"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour." Ephesians 5:1-2
Our pastor usually walks around the church praying before the service, and often, we see his grandson walking in his footsteps. The pastor also makes a unique gesture with his hand when he is preaching or worshiping. Recently, I noticed the grandson doing the same thing when the children were on the platform singing on Family Sunday, Children imitate the actions of those they love.
In this verse in Ephesians, Paul admonishes the church to walk in love and in the footsteps of Jesus. I like how the Amplified Bible expresses it: "Therefore be imitators of God - copy Him and follow His example - as well-beloved children (imitate their father)."
When Jesus was here on earth, He spent time teaching His disciples. By spoken word and by His example, He showed them what it meant to love God. He was preparing them for their ministry after He was gone.
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
After Jesus ascended into Heaven, as the disciples began to preach the Gospel with boldness, others recognized them as being followers of Jesus.
Act 4:13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
Jesus loved us so much that He was willing to die to redeem us from sin. What a privilege and high calling it is to know such love. As we let His Holy Spirit take control of our lives, we seek to imitate Him in every aspect of our lives. His love will overflow to those around us.
This week, let us look at the attributes of Jesus that He wants us to manifest to the world, so that they may see His love.
Thought For Today: Does the world see Jesus as they look at me?
Devotion by: Anne Johnston

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14, NIV.
You've probably heard the quote, "Having a strong end is more important than having a perfect beginning." Do you agree?
When we look at the beginning of Saul's story, it becomes clear that there was much more to Saul than failure. His story didn't start in rebellion or pride - it began with humility, reverence, and promise.
A HUMBLE BEGINNING
When Saul first appears in Scripture, he is a respectful and humble young man. He worked faithfully for his father with a herd of donkeys. He also honored the things of God.
When he sought Samuel for direction, he was troubled because he had nothing to give the man of God, not because he wanted to buy a blessing, but because he wanted to honor the office. (1 Samuel 9:7)
When God chose him to be Israel's first king, Saul responded with sincerity and uncertainty. "Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel?" (1 Samuel 9:21)
And on the day of his inauguration, Scripture says he hid himself (1 Samuel 10:22).
His reign began with what appeared to be a pure, humble heart.
THE SHIFT
But somewhere along the journey, humility gave way to pride. Maybe it was the pressure of the office, or maybe it was insecurity. Perhaps, it was fear of losing the approval of people. But, whatever the cause, we watch Saul's heart begin to drift:
He compromised God's commands.
He misrepresented God's instructions.
He became obsessed with how people viewed him.
The contrast between Saul and David is striking.
Saul saw David's heart and despised him for his giftings. Instead of choosing to lead, mentor, and develop David, he sought to destroy what threatened his pride. Saul became a king moved by necessity, while David became a king moved by holy cause.
Saul lived for the applause of the people, while David lived for the heart of God.
And in the end, Saul's selfish choices cost him the very thing he coveted most, his crown.
LET'S FINISH STRONG
I had a pretty rocky beginning with God; there were a lot more down's than ups and I was on a major learning curve. But, I was dedicated to my prayer life and Bible reading (you wouldn't have known it by looking at me), and God began to transform me from the inside out. Looking back, I am astounded by how much I have grown in the Lord, but looking ahead I realize that God isn't through with me - and He's not through with you, either.
The road gets wearisome, but Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" and Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to forget those things that are behind us (good or bad) and reach toward the high calling of God.
If you're reading this devotion today, God is still writing your story. There is a high calling on your life. You have come too far to turn back now. God has started something in your life and He can bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Remember, it matters more how you finish than how you began. Let's end this race with the Lord strong and steadfast.

"They came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus… began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me." Mark 10:46-47, KJV
In this passage we meet Bartimaeus - a blind beggar sitting beside the highway. That roadside was known as a place where outcasts, the unclean, and the overlooked gathered. His daily routine was painfully predictable:
"I'm blind… can you spare a shekel?"
Nothing about his day suggested anything extraordinary was coming. But then he heard something; voices, footsteps, movement. And because he was blind, his ears were trained to pick up what others might ignore. He could feel something was shifting in the atmosphere.
