Author: Lori Casto

If you Can?

Written by Lori Casto on November 5, 2025. Posted in Devotionals.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:21-24

The words of a father who feels helpless reach out and grab me every time I read them. He believes Jesus can heal his son who has been living with an impure spirit until He sees his son at his worst and is reminded once again of the state he is in. He wants desperately to trust Jesus. I believe the father does trust Jesus, except when he doesn’t.

Maybe the boy’s father has an on again- off again relationship with this thing called trust. He’s heard what Jesus can do. He has watched Jesus heal others. He’s been amazed to hear the stories or see with his own eyes what Jesus has done. However, when it comes to his own situation, it seems impossible. He starts to think maybe Jesus can’t heal his son. The circumstance is hopeless.

We all want to believe. I know in my own life it’s so easy to believe when I’m not in a situation that requires much faith. When things are good, I can look at my friends’ situation and wonder why they are struggling so much to trust. I truly trust God for them. I truly believe God will work in their circumstance. I even know several circumstances of my own God can work in.

There are other things that occur in my life, however, that I find more difficult to exercise faith. I’ll call it circumstantial trust. It’s where my heart wants to believe but my head puts limits on what God can do. I find myself saying to God what the father of the boy said… “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

What is the circumstance in your own life where you find it hard to put complete trust in God? You’ve trusted Him in so many other areas, but you must hold on to this particular circumstance tightly because it seems impossible. You must stay in control and keep a firm grip on the situation.

Maybe it’s time for you to open up your fists and say to God… “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” He can work. He wants to work. He’s ready to work. We just need to get out of His way.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us to loosen our grip and give the circumstance to you and never take it back. We look forward to allowing you to work as only you can do. How will you Devote2day?

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. “ “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer^]” Mark 9:14-29

Complete

Written by Lori Casto on November 1, 2025. Posted in Daily Scripture, Devotionals.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:19

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” – 2 Peter 1:3

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

“And in Christ, you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” – Colossians 2:10

Immediately

Written by Lori Casto on October 24, 2025. Posted in Devotionals.

And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:16-18

Immediately- Instantly, promptly, now, as soon as, without any passing of time

In Mark 1: 9-28 the word ‘immediately’ is used 6 times. Its first use is when Jesus was getting ready to begin His ministry and He was baptized by John.

“And immediately, coming up from the water, He(Jesus) saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.”

The second use is after Jesus was baptized. ^“Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.”

The 3^rd and 4^th use of the word “immediately” is when Jesus was calling His disciples. The disciples waisted no time. They immediately left everything to follow Jesus.

The 5^th use of the word “immediately” refers to Jesus beginning to teach. “Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.”

The final use of the word “immediately” is after he was performing miracles along with His teaching… “And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.”

I know there are seasons of waiting. However, there are also seasons of “Immediately.” Sometimes God requires our immediate response. When we respond in obedience immediately, the Holy Spirit can respond back immediately.

How many times have we waited to respond to God’s guiding in our lives? Often, I think we feel we are waiting on God when all the time, maybe He was waiting on us. Sometimes He requires our immediate response.

What are you waiting for? How will you devote2day?

How Will You Devote2Day?

Written by Lori Casto on October 20, 2025. Posted in Blog.

When I found out that this past April, we would be welcoming our first grand baby, I couldn’t fully comprehend the other life milestones that were about to occur or how they would affect me in such a profound way. I also was unaware of the unexpected turns life would take.

Over the past 6 months we’ve welcomed our first grandchild, celebrated 20 years of marriage, watched our youngest daughter graduate high school and go off to college, been in a major car accident, and experienced my mother-in-law pass to heaven. To say a lot has happened over the last 6 months is an understatement. I don’t know if I’ve ever experienced such a wide range of emotions in such a short period of time. Maybe that’s why I find myself so tired!

One underlying theme of the past 6 months is the reminder of just how precious life is. Life is as valuable as you make it. I’m not talking about any material wealth that might be gained. I’m talking about pursuing a relationship with Jesus and the moments spent with the people we hold dear.

