Month: January 2012

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Stepping Off, Up and Inside

Pam Ford Davis

Have you ever witnessed a man stepping of distance in a room or on a piece of property? My husband frequently uses the old method. He counts as he steps it off and confidently registers the distance in his mind.

We have watched as a batter steps up to the plate, shuffles his feet, takes a couple practice swings and then focuses on the pitcher. He has stepped up to the plate in anticipation of hitting a home run.

The Lord God urged Joshua to step off the promised land, step up to the plate of leadership and inside his awaited inheritance. “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given to you, as I said unto Moses (Joshua 1: 3 KJV).”  I believe I should watch my step and wait for further orders!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Fathers Beam

Pam Ford Davis

Fathers beam when they look down into the face of their children. They do not need to pass out cigars to announce the arrival of a baby; their expression delivers the message to all the family and friends who have been counting the days. No longer must he wait but now nervously holds the bundle and peers into the face of flesh of his flesh.

The Lord also looks down upon His children. “The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace (Numbers 6:25-26 KJV).” A father’s love is essential to a child in their formative years. God, our Father expects us to mature in the faith and when he looks down into our faces, I want him to beam.    

 

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Bounce Back

Pam Ford Davis

Toys have changed so much since the 1950’s when I grew up, yet some seem to be timeless and resurface with a new look or new and improved label. Do you remember the old punching bag toys that children would knock over only to bounce right back? It seems Bozo the Clown had a big seller. I wish we bounced back as easily after blows.

We can you know… “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV).” Satan might briefly knock us off balance but we will bounce back and resume our stand against him and his deceptive attacks.

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Squeaky Clean

Pam Ford Davis

I cannot comprehend why some children fight baths or showers with the tenacity of a snapping turtle. My times soaking in either a tub or being drenched during a shower are times to relax tense muscles, unwind after stressful situations or feel energized for the day ahead. Washing my hair is the closing act. I apply a generous amount of fragrant shampoo, work it to lather and rinse the suds away until my hair is squeaky clean.

I’m clueless as to who coined the phrase squeaky clean but it appropriately describes how God has washed away my sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9 NAS).” He removes guilt stains from my conscience, wraps me in a robe of righteousness and holds me securely giving everlasting life. I may begin a daily routine of singing praises in the shower!

Devotionals

Wipe Your Feet!

Pam Ford Davis
Pam Ford Davis

Wives and mothers frequently voice a command, “Wipe your feet, before coming in!” It takes only one time of neglect to follow her instructions and a beautiful waxed floor or steam-cleaned carpet instantly reveals dirty footprints. It may be a nuisance to take the extra time to wipe our feet before entering a house but we should remove the dirt of the day as a common courtesy. Wipe your feet before coming inside the house.

Jesus wiped the feet of His disciples. “Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded (John 13:5 RSV).” It was a menial job on the “to do list” of a common slave; as servants of the savior they should have humbled themselves and offered to wash his feet. Instead, the awe struck assembly saw him not only wash their feet but also tenderly wipe them dry.