When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, something awakened in him. He cried out:
"Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Blind Eyes, But Spiritual Insight
Though Bartimaeus was physically blind, he had a spiritual revelation of who was walking down that road.
He didn't call Him "Jesus of Nazareth." He called Him "Son of David" - a Messianic title. He recognized the Healer before he ever saw Him. He had no physical sight, but he had spiritual understanding.
Faith That Won't Be Silenced
The crowd immediately tried to silence him: "Hold your peace! Who do you think you are? You're just a blind beggar."
The same voices still speak today:
• You're not important.
• You don't matter.
• Stop praying so loud.
• Tone it down.
• God won't listen to you.
For some of us, all that it would take to silence us is for someone to tell us to be quiet. All it would take is the enemy to tell us that we are worthless and wounded.
But desperation will make you cry louder.
A Cry That Stops Heaven
Scripture says: "He cried the more a great deal…" (v.48)
And then… "Jesus stood still." Your faith arrests the footsteps of Heaven.
The very people who told him to be quiet suddenly change their tune: "Be of good comfort, rise! Jesus is calling you." (v.49)
I find it extremely comical that the same people who were telling Bartimaeus to "hold his peace" are the SAME PEOPLE who said, "Be of good comfort, rise; Jesus is calling for you," Mark 10:49.
People are fickle. Feelings are often wrong. The devil is a liar.
Don't listen to the people around you who tell you to quiet your voice. When you're desperate - when you have an impossible situation in your life - when you can make it on your own, then you need to
cry out the more for Jesus to intervene.
Faith That Makes You Whole
Bartimaeus didn't just receive sight - he received wholeness.
Jesus said: "Thy faith hath made thee whole." (v.52)
Faith can move mountains, shifts atmospheres, and brings healing.
Faith brings clarity in the places where we've been blind.
You may have a "blinding" situation today - something beyond your control. But Jesus specializes in the impossible. What men cannot do, God can.
A Call to Action
When you feel discouraged… cry the more.
When you feel overlooked… cry the more.
When the enemy whispers lies… cry the more.
When people try to quiet your worship… cry the more.
Cry out to the only One who can make you whole.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the faith of Bartimaeus - faith that refuses to be silent. Open my spiritual eyes, and strengthen my voice. Help me cry out even when I feel discouraged. I believe You hear me, You see me, and You are able to make me whole. Amen.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14.
I'm one of those people who love a power outage; I think it's fun to get off the grid for a few hours, playing a board game, reading a book to candlelight, or just being cozy with blankets acting like a shelter of protection.
Even though there is darkness in the world, it doesn't mean there isn't something more powerful.
Light will always prevail.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:4-5.
God has a remedy for every bit of darkness in the world and that is Himself, the truest light form in the universe.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105.
When we are led by the Word of God we will have clear direction on where we need to go and what we need to do.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16, NIV.
There is a distinct difference between light and darkness. These scriptures explain that the best place to put light is in a dark place. Yes, we live in a very dark world; evil lurks behind every corner. It may seem impossible to enhance our surroundings and make a difference. However, when you walk into your work place, you are bringing the light of God. When you walk into your child's school, you are shining bright. When evil tries to penetrate your home, you have the power of God that will shine brilliantly through you.
God likes to place His light in places where it is most needed.
All of the miracles and moves of God in the book of Acts were done in the darkest of situations.
Diffused light does not have the same power as focused light. Focused light has tremendous power.
When light refracts through a prism, you can see all of its characteristics and the spectrum of colors light possesses.
The sun focused through a magnifying glass can light a fire.
Light concentrated through a laser beam can cut through steel.
Your talent, your gifting, and your resources may not be much by themselves, but when they are concentrated through the lens of the spirit, then there will be no limit to the power of God that will shine through you! We are now the body of Christ, and we need to realize who we really are. We are the bearers of light. We have the power to expel darkness from this world. Shine bright, dear sister.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:8-11.
The things we express at funerals should be the things we share at birthday parties and family gatherings.

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. , ESV.
