Devotionals for the Heart: When you wonder if God cares about your pain

Does God Know Our Pain?
A devotional by Terry Overton

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

The bright rays of sunshine streaming through my kitchen window invited me to step outside onto my porch, hoping for the feel of an early spring.

But the chill in the air that greeted me sent a stark reminder that winter remained. There were no blooms, buds, or green leaves emerging on the trees. I glanced down at the brown branch of a rose bush with no bud. It was fitting that the scene in my garden matched my sense of being in the pit. This experience made me think, “Does God not see our sorrow?”

I glanced at the rose bush's lower limbs, and there it was—a tiny leaf struggling to push through and open to the sunlight. My own prayers asked for the same sense of hope in the future. I, too, struggle at times to stretch out my arms with gladness, knowing of God's love. Watching a loved one struggle with an untreatable health condition, knowing this was a long goodbye of sorts, I needed God's help desperately. Does He know my pain?

The Bible says in Psalm 56:8 (ESV), “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”

A thought raced through my mind: “Of course He knows. He knows all.” God knows the roses wither and die, but He restores them in the spring. He knows they will die before they do, and He knows when they will bloom again. A sense of peace overcame my soul. It is all in His hands. He not only knows our sorrows, but He will provide help.

The Bible says in Psalm 34:18 (ESV), “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Listening to the high-pitched chirps of tiny finches flittering through the brittle brown limbs of a nearby tree, I realized what a gift He had given me. I have the gift of seeing His handiwork, of witnessing His blessings all around me, and of time to share with my loved one who is still here with me. He had given me the gift of hope and the gift of joy in the moment as I stood by the rose bush.

The Bible says in Psalm 126:5 (ESV), “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”

Taking a deep breath, I returned to my kitchen with a peaceful heart and hopeful thoughts. Now, I was ready to meet the day that awaited me. I could not anticipate how I would be needed, but I knew I would be able to meet the challenges that would come my way. The strength of my heart had been restored.

The Bible says in Job 14:7-9 (ESV), “For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease. Though its root grow old in the earth, and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put out branches like a young plant.”

The sight of the emerging tiny green leaf in the cold air was a message. It was a reminder that spring will arrive just on time. God sent a powerful reminder to me. Pain is not the end. Pain is the reminder. God will provide us with strength, peace, and hope.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for knowing my pain and helping me understand that pain is not the absence of joy. I know two things—joy and sadness—can exist in my heart, but You provide peace and hope to sustain me through it all. Thank you, Lord!

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "He's Concerned" by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Here with You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, paying golf, and writing.

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Connect with Terry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
Author Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: How to know true love and live in love

True Love
A devotional by Essie Faye

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”—1 Corinthians 13:2 (NKJV)

I gasped as I witnessed an episode of road rage. Two cars sped by as one driver leaned out of the driver side window yelling obscenities while frantically waving his hands. The woman in the car to its left yelled back using offensive hand gestures. I was happy and relieved to see them drive far away from me.

Nowadays hatred and violence are all around us, but God’s love is very present. There are countless episodes of physical altercations, cyberbullying, injustice, discrimination, and verbal attacks in our world today. But we also experience random acts of kindness, outbreaks of joy, understanding, and safe spaces.

Darkness can never win when light is present. I can combat every display of evil with love. I can fight darkness with light. God loves humanity. He shows His love for us in various ways. He blesses us with life each day. He keeps us safe from harm. He spends time with us and provides for our needs. He even gives us what we want sometimes. Because God loves humanity passionately, He also wants us to do the same. As followers of Jesus Christ, our life’s mission should be to love.

In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul defines true love. He clearly explains how true love acts, feels, and what it sounds like. He is a witness of the overwhelming love of God. When he ignorantly was an enemy of God, God’s love surrounded him. God’s love pursued Him and confronted him with loving truth and revelation. God forgave his murderous ways and accepted him as a son, though he didn’t deserve it. Love saw every flaw and shortcoming of his yet embraced him still.

Paul was multi-talented and multi-gifted, yet he says, “If I have the gift of prophecy… but I don’t have love, I am nothing.” In other words, he asserts that you can be incredibly gifted but if you don’t have love, your life lacks one of life’s essentials. Paul was well-studied. He was gifted to connect with people from different cultural backgrounds. Paul was blessed to operate in several of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He was a gifted sailor, orator, teacher, writer, and witness for Jesus Christ. He won countless souls for Jesus. Paul was a mentor and founder of many Christian churches. He understood that love was most important in order to impact the world for the glory of God.

The Apostle Paul was a man of wisdom and great knowledge, yet he knew, in the words often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Love is transformative. Loving acts can melt the coldest heart and heal the deepest wound.

Love is essential to our survival. It is essential to living an abundant life and sharing the Good News with others. God is love. We who are His children on Earth should demonstrate love through our character, actions, and words. Paul teaches that only what we do for Christ will last. Therefore, we should not focus too much on our accolades and accomplishments that we make in this life on Earth because it is our possession of love that is most valuable and important. Love transforms people and situations. Love never fails!

