June 2025 Devotional: A Story of Forgiveness

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By Major Tammy Ray, Sara Ray & Carol World
Redding, CA Corps – Del Oro Division

Imagine with me, if you will, a day at the market square in Biblical times… The square was crowded with people, haggling for the best prices on goods and animals. I imagine that the noise and smells were overwhelming.  In the middle of town, there was an auction block.  It was obvious that an auction was taking place and as we got closer, we saw that the auctioneer was selling a slave girl.

We moved closer to get a better view. Who was this object of such shame and disgrace?  Why was she tied to the auction block without a stitch of clothing to cover her body? We asked these questions to no one in particular, but the villagers were quick with their responses.

One man shouts out, “she’s the town prostitute!”  “She used to be married,” says another bystander. And another said, “Yeah, she was married to the preacher that once lived around here, and they had three kids.” The stories just kept getting more and more unbelievable.  Looking at this broken woman being auctioned off to the highest bidder, one would have a hard time believing that she was once a young wife and mother.

No one could tell us what made her choose to leave her husband and children to be a prostitute, and now she was past her prime being sold like an animal.

As the auction continued, the woman stood there with her head downcast, feeling worthless and shameful.  No one had the curtesy to even throw a blanket over her shoulders.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” the auctioneer hollered. “I have a ten-shekel bid, isn’t there any one of you who is willing to give me 11 shekels for . . . for . . . this former beauty!” He waited a moment and then called out, “all right, I have a bid for 10 shekels.  Going once…going twice…

Suddenly a voice calls out over the noise, “I’ll give you 15 shekels and 10 bushels of barley.” The auctioneer’s jaw dropped. He couldn’t believe what he just heard. Every head in the crowd turned to see who made this unbelievable bid. The woman on the podium didn’t even lift her head. As far as she was concerned this was just another stranger who would take her, use her, maybe even abuse her and ultimately cast her away. The stranger made his way to the front and counted out the 15 shekels into the hands of the seller promising to deliver the grain the next day. 

The slave woman expected the buyer to drag her off the podium and parade her through the crowd, but instead, she felt the smooth touch of a cloth being thrown around her shoulders, falling down to below her knees covering her nakedness. Strong hands tenderly touch her shoulders. “Gomer,” a voice said. “Gomer.” It took her a moment to comprehend what she was hearing. When she looked up, her eyes grew wide in astonishment.  Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.  “Hosea! Hosea! Is it really you?” “Yes,” said Hosea, embracing her. “I have come to take you back home. You’re going home, Gomer. I love you. You are my wife, Gomer. You are going home.” The stunned crowd listened and watched in silence as Hosea gently helped her down from the podium. He was heard saying, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.” (Hosea 3:3 NIV).

Forgiveness is a tricky and difficult thing.  Sometimes it is easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves for all that we have done wrong. However, if you were to change Gomer’s name to yours and Hosea’s name to God…That is how God sees us. He knows what we have done right, and what we have terribly messed up in our lives. Yet, He still loves us so much that He will take our brokenness and use it to His glory. 

In Colossians 1:13-14 (The Message) it says, “God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons.  He’s set us up in the Kingdom of the Son He loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.”  When we ask God to forgive us, we are redeemed!

There is a Japanese legend that dates back to the 15th century.  A Japanese shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, broke his favorite tea bowl.  He sent it to be repaired, but the repairs were ugly.  The craftsman understood the disappointing repair and was motivated to find a way to repair the tea bowl in a beautiful way.  He took resin and mixed it with gold and put the pottery back together.  The gold transformed what was broken and useless into a beautiful and useful piece of art.

When we surrender our lives to the Master Craftsman, our Heavenly Father, He takes our broken, sometimes shattered lives and puts us back together better than ever before. We become forgiven, redeemed, beautiful, new, and reconciled.  We are the same person, but better and stronger and useful to the Kingdom of God. 

Enjoy this song by Sanctus Real, reminding us that we are Forgiven:

May 2025 Devotional: You are Rescued

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By Captain Tanya Pemberton
Administrator for Program
Anaheim, CA Adult Rehabilitation Center

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-2 and Psalm 18:16-19

Opening Prayer: Today, Father, we come before you with hearts full of appreciation and anticipation. We are looking for your unending love and mercy as we reflect upon your Word. As we sit here with the theme of being rescued, our hearts and minds are open to understanding how priceless we are to Christ. Amen.

Listen to the song, Rescue Story, by Zach Williams

Devotional:
Reflecting upon the lyrics of the song Rescue Story, a vivid picture is painted of God’s relentless pursuit and rescue of us, His children. The song goes, “You are my rescue story, you lifted me up from the ashes, carried my soul from death to life.” This picture of being rescued resonates deeply for those who have experienced God’s power of transformation and His grace during life’s struggles.

The concept of rescue and being rescued is a fundamental part of understanding God’s character and His intimate relationship with us. We see this theme in Isaiah 43:1-2 and Psalm 18:16-19. This will help us gain a deeper insight into what being rescued by God means to us and how it shapes our identity in Christ. The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers believe that this is a fundamental concept of the journey of transformation.

Scripture Insight:
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV)

In Isaiah 43:1-2, God speaks to His people with assurance and comfort. He reminds them that He is their Creator and Redeemer. Despite the trials they face, they are not alone, for God promises His presence and protection. This passage emphasizes God’s intimate knowledge of His people, calling them by name and affirming their belonging to Him. The imagery of passing through waters and fire without harm highlights God’s sovereign power to rescue and sustain us during our greatest challenges.

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-19 (NIV)

Psalm 18:16-19 further illustrates God’s rescuing hand. David recounts his experience of being saved from overwhelming enemies and perilous situations. He acknowledges that it was God who reached down from heaven to draw him out of deep waters, symbolizing deliverance from dire circumstances. The psalmist’s testimony reveals that God’s rescue is not just an act of power but an expression of His delight in us.

Reflection: Reflecting on these verses and the message of Rescue Story, we are reminded that our rescue is not merely about being saved from physical or emotional distress. It is about being brought into a relationship with God where our true identity is found. In Christ, we are redeemed, called by name, and cherished by our Creator.

At The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, many individuals have experienced this divine rescue firsthand. Whether overcoming addiction, despair, or other life challenges, the stories of transformation and hope are testimonies of God’s rescuing power. Personally, I can recall moments in my life where I felt utterly lost and overwhelmed. During those times, it was God’s rescuing hand that lifted me from despair and set me on a path of hope and purpose. Each of us has our own “rescue story,” where God’s grace intervened and transformed our lives. These stories are powerful reminders of our priceless value in His eyes. Understanding that we are rescued by God should fundamentally shape how we view ourselves and live our lives. Here are a few ways to apply this truth:

  • To embrace your identity in Christ, recognize that being rescued by God means you are His beloved child, valued not by past mistakes or current struggles, but by His redeeming love. Reflect on the specific ways God has rescued you to reinforce your sense of identity in Christ. Living fearlessly, trust that God is with you through every trial, as He reassured Israel in Isaiah 43:1-2. His presence guarantees that you will not be overwhelmed, allowing you to pursue the life He has called you to without fear.
  • Share your rescue story to encourage others, demonstrating how God has worked in your life, bringing hope and transformation. Your testimony can point others to Jesus Christ, the ultimate rescuer. Rest in God’s delight, as Psalm 18:19 reminds us that God rescues us because He delights in us. Let this truth fill you with peace and joy, inspiring you to live a life that honors and glorifies Him.
  • Embrace the theme “Priceless,” recognizing your immense value in Christ, and allow this understanding to transform your daily life, producing the fruits of a life deeply rooted in God’s love and purpose.

Closing Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being our rescuer. Thank You for lifting us from the depths of our despair and bringing us into the light of Your love. Help us to embrace our identity in Christ, live fearlessly, share our rescue stories with others, and flourish in our priceless identity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Download a printable version of this devotional:

You are RescuedDownload

July 2025 Devotional: Free as a Bird

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By Major Beth Desplancke
Territorial Women’s Ministries Program Secretary

In the mornings, when all is quiet, I love to hear the birds chirping and singing outside the window. They are so worry-free, they can’t help but greet the morning with a song. There is something inspiring about birds. Rumi, a 13th century poet wrote this: “I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think.” Birds don’t worry, they sing. We even have a saying, “free as a bird,” which suggests a state of being carefree and able to do as one pleases, similar to the unrestrained movement of a bird flying in the air.

For those of us who are in Christ (who have received Him as our Savior), we can be free from worry. Jesus Himself used the example of birds to teach His followers of our freedom in Him.

In Luke 12:6 He uses sparrows as his object lesson: Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

We do not need to worry because we are valuable to God! In this verse Jesus is assuring every believer that their life is precious and remembered by God. Matthew 10:29 says a similar thing; but Matthew references buying two sparrows for one copper coin. Here we learn that five sparrows cost two copper coins. To the seller, the sparrows were of so little value, that if a person was willing to by four, he would willingly throw in the fifth for free!

