The Inkers Pen

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Psalm 150:6 NKJV Praising God is the 'thank you' that refuses to be silenced. We can praise our God everywhere. You can praise Him when you've squashed a stinkbug three times, only to have the armored beast rise in helicopter fashion and dive straight into your hair. Been there. You can praise Him when dinner 'got too blessed' in the oven and the smoke alarm blares its never-ending beep. Done that. You can praise Him when you didn't invest in Microsoft because you thought it was a "new and improved" foot cream from Avon. No comment to protect the innocent. There is no limit to where, when, or how to praise God. Just lift your believing heart and "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:6 NKJV) . Praise shifts our focus away from our wants—and refocuses our hearts on His presence, His power, and His love. When we worship God, we see who we really are and begin to understand our purpose in life. It strengthens our faith and builds a firmer foundation beneath us. Years ago, while at work in the medical field I remember quietly humming a hymn while two co-workers argued over the temperature in our small office. They stopped mid-argument, looked at me, and went back to work. Either they thought I was crazy—or they saw the fourth man in the fire. All I know, during that turmoil, God heard me. How do I know this? Because the next morning, the thermostat was encased in a plastic cover with a lock. No one touched it again. Amen. Praise doesn't wait for the perfect moment; it creates one. So, dear friend, the greater we see our God, the smaller our problems become. Praise Him for His mighty acts. Praise Him for His greatness. Praise Him for the ancient hymns. Praise Him for the new worship music. Praise Him for the Bible that gives us wisdom, knowledge, and inspiration. Even when life gets noisy, messy, or hard to handle, let's praise God and be the 'thank you' that refuses to be silenced. Because as long as we have breath, we have a reason to praise. Heavenly Father, Help me remember that praise doesn't wait for the perfect moment—it creates one. Let my heart be a 'thank you' that refuses to be silenced, whether I'm joyful or messy or quietly humming the tune to "In The Garden." I know You will always walk with me and talk with me and tell me I am your own. In Jesus name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks When you're right in the middle of a stinkbug situation, how can you find a small moment to praise God? How are you the 'thank you' that refuses to be silenced? Be the 'thank you' that refuses to be silent. ~~LM

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 NKJV Do you have a purpose in life? Of course you do. We all walk this earth guided by the realm of God's plan. So, whether our daily walk involves toting our kids to the grocery store, buying a house, getting married, working our way up the corporate ladder, or simply sitting in a chaotic traffic jam, each stage or event gives cause for the next step. There are times when faith feels clouded, like stars lost inside the storm. But even then, they're still shining—and so is His plan. With God's unconditional love and His heartfelt guidance, "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28 NKJV). As we go through the different stages of life, God guides our steps toward a greater purpose, a purpose He wants fulfilled. Think about it. Look back at how each stage of your life has unraveled. The highs, the lows, the blunders, and the successes. We may not understand His divine plan, but He always has our main purpose in mind. You see, God's plans are bigger than we can even imagine. He is why we walk this planet. He is the breath in our lungs, the beat in our heart. So, let's keep our faith strong, have patience, and know God is in control. His ways may not always be easy, but then life wasn't always easy for Jesus.  Precious One, allow your heart to follow God's lead. Look for the beauty of where your life started and where it now stands. You are exactly where you need to be in order to fulfill your God given purpose. He has a plan and it's perfect even when the way is rough. Heavenly Father, Thank you for walking beside me through every twist and turn of this life. When I can't see the road ahead, remind me that you are the light guiding my steps. Even when the way is rough, God's purpose remains steady and good. In Jesus name. Amen. 🩵SPIRITUAL SPARKS 🩵 What helps you trust God's plan when you can't see the way forward? What part of your life might God be using to shape His greater purpose in you? "Allow your heart to follow God's lead." ~~LM

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Mark 10:15 KJV Step into the world of a child, and suddenly the ordinary becomes the enchanted extraordinary. You'll see kingdoms rise from couch cushions, ballerinas twirl across the room, soldiers march into castles armed with nothing more than cardboard swords and boundless imagination. Their joy is a fountain, flowing and bubbling without hesitation, without shame. I confess—I've been there. I used to fill a wheelbarrow with rubber ducks, add water, and proudly declared I was training dolphins for Sea World. And from the towering heights of my puppy's doghouse (our very own Mt. Everest), I practiced bird calling and even tossed out a yodel or two. In those moments, my world was limitless, and my heart was as free as the cotton candy clouds above me. Imagine yourself reaching for God with that same abandon—no tongue-tied prayers, no rehearsed words ... just music rising from the soul without a script. You see, God doesn’t require performance; He desires presence. He longs to walk inside your thoughts and cradle your dreams, to know your inner child wants Him and only Him. That’s the kind of love He craves—a devotion unclouded by fear of critics or cynics, a surrender untethered from self-consciousness. As the verse reads: "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein" (Mark 10:15 KJV). Beloved, do not let your older child silence your inner child. Allow your spirit to rise and soar among the cotton candy clouds. Heavenly Father, Childlike faith is the doorway to Your kingdom and is easier said than done. Teach me to lay down pride and hesitation and come to you with simple trust. Quiet the critics and cynics in my mind, and clothe me in the freedom of a child who simply delights in worshiping You. In Jesus name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. Are you holding back parts of your heart from the One who already knows you completely? 2. When was the last time you felt free in God's presence? God doesn’t require performance; He desires presence.~~LM

