Refracting Shadows

The shadows laying flat on the ground are barely noticeable to those who walk by. Only the people who look down at the pavement become aware of their existence. But as the shadows reach the white garage door, they change direction. They stand up and reflects the glory of things yet to come.

What we are called to do may lay flat and hidden, like the shadows on the pavement that no one pays attention to. We may feel like our dreams are only shadows of things we cannot grasp, and that our talents are disregarded by others. But when we bring our hope and our calling into the light of Jesus Christ, He showers His grace upon us. He sets our dreams upright, so others can see them. He shows us that everything we do needs to rise up in the light of His love. God bends us toward success by reminding us that the good work He started in us, He will bring to completion as we trust, rejoice and yield to Him.

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Be Filled With Joy!

Be filled with joy today. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, the leaves sway in the breeze. The birds are singing, the grass is greening, the sky is clear and blue.

Be filled with joy today. Christ is for you, His love surrounds you, His Kingdom resides within. His grace is upon you, His blessings are on you. Reach out and gather them in.

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River Journey

From the top of the high mountain, Anne could see where she needed to be. Many mountain ranges stood between her and her destination, and they were too steep to climb. Anne would have to travel by river, and the only available water craft was a canoe.

The canoe was large enough for two people, plus supplies. Anne would need to travel with someone who knew how to navigate the mighty rivers — someone that she could trust. She found the right person standing by the canoe. She told him that she was inexperienced and barely knew how to swim. He handed her a life jacket and told her to step in. He also gave her one instruction. She was to sit facing him. Anne protested. She wanted to see where she was going. How could the journey be any fun if she couldn't see what was up ahead? Her navigator told her that if she saw the dangers in front of her, she would panic. He said the only safe way for her to travel and enjoy the journey was to look at him. Anne reluctantly agreed.

The journey led Anne into deep waters, through roaring rapids, and onto a peaceful lake. She weathered gale-force winds, pouring rain, scorching sun, and freezing cold nights. Anne learned how to dodge overhanging trees, wade through mud, and help carry the canoe around waterfalls. The journey has been long, and she still hasn't completed it, but Anne has learned how to better trust her navigator, Jesus Christ.

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Are you looking for a great book to read during Lent, listen to a 2-minute reading from Awaken Me! 40 Day Challenge. Click here.

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Hidden Flowers

Somewhere beneath the surface of the gloomy winter, growth is taking place. Seeds of new ideas are beginning to take root. Rays of sunshine are seeping through the cracks, bringing light to the dark areas of our hearts. Faith is increasing. Hope is growing stronger. God is strengthening His people.

The Lord is calling us to rise up and step into the richness of His grace. That which is not yet seen will become visible. And the beauty that is hidden will spring forth. Resist looking at the gloominess around you. Grab hold of your faith in Jesus Christ and gaze into the brightness of His mighty love. For in the light of His love, all things are possible.

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If you haven't yet found an uplifting devotional book to read during Lent, check out Awaken Me! 40 Day Challenge. To see and hear a 2-minute reading from this book, click here.

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Frozen in Action

Like a movie stopped in the middle of an action scene, this droplet of melting snow froze as the temperature dropped. The action it tried to complete must wait for a warmer day. Meanwhile, we are privileged to see the beauty of the intricate parts within the droplet. Air bubbles, perfectly formed spheres, and cylinder shaped objects float in a miniature world. Reflected shadows and streaming light create an environment of soft curves. Even the stick adds a bit of mystery to this tiny world.

Yet, there is something about this frozen droplet that we can relate to. Sometimes our actions or our plans come to a halt. Sometimes we are placed on hold and must wait. And in our waiting, we can ask ourselves if we exhibit the beauty of Christ within us, so those around us can delight in what they see.

Lord Jesus, too often we become impatient when we have to wait. We get upset when our plans are put on hold. We get irritated when we can't finish what we started. Forgive us. Help us to become aware of the opportunities that "waiting" presents. Help us to use these moments to turn our thoughts to You and offer simple prayers, words of thanksgiving, or songs of praise.

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Fish Story

With a gentle calmness and quiet curiosity, the big fish swims to the end of the tank to greet the little boy. It does not swim off and hide like the other fish. It is not nervous, jittery or fearful, like its companions. It appears confident and unruffled, exhibiting a tranquility that seems uncommon to fish.

The boy stares eye-to-eye at the fish, then runs to the other side of the tank. The fish follows. The boy runs back again. The fish chases after the boy like a puppy chasing after its owner. The boy stops and looks intently at the fish. The fish stares back. The boy shows the water creature its new toy. The fish eyes the toy with interest. The boy talks to the fish. The fish listens intently.

