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  • Thinking Opposite

    Thinking Opposite

    He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (John 3:30-31)

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

    Surely we live in a “me first” generation. Often we hear such phrases as “Be the best you” and “Get the benefits you deserve”. Our world is full of people competing and putting pressure on themselves to be the world’s prototype of success. However, scripture tells us we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Our thinking is to be opposite of the world’s thinking. 

    Philippians 2:5-8 tells us we should have the mind of Christ. What does that mean? Jesus did not think the way the world thinks. In fact, His mind went opposite to the thought processes of this world. Let us look at some of the opposites we find in the Bible. Prayerfully, this will help us see how our thinking should be different from  the thinking of those around us.

    Try this one: decrease in order to increase. In a world of self-promotion, this makes no sense. In Luke 14:8-11, Jesus gives an example of being invited to the wedding. He cautioned against sitting in the highest room in case a more honorable person was invited. Why? This would avoid the embarrassment of having to move down. Jesus said it would be better to sit in a lower room and have the host invite you to move up. Hear His words, “Whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.”

    Christians do not need to self-promote. Like John the Baptist, our thinking should be, “We will decrease so that Jesus can increase in our lives.”

    Let’s move on to this: die in order to live. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Water baptism itself demonstrates the spiritual reality that our old selves are crucified and we now walk in the newness of life in Christ Jesus. 

    Then there is this one: lose in order to find. Matthew 16:25 speaks of losing our lives for His sake, then finding them in the end. Matthew 6:19-21 speaks of laying up treasure in Heaven rather than hoarding them here. Simply put, where our hearts are is where our treasures will be found. The Apostle Paul says it this way in Phillipians 3:8-10, “I count everything I know and everything I have as loss in order to really know Jesus.”

    I propose to you that many times we are too wrapped up in this world system. We concern ourselves so much with the temporary things of this life; our thinking becomes too worldly. Thinking opposite of this world helps take our eyes off of temporary problems and setbacks so that we can see past this world to the treasures that await those who love Him.

    Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

    Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

    Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

    Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.

  • Evaluating Where You Are

    Evaluating Where You Are

    Hey, hey friend! I just want to wish you all a happy February!

    Can you believe it’s February already?? I honestly feel like we were just ringing in the New Year and now Punxsutawney Phil just saw his shadow. Doesn’t time just go so fast?

    In January, a lot of people, and probably yourself too, create a New Year’s Resolution or have particular goals and visions for their year. I know I do! 

    Now, at the beginning of a new month I like to do an honest evaluation of where I am in accomplishing those goals.This is where I sit down and look at my focuses for the year and basically say, “Okay I did great on this one! But that one could use a little more attention this coming month,” so on and so forth. So I want you to honestly look at your pursuits… are you crushing them? Or have they fallen by the wayside?

    Looking at January in my own life, I would say it was more of a combination of the two. At times, I was totally crushing my goals, and I was feeling great! Sadly, at other times I wasn’t. Those times to where they fell by the wayside I had a tendency to get upset with myself and beat myself up over it. 

    Now, some of those times where I slacked were circumstances I couldn’t control, such as rushing from work, to a meeting, to a small group. In those times, it was hard for me to focus on my goals for that month behind all of the busyness of my day. Other times, I was just exhausted from the work day and just needed to relax. Times like these are where I have to give myself some grace and allow myself to rest. Afterall, we as humans aren’t robots and therefore need that rest.

    ___________________

    There are times where I feel super guilty about resting. Part of that is my personality. I love to accomplish things, and if I’m not careful I will keep going and going and going until I become burnt out, which is never a good place to be. The other part comes from people pressuring me to do more. I’ve had people get mad at me for protecting my schedule for intentional rest days, saying I need “breaks.” And at first I was super bothered by this. I don’t want people to ever think of me as lazy, so for someone to say that was really hurtful. I let it get to me to the point I was sacrificing my rest.

    I finally got to the place where I realized that rest is essential and, no matter what people think, I have to protect those days. God even rested. One whole day, 24 hours, God rested. He got to sit back and enjoy, so we need to make those allowances for ourselves and not let what anyone else says or thinks deter us from intentionally making that time.

