregiving: Trusting God’s Plan
As caregivers, we often have lists full of plans for the future. Plans for if a surgery goes ahead. Plans for if we are not able to pay a bill. Plans for meals to prepare for the holidays. We try to account for all contingencies ahead of time and when things go off our well-designed, color coded, carbon copied plans, we feel our control slipping away.
Encouragement for Caregivers: Growing in Wisdom, Not Just Knowledge
I commonly hear my husband get frustrated with two types of people in his workplace. First, the ones that are prideful and won’t admit they don’t know everything. Second, ignorant people that don’t realize they have only skimmed the surface of a topic. In either scenario there is an unwillingness to learn new things and it tends to hinder their work. Hearing him talk about this made me realize that there is an application in caregiving.
When Fear Feels Overwhelming: Trusting God as Your Refuge
Writing these devotionals has brought up a lot of memories, both good and bad, from my time as a caregiver for my youngest child. We knew before she was born that she was going to require multiple heart surgeries in order to survive. Comforting her in the hospital became routine under the circumstances. But that comfort took a different shape as she got older.
Simple Prayers, Powerful God: Trusting the Spirit in Your Weakness
My two teenagers are just a few years from being legal adults and moving out on their own. It has made me start thinking through all the things I want them to know before that happens. Can they do their own laundry? Are they able to cook for themselves? Will they be able to budget their money?