Man-eating Miracle
“My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. …” The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. (Daniel 6:22-23 NLT)
It was Easter Sunday. At a church in West Africa, the congregation was absorbed in worshiping God and giving glory to him for his sacrifice and resurrection. They had no idea that danger had entered their village.
That danger came in the form of a lioness. Wild and angry, she entered the village, killed several livestock animals, and two people. As she approached the congregation, they realized what was happening and shook with fear. But their pastor shouted, “Don’t be afraid! The God that saved Daniel from the lions is here!” And with that, a lightning bolt shot out of the clear blue sky and struck the lioness, killing her instantly. When the police showed up to investigate, all they could say was, “The God of these people must be a God of miracles.”
God is a God of miracles. And he’s not afraid to use his power to protect his people. I think though that his people could do a better job trusting him. Here in America, we think we’re pretty self-sufficient. We have our own houses, jobs, multiple ways to make food in even the tiniest kitchen, places to exercise, to relax, to hang out with friends. Maybe in all this luxury, we forget that the entire universe is held together by God’s hands alone and that we are entirely dependent on him. God made this world perfect all the way down to the last oxygen molecule so earth would be safe for human life.
Human beings really can’t do anything independently. Everything we do relies on God in someway. We just don’t realize it.
Take time today to tell God you trust him. Take time to remind yourself that you are not truly in control of anything but you know the One who is. When tough times come, we don’t have to be afraid because God is on our side and He has the power to make miracles happen.
Simple Joy
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:7, NIV)
Satisfy us in the morning wi th your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14, NIV)
On November 13, 2012, my family and I flew into Haiti. Haiti is a small country located off the southern coast of Florida in the Caribbean Sea. It’s the poorest country in the western hemisphere and terrifically humid to boot. So why was my family of five there? We were there to meet a little boy for the very first time, the little boy we are in the process of adopting.
My family and I found our luggage, boarded our adoption group’s bus, and drove to the hotel. We checked in, unloaded are bags in our room, climbed back in the bus, and were driven to the orphanage. We drove over rocky roads that hadn’t been paved in more than 40 years. People walked by carrying baskets on their heads or sat by the side of the road selling things. When the bus was stopped in traffic, boys ran up. From outside the windows, they offered to clean the bus for money.
When my family and the other adopting families arrived at the orphanage, the kids were happy to see us and all the families were happy to meet the kids they were adopting. We stayed at the orphanage for around three hours. While my parents held my little brother, I got to spend time with some teenaged girls, Miliane and Addy. Miliane showed me how to play jacks with rocks. She and Addy took turns holding my camera and clicking through the hundreds of photos on the camera display three times or more! My little brother himself found entertainment with a plastic bottle cap and a sippy cup.
It surprised me how these kids found entertainment and joy in such simple things. Who knew what they had been through already in their lives? Surrounded by so much poverty, how could they still find joy in such simple things? But maybe it’s the opposite than what I’m thinking. Maybe the harder people’s lives are and the more desperately they must lean on God, the more He shows them the simple, beautiful things he puts in life to bring them joy.
Here in America where we have so much technology and so many things to do, our lives are so busy. I wonder how many times we passed up the beautiful things God puts in our lives to bless us. Try taking time today to slow down and see the things that God has blessed you with. I can guarantee that God’s gifts—no matter how big or small or simple—will bring you joy.
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My name’s Danielle Dodge. I’ve found it’s a hard job to summarize fourteen years of life into a small paragraph so I’ll just mention a few things. I’m an avid writer and reader. I love to write young adult fiction/fantasy novels and devotionals. I’m a ballerina, a violinist, an amateur photographer and an amateur horseback rider. I like BIG words, bright colors, cats, and of course, chocolate. And if you didn’t guess already, I’m a born again Christian, follower of Jesus Christ.
More Than Conquerors
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
Once there was a king. This king was going into battle with his army. They would be fighting a much bigger, stronger, fiercer army, and the king’s men were afraid. Before the battle, the king went out to his men and held up a coin. He told them that one side of the coin had a bear stamped on it and the other side had an eagle. He would flip the coin, and if it landed eagle-side up, the king and his army would win. The soldiers held their breath as the king flipped the coin. To their great joy and amazement, it landed eagle side up. The king and his army marched into battle and won a great victory. Afterward, it was revealed that both sides of the coin had eagles stamped on it.