But even the discount sparrow is of value to God. Not one of them is forgotten by God. Jesus then says, Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered (Luke 12:7a). Imagine that – God takes the time to count each and every hair on your head, and on every head of every person on the planet! God take note of and cares for every minute detail of our lives! Then Jesus says these reassuring words, Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Luke 12:7b). We can be free like a bird and be free from worry because we are valuable to God.

Jesus goes on in the same chapter to reference another bird, to once again remind us that we can be free from worry. In Luke 12:22-26, we read,

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

After drawing attention to sparrows, now Jesus focuses on ravens. God feeds, cares and provides for them. They don’t have to worry about planting seed and growing crops, or even storing food for later. God feeds them. Psalm 147:9 states, He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.

Jesus assures His listeners a second time that His children are more valuable than the birds! We are precious and loved by God. He feeds them and cares for them; He will do the same for you.

When Jesus says, “Do not worry” it is a loving command. We need not worry because it accomplishes nothing. We can’t add more time to our life by worrying. And let’s be honest, worrying impacts our health, and could diminish the length of our life. Someone once said, “Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but it gets you nowhere.”

There is a Chinese proverb that says, “That the birds of worry and care fly over you head, this you cannot change, but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent.”

We can be free from worry because if God cares for the sparrows and the ravens, He cares even more for you. 1 Peter 5:7 proclaims, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Instead of keeping all your cares inside, allowing it to fill your heart and mind with worries, we can cast them to him – literally throw our worries onto His shoulders – because He cares for us.

How can we be free like a bird, and not filled with worry? Besides the invitation to cast our cares on Him, He invites us to turn them over to Him in prayer: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
We can soar free from worry, knowing that He values us, loves us, and cares for us. We can give everything that is causing us to worry or be anxious over to Him. We can be free from worry because God, who loves and cares for the sparrows and the ravens, loves and values us even more!

May the song Sparrows by Cory Asbury remind you in Christ you are free from worry, because He takes good care of us.

August 2025 Devotional: Reborn in Christ – A New Creation

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By Captain Jan Pemberton
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Cascade Division

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the old is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Devotional Thought:
Have you ever gotten rid of something old and worn-out, only to be replaced with something brand new? The feeling of starting fresh, with something shiny and full of potential, is exhilarating. This is a beautiful picture of what happens when we accept Christ into our lives. The Bible tells us that in Christ, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes or limitations. We become entirely “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Old Has Gone:
The “old” refers to our life before Christ. It encompasses our sinful nature, negative thought patterns, and actions that don’t align with God’s will. The burden of these things is lifted when we surrender to Him.

The New Has Come:
The “new” represents the transformation that takes place within us. We are filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live righteously and according to God’s purpose (Romans 6:4-6). Our minds are renewed, allowing us to discern His will and walk in His ways (Romans 12:1-2).

Living as a New Creation:
This transformation isn’t always easy. We still face temptations and challenges. However, by putting on the “new self” created in God’s likeness, we can overcome these obstacles (Ephesians 4:22-24). This “new self” is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of new life in Christ. Help us to shed the burdens of our past and embrace the transformation you offer. Guide us by your Holy Spirit as we strive to live as your new creations, reflecting your love and character in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Further Reflection:

  • How do you feel about the concept of being a “new creation” in Christ?
  • What areas of your life need to be transformed to live more fully as your new self?
  • How can you practically apply this concept to your daily walk with God?

Let this song by Mac Powell remind you that you are a “New Creation:”

April 2025 Devotional: Redemption – What is It?

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By Lt. Andrielli Gonzalez
Hanapepe, HI Corps Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8

Paul, the writer of the book of Ephesians, tells us that Jesus redeems us. The Greek word for “redemption” refers to the ransom paid to free slaves; it is paying for an object or person so that it is not sold again; this payment frees a defenseless person from slavery. Jesus paid the price with His blood, giving Himself as a ransom for our forgiveness and freedom. This was made possible by God being “so rich in grace.” In Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we witness God’s generous and selfless love for us. Who can understand the infinite wisdom and endless mercy of God?

Paul says that Jesus paid our debt, Christ paid our debts, cancelling any guilt we would feel for our sins. Jesus came to earth in human form, he was tempted in all things just as we are, but he was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). By offering the perfect sacrifice, Jesus freed us from the condemnation of Hell, rescued us from the curse of death, and freed us from the prison of sin. His blood shed on the cross so long ago guaranteed our redemption today.

Because of Christ, we are clean before God, justified in his presence. When God looks at us, he sees the perfect, beautiful sacrifice of his son. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we have new life, without the weight of guilt, fear, and judgment, as we have been freed, we have passed from death to life and will no longer enter into condemnation. For we are saved by Christ’s love for us.

Paul argues that Jesus also freed us. Jesus broke the shackles of sin and freed us to be able to live for the glory of God when He died for our sins. Sin no longer has dominion over those who are in Christ.
We can only marvel at the extent of what Jesus did to redeem us. Because of him, we are saved from our sins, resurrected to be seated with Christ, given grace with free access to the Father, and counted as fellow citizens of God’s holy people.

John 1:29 tells us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is the perfect lamb! In addition to saving us and also being redeemed by his beautiful sacrifice, from that moment on, sacrifices involving lambs, herbs, and bread would no longer be necessary. With the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of the Lord, there was no longer any need for other types of sacrifices. The replacement of the meat of the lamb, the herbs, and the bread, Jesus instituted His body, His blood, in memory of this sacrifice.

Before knowing Christ and also accepting Him as my savior, it was impossible not to sin. After conversion, it is possible not to sin. We are not talking about perfection but being able to live and experience liberation from the enslaving routine of sin. The person who stole is now able to work and help people in need. The person once enslaved to slander now possesses the power of the Holy Spirit to use his lips as instruments of grace and healing. He who was enslaved to sins of a sexual nature can now live in purity and conformity to God’s will.

Christ has the power to change our lives, but we need to want and accept the change. Most of the time the change will be radical. We can live in rest and freedom from worries that hijack our peace and want to drive us to despair. Jesus made us an inheritance from his Father. We have the guarantee of God’s presence sustaining us daily and freeing us from the evil one. Furthermore, God has guaranteed that he will bring our salvation to the end and that he has granted all of us the merits of Jesus’ work. We also have the promise that we will dwell in the new heaven and the new earth and that we will be shepherded by God for all eternity. All this if we continue following his path.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for your love for me, undeserving of the incredible work of Jesus Christ on my behalf. Thank you for Jesus’ sacrifice. Thank you, Jesus, for your perfect life and for your bloodshed to pay my debt, free me, and guarantee eternal life for me.

I praise the Lord, oh God, because sin no longer has the power to imprison me or condemn me. Today I can live to fulfill his will and live for your glory in me. Exalted be your name Lord, for Jesus guaranteed for me daily sustenance, the presence of his Holy Spirit, and deliverance in the fight against the evil one.

May my life be to the praise of your name and may the people around me see in me the virtues of a citizen of the Kingdom of God. In Christ, Amen

Enjoy this reminder from Big Daddy Weave, “I Am Redeemed:”

March 2025 Devotional: Masterfully Quilted

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By Captain Ryan Boyd
Denver Red Shield, CO Corps – Intermountain Division

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

My mother-in-law is a gifted quilter. She has all kinds of quilts in her house that she has made over the years, and I love to look at them and admire her handiwork. Each time a grandchild was born, she made them a quilt. And while she sewed, she prayed for that child. Looking at each stitch reminds me how hard she has prayed for these kids all their lives.

One year, I decided that I was going to make her a quilt because she deserved something homemade. Did I know how to quilt? Nope. Did I let that deter me? Not for one second. I went to the fabric store, signed up for a quilting class, spent a ridiculous amount of money on a hobby I had no skill in, and started looking at patterns.

When I took the quilting class, I was the only student. Which was great, because I had also never used a sewing machine. The instructor patiently guided me through Sewing 101 and then quilting 101, and I left that store with an undeserved confidence that I was going to make the best quilt known to humanity.

It didn’t quite work out that way. Chalk it up to blissful ignorance or youthful hubris, but I chose a queen size quilt for my first go around. I spent weeks trying to create this quilt. And by the end, I was just happy to get it done. Would it last through the first wash? That was yet to be seen.

When I gave the quilt to my mother-in-law, she lovingly pointed out the stitches I got right and gracefully ignored the many I got wrong. And when we visit, she makes sure that it’s out to show her appreciation. I don’t tell this story to show off how great my mother-in-law is – although I could easily go on and on – I tell it because that quilt represented all the handiwork I could muster for almost six months of my life. Was it the prettiest quilt? No. But it was a labor of love that I know my mother-in-law felt.

