The Inkers Pen

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17 NKJV We’ve all taken a swim inside a tidal wave of chaos. You're looking for help, but no one has an answer. The electrified stress you’re dealing with is problematic. Devices won’t sync. Music won’t play. Anxieties rise. Your eyes scan the room for help, and the countdown continues toward the zero mark. Surely someone can help, someone knows something. An observer in the background stands with arms crossed—silent, calm, watching. They had the knowledge to bring peace into the chaos … but did not. Instead of stepping in, they stepped back. Not only did they withhold help—they smirked at the frantic attempts to fix what they themselves could’ve handled. They allowed the pressure to rise. They let people sink under the weight of failure. And sadly, they enjoyed it. Then, for whatever reason, the observer decided to “save the day.” His action looked like a rescue. It felt like grace. But it wasn’t. It was manipulation in disguise. A cruel game of withholding help for the sake of what? … personal control? Spite? The "save" may have looked like success in the end, but something much deeper was lost in the process: Integrity. Our Jesus calls us to be something better, to do better. When we withhold help that could ease someone’s burden, when we watch others struggle just for spite, we aren’t walking in love. Nope. We’re walking in pride; we’re trolling with hate. You see, integrity isn’t measured by what we do when eyes are on us—it’s measured by what we do when no one expects anything. Jesus wants us to do good. In fact, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 NKJV). Dear friend, this devotion isn’t about the chaos—it’s about the heart. Jesus didn’t watch from a distance while we floundered in the undertow of a tidal wave’s chaos. No. He dove in. He gave everything—even His life—so we wouldn’t drown alone. Let’s be like that. Let’s be people of integrity. People who serve, who step forward and help with a full heart of love and kindness. Heavenly Father, Help me to always see others through your eyes. When problems arise, may I always respond with love, humility, and integrity. If spite rears its ugly head, teach me to serve from the heart, to help when there is a need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Spritual Sparks Have you ever withheld help when you knew you could’ve made a difference? What held you back—and what might Jesus be inviting you to do differently next time?

"But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NKJV What does the word faithful mean to you? Does it mean family and friends? Do you think of your dog? Cat? Maybe the ancient geyser “Old Faithful” erupts inside your brain? (No pun intended;-) Anyhow, here's Google's definition of faithful: being loyal, true, and reliable, particularly in relationships or when adhering to promises, duties, or obligations. As I read the definition, God and all His promises came to mind. I thought of Jesus walking out of the tomb, Lazarus coming to life, and the woman at the well. Let's not forget about the apostle Paul. This man stayed loyal and true toward God throughout his entire prison term—and God's faithfulness never failed him once. Think about it: there's a double-sided faithfulness going on here or in layman's term: God had Paul's back, and Paul had God's back. I love the imagery of God guarding Paul's back, standing as his shield on the battlefield. I can see Paul charging forward, sword drawn—not of steel, but of Spirit—preaching God's Word with divine protection. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Paul says, “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” That's not just a feel-good fortune cookie quote. No. Those words were written by Paul, a promise etched in eternity. Paul also testifies, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12 NKJV). God didn't choose Paul because he had it all together—lest we forget Saul. He chose Paul because our God is faithful to strengthen and empower the willing. You see, God always has your back. Dear friend, faithfulness isn't about perfection. It's about presence. It's about showing up like Old Faithful— constant, regular, and maybe even a little dramatic sometimes. But also, steady and dependable, and handing your whole heart over to God. You don't have to be flawless for God to guard your back—only faithful ... and just like Old Faithful erupting on cue, our God always arrives on time with grace, strength, and protection. Heavenly Father, Thank You for always showing up—for guarding my heart, my back, and my calling. Strengthen me to return that faithfulness, not perfectly, but persistently. Teach me to be steady in my love, loyal in my service, and bold in my trust. Help me be like Old Faithful—reliable, ready, and rooted in You. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks Think of a time when God "had your back." What did that look like, and how did it shape your faith to have His back?

