Category Archives: Christian Growth

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Spring Sing

Pam Ford Davis

God delights in variety; look at people and animals. Yes, His creation gives ample examples of vast differences and each ad to the beauty of His handiwork. The changes of seasons are not as dramatic in all areas of the globe, but changes do occur and most of us have our favorites. I am a fan of spring, summer and autumn.

Spring is alive with the hope of new life. I bubble over as buds blossom and green grass makes a way through winter weary soil. I anticipate the Easter celebration as we worship the Lamb of God. Coats remain in closets and sweaters keep me comfortable as I begin to choose lighter clothing and brighter colors.

Summer months are hot and humid but I do not mind that. I remember the past winter and I try to keep complaints of heat waves to a minimum. There are fresh vegetables from our garden, outings and picnics with friends and family, July 4th flag waving parades. It sadly rolls to a last minute frantic close with Labor Day.

Autumn is a dramatic display of shades of red, orange and brown. My eyes try to take it all in, but it eludes me. I’m not sure if my body temperature needs regulating or the change of seasons finds it difficult to control. I feel a chill when I step outside in the morning or evening, but crank up the AC in the afternoons. Winter lovers can fill in my blanks…

I’ve discovered another benefit of the spring season in scripture. I can celebrate the arrival of the Spring Sing!  “For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land (Song Of Solomon 2:11-12 NKJ).” Praise to God echoes through the land and I want to attend the free concert!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals, Relationships

May I Have the Pleasure?

Pam Ford Davis

“May I have the pleasure?” Such formality is a remnant of our past; let’s dance took its place and we barely noticed. Good manners were as common as the box step; gentlemen felt it an honor to escort a partner to the dance floor and requested permission, sometimes even with a bow. The belle of the ball rose to her feet, took him by the hand and entrusted herself to his care.

Where do I find true pleasure? I waste time and energy looking for it in recreation, entertainment or material baubles. It is all around me, I alone delay the joy of the treasures. Relationships are the storehouses of pleasure and fulfillment. Pleasure is in the smile of the infant and elderly, firm handshake of a new acquaintance or embrace when reunited with a lifelong friend. We can know personally the greatest pleasure; it is the presence of our heavenly Papa.

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11 NIV).” I agree with King David. He desired to be God’s right hand man. “Lord, I know there is room for me too. May I have the pleasure?”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Folly or Fulfillment?

Pam Ford Davis

It is far easier to begin many projects than it is to finish. If we are establishing a new business on pay as you go construction, it can be a slow tedious process. My husband put on both radio and television stations from scratch and I am well aware of the many difficulties that arise. Expenses are nearly impossible to estimate and out-of-pocket funding is painful.

Broadcast towers were one very visible sign that we were close to our goal. We could send the transmitter signal across our area at the flip of the transmitter switch. We located towers and hired a crew of professionals to raise them,  then anchor securely with guide wires. It involved a commitment of a large lump sum of cash. We had come so far, if we failed to get the stations on the air, competitors and residents would mock us.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish’ (Luke 14:28-30 NIV).” Jesus taught a relevant message; discipleship comes at a price of lifelong submission.

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Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

The Lamb

Pam Ford Davis

The household pet quickly becomes a central part of the family in many homes, bringing pleasure to young and old. A faithful dog or cat is at your side giving unconditional love. Watching them romp and play brings laughter and joy. Those with a dash of mischief create problems mixed with interest.

Our son, Lee once owned a loyal dog named Kenwood. His Husky and German shepherd mix blended the strengths of both breeds. He was a “one man dog!” In a couple of occasions the housing arrangements made it difficult for having pets. So, we became guardians of Kenwood; but he roamed often, discovering the location of his master. He may not have been a blood hound; but he had the nose of a tracker! Kenwood loved yard sales. Well, his version was more of the variety we see in gardening season, signs posted reading, “Pick Yourself.” He went in yards and picked up anything our son might want, dragging home tools of assorted shapes and sizes, to surprise his master. Lee shares a story about once hearing a strange sound in the distance; getting closer he observed Kenwood dragging a shovel on the pavement! I guess he was a “kleptodogiac!” Another characteristic he displayed to Lee revealed his loving heart. If Lee experienced stress, Kenwood laid his head across Lee’s legs and showed he cared.

Did you know the lamb sacrificed each year at Passover, by the Israelites, often lived as the family pet? (Exodus 12:1-6). The busy family saw him grow, standing firmly on once wobbly legs. They witnessed his growing appetite and stubborn independence. The lamb depended on them for everything; his care and protection rested in their hands. When the Passover observance approached each member of the family eyed the lamb feverishly. They knew he must die; imagine their sorrow!

How could God ask for such a sacrifice? We must remember the reason for the Passover feast and worship. When God’s people were slaves in Egypt He said to Pharaoh, “Let My people go!” He refused God’s demands; and plague after plague fell upon the nation in God’s judgment. The final curse came in the form of the death of the first born in every Egyptian family, and even the first born to animals of the land. The cries of sorrow rang out across the country. God’s people were instructed to kill their lambs, taking blood from the dead carcass and to apply it to the doorframes of their homes, where the roasted lamb sacrifices would be eaten. (Exodus 12:6-9).

