When the Soviet Union launched its Sputnik satellite in 1957, it shocked the United States and sparked the onset of the race to see which of the two Cold War superpowers could achieve dominance in space exploration.

The end of the 1950s saw the U.S.S.R. leading the way with the launch of the first manned spacecraft to successfully orbit the earth. But the U.S. was also working hard through its new federal agency dedicated to space exploration—the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA.

In May 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced the ambitious goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth by the end of the decade. That goal was achieved on July 20, 1969, when for the first time in history a man walked on the surface of the moon.

In 1962, President Kennedy visited NASA for the first time. During his tour he encountered a janitor named Joe Byerly walking down a hallway with a broom. The President asked him what he did for NASA. Byerly replied, “Mr. President, I’m helping put a man on the moon.”

This janitor clearly understood the purpose of his work: to keep the building clean so the scientists, engineers, and astronauts could focus on their mission of putting a man on the moon. Byerly held a deep and inspiring connection between his daily tasks and achieving an overall larger goal.

What is the greater purpose of your daily work?

Do you carry a clear vision of why you do what you do? While at times we all tire of routines or experience frustrating moments, having a goal bigger than ourselves helps us stay focused to keep going, especially during trying times.

As Christians, our great mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Staying mindful of this helps us remember that our words and actions are to be seasoned with God’s love and bring Him glory. When we’re tempted to grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9) or spew unkind words, we can recall the healing power of God’s love that’s been freely given to us (Romans 5:5).

Whether we are constructing buildings, crunching numbers, serving food, or changing diapers, we can have the satisfaction at the end of the day that what we do matters.

Each action done with love holds eternal significance—as we keep our eyes fixed on serving Christ and making Him known to the world.

Copyright © 2025 Cheryl Elton

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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There is no greater joy than when you know God has given you an assignment and you carry it out. Today, I am basking in the peaceful satisfaction of completing such a task.

My heart overflows with thanks to our heavenly Father—for life, His love, the blessing of family, friends, and fellowship, and for His faithfulness through every season.

I’m thankful for the desire God put on my heart as a teenager to be a writer. As the years unfolded, it gradually came to fruition as I began writing for a local newspaper, then magazines, and websites—leading to the day 10 years ago when He told me, “it’s time to use your writing for me.”

Recently, God gave me the assignment to write three 40-day devotionals—on the themes of JOY, PEACE, and TRANSFORMATION. Each book in the Moments with the Master series aims to help readers live in union with Christ more.

God gives each of us assignments. They may change throughout the seasons of our lives, yet each is timely, precious, and valuable in His sight.

Daily we have opportunities to serve Him in those assignments. Whether you are setting up chairs for a meeting, cooking for others, building shelves for the homeless shelter, or taking care of grandchildren—when done with love, it yields profit and blessing.

In His eyes, it matters.

What assignment has God given you?

Copyright © 2024 Cheryl Elton

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George Müller’s ministry to orphans began almost 200 years ago, yet the example of his uncomplicated trust in God for every daily provision continues to inspire people around the world today.

In The Autobiography of George Müller, his richness of faith is on full display. The book gives a rare glimpse into Müller’s life through excerpts from his personal diary. We see his early life of rebellion lead to a striking conversion as a young man. We share his daily struggles and triumphs as he answers God’s call to establish the first orphan houses in Bristol, England.

During his lifetime (1805-1898), Müller cared for more than 10,000 orphans as the director of the Ashley Down orphanage and provided Christian education to over 120,000 children in the 117 schools he established.

Yet in all these endeavors Müller never asked anyone for financial support, held a fundraiser, or went into debt. He only petitioned God for his needs and waited for him to move through people. Often he received food donations only hours before they were needed to feed the children. Through countless struggles God supplied every need—each victory further bolstering Müller’s faith.

Christians can find inspiring takeaways sprinkled throughout this book. Mine follow:

Müller spent much time in prayer. He learned that his first concern of the day was not how to serve the Lord, but to have his soul nourished. Müller found rising early in the morning to do so worked best.

Müller meditated on Scripture before praying. Thus, he said his heart was “comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved, and instructed.” This also helped him combat a wandering mind while praying.

Müller trusted God’s timing. Müller faced continual challenges and uncertainties in ministry just as we do. He persisted in prayer for more than 3 years for enough funds to come in to begin building the large Ashley Down orphanage. Because he was certain that the assignment was from God, Müller fully trusted He would supply. When money didn’t come in as soon as he would have liked, he adjusted his thinking to trust God’s timing, which always proved right.

