Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies is one of my favorite Christmas devotionals. It’s such a vivid word picture of the ingredients that make up our lives and what the Lord is able to do with those ingredients.  Wrapping the joy of Christmas cookie baking (and eating!) around the real-life pain that each of us walks through at some point in our lives. It describes His ability to take raw staples, added in the right order, mixed together, provide just the right amount of heat, and …. Let’s just read the devo 😉 – Becky White

The LORD of Armies has taken an oath: “It will happen exactly as I’ve intended. It will turn out exactly as I’ve planned.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Isaiah 14:24 GWT    Romans 8:28 KJV

Every December, it’s the same pre-Christmas cookie-baking ritual. I grab large mixing bowls and measuring spoons, along with flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs. I spend an entire day mixing, and refrigerating batches of cookie dough.  I’ll spend another whole day baking and decorating (and taste-testing of course!) until our kitchen counters are covered in sugary goodness.  

In the midst of my baking marathon, I stepped back to survey the landscape of my countertop. I noticed that most of what my eyes landed on wouldn’t taste very good as a stand-alone ingredient. Baking soda or a pinch of salt isn’t very tasty all by itself, however, mix each ingredient together in the correct order, add some heat and voila’! You have a mouth-watering, hip-enlarging Christmas cookie! As I mixed and stirred this year’s cookie-dough, I thought a lot about the “ingredients” of my life … of most people’s lives, and how similar it is to my Christmas cookie routine.

On a stand-alone basis, many of the ingredients we encounter are bitter, or even down right painful. Some appear as pointless as baking soda or a pinch of salt. At times were convinced the oven temperature is set on broil…oh the pain of the heat of trials or testing or even natural consequences of our own bad choices.

In my own life, the Lord God has taken “ingredients” like childhood challenges, the death of two of my children, domestic violence, divorce and even my own addictions …. and in the end, brought them all together for my good and His glory.  Ingredients that I thought were unnecessary or an “oven” temperature I thought was too hot or “baking time” I thought was too long… He brought good from them all. Not one ingredient wasted.

Your ingredient list or baking time, may be similar to mine or completely different. Maybe it includes the bitter flavor of COVID or the nastiness of depression-inducing isolation or the uncertainty of our political landscape or financial anxiety. Perhaps your list even includes the bitter ingredient of death or discouragement or cancer …

Wherever you’re at in the cooking process and whatever your ingredient list, let me encourage you today. He sees you. He is aware. I am so sorry for the pain or heartache some of your ingredients have caused. We may not understand “the why” of each ingredient or the cooking process, but we can absolutely trust the Master.

Grab yourself a cup of coffee and a few cookies… and reflect a minute on how He so masterfully used/uses all your life’s ingredients for your good and His glory. Or sip hot cocoa and ask Him to help with your ingredient list that feels so “unnecessary” or an oven temp that seems too high for way too long! Pour out your heart to Him. He is faithful. Of that we can be sure.

“Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.”   

Joni Erickson Tada

Father, help me view each life ingredient as from Your Sovereign hand. Enable me to trust You with the bitter and the sweet, and in the end stand amazed at Your faithfulness! In Jesus’ name, Amen

 Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here for free pdf devotional – Stony Paths. You may also purchase a hard copy at this link.

Shattered Snow-globe

Please forgive the rerun – this devo keeps bubbling up in my heart, so I decided to send it out again. Just a reminder, as followers of Christ, we will walk through the same tragedies, the same pain and the same every-day struggles as other folks. And yet … we are not walking alone. We have no less than God Himself living in us and working through us.  When we suffer, God uses that suffering to bring glory to His name to a watching world. They will see that although we face the same challenges as they, we are more than conquers through Christ who strengthens us, and we have within us, His peace that passes all understanding. Not because we have no difficulties to face, but because He’s with us in the difficulties. – Becky White

The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Psalm 34:18 GNT

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV

You are near, O Lord [nearer to me than my foes] Psalm 119:51a AMPC

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62: 8 NASB

Wiping away coffee stains and donut crumbs from the outdoor serving tables as she mingled with the guests, it was just another day of urban ministry. A team of volunteers had prepared scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage, for those without a brick-and-mortar address and some who were just in need of a meal and a caring face – all sprinkled with conversation, prayer and a hug or two.

But on this day… the woman served a guest that she never expected to cross her path in this setting… mingled among the diners who carried all they owned in a knapsack was… Her grown daughter.