The connection between the fish and the boy seems uncanny. While the other fish are consumed with self-preservation and staying close to protective crevices, the white fish appears to be more interested in things beyond itself. It shows no fear. It seems eager to connect with the outside world.

Just like this white fish, we need to learn to walk through life with a gentle curiosity about people, about creatures unlike ourselves, and about God. When artist Natalie Totire saw this photograph, she said, "There is just something admirable and attractive about animals that take an active interest in humans and what they're doing. It's almost an example of how we should act toward God."

May the Holy Spirit strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ and give you grace to take an active interest in what God the Father is doing today.

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Welcoming the New Year

Walking along the brightly-lit path was a challenge for the blind man. He couldn't see the rocks in front of him or know the danger of the slippery slope on one side. He didn't notice the people who rushed past him, or recognize the boys who shoved him aside. But each time he fell down, he reached for the hand that helped him up, and continued walking.

Through wind and rain he trudged onward. Through snow and ice he kept moving until he reached the goal. When he stepped across the finish line, people cheered. His children hugged him. Friends patted him on the back.

A small child stood off to one side, watching. When the noise quieted down, she walked over to the blind man and took hold of his hand. Pulling him aside, she whispered something into His ear. The man smiled, and said, "Yes." Then the girl whispered something else. The man said, "Yes," again. The child giggled and skipped off to play.

A lady standing next to the man asked him what the child wanted. He replied, "She asked me if I knew Isaiah 42:16."

The woman pressed him for more information. "What is Isaiah 42:16?"

The man cleared his throat, and said, "The Lord said, 'I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.'"

"Oh," the lady replied. "What else did the child ask you?"

The man smiled. "She wanted to know if Jesus Christ was my Savior, and I told her that He was."

May you walk into the New Year with confidence that the Lord will lead you through the storms of life. May you know that Jesus Christ will never forsake you, no matter who you are, or what you did, or what situation you are in. Whether you are sick or healthy, rich or poor, blind or have good eyesight, the Lord will lead you onward and teach you His ways, so you can be filled with peace. And when you receive God's peace, you can bring peace to every situation, and watch God's glory overshadow the darkness.

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The Gift of a New Day

Darkness slowly crawls into the background as the sun peeks its head over the horizon. It's another dawn, another day, another opportunity to enter into life. But am I ready to embrace the gifts that await me?

As the sun rises, will my heart also rise up with brightness and joy? When the daylight pushes away the darkness, will I also be willing to let go of yesterday's pain? When the sparkling dew or the morning frost washes the day with newness, will I also be willing to wash away the memories of past mistakes so I can embrace the new opportunities that come today?

Awaken, O my soul, and enter into this new day with a right heart, a positive attitude, and forward-facing thoughts. Help me, Heavenly Father, to embrace your gift of a new day with joy and thankfulness. Thank you, Jesus Christ, that You will be walking me through today. Holy Spirit, break through every barrier that binds me, and let me feel your guidance every step of the way.

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Dancing Frost

Sparkling in the sunlight, the heavy frost takes on the appearance of a million diamonds. An even coat of dazzling white covers the gray roof. But it's the way the sun makes the ice crystals dance on the shingles, that catches my attention.

There are times when I feel frozen, like the roof across the street. I can't seem to budge from the place where I'm stuck. I need someone to shed light on my thinking, pull me out from the shadows, and enable me to see beauty in the tough situations. And this is where my Savior comes in. It's in the light of God's love where I can get up and dance, instead of sitting and sulking. It's warmth and compassion of Christ's heart that lifts me up, when I'm down in the dumps. It's the joy of Jesus that awakens my soul to delight in His ways, and strengthens my weary body.

So when I see the sun shining on the morning frost, and the beauty of the glimmering ice particles, I remember the Lord. For only Jesus Christ can thaw out my icy attitude and show me how to bless, despite the frigidness of the conditions around me.

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May you breakthrough every obstacle that is keeping you from the abundant joy found in Jesus Christ. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Be Like a Child

It is good to practice being like a child — to sing in the rain, to dance in the storms, to watch the puffy, white clouds go by. And sometimes, to get silly.

It is good to let go of our worries and cares, by placing them in the capable hands of Jesus Christ, so we can bask in the light of His love, be filled with God's wonderful peace, and experience joy in our heart.

May you practice being like a child today, and enjoy the freedom that comes from Jesus Christ.



