Page 352 – Guideposts Articles

The Flavor of Faith

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Julia Attaway

And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 (NAS)

When I was a teenager, my brother and sister and I liked to gather around my five-foot-three mother. We’d look around as if searching for her and ask in jest, “Hey, have you seen Mom? Where’s Mom?”

Poor Mom. And soon, poor me. My days of towering over my children are numbered. Elizabeth has stabilized at about my mother’s height, but John and Mary are already there and they still have a long way to grow. Maggie’s always been an Amazon and towers over her peers. Only little Stephen (who’s still in size four) is likely to be looking up to me for a while.

Suddenly, I’m a mom of big kids. My conversations are no longer punctuated by dashes after a two-year-old. I don’t have a baby for whom I need to carry a set of clean clothes. My shoulder bag is lighter; the stains on the laundry are fewer. Instead of having toddlers with ten short meltdowns a day, I have teenagers who condense their angst into occasional three-hour marathons.

Life is different; I’m different too. I’ve grown more understanding in some ways and crankier in others. I listen more and talk less. I have less energy. I have more time to myself. And as I reach middle age, I wonder, Do I know God better than I did a decade ago? If I could go back in time for an afternoon, would my faith back then be richer or poorer than it is now?

I ponder this (I ponder more nowadays) and conclude that perhaps I’m asking the wrong question. I’ve grown up with God, walked and talked with Him all these years. Most likely, faith has its own flavor and texture over time, in the way that being a mother of toddlers is different from being a mother of teens.

Jesus, thank You for being beside me all these years. Help me love You more, always more.

The Courage to Make Righteous Choices

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Sharon Hinck

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

This isn’t my favorite beatitude, but it’s an important one. As a Christian I like to focus on all that I gain by following Jesus: eternal life, a restored relationship with God, a life of meaning and purpose, a heart of worship, His friendship and guidance, peace that surpasses understanding.

But Jesus has always been honest that following Him on the path of right choices will sometimes cause suffering. Even small choices can require sacrifices. Giving the right of way to the car merging into your lane. Returning the money when a cashier gives too much change. Biting your tongue and changing the subject when someone starts to share juicy gossip. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote The Cost of Discipleship, in which he challenged Christians to let their faith make a difference in their choices—large and small. Bonhoeffer faced persecution, including imprisonment and death, for taking a stand against Hitler.

I may never face such heroic choices, but in whatever ways I endure persecution or sacrifice for Jesus’s sake, He assures me that in the midst of it, I am still blessed. As I follow in His steps, He is on this road with me, and He is able to bring glory to God and further His kingdom even in the midst of persecution.

Faith Step: Today, go online and either read about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer or read something he wrote. Ask Jesus to give you the courage to make righteous choices.

The Best Present

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Sabra Ciancanelli

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!—II Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)

It was the last school day before Christmas break. Just home from my school, my brother Paul was taking off his jacket.

“So what did you get?” my mom asked.

Mom and Paul had spent the previous evening at the local five-and-dime looking for a Secret Santa present. The teacher’s note about the gift exchange had been lost in my brother’s coat pocket and found miraculously at the last moment. It had read: “Purchase a present for a boy. Please spend five to ten dollars.”

Paul and Mom had walked the aisles looking for something good and finally settled on a Duncan butterfly yo-yo. Yo-yos were the rage at school, and at seven dollars, this one was well within the suggested amount.

“So,” Mom asked again, “what did you get?”

Paul opened his hand and showed her a battered miniature car, its paint worn from handling.

My mother held it in her hand. “Really?” she asked. “Who gave it to you?” She tried to cover up her disappointment. Who would give a beat-up old toy car when the instructions had clearly said, “Spend five to ten dollars”?

“Andy,” Paul said, looking down at the car. “Isn’t it great? It’s his favorite. And he gave it to me!”

Lord, help me always to give generously and to receive thankfully—from my heart.