Her heart broke at the sight of her “child.” Engulfing her in a momma bear embrace, she listened as her daughter shared details of the past few months. Her momma’s heart ached at the painful scene confronting her. Yet thankful for the foundational knowledge that her daughter was still alive. For another day.

After the meal, she watched as her daughter rolled away and toward the busy city street in the worn-from-use wheel chair, her heart aching at the scene before her.  Though the need for a wheelchair was relatively recent, her daughter’s hands now expertly moved the side wheels while her exposed left foot pushed the chair along the concrete sidewalk. The scene pierced the momma’s heart as her eyes were captured by the sight of the bare, calloused and dirt-stained foot, pushing methodically along. Instantly, she was transported back in time. Hot tears welling as she envisioned her daughter’s tiny, sweet smelling, baby-girl feet with pink satin booties and a delicate ribbon carefully tied in a bow. So perfect. So beautiful.

Lowering her gaze, the momma turned away in emotional ache as the rawness of the scene washed over her…Her daughter… her “baby girl” … now nearing 40, missing a leg, addicted and “contentedly” homeless.

This true story reminds us that being a follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t exempt us from pain. The momma ached; the daughter struggled with addiction. For some, your reality is the death of a child. For others, depression or despair are threatening to engulf you as one who has “lost all hope.” We do not live the Christian life in a snow-globe – always beautiful and delicately protected from adversity. Though no one has been given an exemption-card from the trials of life, He has promised us His very presence as we walk through them…. even as He asks us to trust Him with what we do not understand.

Trace again the words of scripture. Put your finger on each word and speak them out loud. “The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. He is near the brokenhearted.” While I have no magic words to wipe away your pain, allow me to lead you to the One Scripture calls “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”. (Isaiah 53:3) Lean into Him as you walk through your own version of a shattered snow-globe situation. He is nearer than all you face.

“If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.”

Corrie ten Boom

Father, Your word says that You are the God of all comfort and a Refuge for us. While I admit I would much prefer an exemption-card from difficulty, I realize it’s through trials that I learn to trust You, and Your grace, to carry me. I love You, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Turkey, Pumpkin Pie and Thankfulness

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits—

Psalm 103: 1-2 AMPC

Beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Deuteronomy 6:12

How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me? Psalm 116:12 BSB

I love all the sights and smells that “Thanksgiving” evokes. The aroma of turkey roasting in the oven, the smell of sage stuffing, and of course, pumpkin pie. I love the beautiful chaos of children, grandchildren and children-in-law, all clamoring and spilling drinks and asking for dessert much too early – all as we drink in the blessings of family and good food. The American Thanksgiving Holiday (That can be celebrated everywhere, of course!). A day purposefully set aside to remember and then give thanks to God for all the blessings He’s given us.

Thanksgiving Day also brings up meaningful memories of serving dinner to our friends at an urban ministry (Columbus Dream Center), many who have none of the trappings I just described. Some with a mere canvas “roof” over their head, a “bed” of cardboard, and only a lap for a table. I (and countless others) have personally experienced challenging holidays, layered with loneliness and financial lack, and the emotional pain of grief or loss. Such challenges can make Thanksgiving Day a little more complicated.

Where do you find yourself today? Are your overwhelmed by His goodness or overwhelmed by grief? Overwhelmed by His faithfulness or overwhelmed by tragic circumstances? Maybe both?

Wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving season, may I (gently) encourage you to purposefully ask the Lord to bring His good gifts to mind? Every. Single One. It could be that you have a “Thankful” list ready to post on FB or share with your family.  Or maybe it will take deep thought and possibly tears, to pull together a post-it note list. Though I don’t know where you land today, He does. And He is the same faithful God today, that He was last week, last decade or when King David penned the Psalm that reminds us to bless the Lord and forget not one of His benefits.

This year, I am so very thankful that He brought me out of my “land of Egypt” and my own self-created house of bondage. I am forever thankful that He has blessed me with another day of life, and beyond thankful for my amazing family (natural and spiritual) and yes,  I’m even thankful for the trials He’s trusted me with, trials that continue to refine and mold me for His purposes.

Wherever this Thanksgiving Day finds us, let’s turn our minds and hearts to the Lord God and offer thanks to Him.

Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Father God, Faithful Lord, Precious Savoir, I am so very thankful for Your hand of blessing and favor on my life. From my salvation, to a heart that continues to beat, to my favorite Thanksgiving Day foods, to the challenges You’ve walked me through. I bow in awe of Your goodness toward me. Thank You! In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

Photo Album of His Goodness

Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20  BSB,   Psalm 103:2 NABS 1995

Are you old enough to remember those old-fashioned photo albums with sticky pages and clear plastic cling? The adhesive worked so well, that if you attempted to remove years’ old photos, you might end up with half a picture of Uncle Fred. One thing’s for sure, you weren’t going to lose your pics in a cloud!