Why were they commanded to smear blood on their homes? “And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; 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,
(Exodus12:13 NAS).”

Their sacrificed lambs took the place of their firstborn. God provided a way for their deliverance. He provides for our salvation. He sent His firstborn Son, His only begotten Son, to become the Lamb of God, (John 1:36). He laid down His life on the altar of Calvary to become God’s perfect sacrifice, “but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19 NAS).”

What does God ask in return? He desires us to live for Him, becoming living sacrifices (Romans12: 1-2). It is our reasonable response to His sacrificial love!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Skinned Knuckles

Pam Ford Davis

Have you ever skinned your knuckles when involved in a building project? It is painful and may even leave scars as a reminder of a difficult job. Nobody wants to be a sissy, but skinned knuckles are hard to ignore.

Prayer is hard work. It is easy to mouth platitudes; cries for help and guidance take time, discipline and determination. We must never give up. God in his word instructs us to ask, search, and knock. “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you (Acts 7:7 HCS).”

Sherlock Holmes asked murder suspects many questions. He searched for clues and knocked on doors of opportunity in solving unsolved crimes. His persistence matched his ability to unravel a mystery. Did he knock until he skinned his knuckles?

“Father, forgive me for whimpering when I skin my knuckles from repeatedly rapping on the door of prayer. Your will and timing is perfect. Give me perception to see a crack in the door and your hand upon the handle. It will swing wide open in the fullness of time.”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Cosmic Capers

Pam Ford Davis

Boys of all ages have super-heroes, and make believe they can save the world from villains. We need someone we can look to for protection and safety. Today’s toddlers wearing costumes, capes and masks may one day dress in military uniforms and dedicate their lives to selfless service.

We are in a battle if we realize it or not. Cosmic capers are raging in our midst! “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:12-13a NIV).” Be prepared and ready for action; you have supernatural powers!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Who Cares?

 

Pam Ford Davis

Two words divide and unite. Our existence rests in our decision when confronted with “the cross.” Personal reactions vary from ignoring, considering, accepting or rebelling. The choice cannot be made by others on our behalf; we must discern truth, face the consequences and seek honest answers.

Who cares? “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1Corinthians 1:18 NKJ).” How can the instrument of death lead to transformed lives? The power of God rests behind every hammered nail. God cares; He urges others to care for those who view the message of the cross as foolishness.

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Zilch, Nada!

Pam Ford Davis

It is so easy to limit God; we put him in a box and hinder his power and influence in our circumstances and problems. Our lips confess that all is possible through him, but our faith is small and our confidence in his intervention diminishes as troubles mount. We believe he can do all things, heal the sick, restore marriages, provide deliverance from debt and so much more. We believe he can…, but do we believe he will? We have not, because we ask not. (James 4:2b)

Is anything too difficult for God, beyond his power and influence? Zilch, nada! “Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You – (Jeremiah 32:17 Amplified Bible).” Nothing is impossible; he can do far and above my wildest dreams and desires. (Ephesians 3:20) “Lord, forgive me for my stunted faith; I desire to grow in my trust in You day by day.”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Power Source

I have noticed when something repeatedly happens in a short period, God is trying to get my attention. Sometimes several pastors and teachers use the same scripture passage, or a theme pops up in songs or devotionals. I accept it as a special delivery surprise gift.

Pam Ford Davis

The other day two people discovered the same problem. They were unconnected from a power source. The first routinely ironed a tablecloth, while talking with others in the room and chuckled when she realized she had failed to turn on the iron at the outlet. All of her efforts were in vain. She created laughter, but did not remove wrinkles.

Soon after, attempts to charge a dead car battery resulted in disappointment when the shade tree mechanic discovered the long extension cord was only half way in, after tracing it back to the carport. Believing he allowed ample time for a good charge, he learned he had accomplished nothing. He smiled and started the process again.

It is easy to see the spiritual lesson. If I am unconnected from the Holy Spirit, my power source, I am unable to do the job. I may be going through the motions, like pushing the iron back and forth, but there is no heat to smooth out problems.

I may even be trying to recharge my energy with an outward source, such as Bible reading, but apart from God, I would be unable to access the dynamic strength within His word. I need His power! “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 HCS).”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Snow Angels

Children are thrilled with the sight of falling snow. Creating snow angels is a simple way to leave their mark in the fresh fallen white snow.  Snow angels come in assoted sizes, depending on who does the rapid arm flipping creations.  Are they real angels or merely a winter mirage?  New snow accumulation resembles mounds of glistening diamonds caught by the rays of the sun. Adjusting your eyes to sun beams falling on white snow may be a challenge. Your eyes blink repeatedly and your head begins to throb.  

Pam Ford Davis

The snow in the Bible represents purity, holiness, and cleansing. Words were penned by King David, “a man after God’s own heart,” seeking forgiveness for adultery with Bathsheba and arranging for the murder of her husband ( Psalms 51:7). God said through Isaiah that our sins like flaming crimson will become white as snow ( Isaiah 1:18). Jesus following His resurrection was clothed in robes as white as snow (Matthew 28:3). In the Revelation of Jesus we learn of His head and hair described as white as snow (Revelation 1:14). Maybe each snow angel is much the same as God leaving a calling card as a free sample of what He has planned for us. Just imagine His finished product!

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