“He is not here, for he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:6 KJV As the first rays of dawn pierce through night’s veil, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (Matthew 28:1 KJV) make their way to Jesus’ tomb. The air is thick with dew and sorrow, and their hearts are heavy with grief. They carry the silent echoes of a lost love. Each step is slow, as if their souls are afraid of what they may or may not find. As they approach the tomb, Heaven shakes the earth and the ground trembles beneath their feet. A radiant angel descends, bright as lightning, clad in a robe as pure as freshly fallen snow. He rolls away the stone—not with effort, but with authority—and sits atop it, as though to say: The door to eternity now stands open and death lies dethroned. The women freeze in a storm of confusion and awe. Grief still clings, but something new flickers. As they peer inside the tomb—eyes wide, breath held—a spark of wonder ignites. The tomb. Empty. Desperation grips their gaze as the angel speaks words that turn the world upside down: “He is not here, for he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6 KJV). The stone slab on which Jesus laid, now a vacant space where eternity broke through time. The unthinkable made real! Death—rewritten by Love. Resurrection doesn’t just challenge faith. It invites us into a divine mystery—where God’s promises soar beyond all human doubt. You see, in a world obsessed with proof and logic, Matthew 28:6 is where the tangible embraces the Divine, where darkness bows before the light, where faith trusts a God who doesn’t just break rules—He breaks graves. This Easter as we kneel at the cross, weep at the tomb, and rise with the resurrection, let’s thank the two Marys. Despite their heartbreak, they showed up when all seemed lost. They found our Savior didn't just destroy death—He conquered it. Through His victory, we find redemption, rebirth, restoration. We find life without expiration. We find ... resurrection reality. Beloved, Jesus is alive. He is risen indeed. Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of eternal life, for the empty tomb, and for the hope resurrection brings. In moments of doubt or fear, remind me that Love conquers death and that mercy owns the final word. Lord, shape my heart to reflect Jesus' peace, grace, and joy. Teach me to share Jesus' love in all I do and to carry Your light throughout this broken world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV Daylight Saving Time arrives this Sunday—a dreaded morning when we all lose an hour of sleep. We wake up feeling as if we've stepped onto a treadmill spinning at full speed. Our alarms blare like sirens of betrayal, coffee feels as weak as a toddler's handshake, and church pews have a mysterious number of missing members. I remember last year's time change all too well. For some reason I went to bed knowing the clocks would spring ahead but woke up in the morning blissfully unaware … until I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. Panic hit me like a bucket of ice water. I had exactly fourteen minutes to be somewhere that took twenty minutes to drive to. Could I make it? Probably not. Maybe? My math was not mathing. I threw on my clothes with the grace of a raccoon in a laundry basket, grabbed a cup of coffee but forgot the cream, then sprinted to the car—only to realize my gas tank was running on hope and a prayer. By the time I arrived—breathless and questioning my life choices—I realized I wasn’t the only one frazzled. Two of my friends looked like their alarm clocks attacked them. The lost hour can be such a menace, right? Seriously, what happens to that lost hour? Does it fall into a Daylight Saving Time black hole for misplaced time? Maybe it's floating on a cosmic lost-and-found cloud? No one knows. What I do know: Time ultimately belongs to God. He owns it. He created it. So, even as our man-made clocks spring ahead, I'd like to believe God simply snatches the lost hour out of the thin air, tosses it into the night sky, and creates a shining new star—untouched, unbothered, and twinkling for all to see. So, as we adjust to the panicked grogginess of spring's disappearing hour, rest assured time is never really lost. No, not at all. Dear friend, it simply twinkles throughout the universe, reminding us: " To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV). Heavenly Father, When the seasonal hour springs ahead, help me remember that Your timing is always perfect and there is a purpose for everything under heaven. May I always trust that You are in control of every second of our life and may the twinkle of time remind me that nothing is ever truly lost when it rests in Your hands. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks Just as God placed the rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise, spend a few moments reading these verses about stars and God’s sovereignty over time: Matthew 2:2 – "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." (NKJV) Interpretation-->The Star of Bethlehem led the wise men to Jesus, showing God's perfect guidance and timing. Psalm 147:4 – " He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name." (NKJV) Interpretation--> God numbers and names each star, just as He is in control of every moment of our lives. Job 38:7 – "When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (NKJV) Interpretation-->The morning stars sang as God laid the foundations of the world—time itself is His creation. Revelation 22:16 – "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." (NKJV) Interpretation--> Jesus, the Bright Morning Star, is our ultimate reminder that God reigns over time and eternity.