I’m also reminded just how important it is to live a life of gratitude. God has given me the gift of life and great people to live it with. How am I choosing to spend my days? What are the most important things? At the end of this day, was there value in how I spent my time? Who is affected by my decisions or words today? Is God first? Is serving God a priority? What is “the more” God has?

How we devote our day is important. How will you devote2day?

Out of Season

Written by Lori Casto on October 11, 2025. Posted in Blog, Devotionals.

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

Life is busy. There are so many things, both good and bad, that can take us away from the task at hand. Many years ago, I was reading this scripture in its entirety, and The Holy Spirit grabbed my attention. A few years ago, God began stirring me for more service to Him. The past 6 months to a year God has been taking me even deeper. I felt Him saying… “You are called & held to a higher standard. More is expected of you.” “In season and out of season”

Sometimes life throws us curve balls. We may have a deep desire to serve as He desires. However, life challenges always seem to get in the way. I can tell you from personal experience sometimes you can have a deep desire to serve God and a deep desire to quit at the same time. It’s so easy to let the circumstances of life weigh us down. Believe me, the challenges lately in my own life have been very real.

However, God wants us ready to serve at a moment’s notice. (On high alert) What does that mean? In my life it means being in the word, praying, seeking, and keeping my eyes peeled for open doors to serve as He desires at any given moment. It means being ready even when life brings unexpected hurts, death of loved ones, sick family members, work problems, anxiety, grief, relationship problems, financial struggles, etc…

There will always be challenges, but that is never the time to shrink back. There will be times we want to quit. That’s the time to dig deeper. God has more but we can’t get to the more unless we decide to “be ready in season and out of season.”

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

2 Empty Chairs

Written by Lori Casto on October 9, 2025. Posted in Blog, Devotionals.

“Your dad was a genius.” I yelled out to my husband who was in the other room. I was looking at 2 empty chairs. My mother-in-law and Father-in-law sat often in those chairs while doing their morning devotions. Next to the chair on the right were 3 bibles along with a concordance. When I looked at the view from the 2 chairs, I was overwhelmed by the beauty. While sitting in the chairs, if you look to the left, you will see a beautiful lake my father-in-law envisioned. He had it dug when they moved to the property 45 years ago. The lake filled up and sat surrounded by tall field grass for many years. When you look at the lake now, you see years of an inspired vision of beauty provided by God given to my Father-in-law. The view to the right is my favorite view of the property. My father-in-law decided to “clean out the ditch.” If you look now at the “cleaned-out ditch”, you’ll see a beautiful small pond with a waterfall. It’s stunning.

The view from the window where the 2 chairs sit is extraordinary. I never really noticed it before. However, the most important thing about those 2 chairs… way more important than the view, or anything about the beautiful property… are the 3 bibles that still sit by the chairs. The Bibles represent their relationship with the one who supplied the home, the businesses, the long-lasting marriage. The bibles represent prayers for kids and grand-kids, spiritual maturity, love for God and family. The bibles represent a willingness to say yes to God’s plan for their lives. The bibles represent searching while struggling and hours praying, seeking, and serving.

Now, as I think of those 2 chairs and the beautiful view that awaits the people who sit in them, I think of the amazing view my in-laws now have in heaven. I think of the great cloud of witnesses of which they are now part.

I am thankful for the legacy they leave behind and the hope to leave a similar one someday.

Peace

Written by Lori Casto on September 30, 2025. Posted in Daily Scripture.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue(ous) and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do,

and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-8

The Rock

Written by Lori Casto on September 29, 2025. Posted in Daily Scripture.

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2

Overwhelmed

Written by Lori Casto on September 29, 2025. Posted in Devotionals.

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2

Overwhelmed– Overcome, stunned, bury or drown beneath a huge mass: give too much of a thing to (someone); inundate: have a strong emotional effect on:

When I become overwhelmed, I need super strength- a strength bigger and more capable than my ability. I need a resource beyond human understanding. I need peace I’m not capable of explaining. I need to feel love I haven’t yet attained. I need guidance, hope, understanding, grace, and mercy. I need my Rock. I need “The Rock that is higher than I.”

