June Foster

I'm excited to be part of the launch team for The Prayer God Answers by ! You can check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJ6V6Q1S

The Prayer God Answers This is perhaps the most perplexing question asked by many Christians today. Although there is never a simple answer to this question, perhaps delving into God's Word for some prayer examples will provide some clues and shed some light. Over from God's Word enumerate how He answered, often ...

I'm not trying to get in the argument about whether God created the chicken or the egg first. That was supposed to be a joke, ha, ha. But here's the focus of this post.

What was I to make for dinner tonight? I know, my husband's favorite: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and lemon pie. Great idea, right? Afterall, he's from the south and that's a good ol' southern meal.

My fridge was kind of empty so I needed to restock. I went to Walmart, my source of groceries. Wait! When we say grace at dinner, we thank God for our food. This got me to thinking.

If I trace this all the way back, the original Source of the food is from the Lord. Take the chicken for example. Going backward: Walmart, Tyson Foods, Chicken farmers, God. (Who created the chicken in the first place?) Try that on any food you can think of.

What about the green beans and lemon pie? "The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds." Genesis 1:12 Proof that the ultimate Source for the green beans and lemon pie is God. Don't forget the mashed potatoes. They come from the roots of the potato plant.

"All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time." Psalms 104: 27.

The next time you say grace at dinner, you can focus on the true Source of your meal. junefoster.com

Note: this is not my personal story but one that is true for any who die in Christ.

The hospital reeked of disinfectant, alcohol, and some musty smell I couldn't identify. The prognosis wasn't good. My ninety-year-old grandmother wouldn't be on the earth much longer.

I stepped into the room, and my gaze fell on the old woman lying helplessly in the bed. The sides were up, surrounding her like jail bars. She lay on her side, one arm over her frail body and wrinkled fingers gripped the railing. Her white hair, once a rich brown, fell loosely around her head in disarray.

"Grandma," I whispered.

No response. Grandma could no longer hear me and death was no doubt immanent. I wanted to cry at the hopelessness of the situation. I sat in the nearby chair and tried to pray. But then remembrance dawned, and I envisioned Grandma as a thirty-year-old. Alive and filled with the Lord's joy. How quickly, it seemed, that had changed.

I closed my eyes and an image filled my mind. Again, Grandma lay in the bed, thin and full of years. But another visitor sat by her side. A man in a long white robe and dark beard looked at her, his eyes brimming with love, and he smiled. Jesus. My spirit leaped with joy. He reached toward Grandma and stroked her arm, whispering loving words to her.

So this was the way it is. Though Grandma neared her last days in this sinful world, she was at the cusp of eternity and would always experience joy.

"Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you. I have done it, and I will carry you. And I will bear you and I will deliver you." Isaiah 46:4

Dear Lord, thank You for the assurance of eternal life. Please help me to keep this perspective when I see death and dying all around. Help me to receive continual hope when I observe each gray hair on my head, and the years pile up. Amen.
junefoster.com

Reading Philippians in the Bible can turn anyone’s sorrow into joy. The book is filled with Heavenly reminders that Christians have a glorious future in store. But not just hope for the next life. We can experience an abundant and thrilling life now. A life not based on what the world says is important, but a fulfilling spiritual life—the source of real joy.

Paul reminds us in chapter four to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice.” Sure we can celebrate when we’ve got the bills paid and everyone in the family is healthy. But in Paul’s case, he penned those words from a dark and dingy Roman prison. This tells me he wasn’t looking to his circumstances to bring him joy.

Speaking of Paul’s imprisonment, Satan thought he’d blocked the growth of Christianity when Paul got locked up, since he was an evangelist to the gentiles. But the enemy of our souls couldn’t have been more wrong. Paul’s message of salvation through Jesus Christ reached the world and spread anyway.

After reminding us to rejoice, Paul even tells us not to be anxious about anything but pray about everything with all kinds of requests. He assures us that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds. If you are sorrowful, weary, and just plain fed up with life, take a look at the book of Philippians. Allow Paul’s hope in Christ permeate your life as well. Take heart. Satan loses. God wins.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Dear Lord, I cling to Your message of salvation and that You will carry out Your plans until they are complete. Thank you for the assurance of victory through Jesus. Amen.
junefoster.com

Grace vs. Legality
Last spring our pastor preached on living under the law versus living under grace. I am so grateful I go to a church that doesn't "heap" requirements on people in order to be a "good Christian" but allows fully for the grace of God to work in lives.

There is nothing I can do to earn my way to heaven. I desire to live life God's way, not because I have to, but because I want to. God gave us ten commandments. Man added to them to impose more requirements on people.

Jesus illustrated this point when he defied the laws of the Pharisees and healed people on the Sabbath. Thank God we are free to live for Him because we love him, not because He's a demanding slave driver.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the laws of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2.

"So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Dear Lord, please allow me Your perspective every day. Though my fleshly self desires to earn my way in life, to strive to please You, let me rest in the finished work of the cross. Amen.
For more inspiring devotionals, go to: https://junefoster.com/blog/f/grace-vs-legality

I went on a diet.

The other day, a friend remarked that she didn’t think Jesus really cared about her. He loved those who were more influential in His Kingdom, but not her. She didn’t believe she was worthy enough because she didn’t pray sophisticated prayers or tell others about Jesus. That was absolutely too intimidating.

“Nope,” she said. “I don’t think He likes me.

Her declaration broke my heart. Jesus cares about each of us equally. “Have you asked Him into your heart to be your Savior?”

“Yes, I have,” she answered, “but compared to others, I’m not a Christian.”

I reminded her about what the Bible says. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.”

“Well, yeah.” She didn’t seem convinced.

Then the thought occurred to me. When Jesus hung on the cross, he spoke to John, the disciple, asking John to provide a home for his mother. He genuinely cared for her welfare. I believe the Savior cares for each of us in the same way. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” I watched her anxious face as I repeated the verse. “This refers to you and any other of His flock. If Jesus cared for one woman, his mother, while dying on the cross, don’t you think he cares for you, too.”

Tears welled in my friend’s eyes. God’s word had prevailed and convinced her how much she’s loved.

This good news not only applies to her and Mary, the Savior’s mother, but it relates to every follower of Christ. He cares for you. junefoster.com

Who doesn't love Christmas in July! We know we do! During this hot weather it's fun to dream about snow falling outside, a cozy fire, and a good book!
While we can't make it snow, we can give you a chance to add some books to the TBR pile! Celebrate Lit has partnered with several authors for a giveaway just for you!
Here is your chance to win over 30 books plus a $50 Amazon card to buy a ton of books for yourself in Celebrate Lit's Christmas in July Giveaway going on now through July 19!
Enter here: https://www.celebratelit.com/2026-christmas-in-july/

I’ll never forget the years we lived in Germany. We experienced a new culture combined with a new language we couldn’t speak. The people celebrated different holidays with the exception of Christmas. Though I’m grateful to live in the United States of America, I wouldn’t take anything for our time in this country in central Europe.
The first picture is Joe, myself, Susie, and Kelly. We took an underground salt mine tour. We visited lots of historical and cultural sites while living in Germany. I imagined what it would be like to live in the ancient castle on the Rhein River. Schnitzel mit kartoffelsalat, breaded veal and potato salad, was our favorite dish in the German gasthofs. We stayed fit participating in the volksmarch, an organzied walk through the forest or country side. I earned a few medals, too.
The picture of me, Susie and Kelly is in front of one of the many castles we visited.