READ MORE CHRISTMAS EVE DEVOTIONS:

Seeing Beauty During Difficult Times

Posted on March 10, 2026April 14, 2026 by Sharon Hinck

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5–6 (NIV)

This morning I sat in my comfy chair, wrapped in a soft blanket, and looked out the window. The pond beyond our backyard rippled in the light breeze. A brilliant white egret waded in search of breakfast. Flowers dotted the garden with pink and yellow, and the sky stretched above blue and joyous.

When I read Psalm 16, my heart connected quickly to the words. Jesus, You have indeed set me in a pleasant place, and I’m so grateful.

But as I turned away from the window, I headed to my pillbox and the medications helping me function. My body throbbed and reminded me of its daily challenges. Scribbled notes on my desk demanded my attention. A family member was battling illness, and I was working to sort out needed care. Decisions and phone calls and paperwork loomed. My lot didn’t feel very secure at all—in fact I felt like I was drowning. Not everything in life felt pleasant.

That’s when I took another look at Psalm 16. Jesus has indeed set each of us in places where we might spot delightful blessings—as I did outside the window. But the true place of blessing is anywhere that Jesus is. He is our portion—not our house, our work, or even our dearest friends. Even when our boundary lines include pain and struggle, we can embrace our situation because He is there. The deeper truth in the Psalm is that even in places that don’t seem so pleasant, there is beauty because Jesus is with us.

Faith Step: Ask Jesus to illuminate the beauty possible, even in one of the unpleasant situations in your life.

Scripture for Encouragement

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Alice Thompson

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

I read the Bible each morning. God’s Word supplies me with wisdom and encouragement throughout my day. For a time, I understood Bible reading as a ritual that only fortified my spiritual growth; a personal pursuit that benefited only me. But I learned otherwise when a friend called me in a panic: her daughter, a recent college graduate, wanted to travel around the world for a year.

I asked Jesus to give me a Scripture of encouragement. Proverbs 22:6 bubbled up in my soul, and I shared it. The Message Bible translation says, “Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.”

I reminded my friend that she had raised her child under the banner of Christ and in the admonition of the Lord. As a new college graduate, the young woman was surely prone to making immature choices. However, the Word promised that in due season, the child would return to her parents’ wise instruction.

“Be encouraged!” I reminded my friend that her daughter loved Jesus and in Him, the future was secure. My friend thanked me for the gift of Proverbs 22:6. And in that moment, I thanked Jesus for saturating my heart with His right Word at the right time. I have come to understand that the Bible is refreshing like “living water.” While it quenches my spiritual thirst, it helps me offer refreshment to others too.

Faith Step: Today during your morning devotion time, memorize a Bible verse to share with friends in their time of need.

Rest in God’s Presence

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Grace Fo

Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31 (NIV)

Living on a sailboat allows me to escape busy schedules and noise a couple of times each year. One of my favorite destinations is Wallace Island. It’s a provincial park with a protected cove for safe anchorage. It also hosts hiking paths so we can explore forests and beaches.

Each morning dawns with quiet. No cars, no sirens, no airplanes flying overhead. We sit in the cockpit and read our Bibles with no distractions. Each day ends with a panoramic sunset reflected on the water. Again, we sit in the cockpit and watch God paint a masterpiece on His canvas.

Escaping now and again to a quiet place is good for both body and soul. Even Jesus recognized this to be true. He created us from dust, and He knows our human limitations. We can work and serve and rush to and fro only so long before our bodies say, “Enough.”

The rest to which Jesus refers is more than a good night’s sleep. It’s pulling back from responsibilities, doing something different from the norm, and being refreshed from the inside out. It’s escaping to a place where we can be still and think with a clear mind and regain perspective. It’s providing a space where He can speak to us without competing with electronic gadgets.

I used to think resting in this way was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Now I consider it as my yes to His invitation to “come with Me . . . and get some rest.” My quiet place is a secluded cove. What’s yours?

Faith Step: Put your feet up and close your eyes for five minutes. Enjoy resting in God’s presence.

Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Jeannie Blackmer

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. 1 Chronicles 16:12 (NIV)

As a new beekeeper, I am often awestruck because the bee-colony ecosystem is amazing! For example, one of my hives recently, unexplainably, lost its queen. Without a queen, the colony would die. Knowing this, the bees created queen cells, fed the larvae extra royal jelly and produced a new queen. Watching this phenomenal process ignited a dormant sense of wonder in me. It reminded me of the sense of wonder I had when I was a child.

Sadly, as we grow older, those moments of wonder become rare. Life can steal the awe away as we face the day-to-day grind. We put our heads down, perform our daily routines, interact with familiar people, and experience little excitement or joy. We stop being curious. We stop trying new things. Our senses become dull. Even our faith can feel dull.

Jesus encourages us to live with childlike faith. He said to His disciples, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Mark 10:15, ESV). I need a reminder to live life and experience my faith like a child. Beekeeping reminds me of that need.

With my renewed childlike wonder, I have begun to pay more attention to the marvels around me. I am more curious about people I thought I knew well. Most importantly, my faith has been refreshed, and I look for moments of wonder in my everyday life and intentionally give thanks for the big and small miracles surrounding me. I frequently walk out to my beehives and just watch them because they remind me that life is full of wonder.

Faith Step: Take a walk around your neighborhood today and notice themiracles around you, big or small, and thank Jesus for what you see.

Pour Out Your Heart to Jesus

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Dianne Neal Matthews

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

I often say that I’m about as transparent as plastic food wrap, and it’s true—much to the dismay of my husband, who is reserved. But lately it seems that I’ve developed a tendency to hold back during prayer time. The heaviest burdens on my heart seem to be ones that I sometimes skirt around, lightly touch on, or even ignore. These are requests I’ve been praying about for years with no visible answer yet, or situations that seem so messy I just don’t know where to start. I’m afraid my attitude reveals a cynicism and lack of faith.

I’m always touched by 1 Samuel 1 where Hannah was so caught up in her prayer about her childlessness that the priest accused her of being drunk. Hannah explained that she wasn’t inebriated but was pouring out her heart to the Lord. In the New Testament, we see people pour out their hearts to Jesus about their blindness or infirmity or on behalf of their suffering child.

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our inner thoughts and motivations and what we will do and say. He also knows our need to unburden our hearts before Him. His Word encourages us to confess our sins, confide our deepest longings, and share what is troubling our minds. Jesus wants us to open up to Him, not because He needs to know what’s going on but because we need the reminder that He is with us through it all.

Faith Step: Examine your prayer life to see if there’s a problem troubling your spirit that you’ve been reluctant to discuss with Jesus. Demonstrate your trust in Him by pouring out your heart.

Open Your Heart to Forgiveness

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Tracy Elridge

But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:26 (NKJV)

Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. It restores relationships and makes things right. But in the real world? It’s hard. A few months ago a colleague did something that hurt me professionally. As far as I was concerned, she didn’t deserve my forgiveness. Shortly after the incident, I saw her walking down the hallway toward me and wondered, Should I take the stairs and avoid her entirely? Or do I walk by without speaking, so she’ll know how angry I am? But as we approached one another, I knew what I had to do. I had to forgive, but it was hard. Grudgingly I said, “Hello.” I started to feel my anger subside. I felt lighter. Jesus was doing a work in my heart.

Years ago before I knew the Lord, I wouldn’t have considered forgiveness. I would’ve nursed my grudge and worn it like a badge of honor. Thankfully as Jesus helped me to wholly forgive, my heart toward my coworker has changed. I’m not trapped in bitterness and hurt. I’m moving forward in love.

Jesus forgave me of all my sins, paying a horrendous cost for my salvation. In turn, I’m commanded to forgive, so I can receive forgiveness from my heavenly Father. He asks me to forgive for my benefit. The burden of being unwilling to forgive is heavy, but I’m learning that with forgiveness comes freedom and peace. Forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness but love. Jesus’s willingness to give His life and forgive my sins is the ultimate act of love. When I forgive others, I’m His love in action.

Faith Step: Search your heart and think of people whom you’ve not forgiven. Start calling out their names in prayer and ask Jesus to help you forgive them. Watch your heart fill with love for them.

