May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus-the great Shepherd of the Sheep- with the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

I sat on the ski lift, nervously anticipating the fact that I had to hop off at the top of the hill and smoothly transition into an upright position. Getting off a ski lift is hard enough as it is without skis, let alone with them. I had absolutely no control over my lower appendages. The skis dangled from my feet and aimlessly crossed in the air back and forth. This wasn't going to be pretty. As we crested the hill, our turn came to disembark. Sure enough, my friend and I both collapsed in a heap stopping the entire lift until we could "find our legs" and collect ourselves. Then we looked down the hill. We're supposed to do what? You've got to be kidding.

Sometimes when God opens doors and we sense His invitation to walk through, we may step back and ask, "You want me to do what? God, there is no way that I am equipped for this. I don't have the talent, the brains or the confidence. I need some more knowledge and training. God, are You sure You want me for this?" God reminded me again today that I can rest in Him. He will equip me with what I need to live out what He has called me to do. The God we serve is so big and so powerful. Not only did He raise His Son from the dead but He lovingly and humbly invited small and insignificant people like you and me into covenant relationship. With covenant relationship comes everlasting commitment, and He is creating and developing in us something beautiful. He doesn't stop until we are complete, until we reflect and radiate Him. With faithfulness like that, why wouldn't He equip us for what He is calling us to do? Whether it is a new job opportunity, a ministry venture, children to raise, parents to care for, or other various scenarios where we feel bumbling and inadequate, we can experience His peace. Bunny hill or mountaintop-He equips us for the ride.

Lord, thank You for who You are. Thank You that You promise to equip me for all that You have called me to do. Fill me with Your peace as I depend on You for strength, wisdom and joy. Thank you for continuing to work in me because You are committed to me and love me so much! Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. . .Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. . . Ephesians 5:22, 25

I had an awful day. I came home, threw my stuff on the table and marched past my husband to my bedroom without saying a word. The night continued and the house was tense. I was irritable and let my children and husband know it when I was interrupted in things I was attempting to accomplish. However, whenever the telephone rang, I picked it up and answered politely. This happened several times as I rattled on in happy conversations with those outside my home. As I worked at the table, the phone rang again. I answered it and said "Hello" as a familiar voice spoke from the other end. It was my husband on the upstairs phone with a smile in his tone. "Since you are so friendly with people on the phone, I thought I would try this approach". I threw my head back and laughed heartily. My irritability melted and I realized my selfishness. I was taking my bad day out on the people I loved the most.

We have been given an incredible privilege to love people. My husband and I share with couples in premarital counseling that they have the opportunity to love the other with a love that mirrors Christ's to a hurting world. Each spouse has the wonderful challenge to love the other well so that when outsiders look at their marriage, they can see how much Jesus loves them personally. More recently I heard Pastor Andy Stanley remark that an individual is the vehicle of God's love to his/her spouse. We can be overwhelmed by that thought or we can be energized by it. That truth alone, if applied, can take our marriages to new heights. With the Holy Spirit's help, how can you show your spouse daily how much God loves him/her?

Thank you Lord that You love me unconditionally and unfailingly. Open my eyes every day to see tangible ways in which I can show those closest to me how much You love them. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! Romans 5:18 (MSG)

I saw the invitation on my Facebook page. "You are invited to hear Dave Barker and Josh Starner share about 'Dealing with Divorce'.." The announcement went on to include details of time and place. I knew Dave and without hesitation, I texted him. I'm not usually that forward but helping others with the effects of divorce is something that is near and dear to my heart as I was a child of divorce. I offered to help if they ever needed a women's perspective, especially to the girls and ladies who would be there.

Dave was excited and invited me to join them. It was later he told me that my text should have never reached him. He was in a region where there was no cell service. God had a plan.

Everyone has a story. If we are human, we have endured difficult days. We live in a fallen world because of "one person". Whether it has been trauma, tragedy, divorce, walking in the consequences of poor choices, financial devastation, or ongoing battles with our thoughts, we know what it is to hurt and what it is to feel hopeless. However, because of "another person", and One far more powerful, we have been saved from being conquered by all these things! Jesus Christ has not only rescued us from being overcome and destroyed, but by His conquering of death, sin and Satan's hell, He has brought us to His side and turns evil on its head. When we give ourselves and our painful trials to Him, He will use them for His glory-perhaps we will see it tomorrow, next year, or not until we see Him face to face. But we can be sure that in submission to Him, He is able to weave together something beautiful. There is redemption!

In the meantime, we have an incredible opportunity to be available for others who are experiencing hardship. To be available doesn't mean we have all the answers, or that we have finished the journey of our experience. To be available means to walk with someone else-to listen, to share where we have been and what God has shown us, to simply be present. When others can see that we have walked the valley and have emerged with a renewed faith in a good God, that there is a hope and a future, then God has already begun to redeem our adversity. God has a plan to use our pain to encourage others, to show others His heart of faithfulness, goodness and redemption, to grow us, and to emphatically declare that He is God and He will prevail. Will we give Him our pain and let Him use it for His glory? Let's pray for opportunities to share with others what God is doing. Lord, thank You that You are victorious and that the wake of my hardship will not destroy me. Lord, take my pain and use it to bring life and encouragement to others. You are an amazing God that You, and only You, can turn loss into life. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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For by Him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

My friend Missy just called to tell me she has a new baby granddaughter. She told me her name and how beautiful she is, how much she weighs, how long she is, and how she is doing. This precious little one is a priceless gift from God.

God created all things - things big and beautiful and things delicate and intricate. He has designed things we see and things we don't. Powers and authorities on earth and in the heavenly realm have all been crafted by Him. And they are all for Him.

