L. Kathleen Cline

  Before I began my devotion time, I got stupid and opened the news to look at the headlines. Panic ran through my mind as I read one of many pollsters proclaiming defeat for the pro-life candidate. Once I professed my fear to God, the Holy Spirit encouraged me to read Isaiah 44: 24-28. Every aspect of our Christ-following life boils down to what do you believe about God? Is He a grant our prayer God or a God that guides our steps? God needs to be involved in more than just the scary moments in our lives. How involved in your life is He with you? When you visualize God, how big is He to you? The size of your God will determine the boldness of your prayers. My God measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, marked off the heavens by the span, and calculated the dust of the earth by the measure. So when I remind myself that God can cause the omens of a boaster to fail, I believe. I also believe that our God is faithful and will protect innocent lives. What do you proclaim? I know ...

  After I researched a few articles, specifically on how far one could see a single candle, I was bombarded with technical jargon concerning the efficiency of the candle, variables in the eye, air, and candle. To my fright, there were even formulas to help calculate everything listed concerning these variables. After I fled from the overwhelming sites, I realized the differences in the research of light and salt. Pure salt is good for its purpose. If salt becomes contaminated and cannot serve its purpose, it needs to be thrown out. Light is different in that, light’s effectiveness is subject to outside influences. However, even if light is weak, it still gives off light. You can actually see this observation in Jesus’s words. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men” (Matthew 5:13). “Let your light shine before me in such a way that ...

  For years, God has placed prayer warriors throughout our nation, seeking God’s will. Many have joined in on the movement of prayer and fasting. To what end? Psalm 85:8-13 shows a snapshot of people that also sought God for change in their land. In verse 8, there is a warning. “But let them not turn back to folly.” If you were to go look up the exact meaning, you would find that folly meant they no longer lived to the fear of God. So I will ask this question. If God granted the prayers of those fasting, would the church return back to the comfort they desire? See, God’s word asks His people to strive for diligence, but the American church hears comfort. God’s word says the church is to provide for the needy, but His people teach prosperity and government programs. The corporate prayers cry out for peace, but God’s word teaches integrity. The unity that God calls for is “Unite my heart to fear Your name.” So I will ask again, “To what end?” If the church is honest about the desires...

In January of this year, I had the privilege to listen to Amy Satterfield's talk titled Fulfill Your Calling based on Ephesians 4:1. Today God had me go over my notes and review. The one phrase that sticks out to me is "not needing your calling more than you need God." As I stare at those words, one thought comes to my head. What if the calling was not from God but by you because you needed human approval and praise? I hear it often from leaders as they call out those in the spotlight and make sure others know about their work. What about those that just do the mundane job God asked them to do. Moms are called by God but are rarely praised by society. How about special needs parents or caregivers that live on a few hours of sleep but our faithful, day in and day out? Let's not forget the janitors or housekeepers who keep all of us from spreading germs. Yes, God needs all of us to do the everyday grind effectively while showing His love. The "Church" may not ...

  I believe that making a fool out of ourselves is inevitable. During foolish moments, we could either dig ourselves further in the situation or learn, take responsibility, and ultimately become stronger despite our foolish act. The choice is ours and ours alone. Our Christian witness will hinge on these moments in life. It is easy to behave perfectly when circumstances are just right. When mayhem strikes, emotions run high, or bad choices are made, what does our behavior look like then? When our figurative rooster crows, will we recognize our errors, or will we continue down the same path? 15 Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “ Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My Sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do...

  In the past few days, I have been reviewing the book of James. Without surrendered faith, you will have self-centered, short-sighted plans. When I reread that note written in my Bible, God reminded me of different times where I devised a plan and then prayed to God to bless the plans. How many times do we get it backward? Faith requires us to seek God for directions and then obey Him precisely. “You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow” is a reminder that our faith is blinded when we lose focus. Just a little mental note for all of us to seek God first and then plan.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” 1 Corinthians 15:58. When God tells us to stand firm, it is because with every opportunity comes choices. One translation of the above verse says, let nothing move you. I am not sure that you have noticed, but all spiritual concepts must be an act of will or determination. They are not up for debate, nor are they determined by how you feel. For example, forgiveness is a choice. If you wait till you feel like it, well, your death might come first. I wish I had some magic formula to help people firmly resolve to make up one’s mind, but there is not. All I know is that somehow, you have to decide to reject all the excuses, laziness, and idleness and kick into obedience. When I focus on the fact that God is presenting me with an opportunity rather than concentrating on any inconvenience, it motivates me. We all need to put a mute button on ou...

Laughter is probably one of the sweetest gifts God has given us. I think that is why people like to watch silly nature videos because it is hilarious to see animals push and shove each other to get to a food bowl or a toy. Laughter helps you look at life through a lens of lightheartedness. I feel it is something that you have to pursue. It is a choice. For example, when my husband was stationed overseas, I could not work since my job was a licensed field. So, I looked for areas I could volunteer. I heard about a group of ladies that were meeting to raise money for college funds. When I went to the meeting, all the high-ranking officer's wives sat at the table. I got to sit across the room. Needless to say, I found other projects that appreciated my participation. About two months later, I received a phone call from one of the wives, telling me about the wine and cheese event they were having at the embassy. I thanked her but told her I had joined other community events and would no...