My Verse for the New Year

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Dianne Neal Matthews

I, yes, I alone am he who blots away your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. Isaiah 43:25 (TLB)

One of my favorite verses to meditate on for New Year’s Day is Isaiah 43:19: “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” (NLT). These words fill me with excitement the same way hanging a new calendar on the wall does. A new year stretches ahead with new experiences and adventures, new friends to make, and fresh opportunities to serve Christ and grow to be more like Him. But cleaning out my pantry last week helped me understand that before we can embrace the new, we may need to get rid of some of the old.

To make room for the beautiful ceramic baking dishes I’d bought, I threw out old plastic storage containers that had cracked or missing lids. I tossed canned and boxed foods that had passed their expiration dates. I pared down our collection of travel mugs and tumblers to the ones we actually use. Next week I plan to look over the bookcases in our house and pull out a few volumes to give away, making space for the reference books I just ordered.

Before we make plans for the new year ahead, we would do well to engage in some serious self-evaluation to see what we need to get rid of. Habits that compromise our walk with Christ. Doubts that keep us from using our gifts to fully serve Him. And especially guilt and regret over past failures and sins. Just a few verses after God promises to do new things, we see His promise to not only forgive our sins when we repent, but never think about them again. And neither should we.

Faith Step: Ask Jesus to show you what you need to throw out so you can fully receive the new things He has planned for you this year.

My Inspiring Easter Surprise

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Penney Schwab

For the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given. —2 Corinthians 1:11

It was a wonderful Easter. Morning worship at our son Patrick’s church in Texas featured an excellent choir and inspiring sermon. Our daughter-in-law Patricia prepared a veritable feast for dinner.

Our traditional family egg hunt—held indoors because of spring snowflakes—ended with only two children in tears, and they were soon comforted. Then my husband Don said, “We need to head home, so we can stop in Amarillo and get Penney’s Easter surprise.”

I looked at Don, then at my smiling children and grandchildren. My heart dropped to my toes. Without thinking I blurted out, “Not a dog! It better not be a dog! The last thing I want or need is something else to take care of.”

Shock, hurt and dismay registered on every face. I tried to backtrack but, of course, I couldn’t undo the damage. Finally Don said, “Will you at least look at her?”

I agreed, and Patrick found an old cat carrier for us, “just in case.” You can guess what happened: I met a fat, wiggly ball of fur and promptly fell in love with Tarby, a golden chow.

Is she something else to care for? Oh yes. She has to be fed, watered, groomed, walked, and trained. Is she worth it? Absolutely. Her wagging tail and yips of “hello” never fail to lift my spirits. She’s always ready to walk along with me or sit silently beside me. If I go away, whether for an hour or a week, she joyously welcomes me home.

The gift I didn’t want turned out to be the next-to-best Easter surprise ever.

Gracious God, thank You for giving all of us the most precious Easter gift of all in the resurrection of Your only Son, Jesus the Christ.

Mother’s Day Devotion

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Sabra Ciancanelli

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness…—II Peter 1:3 (NIV)

“Here you go, Mom!” the nurse said. It was two hours after my C-section and I was about to see my son for the first time. His high-pitched cries grew louder as the nurse brought him to me. Oh no, I thought, what have I gotten myself into?

“Here’s Mom,” the nurse said putting him into my arms. A wrinkled red face looked up at me. As I laid his head on my chest, the word mom stuck in my mind. I didn’t feel much like a mom. Would I be a good one? Would I have the answers, know how to stop his crying, be able to put him to sleep?

He was warm in my arms, snug in a white-pink-and-blue-striped blanket. He squinted up at me. I was so caught up in looking down at this baby I had imagined and anticipated for months that I didn’t notice the silence.

The perfect Mother’s Day Gift: Women’s Devotional Bible

“Isn’t that something,” the nurse said. “He hasn’t stopped crying since we took him from the OR and now look at him, so happy. He knows his mama.”

A calm reassurance covered me. Trust this, I thought. Trust this beautiful little boy who knew you as his mother even before you did.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me all I need to be Solomon’s mom.

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