Come to the Light

Copyright © 2015 Angie Davis.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

I have had devotionals published in Penned from the Heart (annual book of 366 devotions) and Mustard Seed Ministries (online devotional site).

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica US, Inc.

Scripture taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. The Living Bible, TLB, and the The Living Bible logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers.

Scripture is taken from GOD’S WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-8752-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-8753-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-8751-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015910469

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/21/2015

Contents

Lovingly Dedicated

Foreword

Preface

Special Thanks

Introduction

Come to the Light

A Good Place to Start

Habit Forming

Delighted

Monday Is the Day

Developing Good Eyesight

Discerning the Noise

The Tornado Closet

Fear Not

Search and Rescue

Behind Closed Doors

A Cup That Runs Over

Come and See

Geometry

How Big Is That?

Refreshments Served

Be Happy and Cry

A Friend Loves

A Job Well Done

Give It Your All

Just for the Fun of It

Overwhelmed

The Owner’s Manual

Suit Up

The Stalker

Those Pesky Trials

We Interrupt This Program

Treasure Chest

Clutteritis—Physical

Clutteritis—Mental

Clutteritis—Emotional

Clutteritis—Spiritual

Socks

Gone Fishing

Inside Out

Change Your Clothes

Transformed

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Beauty Tips 101

Obedience

Stay in Line

Patience

Lesson from a Cat

Make Room for Riley

Lost and Found—the Prodigal Son

All about Me—the Prodigal Brother

When God Ran—the Prodigal Father

A Touch of Desperation

Step Right Up!

Pieces and Parts

Networking

Power Walk

Building on Faith

Flutterby

Contentment

Keep Praying

Ken’s Prayer

Wet Feet

Draw the Line

Weeding Out the Weeds

I Am the Bread

I Am the Light

I Am the Door

I Am the Good Shepherd

I Am the Resurrection

I Am the Way

I Am the Vine

Pray for Leaders

The Buddy System

Frosting on Top

Precious Saints

God Smiles

Rachael’s Baby

Make Up Your Mind

Remember Lot’s Wife

Picture It

Bugs and Big Guys

A Heart Full of Happy

Delegate

Conviction or Condemnation

Making a Comeback

The Least of These

The Bent Cup

No Whispering

The Dog’s Ears

What is That to You?

Anatomy 101

Prescription Plan

First-Aid Kit

Grass Stains

Here Comes the Bride

Walking Out Loud

Jesus Shows Up

Little Wooden Bridge

Ouch!

Please Don’t Go

Rest Stop

Don’t Play in Traffic

The Fugitive

Whale of a Tale

The Reluctant Missionary

A City Repents

Revival

The Scarlet Cord

The Statue of Liberty

A Single Decision

Up from the Grave

Garbage In, Garbage Out

Thou Shalt Not Dabble

An Ounce of Prevention

Grit, Grace, and Gratitude

ThanksLiving

The Ways of Praise

Sit, Stand, Kneel

Just Go

Under His Wings

My Defender

Roll Over

Rocking Chair Syndrome

Sowing Seeds by the Wayside

Sowing Seeds on Stony Places

Sowing Seeds Among the Thorns

Sowing Seeds on Good Ground

Spare Time

The Night is Coming

Breaking News

Ministry of Presence

Team Effort

Backstage

Fill ‘er Up

Home Away from Home

Strays and Storms

When Thunder Rolls

Whiplash

What’s That Smell?

Pray Without Ceasing

Disguised to Deceive

Danger! Danger! Danger!

GPS

Hand’s Off

Bless Their Hearts

Drop the Rocks

Gift or Bribe?

Drug of Choice

Hard Heart Disease

Hunger Pains

Therapy

Hospitality Inn

One Little Lump

Trust and Obey

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Silver Mound

Memory Loss

Pit to Palace

Even If

No Loitering

Slippery Slopes

Get Off Your Donkey

Tour Guide

Blink

God’s Canvas

He Said, She Said

Talks Too Much

Sticks, Stones and Words

Two Voices

Marching in Place

Watch That First Step

Watch Your Mouth

God Sees

Has God Said?