    Now, I know most of us don’t have a full day to commit. Trust me, I know how hard that is. But it’s still setting aside that time to rest and just enjoy the things God has given us.

    ___________________

    So while my January didn’t measure up to how I wanted it, I still made progress. That’s what matters. As long as you’re progressing and doing better than the last month, that’s a win! I just have to give myself some space for grace and know that I am working towards my goals, and the same goes for you.

    As much as we wish it, we don’t get from A to Z overnight, and it’s not a straight road either. Reaching our goals might be a bumpy ride, easy at times and difficult in others. But I think there’s beauty in this. That the struggle is what helps prepare us for that end goal. If we got to where we wanted when we wanted, we wouldn’t learn the valuable lessons that the journey would teach us. 

    So yeah, the road may be difficult. It may take a ton of discipline on our behalf, but you know what? It’s totally worth it.

    So, I want to go back to my original question and ask, how did your January go goal-wise? Make an honest evaluation for yourself; this is for you. What aspect are you excelling in? What needs a little more attention this month?

    I will go even further and challenge you to write your evaluation down and consider the ways you can progress in the goal or focus you have set for 2021. Once you have this in place, set your mind to it and ask the Lord to help you make that progress! 

     “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

    Philippians 4:13

    Thanks for tuning in! Catch y’all later 😉

    Caleigh

    An adventurer and coffee enthusiast at heart, Caleigh Ball has a passion for reaching out to others to inspire them to live with intention and purpose. As an ordained minister, she spends her time ministering as a youth pastor and is actively involved in Arise Ministries as the vice president and bookkeeper as well as one of the ministers. She enjoys life with her husband, Emmanuel, and their cat, Alaska, in their home state, Almost Heaven West Virginia.

    Find Caleigh on Instagram at @caleigh.ball 

  • So Much More (and Everything In Between)

    So Much More (and Everything In Between)

    God is so much more than we can even begin to fathom. It would take me years to tell you just how far I’ve come on my journey with Jesus…and to think I was far along as a kid, LOL (let’s all laugh together). 

    I used to be afraid to pray for anyone and anything other than myself or my family because I didn’t think God was big enough to answer my prayers and the prayers for others all at the same time. WOW. But God didn’t laugh at me or even scoff; He just patiently continued to show me just how absurd those thoughts really were (I was the one who said they were absurd though, not God). 

    And He never punishes us, either. We may experience consequences from our own choices and actions on this earth, but God never sets out to teach us a lesson. 

    Satan will do everything to convince us of that, but it’s never from God. God is just, yes, but He is also equal parts love, forgiveness, grace, understanding, mercy, and joy. 

    God created us which means He created human emotions: laughter, joy, anger, silliness, fear, etc. He even told us to fear Him, but not in the way Satan uses fear to control us. 

    We cannot keep putting God in our boxes, thoughts, and versions of Him. 

    It’s just crazy how much I’m learning all at once it seems. (This blog post seems to be a big mix of randomness, but here we are. I hope this touches someone.) 

    God’s plans are just so much higher than we can even begin to try to piece together or understand. He literally created all of the galaxies that seem to never end, yet He was so creative and personal in making an entire ecosystem on Earth that sustains us. His plans are so much higher than ours. His ways are so much more important than ours. His dreams, goals, and aspirations for us and His body are SO MUCH more than we could ever dream up ourselves. He can and will do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could EVER ask or think (ref. Ephesians 3:20). 

    Even if you think you are far along on your Christian journey, let me tell you, there is still so much more to experience and learn and enjoy. The truth really will set you free my friends. I can’t even put into the words the feelings and things I adore about our Lord. He is just so good and loving that it is immeasurable and so hard to put into human words and emotions. 

    I think sometimes we spend too much time asking God to show us what to do when He has already given it to us so freely in His word. Just open the Bible and see what will start to happen in your life. 

    I overcomplicate almost everything in my life, and God is showing me that it’s really all so simple. Just like Danny Gokey’s new song says, love God and love people. 

