Month: August 2012

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Short Term Memory

Pam Ford Davis

Short-term memory is no laughing matter. I blame it on my senior moments; yet, to some it is a warning sign of dementia or Alzheimer Disease. It is annoying to forget where I left my keys; to forget the name of my husband would be heartbreaking. It seems God’s people, have a tendency to forget, in their bloodline.

“He saved them from the hand of the adversary; He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. Water covered their foes, not one of them remained. Then they believed His promises and sang His praise. They soon forgot His works and would not wait for His counsel (Psalm 106:10-13 HCS).” Ponder His past deliverance and praise Him forever more!

 

 

Devotionals

What’s in a Name?

Pam Ford Davis

What’s in a name? In most cases, a parent gives great attention and thought, when choosing a name for a child. To those, who name a baby, after a parent or other family member, it reveals honor and pride. Shake your family tree; you’ll be amazed, at how frequently families pass names down. My formal name, Pamela Sue, was not in honor of a relative. As a baby and child, everyone called me “Pammy Sue.” That’s mighty close to “Ammi!”

“O JEZREEL, RENAME your brother and sister. Call your brother Ammi (which means “Now you are mine”); name your sister Ruhammah (“Pitied”), for now God will have mercy upon her (Hosea 2:1 Living Bible)!” What beautiful meaning behind these names: mine, and having mercy! What’s in a name? Some have little significance. Many are meaningful. Joy explodes, when we perceive God calls us by name!   (Isaiah 43:1-2)

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Snowball Effect

Pam Ford Davis

Born and raised, outside of Syracuse, I know the effects of snow. It truly is amazing, minute flakes, snowmen make. Children and the young-at-heart anticipate the first big snowfall. As soon as a measurable snow blankets the ground, they are outside bound. The top three activities enjoyed by young and old: making snowballs to pellet their friends, creating snow angels, and building snowmen.

Each snowman begins with a small snowball. When rolled in the snow, it gathers more snow, expanding in size at a rapid pace. The snowball effect is desirable when building stupendous snowmen. In contrast, the snowball effect, in relation to problems makes me run for cover! Troubles easily build from one to two, then triple and multiply unmercifully. I serve a merciful God, who turns a multitude of trials, into character building opportunities.

“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then, be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete (James 1:2-4 Living Bible).”  We can experience the snowball effect, seeing patience grow into a wall of strength!