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you" 1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV Some roads sparkle like gold in the sun. Others curve into the shadows, stirring our curiosity and promising mystery. But not every road takes us where we hope to go, not every path leads to peace. Then comes the moment the trail splits and life asks: right or left? Let's be honest—we've all taken a detour or two. Decisions are a part of life. Choices shape us. So, we see the split and say, “Ooooh, I wonder where that one goes!” Or maybe that daring friend grins and says, “This way ... it’ll be fun!” And guess what? Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn’t. The wrong path doesn’t always display a warning sign. It often begins with something small—a book, a movie, a joke, a shortcut. You tell yourself, “This isn’t so bad.” Until it is. Until the pavement beneath our feet cracks and crumbles ... and suddenly we find ourselves walking barefoot on a gravel road—alone. At that point, each step stings, our soul aches, and the Holy Spirit whispers: "This isn’t peace." Precious one, if you’re running a good race, stay in your lane. If someone tugs on your sleeve and urges you down another trail, glance ahead before you follow. If it costs you your peace, it's too expensive. That's a lesson Peter—an apostle of Jesus Christ—had to learn during his own journey. Remember Peter? The guy who walked on water—and then sank? The guy who swore he’d never deny Jesus—and then did it three times before the rooster crowed? Peter fell hard. He'd taken the wrong turn more than once. Still, despite it all, after the resurrection Jesus gave Peter a new chance, a new purpose, and called him to feed His sheep. Jesus gave Peter back his peace. That’s grace. That’s truth. That's mercy. That’s the kind of path we want to stay on—even when we stumble. You see, Peter took the detour, but grace brought him back. Grace set his heart on fire for the truth. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV). Dear one, we've all lost our footing, our tender feet bruised by the bite of gravel. But God's grace will always find us, lift us and set us back on the main road. Pray and listen for the voice that leads to peace, not pressure. Stay in the lane that leads to love, not chaos. And when you see the fork ahead, stand your ground and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps home. Heavenly Father, When detours arise, set my feet on solid ground and show me the way to peace. Allow me to always hear Your voice in times of need. May the Holy Spirit guide me, so that I may humble myself under Your mighty hand, that you may exalt me at the proper time, and that I may cast all my anxiety on You. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks When "detours" arise, where is the first place you should look for peace? When the Holy Spirit whispers, do you stop and listen for His grace, His mercy, His truth? "Peter took the detour, but grace brought him back." ~~LM

"And it was right and proper that God, who made everything for his own glory, should allow Jesus to suffer, for in doing this he was bringing vast multitudes of God’s people to heaven; for his suffering made Jesus a perfect Leader, one fit to bring them into their salvation" (Hebrews 2:10 TLB). Sometimes life can feel like a rickety rope bridge swaying over a canyon of chaos. Storms howling, planks creaking, and we're clutching the ropes wondering why we ever left the safety of our home. In these moments, it’s natural to ask: Does God really understand my mess? I mean, sure—He’s omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent. He's the Holder of all the “omnis.” But does He get what it’s like to slog through rush hour traffic while having an existential crisis over reheated leftovers? Does He understand what it feels like to sit beside a hospital bed, or to bury a dream—or worse, a loved one? Does God, from His throne in the heavens, feel the gut punch of grief or the slow burn of anxiety? Yes … yes, He does. You see, Jesus didn’t just peek over heaven’s edge and shout encouraging things from above—He crossed the canyon. He walked the bridge, plank by plank, storm by storm, not just as our Savior but as our trailblazer. He became human … "And it was right and proper that God, who made everything for his own glory, should allow Jesus to suffer, for in doing this he was bringing vast multitudes of God’s people to heaven; for his suffering made Jesus a perfect Leader, one fit to bring them into their salvation" (Hebrews 2:10 TLB). Dear friend, Jesus became the bridge. Not a quaint little footbridge, either—think suspension bridge, gold-plated with grace and reinforced with suffering. He spans the impossible distance between our broken world and God’s wholeness, between our worst day and His perfect love. Jesus knows how fear gnaws at us in the dark. He’s felt exhaustion press down like a boulder. He’s cried, bled, been betrayed, and buried. And because of all that, He doesn’t just understand what we're going through—he’s able to carry us across that bridge. Safely. Surely. Lovingly. So if you’re standing on the edge today, staring into the vastness between where you are and where you want to be, remember this: the bridge has already been built. The Holder of the "omnis" is waiting for you—arms open, eyes kind, and a smile full of sincerity and welcome. That's our God. Isn’t He wonderful? Heavenly Father, When the storms of life howl and the planks beneath my feet creak, help me remember you are limitless in power. I thank you. Father, for your son, Jesus—who understands my every hurt, my every pain. He's my bridge and his presence is the assurance I need to walk through the chaos and stand on the other side. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks Where in your life do you feel like you're standing on a shaky bridge? How does it change my view of God to know Jesus fully understands my pain? "He's the Holder of the “omnis.” ~~LM