    If we put loving God and loving people as the priority in our lives, then we won’t need to wonder if we are doing what God has planned for us. It may be messy, hard, uncomfortable, and sacrificial, but it will fill your cup up so much that you won’t be able to imagine doing anything else. 

    Complacency and being comfortable are such dangerous places to live in. Change is healthy and it’s something we can guarantee will always happen. When you wonder what your next step for God should be, go out and do something for others and show them Jesus. Keep pursuing God and let Him reveal to you just how much more to Him there is than you could ever begin to imagine. 

    P.S. I now pray for every single thing that I can possibly think of and I stand firm on God’s Word and know that He will answer my prayers and He is always working on my behalf. His Word never comes back void. Remind Him of what He said, don’t give up in asking or doing good, and see the amazing things He will do in your life. And remember He is so much more than the earthly things you may be experiencing or seeing in front of you at this time. He already won the battle. He already won the entire war!

    Hannah Smith, author of the Moving Mountains blog, is a woman who feels she has experienced a lot of life in her 33 years. 

    At 19 years old, Hannah joined the Army. After moving around the country, getting a divorce and losing what seemed like everything, she landed back where God wanted her in Ohio, even though she fought the whole way. She is now a devoted follower of Christ and seeks the Lord with all she’s got.

    Hannah is married and a RN, but works as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children per instruction from the Lord.

    She loves to hike, travel, drink coffee, and talk about Jesus. Hannah also has a heart to create a home and life in which she can be a safe place for the hurting and the broken. Her biggest piece of advice would be to never tell the Lord you will never do something- because He will most likely then ask you to do that very thing, LOL!

    To her readers, Hannah says, “I believe that God set every single one of you reading this apart, for such a time as this. It is my hope and prayer that God would use the words I say to change your life in a way you and I never thought possible!”

  • Gold

    Gold

    Gold: something considered to be precious, beautiful, or of the most superior quality.

    I’ve been going through Psalm recently, and in Psalm 19:9-10 it says something that I’d like to highlight.

    “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”

    Growing up, being told to “fear the Lord” sounded wrong. I always wondered why I was supposed to be afraid of a God that I was in turn supposed to love and serve. It didn’t make sense to me.

    Later, I learned that fearing the Lord simply meant “reverential awe” or, in more layman terms, deep respect.

    We are called to respect God. And with respect comes obedience. We can’t respect a person we’re constantly defying. We can’t respect someone we ignore. 

    If a parent sets rules in place and we (as children) ignore them, are we not disobeying our parents? Aren’t we disrespecting them?

    The same is true in regards to God. Similar to parents, God has laws and decrees in place for our good. His laws are in place so that we may have a safe and happy life on the earth (for example: don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t covet, etc.) and so that we may have eternal life with Him.

    His laws are not in place to bind us, but rather to free us. 

    In this passage, God’s laws are described as “more precious than gold”. Gold is defined as “precious, beautiful, or of the most superior quality”.

    So the laws of God are more precious than the most superior thing. Those are laws worth following!

    Continuing on in verse 11 it says, “By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

    So if we keep these laws, and follow them, there is “great reward”. How amazing is that!

    If you’ve struggled lately with falling into temptations; running back to old sins; or have tripped up, Psalm 19 verses 12 through 14 is a great prayer.

    Pray this today:

    “Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

    Amen.

    Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

    An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

    Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

    You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige

  • Just Believe

    Just Believe

    Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. (Mark 5:22-24 NIV)

    While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:35-36 NIV)

    Years ago, the Nike Shoe Company introduced a huge advertising campaign. This campaign had two major components. 

    One component was the name recognition of one amazing athlete — Micheal Jordan. At the time, he was a household name as he and his Chicago Bulls teammates dominated professional basketball. 

    The other component was a simple phrase: “Just Do It”. This phrase was easy to say, easy to remember, and easy to understand. 

    Our Lord has a phrase that is easy to say, easy to remember, and easy to understand. It is simply “Just Believe”. 

    We are to just believe despite the circumstances around us. Jairus was with Jesus when he was notified that his daughter was already deceased. Time and distance seemed to be circumstances that could not be overcome. 

