Devotion Apart

  "That's something you can give God credit for."

  "Shay needs to pay."

  "He will. Someday."

  'He stuffed me in that box, and you're saying he should walk?"

  "No, I'm saying he'll meet with justice someday. I know exactly what he's guilty of. But right now, we have to pick our battles. Are you injured?"

  "No. Just tired."

  We crossed over a fence beyond West River Road, then approached a rural road. I left Tina's side for a moment to get a closer look at the road sign.

  "Old Spanish Road!" I called out, then returned to Tina where I put my arm around her to continue. "We can follow this to my father's house."

  "You're being way too casual for someone who just risked his life to save me."

  "I may sound casual, but inside I'm upset. I lost a friend tonight, and the only good thing that's happened is finding you. I guess my casualness is for your sake."

  "Why for me?" she asked.

  "People who are victimized often remain victims for years because they're treated like they're too traumatized to live a normal life again."

  "You think I haven't been victimized?"

  "Of course you have. Here comes a car. Let's see if I can get them to— Nevermind." I sighed as the headlights ahead turned away at an intersection. "Sadona said you're a Christian, so I'm going to talk to you like one. Is that all right?"

  "Yes."

  "Bad things happen to good people in this fallen world. What happened to you doesn't define who you are, only what's happened. God is no less loving or in control, and you are no less precious in His sight, and no less secure in His arms. You're not a victim any longer, even if your memory of that toolbox is painful and fresh."

  "Yeah, I don't think I want to hear the words 'toolbox' for a while.

  She scoffed.

  "Now who's the one being all casual?"

  "So, you're telling me to just move on? You know they. . .assaulted me. And look at the way you found me. I feel totally humiliated."

  "I'm sure you did some praying in that box, am I right?"

  "Uh, yeah!"

  "Like you never prayed before?"

  "Like you wouldn't believe."

  "Cling to that memory. God didn't abandon you. Jesus was your Savior in the box, and He's still your Savior out of the box. You're just closer to Him now. Focusing on the evils won't heal you, so you need to intentionally keep reminding yourself of who God is, and what He's promised for eternity."

  "You're not like any grief counselor I've ever heard of, but it sounds like you've said things like this to others."

  "Far too many. I have a friend named Duppo whose daughter was gruesomely murdered. . ."

  As we walked, I shared the story of Oria, whose knife I now carried, and of the Matamata people, who had been treated horribly. Yet they had used that abuse as an opportunity to care more deeply about their faith in God and to treat others as God loved them, even their enemies. Gradually, I hoped Tina grasped that in God's arms, she didn't need to dwell on what evil had happened, but on what good God intended to bring from it.

  By the time we reached the city limits, Tina was too exhausted to walk any farther, but we were too close to my dad's house to hail a car. I knelt as she climbed onto my back, and I trudged up the sidewalk the last few blocks.

  Dawn broke as I eased Tina off my back, and I used my knife to open my father's front door. Weary to the bone, we walked in and Tina collapsed on the living room floor. Dad had left on the television and a lamp, but he was sleeping in the back bedroom.

  "Let me look at you." I lifted Tina's chin so I could look into her eyes. She had high cheekbones and a small cleft in her chin. "We're safe. You're gonna be okay. The Lord will see to that."

  She cried, and we held each other on the littered floor of my dad's living room. The shared grief of a brother and sister in the family of God. So much ascended in my heart, the pain of my sister's death, and Craig's suicide. And now this courageous woman in my embrace.

  "Is this part of moving on?" She wiped at her eyes a moment later, the tv flashing through a car commercial a few feet away. "I thought we wouldn't live in the past or in the pain."

  "There's nothing wrong with feeling." I held her hand. "We just need to be careful about what controls us. Living inside of you is the Spirit of Christ, young lady. You're a human who God created, so you'll feel all kinds of emotions. Just let Him be your guide, and not your emotional memories."

  "So, what now? How do I go home without Shay finding me again?"

  I opened the fridge in the kitchen.