We are God’s handiwork. God intricately made each one of us and formed us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). We may not feel like the prettiest quilt, we may have some imperfections, but God has created us for good things!

If we focus on the things that are “wrong” about us, we will miss all the things that are “right”. While we focus on the outward appearance, God is looking at what is in our hearts. He created us to be exactly as we are, knowing that the path he set out for us will require the exact talents and personality He has given us.

Often, I am quick to criticize the way that God made me. Like most women, I am rarely satisfied with the outside appearance I have. However, what I criticize most is what’s on the inside. Why am I so loud and mouthy? Why must I ask so many questions?

And when I get to be too critical of myself, I look back on Ephesians 2:10 and say, “God made me this way, there must be a reason.” Maybe I am loud and mouthy so that I can speak up for those who have had their voices silenced or for those who are too scared to speak for themselves. Maybe I am loud so that others can hear me tell them about Jesus. Perhaps I ask so many questions because God has given me this thirst for knowledge so that I can learn how to love others better through His word or so that I can be a better example of him to others.

When I reframe my view of myself from imperfect woman to God’s handiwork, my entire demeanor changes. What I view as weaknesses, God instilled in me to further His kingdom. I can’t spend my whole life looking at what I have gotten wrong, I have to look at what He has done right.

God has made each of us in His image and according to His purposes. While we may not be fully appreciative of the particular way He has crafted us, we can take comfort in knowing that there is a reason we are the way that we are. We can be confident in knowing that God loves us and wants us to use our unique abilities and personalities to love every other Image bearer we meet.

Major Cathi Boyd displaying the quilt made by her daughter-in-law, Captain Ryan Boyd

February 2025 Devotional: Pieces

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By Captain Isabella Green
Wrangell, AK Corps – Alaska Division

Based on the song “Pieces” by Steffany Gretzinger

The summer I turned 18, I started dating a guy I was convinced would be the one. He was a Christian, he loved children and wanted a family, our life goals lined up, and we shared the same calling. He on paper, was everything I was looking for.

But the summer ended, and our relationship turned into a long-distance one. I would write him letters every day. Pouring my heart into them. Drawing little pictures and sharing all that I had going on. I never got letters back. I would call him often, eager to hear his voice and share about my day. I would wait in my room, counting the phone rings as I waited for him to answer. I left a lot of voicemails sitting in that room.

As the months passed, I heard from him less and less. The phone calls that did get answered became shorter and shorter, and the texts less and less. Finally, around Christmas time we were reunited. My family drove 6 hours in Alaskan winter to meet him, spending a weekend near where he was staying so that we could have time together.

I was so eager, so excited to see him. And when we met up, my heart soared. The months of hurt and being ignored got tucked away and ignored. He was here, and everything was going to be okay.
But I would grab his hand, and he would let mine go. I would wrap my arm through his, and he pulled away. I would smile at him, and he would look down. The pieces of my heart crumbled a little more each time.

The weekend ended, and we went our separate ways again. I did not hear anything from him the day I left. Nor the day after, nor the day after that. A week later, his name lit up my phone screen as he called me. The call was short, and simply informed me that he felt he had been leading me on for months now, that his feelings were no longer there, and that it would be best if we broke it off. His name never showed up on my phone again, and the pieces he left me in were scattered on the floor.

He left me in pieces, after only ever offering me pieces of himself. Pieces of his attention, pieces of his affection, pieces of his care. Just enough to string me on, to keep me looking for more, but never enough to truly make me feel loved.

It was in the season of picking up my pieces, that I learned Gods love never comes in pieces. As I stumbled into the goodness of God, heartbroken and hopes for the future shattered, I found myself enveloped in a love so strong and so deep, that it covered me in totality.

God picked up the pieces and put me back together again. Patching me up in a beautiful new design. Still me, but stronger. Still me, but with an understanding of what it truly means to be loved.
God loves in totality. He loves unconditionally. He loves without care of if others have deemed you unlovable.

Romans 5:8 tells us that, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

His love for us is so deep, so true, that before we even knew Him, He died for us. Before we could ever choose Him, He chose us. When humanity was separated from Him, He sent His son to destroy the divide. And in His death the divide was shattered, left in pieces, allowing us to be truly whole in Him.

God does not love in pieces. He does not give us only part of himself. He gives us His all. He loves in totality and pours into us from a cup that never runs empty. His love is true, pure, and unconditional. It is given, without care of if we are worthy of it or not. It is there for us in the darkest valleys of our lives. And it is there for us when everything is going right.

God’s love for us is always there, even when we are not seeking it out. And at just the right moment, it will come crashing down in a mighty wave, overwhelming and washing out everything else. Every sense of doubt, of anger, of hurt, gone in the great wave that is His love. In His fullness, He will sweep the pieces up, and patch them back together again. Stitched up by His love and left new, ever more beautiful than before.

His fully given, unrestrained, and unconditional love, will leave us overflowing with a love so pure and true, that we simply must share it. His love is never given in pieces and will never leave us in pieces.

January 2025 Devotional: Beauty from the Inside Out

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By Major Angela Strickland
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Golden State Division

Beauty is only skin deep…Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…common things we’ve heard said about beauty.

Our 18-year-old daughter is at that age where wearing make-up and styling her hair have become a bit more “needed” (job interviews, leading worship, youth group outings) than it was a few years ago. I am at that age where my hair is turning gray and the wrinkles that used to be in my clothing are now also on my face.

We are both acutely aware that with the emergence of social media websites such as Tik Tok and Instagram, things like lash lengthening mascara ads, plumped up lips and perfect eyebrows are given high status and warrant “likes” and comments from others.

It tends to make us look at ourselves in the mirror and measure our worth against what we presume society thinks is important. This can cause internal conflict resulting in low self-esteem or a lack of confidence.

Thankfully, we have a deeper sense of the value our Father places on us. What is on the inside is more valued than outward appearance.

Proverbs 31 is well known for its description of what a woman should consider about beauty. Specifically, verse 30, which tells us that “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (NIV).

There is nothing wrong with outward beauty. Outward beauty is temporary, but inner beauty is described throughout Proverbs 31 about a woman who isn’t built solely on charm and beauty. There is a little more to this woman. She is wise, a provider, works hard, has a good sense of humor, helps others, she is strong and so much more. A woman who fears the Lord has characteristics of one who fears being separated from God. So, she lives her life worthy of His calling and commands.

His Word reinforces for us that true beauty is found on the inside. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:3-4 that “your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

The next time you pass a mirror, don’t think only about what your physical image reflects, but consider whose you are and how you can reflect the beauty of His holiness.

Let’s Pray…

Father, thank you for looking beyond our outward appearance and for seeing our internal beauty. Allow us to see ourselves as you do and reveal in us areas that need transformation so that we may reflect the true beauty that is found in our relationship with you. Help us to look beyond the surface in others, and to acknowledge the godly qualities you have blessed them with. May our lives exemplify your love and grace so that others might draw closer to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Enjoy this song by Jamie Grace, that you are “Every Bit of Lovely”:

December 2024 Devotional: Lighted Garland Prayer Ideas

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By Major Jessyca Carr
Education Officer
College for Officer Training

NOTE: This devotional is connected with this month’s craft – Lighted Garland Craft.

As we prepare for the holiday season, consider adding a homemade decoration that also helps you focus on the Reason for the Season! Do you ever think to yourself, “Man, I have a lot of people to pray for lately”? Do you need a reminder to pray for those people you said you would lift up in prayer but actually forget to pray for? Or perhaps you want to spend some significant amount of time in prayer but are easily distracted. This craft may just help you. Using fabric and or ribbon, tie a knot around Christmas lights for a beautiful fabric garland. Check-out the details of how to make the Lighted Garland Craft.

Prayer Focus Options:

As you tie knots you can:

  • Designate each color for a different prayer focus.
  • Designate each set of knots to a prayer focus.
  • Designate each light to a different prayer focus.
  • As you tie the knots pray for the person you plan to give the garland to as a gift.

Color Example:

Red – Pray for the Salvation of those who don’t know Jesus.

Green – Pray for the spiritual growth of those who do know Him.

Gold – Pray for the corps.

White – Holiness within yourself, Your walk with God.

Patterned – Pray for your community.

Each time you look at the garland throughout the season, you will be reminded to say a quick prayer for those who you covered in prayer as you made the garland.

Devotionals: Reflections on Justice

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We are excited to announce a brand-new series of daily devotionals produced by the IHQ Women’s Ministries Department, “Reflections on Justice.”

The series contains 31 devotionals, written by women of different ages and stages of life from across the international Army, making it perfect as a daily reading for an individual or a group. Each daily reading contains Scripture, a devotional reflection, a prayer and a challenge to bring goodness, justice and light into the dark places in this world.

As well as being available to download and print for individual use, “Reflections on Justice” will be available as a reading plan on the Bible App by YouVersion. We are inviting you to read the devotional series with us as part of a global reading event, starting on 1st November and ending on 1st December.