    Since God exists in eternity, time cannot constrain Him. II Peter 2:8 says, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” The raising of Lazarus four days after his death proves that time cannot hinder the power of God. The same is true of distance. 

    Acts 17:27 says that God is not far from any of us. Isaiah declared that the arm of the Lord is not too short to save. Surely we can take comfort in knowing that God is just a prayer away and more than able to reach our situation. 

    We are to believe despite the critics. Hear the people say, “She is already gone. Why bother Jesus any longer?” There was always someone trying to talk others out of believing Jesus when He was on this earth. There will always be someone trying to talk us out of our beliefs. 

    Notice what Jesus says about circumstances and critics. “Don’t be afraid. Just believe.” There is our phrase we need to hold on to — “Just believe.”

    Oh, what about name recognition? Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

    We have the phrase and we have the greatest of all names. So, just believe!

    Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

    Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

    Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

    Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.

  • Ever Wonder Why You Look Different? Plus, a Recipe For French Onion Soup

    Ever Wonder Why You Look Different? Plus, a Recipe For French Onion Soup

    Do you ever wonder where you came from? For me, growing up, I always knew I didn’t look like my dad and that I didn’t have his last name. Always wanting to know who my real dad was, I went to talk with my mother who refused to talk about it with me. She would always say, “You have a dad who loves you. Isn’t that enough?” 

    I remember saying to her, “No, Mom. I deserve to know who he is, whether I look like him, act like him, or if I have any of his traits.” Not understanding at the time, I thought I knew everything I fought with her over this. I guess you could say I had let it consume me. 

    It got so bad between us that I finally turned to outside help. A girl I was good friends with said that she would help me find my dad, not knowing how life-changing this was about to be for the both of us. 

    She was my best friend, and I trusted her. One day she had called and asked me to come over, so I went over to her house. As we went by with no answers, my friend came to me one day saying, “I found a picture of you at my parents house.” As she showed me I said to myself why would her family have pictures of me lying around? I said to her, “May I show this to my mom?” 

    She told me, “Absolutely!” 

    I took the picture to my mom and asked, “Why do these people have pictures of me at their house? 

    Mom said, “Young lady, lots of people in town have pictures of you kids.”

    I simply replied, “Okay, Mom” as I didn’t want to argue with her over it. I let it go. 

    Days go by and my friend comes to me and says, “I think I’ve found your dad.” I was so overwhelmed, and I wanted to know how, when, and where. 

    She then said, “Well, my dad is your real dad and we are sisters.” My life as I knew it changed forever that day. 

    Crying uncontrollably, I went to my mother with the news to see if it was true. “Mom,” I said “We need to talk.” 

    I told her everything my friend/sister had told me and asked her if it was true. Mom finally said, “Yes, girl, it is.” 

    I’ve never felt so many emotions all at once in my life. Mom was very angry with me because she never wanted me to know who my dad was since he had hurt her years ago. She didn’t want me to feel that kind of pain.

    Not knowing how I should feel, I went to my father/stepdad to tell him what I had been told. He said, “I’ve always loved you even though you weren’t mine. I wanted to adopt you, but never found the right time. My love for you will never change.” He understood me more at that time than my mom did, or so I thought. 

    I asked, “Is it okay with you if I go meet my real dad?” 

    He said, “You have every right to have your questions answered.” 

    I thanked my dad and told him, “I love you and I always will. My love will never change for you.”

    So I went to tell my mom, who was mad about what I was about to do. She finally said, “You act just like your dad. You’re strong-willed. It’s your way or no way.” 

    I knew she was right. She said, “Just remember I tried to keep you from being hurt after this.” 

    I needed some time to process all this news. After a few days, I finally made the decision to meet my real dad. Without going into all the details, things between us went well. His family accepted me with open arms. I found out I had an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother. 

    I sat down with my real dad and got answers to questions that I needed answered. But meeting him was a missing part of my life. My life changed forever for the good that day. 

    Now my mom and step dad are both gone and I miss them every day. I can look back and know that they only wanted the best for me. As for me and my real dad, we talk weekly. 