My Best Friend

Friendship

Neighbors

What Goes Around

That Good Part

In the Presence of Jehovah

A Christmas Perspective

Leftovers

Latter Day Blessings

Room with a View

The Real Big Bang

No Fair, Mom!

No More

Embrace or Face

Lovingly dedicated

In memory of my late husband, Ross Shorty Davis, who was always my most enthusiastic cheerleader. Thank you for loving me the way Christ loves His church. I miss you every day and look forward to being reunited with you again one day!

In honor of my son, Andrew England, my greatest joy. It has been a special blessing to watch you grow into a wonderful Christian man. I am, and always will be, very proud of you! I love you with all my heart.

And in memory of Virgil Rick Conley, loving husband to my sister, terrific step-father to my niece, and the best brother-in-law ever. I miss you, my friend.

I have known Angie for over 20 years and I have been able to see firsthand how God is working through her to touch others. Angie is such a blessing to so many in our local community and I am so pleased that God is expanding her ministry. I know you will enjoy reading the following pages and trust that God will use them to bless you. Lisa Leonard

Angie has been our special friend for many years. She has been doing God’s work for many, many years. We feel it took on a greater role after the death of her husband, Ross. Her faith in God has brought her through many trials and tribulations, but she has never wavered, knowing that if it was God’s will she would be able to have the honor of a book for God’s glory. Congratulations Angie, we love you! Chuck and Peggy Robinson

The author, Angie Davis, has been a great friend of mine for over 10 years. She is the type of person who will help you no matter what. Angie is always there to listen when you need to talk and has an encouraging word for you. She is very dedicated to the Lord and knows her role here on earth. Angie is committed to spreading the Word of God, a true disciple. God bless you Angie. Scott Knodel

I thank God for sending Angie to be my next door neighbor and friend. I’ve been blessed knowing her. The genuine friendship has been caring, compassionate, and faithful. God bless you Angie. I hope you prosper! A great woman of God. Carol Lehman

Angie has been a good friend and spiritual advisor for me during my Christian walk. For many years I have received Angie’s daily verse which has been very accurate in my life and a light for my path. Michael D. Stewart

FOREWORD

I have had the joy of reading and being blessed by Angie Davis’ devotionals for years. Angie communicates using a down to earth style that is very easy to relate to. Because she is sensitive to the Holy Spirit, she is able to take simple and everyday experiences and wonderfully relate them to truths of Holy Scripture. I know that she has prayerfully sought the Lord’s direction on each and every devotional she has penned. I have been blessed to be her pastor and friend, and I am thrilled how God is using her to bless others through the devotionals that she has written.

Reverend Dennis Rowe

Dunfee Missionary Church

Ft. Wayne, Indiana

PREFACE

I began writing Come to the Light during one of the most painful times in my life. A broken heart, shattered dreams, and betrayal from someone I believed I could trust found me in a deep, dark valley. I felt devastated, overwhelmed, and alone. But God never leaves us alone in the valleys. He was always at my side, even when I could not feel His presence. God does some of His best work in the valleys. Our pain has a purpose.

God surrounded me with friends who encouraged, supported, and prayed for me. Lisa planted the seed by suggesting I write a devotional book. I began praying about it. A few days later, Pam asked me if I had ever thought about writing a devotional book. Lisa and Pam had never met or even talked to each other. God planted the idea through Lisa and brought confirmation through Pam. Lisa planted, Pam watered, and God brought it to completion.

All credit for Come to the Light belongs to God. I held the pen, but He wrote the words. My hope is that you will be as encouraged reading Come to the Light as I was in writing it. To God be the glory!

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

SPECIAL THANKS

Andrea Conley, my sister and my best friend – always and forever. Your unwavering confidence kept me going time and time again. You gave me the encouragement I needed to complete the task God gave me to do.

Michelle Greiner, my favorite niece! Your quirky sense of humor and dry wit bring a smile to my face – and to my heart. I love you!

Chuck and Peggy Robinson, for taking me into your home, your family, and your hearts in the midst of my deepest sorrow. I am thankful God made us family!

Scott Knodel, for taking care of me, my house, my yard, and every project I cannot do myself. Your organizational skills have taught me how to think in the box and stay focused on each task before me.

Mike Stewart, for having the courage to sit beside me in my dark place. If I could choose a big brother, I would choose you!