For the sake of discretion, I will tell the story like this… in the last twenty years, between the north pole and south pole, there was someone who made my life very difficult. It seemed like their goal was to make my day miserable with their distasteful attitude. They had a problem with me regardless of how nice I was or how hard I tried to make "things right." So, what did I do? With the prompting of the Lord, I invited them to dinner.
There is something that happens when you break bread with someone. There is a calmness that saturates a dinner table when you sit down and enjoy a meal with other people. Time slows down and conversations flow freely. Most of the time, people's walls are down. When you sit next to someone, you share your life with them and vice versa. When you share a meal, you share a piece of yourself with them. That, to me, is true fellowship.
The Greek word for fellowship is 'koinonia' and it means, "to share in common." We are commanded in the New Testament to have unity in the Spirit by sharing the gospel of the new birth experience and also to have fellowship by the act of breaking bread (1 John 1:7; Philippians 2:1-2; Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:6-7; Matthew 9:10-17).
Are you wondering what happened after dinner at my home with that "person?" Well, we became friends and are still friends. It turns out that we misunderstood one another and all we needed was common ground to talk and laugh with one another.
"Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible." 3 John 1:5-6, The Message.
When we extend hospitality to others our faith in the Lord is made visible. How powerful is that?
Hospitality does not have the attitude of, "Here I am."
Hospitality has the approach of, "There you are."
Food brings people together. When we read about the connection between Jesus and His disciples, it goes beyond a teacher­-student relationship. Jesus doesn't teach them rigid laws all day and then send them home to study and memorize ideologies. He taught them how to love people by loving them unconditionally. He taught them how to build relationships with people, by sitting down and breaking bread with them. He demonstrated the provision of Almighty God by allowing them to lack resources, only to be led to the water and catch a fish with a coin in its mouth providing their monetary need to pay taxes.
Jesus was criticized harshly for sitting with sinners and eating with them. The religious leaders scoffed at the idea of sitting with a sinner. But, how do you think the sinner felt? Do you think they felt loved? Understood? Accepted? The sinner could talk with Jesus and know that He was different, that He was love, and that He really could take away the reproach of their sin if they would follow after him. Why? Because ministered with a true spirit of fellowship, not a pretentious attitude.

Sometimes I forget what God has done in my life. A few weeks ago in a church service we sang, "When I think about the Lord, how he saved me… it makes me want to shout hallelujah, thank you, Jesus!" I began to weep at the keyboard as I thanked the Lord for completely changing my life around. Where would I be without the Lord?
Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might,while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. 2 Samuel 6:14-16, NIV.
David danced without reservation because the Ark of the Covenant was finally retuning to Jerusalem. He danced because God made a covenant with Israel and he was demonstrating his love toward his LORD.
However, Michal, David's wife, despised his worship and told him he was only dancing for vain glory, (2 Samuel 6:20-21). David responded saying, that his worship was exclusively for the Lord.
The next time you worry about other people's opinions about your worship, or when you feel intimidated by the perception of other people remember that:
They haven't seen where God brought you from.
They weren't there when you almost overdosed on drugs.
They weren't there when you were delivered.
They weren't there when you had low self-esteem.
They weren't there when God gave you the power to forgive.
So, feel free to share what God has done in your life. Maybe there will be people who will choose not to listen, but I promise there are those who will be encouraged by your worship and your testimony. Today, as we worship together as a church body, your praise can encourage someone else to step out of their comfort zone and give God glory. Being a worshiper shouldn't be something we just do on a Sunday, but it should be who we are everyday of the week.

Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." (Matthew 26:48, ESV)
This week we have studied several biblical events that happened around the midnight hour. The Bible has many other midnight stories, but today's is the most significant. Let's follow the Lord's footsteps into the Garden of Gethsemane. It was there that the Lord agonized in prayer in the hours before Judas gave his kiss of betrayal.
THE FINAL WEEK
The week had been long and eventful - the triumphal entry, the cries of "Hosanna" from the crowd, the Lord's lament over Jerusalem, overthrowing the tables of the money changers, teaching in the Temple, and so much more. Jesus understood what His disciples did not grasp. His earthly ministry was ending. Behind the scenes, the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death without creating an uproar of the people. Soon He would be betrayed by someone close to Him.