Find everything you need to know here: https://salvationarmy.org/ihq/reflections-on-justice

November 2024 Devotional: Fully Known

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By Major Gaylene Yardley
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Southwest Division

Begin by singing or listening to the song “He Knows My Name” by Paul Baloche

Scripture Passage: Psalm 139:13-14

This portion of scripture is a favorite of mine.  It came into my life at a very important time as a corps officer in a very challenging corps.  I often felt like I didn’t fit into this place or the appointment.  I asked God what He was doing and why He put me in a place where I was the odd one out.  Many things happened in this corps that I could write a book about.  It was a place that I learned the power of God and His will for my life.  It didn’t happen overnight.  It took quite some time, but God is faithful, even when I am not.

Psalm 139 is so important as it tells us how important we are to God.  He is our creator and the one who knows us best.  We are fully known because of His love in creation.  Genesis 1:27 tells us that “God created us in His image Male and female ~ He created us.”  Because of this we can know that we are fully known. 

Have you ever created something with your hands?  If you are like me, it never seems to come out as I saw it in my mind’s eye, but it still is a creation that I made and therefore it is important to me as the creator of it.  Creating something from nothing gives us a feeling of accomplishment and achievement.  We did that and it may not look like we thought it would, but it is our creation. 

Psalm 139:13-14 reads; “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Look at all the ladies sitting around you today and the difference there is in each one of us, but even in those differences, we are created in His image.  He knows us fully as He is the one who created us.  Psalm 139 tells us so many wonderful things that God knows about us.             

  • He knows when I sit and when I stand.
  • He knows my thoughts.
  • He knows when I go out and when I lay down.
  • He is familiar with all my ways.
  • He knows what we are going to say before we say it.
  • He knows where I try to hide.
  • He knows I cannot hide from Him.
  • He knows my frame or body because He was there when I was created.
  • His eyes saw my unformed body.

What a wonderful list this is and how almost unbelievable it is that He could love me so much that I was made by His own hands.  I am fully known!  Known, because He is the maker, creator of who I am. 

I began by telling you that this chapter came to me during a very challenging time in my life as a mother, pastor, officer, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.  It was a time that a young woman of my corps became pregnant and told me first.  Her mother didn’t speak English and she wanted me to talk to her mother and let her know that she was pregnant at the age of 14.  I was so sad for her, and I was so nervous to try to talk to her mother as we had no common ground, no common language.  I went into my office and asked God to help me be a messenger of truth and peace in this situation. 

 I went to see her mother and to talk to her about the uncomfortable situation.  The mother was understandably upset.  She yelled, she cried, she became angry, she had all the emotions a mother would have in this situation.  She immediately told the young girl that she should go and have an abortion.  I only know that because the young girl was translating for her mother and for me.  The young woman cried and ran off.  What was I to do?  Lord, help me with this.  I need you now. 

I opened my bible to Psalm 139 and read it, in English, and asked God to speak to this mother as I read the words that said, “You knit me together in my mother’s womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”   After I finished reading the chapter, I excused myself and left the house.  The next day the young lady came into my office and told me that her mother had changed her mind and that she could have the child and give it up for adoption.  I told her that I would help her anyway I could.  After going home that night I told my husband and we agreed that we would take the baby and offer to adopt it. 

The young lady gave birth to a beautiful little girl and decided to keep her.  For the first two years of her life, my husband and I were able to help her and to see tis little one grow and to be nurtured.  She was at the corps every program that she could be, and we were able to speak truth and Jesus into her life as well as her mother. 

This scripture is so important for each of us as God has a plan for us.  Something that He has ordained for us to do and to be.  He is our creator and because of that, we are fully known!

Prayer:  Father, we thank you for knowing us because you created us for your pleasure.  We thank you for the differences we all have and for the things we share that are alike.  We love you for your great love for us.  Your sacrifice of Jesus shows us your perfect love.  We thank you that we are fully known because your word tells us so.  Thank you for all you are to each of us!  Amen.

Download the printable version of this month’s Devotional, Craft & Bible Study:

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October 2024 Devotional: His Precious Child

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By Captain Leilani Armendariz
Hemet, CA Corps – Southern California Division

This devotional coordinates with this month’s craft: His Precious Child Painting

I was sixteen years old when I held my firstborn child. I was a child myself. And I remember looking at that little face and being completely in love. I knew, even then, that I would do absolutely anything for that child. My instincts to protect and care for him immediately kicked in and all I wanted to do was make sure that this little boy always knew that he was loved and wanted. He was my precious child.

When I was nineteen, I married a man who loved my son as I did. Though they did not share a biological connection or a last name, my husband raised that little boy as his own. He cared for him and provided for him as he grew up. He showed up to school plays, football games, and graduation ceremonies. He was there for every heartbreak and every celebration. As far as my husband was concerned, that boy was his precious son.

When my son turned nineteen, he found himself planning his own wedding. The now young man said to my husband, “As my wedding day approaches, and as I imagine what my life will look like starting a family of my own, I cannot imagine not having my dad’s last name. That’s the name I want my wife and my children to have. That’s the name I want.” He then asked my husband if he would adopt him and give him his last name. My husband’s response was that he had always been his son and with great joy, he adopted him just weeks before the wedding.

Friends, we have been given the opportunity to be adopted by God, to become His children.
God’s Word tells us in John 1:12-13, “Yet to all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

We are all created by God. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 139:13, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” God sees us and loves us simply because we are His creation. And while it is true that we are all created by God, we must be adopted by Him to be called His children.

John reminds us of three truths in verse 13. The first truth is that being a child of God has nothing to do with our natural birth. Other biblical translations read “not of blood” meaning that this spiritual adoption has nothing to do with a physical blood relationship.

The second truth is that being a child of God does not depend on human will. Many of us have loved ones who are believers and who pray for us, but simply knowing someone who knows the Lord, and prays that we would know Him too, does not make us a child of God.

The third truth is that being a child of God is not dependent on human decision, meaning that we are not the source of this adoption. We cannot simply decide that we are His child and then live however we want to live. This adoption is only possible through God. His word tells us that He makes us His children only when we receive His Son, Jesus Christ, and believe in His name.

But once we make that choice, we bear a new name: His precious child. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

From the moment you and I choose to believe and accept Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives, God sees us through the lens of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and we are accepted and adopted. With our new name, we also receive the inheritance of our Heavenly Father – eternal life. God wants to make sure that you and I know that we are loved and wanted. We are His precious children.

The chorus of Hillsong Worship’s song, “Who You Say I Am” says this:

“Who the son sets free, oh is free indeed; I’m a child of God, yes I am.
In my Father’s house, there’s a place for me; I’m a child of God, yes I am.”

My son wanted my husband’s last name because it said to the world that he was his son. As he lives his life and grows his family, it’s my husband’s name that will live on in generations to come. When we come to Jesus and we are adopted into God’s family, we are given God’s name. Our daily lives tell the world that we belong to Him, that we are His children. As we live in the full understanding that we have the
inheritance of eternal life, we can love people into the Kingdom who are still looking to be loved and wanted. As more choose to receive Jesus and believe in Him, they are adopted into the family of God and the name of the Lord will live on for generations to come. What a blessing it is to be His
precious children!

Download a printable copy of this devotional:

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September 2024 Devotional: 11 Powerful Daily Prayers to Help You Start Your Morning Off Right

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By Captain Irene Castro
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Del Oro Division

Some people of faith might not want to admit it, but most can probably remember a time when reciting a daily prayer or two was not exactly a part of their everyday routine. For many, daily prayer is something they turn to when life becomes stressful, difficult, or saddening. It can be easy to forget about the habit when life is busy or when everything is going well. But having a daily habit of healing through prayer is a great way to stay grounded in your faith on a day-to-day basis and prioritize reflective time between you and God. Reading a prayer for today will not only help you feel closer to God but can also relieve daily stress and anxiety. But if it’s been a while since you read Bible scripture, finding a place to start can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s helpful to have some short go-to Bible verses and prayers that can provide guidance and strength through every season of your life, whether you pray every day, week, month, or barely at all. The most important thing to remember, though, is that no matter how often you pray, God is always ready to listen. Here are some helpful tips on how to get started.

Prayer 1: Prayer for Mornings
Good morning, Lord! Today’s a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone and with it all regrets, mistakes, or failures I may have experienced. It’s a good day to be glad and give thanks, and I do, Lord. Thank you for today, a new opportunity to love, give, and be all that you want me to be. Amen. — Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Prayer 2: Prayer for Strength
Father in heaven, I stand before You today in Your omnipotent presence to ask that You grant me strength. I want You to give me the strength to power through all of the tasks today — whether little or big. It is by Your will that I live oh Lord. And I know it is also by Your will I will not go weak today. I will not go lazy nor I will fail to do all things set before me because You strengthen me. Thank You for Your everlasting presence, Lord and in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer 3: Prayer for Strength to Endure
Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial. Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom! — Adrian Rogers

Prayer 4: Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, forgive; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. — The Prayer of St. Francis

Prayer 5: Prayer for Forgiveness
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. — The Lord’s Prayer

Prayer 6: Prayer for Comfort
The LORD is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff — they protect me. You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the LORD’s house as long as I live. — Psalms 23: 1-6

Prayer 7: Prayer for Gratitude
Lord, thank you for your abundant, abounding grace. Thank you that we don’t have to earn a drop of the mighty river of grace that flows freely for us today. Thank you for the unexpected, unmerited favor you’ve showered on my life. Help me put myself in the path of your love and grace. Help me not neglect the disciplines I need to meet with you regularly and to drink from the water of life. Thank you for your rich love. Amen.— David Mathis

Prayer 8: Prayer for Serenity
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen. — The Serenity Prayer, Reinhold Niebuhr

Prayer 9: Prayer for Counsel
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. — Lead Me, Thomas Merton

Prayer 10: Stand Strong in You
Dear Lord, I don’t know who or what will cross my path today. But I do know that You are my Rock and my Fortress. You are my Shield and my Strong Tower. Help me to anchor myself to You today. Teach me how to stand strong in You and choose only Your way today. Help me walk by Your truth and not my feelings. Help me to embrace anything that comes my way as an opportunity to see You at work and as an opportunity to point others to You. Thank You that You love me, and nothing can ever take that away from me! Even if I fail today and fall short, you whisper Your unconditional love deep into my soul and remind me that Your mercies are new every morning. That truly amazes me, Lord. Thank You for meeting with me today. Would You wake me again tomorrow with the same sweet whisper of Your love? I can’t wait to meet with You again. In Jesus’ name, Amen. — Wendy Blight

Prayer 11: A Powerful Prayer
Today is a new day and it’s filled with different possibilities. I pray that You oh Lord in above perform miracles in the life of “insert name.” He/she shall not lack, and any mountain set before him/her today shall be reduced to a steppingstone. As today ends, let songs of praises be sung in Your Holy Name. Miracles, blessings, and divine protection will “name” have in each and every one of his/her days. I exalt You Lord and I thank You for the grace. Amen.

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August 2024 Devotional: Meditating on God’s Word

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By Captain Jan Pemberton
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Cascade Division

When we look at the word meditation, we think of someone on a yoga mat with their legs crossed in the lotus position chanting or something similar to that type of scenario. That is not the case when we look at meditating on the word of God. When we look at ways to take the time to meditate on the word of the Lord, we can set ourselves up for success in reading scripture. This time is also be seen as a time of contemplation. Some of us look to steal away to a quiet retreat, such as our offices with the door closed, some of us thrive and flourish in our alone time in a bustling coffee shop, and some of us like to listen to instrumental Christian or Classical music in our headphones to drown out the world around us. No matter how you recharge your spiritual batteries and meditate on the word of God, that moment in time is sacred and special.

When we are in Christian meditation, we can take our time reading the scripture God laid on our hearts at that moment or one our daily devotions have suggested. We can take the time to pray and meditate upon God’s word in a way that gives us time alone with the Holy Spirit to guide us into a deeper relationship with Christ. When we are in the midst of our meditative time with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, we are taking the time to think deeply, to prepare our hearts and our minds for the time we are about to have with the blessed Trinity and to prepare ourselves for how they will speak into our lives through our prayer time.

God’s Holy Spirit is there to help us when we are looking for guidance to learn more about Christ and His word and how He lived His life here on earth. There are many Scriptures that invoke meditative rest while in the presence of the Lord. A few are

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm19:14

“Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness.” Psalms 48:9-10

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

When we take the time to ponder the word and take the time to listen to what the Holy Spirit wants us to learn from scripture, we cannot rush this precious time. Take time to practice deep, slow breaths, and this will cause your body and mind to become calm and focused on what God wants to learn from your studies. This is a time of quiet, receptive prayer without words, and during this time, we can experience and enjoy the presence of God.

When we take the time to meditate on the Lord and His word, we not only can experience true peace, but through the Holy Spirit, we can experience perfect peace! When we have times of anxiety, frustration, and depression, there is nothing that can match the perfect peace we can receive from God’s word.

As we prepare to take the time to meditate on God’s word and rest in His presence and perfect peace while waiting for an answer in his time, this is a time when we can ask ourselves some questions to seek God’s answer.

When we look at meditating on God’s word, we must also look at the verses that speak into our lives and keep those scriptures close to us and have them written on our hearts. This is where memorization comes into our time with God. When we pray to the Lord, the Holy Spirit is there to bring those verses that have impacted our lives in times of great stress, worry, doubt, and great joy. This is why reading our Bible is essential and goes hand in hand with a productive prayer life. This act of memorization of scripture is not to stress us out more it is a time to reflect on passages that spoke into our lives.

Prayer
Father God, I pray that I take the time for the rest, renewal, and refreshment that I need for my soul. Lord, when I can take time to myself to seek comfort in your word, let me do so with an intentional heart. Allow me the time of refreshment and time with you to comfort me while I am comforting others. As I pour into others, let me take the time to allow you to pour into me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

We can ask ourselves the following questions as we prepare for our time with God.

  1. How can I prepare and focus my heart and mind to be fully committed to this time of contemplation with God?
  2. Is my space conducive to making this time with God intentional?
  3. How has God spoken to me through events in my life?
  4. What scriptures has God placed on my heart that I know by memory? How can I use them in my life and in my ministry to others?

Below are some tips for author Adele Ahlberg Calhoun’s book “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us” (page 194) on memorization, and we can use these tips to kick start our time of meditating on God’s word and writing those words on our hearts.

MEMORIZATION
DESIRE: To always carry the life-shaping words of God in me and in all places.

DEFINITION: Memorization is the process of continually remembering the words, truths, and images God uses to shape us. Memorization provides us with a store of learning, which can be accessed anywhere and anytime.

SCRIPTURE:

  • “Oh, how I love your law!  I meditate on it all day long.” Psalm 119:97
  • “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
  • “Then they remembered his words.” (Luke 24:8) “I think it is right to refresh your memory. . . . And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.” 2 Peter 1:13, 15

PRACTICE INCLUDES: Memorizing Scripture, hymns, poems, quotes, etc., rereading portions of Scripture until they are committed to memory, memorizing Scripture verses that clearly reveal God’s plan of salvation, memorizing the books of the Bible, particular dates and times as well as where various verses are found learning by heart portions of Scripture that encourage you when you are tempted.

GOD-GIVEN FRUIT: Keeping company with Jesus by hiding his Word in your heart, recollecting God-given encouragement and exhortation, developing a habit of remembering that anchors your life in biblical truth, committing to memory Scripture, hymns, poems, and quotes that God is using in your life, knowing where well-loved portions of Scripture are located.

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July 2024 Devotional: Hospitality

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By Major Tina Bottjen
Mat-Su Valley, AK Corps – Alaska Division

Growing up, I had always viewed hospitality as throwing elegant parties with the best foods that took all day to prepare. Hospitality, in my understanding, took valuable time, money, and effort. It was a gift for those that were extroverts that had lots of time and money on their hands. However, in the summer of 2005, my understanding of hospitality would be forever changed in a wonderful and powerful way.

Any officer in The Salvation Army can tell you, we move…. sometimes a lot, and almost always in the summer. In our officership here in the USA Western Territory, many of our moves have always happened around my youngest daughter’s birthday (Mid July). The timing of these moves often made it, so her birthdays were often a “family only” affair with no friends or even children her age there to celebrate with her.

We had just experienced such a move, one that took us from New Mexico to Alaska (thousands of miles away). Soon after moving, I was working alongside a volunteer, sorting items for the little thrift store attached to the back of the corps building. I shared how bad I felt for my daughter that so often her birthday was a small, family only event. She promptly told me, “Get me some invitations, I’ll give them out to some of the families I know with children her age. I can’t promise that anyone will show up, but I can promise to give out the invitations.” I went home and put the invitations together and gave them to her. I honestly didn’t expect anything to come from it though, who would want to come to a birthday party for someone they didn’t even know?

The day of my daughter’s birthday arrived, and we told her it was going to be a family birthday party (again, not much hope that anyone would show up.) We decorated for her party, as we always did. Just in case people did show up, I had hidden games, prizes, and goodie bags in my room. We took it slow that morning, wasting time with poor excuses for delaying the opening of gifts and eating goodies until the time I had put on the invitations arrived. It would be an understatement to say she was a little frustrated thinking we were just being ornery by making her wait.

As the time drew near, a car pulled up our driveway and out jumped a couple of girls her age, then another car pulled up, more kids, and then another! That day, 12 young girls came to celebrate the birthday of a young girl they had never met. As I took out the hidden games (including a piñata!), gift bags, and prizes, there were happy tears, laughter, and joy. They played games, ate too much food, and they gave her birthday gifts! We met several parents that day, people we would soon call friends. This gift of hospitality was so amazing, and soon we would call this place our hometown.

Scripture makes it very clear that hospitality is not only a gift and an expectation, but it is a requirement for believers. Romans 12:10-13 (NIV) tells us, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines hospitality as, “generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests or hospitable treatment.” Hospitality is a way of living, a way of interacting with and sharing our life and time with those around us, all the time. Hospitality is letting people know they belong, not only in our homes, but also in our lives, and our community.

That day, my whole family felt welcomed and included in a community that we all still call home. Our lives were changed, because one woman shared her gift of hospitality by passing out birthday invitations, bringing twelve young girls and their families into our lives to celebrate our child and to welcome a new family to town.

June 2024 Devotional: Forgiveness

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By Major Gaylene Yardley
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Southwest Division

Note: This devotional coordinates with this month’s craft, Soap Carving, and this month’s Bible Study.

Can you say that you have not sinned today? Listen to this prayer.

Dear Lord,
So far I’ve done all right.
I haven’t gossiped,
haven’t lost my temper,
haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent.
I’m really glad about that.

But in a few minutes, God,
I’m going to get out of bed.
And from then on,
I’m going to need a lot more help.

I feel this way many times. I’m doing great God and then…My dinner burns, I drop the milk on the floor, someone almost hit me at the left turn, my boss told me I am getting extra work for my plate, my kids played hide and seek in the clean laundry, and on and on.

When things like this happen, I get mad, I say things in my head that I can’t say out loud, I resent people for their actions that I have no power over. Life happens and we must realize that we do sin daily in our actions or in our thoughts.

1 John 1:8 tells us, “If we say we have not sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” The passage goes on to say (v. 9), “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The soap we will use in our craft is a great reminder of this verse. We can be cleansed from our sins only through Jesus Christ, but we have to confess those sins to Him. Sometimes it is hard to admit our wrongs, our mistakes, our actions that we have done. I don’t like to admit when I am wrong. I want it just to all go away, but it doesn’t until I confess it to the Lord. Then it is all gone. What a great promise to us that he is faithful in forgiveness. I pray that you are grateful that Jesus loves you enough to wash your sins away and to do it anytime and anyplace you come to Him with your sins. It can be while you are working, vacuuming, eating dinner, going to bed, Jesus meets you where you are.

Maybe someone has been unkind to you. Maybe you have been hurt by someone close to you. Maybe you feel you can’t forgive them. C. S. Lewis said this, “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.” It’s a great concept until it’s you who must forgive someone you do not feel deserves it. In Matthew 18:21 and 22 we read some very difficult information. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times”? Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” NIV

So, do you deserve forgiveness? Perhaps you might think a bit differently after reading this verse. None of us deserve the forgiveness we have in Christ Jesus, but it is a gift from Him for the sins of the world that He took upon Himself. Jesus extended this forgiveness to you, so why don’t you extend it to another person who has wronged you? Remember Ephesians 4:32 NLT says, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God through Christ Jesus has forgiven you. “

The plan for our lives as followers of Jesus is to ask for forgiveness and to extend that to others as well.

May our prayer be:

Thank you Lord for helping me through the day and forgiving me for my sins and for helping me to forgive those who wronged or hurt me today. I am glad to receive your forgiveness and to extend it to others. Amen

May 2024 Devotional: Taming the Tongue in Prayer

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By Captain Charlene Morrow
Monterey Peninsula, CA Corps – Golden State Division

Have you ever heard the phrase “Pics or it didn’t happen?” This term originated in the early 2000’s in chat rooms. The phrase means “show us photographic evidence of your adventures or we are forced to assume you are lying about the whole thing!” Now that social media has turned into so much more than chat rooms, it is a standard marketing tool for companies, celebrities, and the average Joe. Most of those using social media platforms post the “pic” without even being prompted. So many users cannot just say they are having an amazing adventure, they feel as though they must prove it as well.

How does this concept relate to our prayer lives? Matthew 6:5-8 says:

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

When Jesus is preaching the sermon on the mount in Matthew chapter 6, one of the topics he addresses is prayer. Some of the key components of how to pray and how not to pray are: DO NOT pray like the hypocrites, who love to pray standing so they can be seen by others. DO, go into the room, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. DO NOT keep babbling like the pagans, for they think they will be heard for their many words. YOUR Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Questions we can ask ourselves and reflect upon our prayer life:

  • How do you pray? Is it a quiet time of petition?
  • Do you offer praises to our God of thanksgiving?
  • Are you keeping others around you in your prayers, or are your prayers to the Lord mostly requesting intervention for your own benefit?
  • Do you pray alone or with others?
  • Do you offer your petitions out loud in the Bible study group or Sunday school class?
  • What is the motive behind the prayer? Are you “babbling” to be seen and heard?

God already knows our prayers and the desires and woes of our hearts. It is okay that we should want to share our victories and struggles with our fellow believers. That encourages the godly fellowship we should have in our church community. However, we should be careful we are not falling into a “photographic evidence required” lifestyle. We do not need to carry on, to each other or to God, to “prove” that our prayer is valuable enough, real enough, or of the highest priority. God knows! Our Father sees what is done in secret. The challenge we have is to tame the tongue in our prayer lives! Let us not get too carried away with the babbling on to God or the sharing of prayer requests with each other, that we forget who the prayer is intended for!

1 John 5:14-15 says:

 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

April 2024 Devotional: Sinful

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By Major Beth Desplancke

Recently, while stopped at a stoplight I noticed the vehicle’s license plate in front of me. It was a personalized one – people pay extra to have a personalized plate that says something about them. Well, this one was kind of shocking. The license read: SNFUL (sinful).

Why would someone pay for that? And then to add to the sinful state of the person in the vehicle ahead of me, the tabs expired 2 1/2 years ago!

I chewed on the message of the license plate all the way to work that morning. I guess it is good that the person who owned that vehicle acknowledges the fact that he or she is sinful. But how many of us like to acknowledge the fact we sin. It isn’t a label we like to claim.

If we have received Christ as our Savior, we are saved from our sins. We love to wear the label that we have been saved by His grace, and we are. But we need to remember that we are still sinners, we are still sinful. The Apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to Timothy, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst” (1Timothy 1:15).

The Apostle Paul had an amazing encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus (Acts 9), and he was forever changed. He knew that God’s grace saved him from the sin he committed (before his conversion with Christ he was helping to round up followers of Jesus and take them to prison).

Yes, Jesus does save us from our sins. We have gone from being dead to alive and become new creations in Him (see Ephesians 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17), but we are still sinners. We are still capable of and will continue to struggle with sin this side of heaven. We must never think that we are beyond the lure and grasp of sin. Yes, I am a sinner saved by grace – Hallelujah! Yes, I have been freed from the power of sin, but the struggle with sin is still there. I can never take for granted that I am still sinful. As I have grown in my walk with Jesus (for the past 46 years – yes, I am old), my desire to sin lessens. Those sinful things that I thought were fun when I was younger, no longer have an appeal or pull to me. I am not sinless, but I desire to sin less.

Seeing the license plate and the word “SINFUL” emblazed in front of me that morning was a great reminder to check myself and examine my own heart for where sin is present in my life. In her book Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun writes this about the discipline of confession and self-examination, “Self-examination is a process whereby the Holy Spirit opens my heart to what is true about me. This is not the same thing as a neurotic shame-inducing inventory. Instead it is a way of opening myself to God within the safety of divine love so I can authentically seek transformation. Confession embraces Christ’s gift of forgiveness and restoration while setting us on the path to renewal and change (p. 101).”

I need to not run away from that label. I am a sinner and I sin. 1 John 1:8 states, If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. I need to acknowledge that I sin. I need to admit my sin to God. Admission is not all that I must do. I need to then confess my sin to Him. In 1 John 1:9 we read of this beautiful promise that comes with our confessing our sins to the Lord: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. The confession isn’t just admitting the sin. True confession includes a sorrowfulness for sin, and a desire to not do it again.

I don’t know why a person chose that license plate, but it was a great reminder for me.

March 2024 Devotional: Christ Truly Understands Our Suffering

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By Major Harryette Raihl
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary
Southern California Division

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Isaiah 53:3

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10

Christ offers us comfort because He truly understands suffering. We can find support from friends, loved ones and others but only the Lord can truly comfort each one of us as someone who completely understands all of our suffering. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus came to strengthen and support us in our hour of need. One way to look at this is to realize that Chris, by His suffering on the cross, restored our relationship with our Creator.

All throughout the Bible we read how He understands that we are a people who often feel hurt, bruised, or broken. Jesus alone can bring the healing that we need…because Jesus understands our personal pain. We are completely known! What a Blessing!

Christ realizes that you will suffer—sometimes because we live on a broken planet filled with broken people, sometimes as a result of our own poor choices, and still other times simply because we are a follower of Christ. But amidst all of this we can hold onto some simple truths or promises:

  1. Jesus understands pain.
  2. Jesus won’t crush you in times of brokenness.
  3. Jesus came to bring you freedom through His suffering.

We all can trust in God’s comfort because He sent Jesus on our behalf. Our suffering doesn’t mean the Lord doesn’t Love us. Instead of us trying to avoid suffering, we can look towards Jesus and then realize…He can use the good and the bad in our lives to draw us nearer to Him each and every day. Oh, what love He has for us!

The Lord told the people in Isaiah’s time that he would send someone (a Servant) to save them. We know that His name is Jesus and we can benefit from knowing that this Jesus understands what we are and will be going through. Jesus himself suffered more than we could ever imagine in our human minds and in this suffering we have such a good example. Christ never turned his back on God nor cursed the Lord for all of the things that he knew he would suffer at the hands of the people who condemned him and hung him on the cross. Christ simply trusted in His Father.

And so we now can worship the Holy One in EVERY season. WE can sing even on dark days because Jesus is the Servant of the Lord who will not crush us but He will free us. We can be comforted because we have such a tender and loving Christ. He is our hope when life is dark and difficult and our companion when things are going more smoothly.

We simply need to pray and ask Jesus to help us to have a biblical view of suffering so that we can understand when we feel broken, on the verge of burn-out, alone, discouraged, or hopeless, that our Lord Jesus Christ truly understands all of these feelings and can comfort us no matter what we are facing.

Charles Spurgeon (Known as the Prince of Preachers) explained it as this: “Jesus was a man not of sorrow only, but of sorrows. All the sufferings of the body and of the soul were know to him; the sorrows of the man who actively struggles to obey; the sorrows of the man who sits still, and passively endures. Affliction made Jesus heart the target for all conceivable woes.“

Sometimes we think that we have it so very bad, don’t we. We think that our struggles and problems…or sufferings….are unlike anything or what anybody else has ever been through. I think in our mind we know that this is simply not true, but at that point we are hurting so badly that our thoughts tend to think along that line.

Aren’t you so very grateful that Jesus understands and knows us through and through. We do not even need words. And the most important thing to remember is that…..because of this understanding—Christ Comforts us!

I am sure that we cannot fully understand all of the suffering of Christ that he had to endure here on earth, but it can ease our minds to know that Christ understands true suffering and thus is so compassionate with all of us who call upon His name.

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February 2024 Devotional: Let’s Unplug

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By Captain Amelia Mott
Olympia, WA Corps
Northwest Division

“If my phone dies, I die.”

“I was lost this week without my phone, I am not sure how I survived.”

“I bet my phone has exploded with all the texts I missed while away at camp.”

“I wonder if my phone missed me?”

“The first thing I am going to do when I get home is turn on my phone and see what I missed.”

All of those quotes are from campers heading to and from camp this past year, as campers are not allowed to bring their phones to summer camp. The goal is to allow them to spend time with each other, in nature and have fun, and not be glued to their phones, texting, scrolling and watching videos 24/7. As we read those quotes, it might at first glance seem like these campers are being very dramatic and we might brush it off, as kids being kids. But if we paused to reflect, could we as women, as adults be away from our phones for a week? A day? An hour? Would we be able to unplug? Would we be able to relax our minds and enjoy a week without cell service or Wi-Fi? And the answer to this for many of us, that it might be difficult to truly unplug.

John Mark Comer, in his book the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, states, “the average iPhone user touches his or her phone 2,617 times a day.” And from the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun reminds us that we live “in a world where people use the Internet an average of thirty hours a week and keep the TV or radio on 7.9 hours a day, we need to get unplugged from virtual reality and address our addiction to technology and the toxins it brings into our lives.” And all these distractions can keep us from carving out time to spend with God, in quiet and in solitude with no distractions around us.

Again, in the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook helps us remember that “unplugging recognizes that personal beings are created for personal interaction by a personal God. We need to be touched. We need non verbal signals. We need uninterrupted spaces in our lives for the presence of God and the presence of others.” So where do we go from here? Well, we go back to the basics, as Psalm 46: 10a: “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

First, we are made to spend time with God, and when we are still he provides peace, comfort, love, wisdom and support. He supplies everything we could ever need. Technology can make us feel isolated at times, but we have access to God 24/7 and He will always be there for us.

And even Jesus, went away and spent time with God when he was here on earth to be refreshed and renewed. Jesus knew that time with the Father is priceless, and nothing can take its place. Sometimes we can be tricked into thinking a form of technology can provide that for us, but only God can.

This coming week, the challenge is to carve out more time with God and less time on our phones, tablets etc. Guaranteed, you will notice the difference.

Second, take time to spend time in fellowship with others. The Passion translation of Proverbs 27:9 states, “Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like anointing oil, that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.” We were built to be in community and friendship with others and when we do that our souls are refreshed and renewed. A hug from a friend can make a big difference. There is nothing like the sound of laughter filling a room that can turn our day around. And technology can’t replace that.

The second challenge for this week is to spend time in friendship and community with others, filling living rooms and coffee shops with joy and laughter. Spend time listening and praying with one another and leaning on each other for support.

Let’s carve out time carving out time for God and others, forgetting about our phones and tablets and be refreshed and renewed. Let’s unplug!

January 2024 Devotional: What’s All This About Journaling

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By Major Millie Bearchell, Retired

Growing up in a rather large family, 7 kids and two parents, we lived a life that was by today’s standards, “lower middle class.” We didn’t have a lot of material items, my 3 sisters and I shared one bedroom, and we had just one station wagon to get us places. I look back and the memories I have are good ones. We may not have had many worldly possessions, but what we had was enough.

When my parents were promoted to glory and it was time to clean out their small apartment, one of the items I desired the most was one or two of my mother’s journals. I enjoy from time to time, randomly picking up one of her journals and reading what she wrote on a specific day. Even to this day, my eyes tear up when I see her beautiful handwriting, making my heart ache for her. I love to read what she had to share, a special scripture on her heart, a hymn she was thinking about, commenting on one of her children or grandchildren. There was nothing philosophical or deep theological thoughts, just sweet musings of her blessed life and her gratitude for all she had.

I believe I have inherited her love of journaling. I journal almost every day and much of my journaling takes place in the early morning, with my cup of coffee, my favorite pen, my current journal, and my Bible. So much of what I journal has to do with Scripture verses that have spoken to me, what God is doing in my life, and just random thoughts. My journal is also where I keep my prayer lists. I love to put names, situations, that have been given to me to pray for, but also those things that come to mind. I love to refer to past prayer lists and see how God has been so faithful in his answering those requests according to His will and time.

Last year as Brian and I were planning for retirement, I was grieving over losing “my” flock. One morning in prayer and journaling, I asked God where my new flock in retirement would be? The answer I received so clearly was, “your grandchildren.” I have 7 amazing grandchildren ranging from 16 years to 3 months, and each one of them precious to me. God told me to get them their own journal and to begin journaling to them in their book. January 2022, I began to write in 6 of those journals, adding the newest one in February of this year. I do not write every day, but I do write in their journal on their birthday, when they have done well in school, or excelled on their sport team. I always write that I pray for them constantly, that I’m proud of them, and that I love them.

The legacy that was left to me by my mother has been the impetus behind this new endeavor for my new flock. My desire is that when my grandchildren read their personal journal, see my handwriting, they will treasure the words and sentiments I have given to them. I have not decided when or what age I will give it to them, or if it will go to them upon my promotion to glory. But for now, I will write to each of my flock, making sure they know how special they are to me and more importantly how special they are to Jesus.
Spiritual writer Henri Nouwen said, “writing can untangle thoughts, express our emotions, and give artistic expression to life.” Writing is a spiritual habit: Writing can be a true spiritual discipline.

“Writing can untangle thoughts, express our emotions, and give artistic expression to life.”

Henri Nouwen

Journaling helps you declutter your mind, which leads to better thinking. Writing in a journal also sharpens your memory and improves your learning capability. There’s a reason why when you take the time to pen your thoughts, plans, and experiences, you remember them better, while also feeling more focused.

I love what Psalm 5:1-3 states, “Give ear to my words, O Lord, Consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, My king and my God, for to you I pray. My voice You shall her in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.”

Journaling is a way of slowing life down for even a few moments. Covered in prayer, and saturated with God’s Word, journaling can be a powerful way of hearing God’s voice in the Scriptures and making known to Him our requests.

I came across this anonymous quote which adds value to the idea of journaling. “One of the more effective acts of self-care is also, happily, one of the cheapest.”

Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

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December 2023 Devotional: Celebration of God’s Promises

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By Captain Felicia LeMar
Hilo Temple, HI
Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

In the book of Zephaniah, we find beautiful promises that are worth celebrating who we are in Christ. These beautiful promises are so needed for us today, especially in the world we live in. With the demands of our daily lives, we can become easily overwhelmed. We find ourselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, which leads us to find validation and love from the world around us. This leads us down a path filled with insecurities and hurt. But in Zephaniah 3:17, we can celebrate the promise of knowing God is with us, He takes delight in us, He no longer rebukes us, and He rejoices over us with singing.

The Lord God is With You

As we celebrate the birth of our loving Savior, we can be assured that God is with us every day of our lives. Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). God’s presence is always with us and is a reminder of His love for us through the birth of His Son Jesus Christ. This means no matter where we go, God’s presence is with us always. In fact, God is already there and waiting for us! We learn this through Psalm 139:7-10.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.

Knowing God is always present, provides us with comfort through our joys and sorrows. Through these times, He is celebrating us in our joys and comforting us in our sorrows. As Christians, we can be confident in knowing we are always in the presence of God.

God Delights in You

The Creator of the Universe takes delight in us. What an amazing thought! Our Heavenly Father sees us as His beloved daughters and takes delight in us. We are all unique in our own ways. No one in the whole entire world is exactly alike! Psalm 139:14 says, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Sisters in Christ, when we are feeling unworthy, celebrate the promise of how God takes delight in each of us individually!

He Will No Longer Rebuke You

Our God is a gracious, loving Father. We see this through the birth and death of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was born to redeem us from the sin and brokenness in this world. Isaiah 9:6 says, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We no longer live in the darkness of our past mistakes, failures, and sins. These no longer define us, and we can celebrate the freedom we have in Christ. We are daughters of God who are forgiven, redeemed, and made new.

Rejoice Over You with Singing
Our God rejoices over us with singing! The meaning of the phrase “rejoice over you” literally means “dance, skip, leap and spin around in joy.” He loves us so much, that it brings Him all the joy that we are His daughters. I imagine God rejoicing over us, just as the angels rejoiced over the birth of Jesus in the book of Luke. The angels sang praises to God, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14) Today, let’s celebrate God’s rejoicing over us as His beloved daughters.

Dear sisters in Christ, let this verse be celebrated and remain forever in our hearts as a beautiful reminder of God’s promises!

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Prayer
Dear gracious heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word. We are so humbled by your love for us and how you take delight in us. We praise you for how amazing your love for us is, that you will no longer look at our past mistakes and failures, instead you rejoice over us with singing! Lord, we ask in our times of doubts, feelings of unworthiness, and uncertainties that we continue to praise you as our Mighty Warrior who comes to save us! We love you! In Jesus’ Name, Amen


November 2023 Devotional: Live Simply – Remain Grateful

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By Major Linnea Desplancke
Administrator for Program 
Canoga Park, CA Adult Rehabilitation Center

Live simply – Remain Grateful

I was walking by this shop, and this sign caught my eye. I stood there thinking about how true it is for us to live as simply as possible and more importantly, remain grateful. When ingratitude remains in our hearts, it is not possible for us to live a life of victory and serenity. When the Israelites came out of Egypt, they were full of joy and gratitude to God for saving them from their captivity. But they consistently lost hope when the journey took too long, when Moses was on Mount Saini too long, and when they complained about the food God provided them. Not to mention, their shoes and clothing never wore out. One day Moses had enough of their complaining and said, “Quiet!” Moses replied. “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord?” (Exodus 17:2b)

So often we too complain to God about things and situations when something does not go our way. We question God asking where He is and why is He not answering our prayers. We start to think that we can take care of ourselves better than He can. Going back to the way we used to live seems like a good idea. But we are only fooling ourselves. Trying to do life without God will most certainly end in disaster. We will fall back into our old sins and many even start committing new ones. Failing to see the things in life God has given to us, makes us truly ungrateful. If we want to have gratitude in our lives, we need to let go of our ingratitude, ask forgiveness from God, and immediately start to look at the things God and others have done for and given us. Psalm 92:1-4 reminds us to give thanks to God and praise Him for all He has given us.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

As far as living simply, this can more difficult. We fill our lives with stuff, spending exorbitant time on our electronic devices, and other things that distract or take away from time with our families and more importantly, God. We spend money we do not have trying to keep up with our neighbors or to get the latest gadget. It is hard to slow down, check out our lives, and see where we can live more simply. We can fill our boredom with reading the bible or in prayer. We can call up a friend or take a walk. Being grateful is a great way to live simply. When our hearts are full of gratitude, there is no room for living large. The Beatitudes say it simply, “God bless those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew 5:5

You may be thinking, that’s easy for you to say. But once I was in a place in my life that my gratitude slowly slipped away. Before I knew it, I did not think God was working in my life at all and all I could see what He was not giving me and I was not getting what I wanted. This was a dark season for me. I was not a nice person to be around nor was I engaged in the ministry I have always loved. Like a bear with a sore tooth, I snarled and growled at anyone that dared cross my path. I started getting more involved with things, outside my ministry and family, that were not good and not helping me or others. Soon all I could see was what other people had that I did not, and this made me very angry. I started doubting my calling. Of course, my husband noticed this and asked me what was going on. I looked at my life and saw how far I had fallen from where I was meant to be. I did some soul searching with God and saw I had not been grateful for what He had done for me and given me. I also realized that my life was very worldly and that was a problem. So, I prayed, sought forgiveness and starting to live simply and grateful again. Since that point I am at peace, loving my ministry wholeheartedly, and full of fresh love and vigor for His people. Daily I remind myself to live simply and remain grateful. It is a whole new and fresh world for me.

In case you were wondering, I went back to the shop and brought that sign.

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October 2023 Devotional: Take a Sabbath Rest

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By Captain Ryan Boyd
Denver Red Shield Corps, CO – Intermountain Division

I once had a friend who asked me what I did on my day off. When I started listing the unending responsibilities I had at home, she cut me off and said it didn’t sound much like a day off to her. “Well, if I don’t get them done on that day, when will it get done?” was my exasperated reply.

Busyness is often worn as a badge of honor in our society. We book back to back meetings and activities and wonder why we are always exhausted. We were not made to go all day every day. Like our electronics, we need a time to recharge our batteries.

Exodus 20:8-11 says, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

It seems to me that we have taken the ten commandments and made them nine commandments and a suggestion. We treat this instruction from God as an optional activity instead of the mandate it is. As the Israelites are heading to the Promise Land, God gives Moses instructions for them so that they will live in a way that pleases God. We know that the first four relate to our relationship with God and the last six relate to our relationships with others.

God knew it was important for us to rest. Not sleep in, not have a lazy Saturday, but to rest. To trust in Him to provide for our needs. Now, most of my Sabbaths involve sleeping in because that is what my body needs to refresh. Even if it is just thirty extra minutes, I feel it when I wake up. But Sabbath rest goes much deeper. It is resting from my work knowing that I am not the one who makes the world go around – God is. I am not the one in control – God is. And when I spend my time dwelling in that knowledge, I can enter the rest that God provides.

But Sabbath rest goes much deeper. It is resting from my working knowing that I am not the one who makes the world go around – God is. I am not the one in control – God is.

Captain Ryan Boyd

In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus tells the Pharisees that man was not made for the Sabbath, rather the Sabbath was made for man. Taking a Sabbath is not something we do because we want to check off something from our “Good Christian” to-do list. It is not meant to be a burden at all. Instead, it was made for us to refresh and delight in what the Lord has provided for us. We are supposed to be joyful during our Sabbath. Originally, it was intended to give reprieve to the Israelites who had the mindset of an enslaved person – their brains told them they needed to work all day every day. God said no – my plan for you is better. Enter into the rest I provide.

The Pharisees morphed the Sabbath into something it was not intended to be – rigid rule following. They burdened the Israelites with their preferences instead of sticking to God’s intentions. And the people suffered for it by missing out on the freedoms that Sabbath provides. Ray Stedman wrote, “So there are two aspects of the Sabbath—creation and redemption. There is a rest of cessation; a ceasing from our own works. But then there is the rest of rejoicing in the mighty delivering power of God.”

So there are two aspects of the Sabbath – creation and redemption. There is a rest of cessation; a ceasing from our own works. But then there is the rest of rejoicing in the mighty delivering power of God.

Ray Stedman

If you are anything like me, rest feels weird. I always feel as if there is something I am supposed to be doing. Only in recent years have I been able to start fully resting on a Sabbath day. I would love to have the same day every week, but scheduling makes that impossible. So I take it where I can. I take Fridays off so that I can get all my errands and schoolwork done so that Saturdays are clear for rest and delighting in the blessings God has given me. If I can’t make Saturday work, I find a different day.

We prioritize what is important to us. Making adjustments to create space for Sabbath is hard, but so worth it. Resting in the knowledge that God is in control brings a peace that cannot be described.

Take a Sabbath. Rest. Obviously it is important for us to do, because God made it a commandment.