We often look at creation and marvel at God's handiwork - the majestic mountains or the beauty of a sunrise. But what about you? Have you ever thought about the day God was planning you out in His mind? How He enjoyed fashioning your facial features or how the thought of your personality warmed His heart? Have you ever considered how He delighted to give your parents a smile as they saw their green eyes or dark hair when they laid eyes on you? Have you ever realized that He poured out on you the spiritual gifts and talents He wanted you to have so you could bless Him and His people? You are created by Him and for Him. You have been made to be His.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making us to be Yours. You have created such beautiful and amazing things. How humbled we are that You would consider us Your most glorious creation. Continue to use us how You will be glorified most. We want to bless You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (MSG)

Over New Years, my family got together and discussed this year's resolutions. Realizing how often resolutions fail for the majority of people, my sister shared how each year she makes a spiritual goal. Several years ago, one of her spiritual goals was to get to know the Holy Spirit better, to become more familiar with His voice. As she read through the Bible and came across verses pertaining to the Spirit, she would highlight them and know that verse was for her. If the end of the year came and she felt like there was more to learn, she would make that resolution again the next year. What a fantastic idea! What a way to intentionally place ourselves in a position to grow spiritually.

We often think of growth as not enjoyable and hard work, and it is. However, growth is amazingly freeing. Over this last while, my heart has been in a process of refining and trimming. I am so thankful. God is showing me the vital importance of living out my faith. As basic as that sounds, it is profound to me. Living out our faith comes down to loving and obeying. It comes down to not only professing but obediently doing - from the little to the big, from the inconvenient to the opportune, from the effortless to the gut-wrenching. And what joy and peace come from obeying! My spiritual goals for 2010- intentionally living out my faith, knowing His voice and growing in His grace. What are your spiritual goals for 2010?

Lord, grow us more and more that we gain strength, hear and obey Your voice, love deeply and reflect You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Above all, love each other deeply.Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8-9

Over the last six months at the retirement community where I work, the team has been working to create memorable experiences for those that live there. Recently, I learned that employees came in on their day off and took several residents out for breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Others arranged a Sweetest Day banquet for various couples and "pulled out all the stops". One employee's example truly blessed me. A woman who needed her bath was not overly impressed about taking it that day, so this young lady asked her what would help make the experience a positive one. Her response was candlelight, soft music and dimmed lighting. And so it was. In her whirlpool bath she relaxed and enjoyed the ambiance of candles, soft music and lowered lights. And the employee never said a word about it to anyone else. Even though it made more work for her, she thought of someone else first and made the memorable experience happen.

How I want to be like this day in and day out! One of my heart's desires is to love and serve Jesus by loving and serving people- and enjoying it! When I empty the dishwasher again, or do another load of laundry, I want to do it joyfully. When my sons walk by me at home, I want to take a minute to stop and hug them, letting them know how glad I am they're mine. When I'm tired and they request something else, instead of a sigh I want them to hear love. These moments may not be impressive banquets or expensive trips, but they leave an impression on their hearts and refine my own. Memorable moments for all of us.

Lord, I give my heart to You again today. Help me to love selflessly like You do and enjoy it! Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:7

This week, I have not written a "regular" devotional. It serves more as a reminder and word of encouragement to guard the truth Christ has revealed to us. Last weekend, Circle of Friends hosted a women's conference entitled, "A New Name: Discovering who you are in Christ." All of us were challenged and encouraged through worship, testimony, workshops and teaching. We had the opportunity to lay down our old names and receive new ones Christ has given us. How are we doing walking in our new names this week?

Have we "picked up" any old names that we laid down before God last weekend? Have we allowed others or situations to label us?

Have we encountered struggles that have challenged or hindered us from walking in truth? What were they?

Are we choosing to battle or succumb if we have encountered lies?

How are we choosing to battle?

What is the believer's Battle plan (See above verse for reminder)?

Let's be reminded to keep Truth center. We must run to the Word and cry out, guarding our hearts so that Satan cannot steal the Word from us (Luke 8:11-12). Battling isn't easy. Transformation isn't easy. But both are essential for life.

Do the goose thing and keep encouraging one another with truth! :-)

Lord, strengthen us and protect our hearts and minds. Give us wisdom to see the lies that we are hit with everyday. Enable us to believe and walk in Your Truth as we take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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For my determined purpose is that I may know Him (that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly). Philippians 3:10 (AMP)

I had been wanting to get up earlier in the morning to enjoy a quiet uninterrupted time of prayer and reading God's Word. Several mornings in a row I overslept and pulled myself out of bed at the regular hour. Disappointed with my lack of discipline, I prayed one night that when my alarm went off the next morning the Lord would enable me to get up. When the alarm went off at 6:01, I turned it off and laid back down beginning to doze. At that exact time, I heard a very loud vehicle driving up the road past my house. All of a sudden a man's voice bellowed from the vehicle, "GET UP!" I jumped from my bed, wide awake. I have to admit I was slightly freaked out until I processed what had just happened. I shook my head and laughed. God heard my prayer and wanted to spend time with me too.

God wants to reveal Himself to us so we can know Him more intimately. He does it through His Word, through creation and through very tender and personal situations where you know without a shadow of a doubt that He is speaking. Just like we spend time with friends and family and become familiar with their likes and dislikes, know their voice and what sounds like them and what doesn't, God wants us to spend time with Him. His desire is for us to know His heart, character and nature. When we know His heart we can trust Him, even when we don't understand what He may be doing in our lives.

Lord, thank You for wanting to show me Your heart. Give me a determined purpose to know You more. Give me a hunger for Your Presence and Your Word and reveal Yourself to me. As I go about my days, may I recognize You in them and grow to trust You completely. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully.We're so proud of you; you're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you.All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the Kingdom. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 (MSG)

There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in a beautiful antique store. This trip was to celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked, "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea cup spoke, "You don't understand." It said, "I have not always been a tea cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone,' but he only smiled, and gently said, 'Not yet!'

Then WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!', I screamed. But the master only nodded and said quietly, 'Not yet.' He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then.Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat.

I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet.'

When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh that felt so good! 'Ah, this is much better', I thought.

But after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh please stop it, Stop it!!" I cried. He only shook his head and said, 'Not yet.'

Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering what he is going to do to me next?

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!' Quietly, he spoke, 'I want you to remember.'

Then he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held.

Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"

No matter if we are just beginning in our faith walk or nearing the end, hardships come. They are one of the things we know we can expect in life. In fact, according to 2 Thessalonians 1, even when our faith is flourishing suffering occurs. Hardships are an avenue for Christ to be lifted up in our lives and for our own refinement. It hurts to be refined, but we are in the process of becoming a finished product. We are becoming what He had in mind since the very beginning.

(Author Unknown)

Sweet Jesus, thank You that You are there in the hardships and will not let us be destroyed. Thank You that You redeem hardship by conforming us to Your image. Be lifted up in our lives that all may see who You are. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. Psalm 119:142-144 (NLT)

Ever feel like your life is way out of control? Are you an "over-committer"? If there is something that needs fixed or someone who needs help, do you find that you are the one who goes running to the rescue? As many times as my husband has told me to slow down or to work on saying "no", I seem to fail over and over. I suddenly find myself overwhelmed and wondering how I got there.

Life is busy, sometimes because of situations and sometimes because of our own making. I have learned the hard way that at times that I am most overwhelmed and "active", I must take time to spend with God in the Word. As I read these verses from Psalm 119, I was reminded again that in the energy-draining days of life it is His Truth that nourishes my parched soul. It is His Truth that brings joy and refreshment. It is His Truth that keeps me anchored when life is coming at me fast. It is His Truth that gets me through the day! His Word is essential in a busy life. Join me in taking time to meditate on His Word today.

Lord, draw me close to You. Help me to always put You first- in my day, in my decisions, in my passions. Transform me with Your Word. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever.Psalm 45:6

Have you ever had a day, or maybe even a season, where nothing went right?

A time when you thought something just had to "give" or you were going to explode? Have you ever felt like the bottom was dropping out beneath you and you just weren't sure how things were going to end up? This week I had a day where I felt the most vulnerable I have felt in a long time. Through silent tears and some questions directed to God, I laid down in my bed and this song from FFH popped into my head.

However long our feet have walked on this world,

We've all lived long enough to know

That sometimes life will go our way and other times it won't.

But still I've got this joy inside of me,

with each new dawn I do believe. To

Say hey, it's a good day,

Even if things aren't going my way.

Jesus is Lord and I am saved.

So, say hey, it's a good day.

Circumstances and situations change.

You know life can turn on a dime.

But there's a constant hope and peace

That I have come to find.

And it's all because of who God is

And that He is alive and I am His. So

Say hey, it's a good day,

Even if things aren't going my way.

Jesus is Lord and I am saved.

So, say hey, it's a good day.

We are all as happy as we make our minds up to be.

I have just decided that nothings gonna take this joy from me.

Whatever we are facing today, we aren't facing it alone. We have One who is sitting on the throne, who is Alive and Victorious, and holding us in the palm of His hands. Life can be crumbling down around us in some form or fashion, but the truth is that He is the foundation that never gives way. Because of who He is and that He calls us His, we can rest in knowing this truth above all else. It's gonna be a good day.

Lord, You are all that matters. You are my Foundation. You are the reason I live and sing. Fill my heart and mind with Your Peace and Presence today that I rest in nothing else but You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing. Matthew 10:42 MSG

I was overwhelmed. I had things to do and not near enough time to accomplish them all. Among other things, my visit to an inmate at the local jail was overdue. As hard as I tried, the week was crammed full-family obligations, things to accomplish stemming from my work as well as my husband's and a writing project that I had to keep on top of. The day came that I knew I had to write- it was the only time I had. Ironically, the message I was to write about was sacrificial love and as I prayed about it, I sensed a word from the Holy Spirit. I felt a conviction knowing that writing about sacrificial love is one thing, but writing about it doesn't mean a whole lot if I'm not going to live it. So, I climbed into my van and headed toward the jail. Because I can be the most self-centered woman I know and need some significant improvement in putting others before myself, I wanted to obey and walk in sacrificial love. I wanted to be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only. On my way, I not only prayed for the visit but that He would redeem the time that was spent at the jail. Whether that request was selfish or not, I was already behind on the project and wanted to honor Him in that as well.

Once at the jail, I sat and listened to my new friend. Two weeks earlier, I had sat across from the same woman- except she had been weeping. One who was scared, alone and described herself as "lost". Now, I saw a woman who was telling me that she had been in the Word everyday, that the church services they had every week were wonderful, that the job she needed on "the outside" came through. She now had the support of her family where two weeks ago, she didn't know what they thought. When I asked her how she felt compared to two weeks ago, she responded, "I have peace." She acknowledged that for the first time in a long time, she had hope. God had given her hope and a new beginning. God had revealed Himself to her- in a way that this woman could see it was Him.

As I drove home in tears, I praised Him for revealing Himself to her in this way. He is so good, so near, so crazy about us. He wants to give us freedom and hope. He wants to teach us that to draw near to Him is hope and restoration and to turn away is to reject Life itself. He wants to remind us who we are without Him and who He has made us to be through Jesus. He wants us to see Him. What He says, He will do. As I praised Him, I felt so blessed. Not because I had done anything. But because He allowed me to be a witness of what He had done in that young lady's life. What a privilege. If I hadn't taken time to go visit her, I would have missed out on His teaching. Sacrificial love- it is a lifestyle. It is a choice. It is as big as care giving for an aging parent or spouse, or giving up your dreams for God's. It is as small as making an interruption an opportunity- making a phone call, praying for others when nudged or giving someone else a cup of cold water. It is a giving of self to serve others. It is living like Jesus.

Lord, give me a heart like Yours. Give me the desire to put others before myself, to love others like You do. Thank You for the way You reveal Yourself. I praise You and rejoice in You today! Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6: 31

My friend, who is an absolute delight, leads a very active life. She is the mother of six, a part-time hospice nurse, the kind of person who welcomes you into her home at any time of the day. She is full of life and enjoys it at the same rate. She is the type of person who tackles just about anything while admitting the benefits and detriments of her "go-getter" personality. She has taught me much and is one of my favorite people.