Following what we call the Last Supper, the Lord and His disciples made their way to Gethsemane, a garden of olive trees on a slope of the Mount of Olives. Not everyone was there; one disciple was missing. In the garden, Jesus spent three agonizing hours in earnest prayer. His prayers became so intense, so heavy, that an angel appeared to strengthen Him.
"And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:44, ESV)
THE BETRAYAL
Even as the Lord agonized in prayer, His betrayer was leading soldiers, high priests, Pharisees, and servants to arrest Jesus. Knowing the habits of the Lord, Judas knew where to find Him to give that kiss of betrayal. The effects of that kiss climaxed hours later with the Lord's death on the cross. At 3:00 PM, the hour of the evening sacrifice, the Sinless One, the Lamb of God, paid the price for our sins. He willingly took our place at Calvary.
Fortunately for all of us, the story did not end with His death. Sunday morning brought the joyful news of the Lord's resurrection. He conquered death. He was alive! And because He lives, we have the promise of eternal life with Him.
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit." (I Peter 3:18, ESV)
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Can you remember the times God came to you in the darkness of midnight to bring peace, comfort, and hope? How can you use your experiences to encourage others who are struggling through dark times and need midnight deliverance?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

"Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church." (Acts 12:5, NKJV)
As we read the Book of Acts, we see the rapid growth of the church. The followers of Jesus demonstrated passion and reckless boldness in spreading the gospel. Wherever they went, they took the message with them. There was revival, but there was also opposition.
Herod had just killed James, the brother of John, and Peter was his next target. Herod was just waiting for the Jewish feast days to end before Peter would suffer a similar fate. Peter already sat in a prison cell - chained to a guard on each side and with two more guards at his cell door. He was under around-the-clock watch. Escape was impossible - or so they thought.
While everyone slept, an angel of the Lord woke Peter. As his chains fell off, Peter followed the angel's instructions to get dressed and follow him. The angel then led him through the prison and out the gate to freedom. The guards and other prisoners knew nothing until morning when they discovered Peter was missing.
Constant Prayer
Across town a number of believers were holding a prayer meeting at the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. This wasn't church folks gathering to pray for a few minutes for Peter's situation. This was a "pray until something happens" meeting. The Bible says they prayed without ceasing. Earnest, intentional prayer bombarded heaven for Peter's deliverance. The prayer meeting continued into the late-night hours.
But then the story gets a little puzzling. When a knock came at the gate, a young lady named Rhoda went to see who was there. Recognizing Peter's voice, she became so excited that she ran back inside to tell the others without opening the gate. Surprisingly, no one believed her. The more she insisted it was true, the more they insisted she was beside herself.
How was it that the church prayed desperate prayers but then struggled to recognize God's miraculous response to those prayers? Their answer was standing outside the gate, still knocking.
I'm not sure why those earnest seekers did not realize that God had already sent the answer. They were fervent in calling upon the Lord. Did He answer in a manner they did not expect? Were their words more fervent than their actual faith? Did the answer come quicker than expected? I don't know. I do know that we serve a prayer-answering God.
Our Challenge
This account in Acts 12 challenges us today to examine our own prayer life. Do we allow doubt to creep into our prayers? Is our situation just too difficult for the Lord to handle? Will God really move mountains when we pray?
Bring your impossible situation to God. Be assured. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Pray bold prayers and pray with expectancy.
"It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24, NKJV)
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (I John 5:14-15, NKJV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

"For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you." (Exodus 12:23, ESV)
For several generations the children of Israel lived in Egypt, although their status had shifted through the years. Joseph, who had once guided Egypt through a great famine, was long forgotten. The Israelites were now slaves and life was hard.
Centuries earlier, God had given Abraham the promise of a permanent homeland. In Genesis 13:15 God told him, "For all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever" (ESV).
Egypt was not their promised land, and the Lord sent Moses to lead them out of Egyptian bondage. It was now time for Abraham's descendants to leave.