Lisa Leonard and Pam Heidig, my Aaron and Hur. Your encouragement and support provided strength so many times when I felt like I was running on empty. You planted and watered and God has brought the increase.

Bill Lehman, for the many ways you helped make every day easier for Ross – and for me. You truly are your brother’s keeper!

Jennifer Lehman - you are a beautiful example of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Janie, Kristen, and Olivia Lehman, for the many gifts of drawings, cookies, pizza and hugs. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you!

Carol Lehman. The best neighbor ever! My heavenly mansion will sit right beside yours! I am blessed by your friendship.

Rosie Painter for teaching from God’s Word – nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.

Cheri Clayton, my friend for more years than either of us can remember! Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers. We do not see each other often, but when we do, it is like no time has lapsed. What a comfort knowing you are always there.

Pastor Dennis Rowe, for instilling a deep hunger in my heart for studying God’s Word.

Shari Rowe, the most beautiful portrait of graciousness I have ever known.

Pastor Brent and Chris Harris. You are a wonderful example of what a godly husband, wife and parents should look like. It is a joy serving the Lord with you.

Amanda Gust and Samantha Hodges, two beautiful young women I would be proud to have as daughters. Thank you for sharing your families with me. I love you!

Teri Spitler, for holding me accountable by checking on my progress, offering words of encouragement, and serving as my spell check. Your friendship is a blessing!

Dawn Cole Tinkham, for sharing your strength with me when you did not have much left to give. You have been an inspiration in more ways than you will ever know.

Heather Jarrett, for taking a chance on me before you even knew me. I am thankful God brought us together as friends and partners.

My family at P&W Roofing Supply – you guys are the best!

INTRODUCTION

The devotionals in Come to the Light were written mostly from my own personal experiences or those of family and friends. They easily apply to the situations and events of everyday life. Writing these devotions has drawn me deeper into the Word, not only in reading, but also in studying and sharing lessons learned on prayer, mercy, serving, friendship, and so much more.

Devotionals include:

• Bugs and Big Guys

• Don’t Play in Traffic

• Get Off Your Donkey

• Inside Out

• Ouch!

• Prescription Plan

• Socks

• The Tornado Closet

• Wet Feet

• What’s That Smell?

I have shared happy, funny, good, and not so good experiences. Telling our own stories often helps another who needs encouragement, support, or just a smile. I have prayed for each one who reads Come to the Light, that you will receive all that God has for you!

Come to the Light

I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. (John 8:12)

I enjoy driving along coastal highways. I can drive at a leisurely pace so I can enjoy the water lapping onto the sandy beach. Coastal routes often pass through quaint towns and villages that include shops, eateries, and designated stops for beautiful photo opportunities. My favorite coastal sight is the lighthouse. Some lighthouses are situated near the coastline while others are located right out in the water. The lighthouse is an oversized lantern, serving as a beacon to mariners. It guides mariners through waterways, inlets, harbors, and ports; alerts ships to the dangers of rocky ledges, sandy reefs, and strong currents; and identifies a ship’s location.

Christ is our spiritual lighthouse. He shines as a beacon on the dark paths of this world. He serves as our navigational system for keeping us on the right path, alerting us to the rocks and dangerous currents of Satan’s detours, and warning us of impending danger. His Spirit will whisper in our ears, This is the way, walk in it (Isaiah 30:21). The light of the world will never lead us astray.

Satellite-based navigational systems have replaced the lighthouse as a primary navigational aid. Today, lighthouses are automated and used mostly as backup systems. Many lighthouses are no longer in operation. Christ will never be replaced by an automated system. He will never be put out of service. His beacon of light will never burn out or need to be replaced. Jesus Christ is the light of the world—and the light of my life!

The LORD is my light and my salvation. (Psalm 27:1)

A Good Place to Start

It is good for me to draw near to God. (Psalm 73:28)

I prefer to hold my daily devotional time in the morning. If I wait until evening, after I have worked all day or run errands, I am not as alert or focused on this time with the Lord. Some of my friends also prefer morning devotional time. Other friends prefer evening devotional time or times other than morning or evening. Parents are busy in the morning getting children off to school or feeding the baby so morning might not be the best time to become quiet before God. Some people work the night shift, so their morning is actually evening and that works best