In October I had the privilege of teaching a Southern Christian Writers Conference devotional writing workshop in Orange Beach AL. At the workshop, we announced a devotional writing contest. We encouraged the workshop attendees to send me their devotional submissions.
I received many good submissions and had difficulty choosing the top three devotionals.
Please read the devotions below.
Reflections from My Teacup: A New Name
By Laura Lee Leathers
Reflections from the Treasure Chest: Isaiah 9:1-7; Philippians 2:5-11
A Gem Especially for You: “Nor is their salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Reflections from my Teacup:
One of my favorite memories before my son, Eric, and his finance’, Heather’s wedding was the day I was their chauffeur. We were returning home from Kosciusko, Mississippi, and both were sitting in the back seat of my vehicle talking about things they needed to accomplish over the next two weeks before their wedding in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Suddenly Heather started talking about her name and what it would be like after the wedding. She commented on how she needed to decide what she would use at work because people were already making fun of her rhyming name-to-be. So here was her dilemma—was her name going to be Mary Heather Leathers, Mary Leathers, Mary Billingslea Leathers, Heather Billingslea Leathers, or Heather Leathers? Marriage comes with many traditions, one of which is for the bride to assume her husband’s last name. However, sometimes a name change can bring new challenges and blessings!
Have you ever thought about your name? What does your name mean? Where did your name originate? Do people call you by your legal name, or do you have a nickname? What is the Biblical meaning of your name and the Scripture verse to go along with it?
Many years ago, I did a lot of counted thread needlework. One of the things I completed for each of my children was a picture with the meaning of their names and the related verse. For example, Eric’s name means “Ever Powerful,” and his verse is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). When my husband and I named our first two children, we were unaware, nor did we consider, how vital their names would be to their character. However, when the last two were born, I spent more time researching names and their meanings. We chose their names based on the meaning and the character trait we hoped to see in that child.
Names are significant. The Bible gives us a lot of different illustrations when it comes to names and their meanings. However, what I love most are the stories where a name has been changed. For example, in Genesis 17:1-8, we read how Abram’s name was changed to Abraham because he was to be known as “the father of many nations.” Later, we are told his wife’s name was changed from Sarai to Sarah (Genesis 17:15-16) to show that she would be a mother of nations.
Then we read how God changed Jacob’s name to Israel (Genesis 35:10). This name change was to show God’s blessing and that He is a keeper of His promises. From Jacob would come the twelve tribes of Israel. What’s so unique is that it wasn’t their parents who changed their names, nor was it the result of marriage. It was God who changed their names for His plans and purposes.
In the New Testament, God sent an angel to tell Zacharias and Elizabeth the specific name for their child. They were to call their son, John (Luke 1:13) and he would be the forerunner for Jesus. Then in Luke 1:31, the angel tells Mary that she will have a child and “shall call His name Jesus.”
Isn’t it amazing how God not only changed a person’s name for Biblical purposes but also sends an angel to tell the parents the child’s name before the child is conceived? I would say names are important to God, especially when He originates the name from His throne room.
Names are still important to Him today. The term “Christian” means a person who follows Christ. I believe this is a name that is crucial to Him and the name reflects His character. In Acts 11, those who followed Christ, His disciples “were first called Christians in Antioch.” A word that may have started as a contemptuous nickname” but it’s a name that has become known throughout the world—a name of respect, admiration, and wonder. It’s a name that identifies those who follow and behave like Christ.
However, I can’t help but think about the current generation of people who call themselves Christians today, many of whom live no differently than the world. People worldwide use the term Christian, yet it is not Christ they follow. Some individuals believe you can wear the name Christian like a hat. It is worn when it is convenient to take off depending on what social or political circle you are in or where you are.
When Christ Jesus comes again, the only name that will matter is whether your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Salvation is found only in the name of Jesus; there is no other name! Until Christ returns, remember the words of Peter, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who call you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV). I am a Christ Follower, a Christian! Are you living up to your name?
Reflections from my Heart: O God, how awesome and majestic is Your Name. I am grateful that You allow Your children to wear the name Christian. May I live a life that exemplifies I am Your child by the way I love. Help me be strong and courageous, holy and different, in a world that calls me to fit into its standards and ideas of success. I rest in You, knowing that You have overcome the world. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
In His Hands
By Vickie Creel
Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-12
“Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.”
Psalm 139:10 (NKJV)
Life is always busy, but the past few months have been especially hectic. Packing, unpacking, and road trips to visit churches and ministry partners have kept us busier than usual. On top of that, unexpected and unwelcome health issues came up for both my husband and me. A writer’s workshop was coming up, and I was interested in going. However, with other pressing matters and a long to-do list, I faltered and hesitated to go. I thought to myself, “How could we squeeze in a seven-hour drive to the coast? Surely, it would be more convenient to join online to save us time and money.”
Though hesitant, my husband suggested we go. When I got to the workshop, I tried to keep my mind off the next thing on my to-do list. After a couple of hours of sitting and listening, I felt calm and peaceful. My mind stopped racing from concerns and the many things I needed to do. It helped me to sit still and focus. I was glad I came! I realized too, the Lord gave me the time to be away from the chaos and busyness of life, to just sit still and enjoy the moment. My husband and I even enjoyed a couple of days at the beach. Through the kindness of a friend, the Lord even took care of our accommodation, a nice condo by the beach with a breathtaking view of the ocean! Thank you, Lord!