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For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Rocky Cliff

Stained with streaks of sulfur and iron, the rocky cliff appeared to be void of life. No plants grew between its tiny cracks. No small rodents scurried along the narrow ledges. No reptiles poked their heads out of the weather-carved holes. But as my eyes moved upward, numerous trees, colored in their fall glory, graced the top of the cliff. How surprising to see an abundance of foliage with trunks well-rooted in the rock below.

Seeing these trees gave me a clearer image of what "building a foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ" means. It means that I can grow, flourish and stand tall like these trees. It means that my roots can go deep down into the Word of God. It means that there is something solid and dependable that is holding me up and keeping me from toppling over. It means that I should endure because there will be abundant growth at the end of the rugged, barren-like journey.

How amazing is the Lord God Almighty, that He illustrates His scriptural truths in nature and in the way He shapes the earth. How delightful it is to discover a visual example of His teaching. Highest praises to the Lord God Most High. Highest praises to Jehovah.

May you breakthrough every obstacle that is keeping you from enjoying the splendor and love of Jesus Christ. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

The Gift of Refreshing

The early morning sun shines on the huge maple tree, highlighting the tips of its branches that are turning yellow. Joy rises up in my heart at the beautiful sight. Not only does the tree look illuminated in the sun's rays, but it also appears to be standing in quiet reverence. Not a single leaf is moving under the clear, blue sky.

A hush comes upon me. I can feel the love of God. The magnificent sight of the maple in light is an invitation to bask in the light of Jesus Christ. I feel a nudge to quiet my anxious thoughts and be still — to be still and know that God is God. How refreshing it feels to be still in the light of the Lord. Thank you, Lord God Almighty, for this morning gift of refreshing.

May you breakthrough every obstacle that is keeping you from feeling the love of God and receiving the refreshing of Jesus Christ. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

The Wind, the Ant, and the Leaf

The hard-working ant searched diligently for food, climbing over grass, under leaves, and across the wooden fence. Food was scarce, the day grew long, and the ant traveled too far. It became confused, frightened and lost. A gentle breeze began to blow. The ant felt the power of the wind on its body and watched the dried leaves scatter across the lawn. The ant decided to speak to the wind as best as it could. It climbed on top of a brown leaf and looked towards the sky. Somehow, the wind understood, and gently lifted the brown leaf into the air. The leaf swirled round and round, and up and down. At first, the ant became dizzy and disoriented, but soon adjusted the thrill of sailing on the wind. After a while, it began to feel tired, closed its eyes, and fell asleep. When the ant woke up, it was back home, surrounded by its family.

Like the ant, we sometimes loose our way. We become tired, confused and disoriented when resources shrink and opportunities diminish. Then we remember God's scriptural promises, and the ability of Jesus Christ to lift us up. We remember the power of the Holy Spirit, and the ways God can turn every situation into an opportunity to strengthen our faith and our trust in Him. And as our hearts shift from the negative around us to the excitement of sailing on the wind of God's Holy Spirit, the Lord lifts us up. We begin to see life from a different perspective, and hope enters our hearts.

May you breakthrough every obstacle that is keeping you from enjoying the splendor and love of Jesus Christ. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Rise Up and Release Your Talents

Rise up, O child of the Living God.

Rise up in Jesus Christ.

Rise up and praise God, who loves you with an everlasting love.

The Great I AM is with you.

The Great I AM is for you.

The Great I AM blesses and strengthens you.

Rise up. Rejoice. And be glad!

Picture yourself bending and swaying joyfully in the wind, like the leaves and branches on a tree. God is with you and He is for you. He blesses you and strengthens you.

Special Event:

Let the Holy Spirit enhance your creativity at this upcoming event:

Art & Writing Seminar and Workshops

Saturday, October 8, 2011

"Release Your Talents"

Workshops in sketching, self-publishing a paperback or E-book, and creating art with paper and fabric. For more details go to: www.promisegarden.com

May you breakthrough every obstacle that is keeping you from rising up in the mighty love of Jesus Christ. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Sunrise on the Edge of a Hurricane

The sun rises on the edge of hurricane Lee. In life, the beautiful and the terrible often walk side by side. Too many Pennsylvania rivers overflowed their banks; too many people were evacuated from their homes; too many valuables were washed away. During the days of high winds and the intense flooding that followed, babies were born, a wedding took place, surgery was performed, cancer removed, and friends reunited. There were laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, celebrations and devastation.