    Don’t be afraid to find what’s missing in your life. I’m not saying that it always works out for the best, but for me it did.

    This week’s verse is Psalm 133:1, which says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

    This week’s recipe is “French Onion Soup”.

    French Onion Soup

    8 cups water 

    4/5 beef bouillon cubes

    3 large sweet onions (sliced medium-thin)

    1 tablespoon butter

    Bring water to a boil. Add bouillon to taste. Add until you get desired taste. (Don’t add a lot or it will be too salty.) Add onions and butter to a frying pan and brown. Add to broth and taste. You may need to add bouillon. 

    Turn to medium heat and cook for about 20 minutes.

    Add soup to bowls and add your favorite cheese or croutons. I put grilled garlic toast with mozzarella cheese on top of mine.

    From my blog to your kitchen, God bless and happy dishes.

    Stay tuned for more homemade recipes and blessings from my table to yours.

    In addition to providing delicious recipes on her Faith and Food blog, Tina Rucker is a proud mom to her 18 year old son, happy wife to her husband Joel of six years, and the spearhead of the Five Loaves Food Pantry ministry in her local church, open twice a month. 

    Tina has worked in the food industry for over 25 years, and has a heart and a passion to serve, feed, and provide for those in need.

  • A Time To Heal Women’s Conference

    A Time To Heal Women’s Conference

    This weekend I had the privilege of being able to attend “A Time To Heal” women’s conference. The presence of the spirit was so heavy! It was amazing. I can’t even explain how it felt in that room!

    The day started at noon with praise and worship. Guys, the spirit in that room was so sweet! I can’t even describe it! I had a wonderful time! 

    First to bring the Word was Tonia Lukacs. She preached a message on how you may have been hurt, but get up and walk tall. 

    Kristin York was up next and gave us a small taste of her testimony and how unforgiveness can hold us back from the promises of God. It was such a timely word for me, as the man who inappropriately touched me in the past had died just two days before the conference. 

    The second session started at 4:30 p.m. and also began with an amazing time of worship. The first speaker of the afternoon session was Sarah Washington, who spoke about how we need to not idolize what we fear because then you start to worship what you fear and not God. She talked about her very fearful childhood and how she recovered from it. 

    Next up, Angela Stress spoke about how we need to take off our grave clothes like Lazarus. We can’t say we are changed and still walk around the same!

    All of this said, this conference really encouraged me and I want to encourage you. So my advice is to find a church; find a small group. Wear your mask and use wisdom, but don’t neglect corporate worship! Build each other up in the Lord. 

    And remember, God loves you and so do I!

    Hannah Benson — known for her big heart, her kindness, and her eagerness to serve — is the author of the Overcoming Autism blog.

    Hannah was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 14, and now uses this media platform as a way to reach out to those living with Autism and other handicaps. Hannah shares tips and coping skills for those with Autism and for family and friends of those who have been diagnosed; she also relates her life to stories in the Bible and chronicles the lessons she’s learned along her journey.

    Hannah Benson can be found on Instagram @hannah_benson94 or on Facebook on the Overcoming Autism Hannah’s Story.

  • Join

    Join

    Join: link; connect; unite to form one entity or group; take part in

    At some point in our lives, we’ve all joined something. Whether it was a club at school, a small group in church, the military, or something completely different — we all know what it’s like to join in.

    When you become involved in something you like, it creates a renewed sense of excitement in you. It gives you a sense of community, of friendship, of fulfillment, of purpose. 

    As human beings, we were created as social creatures. Even the most antisocial of us (read:me) was created for social interactions. 

    We were all created to join in, to participate, in life. We were made to desire community and friendship, and to want fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Those are all normal traits. And joining in on something is an easy way to check off all these boxes.

    As Christians, we are called to come together, to commune with one another, to join in.

    So this week I encourage you to attend church; find a small group; get involved in that ministry, or start the ministry; work at that shelter; volunteer your time there. Jump in!

    Get out there and join in. You won’t regret it!

    Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

    An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

    Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

    You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige

  • A Lasting Result of Prayer

    A Lasting Result of Prayer

    Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).