One day in particular, she was packing for her family of 8 who were departing for an out of state trip the next week. She was tired of packing and knowing her small group was coming over the next evening, she decided to paint her foyer. She ran down to the basement, mixed all the paint colors together and headed upstairs to begin and finish the job before her husband came home late that evening. She phoned a friend who came to help but also brought along her five children. As time sped along, it was time for dinner. The two mothers then went to work preparing dinner for 11 children while racing the clock to complete their project. Finally bedtime came and with the project finished, her friend departed. She then got her kids bathed and into bed. Remembering that she had been invited to peruse through another friend's garage sale items before the sale tomorrow, she grabbed her purse and turned to leave. Something caught her attention. There on the floor, was a morning dove. It was alive and its big eyes watched her. She noticed it's wing was ruffled and feathers were lying on the kitchen floor. Her cat sat in the corner, apparently the culprit of the bird's injured state. A little intimidated to pick it up, she phoned a friend who was an avid birdwatcher. Her friend immediately came to the house and picking it up, they proceeded to nurse the bird's wing with Neosporin. Her friend volunteered to put the bird in a box and take it home with her for a little while. She would keep him quiet, give him food and water and provide a place of safety and comfort until the bird regained its strength.

As my friend left her house to go view the garage sale items (yes, she still went), she thought to herself, What I would not give to have a box right now where I could go and just get some rest. A place where I could go to be nurtured and fed, to be comforted and provided for, until I regain my strength. Even though she was in her van, her thoughts took her right to the throne room of God. And there she prayed.

Thank you Lord, that you are our Rest, our Comfort, our Place of Refuge from the busyness of life. Thank You that You care enough about us that You invite us, You want us to come quiet ourselves with You. We love you. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:4 (NIV)

Read Psalm 8

I stood in disbelief in my living room as I watched the twin towers fall. I went upstairs, feeling frightened and extremely vulnerable. Was this the end of the world? What does this mean for my children? I fell prostrate before the Lord and began weeping, pouring out my heart to the Lord. I remember the intensity of my prayer as tears fell to the carpet and I cried the words silently to God. I began to pray for my boys as I recalled the verses in 1 Corinthians 9. I prayed that they would run and finish the race He had called them to; that they would keep their eyes on the goal, Jesus Christ. After some time of fervent prayer, I got up and opened the door. Just then, my five year old son, Micah, came running up the stairs holding a napkin on which he had drawn a picture at the table downstairs. It was a picture of himself crossing a finish line with his arms raised. He shouted, "Look Mommy, I won the race!" He had never drawn a picture like that before and he never did since.

The fact that God reached down and revealed Himself to me in such an intimate way melted my heart. His heart is so tender and so gracious towards us. The Psalmist writes, "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?" God is so immense and yet comes so near. He desires to be with us, to speak to us, to commune with us.

On the days that your prayers seemingly bounce off the ceiling, keep praying. And when you feel as though you can not hear a word from Him, keep listening. When doubt attempts to creep over you heart, keep believing. He is right beside you.

Dear Lord, thank you for speaking so personally and intimately to us. Enable us to hear your voice. When all is seemingly silent, help us to rest in knowing that you are right beside us. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

As a chaplain, I hear many inspiring stories from the elderly persons I serve. However, there are some days that are emotionally heavy due to the pain and struggles they face. Loneliness, dementia, and other losses are things they may experience.

On one particularly "heavy" day, I walked into a woman's room who has been there for the past eleven years. Once a vibrant Christian woman, she is no longer able to feed herself, walk or talk and spends her days lying in her bed sleeping. As I quietly prayed over her, I asked the Lord, "Why so much injustice, so much pain?" My eyes left her and moved to a picture hanging above her bed - a picture I had never noticed before. Jesus stood in the center surrounded by sheep. In one hand he held a staff and in the other, a lamb. The lamb was resting securely in its Shepherd's arms, cradled against His chest. At that moment, I knew the answer to my question. It's as if God was saying, "I never intended for the pain and the injustice. This world is broken but I am here through the injustice and the pain. I will carry her through this." It was clear, she was the lamb He held in His arms. We are the sheep that follow Him and when one of us is in need, our Father and Shepherd, picks us up and holds us close. Isaiah 40:11 says that He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.

Today, let's be reminded that even though trials and tears may come, we are not alone. Jesus carries the helpless and dependant. He carries you and me.

Lord, there is so much pain we carry. Whether young or elderly, we must deal with the often unexpected things this life throws our way. Thank you for never leaving us, but for carrying us through the storm.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, .They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him." Psalm 92:12-15

Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of working in a place where I am surrounded by those older and wiser than I. I have learned much from them. I am learning life lessons from them in my thirties that they learned in their fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond. By watching and listening to them, they have taught me about faithfulness, humility, the goodness and faithfulness of God and the injustices of life. They have shown me what it is to rise above circumstances and to succumb to them. They have taught me that life is what you make it. They have taught me that attitude is everything. They have taught me that life is short and while we have it, we can embrace it. We can embrace each passing year and the blessings that come with them. They have taught me that growing older is not always fun but growing older with Jesus is absolutely beautiful. Growing older with Jesus means wisdom, godliness, being teachable, beauty and humility. Growing older with Jesus means deepened intimacy with Him and realizing the importance of relationships with others. Growing older with Jesus means the utter realization that Jesus is all there is. When all else changes, He is the constant. He remains. He is there.

Over the last week, I have had the opportunity to join several older individuals in a prayer group. They meet daily to lift up the people who administrate, work and live at their retirement community. It is an amazing time as we come before the Lord with praises and requests. We feel His Presence, His peace and His Spirit of unity. I hear sentiments from grateful hearts- voices of men and women who have become witnesses of God's goodness and marvelous works. I am sitting with individuals who are pillars in the Christian faith. They would not profess that at all. They would say they are just common, ordinary people who love the Lord and want to proclaim Him to those around them- to the next generation. My question is to those in the next generation. Are we listening? Are we placing ourselves in a position to hear? Maybe that means finding a godly, older woman in our church or neighborhood to visit with or maybe volunteering at a retirement community. Let's begin to pray how we can grow deeper in our faith, how we can continue to learn and grow in wisdom. God has gifted us with His Son, His Word, His Spirit and His people.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to all those that have gone before us. Thank You for the lessons You have taught them that can be passed on to us. Put us in a position to hear so we can grow in faith, wisdom and Your love. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground.Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist... Ephesians 6:13-14

Have you ever grown impatient with God? Last week I reached a point where I was downright frustrated. I am not proud of that. I was unsettled and irritable. I felt like I had no sure footing- as if I was mentally, emotionally and spiritually 'thrown'. I cried, I pouted, I grouched- the 'party' was big and it was not pretty. I was growing weary and lost sight of the promise God had given me.