  "He can find anyone," I said. "I'm not going to tell you not to fight for what you stand for, just be smart about it. But now I know that if anything happens to you, Shay's responsible. And he knows that someone else knows that, too."

  "You know, you and Sadona share the same frankness. She's blessed to have you."

  "We're not a couple." I chuckled. "Come on. Let's get you some food and water."

  My father's phone was in the charger on the counter, so I used it to call Fletcher. He arrived as Tina showered, then she dressed in clothes he brought from his wife's closet.

  "He'll pay," Fletcher said to Tina as she sat on the living room sofa, "maybe not right now, but eventually."

  "Cord gave me the speech already."

  "Well, at least there won't be much media on this." Fletcher frowned. "Your picture has been replaced all over town by another abductee, someone new everyone is talking about."

  "Lucky me," Tina said. "Imagine that."

  Before Fletcher led her outside to drive her home, he pulled me aside at the door.

  "Busy night, huh?" he said wearily, but I guessed I looked no better than his grizzled, tired face. "Listen, what Craig did last night wasn't sudden. We found a suicide note. He took precautions."

  "Precautions?" I sighed. "Apparently not the right ones. He died."

  "I mean precautions with his estate. There was even a notary we tracked down who went to his house yesterday afternoon. His will—it speaks for itself. Here's a copy. I thought you'd like to see what his last words were."

  He handed me an envelope.

  "Thank you, Fletcher." I embraced the large man. "Thank you for putting up with me for the last few weeks."

  "No, Cord, thank you for what you've been doing the last few weeks. I thought you'd be nothing but trouble coming home, but Devotion is a little better because of you. I have to admit, you've given me new hope. Just promise me one thing."

  "What's that?"

  "Don't forget us little people. You'll see, after you read Craig's letter." He gestured to Tina. "Come on, Ms. Leaf. You're long overdue to go home, after a stop at the hospital on the way."

  Only after they'd left did my father traipse from his bedroom and into his bathroom. I hoped he was in a generous mood, since I'd need his sofa to sleep on until I could find my way.

  Leaning against the counter, I opened the envelope. The first page was what I guessed Fletcher was calling Craig's suicide note. It was blank except for three small words in the middle of the page: "I'm sorry Cord." That was it. My eyes watered. Craig had died feeling guilty, thinking my care for him wouldn't extend beyond his crime against me. I wished I could turn back time and help him understand my love better.

  The next pages were filled with mundane financial holdings under Craig's name. His assets, bank accounts, and possessions were listed in fine print, and ran down the length of five pages. On the last page, just above the notary seal mark was a statement that included my name. He had left me everything.

  I fell to my knees and clasped my hands together. God was giving me too much to be a steward over. Nothing but His guidance would be necessary to manage such a fortune. My Lord was entrusting me with much, perhaps because I had been faithful with a little. I didn't feel like I deserved the responsibility, but I was willing to use for Jesus what I was being given, for as long as He wanted me to have it.

  "Hey, Cord!" My father emerg
ed from the bathroom, his hair disheveled. "You wanna go fishing?"

  At first, I thought about declining. I was exhausted, and now I had Craig's estate to deal with. But then I remembered what I'd just promised Fletcher.

  "Yes, Earl, I'd love to go fishing. I'll call us a cab to take us to the lake."

  My father hustled to get dressed, and I opened my satchel to pack a couple of lunches. I drew out my hammock, and then the xylem oil. Holding it up to the light, I wondered how God would use me in the days and weeks to come. There was work to be done for Jesus Christ, and Devotion needed to be reminded of true hope, living hope, eternal hope—in the midst of darkness.

  "I'm ready, Cord." Dad carried our fishing poles out to the living room. The lines were already tangled. "You ready?"

  "Ready." I patted my satchel. "Sodas and trail mix for lunch. Let's go fishing!"

  *~*~*~*~*

  I pray you have enjoyed reading Devotion Apart book one of the Lost Devotion Series. Please let me know your thoughts in a comment or review online. That will help us encourage others to read this important series about hope and devotion. Thank you!—Davin Bradley

  Character Sketch

  Adrian Shay – A wealthy real estate, mining, and pharmaceutical tycoon, whose fierce corporate contracts has brought advancement as well as grief to the city of Devotion.