All of us have struggles and seasons of difficulty. Some of us have experienced sharp moments of pain that felt like a piercing of our very soul. Many years ago, as I struggled through seasons of devastating challenge, disappointment and loss, the idea of being thankful left me … well… at a loss. Finding it much easier to spot areas where I felt God had let me down, rather than things to be grateful for. I could count my many disappointments and trials much easier than my blessings. Painfully and embarrassingly honest. 

That’s where the photo album comes in.

I determined to make a record of every little blessing I could think of. A memory album of God’s faithfulness to me. Something tangible I could pull out and look at when ungratefulness crept back into my heart. When life’s difficulties seem to eclipse life’s blessings. I could hold it in my hands. (These decades later, I still have that album). I also reread the auto-biography of Nazi concentration camp survivor, Corrie ten Boom, which gave me a new appreciation for a warm blanket, a cup of hot coffee and my own Bible to read. It was also around this time that I took our oldest son to serve with me at a Salvation Army Thanksgiving give-away, handing out over-flowing dinner baskets to those in need.  (Few knew that we were recipients of one of those baskets).

God asks us to give Him thanks. Period. Empty cupboards and all. Empty chairs and all. Broken-hearts and all.

Becky White

My (glaringly obvious?) point, is that God asks us to give Him thanks. Period. Empty cupboards and all. Empty chairs and all. Broken-hearts and all. Our choice to give thanks in all things, honors Him and reflects a deep level of trust in our Father God, that says, You are good and You are faithful, even if…  It’s a deliberate choice we make. Somedays its so very easy, other days, it’s through tears… That’s okay. Let’s choose to honor Him.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done.

Author: Johnson Oatman, Jr  1856

Now, let’s get your photo album ready…

Father, Thank You for Your many good gifts that I too easily take for granted. Focusing instead on all that I feel is “missing.” Please forgive me. How I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

A little Hebrew:

Give thanks: From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude

Forget: From: shâkach, shaw-kakh’; or שָׁכֵחַ shâkêach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention:—× at all, (cause to) forget.to forget, ignore, wither (Qal) to cease to care

Free Devotional – Stony Paths

Learning to Trust Him as we walk along STONY PATHS – 09.24.2021Download

Stony Paths – Learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

Recently, a friend asked what drew me to write a book on the topic of trusting God. The answer came immediately….

Let me share with you what I told him that day … I was confronted with emergency open heart surgery with no time to think through the seriousness of the situation. The doctors explained that with a near total blockage in what is often referred to as the “widow maker”, I had no time to spare … this was life and death … surgery was needed immediately. While I am no spring chicken and would never be confused for an athlete, I am in decent physical condition, try to eat healthy and exercise, so this news came as a complete shock to my husband and I. Understanding what must be done, we held hands and prayed together, thanking our heavenly Father for His flawless timing and protection on my behalf (and asking Him to help the surgeons of course!).

Days later, as I became fully aware of what had actually happened and how close I came to dying, I was overcome with thankfulness and gratitude to the Lord. So excited to share with nurses, friends, housekeeping staff … anyone who would listen, about how the Lord spared my life. Of how good God is. How loving and faithful. But then it hit me … like being smacked across the face. What if He had said “no” to our prayers of healing? What if God had not caused the blockage to become known and I had died suddenly? What if my husband was planning my funeral rather than planning my home therapy sessions? And what about the people who heard me gush about my near-fatal experience? What if they had a family member who faced the same scenario but their mother or wife or friend had died instead of the miraculous intervention I had experienced?

This question reverberated in my heart – Is God still good and is He still worthy of trust, even when the answer is No? Is my trust in Him total and complete or is it only for particular outcomes?

We trust Him for finances or safety. We trust Him for basic necessities. We trust Him for healing. And we should. But there is a still deeper level of trust that our Father God is calling us to. A trust that stands alone – separate from our hoped-for outcome. To simply trust Him, no matter the outcome. A trust in the goodness of God based on His word that tells us that if He was willing to give the life of His Son for us, is there anything He will withhold? You see, if we look at the Cross of Christ as our backdrop, then we can look the rawest reality in the face with the knowledge that if He has allowed it, I can trust that He has a plan, a purpose and that He knows what is ultimately best for me.