We are in a spiritual battle and Paul has given us a charge: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (v. 10). We must be empty of ourselves and filled up with Him- completely dependent. We must realize we are fighting against a deadly enemy whose schemes are predictable but gravely serious (v. 12). But then Paul gives us a battle plan: We must put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, we can stand our ground. This day of evil is not some far-off future event that we do not need to concern ourselves with, but it is any day when we face Satan's attempts to bring us down. It is today.

Paul begins spelling out the battle plan with the first piece of armor- the belt of truth. This belt of truth can represent Christ because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This belt can also represent the Word. Jesus says in John 17:17 that the Word of God is truth. This word "truth" can also mean living in integrity and obedience. Whether it is one or all three combined, the belt of Truth keeps us from being thrown to and fro in the battles of life. It is our support, it keeps us grounded, rooted and centered on Christ and the task at hand. I have been waiting on a revelation from God for months. However, at the beginning of this journey, God led me to His promises found in Psalm 25. He placed the belt of truth around my waist knowing that the next several months may get a bit stormy and I would need an anchor of His to hold on to. He is so gracious. Satan has attempted to discourage me, frustrate me regarding God's time frame and plant seeds of doubt in my mind about God's character. Satan would love to distract me and hinder what God has called me to. When I have become unsettled and frustrated, it is the belt of truth which holds me firm to that which I am convinced. It keeps my heart and vision focused on Him. God is good and He is faithful. He does not let those who trust in Him to ever be disgraced. He leads us by His truth and teaches us. He reveals the right path for us to follow. He rescues us from the traps of our enemy. He is a friend to those who fear Him.

The belt of truth. Do you have it in place and buckled?

Lord, thank you for the belt of truth. You and Your Word are truth and the anchor that holds me firm. Keep me grounded in You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-12

Satan is a schemer. As much as I do not want to write about Satan today and even discuss his evil and heart-wrenching deeds, I am convinced that we must learn to know our enemy if we are going to defeat him. The battle is intense and Satan's ploys are downright dirty. However, from what Paul tells us, he is also predictable. The word schemes means "methods, the following or pursuing of orderly procedure in the handling of a subject". Satan attacks in the same ways and in the same areas of weakness. He has studied us and knows which tactics work and which ones don't. However, he can be so predictable that when we have experienced him enough, we can begin to spot him quickly and resist.

Even though Satan is predictable, we would be wise to take his schemes very seriously. The word struggle in verse 12 is an athletic term. It is the same word that, back in Paul's culture, was used to describe a wrestling match where two competitors try to throw each other down and pin one another down by the neck. The loser would consequently get his eyes gouged out. That is how desperate, how serious, how intense our fight is with Satan and his demons. A prime illustration of Satan's depravity and evil intent is a note left by a 23 year old heroin addict found on the front seat of her car after she had killed herself. It read:

King Heroin is my shepherd. I shall always want. He maketh me to lie down in the gutters. He leadeth me beside the troubled waters. He destroyeth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of wickedness for the effort's sake. Yea, I shall walk through the valley of poverty and will fear all evil, for thou, Heroin, art with me. Thy needle and capsule try to comfort me. Thou strippest the table of groceries in the presence of my family. Thou robbest my head of reason. My cup of sorrow runneth over. Surely heroin addiction shall stalk me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the damned forever.

This account breaks my heart. I wonder about this precious young lady. She knew Psalm 23. Had she known and walked with Jesus Christ earlier in life only to be led astray by Satan's deadly schemes? How subtle was her path to hopelessness? Reading her note, you can hear her desperation. Ironically in the midst of her confusion, she sees clearly. She knows she has been in a battle- one that she cannot possibly win on her own.

Satan knows he cannot contend with God directly, but he can hurt God's heart by contending with God's children. Scripture says the blood of Jesus Christ and the words of our testimony will overcome Satan (Revelation 12:11). Therefore, Satan's goal is to steal, kill and destroy- to discourage the children of God as to destroy their testimony. We are in a spiritual battle and it is imperative we follow the battle plan. Be strong in the Lord, know our enemy and prepare to put on the full armor of God.

Lord, give me wisdom to spot Satan's schemes in my life and those around me. You are my Strength and when he begins to mess with me, rise up and defend me. I depend on You so that I can stand firm.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

My husband's friend tells a story from his younger years when he was challenged to a fight. As he and one of his friends drove into a small town late one evening, they were met with calls and challenges from some young Amish boys who had congregated at the local grain elevator. They continued on to their home where he told his father what had just happened. Chuckling to themselves the boys crawled in the back seat while their father got in the driver's seat. As the Amish boys saw the car approaching once again, they began to shout and run toward the car. As the father passed by he slowed the car and rolled down his window. In his husky voice he said in Pennsylvania Dutch, "Vella Fechta." In English, "Let's fight." That's all the Amish boys needed to hear and they scattered! His father's presence made all the difference.

In Ephesians 6 we read the familiar passage regarding the armor of God. However, before Paul describes the armor, he gives every Christian soldier this charge: "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." We can put on the armor but it won't do us any good until we first and foremost, "be strong in the Lord". How do we go about this? We must be filled with God, saved and surrendered, empty of self. We must acknowledge that the Lord is the source of our strength. We must be bound up in Him. His mighty power is the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead; Paul says he wants us to know that same power! How ironic that to be strong in the Lord is to be dependent on Him.

