enLIVEn Devotionals

Abiding in Jesus - Overflowing His Spirit

Lay it Down…and Leave it There

Recently I was presented with a possible job opportunity. It was not just an ordinary job. It was an “I can’t believe I could get to do this; pinch me I must be dreaming!” kind of job. I was about to discover just where “somewhere over the rainbow” existed! Or so I thought. My excitement quickly turned to disappointment when it became evident that this was not God’s timing, and I would not be able to pursue this opportunity any further. It didn’t make sense. For a week I swallowed tears wondering if I was making a terrible mistake, wondering if I was truly hearing the voice of my Father and ... Read the Post

The Life Jacket

Wrinkles is a female Sharpai owned by an eighty-five year old man named B.J. of Gulfport, Mississippi. My volunteer and very amateur construction crew worked for five days to finish hanging the sheetrock in B.J.’s hurricane damaged home. I was initially apprehensive about giving up a much needed Spring Break to volunteer in Katrina ravaged Gulfport. However, I have learned over time that I might miss a blessing by not participating in an opportunity that God presents to me, and I was not disappointed this time. As the renovations unfolded, so did the story of Wrinkles and his owner B.J. ... Read the Post

Liberating Forgiveness

Once my husband and I got into an argument over who knows what; and, as usual, he had the last word. I burned inside, and my thoughts ran wild. I went up to take my shower and to be alone. As I poured out my sorrows to God — the shower is a great place to pray — I told Him everything that my husband said, what my husband meant by his words, and that I knew my point of view was right. How could he say that to me? After all I’d done for him! The nerve of that man! I planned on giving him a glacial silent treatment. That would teach him. As I continued to pout, I felt a familiar conviction ... Read the Post

Doing Life with God

Just when I felt like all was well among the Beck Household, tragedy came along to upset the applecart: A teenager involved in a car accident, a second car accident, a daughter considers divorce, an unplanned surgery and, finally, a third car accident. I’m suddenly surrounded by situations that have me turning to God in prayer. I don’t journal my prayers; but if I did, my journal would probably include excerpts like this: “Thank you, God, for protecting my daughter and those involved in the accident. Thank You for car insurance to cover damages and a rental car to drive while repairs are ... Read the Post

God is the Master Problem Solver

I have always known that God answers prayers, and I have seen Him move in miraculous, undeniable ways. However, I admit that I am guilty of not always bringing Him my day-to-day challenges. I suppose I feel that I bother Him enough, and He’s probably pretty busy with more important things anyway! This was my mind-set while listening to my church pastor’s message about allowing God to illuminate solutions. I was having a really difficult time juggling my many responsibilities in life – mothering three children, working part-time, helping my husband with his business, doing church activities, ... Read the Post