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV Issues. We all have them. Money issues, work issues, food issues, people issues… and then there’s the back—an issue with a personality as moody as a junkyard dog with trust issues. Ah, the back. That one body part that seems to have signed a secret agreement with gravity to make life miserable. I’ve been fighting back issues for a while now. Some days, it’s just an annoying ache. Some days, I sprint up the steps with a basketful of laundry. Other days, I map out each step, like I'm navigating a minefield. Anyone who’s dealt with back pain will tell you—it’s awful. No sugarcoating it. But hey, life is life. We adjust. We cope. We figure it out. The good news? We don’t have to figure it out alone. God helps us "get by." No. Nix that—He more than helps us "get by." He walks with us through the pain, whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual. Whatever path we experience for the day—whether it's a tough conversation, an aching body, or the never-ending struggle of keeping it all together—He’s there. You see, life is a lesson. Or maybe it’s a test. Either way, before the lesson or the test, there’s always a trial. And trials? Well, we either fight them, fear them, or learn from them. Jesus knew all about trials. I often think about him spending 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, tempted by Satan at his weakest moment. No food. No company. Just him—head bowed, hands folded in prayer, kneeling at the edge of despair, exhausted, hungry, and wondering how much more he could bear. It’s almost surprising He didn’t just throw up His hands and say, "You know what? I’m out. Beam me up, Father." But He didn’t. Instead, Jesus relied on prayer. Constant, intimate, desperate prayer. Day and night, night and day, he sought His Father’s strength. He prayed for endurance, for protection, for the ability to walk out of that wilderness stronger than when He walked in. So, yeah, life is hard. Life has issues—big ones. But Jesus had issues too. He faced trials. He endured suffering. But one thing He never did? Doubt. He kept His connection with God open, knowing that all He had to do was: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7 NKJV) Precious one, whatever your issue—whether it’s your back, your bank account, your home life, or just trying to make it through the day—remember: Jesus gets it. And God’s got you. Heavenly Father, Thank You for always having our backs, even through life's toughest trials. Help us to trust in Your presence and guidance. Strengthen us, relieve our burdens, and remind us that with You, we are never alone. In Jesus' name. Amen. SPIRITUAL SPARKS What lessons can I learn from Jesus' perseverance and reliance on prayer during His trials in the wilderness? How can I remind myself that God understand my struggles is always there to support and lift me up?

“Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:6 NKJV February marks the serious season of clearance racks. They are everywhere, and I’ve always loved a good bargain. One of my fondest memories is bargain shopping with my mom. We’d scour the aisles for discounted clothes, shoes, decorative items, basically anything that made our heart pitter for the patter of a lower price. Those trips were a yearly tradition, and I can't help but smile at the memories. Now I'm years older, and I still check the bargain racks. I mean, how can you not, right? But it's different, I look for bargains for my grandkids, my granddogs, my husband, even my aquarium. It's still fun, but there's a difference. I now notice the frantic shoppers, their faces set with a “gimme, gimme” determination. The frenzy is like a never-ending race against time—especially in today's economy. Whether it’s a discounted coat or fuzzy animal slippers for the following winter, the pursuit of “stuff” can leave us breathless and sometimes disappointed. Don’t misunderstand—there’s nothing wrong with enjoying life’s blessings from the bargain bin. I still remember buying two fall jackets for one dollar each—a Nike and an Adidas. Name brands! I was so excited I did a fist bump right there in aisle 17. The only problem? Four boys, two new jackets. But at that price, I'd make it work—cue the family motto: "If it fits, it's yours." God delights in giving us good gifts, even fun gifts. But when we live in a constant state of grasping for more, it’s like chasing after the wind. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said it perfectly: “Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 4:6 NKJV). The “both hands full” mindset—always grasping, always consuming—might seem sweet at first, like a double-scoop ice cream cone on a hot day, melting faster than you can enjoy and leaving nothing but a soggy cone and regret. The truth is, God didn’t design us to hoard blessings. He wants us to share them. True joy doesn’t sit in a full cart, but rests in open hands and a generous heart. Looking back, those bargain days with my mom are beautiful memories. The treasures we found are now worn, broken, or gone. My mom is in heaven now, but what remains is the memory of time spent together—her laughter, her warmth, and the love we shared in those simple moments of "chasing after the wind," so to speak. I cherished the joy of her presence, not the things we bought. Those jackets? They are long gone, too. Funny enough, the Adidas fit three of the boys, so they had to share—but that’s a devotion for another day. So, the next time the world tempts you to chase after just one more thing, remember Solomon’s wisdom. One handful with peace is far sweeter than a cart full of toil. Heavenly Father, Thank You for the blessings You pour into my life—both big and small. Help me to hold them with open hands. Teach me to seek contentment in You, and remind me that real treasure is found in moments of love, laughter, and generosity, not in the clearance racks of this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Spiritual Spark Challenge: This week, take a moment to bless someone with what you already have—whether it's your time, a kind word, or even a small gift. Pay attention to the joy that comes not from gaining but from giving. "One handful with peace is far sweeter than a cart full of toil." ~~LM

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit ....” Hebrew 4:12a NKJV Years ago, when my son was in high school, he faked a book report on a novel he never read. He scrambled the characters, guessed the setting, and spun a plot so far off-course it could’ve been a science fiction novel. The only thing he got right was the title—and maybe the page count. I can’t remember. The English teacher summoned my husband and me to a school meeting. Fun times. Needless to say, we grounded our son (from everything) until the next millennium. Now that I'm older, I realize we sometimes treat the Bible in a similar way. We pick it up, do a quick flip through the pages, and call it a day. I get it. Life is busy. Appointment at nine. Podcast at eleven. Meeting at five-ish. Dinner whenever. So, we do what’s necessary to feel like we’ve checked the daily reading box. But, hey, we know the book title— Holy Bible . Dear friend, here’s the danger: when we don’t read the Bible thoroughly—or any book, for that matter, right son?—we risk getting the “plot” wrong. We mix up details, misquote verses, or miss the truth entirely. Certain days we might navigate the pages like a pro, flipping confidently from Luke to Revelation. But then ... we have those days of finding Leviticus or Obadiah or Lamentations, and suddenly we’re finger-pointing at the table of contents as if it were a treasure map. The Bible is too precious and important to skim. If you’ve ever read Jonah and the whale, you know, it’s brimming with action and adventure. Daniel in the lion’s den? A nail-biter worthy of the big screen. Maybe historical drama is your thing—check out the Old Testament. And let's not forget Revelations, it's the perfect choice for the future-seekers craving an apocalyptic journey. So, grab your Bible, find a comfy chair, and dive in. Don't scripture scramble through God's ancient book. Explore the stories. Take notes. Meet your ancestors. Examine the plotlines. More importantly, seek to know the Author. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit….” (Hebrew 4:12a NKJV). I mean, in all that is holy, who wants to explain to God they faked reading the Bible? Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to dive deeply into the Scriptures, to understand and embrace Your truths. Guide my heart and mind as I seek to know You more. I ask that Your teachings brighten my path and strengthen my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks Why is it important to read the Bible carefully and not scramble through the scripture? Pick one of your favorite stories from the Bible and share it with a friend. "The Bible is too precious and important to skim." ~~LM

“Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, an his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:43-44 NKJV Have you ever felt lost? Like you’re wandering in the dark, bumping into walls while everyone else knows exactly where they’re going? It’s easy to feel abandoned in those moments—stuck in confusion and wallowing in uncertainty. But here’s the thing: God won’t leave us alone in the dark. Somewhere in your shadowy, spinning world, there’s a door. The problem? Finding it. So, let’s be real—just because we find the door doesn’t mean we’re ready to fling it open. What if stepping over the threshold changes everything? (Spoiler alert: It probably will.) But the truth? God knows your fear. He knows your doubts. He knows your strengths. Most importantly, He knows your heart. Think of it like fumbling around in a pitch-black room. We inch forward, hands outstretched, searching for the light switch. We may trip along the way, stub a toe or two, and maybe mutter a frustrated prayer. Life is tough, but with each step, we get closer to the door God has set before us. It’s there. We know it. We just can’t see it. It may be hidden behind our fog of doubt or icicles of fear. The question is: When the door opens, will you trust God enough to step through? That question has bounced around my brain more times than I care to admit. Until one day while reading the Bible, Lazarus has his door moment—or should I say tomb moment. In any event, the ancient