  Brock Rose – The brother-in-law of Cord Dalton, this Homeland Security agent has a side business in the smuggling world that has made him a victim of his own appetites.

  Cora Rose – The murdered sister of Cord Dalton, who raised him after their mother died and their father withdrew from the family.

  Cord Dalton – Born and raised in Devotion, Arizona, he's spent the last twenty years in Brazil's rainforest living among the isolated natives, learning their ways, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  Craig Tasman – A computer programmer whose surveillance software built for Homeland Security has made him wealthy. Obsessed with his projects in his mansion's basement, he struggles between the shame of his past and the friendship he has with Cord.

  Drew Grahm – A police officer whose corruption and foul mouth against Christians has made him popular on the force.

  Earl Dalton – Now retired from the Postal Service, this solitary man prefers alcohol and television over facing the past or present.

  Ian Fletcher – This homicide detective takes a hard line against crime and police corruption, which makes him unpopular. Although a Christian, Fletcher is cautious about Cord's brand of evangelism and fighting crime.

  Karen Lennick – Once a public school teacher, this woman was fired for standing up for Christian morals.

  Roger McMaster – A city official who acts as a middle-man for human traffickers in the city. His search for his missing daughter, Ruth, doesn't seem to hinder his appetite for evil and the exploitation of the forgotten around the city.

  Naul Bueno – The head of the Bueno crime family, this tattooed thug has his hand in everything from prostitution to loan-sharking.

  Sadona Escobar – An opinionated real estate agent who lives with her mother in a quiet suburb of Devotion. She has dedicated her life to serving the poor, but remains hesitant about being outspoken as a Christian.

  Tyler and Janae Winston – The butler and housekeeper of Craig Tasman. Loyal and private, this husband and wife team keep the Tasman estate managed for their reclusive boss.

  What’s Next:

  Devotion Badlands:

  Book Two of the Lost Devotion Series

  The city of Devotion is ravaged by homelessness, violence, and gangs. Protesters march, corruption entangles, and selfishness thrives. The city's latest movements show a desire to clean up its mean streets, but man's heart is desperate for more wickedness. Even their best attempts at purity become savage and shameful.

  Cord Dalton has been brought to his knees as he juggles the physical and spiritual needs of the city. From the shadows, using native stealth from the rainforest of Brazil, he confronts the darkness head-on. And in the midst of bringing hope to the brokenhearted, he uncovers a deadly plot to kill thousands of people in the city's four tent cities.

  Evil may be too great for Cord's small fellowship as the quest for renewed devotion seems utterly lost. Only Christ can give them hope in the midst of the dark city. . .

  *~*~*

  A child in rags stepped from behind a dumpster in the middle of the night. A haze drifted in front of the moon. Barefooted, the child kicked at a rat that squeaked and scurried away from a half-eaten burger.

  Something else moved in the street. As the child stooped to pick up and gnaw on the burger, he backed into the shelter of the dumpster and watched. From there, he saw a shadow. The shadow was shaped like a man, but not even the moon’s glow penetrated the shadow’s form.

  The child’s breath caught as the shadow paused in front of the dumpster, then shifted lower before him. The dark shape held a paper bag, which he set on the ground in front of the child.

  “That’s for you,” a man’s voice said.

  The child grabbed at the bag and turned it upside down, spilling its contents onto the pavement. A banana, a bottle of water, and a sandwich. On the front of the paper bag was a symbol. The symbol was bold in the dim light of the moon. It was a cross.

  Glancing up, the child searched for the shadowy one who had given him the food, but the creature had vanished. One item at a time, the child picked up the gifts and placed them back into the bag. He touched the cross on the front and wondered what it meant.

  He slipped back into the corner beside the dumpster, but kept his eyes on the street. As he ate the food—food that no rat had touched before him—he smiled. The city was a bad place, but the shadow man was good. Somehow, he brought light to the dark streets of the city of Devotion.