Are we depending on our Father or are we trying to fight this battle all by ourselves? When our "enemies" surround and challenge us, when fear rears its ugly head, when the uncertainties of life roll in one after the other, will we let Him behind the driver's seat? It is only when we hide behind the Father that we experience strength and victory. Submitting to Him as Commander in the spiritual battles of life places us in the best position possible for what's next- carrying out the rest of the battle plan.

Lord, forgive me when I grow impatient, irritable or attempt to fight the battles in my life in my own strength. I want You to take over so I'm giving up the driver's seat to You. You know my situation and I want to depend on You. Rise up and scatter my enemies- everything that sets itself up against You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Do you not say, "Four months more and then the harvest?" I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. John 4:35

Author John Ortberg tells the story of a little museum located on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. The museum is devoted to a volunteer organization that was formed over 300 years ago. In those days, travel by sea was extremely dangerous, and given storms in the Atlantic, and the real rocky coasts of Massachusetts, many lives were lost real close to the shore, within a mile or less of land.

A group who lived on that island could not stand to think about all these people going down so close to them. So, they went into the life saving business. They built little huts that dotted the shore which contained boats and rescue equipment. People were posted in those huts all the time. Their job was to watch the sea twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Any time a ship went down, the word would go out. They would devote everything and risk themselves to save every life they could. Everybody was willing. They did it for no money nor recognition. They did it just because they prized human life. And to remind them of the seriousness of their task, they adopted a motto: "You have to go out, but you do not have to come back."

It's a fascinating thing to read accounts in that museum of people who risked everything, even their lives, to save other people they had never met, faces they had never seen, names they might never know. But over time, things changed and the coast guard started to take over this task. The thinking that carried the day was, "Let the professionals do it. They are better trained. They get paid for it." So, the volunteers stopped manning the little huts. They stopped searching the coastline for sinking ships. They stopped sending out teams to rescue people.

And it is a funny thing. They could not bring themselves to disband, and still exist to this day. It meets every once in a while in New England to have dinners and hand out awards for community service. They enjoy each other's company, sponsor programs and get together. They are just not in the life saving business anymore. They do not know the thrill any more of what it is to risk themselves to save a life that could perish.

It happens all the time. It does not happen in a day or a month. But over time, a church forgets it is in the life saving business. It usually does not disband but continues to meet. People still enjoy each other's company. They still use words like community and have services, programs and buildings. They might even be involved in various forms of community service. They are just not sending out teams any more for people who are going down. They are just not scouring neighborhoods and offices, schools and networks and cities to see if there is someone who is injured and hurting-someone who needs to be saved. This can happen to a church. It can happen to a small group. It can happen to an individual. Jesus is looking for people who are willing to go into the life saving business.

What about us? Are we willing to open our eyes and scour the "fields" around us for the hurting, the injured or the lost? Are we willing to throw out the life preserver of God's message of grace and forgiveness, hope and restoration? Are we ready to exchange the social club busyness for the life saving business?

Father, give me a heart of passion for the hurting and the lost. Give me a burning desire for the Gospel and what it means. Lord, You saved me and set me free. I want to be a vessel of your Message so others may hear and know You personally and passionately. Be glorified! Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Be joyful always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

I have a friend who is always joyful. He is 95 years old. His health is failing, his friends are mostly gone and his family lives at a distance. This man still reads the Word daily and is constantly singing. His prayer and hope is that he would continue to sing as he passes into glory. His smile is not one of continual happiness. I have sat with him as he has cried over the death of his best friend, the grief of a wayward child, the sins of his youth. There is no doubt he has felt the sting of life on earth. However, he continues to praise. His smile is a radiating joy- a smile of the heart.

The word "joyful" obviously means "to be glad, to rejoice". But look a little further. "It is a joy that is a direct result of God's grace. God's grace is unearned and unmerited favor and acceptance. Grace is a favor done without expectation of return.its only motive is in the free-heartedness of the Giver." One commentary says that not only does God's grace affect man's sinfulness and forgives the repentant sinner but brings joy and thankfulness to him (Zodhiates). What does all this mean? The Christian's joy is not dependant on circumstances. It comes from what Christ has done and because of that, remains constant!

Are we, as Christians, joyful? I believe too many of us have forgotten what we have been saved from. Have we become distracted and allowed ourselves to lose view of who and what Christ is really about, why He came and what our mission is? Do we have a heart of complacency or one of joy and thanksgiving?

Thank you, Jesus, for reaching down and rescuing me from death, from hell, from myself. Forgive me for having a complacent heart. Pour Your joy to overflowing in my heart so that others may see You and be saved. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

I walked in the door and did not say a word. The door slammed behind me and throwing my things on the table, I marched upstairs to change clothes. Returning downstairs I entered the living room and my husband asked me about my day. I managed to give him a grunt. My day had been maddening and I was not in the mood to talk about anything. However, just then the phone rang and picking it up, I became a different person. I smiled and talked pleasantly into the phone while my husband's jaw dropped. After I hung up, I warped back into Cruella deVille, still frustrated. As the evening progressed I had no patience with my kids and snipped at them repeatedly. The phone was ringing off the hook that night and every time it rang, I answered politely exchanging pleasantries with friends only to hang up and withdraw from my own family once again. I was sitting at the table working when the phone rang once more. I picked it up and answered cordially. On the other end was a very familiar voice- my husband. With an ornery smile in his voice he said, "Hey there, I thought I would call and talk since you are so happy and joyful when you are on the phone." At that moment, I put my head back and laughed, my frustration melted and my foolishness was clear. I needed to ask my family for forgiveness. I should have taken the time to become vulnerable and "real", sharing with them rather than sneering at them.

The Big Top. Living the circus. Managing to keep it all together. Or so we try.

However, when it all comes down to it, the most important thing we can do is tell the next generation about Jesus Christ. We must nurture our own relationship with Jesus Christ (week 1), we must teach our children to apply the Word in their own lives (week 2) and we must share our own faith walk with them. Paul said to the Thessalonians, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." Our lives- our faith walk. That means not only the joys and the good times, but the tears and the struggles as well. It means we have the privilege of being real with our children, with those we mentor, with those whom we have become a "spiritual parent" or anyone God has placed in our sphere of influence. When we are real and share with them what we are dealing with, prayer concerns that we may have, where we saw God that day or asking them for forgiveness when we make mistakes, they see a demonstration of walking the talk. When we depend on God, trust Him in the uncertainties, praise Him or cry out to Him, they see a living, breathing faith in Christ. Faith becomes more than just a concept preached from the pulpit. It becomes a way of life.