words leapt off the page. Our Jesus “ … cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’” (John 11:43 NKJV). Now this wasn't a polite suggestion from Lord Jesus. It really wasn't. It was a full-on command that brought Lazarus back to life. He'd been dead for several days but when Jesus spoke, Lazarus “ came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them (the crowd) , "Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:44 NKJV). I don’t know about you, but if I’m pronounced dead, swathed like a mummy, sealed in a cave for several days, and then brought back to life, stepping through any kind of door sounds like the perfect recipe for a supernatural meltdown. It’s also the perfect moment for a comb and toothbrush … just saying. But, in all seriousness, this beautiful miracle of resurrection allowed Lazarus to step through God’s open door and into a new life free from his illness, a life filled with light and love. Precious one, step through the door and leave that shadowy, spinning, lost world of darkness behind. Pray. Trust. Open the door—even if you’re still tangled in yesterday’s graveclothes of doubts and desperation. That first step might feel awkward and unsteady, but let’s face it: Lazarus didn’t tap dance his way out of the tomb. But God opened the door and gave him another chance at a life filled with purpose, peace, understanding, and a deeper relationship with Him. God will do the same for you. Heavenly Father, When I’m lost in the dark, remind me that You are my guide. Help me trust You enough to take the first step, even when I can’t see the way forward. Teach me to recognize the door/s You’ve placed before me and allow me the courage to open it. May my faith grow stronger and stronger with each step. Bless You for giving me a purpose and may Your light and love surround me always. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks Have you prayed and asked God to help you see the door He’s placed before you? What “door” might God be asking you to open in your life right now? What fears or doubts are holding you back from taking that first step?

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 KJV And just like that, Christmas is over. One moment, the world’s glittering with anticipation of our newborn Savior, and the next, we’re staring at pine needles on the carpet. We’ve eaten enough cookies, candies, and leftovers, our bathroom scales flash “no comment.” One by one, the twinkling lights on the neighbors' houses disappear. The hustle, bustle, and shimmer of Christmas are now new memories. But here’s the thing: Christmas may be over, but the joy and the love it brings doesn’t have to be. You see, the real joy of Christmas isn’t wrapped in shiny paper or tied up with a bow. It’s not something you can buy, and it doesn’t fade with the season (or at least it shouldn’t). True joy, the kind that lingers long after the last cookie crumb is eaten, comes from a deeper place—a place rooted in giving from the heart. The Grinch learned that firsthand. Have you ever noticed how much fun it is to find or create the perfect gift for someone you love? Whether it’s crocheted boot cuffs (which are adorable), a batch of homemade cookies, or a thoughtful note. You see, joy doesn’t come from the thing itself. The very act of giving draws us closer to the heart of Christ, who came into this world to give us life and hope and love. That's the secret. That's joy. It's the feeling you possess when you have all three. Joy isn’t fleeting like the excitement of tearing into a package on Christmas morning. It’s steady and enduring, like the hum of a favorite carol that sticks with you long after the music stops. As Nehemiah 8:10b reminds us … “ … for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” There may be times we have to work at keeping our joy. Unlike happiness, joy doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. It doesn’t vanish when the holidays are over. Rather, it burns like the steady glow of a fire on a winter’s night—warm, comforting, and unshaken by the cold winds outside. Moreover, when we give from the heart and keep the fire fueled, we reflect the ultimate gift God gave us: Jesus, His Son. Jesus wasn’t a gift wrapped in extravagance, but one offered in humility and wrapped in love. So, as the holiday season fades and the pine needles are swept away, let the joy of giving linger. Let it rise like the laughter of children playing in the snow, let it shimmer like the memory of the three wise men presenting their gifts to our newborn King, and may it always remind you of the angel’s words: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy , which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10 KJV). Heavenly Father, As the lights of Christmas fade, let the joy You bring remain in our hearts. Help us to carry the spirit of giving and love into every season, reflecting Your endless grace. May Your joy be our strength--steady and enduring, guiding us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Spiritual Sparks What is one way you can carry the joy of Christmas into your everyday life, even after the season has passed? How can you reflect Christ’s love through giving—whether it's your time, kindness, or resources—this week? "Joy burns like the steady glow of a fire on a winter’s night—warm, comforting, and unshaken by the cold winds outside." ~~LM