Yet in the middle of these two extremes, the love of Jesus Christ was found by those who looked for God. He was the One who watched over and protected the children when their schools were evacuated. He was the One who could see the road when the pouring rain and the passing trucks made visibility impossible. He was the One who sent His angels to watch over people in surgery. Highest praises to the Lord God Almighty, who is with us in both the good times and the bad.

May we breakthrough the obstacles that are keeping us embracing the comfort and the love of Jesus Christ. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Roaring Power

The neighborhood was relatively quiet. It was a peaceful afternoon, with a warm breeze and plenty of sunshine. Out of nowhere came the increasing rumble of a freight train. It tooted its whistle and rushed by like a roaring wind, shaking everything in its path. Then it was gone.

Though the passing train lasted only a few minutes, the impression it left on me lingered for quite some time. My life was interrupted by its powerful approach, I was awakened by its thunder-like rumble, and stirred by its tremendous strength. There was no way that I could have not noticed the change in atmosphere.

Then a question came to mind. Will I let God's mighty love interrupt my every thought and every action? Jesus Christ wants His people to see the powerful positive effects of His love. He wants to interrupt our lives to radically change us so we will never desire our old ways again. Do I want a radical change? Am I willing to embrace Jesus Christ and His Kingdom in every thought, word and action? Will I be willing to be like the mighty freight train, interrupting the quiet, little world of the folks around me with the mighty power of God's amazing love?

May all of us breakthrough the obstacles that are keeping us from entering into the splendor of God's majesty. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Opportunities

Yesterday, the poplar tree was shining in its golden glory. Today, most of the leaves have fallen to the ground. It's one day of splendor came and went as the tree gave up its gold to cloth the earth in a protective covering of leaves.

Opportunities to see glorious things, like the tall tree shining in its brilliant colors, come and go quickly. Many times we miss out on the radiant joy of being in awe of what Jesus Christ does or the splendor that comes with getting to know Him better. Our schedules get over-booked, we decide we're not ready, or are afraid to seek more of the Lord. But what would happen if we choose to stand in the brilliance of God's glory, not just once in a while, but everyday?

Heavenly Father, open our hearts up to the magnificence of who You are, to the splendor of your glory, and to the riches of your Kingdom. Help us to enter into the beauty of your ways and the awesomeness of your days.

May you breakthrough the obstacles that are keeping you from entering into the splendor of God's majesty. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Suddenly

Overnight, the foliage on the huge tree across the street turned yellow-orange. This morning, its leaves glisten like gold in the awakening sun. What a beautiful sight to see! Yesterday, all the trees on the street were green. But today, the largest one stands tall in the splendor of its new color.

Change happens. And it can happen suddenly. Many times we grow weary in waiting for problems and issues to be resolved. Sometimes they seem to go on and on, like the long, hot summer, with no end in sight. But as we continue to trust in Jesus Christ, we discover there is a season for everything. We come to understand that God is a God of suddenlies. And when the time is right, the Lord God will suddenly change the our situation, like He did to the tree across the street, and bring us into a time of splendor and glory, as we shine in the light of His mighty love.

May you breakthrough the obstacles that are keeping you from basking in the light of Christ's love. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Before and After

A while ago, the room was dark. But now it's light. When it was dark, I stumbled across the bedroom floor. But now, everyone on the carpet is clearly visible. In the dark, I had to search the wall for a light switch. Now, there is enough brightness streaming in from the window to write by. What a difference one hour makes! What a difference Jesus Christ makes.

Before I welcomed Jesus Christ into my heart, worry and fear were, too often, my companions. Now the joy of the Lord and the peace of God highlight my day. Before discovering the grace of God, I stumbled through life, often times, making wrong decisions and trying to figure out life on my own. Now I have Someone who guides my way and lights up the path before me. Before I knew the reality of the Son of God, I was often sad and lonely, and found myself in situations without hope. Now my hope is in Christ and He is the One who is growing and prospering me in Him. What a difference that one hour made when I asked God to make Jesus real to me.

May you breakthrough the obstacles that are keeping you from basking in the light of Christ's love. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Dancing Diamonds

Rippling water sparkles in the early morning sunlight. Millions of dazzling diamonds ride the waves in a parade of joyful celebration. What a beautiful sight is the dance of light and water interacting in playful delight.

The God who creates beauty on the water creates beauty in us, too. We become like sparkling diamonds when we move and dance in the light of God. We radiate with joy and delight when we reflect the love of God. We glow with the glory of the Lord as we set our eyes on Jesus Christ and rejoice in Him, knowing that He sings over us. For we are diamonds in the rough being refined by Christ's love.

May you breakthrough the barriers that are keeping you from dancing in the light of God's love. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com