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    Seasons of Hope and Encouragement: A Devotional
    Seasons of Hope and Encouragement: A Devotional
    Seasons of Hope and Encouragement: A Devotional
    Ebook167 pages2 hours

    Seasons of Hope and Encouragement: A Devotional

    By Cindy Childress

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    About this ebook

    Journey through a series of short stories based on real life experiences: soul searching, humorous, and all with the primary goal of promoting Christ. This devotional will take you through all four seasons of the year. You will be encouraged and filled with His hope as you read and grow in your faith.

    "What an amazing blessing to pull up a chair and join Cindy Childress at her kitchen table. Literally, as our families have enjoyed fellowship, and now figuratively through the pages of this devotional. I couldn't help but read from story to story, spiritual truth to spiritual truth; presented in such a way as to think she and I were talking over coffee. You'll appreciate Cindy's ability to share her life with winsome clarity and steady humor. Prepare to be infused with hope and encouraged by God's Word as it applies to the stories of our lives."
    -- Eric Willis, Pastor of Networking Churches & Minister Development at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship; and author of 'Breathing Space: A Respite for Ministry Leaders'

    "You are in for a treat! Cindy Childress is a beautiful woman of God, so passionate about prayer and reading God's Word. As she shares from her heart -- with a side of Southern charm -- your faith will be strengthened."
    -- Kim Stewart, of Kim Stewart Social Media Marketing

    "Cindy Childress shares her heart and soul with words inspired only by the Holy Spirit. This collection of deeply personal, intimate devotions is a treasure trove of insight and wisdom that comforts and encourages as we journey through the unpredictable seasons of our lives."
    -- Bonnie Banker, Senior Manager, Joni and Friends Texas

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherQuid Pro, LLC
    Release dateMay 20, 2016
    ISBN9781610273497
    Seasons of Hope and Encouragement: A Devotional
    Author

    Cindy Childress

    Cindy Childress is an educator and writer who lives near Dallas, Texas, and blogs Christian devotions and stories at www.cindychildress.com

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      Book preview

      Seasons of Hope and Encouragement - Cindy Childress

      Introduction

      Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart? The present, as you know it, is about to change. God is asking you to step out one more time in an act of obedience. That’s how this book began... One day, as I was studying God’s Word in my quiet time, I felt Him nudging me to begin writing devotions.

      Brazen me, in my conversation with God said, Lord, I hear you, but I really can’t do more than I’m already doing. If You’ll send me two more people to take over some of the responsibilities I’m now handling, I’ll know You’re really serious about this. Secretly, I’m hoping those people don’t materialize because then I’ll need to follow through with what He’s calling me to.

      Before too long two people volunteered to take over the responsibilities. Believe me, I didn’t go out and round these people up, because then I’d have to step out in faith in a new direction. God was obviously listening to me and came through with the volunteers. OK, so I’m a little freaked out knowing the ball’s back in my court.

      People have asked me the question: Have you always wanted to write a book? I answer, Well, no I haven’t, but this act of obedience has blessed me with time alone with Him, grown my faith even stronger, and challenged others to seek the Lord.

      The devotions included in this book are a compilation of two years of writing. I can’t take any credit for the ideas since God gave them to me. Often, I’d be standing at the bathroom mirror and He would give me the initial thought for the introduction. Then later at the kitchen table He’d lead me to the scriptures He wanted me to explore. It has been an exciting journey—and yes, a little scary too.

      Another step of faith included actually telling people about my writing journey. One Sunday morning, all dressed for church, alone, since my husband was out of town working, I remember panicking. I’m sure my blood pressure skyrocketed. My conversation with the Lord went like this: Lord, what if I never have another thought for a devotion and I’ve told people You’ve called me to do this? Seated in the wingback recliner, I remember saying, Lord, You’ve given me every idea so far, so I’m going to trust You. Immediately, God gave me a new thought for the next devotion. Yes, my faith has grown and yes, I’ve been uncomfortable in the journey, but I have loved the time with the Lord!

      Thought to Ponder: Will you allow the Lord to speak to you through these devotions?

      Fall

      Encouragement in the Hill Country

      To share fellowship with other women is a privilege; as they enter my home, sometimes there’s laughter, sometimes there are tears over suffering through life experiences, and then at other times there is great rejoicing over what wonderful things God is doing in their lives! We are women and enjoy the fellowship and encouragement of other women. This reminds me of a story…

      Luke 1: 35-38: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God. I am the Lord’s servant, Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said. Then the angel left her.