One Saturday evening, my husband was studying his sermon he had prepared for the next morning. He felt uneasy as some things just didn't seem to be coming together.

As I put the boys to bed, Bruce entered the room. I shared with them some of their dad's concerns and we proceeded to lay our hands on him and pray. To hear our sons' precious prayers for their father was priceless. Walking the journey together. Being real.

Oh God, teach them, show them who You are, grow their faith in You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.Deuteronomy 6:6-7

The Big Top. Our lives are busy, sometimes chaotic and even may resemble the likes of a circus. However, in the midst, it is imperative we take time to slow down, re prioritize and rediscover one of our most privileged and vital tasks- leading the next generation to Jesus Christ. Last week, we discovered the importance of growing in intimacy with Jesus ourselves. If we do not nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we cannot expect our children, our nephews, our nieces or anyone watching us to want Him. We must walk the talk.

The task before us can seem huge. And it is. However, God has given us a very wonderful and practical word on how to do this. Deuteronomy 6 says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. We are to teach God's Word and apply it to life and its situations. We are to seize the teachable moments! What does that mean? We can read bible stories before bed, have prayer/devotions before school, post theme verses of lessons on our walls, bathroom mirrors and even rear view mirrors, that we are trying to instill in our children (being kind, dealing with temptation, speaking words of encouragement, no grumbling or complaining). We can point out a sunrise and tell our children that the heavens are declaring the glory of God that exact moment (Ps. 19:1), that once again His compassions never fail but are new again for another day (Lamentations 3:23). Let us discuss with them the events of the day, people's choices and the natural consequences that followed. Let us pray for the school bully and watch together how God handles it. Dozens of life lessons are right in front of us.

I remember the evening our church gathered for prayer for a very ill young lady in our congregation. One by one, people prayed out loud praising and petitioning God. As my head was bowed, I heard a very familiar voice begin to pray. It was my 11 year old son. On the way home that evening, Micah told me, "Mom, I did not want to pray tonight. But I knew I had to. I had this burning in my heart and I just knew I had to pray." That night before bed, I called Micah over and we read from Luke 24. Two disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus after Jesus' death and resurrection, discussing all that had happened. Jesus Himself came along and walked with them, but they did not recognize Him. He talked with them about the scriptures and when arriving at their destination, broke bread with them. It was then that they recognized Him but He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us, while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" I looked at Micah and told him that the burning he felt in his heart was the Holy Spirit! And yes, He was asking Micah to pray. Teaching the Word and applying it. What a privilege.

Lord, help us to see the teachable moments and take the opportunity to share You and Your Word with those around us. Unleash your Holy Spirit on our "everyday". Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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"Martha," the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.Luke 10:41-42

The Big Top, wild lions jumping through rings of fire, trapeze artists flying through the air, tightrope walkers "oohing" the crowd as they take each death-defying step, the ring master introducing each act.. Description of a circus? Or perhaps our lives. At times we have felt like the tightrope walker balancing on a fine line, sometimes the trapeze artist as we flew through the air wondering who on earth was going to catch us. Many of us have felt like the man who swallowed the flaming sword and who hasn't felt like the lion tamer? And I'm finding as I get older, sometimes I am the bearded lady!

Whether we are single or married, mother or aunt, whether we work outside or inside the home, if we are women period- we have to juggle life. When life gets harried, we want to say to God, "Stop the world and let me get off for just a little bit. I need a breather!" It's at these times, where we need to stop, reexamine what's important and get back to basics. You see, there is a crowd watching this circus. That crowd is namely our children, the lost, the seeking and people who just want to see if there is anything real to this stuff we are presenting to them.

One of the greatest privileges a woman has is to teach the next generation the most important thing there is. She has the opportunity to teach, not just about Jesus, but who He is. To walk the talk. To invest intentional time and effort into relationships and live a life where God is the center of her reality. In the book of Luke, Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made for her dinner guests. Interestingly enough, the word preparations in the Greek means "service or ministry". Ouch. There are lots of things that are good and important, but one thing is necessary- Him. Making God real to others has to start with us. We have to choose what is necessary. How are we nurturing our faith in Jesus? What does our relationship with Him look like? Have we compartmentalized our lives, separating Him from our work, from our activities, from the way we think and speak? Do we just know about Jesus or do we know Him intimately- what He likes and dislikes? Can we recognize His voice from our own? Are we on a journey to discover His heart more and more? Have we made Him life itself? He has created us to know Him intimately (Is. 43:10). Not only has He offered us true Life (Deut. 30:15-20), He is the Bread of Life (John 6:57) that we can feed on. He is the Living Water that we can drink (John 4). He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14) and His love is better than life itself (Ps. 63). If we don't teach the next generation who Jesus is, if we don't demonstrate to the world how He loves, who will? It takes one generation for the faith to cease. It's time for us as women- as mothers, aunts, guardians, grandmothers, friends, daughters, neighbors, coworkers, as Christians- to walk the talk.

Lord, it begins with me. Give me a burning desire for intimacy with You. I want to know You more. I want to walk what I talk. Help me to be a model, not of perfection, but of obedience and faith to those around me. I believe You transform hearts. Begin with mine. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4

In the darkest time, when England stood alone awaiting an invasion by Hitler, King George broadcast to his people: "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the coming year, 'Give me a light that I might tread safely into the unknown.' And the man replied, 'Go into the darkness and put thine hand into the hand of God. That shall be to thee far better than any light and safer than any known way.'" (Good News! Great Joy! by Robert C. Hereth)

The heart-wrenching realities of life. As much as we try to avoid them, we inevitably have a head on collision in some way. We sit with a friend who has suffered an incapacitating injury, her future seemingly bleak. We listen to someone else sharing her fears of the unknown. Fears, not of death, but what lies ahead in her struggle against it. We cry as we learn of a child who has just been given a terminal diagnosis. The future is shadowed with uncertainty. And we possess words that cannot begin to be adequate. We are escorted through a door of darkness and are left groping for the answers.