  Has Cord Dalton inspired you? Has God given you a heart to respond for your church, for your community, and for your neighbors? Maybe the Lord has even called you overseas, and this is the moment He is touching you to step out in faith.

  Below is a brief guide for believers to "shepherd" your own community church toward greater devotion. Let us know how God may use this resource to further the gospel around you!

  Davin

  *~*~*

  Ministry Guide:

  Devotion Restored for Lukewarm Churches

  Hope In the Midst Ministries

  Introduction:

  There is no quick fix for a church that has become lukewarm, so don't think you can throw a firebrand into the circle and people will catch fire. No, this is an investment, and it'll start slow, continue for a while perhaps with little fruit, and quite a bit of discouragement and cost to yourself. But isn't that the path of the servant? However, the path is not the destination. The destination is worth every trial along the path! Keep your eyes on Jesus, and you will move through the valley of the shadow of death without harm (Psalm 23).

  Regardless of the risks to self, your reputation, or even offending people who love their rut, God strongly supports those whose hearts are completely His (2 Chronicles 16:9). And although you want to light a little Jesus-fire in these last days for people you care about, make sure that it is indeed the Lord's fire and not your own fire (Isaiah 50:10-11).

  That means to move in His will. Be creative and be adventurous, but do not move in people's lives outside of God's go-ahead.

  Getting Started:

  So, let's talk about PTI. PTI is a biblical method of taking a broken congregation, city, or fellowship group, and moving them forward in the faith—one person at a time. A wise man once said that you cannot disciple crowds, but you can disciple one student at a time if you're willing to walk beside them until Christ is formed in them (Galatians 4:19).

  PTI stands for Prayer, Training, and Involvement. It's not merely three steps but three areas in which every Christian needs to be actively entrenched all at the same time. PTI is basic Christianity. PTI is about the Great Commission—going and discipling new or growing belie
vers to rise to the call of God upon their lives.

  People need to be taught. Anyone can teach someone else, simply by asking them to join them in this work. You teach people to pray when you pray with them and pray for them. You teach people to shine in the world by taking them out into the world, out of their comfort zone, to care in humble and unique ways. And you train people to be adventurous for Christ by involving them in some radical adventure for Jesus Christ.

  Repentance is Necessary:

  Moving into the PTI level of faithfulness may require some repentance on your part. The church in the West is a worldly church, talking about Jesus and using church words—but concerned about pleasure, entertainment, false spirituality, social trends, and this present world.

  But true Christian work is consecrated work. To be consecrated means that we are set apart from the world for a holy purpose, just like God has sanctified us for a holy purpose. A worldly purpose and a holy purpose will collide. Only one purpose must reign supreme. Obedience to Christ requires someone to live, breathe, and walk the purpose of the gospel without compromise. Yes, it is a calling, and God has called all of us.

  The Goal of PTI:

  In brief, PTI is designed to take individuals who profess Christ in a congregation, yet bear little fruit—and help catapult them forward for God's eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:11). God's eternal purpose is for His Son's followers to shine brightly and together as a local church grounded in the truth (1 Timothy 3:14-15) that glorifies Jesus Christ against the darkness.

  Obstacles for You:

  Your first noticeable obstacle in PTI will be people's flesh and their attraction to the world. Those Christians who are indifferent to change and don't care about their greater need for consecration for Christ—this isn't for them. You're looking for believers who are soldiers, not Christian slumberers (2 Timothy 2:3-4). How can you tell the difference? Soldiers commit, but slumbers give excuses when they're invited to serve, get on their knees, or sacrifice.

  There is a second obstacle. You will come face-to-face with the reality of your own inadequacies to cause growth within the people's lives you're trying to boost. People will not grow as fast as you want them to grow, or learn as quickly as you want them to learn, or feel as deeply as you feel about Jesus' calling. This is when we remember that we are planters and waterers, but it is God who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). Worry more about obedience and less about growth. God knows what He wants. The question is, do we want the same things?