Opposition by Pharaoh
Although God brought a series of plagues upon the land of Egypt, Pharaoh refused to allow the Israelites to leave (Exodus 7-11). With each judgment upon the land, Pharaoh's heart only grew harder. Nine times he refused to let them go, even as the plagues became progressively severe. Each plague was a judgment against one of the false gods of Egypt.
By the ninth plague, Pharaoh was done with Moses and his pleas to allow the Israelites to go worship their God. Pharaoh lashed out, "Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die" (Exodus 10:28, ESV). Moses responded, "As you say! I will not see your face again." Pharaoh got his wish but at a great price.
Protected by the Blood
The tenth and final plague was the most severe of all. At midnight, God's judgment swept across the land and the firstborns of both men and beasts died. But there was one exception: the children of Israel were spared.
God had instructed Moses that each household was to kill a spotless lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts of the house. Then they were to roast the lamb and eat their final meal in Egypt - hastily and dressed for travel (Exodus 12:11).
It was essential that they remain safely inside their house where the blood was visible on the doorpost. The blood would protect them from death.
"The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt." (Exodus 12:13, ESV)
the spotless lamb
Today, we are also protected by the blood. It is through the blood of the spotless Lamb of God that we are saved. We cannot purchase salvation with silver or gold. It was His sacrifice on the cross that paid the price for our sins. Each drop of His precious blood paid for our salvation.
"Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." (I Peter 1:18-19, ESV)
"Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." (Romans 5:9, ESV)
Today we sense it is close to midnight. Like the Israelites, we must stay alert and ready for God's call to leave.
"So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:28, ESV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed." (Acts 16:25-26, NKJV)
No one was asleep that night. Even at midnight, well past most people's usual bedtime, sleep would not come. Admittedly, this was no luxury hotel with a warm shower, soft sheets, and a comfy pillow. This was a prison, a dark, damp, dreary prison.
awake at midnight
The two new guys, recently thrown into the inner cell and their feet placed in stocks, certainly didn't feel like sleeping. They had been stripped of their clothes and badly beaten - unjustly so - leaving their backs bloody, raw, and extremely painful. They received no medical attention or pain medicine. We can only imagine their intense misery with these fresh open wounds.
During the dark hours of the night, a sound drifted from that inner cell and drew the attention of the other prisoners. It wasn't the sound of angry cursing about those who had inflicted this pain. It wasn't angry complaints about having been unjustly beaten and imprisoned. It wasn't even moans of pain. It was . . . music! The two new prisoners were singing. And praying. Had their injuries made them crazy? Perhaps some of those blows had hit their heads. Whatever caused it, the other prisoners listened. The new prisoners literally had a "captive audience."
This was not craziness; this was worship. Paul and Silas were enjoying a midnight praise fest in the belly of that prison!
worship shakes things up
Then there was another sound. The very foundation of the prison began to rattle and shake. Chains fell off and prison doors swung open. This was no ordinary earthquake. God was making Himself known in that prison. He heard the praise of Paul and Silas and responded as only God can. He shook things up during that midnight prayer service.
That night not only did chains fall off the feet of Paul and Silas, but chains of darkness also fell from the heart of the Philippian jailer and his family. Praise in times of trouble testifies to those around us. We never know who is watching as we sing and pray our way to victory.
When life brings heartache, suffering, and confusion, the night may seem long and lonely. We don't sleep but instead toss and turn as anxiety floods our mind. In those dark hours of the night, our fears intensify. The walls of our prison seem to press in and keep us chained. But wait! There is another sound that begins to drown out the negative voices in our ear. We remember an old hymn whose words bring comfort as we sing.
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
and to take him at his word;
just to rest upon his promise,
and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
Midnight will become our hour of deliverance as we lift our voice in prayer and praise. Let us sing over our hurts and pain. Sing over our disappointments. Sing over our anxieties and fears. God will listen and set us free.
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

And He said to them, "Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "(Luke 11:5-6, NKJV)
Jesus was a storyteller. When He wanted to teach a lesson, He often wrapped that lesson in a parable to help His listeners understand. One day His disciples observed Him praying. As He finished, one asked, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
Jesus began with the basics of prayer. Today we refer to it as "The Lord's Prayer." Many of us memorized this prayer as a child. It's really a pattern or a template of how to pray rather than words to memorize and repeat. Within just a few verses, the Lord captures the importance of worship, consecration, forgiveness, intercession, and protection.