Do you ever feel like you’re fighting a losing battle? Every day has bad things that happen in it, and sometimes it feels like every single one of those bad things happens to you. I know we all must get to a point where we wonder, “If God is all-powerful, then why do I feel like I’m losing?” Did you know that God has already won the victory? Yep, that’s right! God won the ultimate victory through Jesus’ death on the cross. And by reading the Bible, we can know that in the end, God wins the battle against Satan too.
So continue to fight the good fight! We can know that no matter what we go through day to day, God has already won the victory. He is already the conqueror over sin, death, and Satan.
And that’s something to cheer about as we march in God’s army.
My name’s Danielle Dodge. I’ve found it’s a hard job to summarize fourteen years of life into a small paragraph so I’ll just mention a few things. I’m an avid writer and reader. I love to write young adult fiction/fantasy novels and devotionals. I’m a ballerina, a violinist, an amateur photographer and an amateur horseback rider. I like BIG words, bright colors, cats, and of course, chocolate. And if you didn’t guess already, I’m a born again Christian, follower of Jesus Christ.
The difference a “U” makes.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)
Lee Bramlett is a missionary that works with the Hdi culture, translating the Bible into their language.
One night in a dream, God urged Lee to look up the word “love” in Hdi. In his study of the language, Lee had found that verbs in Hdi always end in “A”, “I”, or “U”. He looked for the word “love” and found forms of it ending in “A” and “I”. Why no “U”? In search of an answer, he asked the Hdi translation committee.
Lee asked, “Could you ‘dvi’ your wife?”
The translators replied, “Yes. That would mean you used to love your wife. Now the love is gone.”
Then Lee asked, “Could you ‘dva’ your wife?”
“You could,” answered the leaders. “It would be love based off your wife’s actions. You would love her as long as she cleaned the house, cooked the meals, and remained loyal to you.”
Finally Lee asked, “Could you ‘dvu’ your wife?”
The leaders laughed. “Of course not! If you said that, you would have to continue loving your wife no matter what she did, even if she never got you water, never made you meals. Even if she committed adultery, you would be compelled to just keep on loving her. No, we would never say ‘dvu.’ It just doesn’t exist.”
Lee thought quietly for a minute and then he said, “Could God ‘dvu’ people?”
Now it was the leaders turn to be silent for several minutes. Then tears started to trickle down their faces. “Do you know what this would mean? This would mean that God continued loving us over and over, millennia after millennia, while all that time we rejected His great love. He is compelled to love us, even though we have sinned more than any people.”
One simple vowel, and the meaning was changed from “I love you based on what you do,” to “I love you based on who I am and who I created you to be.”
I think sometimes we forget how much God loves us and how much He sacrifices for us. We live life as if we don’t owe God our entire existence. Other times, we think He loves us because of what we do and how much we accomplish. We try to do enough good actions to counteract our wrong actions, to make us worthy of God’s love. But it’s not possible to right our wrong with our good. Neither is it possible to make God love us anymore since He already loves us to the max! God loves us for who He created us to be no matter what we’ve done.
Instead of trying to earn His love or living like His love doesn’t matter, we need to accept God’s love and let His light shine through us, making us more like Him everyday.
My name’s Danielle Dodge. I’ve found it’s a hard job to summarize fourteen years of life into a small paragraph so I’ll just mention a few things. I’m an avid writer and reader. I love to write young adult fiction/fantasy novels and devotionals. I’m a ballerina, a violinist, an amateur photographer and an amateur horseback rider. I like BIG words, bright colors, cats, and of course, chocolate. And if you didn’t guess already, I’m a born again Christian, follower of Jesus Christ.
Who’s Your Father?
Yet to all who did receive [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)
He was only a boy, but he already knew about shame and humiliation. He did his best to stay away from people and crowded places. He was the illegitimate son of a woman in eastern Tennessee in the 1800s. His name was Ben Hooper.
Ben Hooper always dreaded the questions people asked. “Boy, who’s your father?” or “Whose boy are you?” It didn’t matter if it was just a stranger or someone he knew ready to humiliate him. It always brought a stab of pain to his heart to be reminded that he didn’t have a dad.