    Certainly, we are living in a trying time in the history of our nation and our world. If we allow events to do so, our minds will become confused and our hearts will be struck with fear. God does not want us to live that way. 

    II Timothy 1:7 says God has not given us the spirit of fear. Instead, He gives us power, love, and a sound mind. We do not have to feel powerless. We do not have to join others in hatred. We can be enabled to think clearly despite all the chaos around us. How does this happen? It happens through lives filled with prayer.

    Consistent prayer is a demonstration of our faith in God. The writer of Hebrews tells us that we cannot please God without faith. Our faith is simple, yet powerful. We believe God exists; we believe God rewards us when we diligently seek Him. 

    The experience of consistent prayer causes us to overcome the notion that God is a million miles away and not interested in our concerns. We have answered the call of Psalm 27:8, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face, my heart said unto thee, Thy face Lord, Will I seek.” We have moved beyond the quick-fix to our problems — seeking His hand. We know Him — seeking His face. Since we know Him, we see consistent, lasting results. 

    The peace of God settles into the lives of people who pray. Fear, confusion, and other negative opinions and attitudes fade because God is keeping our hearts and minds. We are absolutely assured that He is watching out for us. This is the lasting result of prayer.

    Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

    Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

    Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

    Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.

  • The Cross

    The Cross

    The cross changed the entire projection of humanity, and yet it is something we often get so used to seeing that we forget its power. 

    We see crosses everywhere: in pictures, tattoos, along the interstate, in jewelry, churches, etc. I think we have become so comfortable seeing the cross that we forget what an unbelievable act it was. 

    If you have kids, you’ll completely understand. God sent His ONLY Son to Earth, knowing He would be crucified and sent to hell for three days. He knew Jesus would pass the test, but can you just imagine doing that with your only baby? It’s truly unfathomable to even think of. 

    I think we so easily forget the true power in what Jesus accomplished in His short 33 years on this earth. 

    I thank God for the cross every day in my gratitude/prayer journal. Without that rugged, wooden cross, we wouldn’t have the Holy Spirit or the example and understanding of Jesus, and life would be completely different. He changed the trajectory of the universe. Two pieces of wood caused so much pain to a man who changed everything. 

    Jesus was God but He was also man so He experienced the things we experience daily: temptation, heartache, ridicule, judgement, betrayal, laughter, joy, hard work, and every other human emotion. 

    The cross is the most important act in history. It made a way when there was no way. Can you imagine being able to do anything you wanted, yet holding back any sort of “revenge” in order to fulfill scripture? 

    The cross taught us how to love. It taught us how to sacrifice the flesh. It taught us which way to go and who to put our trust in. It taught us that even Satan couldn’t stop the plans God had for His people. 

    We don’t serve a God who is far off and distant from our struggles. We serve one who went through the things we do. And actually, much worse, because most of us won’t be crucified for our faith. 

    So when you see a cross, remember the true power and life-change it holds. And remember that whatever you are going through in this very moment, Jesus really does understand it all. Then remember He died on that cross so your struggles are only temporary and that we have the hope of Heaven to hold on to. 

    The rainbow will always come after the storm. Keep picking up and holding on to your cross daily. God will always have the final say and the victory!! 

    Hannah Smith, author of the Moving Mountains blog, is a woman who feels she has experienced a lot of life in her 33 years. 

    At 19 years old, Hannah joined the Army. After moving around the country, getting a divorce and losing what seemed like everything, she landed back where God wanted her in Ohio, even though she fought the whole way. She is now a devoted follower of Christ and seeks the Lord with all she’s got.

    Hannah is married and a RN, but works as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children per instruction from the Lord.

    She loves to hike, travel, drink coffee, and talk about Jesus. Hannah also has a heart to create a home and life in which she can be a safe place for the hurting and the broken. Her biggest piece of advice would be to never tell the Lord you will never do something- because He will most likely then ask you to do that very thing, LOL!

    To her readers, Hannah says, “I believe that God set every single one of you reading this apart, for such a time as this. It is my hope and prayer that God would use the words I say to change your life in a way you and I never thought possible!”