Tag Archives: Devotionals

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Fatherly Advice

Pam Ford Davis

 

 

We respect our parents and value their opinions; the prudent treasure fatherly advice when shared by a wise and loving dad. Many of our parents have learned valuable lessons through the school of hard knocks; they are eager to warn us of dangers in our path.

Wisdom seekers find jewels in the book of Proverbs; chapter three has a tone of fatherly advice. “My child, remember my teachings and instructions and obey them completely. They will help you live a long and prosperous life (Proverbs 3:1-2 CEV).”

We spend billions grasping for a long and prosperous life. Should we heed the scripture? “With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow (Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV).”

I often find barriers on life’s road; I stumble and fall. Our loving Father comforts me with his promises to both lead and clear obstructions from my way. Worries and fears may become insurmountable roadblocks; he pulverizes them! Father, I welcome your advice.

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Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, Women

Ripples of Peace

Pam Ford Davis

“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’ But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said; ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour (Matthew 9:20-22 NKJ).”

I visualize this woman’s medical chart… “Diagnosis: Severe Anemia and Chronic Depression.” Doctors had been unable to offer her relief and she found faith in Jesus as her away of escape from illness and entrance to restored health. She did not want to approach him directly and formed a plan of merely touching the hem of His garment. She came to understand touching the hem instantaneously touched His heart. He heard her unspoken prayer and proclaimed words of encouragement and healing.

The flow of blood ceased. Jesus released a rivers flow of living water!

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Sprit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:38-39 NKJ).”

The unidentified woman would one day experience the full benefits of living water; ripples of peace sealed His promise.

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Devotionals, Grief

Weep Not

Pam Ford Davis

We learn through repetition, if I see a phrase used repeatedly in scriptures it peeks my interest as an issue of great importance to God. Scattered through the Bible are words of command to fear not and do not be afraid. Fear began following the transgressions of Adam and Eve and plagues humanity to this very day. A less frequently command comforts me.

“Weep not (Luke 7:13b KJV).” There are different stages of crying, at times we are able to stifle our tears or wipe them away and conceal our pain. There are silent tears, other times of sobbing and we express extreme sorrow by wailing. It matters not how dramatic we weep; Jesus can silence tears with his presence and command. A widow lost her only son and grieved his passing. “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not (Luke 7:13 KJV).”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Me and My Shadow

Pam Ford Davis

 

 

I viewed many great detective movies of the 1940’s; writers webbed suspenseful plots, raising my interest and holding my attention captive. Just as bad guys shadowed the western heroes, illusive foes followed private eyes. An investigator walked down city sidewalks late at night and heard the eerie sounds of footsteps trailing behind. I nearly jumped out of my seat when they met face to face.

Am I always aware that I am not alone? Do I need to fear as I feel the presence of another approaching from behind? “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalms 23:6 RSV).” The Shepherd leads me and his blessings of goodness and mercy protect my back; I run into his house of refuge, secure and safe under the shadow of his wings. (Psalm 17:8b)

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Christian Growth, Devotionals, Women

A Beauty to Behold

Pam Ford Davis

I waste my time in any imaginations of being a beauty to behold; I guess I am not in danger of breaking any mirrors or cameras as I pose but am not a portrait painter’s dream for glory either. Photographers will not be placing candid snapshots of me in their portfolio in hopes of advancement and passersby likely give me a second glance. Poor pitiful Pam.

What is beauty? Is it face-paint or skin deep? “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him (Isaiah 53:2 NRS).” How could I be so blind? I do not gaze upon beauty in a mirror reflection or see it revealed on a model’s runway; beauty is soul deep.

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Battered and Blossoms

Pam Ford Davis

 

 

 

 

I change my desktop pictures on a regular basis choosing from free pictures, scriptures references and quotes available on the Internet. I enjoy the encouragement and spiritual lift from viewing the computer screen throughout the day. Flowers are a frequent choice and I most often choose those with bright pink blossoms.

After placing a beautiful picture of pink flowers on my desktop today, something aside from the pink petals caught my eye. Many of the leaves are unsightly; they are ragged and even have gaping holes. They are in sharp contrast to the delicate beauty of the blossoms. It makes me wonder if the photographer hesitated in printing the picture.

My portrait resembles the desktop picture. God has blessed me so and I am blooming where He has planted; yet many storms have battered my life and there are telltale signs of days beaten by the elements. I would rather not put those disfigurements on public display but they complete the picture. I hope the fragrance of the blossoms will overshadow the scars of aging. “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved (2 Corinthians 2:15a NAS).”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Can-Do!

Pam Ford Davis

I seem to be playing a nonstop game of catch-up. My need-to, want-to, must-do and can-do lists do not match up. I set priorities and deadlines only to break them and feel defeated by my own rules. I believe it’s time to call in a referee!

God always ties up the loose ends. “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians1:6 NKJ).” I am grateful that He does not walk away until I am more like His Son. He sets the deadline and He will meet it! “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you (1 Peter 5:10 NKJ).”  He can-do!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals, Relationships

The Hand-Holding Stage

Pam Ford Davis

Are you past the hand-holding stage? I fondly remember the days of infatuation and boys beginning our relationship first with affectionate glances followed by hand-holding.  As two, we were linked by touch and others present saw us as a couple. Is it merely an outward display of endearment or does it hold far more?

Hand-holding did not begin in puppy love but at birth. Mom and Dad held my hand and counted fingers. As I grew to toddler stage, they held my hand as I walked at their side, guiding and protecting me from danger. If I rebelled against their authority, they held my hand with correction.

Hand-holding took on a new dimension in my first experiences of death and grieving. People quietly came to my side, held my hand, extended love, comfort and encouragement. They will never know how much I needed that act of kindness and tenderness.

Jesus, take my hand. “When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand (Psalms 37:24 NAS).”

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Christian Growth, GUEST AUTHOR, Poems

Pricks & Pride

GUEST WRITER: JEANNE E. WEBSTER

 

A thorn in the flesh is healthier

Than a clot of pride in the heart.

A thorn will prick your attention;

Pride vainly numbs your smarts.

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A thorn seeks immediate care

To purge the prick of its pain.

Pride probes for its pacifier,

Suavely sucking its own gain.

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How quickly we yank the thorn;

It is most troublesome at best.

We leave fleshly plump Pride

Feathering and fluffing its nest.

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Thorns set off many red flags,

Panic buttons and alarms;

Pride smugly veils its soul

Concealing its ways of harm.

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Give me a thorn any old day,

Within my flesh or without;

I’ll rid it of its harmful deed

And quickly give it a shout!

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But Pride: O me, O my, I cry!

Is a need I must have for sure.

Please spare me just a little bit.

How else will I ever endure?
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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Darkness of a Cloud

Pam Ford Davis

My mood can change as rapidly as the weather; I may start my day as a ray of sunshine and warmth, yet before high noon, I am walking in the fog of a dark cloud. Morning meditations lift my spirits and I bask in the light of my redeemer; problems arise to pelt me and I despair in the darkness of doubt. I desire to walk in the light of the Lord, light of his word, light of the Holy Spirit and light of truth. I dread times of darkness, circumstances when I cannot see his hand in front of my face.

Daddy, don’t play hide-n-seek. Where are you? Come out; come out, wherever you are! He is never far from sight… “Then he said to Moses, ‘I am going to come to you in the form of a dark cloud, so that the people themselves can hear me when I talk to you, and then they will always believe you (Exodus 19:9 The Book/ Living Bible).” God met with his friend Moses in a dark cloud; the communion benefited him and those who eavesdropped on their conversation.  I will not fear the dark; Daddy is there!

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