The shadow of death. In the Hebrew, this phrase means the grave, a deep or very thick darkness, terror or calamity. Job refers to it often as he walks through his own valley of grief and confusion. He says that he can't eat and his groans are many, that what he has feared has happened and what he has dreaded has come true (Job 3:24-25). He laments that his days are over, his hopes have disappeared and his heart's desires are broken (Job 17:11). Job's complaints, however, go even deeper. He longs to feel God's Presence and hear His voice but he can't find him, he can't see Him. To Job, God has concealed Himself, stilled His voice and won't even look in His direction. Job says, "Darkness is all around me; thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere." (Job 23, 30). The shadow of death.

In Psalm 23:4, the valley of the shadow of death is real. It is dark. However, the valley's journey has a Guide. It is God who will lead us through safely, no matter how dark our experience. At the end of the book of Job, God speaks and addresses Job's complaints. Job responds, "I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen (emphasis mine) you with my own eyes" (42:5). The darkness can blanket our vision, but how ironic that it can illuminate our faith. Sometimes it is only when we are forced to grope along the walls of life, that we can truly see. Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. To those of us who walk through spiritual, physical or emotional darkness, Jesus Christ is the light that shines through the shadows and shows us Himself.

Lord, shine on me. As I walk through dark times, illuminate my path with You.

As I witness others who take the journey, help me to love them like You, point them to You, and radiate Your Light. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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Christ Jesus, who died- more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

Several years ago I visited with a precious woman, 85 years of age, who I knew from childhood. She knew my family, and the difficult dynamics that existed, as well as my husband's family of origin. My husband had grandparents that prayed fervently for their children and grandchildren and from their family line came a slew of pastors- my husband included. As we talked together about my husband and I serving the Lord, she looked at me very seriously and asked, "Jocelyn, I know who was praying for Bruce. But who was praying for you?"

I left her house but her question remained in my mind. Several days later as I was reading the Word, the Lord answered our question. "Christ Jesus, who died- more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." The words hit me like a ton of bricks. It was Him. All those years of aimless wandering, little sense of purpose and worth, dumb decisions and pain. He was the One praying for me the entire time. He was the One talking to the Father on my behalf, the One reminding the Judge of Heaven and Earth that the price of my sin had been paid. He was the One pleading for mercy, grace and protection as I stumbled in utter confusion. He was the One who saw and declared the future and hope that laid ahead.

Jesus is praying for us. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is praying for our protection, that we would be unified as His Bride, that we would be set apart and surrendered to Him by the truth of His Word. He is praying that we would be unified with Him so that the world may see Him and believe. Jesus is praying that people everywhere, including you and me, would know that God loves them just as much as God loves Him! Jesus Christ is praying for our future. He wants us to be with Him and see His Glory one day (John 17). Be encouraged in your everyday- no matter the circumstance. We have the greatest prayer partner we could ever want. Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, is praying for you today.

Precious Jesus, thank you for interceding on our behalf everyday. Thank you for the blood you shed on the cross which has bought and redeemed us. Continue to grow us up in You with a sold out and surrendered passion for You alone. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

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David got up from his afternoon nap and opened the terrace doors unto the palace patio. The gentle breeze mussed his hair as he strolled out for a breathtaking view of the city below. Looking out over the city, David took in the bustling activity on the streets,merchants selling their wares, children laughing, running to and fro. A smile graced his lips as he watched these little ones change direction and skip down the street arm in arm. As David gazed down the street after them, something else- actually someone else- seized his attention. And as quickly as his smile had come, it vanished. There before him bathing herself, was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. David could not take his eyes off of her and without a break in his stare, he called one of his servants and instructed him to find out who this woman was. After discovering her name and who she belonged to he sent for her. The rest is history.

When David inadvertently saw Bathsheba bathing, he had a choice. Unfortunately, he chose to continue looking. Not only did he choose to watch her but he also took one step closer to the hangman's noose and inquired about her. After finding out she was married, he chose to invite her to his bedroom. A commentary says that David knew she would come, for who would be foolish enough to refuse the king's invitation as to risk punishment or even death? David knew what he was doing. The moment he chose to continue watching her was the moment he crossed the line. His heart was caught by Satan's lure- hook, line and sinker.

I have crossed the line. Sometimes deliberately- choice after choice after choice. Sometimes, before I even knew what hit me I have stared head on at the same noose wondering how I got there. Maybe I have not been in the exact situation David was, but I have traveled his steps more than once. There have been times I have chased after something so hard, I have abandoned Who I was supposed to be following hard after. Perhaps it has not been physical adultery, but it has been spiritual adultery. There have been things that I may have gazed at far too long and my heart was led astray. At times, my heart has grown restless and discontented, looking for what's deceivingly "better" than what God has called me to for this time and season. What about you? Do you have a Bathsheba in your life? Is there something or someone that has enticed, distracted or deceived your heart and gradually pulled you from the path of protection? God wants us back and is waiting for us to come and seek His face and heart in repentance.

Lord, forgive us for committing adultery- whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Forgive us for focusing so much on ourselves and our selfish desires that we have turned our back on You, our First Love. We are running back Father, into Your open arms. Cleanse us and hold us close. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Labels: Jocelyn Hamsher

What has God allowed you to experience in your past that you have seen redeemed and fulfilled in your present? Be encouraged today that God is building you into the person He has created and called you to be. He will not fail you, He will not let you go. He is completing the work He has started in you and using your experiences and previous life lessons to shape and strengthen you. Our past may not always be pretty, but God can use it as preparation for what He is calling us to next. God can use our past to defeat the giants of our present.

Sweet Jesus, thank you that nothing that enters my life has not passed through Your hands first. Thank you that when I turn my life- past, present and future- all over to You, you will use it for Your glory and the furthering of Your Kingdom. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Labels: Jocelyn Hamsher