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 And just like that another camp season comes to an end. A season full of sunburns and salvation stories, bug bites and Bible verses, soggy socks and sacred moments, fun times and forever memories. Counselors and staff have walked through more than just the woody trails this summer—they’ve walked with campers full of questions, middle schoolers filled with midnight energy, teens full of snacks and snark. But … they survived. They endured the blazing heat, the one-too-many rainy days, and yes, the spiritual highs and midweek sugar crashes. And through it all, God showed up. Again and again and again. This verse ... “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV) ... reminds us that everything—yes, even wiping ice cream off the picnic tables, sweeping french fries into a dustpan, standing at the dishwasher all day, or sorting through mountains of wet clothes to find a lost sock for a crying child—can be done to the glory of God. You see, it’s not just the big chapel moments or the powerful campfire confessions. Nope. It’s leading worship songs for the fiftieth time, teaching memory verses with sun in your eyes, watching the go-karts circle the track for hours on end. It’s hooking a child into the safety harness at the zipline, or embracing and calming a homesick camper with a Gatorade and a prayer. Whatever your position, each moment matters. Why? Because they give glory to God. Because if you did these moments in love and pointed one camper just a little closer to Jesus—it mattered. It glorified our Savior. You, precious one, stepped into the shoes of a faithful servant who fought the good fight, who finished the course, who kept the faith. So, as the camp season comes to an end, take heart and remember: Every bug bite, every Bible study, every belly laugh counted! You served with your heart, you gave it your all—and you did it to glorify God. Heavenly Father, Thank You for showing up in the highs and the lows of this season. Thank You for every camper, every moment of laughter, every tough conversation, every salvation, and every quiet whisper of Your Spirit. Help me to remember: whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do, may I do it all for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. What moment stands out as the one that made you feel like you really made a difference? 2. How can I carry this camp-season faith into my everyday life?

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 NKJV Welcome to camp season—the time when s’mores multiply, bug spray becomes cologne, SPF 50 becomes your second skin, the zip lines zip, go-karts race, and just like that you are responsible for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of a dozen kids. (No pressure, right?) Parents drop off their children, and for one full week, Jesus becomes the number one topic. But let’s be real: some days you'll feel like you're standing in a thick forest, wrapped in fog so dense you can’t see the next step. Between homesick first-timers, Gatorade-fueled campers on the move, and your own exhaustion, the path ahead may feel murky. That’s when Psalm 119:105 glows like a flashlight in your pocket: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” You see, God’s Word won’t always give you the full map—but it gives you enough light for the next faithful step. And sometimes? That step looks like patience. Or grace. Or just knowing when to hand out a snack and say a prayer. Some days, your faith will shine bright—like a bonfire lighting the way to the Chapel in the Woods. Other days, it might feel like a flickering candle in the wind. But even a flicker challenges the darkness. Why? Because God is the keeper of your flame. He’s steady, even when you’re not. Let's step into Paul’s sandals for a minute. His life wasn’t all mountaintop moments. In fact it was more like a long hike with blisters and storms. God didn’t give Paul a spiritual fast-pass or zap him with a divine upgrade. Nope. He shaped him—day by day, step by step. Just like God's shaping you. So, to all the counselors, leaders, kitchen crew, day camp workers, lifeguards, behind-the-scenes maintenance heroes, games/utility legends, clipboard-wielding secretaries, craft-maker, videographer, and the nurse—whatever your role—remember this: God doesn’t expect you to light up the whole forest. He only wants you to hold the lamp, trust the light, and keep walking. When you feel like you're day is running on prayers, cling to this promise: “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3). This summer, let God's Word be your guide, and through all the chaos, joy, noise, laughter, and quiet moments— remember His light is always enough. Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling me into this wild, wonderful, sometimes chaotic adventure called camp. I admit—there are days when I feel like I’m running on empty, covered in bug spray and sunscreen, trying to remember where I left my Bible and my coffee. But You, Lord, never lose track of me. Ever. I thank You for being the light in the fog, the whisper in the noise. You are faithful. You are near. And Your light is always enough. In Jesus, name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks When the day gets tough and you're walking through fog, how might God be asking you to trust Him for taking your next step? Are you carrying the pressure to be everything for everyone, or are you letting God be the source of the light while you hold the lamp?

“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?