“If God Sends Us On Stony Paths He Provides Strong Shoes.”

Corrie ten Boom


I still share with anyone willing to listen to what the Lord did for me … but I always bring it around to this point: Even if He had called me home that day, He is still good, He is still faithful and I trust Him.

Even when we don’t understand. He is worthy of our trust.

Though I must admit that I have cheated a bit on this whole trusting the Lord thing, you see, He’s given me lots of practice. Maybe He’s done the same for you too. I’ve buried two children; I’ve walked through betrayal as well as financial collapse and as with many folks, childhood brought its own set of challenges. And if that weren’t enough, I made plenty of messes that caused great distress for me and others. Through it all, I have learned by experience that our Father God can be trusted – no matter the outcome and no matter the reason for our mess.

As you read through the devotions in this book, it is my prayer that the Lord will enable you to look your darkest challenge in the face and know with certainty that He loves you. That your Father God is trustworthy. No matter the outcome. He will walk you through this. You are not alone. He loved you enough to send His Son to die for you. With that as your life’s backdrop, be intentional about viewing all you walk through as filtered through His fingers. He’s got this. Let’s trust Him as we walk the stony paths of life.

To purchase a hard copy of Stony Paths, visit the products page or visit Lulu Publishing. It may also be purchased on Amazon.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Who Art in Heaven

I began this devo a couple weeks ago, not knowing that I would hear news from family/friends that would cause its truth to be kneaded deeper into my soul. – Becky

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. NASB 1977 Matthew 6:9

For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. Job 28:24 BSB

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all [the universe]. Psalm 103:19 AMP

Like many of you, I have much on the plate of my life. And if I’m honest, that plate can sometimes feel like an over-sized Thanksgiving helping.  Recently, when that helping of life seemed to over-flow, I cried out to the Lord.  Not really sure how or what to pray, from memory, I began speaking out-loud the familiar words … “Our Father, Who art in heaven.”

Hearing my own voice say the words, “Who art in heaven” stopped me in my praying tracks.  Immediately I felt such awe for my Father God, and who He is. The One I’m speaking to, sits enthroned above the heavens.

His vantage point is heaven. Astounding. Talk about a Google earth perspective! He sees every detail. He sees around the corner of my tomorrows and my what-if questions. He sees it all at one time. From heaven itself. There is never a scenario that catches Him off guard. I get ruffled when I’m unsure if heavy traffic will make me late for work or about what’s happening in the lives of our grown kids and grandkids.

His sovereignty rules over all. He sits as King , and the only Sovereign of the universe. Whew. Such comfort. Such relief. Knowing that the enemy of cancer or emotional pain or disappointment or despair or divorce … None of these can sneak into my life apart from His permission, plan and purposes (think Job). Though all is not good in and of itself, all will be used for my good and His glory.

As I continued talking to the Lord that morning, my circumstances didn’t miraculously change, but being reminded of His vantage point, and yes, His authority over all that touches my life, drenched me in His peace. A peace separate from circumstances and tied only to the Presence of the One Who is enthroned above the heavens.

Whatever is attempting to steal your peace or has already done so, lay it down and look up to your Father God. Speak out the words, “My Father, Who art in heaven…” And be reminded this day of His Sovereign control over your life. He will not fail you.

Father God, I acknowledge You as Lord and Ruler over my life. My circumstances haven’t knocked You off Your heavenly throne.  Please enable me to focus on who You are, not the challenges surrounding me. I put them all in Your hands and rest, knowing that You are good and You are faithful. Please do whatever will bring You the most glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

*The Lord’s Prayer, as it commonly known, is an answer to the question, “Lord, teach us to pray,” posed to Jesus by His disciples.

When “Giving Thanks” isn’t so Easy

Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.    Hebrews 13:15 AMP

In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

Recently, our pastor reminded us that the season between Thanksgiving and New Years has the highest rate of depression and suicide attempts. So that means, while many of us are prepping our turkeys, gulping glasses of eggnog, eating way too many cookies or admiring a beautifully lit tree, others among us are drowning in hopelessness and despair.  All the while, watching others around them with seemingly Instagram-perfect lives. (As if that’s reality, but I digress…) Our hearts should ache for those struggling through this season.

I confess that it’s all too easy for me to give thanks when I have the blessings of a warm bed or full belly or good relationships. It takes no sacrifice to give thanks in such scenarios. But I find it does take deliberate effort to be thankful, because my default setting is to take His gifts for granted. To forget that all I have is a gift from His hand. From the breath in my lungs, to my amazing husband and our family, to the heater under our kitchen table (and strategically placed by my feet.) All of it. Gifts from Him.