Müller never borrowed money. Frequently he was questioned as to why he didn’t buy supplies on credit and trust God to pay for them later.  “I could buy a considerable amount of goods on credit, but the next time we were in need, I would turn to further credit instead of turning to the Lord,” he said. “We consider it our precious privilege to continue to wait upon the Lord instead of buying goods on credit or borrowing money from kind friends. God is now in the tenth year of feeding these orphans, and He has never allowed them to go hungry. He will care for them in the future also.”

Let God work for you. Müller learned that when we work deliverance to a problem solely on our own and don’t wait patiently for God’s help and solution, with every subsequent trial our faith decreases. He shows us that God will prove His willingness to help and deliver at the perfect time. Our faith then will increase.

At first glance this book could be viewed as a dry and boring read, but it progresses into an inspiring testament of unwavering faith. Müller’s words of wisdom on how to trust God in life and ministry will inspire any Christian who wants to wholeheartedly serve the Lord they love. It’s a book I’m glad I read, and will continue to glean inspiration from throughout the coming days.

Copyright © 2021 Cheryl Elton

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A new year brings hope, a sense of fresh beginnings and better days. For many, it’s a time to set goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

Enter the “SMART” acronym . . .

A well-known business model for setting goals and objectives says SMART goals are: S-specific; M-measurable; A-attainable; R-relevant; T-time-bound.

A lot has been written on these highly effective concepts, and they offer a practical measuring stick for success when making personal goals.

But let’s also consider Ephesians 6, which gives us the crucial reminder that at its core, all of life is spiritual.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  (Ephesians 6:10, 12-13) 

For those endeavoring to live a “God-first” life with spiritual goals front and center, I offer a complement to the original SMART model with this new version:

S-Spirit-led; M-meaningful; A-actionable; R-redeemable; T-timely.

When setting goals, let’s consider:

 SPIRIT-LED:  Are we seeking God’s wisdom in making our goals? Let’s be sure He is directing us to do what we do, so our lives can bring glory to Him.

 MEANINGFUL:  Will this goal help or hinder my spiritual growth? Is it significant to my life, my personal ministry, or the kind of person I want to become?

 ACTIONABLE:  Am I able to take action on this goal? How will I do so?

 REDEEMABLE:  Does the goal help me overcome poor habits I may have had in the past, and draw me closer to God?

 TIMELY:  Is this the right time for pursuing this goal?

As we enter a new year, let’s make sure we spend quality time with the Lord to gain His wisdom and direction in setting our goals—SMART goals that we can live out to His glory!

Copyright © 2020 Cheryl Elton

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Autumn finds many of us removing dead plants from gardens and preparing homes and yards in anticipation of the coming winter months.

Some plants require pruning—the process of removing dead branches and stubs—which promotes beneficial rest for the plant while allowing room for new growth next season. Pruning also deters pest infestation while supporting a plant’s natural shape and healthy growth.

Recently I was reminded of the importance of personal “pruning”. On an episode of a weekly podcast I enjoy, one of the co-hosts shared his experience of a complete mental breakdown. It triggered the realization that he had taken on way too many responsibilities and wasn’t doing any of them well—nor were they bearing much fruit.

His life required some serious “pruning”:  reassessing his work, ministry commitments, and relationships, while prioritizing and making “cuts” where necessary.

The end result was much less anxiety, and greater peace as he moved through his days and tasks.

Isn’t busyness one of the greatest peace-robbers of our time?

Taking on more than we should, we end up juggling too many spinning plates, not able to put enough time into any one activity to do a job well. Personal enjoyment and fulfillment go out the window and are replaced by anxiety, as we walk around stressed over all we have to do.

As Christians, shouldn’t we want to make sure all we do is God-directed, to the end that our lives bear His wonderful fruit, and glorify Him?

So, with the change of seasons I decided to take stock of what I’m doing with my life, and ask the Lord to show me if there’s something that should go. In a nutshell, here’s what I came up with:

What does my work as a writer and speaker look like, and how much time can I and should I devote?

In my various ministry responsibilities, including as administrative assistant and Board member of an international ministry, as well as serving at my local church—am I taking on only work directed by the Lord, or am I saying yes to other things, motivated by pleasing people or otherwise?

Is managing two online small businesses and 3 websites too much? Oh, and how about being a wife, mother, homemaker, house secretary, as well as other interests for exercise and enjoyment?

You get the idea . . .