While staying at the beach, I sensed the gentle whisper of the Lord saying something like, “Remember the time you made a commitment to follow Me as your Lord and Savior? Since then, your life has been in my hands.” I then realized that even when I stumble, falter, or fall – no matter what happens – my life is still in His hands. He is the One taking care of me and holding me still. I was not even aware that both my husband and I needed that that little break, a time off from the chaos of life. I learned, too, that God knew exactly what I needed. Even when I am not sure what to do, God still leads me. Since my life is in His hands, I can rest in His loving arms.
As the psalmist says in today’s reading:
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?… If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139: 9-10 (NKJV)
Prayer: Thank You, dear Lord, for Your love and care. Help us to trust You always even amid the chaos, and to remember our lives are secure in Your loving hands.
Thought for the Day: When we follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, our lives are secure in His hands.
The New Blue Shalwar Kameez
By Jenna McIntyre
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.
1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)
Young women in our South Asian, predominately Muslim, country wear an outfit called a shalwar kameez, which is a long tunic-type top, loose-fitting pants, and a scarf worn over the shoulders and chest. Not only was the style of the outfit new to me, but the color schemes were, too. It seemed the brighter the color, the better. The hues didn’t even need to be coordinated. I soon became accustomed to seeing shalwars in bright red mixed with orange or hot pink with lime green.
Ladies of all economic statuses wear shalwars with poise and dignity. Scarves drape elegantly over the chest and flow onto the shoulders. As the ladies walk, their long tunics billow and sway gracefully. Whatever the color or style of the shalwar, the objectives are the same: modesty and being properly covered.
As a missionary, I desired to be culturally appropriate and modest. So, every day I wore a shalwar kameez, but I didn’t feel elegant or graceful. The bulky material stuck to my sweaty skin in the steamy, tropical climate. While my eyes adjusted to others wearing bright, contrasting colors, I preferred colors a bit restrained. I continually wrestled with my scarf until I would give up and just hang it unceremoniously around my neck.
One week, I discovered a lovely outfit the color of the sky with inlays and white scalloped edges on the tunic and scarf. The light material flowed over my skin and kept me cool. The beautiful, subdued color suited my palate. Finally, a shalwar kameez I liked and was proud to wear.
On one Sunday, we arranged to visit a church in the old, overcrowded section of the city. I happily donned my new, blue shalwar kameez. For the first time, I felt pretty in a national outfit rather than frumpy and sweaty. Just before we left home, I made a quick trip to the bathroom. Then, my husband and I hopped into a motorized rickshaw and zipped through the city to a market near the church where we met a friend. Our host chatted with my husband as he led us through narrow lanes to the church building. I quietly walked behind them.
Along the way, people stopped and stared at us. Several young men even pointed and laughed. Though we were still relatively new to the country, I had become accustomed to stares and pointing. Wherever we went, our white skin and light-brown hair drew attention, but laughter was something new.
We arrived early for the service and enjoyed a cup of tea with the pastor. He led us into the simple building where we waited for others to arrive for worship. Men always sit on one side and women on the other. As I prepared to sit on the floor, I ran my hand over the back of my dress to smooth it down behind me. However, I paused in shock when I felt a big lump.
Horror and comprehension simultaneously flooded over me. My stomach churned. I now understood the reason for the pointing and laughter. My dress was tucked into the back of my pants. Not just the hem of the dress. The entire backside. Without decorum. I had committed the grievous error in my quick trip to the bathroom before leaving home. Since I had followed my husband and our friend through the market and into the building, they had not noticed. I nimbly reorganized my outfit and sat, trying not to bring any more attention to myself.
My red face must have registered a myriad of emotions because when my husband finally looked at me from across the room, he knew something was wrong. I tried in vain to communicate to him what had happened and to find a way to blame him. He seemed content to have distance between us.
Other women soon arrived, greeted me warmly, and sat with me. They genuinely welcomed me and included me in their circle. As I took my eyes off myself and observed others around me, I noticed work-worn hands, faded saris, threadbare shirts, and calloused feet. I recalled stories of persecution and discrimination because of their faith. Yet, with gusto and joy they sang praises to God. Their worship was authentic and pure. My preoccupation with looking good in my new blue outfit crumbled.
That Sunday, God revealed (if a bit unceremoniously) how easy it is to become entangled in worldly desires, even in one of the poorest countries of the world. Like a seed sown among thorns, effectiveness becomes choked and unfruitful. So, as I sat surrounded by loving Christians, I silently confessed to God my self-absorption and expressed my longing to bear lasting fruit for His glory. He reminded me through the presence and the precious worship of faithful believers that He looks at the heart not outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). I went home that evening with a heart full of gratitude to God for redirecting my focus from myself back to Him.
Prayer: Father, thank You for helping me to keep my eyes on You. When my focus shifts to worldliness or pleasing others, then my heart turns away from You. It’s tempting to want praise or even just approval from people around me. More than anything, I want my heart to be fully committed and devoted to You. Please give me the strength to resist the pull of the world and continue pushing toward You.
Reflect: What tempts you to take your focus off the Lord? What did you do to refocus?
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