Then a new preacher came to pastor the church in Ben’s hometown. Ben attended church on the Sunday that the new preacher was going to speak. This preacher taught about how “Abba” is the Hebrew word for father and that God is Abba to His people. Ben was amazed at what he was hearing and became so absorbed in the sermon that he forgot to sneak out of church early. As it was, Ben got stuck in the after-church crowd pouring out of the building.
The new preacher stood next to the door saying goodbye to each person as they left. When Ben shuffled by, the pastor said, “Who are you, son? Whose boy are you?”
Ben’s heart sank at the dreaded question but the preacher suddenly added, “Wait a minute. I know who you are. The family resemblance is unmistakable. You’re a child of God!” He patted Ben on the back. “That’s quite an inheritance, son. Go and claim it!”
Ben Hooper went on to serve two terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives and also be elected and reelected state governor.
We humans all used to be like illegitimate children. But when Jesus Christ came to give his life for us, He claimed us as God’s own. Now that we are children of God, we share in God’s inheritance for His people, His children. Sometimes we forget we’re God’s children and let ourselves believe Satan’s lie that we’re not important. But for those of us who are saved by Jesus’ blood, everyone is part of God’s family.
As the pastor in Ben’s church said, “That’s quite an inheritance. Go and claim it!”
Danielle Dodge is a fourteen-year-old girl who lives in Missoula, Montana. She’s in love with writing and reading. She also enjoys playing the violin, dancing, and horseback riding.
Never Forsaken
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b NIV)
Every January, my family watches the video. Every January, we watch Dad filming Mom and my sister as the three wait with their adoption group in the Chinese hotel. Then, out of a doorway steps a man carrying a round bundle of . . . clothes. Inside the ball of yellow and red is a nineteen-month-old baby girl.
The man walks over to my parents and hands the baby to Mom. The moment the little girl changes hands, her face crumples up and she bursts into tears.
I don’t remember that moment, but it’s easy to understand why I started crying. I had been living with a foster family for a while, and I must have thought they were my family. Then, I was handed off to three strangers and taken away to their hotel room. My nineteen-month-old brain must have been thinking, Who are these people? Where are they taking me? I want to go back to my other mommy!
Needless to say, I adapted to my new family. Now as a fourteen-year-old, I can’t imagine having any others parents. But it’s not just adopted babies who feel confused, scared, and alone. I think everyone gets to a point sometime in their life where they are hurting inside and feel alone. In those moments, people need to turn to God’s promise in Hebrews 13:5 that says He will never forsake or leave us. If people don’t turn to God for comfort, then they’ll turn to worldly things for that satisfaction of being loved. Worldly things promise fulfillment but they never come through on their promises.
Unlike God. God always comes through on His promises, especially the one that says He will never leave us. He is always with us through every trial, storm, or hurt.
Whenever you feel alone, turn to God as your source of comfort and love. Open up the Bible and let His word encourage you. You could also go to a close Christian friend, tell them how you’re feeling, and have them pray with you.
Whatever makes you hurt or feel alone, know that God sees you and He loves you. He will never leave you or forsake you.
Danielle Dodge
Danielle Dodge is a fourteen-year-old girl who lives in Missoula, Montana. She’s in love with writing and reading. She also enjoys playing the violin, dancing, and horseback riding.
Sunflower
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. (Romans 14:17-18 NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12 NIV)
What’s big, tall, embodies sunshine, and brings a smile to anyone’s face? A sunflower! My mom loves sunflowers, so, of course she grows a lot of them. A funny thing about sunflowers is that the seeds spread. Every summer, bright yellow flowers pop up in unexpected places, like along the sidewalk, next to the front porch and in the pumpkin patch.
Did you know that the tallest sunflower ever was grown by Hans-Peter Schiffer in Germany in 2009? It was 26 feet and 4 inches tall. The largest head of a sunflower was 32 ¼ inches in diameter and it was grown by Emily Martin in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada in 1983.
I think God must have really enjoyed creating sunflowers, because even though they’re plants, they express a bit of God. They’re so cheerful and joyous with their brilliant colors. I believe God has a sense of humor and loves to smile and have fun. After all, if we humans like to laugh, then wouldn’t our Creator love to as well?