In the last 3 weeks I’ve been asked to edit someone’s book and be part of a team embarking on a large marketing project that will probably go on for several years. Initially excited, but quickly overwhelmed by the prospects, I sought the Lord, asking,  “what do You want me to be doing?”

So He’s helped me do some pruning, and affirmed what He wants me to be doing in each category. Like the podcast host, I too realized I’m not good at juggling too many plates. Making necessary cuts and saying “no” has allowed me to put the proper time and heart into each task to do my best.

I have greater peace, resulting in excellence and fruit that glorifies Him.

How about you? Would you benefit from some personal pruning?

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. . . .  Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  (John 15:1,2,4 NKJV)

Pruning can be painful in the moment and feel like a setback. But as we abide in Christ and take our nourishment from Him, we come back healthier and stronger, able to bear even more fruit.

Take time to abide in Christ, the vine, and receive nourishment from Him today. He’s waiting to help us with every decision, every action.

He’s waiting to give us peace.

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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Recently I’m hearing a lot of talk about how and what it looks like to live pleasing to God. In this quest, we often long to understand God’s will, or His plan for our life. Even those with years of faith-filled living, at times find themselves asking, “What does God want me to be doing?”

Psalm 37 gives three simple directives, which when applied to daily living can help us find the answers we seek.

Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.  (Psalm 37:3-5 NKJV) 

TRUST. In any relationship, bonds of trust are built through time together, and much conversation. Why do we think the same wouldn’t apply to God?  

DELIGHT. When we delight in God, His delight becomes reciprocal. The Hebrew word for delight (anag) is a reflexive verb, meaning the action falls back onto the subject. This is why “yourself” is included after the word “delight.”

God delights in us spending time with Him. And when His presence becomes the joy of our hearts, our very nature undergoes transformation—becoming more like Him—and in the process He gives, or puts desires on our hearts.

COMMIT. To commit means to “roll.” I commit, or roll my way off of myself, away from myself, and onto Him. In doing so, the progression of trusting, delighting and committing goes full circle: by committing my life to Him, I again display trust and delight, and in the process, He brings to pass those desires on my heart.

God takes care of our plans, our future, our dreams and aspirations as we TRUST Him, DELIGHT in Him, and COMMIT ourselves to Him.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.   (Psalm 37:23-25 NLT)

As we seek His presence and live close to Him, our lives will be blessed and guided by His plans and purposes. The Lord aims to transform us into His likeness through a life of faith—trusting, delighting, and committing ourselves to Him.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Our third year of marriage unexpectedly found my husband looking for a new job. His company had undergone massive layoffs, and Rich’s department was among them.

With many unknowns suddenly facing us, Rich began meeting with recruiters and mapping out potential interviews.

Attracted to the quaintness and quietness of Vermont, we decided to set our sights there. We began praying while staying open to God’s leading, and trusted His hand to be upon the process.

Over the following three months, Rich sent numerous resumes to prospective companies in Vermont, and throughout the northeast. He landed some interviews, but to our disappointment, Vermont remained silent.

We continued praying, waiting . . .

Finally, three job offers came in within days! Company A, based in New York not far from the Vermont border needed a quick answer, while B and C were also pending. We decided Rich would accept company A’s offer the following morning.

While on the phone, in a shocking move the company pulled the rug out from under us, reneging their offer and saying they decided to cancel the position: the door not only shutting, but slamming in our faces!

Later that afternoon Rich called company B, and accepted their offer in northern New York. The rest is history.

Today, we look back on a long and fruitful career in a place we love, the years filled with blessings we never could have imagined! We are thankful we didn’t go to Vermont.

You see, several years into his new job, unforeseen and difficult challenges arose in our lives, which we realized in hindsight we never would have been equipped to handle if we’d been in Vermont.

We’ve learned that sometimes what we think we want isn’t ultimately the best for us. But God knows what we need, and lovingly directs our paths as we seek and trust Him above all else.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Are we willing to surrender our own agendas, and trust that God sees the big picture and can supply what we need in the best possible way?

What need are you facing? Perhaps it’s a new job or a relationship decision; wisdom concerning a wayward child, or an aging parent.

Whatever it is, you can trust your Heavenly Father, for He is your rock, your strength, your deliverer—your high tower.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (Psalm 18:2)

God is our high tower, and from His vantage point sees what we cannot see.

Place your need in His capable hands. You can rest in Him and trust that He not only sees the long view of your life, but can give you the best of His blessings.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Beautiful butterflies flitted all around me, silently gliding through the air and softly landing on nearby plants and flowers.

Not just a few butterflies, mind you, but more than 7,000 butterflies flying freely in a large five-story tropical conservatory.