Prayer persistence
But the Lord did not stop with these prayer basics. He continued with a parable that taught something else they needed in their prayer life: persistence.
The parable told of a man asleep when a sudden knocking at his door woke him. Like most of us when awaken at midnight, the man was startled. It was a friend with a problem. Late-arriving guests had come, but the man had no food on hand to feed them. The friend needed three loaves of bread to feed the hungry travelers. The sleeping man did not want to disturb his household by getting up, but because of his friend's persistent pleading, he finally arose and supplied the man's need.
"I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs." (Luke 11:8, NKJV)
The parable Jesus told was not really about someone needing bread. It was a story to teach His disciples to be persistent in their prayers. The Lord went on to say, "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (verse 9).
JUST KEEP PRAYING
Sometimes we become discouraged and stop praying when God does not answer immediately. We may think He isn't listening or doesn't care, but He is and He does.
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (I John 5:14-15, NKJV)
Perhaps God has sometime better in mind and will bring it to pass when the time is right. Trust Him. He knows what is best for us.
It is also important that we align our prayers with God's will. James 4:3 tells us, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures" (NKJV). Ask God to reveal any wrong motives or wrong desires that are hindering our prayers.
God takes note of your persistence. Just keep on praying until the answer comes. Trust His timing and His will.
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

It happened on the same night that the LORD said to him, "Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand" . . . Then he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet into every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and torches inside the pitchers. (Judges 7:9 and 16, NKJV)
Gideon was a reluctant leader because he did not feel up to the task God was calling him to perform. God desired Gideon to lead an army against the Midianites. Although he began with 32,000 men, God said that was too many. Eventually, after God reduced their numbers, Gideon had only 300 men left to fight. This was not a great military strategy but it was a great "God strategy." No one would be able to deny that deliverance came from the hand of the Lord, not by the efforts of men.
As if having only 300 men wasn't scary enough, they were heading into battle with a very unique type of weaponry. Each man was equipped with a trumpet and a pitcher with a torch inside. If they came out of this battle victoriously, it would not be because of their own fighting skills. It would be because God fought for them.
Nighttime fighting
Israel attacked during the night hours. The Bible identifies the time as during the second watch of the night. To help us understand, ancient Israel divided the night hours into three four-hour watches. (Later, they used the Roman system of four watches.) The second, or middle, watch spanned the hours between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. Gideon led his men into battle in the hours just before midnight at the changing of the guard. Most of the Midianites would be sleeping.
Gideon divided his 300 men into three groups and strategically placed them around the enemy's camp. When the Israelites blew their trumpets and broke their pitchers to reveal the lights, the enemy assumed they were surrounded by a vast army. In their panic, they swung their swords and struck their own men as they began to flee.
"When the three hundred blew the trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his companion throughout the whole camp; and the army fled . . ." (Verse 22)
God works night shift
Fighting in the dark may not have sounded logical to Gideon's men, but God works the day shift and the nights shift. He is always available to meet our needs, even at the midnight hour. The Bible records numerous times when God chose those dark hours of the night to demonstrate His power on behalf of His people.
If the night seems dark and the enemy seems strong, do not let fear overwhelm you. When God is on our side, battles will be won in those dark hours of the night.
"One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the LORD your God who fights for you, just as he promised you." (Joshua 23:10, ESV)
"Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:5-6, ESV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

"The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone." (Acts 27:20, NLT)
First Century travel was nothing like travel today. When we plan a trip, we have numerous options. We can drive, take a train, book a flight, or, for some locations, take a ship. When Paul and his companions traveled, not for vacations but for evangelism, their two primary modes of travel were walking and cargo ships. (Passenger ships as we know them did not exist.) It is estimated that Paul traveled over 10,000 miles during his ministry.
In those days, ship travel was risky and shipwrecks frequent. Paul knew this from personal experience. In II Corinthians 11:25 he says this had happened to him during previous travels. "Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep."