I have also learned experientially the importance of giving thanks for “gifts” that, at first blush, are more like the proverbial “ugly sweater” gift. When financial challenges engulfed me, He provided and enabled me to give thanks for the few packages of Ramen noodles and can of chicken that became a casserole for five children. Or the times when relational betrayal or the pain of regret for my own bad choices laid me bare and yet He provided forgiveness and healing through my Lord Jesus. And has brought beauty from ashes.

Teaching us the invaluable lesson of giving thanks to Him in all circumstances, not just pleasant circumstances.

Then I think of those celebrating Thanksgiving Day who are behind bars or sitting at a makeshift tent-campsite or those handling funeral arrangements as they simultaneously battle the ache of grief or those coping with an all-encompassing loneliness that this season seems to amplify. When folks in such circumstances give thanks through a whispered prayer of gratitude to the Lord Jesus, it is a priceless “sacrifice of praise” that honors our God. Folks who are purposely giving thanks, even if they must search through the debris of a trial or pain, to do so.

For one moment, let’s step back from our turkey dinners and contemplate the challenges our neighbors might be walking through and consider what a sacrifice it may be for them to utter the words, “Thank you, God.”

Have you ever been there? Are you there now? Is there a person who comes to mind as you read these words? As we celebrate this special day, set aside to give thanks to God for His great blessings, in whatever form they come, let’s remember those struggling this season. Pray. Reach out. Be a blessing. Let’s be His hands and feet to all He puts in our path. There is hope. And it is found in Jesus Christ.

“As a matter of fact, God isn’t asking you to be thankful. He’s asking you to give thanks. There’s a big difference. One response involves emotions, the other your choices, your decisions about a situation, your intent, your ‘step of faith.’”

– Joni Eareckson Tada

Happy Thanksgiving!

Father, I am in awe of the gifts You’ve so freely given. Life. Salvation. Breath. Genuine hope because of Christ. Help me to remember, and not forget, Your good hand of favor on my life. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

What’s Your Paper Trail Look Like?

For we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]— 2 Corinthians 5:7 Amplified Bible

For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Berean Standard Bible

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Cracking eggs on the side of a large metal bowl, the young volunteer and I made small talk as we prepared breakfast for folks in need of a hot meal. Figuring we’d need about 18 dozen to feed everyone, our conversation carried on as we cracked, whipped and then cooked eggs, sausage and biscuits. In the midst of our serving, she mentioned how tired she was, so I asked, “Oh, do you have young children at home?” Assuming little ones were stealing away her night’s sleep.

Laughing out loud, she giggled, “No! I’m only 19!”

Now it was my turn to laugh, as I shared with her that by 19, I had already been married, divorced, had given birth to four children. I had also buried a daughter. That conversation opened the flood gates to share with her, how I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. Often, when I share quick snippets of my story, I tell folks, “I don’t look good on paper.” By that I mean, if only the black and white facts of my life (paper) are known, it looks like a hot, depressing, , hopeless mess. But God.

But God used the tragedies thrust upon me, as well as those I thrust upon myself, to cause me to recognize my need for Him. And He continues to use the many trials of life to drive home the point that I am to walk by faith and not by sight. To live by faith in Him and His faithfulness, not my fickle emotions. That He is good, even when life hurts. And that the worst-case scenarios can happen simultaneously with Hope in Him flourishing.  In short, trust Him, no matter what things look like. Trust Him no matter the circumstance. Rely on the Truth of His Word rather than what we see with our eyes.

As we will soon prepare to celebrate the literal incarnation of God, through the physical birth of Jesus Christ, I am reminded that things are not always as they appear. Who would have ever thought, God would arrive on the scene in such a way? “On paper,” it appeared that He was born in an animal stable to a poor, unwed couple facing a crisis pregnancy. The world would say, a no body, born to no bodies, in the middle of nowhere. Yet, here we are today, over 2,000 years later, celebrating His birth. His birth that split history in two and sacrificial death that split the veil that separated a holy God from unholy, sinful folks like you and I. Today, He sits at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do you have a paper trail that includes challenges like addiction or abuse or prison or depression or regret?  I understand. Or maybe your paper trail is peppered with college degrees, ministry work, financial wealth or a “moral” life. While some of us are more spit-shined than others, we all stand in need of The Savior.

As I shared that day over a bowl of scrambled eggs – He saved me, and while life will always have challenges, He turned my mess into ministry, and now it’s my greatest honor to serve Him with my life, in whatever way He chooses. He has given me a new paper trail. If He can do it for me, He can do the same for you.

“In perplexities—when we cannot tell what to do, when we cannot understand what is going on around us, let us be calmed and steadied and made patient by the thought that what is hidden from us is not hidden from Him”

 — Frances Ridley Havergal

Father, Thank You for sending Your One and only Son, those 2,000 years ago. My Lord Jesus. Erasing what I had on paper and giving me Your sinless record instead. Astounding. I bow in awe of Your goodness and mercy! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus.

Click here to purchase a hard copy or get a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

Gentle Reminder

“You were wearied by the length of your road, Yet you did not say, ‘It is no use.’ You found renewed strength, Therefore you did not grow weak.”  Isaiah 57:10 AMP

Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.  Say to those with anxious heart, “Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, He will save you.” 

Isaiah 35: 3-4 AMPC

All of us need a reminder now and then. When life hits us square between the eyes or when a challenge grows from weeks to months to years… We need reminded that God is in control, that He is at work, that He has a plan. The challenges, set-backs and real-world reality of life have a way of draining our strength, weakening our resolve, even obscuring our view of our Father God’s love. Like the dripping of water eroding a mountainous rock, trials that are long in duration can erode even the mightiest among us.

If HOPE has become a 4-letter word to you. If a painful circumstance has gone from a simple set-back to a way of life. If anxious thoughts fill your heart, robbing you of His peace. If the unthinkable has touched your life…

May I gently remind you? Not with syrupy, I-feel-your-pain, empty words – but with His inerrant and infallible Word. The same Word that has sustained me, and countless others, through some of life’s toughest challenges. He has promised never to leave or forsake us and to be our Mighty Fortress. He promises that though we walk through fiery trials, we will not be burned, neither will the flame kindle upon us. He is behind and before us. And that when the enemy comes in like a flood, He will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight. Though He allows for our free will, He assures us that no plan of His can be thwarted and His sovereignty rules over all.

Our trials aren’t proof that He doesn’t care or is impotent to act. In whatever form they take, our trials are opportunities to walk out the reality of our trust in Him and learn by experience that He is good, He is faithful and He is enough.

“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”

Corrie ten Boom

My Lord Jesus, As You have strengthened me, not by the absence of trials but in the midst of them, I pray You will infuse strength into Your weary ones today. Grant the ability to arise to new life and fresh hope, and a knowing that You have it all under control…whatever the outcome…we can trust You. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Are you an Actor?

Just some random thoughts ….

For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45b ESV


Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 LSB

Reactions cannot be manufactured. Any of us can “act” a certain way, but we can only re-act based on what’s already in our heart. Any of us can “act” or play the part of a God-honoring person, but our mouth and actions will betray us when we are in a situation where we only have time to react. As Jesus put it, “Out of the abundance of our heart, the mouth speaks.”

What comes out of our mouth when someone cuts us off in traffic or when we’re treated unfairly? When there’s no time to do anything but react, out of the overflow of our heart, our mouth and actions will speak what’s already in there. These situations don’t create our words and actions, they reveal what’s already there.

(If you’re not sure, ask your husband or wife or close friend, I bet they know!) I’ve heard it said that the “real us”, is exposed when we’re at home – not at church or even at work. At home, where we “let our hair down” so to speak.

This is also true when we go through trials. Most followers of Christ can talk a good faith-game and quote Scriptures, but what happens when tragedy strikes or betrayal comes or disappointment engulfs? Do we stagger in unbelief and accuse God of neglect, or assume we must be lacking in faith?

Or, do we give thanks in all things, in spite of the pain? Through tears and clenched teeth maybe, but are we able to express our faith in a sovereign God, even as we pour out our heart and pain to Him? Again, we can choose to act, but our reaction will pour forth from what’s already in our heart.

Hey, no condemnation here – this is convicting for me to even type. The Holy Spirit convicts us and allows the content of our heart to be exposed so it can be dealt with. Not to condemn us. To restore us. To continue the work He began at our moment of conversion. After all, we are His workmanship. Let’s allow Him to work.

Straight from Psalm 139, let’s pray –

Father, search me and know me. Try and test me Lord. Take from me anything not pleasing to You and reveal anything that I have left unsubmitted to You, Your Word and Your will. I am so glad You love me in the process. Cause me to grow in my relationship with You and closer to You. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

For a more in-depth look at the topic, check out this link from GotQuestions.org.