      Luke 1:39-45: At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!

      Right after Mary received the news from the angel Gabriel and agreed to submit, what was her next move? She hightailed it over to Elizabeth’s, her relative’s home. She had things to talk about, process, and she needed a woman she could trust. Nowadays we’d be on the cell phones so quick it’d send a power surge through the Metroplex!!! I think about what Elizabeth said: But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? This is exciting because this would be the height of encouragement for Mary who is young, unmarried, poor, female, and feeling uncertain about the things she had just experienced. Elizabeth understood that Mary had been blessed to carry the Messiah. Wow! Talk about encouragement when encouragement was needed!

      Dear Lord, I think about a portion of this scripture for myself: Why should I be so honored that my Lord should come to me? Oh Lord, thank you for salvation You alone bring. Thank you for Your encouragement You provide through scriptures like these. Thank You for the wonderful women You have placed in my life to encourage me.

      Thought to Ponder: Is God nudging you to encourage someone today?

      Life Was Better Because…

      Sitting patiently in the waiting area, the client hopes her hair appointment will provide the results she wants. Today’s main agenda will involve a process by which the hair will be systematically divided into small sections. Then selected strands will be wrapped in highlight-filled three inch wide foil strips (certainly a different kind of metal head). The end result should make the client feel more youthful, more vibrant, more radiant, etc. (shall I go on)? Getting highlights for one’s hair is fashionable and many ladies (myself included) are very punctual about their appointments. While getting dolled up is important, something that should be highlighted in spectacular fashion is a friendship grounded in a personal commitment to God.

      1 Samuel 18:1-4: David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

      As Jonathan and David became friends Jonathan held nothing back. This stands out as remarkable because it is! The sin nature feeds itself, watches out for self, thinks only of self. In the flesh I am afraid to love others, but as a Christ follower I am equipped to love others because of Your love in me. Dear Lord, thank you for the blessing of genuine friendships that glorify You!

      1 Samuel 23:15-18: While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. Don’t be afraid, he said. My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this. The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

      Again, I’m awed at this friendship! Consumed with jealousy over David’s accomplishments and the praises received from the nation’s population, Saul’s motives were misguided and he plotted evil. Jonathan helps David find strength in God and assures David his father would not kill him. Strength of character is demonstrated as Jonathan chooses to be loyal to his friend over blind obedience to a father who is disobeying God’s plan. Instead of being king himself, Jonathan acknowledges David will be king and he will be second to David. The career paths are set and Jonathan submits willingly to God’s plan for both himself and his friend David.

      Life was better for David and Jonathan because they each had a trusted friend who really loved God. They shared their thoughts and knew without question the other person had their best interest at heart. Together they walked through life, received strength from God, and remained friends throughout all the hardships.

      A Thought to Ponder: Is God challenging you to enter into a new friendship or possibly a deeper friendship with someone?

      The Fountain

      Fall and winter temperatures in Texas are rarely consistent; it can be in the high 60’s one day and the 30’s the next. Autumn color is a brief study of yellows, oranges, a few reds, and then, like a quick goodbye kiss to one’s mate before work they festoon the earth’s floor. Behind our home is a pond and when the trees drop their leaves the fountain is visible. What’s interesting is I know it’s there all the time, but I don’t necessarily see it. The sun shimmers on the pond as the fountain springs forth toward the sky. Ever so slightly, the wind gently blows the water away in a mist and I need to watch closely or I’ll miss the event.

      This word picture can beautifully display life in Christ: the pond, the life we’re currently living with our loving God, the fountain symbolizing God, and the wind portraying the Holy Spirit moving in our lives. At night, all lit up, the fountain is a reminder I’m not alone in the darkness, but illuminated by His brightness.

      Psalm 36:9: For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

      Without the fountain continually cleansing the pond it would become stagnant and repulsive. The fountain helps keep the water moving and fresh.

      Dear Lord, just as my eyes and ears are drawn towards the fountain and Your light, so should my thoughts be lifted towards you. Winds shift and Your Holy Spirit is at work all around me. Help me Lord to observe what You’re accomplishing. Remind me continually to give You the glory for all the great things You have done and continue to do.

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