This current trip was not a vacation. Nor was it a visit to encourage the churches scattered throughout the region. In Roman protective custody for two years, the Jewish council wanted Paul returned from Caesarea to Jerusalem. As a Roman citizen, Paul claimed his right to an appeal before Caesar and was now being escorted by soldiers to Rome.
A RISKY DECISION
Ships sailed on no set schedules, but May to September were the safest months for travel. Because Paul's ship had experienced so many delays, it was now October. Despite the risks, the captain decided to set sail anyway.
We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship's officers about it. "Men," he said, "I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on - shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well." But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship's captain and the owner than to Paul. (Acts 27:9-11, NLT)
Paul's warning was ignored, but it soon became a reality. A fierce storm relentlessly battered the ship for many days, and those onboard lost all hope of survival. But Paul felt an assurance that others did not. An angel of God had appeared to him with a message. Although the ship would be lost, every life would be spared.
"Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you." (Verse 24, NLT)
Although the situation still looked grim, Paul declared, "I believe God" (verse 25). They were still in for a very rough time, but God was in control of their situation.
About midnight some of the seaman sensed they were near land and decided to lower a small boat to try for shore. But Paul warned that they must stay with the ship to be saved. This time they listened and lived. Just as God had said, the ship broke apart but all 276 souls reached shore safely.
DON'T LOSE HOPE
When strong winds blow and life's storms rage around us, it is easy to give in to fear and feel hope slip away. Like the sailors on Paul's ship, we may decide to "head for shore" on our own. Our safety, however, is found in God. No matter the strength of the storm, God is the Master of the storm. We can find hope in the darkest midnight hour when we place our confidence in Him. Stay in the ship! You will be safe there.
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 43:5, ESV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

"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 clay is a formidable foe, and at the end of one hour, all we had to show for ourselves were dirty hands and a pile of clay that sort of, slightly, not really, resembled a mushroom, a unicorn, and a cow.
This led me to wonder, am I sometimes difficult to work with in the hands of God? Do I fight the process, resolving early on that my ways are better and that I understand more than He does? Does my distorted perception interfere with my seeing clearly what God is trying to do in my life? Personally, the answer to these questions is more than likely yes.
Have you ever wondered why you do the things you do? Why do you respond and react the way you do? Why do you make the same wrong choices over and over again? If so, you aren't alone in this. Our flesh likes to do its own thing and loathes being told what to do. We can read that even Paul the Apostle struggled with this. Romans 7:15 says "For I do not understand my actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate."
Paul has the remedy for this persistent problem, and that is to set our mind on the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6 ESV). Paul recognizes and acknowledges his shortcomings, but does not dwell in condemnation. He rather sets his mind on things above and diligently pursues God.
Daily bible reading, prayer/communication with God that strengths your foundation and establishes a strong relationship, praise and worship, and fellowship with the body of Christ are just a few ways in which we can set our minds on things above.
Allow yourself to be molded and shaped by the Potter today, He has great plans for you!
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"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 as we walk this journey hand in hand together.
Let's take a moment today to surrender our will to His, to check our line of sight to be sure that He is in it, and to release control to the One who holds the world in His hands.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"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 it out in the open before Him, He will be a refuge for you; a shelter. He will cover you with His feathers and will become a safe place for even the darkest of times.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"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 Eeyore attitude from time to time - I know I do. Down in the dumps, tired, and just worn out from the lows of life.
What would happen if we decided to change our position and look up? What would we see? If we strained our eyes and focused a little bit, maybe we could see a promise on its way. If we looked really hard, perhaps we could see God at work in our lives.
It's easy to hang our heads and put no effort into seeing the good, but it requires effort and faith to see beyond current circumstances.
We may not see it today, or tomorrow, and perhaps never in this earthly life, but your promise will come to pass! Look up today, and see God's hand at work in your life!
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"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 the lie from the enemy that tells you that you are useless. Ignore the lie that tells you that you are unloved, forgotten, a burden or unqualified.
You, precious woman of God, are absolutely loved by your Father. You have a destiny. You matter. You have a future. You can do incredible things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13)
Let me say it one more time for good measure, you matter.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker