enLIVEn Devotionals

Abiding in Jesus - Overflowing His Spirit

Thank God for Aunt Seennie

My mother, Jo Ann, grew up in post-Depression rural Kansas. She was a very sad and frightened little girl. Her family was falling apart, and she felt that she was completely alone. However, we now see the hand of God in her life even at an early age. At the age of five, Jo Ann would walk to school everyday. Along that route was located her Great Aunt Seennie’s home. Aunt Seennie knew of Jo Ann’s family circumstances, and she always greeted Jo Ann before school and welcomed her inside for lunch. She spent this time introducing Jo Ann to someone she did not know. . . . someone who loved her ... Read the Post

Thank God for Flees

As I attempt to rush my three children to the car without them being attacked by the blood-thirsty swarm of mosquitoes, I am reminded of an unforgettable book, The Hiding Place, I read as a young teenager. The story is the account of Corrie ten Boom’s horrific, yet, inspirational ordeal in a Nazi concentration camp. Her family was apprehended while hiding Jews in their home, and, as a result, suffered unimaginable miseries. These are the type of circumstance that either leave people in utter spiritual despair or strengthen their faith and hope in the Lord. Corrie’s sister, Betsie, was an ... Read the Post

The Gift of Hope

Hope. It is a small word, but its power is amazing. After trying to conceive for six years, all that was left in me was a small ember of hope in my heart. With every negative pregnancy test, I would cry and turn to God in pain. He would comfort me with His words and promises; and like adding kindling to a fire, I was strengthened to try again. After numerous tests, surgeries on both my husband and myself, and medications that played havoc with my body and emotions, I was exhausted. Many times I felt just like someone running an uphill marathon in a mudslide. It seemed impossible. When I had ... Read the Post

The Good Lollipop

I was getting my son's haircut at a salon. He did a great job, and afterward the hairstylist gave him a lollipop. She gave him a butterscotch one, which I have always hated. Inwardly, I was very upset at this lady. How dare she give my son the worst flavor lollipop! Did she not want to waste a good one (strawberry or watermelon) on my son!? After she gave him the lollipop, she squatted down to his level and gave him a big smile and said, "Butterscotch is my favorite flavor. I got that one just for you!" Once she said that, I was simultaneously upset at myself and touched by the woman's ... Read the Post

Iced Tea and the Holy Spirit

When I was around 8 years old, I went to a friend’s house for the first time. His mother was very pleasant and hospitable. She asked if I would like a glass of iced tea. I kindly declined, saying that I didn’t like iced tea. This woman took my words as a challenge, and she quickly went into the kitchen to brew and flavor her “special”recipe. When she handed me the beautifully prepared glass of her favorite beverage, she made sure to tell me that the tea had several different kinds of freshly squeezed fruit and plenty of spoonfuls of sugar in it. I took one sip and scrunched my nose. The ... Read the Post