This spring I visited the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition,[1] featuring more than 40 different species imported from the Far East and Central America.

Seeing the kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and patterns of these delicate creatures, and observing the various stages of their growth was truly breathtaking!                                           

Scientists continue to be amazed how one creature: a caterpillar, transforms into an entirely different one: the butterfly. 

Metamorphosis is the biological term describing this transformation, or complete change.

It comes from the Greek word metamorphóō, used in Romans 12:2:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform (metamorphóō) you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

The process of metamorphosis wonderfully illustrates the life of a Christian learning to walk in the steps of Christ. 

This transformation doesn’t happen instantly, but through various stages. In the case of the butterfly, first there’s the egg, then the caterpillar (or larva). It begins to change and a hard shell, or chrysalis forms. From this, finally emerges the butterfly.

Similarly, as Christians submitting our lives to Him, the old sinful nature gradually dies as our new nature in Christ is being developed.

We literally move from a life of rebellion against God to living a Christlike life that glorifies God, and bears much fruit.

God does the transforming, as we yield ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit—renewing our minds, and teaching us the ways of Christ. We start thinking, feeling, and viewing things as He does.

The progression of dying to self and becoming like Christ happens daily as we choose to spend time with Him—to meet Him in that secret place, to acknowledge His presence, to walk and talk with Him.

In this process we bear fruit in our lives—others see it, they are nourished, and seeds are planted in their lives. Ultimately some will go on to produce fruit of their own.

Through this wonderful progression of spiritual growth and bearing fruit, God is responding to the longings of our hearts . . . transforming us into being more like Him.

[1] At the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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Last week, during our Midwest travels, my husband and I took a day to enjoy a bike ride along a quiet rail trail in western Michigan. Scenic and flat, it was my kind of trail, and despite the cold weather made for a pleasant outing.

We arrived in a small town called New Era, population 800. After lunch at the village diner where we were obviously “out-of-towners”, we wandered next door to check out a health food/coffee shop.

While waiting for the owner to make hubby’s afternoon espresso, we noticed a sign on her wall:

C.O.F.F.E.E.

Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere

Within minutes we were chatting away with her about Christ, our shared faith, and the things of God—as if we’ve known each other for years!

Tracey shared with us how after seeking God’s guidance and prayer, He led her to find a new larger building she’ll be moving the business into this summer. How it all came together was clearly a “God thing.”

She desires to have her shop bring glory to God, and provide an oasis of calm to all who enter. She expressed her longing to embrace more of God’s peace in every aspect of her life.

While enjoying coffee, conversation, and finally prayer together standing at the register, “coincidentally” no other customer entered until we were saying “Amen.”

Tracey was one of many “divine appointments” we experienced during our 2 ½ week trip. What joy it is to discover on such a trip again and again life’s greater purpose than sightseeing, seeking relaxation, and enjoying restaurants. 

That we can bless and be blessed by the people we meet!

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

Every day God is showing us where He’s working, and inviting us to get involved. Are we willing to forfeit—even for a few minutes—our own agenda when He calls?

Maybe He’s putting someone in our path we need to speak to or can help. Perhaps He’s bringing a person to mind we can pray for.

When He does, don’t wait! He’s inviting us to act—now!

When we do, we’ll see Him working in ways we could never orchestrate on our own!

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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In July 2013 I ventured solo to Philadelphia to attend my first-ever writers’ conference—The Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. As I sat down the first day in my first workshop, the first person I spoke with was the woman sitting next to me, Sarah Lynn Phillips.

We quickly discovered we both were working on books, and instantly hit if off. Since that time, we have cheered one another on to see each of our books not only reach publication, but also win awards!

Penned Without Ink: Trusting God to Write Your Story is a book about trusting God, even when the unthinkable happens. Sarah writes with humility, transparency, and vulnerability the true story of a tragic car accident that left her with a broken neck, her daughters injured and shaken, and her husband teetering on the brink of death from a traumatic brain injury.

As the family gradually healed during the weeks and months following, they had to navigate new ways of living and interacting with each other.

Sarah captures the essence of hope as she recounts how she moved past the “whys” and “what-ifs” and learned to trust and rely on God, even through unexplainable losses.

With the backdrop that God has a hand in writing each of our life stories, through sharing hers Sarah inspires us to explore our own journey of trust in an ever faithful and loving God.

I highly recommend this well-written and inspiring book to anyone who needs help negotiating through tough times and finding God’s place in them.

Find more about Penned Without Ink here.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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