  Imagine having a loved one caught in addiction, and they are homeless. You convince your family member that this particular ministry can help them defeat their dependency on their drug of choice. They agree with you and begin the year residency program. On one of the visitations, your loved one tells you that they live at the mission as a service to God. In other words, they see themselves as a worker and not a resident. Do you think the program will work for someone who does not see themselves as needing recovery but instead see themselves as providing for the other residents? The above issue is the whole religion versus relationship with Jesus. Repentance brings us to an understanding that we need God’s salvation into our lives. Religion deceives us into thinking service to God will bring salvation. Needing God is a humbling event that requires us to rely on God’s grace by faith. Performing for God is done out of arrogance because the thought is human works can make one holy. S...

  In a world where words are as good as deeds, hate has become as common as the cold. A year ago, it might have been once a month you would hear about a cruel behavior that someone had done. Now it is every day that someone is asking me what to do about a situation that involves disrespect or contempt. The worst part to me is the phrase that follows the story: they are a professing Christian. I find myself just shaking my head and telling God, “I don’t understand.” Actually, I do, but I don’t want to go there mentally. The reality of the situation hurts my soul. The book of 1 John covers what is happening in this world. I suggest you spend quality time combing through all five chapters to discover the answer. Until you can go and read the book yourself, let me sum it up. The church spent years proclaiming that if you said certain words and believed, salvation was yours. Unfortunately, the word believe means to worship, and somewhere along the way, we forgot to clarify the type of r...

  People go to the beach for different reasons. Whether you are fishing, sunning, or like me collecting shells, there is just something special about the restful sound of the waves. In the above picture, my mom was digging deep to find those beautiful hidden shells. Although you can find some pretty shells on top of the sand, it is the concealed ones that bring the most satisfaction. Most of us invest hours in hobbies or recreation that bring us amusement, contentment, or joy. Have you noticed that those emotions are always fleeting? “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy, over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” Matthew 13:44. There is so much we can learn from this one verse. Today though, I want you to just think about where you are investing yourself. For years, I went on a hunt for joy. I finally found that my joy was in the moments of obedience to God. My joy could be in teaching a cl...

  My dear friend Susan wrote this devotion. I asked if I could post it because we all need to hear it. We can no longer avoid speaking. Enjoy! Thank God the disciples did NOT keep quiet! This devotional has been on my heart for a few weeks. I HAD to finally put "pen to paper". It begins with an incident where I pointed out “under God” was omitted in some instances of the Pledge of Allegiance. I was reprimanded “No politics, please!”. Failure to recognize our Creator is not political…I’d be upset no matter who did it. I began to reflect on the disciples, claiming Jesus was KING. They were viewed as making treasonous, political statements. Caesar was King! Luke 19:39-40 NIV 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Thank God the disciples did NOT keep quiet. All but John were martyred for acknowledging Jesus as our Savior. We live in a time where we as Christ...

  Today I sat and talked with a fellow ministry concerning maybe partnering with them. As we both shared from our mentoring experiences, I was impressed with an understanding I may have had but never put it into words. Satan uses our memories, experiences, and even our thoughts to trap us into silence when it comes to speaking God's truth into someone else's life. I cannot speak for any other teacher, but God requires me to live out what I teach. My students will tell you if I am struggling in an area, I am honest concerning that issue. I also tell them what God requires, and obedience is not optional. The Church, though, has allowed immoral behavior to be accepted, possibly because the sin at one point was in their life. It is almost like Satan has convinced us that you are disqualified from speaking God's word if you have sinned. Let me put it another way. Imagine that while you were at work that a broken filing cabinet took off the tip of your finger. While you were stan...

  “As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone’” Mark 10:17-18. I absolutely love the parable of the Wheat and the Tares. Here is the point of the story. You can’t tell the difference between a wheat plant or a tare (weed) when they start to grow. The distinction happens when they become mature. A mature tare stands proud out in the field with tiny black seeds on it. If you were to eat the seeds, it would cause you harm or death. The mature wheat plant bows its head in the field because it is heavy with life giving fruit. This earthly story with a heavenly meaning cuts to the core of how a Christ-follower should represent God. We must have a humble heart, which means we are teachable. If you are starting any sentence with “I am a good Christian,” please stop immediately and ask yourself. “Are the n...

  Fear of the unknown in 2020 has become overwhelming for many. Let’s just look at the run we had on toilet paper. The thought of having to do without was inconceivable. If the fear were just about the shortages in the grocery stores, people would have adapted. It is our health, finances, jobs, and businesses that are on the line. Media outlets our increasing our fear to push their agenda. I have resorted to recording the local news so I can watch just the three-minute weather segment. Unfortunately, a hurricane is heading towards the coast, which stirs up even more anxiety. But what are we commanded by God to do? Isaiah 8:12-13, God reminds His people Who they were to fear. “You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’ In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, and you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. It is the Lord of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread.” Funny how it sounds like they could have be...

  The month of October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. Many like me will never know their child’s name until we get to heaven. I do not know if it was a girl or a boy. I wondered if they have light eyes like me or big brown eyes like my love? To me, it is like a dream that stays in your head, that no one is interested in hearing. If they do listen, it is from pity, which no one ever wants. When I speak about my deceased mother, I speak with a smile that many receive that allows me to continue to tell them about my family. When it comes to infant deaths of all kinds, the mere mentions will cause people to flee like roaches when the light comes on. I believe that is why God had to command us to rejoice with those that rejoice and mourn with those that mourn. Investing in someone else’s sorrow is more than most people want to commit. I had a military friend that made a memorial plaque for her miscarried child. I was fascinated by the gesture because the unknown did not deter h...