It’s also pretty funny how sunflower seeds spread out and the plants grow in different places. It’s a bit like joy. Joy is infectious and can’t help but spread. If you’ve ever been talking to someone who is smiling and joyful and you start to feel their happiness rubbing off on you, you know what I mean.
We can get pretty wrapped up in life sometimes and life can be awfully serious. Now and then we need to remember to smile. Can you remember the last time you smiled in the last 12 hours and were really, genuinely happy? If not, do it now! And even if you don’t feel cheerful, sometimes just smiling at yourself in the mirror or making funny faces can make you happy.
God loves His children and wants us to be joyful in all things. That must be one of the reasons He made sunflowers: to remind us to smile!
Danielle Dodge
Danielle Dodge is a fourteen-year-old girl who lives in Missoula, Montana. She’s in love with writing and reading. She also enjoys playing the violin, dancing, and horseback riding.
Adventure With God
Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. (1 Corinthians 1:7-9, The Message, emphasis mine)
I climbed on top of the car, lay against the back window, and gripped the edges of the open windows along the sides. A friend of mine climbed up and wrapped an arm around my waist. In front of us, a boy sprawled across the front part of the roof. Five other people were crammed inside the vehicle.
When we were ready, the driver started driving, slowly at first but then picking up a bit of speed until we were going about twenty-five miles per hour.
My church’s youth group was holding a retreat. Eight of us were on a bathroom trip since the campsite we were staying at had none.
We drove up the road, music blaring from all the open windows, night air blowing in my face, tangling my hair into hopeless knots. I giggled. Who knew youth group retreat would be so amazing?
That was an incredible moment. It felt so fun and adventurous. I look back on that scene with a smile. I think God likes His children to have adventure. He likes it when we go out of our comfort zone to glorify Him. God enjoys having fun as much as we humans do. After all, wouldn’t the Creator instill in His creations the things He loves? God must have been watching with a smile as I rode on top of that car.
Once or twice this week, you could step out of your comfort zone and do something fun (don’t forget to invite God to do it with you!). You could go on a walk and listen for His voice or you could tell a random stranger that God loves them.
Whatever you do, know that having adventures with God builds your relationship with Him. It’s like knowing your best friend. When you talk to your best friend, you can recall fun experiences you’ve had together. It’s the same with God except that adventures with Him are even better!
Danielle Dodge
Danielle Dodge is a fourteen-year-old girl who lives in Missoula, Montana. She’s in love with writing and reading. She also enjoys playing the violin, dancing, and horseback riding.
Death by Waterslide?
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 NIV)
“I’m going down the orange one,” I told my older sister.
We climbed up the stairs to the top of the waterslides. My sister walked to the line for the open-top, green slide. I stood in line for the closed-top, orange slide. The dark hole gaped at me.
Heart hammering, I sat down and pushed myself in. I lay back and zipped down an unexpected drop-off. I started going faster and faster, whizzing through the darkness so fast I couldn’t scream. The only thought running through my head was, I’m going to crash and die at the bottom.
Light glinted up the sides of the slide. I plugged my nose and in a rush of water, I splashed into the pool. I jumped up, wiped the water out of my eyes, and stumbled around, trying to get my bearings. My head spun with dizziness. But I was alive. I was elated at the realization.
Sin can seem like we’re whizzing down a long, dark slide and there’s no way to slow down or stop. We just have to wait for the bottom where we’re going to crash and die.
In truth, sin’s much different. Sin is more like a playground slide where we can grab the edges of it and stop whenever we choose. Sin feels like it’s uncontrollable but it’s quite the contrary. Jesus died and rose again so He could give the gift of forgiveness to us. Because of forgiveness, we don’t have to continue in sin until we crash. We can come back whenever we choose.
If you feel yourself sliding into sin, stop where you are and pray for God to give you the strength to resist the devil. And if you are already on a downward spiral of sin, you can still pray and ask God’s forgiveness. He is always ready and willing to forgive. He will never turn you away.
Jesus didn’t die and rise from the grave for His people to cower back in fear, unable to fight sin. He gave us the power to fight the devil and resist temptation and sin. With Jesus on your side, you are stronger than you know. Go fight the good fight.
Danielle Dodge “Waterslide” Devo
Danielle Dodge is a fourteen-year-old girl who lives in Missoula, Montana. She’s in love with writing and reading. She also enjoys playing the violin, dancing, and horseback riding.
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