Life is overwhelming. Isn’t it good we have the Rock? Isn’t it good we know The Rock? God is our source through His Son, Jesus. The Holy Spirit understands our tears. He understands every emotion even when we don’t. He understands our rollercoaster ride.

It’s easy to go to the Rock when we are overwhelmed. It seems only natural. It’s so much better, though, when we go to Him every day. It’s good when we read His Word, pray, and ask Him for directions when life seems easy. Our Rock can become our best friend in our normal daily routine. He desires a relationship with us.

When we spend time day in and day out with our best friend, we begin to know the end of their sentences. That’s how it is with our relationship with God. When we search His word and talk with Him each day, we begin to know what He would say and how He might feel about any number of things. Having that knowledge comes in handy when the weight of the world is on your shoulders.

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2

The One

Written by Lori Casto on September 17, 2025. Posted in Blog.

My wondering caused wandering

It only takes a moment to take your eyes off The One

My wondering caused wandering

It only takes a moment to take your eyes off The One

Hear My words, live My Words

Health & life in My Words

His living Word

When I remember to keep my eyes on The One

It only takes a moment to take your eyes off The One

The One who heals, restores, gives grace to me

The One who loves me unconditionally

He gives life and breath, health and rest

My comfort in my quietness

All this and more he brings to me

When I remember to keep my eyes on The One

It only takes a moment to take your eyes off The One

My wondering caused wandering

It only takes a moment to take your eyes off The One

Peace He gives, peace He leaves

His Holy Spirit speaks to me

His word’s a lamp unto my feet

When I remember to keep my eyes on The One

It only takes a moment to take my eyes off The One

St. Croix

Written by Lori Casto on September 12, 2025. Posted in Blog.

To celebrate our 20-year anniversary, my husband and I decided to go back to the same place we went on our honeymoon. It’s been a great week.

Throughout the entirety of our 20+ years together, he’s taught me to snow ski; I’ve taught him to water ski. We love spending time enjoying the water. Whether it be boating, skiing, snorkeling, jumping waves, swimming…we enjoy it together.

We work together, and we’ve raised a family together. We’ve been through many tough times as well as many amazing times. We’ve even been in ministry together. It’s been a full 20 years. I’d venture to say we have probably spent more time together than most couples just based on the fact that we are with each other all day at work. Sometimes I don’t know if that’s good or not? 😊

A few people asked us what the secret to a successful marriage is…

My answer…

“He puts up with my crap and I put up with his.” He added… “We choose each other ONLY… no matter what.” It’s not a fancy answer. It’s a realistic answer. There’s no perfect person or greener grass.

My husband sees me every morning when I get up. He doesn’t just see the me who has taken a shower and gotten ready for the day. He has kissed me before I’ve brushed my teeth and just after I’ve had coffee to drink. When you live with a person day in, day out, you see all the imperfections. We also choose to be there for each other when the storms of life hit. We come out closer for sticking with each other during the hard times.

We choose to love each other despite imperfections. Loving someone through our imperfections and through the daily grinds of life causes love to grow dimension-ally and deeper.

I look forward to coming back here 10 years from now. I also look forward to seeing what God has in store for us before we come back here again.

Settle Down

Written by Lori Casto on September 12, 2025. Posted in Devotionals.

Cast all your care (anxiety) upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (* Set you firmly in place) 1 Peter 5:7-10

Whether you’re thinking about what’s happening in the world or you’re dealing with an on-going private issue, God wants to settle you. He wants you to experience His peace and rest.

I know in my own life, I become guilty of feeling as though I have to carry the weight of the world. I could name so many things I feel responsible for. Yet, in 1 Peter, we are told to cast all our cares or anxiety on Jesus. He cares about everything we care about. He cares about all the things that seem to weigh us down.

What is weighing you down? Isn’t it time to set it all down? The things that weigh us down are the very things that take our eyes off God. When we take our eyes of God, the devil has an opportunity to do what He does best- cause confusion and division. After all, He’s always “Seeking whom he may devour” Let’s not let the devel get a stronghold in our lives.

Instead, let Jesus settle your spirit. Isn’t it time to settle down?

Author: Lori Casto

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