Call to Action:

1. Assess your level of love for God, yourself, and others then check yourself.

2. Walk in humility, acknowledging that love is more important than your gifts, talents, work experience and knowledge.

3. Share the love of God with neighbors, loved ones, and enemies through your words and actions.

4. Share the Gospel message with others and allow your love to transform yourself first and others around you.

5. Remember: God’s love must be exemplified by His children (1 John 4:20).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, there is no god like You. You are Love. You gave Your only Son (Jesus) because you love humankind. You sent Your Comforter (The Holy Spirit) because you love us. You sent Your Word (The Holy Bible) also because of your love for all of us. Thank You for loving us passionately, unconditionally, and with abandon. Teach us how to accept this unfathomable love, though we don’t deserve it and we can never comprehend it. Help us to love one another with a love so pure and pleasing to You. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. In the Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Nothing Like Your Love” by Hillsong United. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Relentless” by Hillsong United. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Love is the More Excellent Way” by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here. 

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye is a woman of faith. 

She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter.

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefaye.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: How God can use us to accomplish great things

What’s in Your Hands?
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

—Exodus 4:2 (NIV)

A question the Lord asked me recently was, “What is that in your hand?”

I was asking Him to open doors for me and that's the response that came to me. I remember pausing at hearing the question. I didn't bother to ask the follow-up question because I knew immediately what He meant.

As I read Exodus chapter four, it paints a picture of Moses, unsure of himself and how God would use him to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. Like Moses, it’s so easy for us to see our insufficiencies and focus on what we think we lack that we miss what is right in front of our eyes! We don’t realize what God can do with what we already have.

I loved that in asking that question of Moses, the Lord demonstrated to him how powerful the one thing that he had in his hand that seemed so insignificant could be used so mightily. The "thing" we have in our hands is important! These aren't any old gifts and talents God placed on the inside of us. We need to surrender them to God and their use to Him then trust His plan. Just like God did with Moses, He will demonstrate to us what we can accomplish with what we have in our hands. However, it starts with trust. Without believing that God can use our gifts, they are limited in power and can't accomplish much without His anointing on them.

Trust requires obedience—a necessary ingredient that puts faith into action. When the Lord tells us what to do with what we have, it's imperative that we be willing to do it. I know it's not easy. There are times when we have our own preconceived notion of how things should work so we miss the opportunity because it doesn't look the way we expect it to. The question then becomes, “How can God expect me to use that? I have tried using it before but it didn't work!” It had a limited effect and people didn't believe it could make a difference.

What would happen if we took a different approach? What if we confess to God our limited thoughts and ask for faith and trust to increase within us? What if we ask God for the obedience to move in His direction then ask Him to show us how to use what we have in our hands? We know at the end of the Bible story in Exodus chapter four, the Lord used what Moses had to accomplish His will.

This Bible story rings true for us in our modern day! Are you struggling with knowing what to do and asking God to open doors for you? Is God asking you the same question He asked Moses in Exodus 4:2? Are you willing to, like Moses, lay your “rod” down and trust that God will demonstrate His power within you for you to do what He has created you to do?

All I can say to you is that God is faithful. He is a promise keeper. All the time I was praying for God to open doors for me, God wanted me to release what I had in my hand to Him and move by faith. As I did, God opened opportunities for me in two paying clients and I am continuing to believe for more opportunities. As I opened my hands and laid my rod down before Him, I believe He was waiting on me to expose what He already gave me and if I trusted Him with my gifts, then and only then could He use them for His glory and honor.

But it starts with answering the question by identifying what we already have, exercising our faith to move and trust Him enough to believe that He will make the way plain, open the doors that need opening and provide at each step of the way.

My encouragement for you is that like Moses, question God, but don't stay at that place. Move forward by putting your faith in action! If your faith is weak and you don't trust that God can use you, pray for your faith to increase. I am praying for you to walk in obedience, knowing that if God is asking you to acknowledge what is in your hands, He has a plan to use it through you, for His glory and honor.

Let’s Pray:

Spirit of the Living God, I place my friend before you today. You are aware of the space they are in. You know that they are unsure of what you have called them to do. They don’t know how to use the gifts You’ve given to them. I pray You will demonstrate your power before their eyes! Please use the very thing they may believe is unimportant to show the power they have in their hands. Help them to trust You like Moses did so You can use them to do wonders in your Kingdom! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Confidence” by Sanctus Real. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colette Lawrence is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colettemarie_cm/
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteMarie-cmc
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to persevere and move forward

Stay in the Race
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”—Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

As I was approaching my fifty-second birthday, I realized that I was very overweight. Exercise was difficult for me because of underlying health problems. However, I knew I had to find a way to get around that obstacle.

By the grace of God, I received notice of a walking-step challenge. This would be perfect since I had to shed a few pounds. Having to walk a set amount of steps every day gave me the motivation I needed. My friend joined me in this challenge and that was even better. I was so eager to start the five-week challenge that I didn’t thoroughly read all the requirements. Somehow, I misread the instructions and didn’t notice you had to take 1,000 steps per day.

As a cancer survivor, I live with side effects from the medications. It limits what I can and cannot do. Having to walk 1,000 steps every day made me cringe. But I had already committed to it. There was a week for warm-ups when I walked almost 1,000 steps in one day. That was truly a record for me. Normally I get about 3,000 to 5,000 daily steps in, depending on how I’m feeling.

During the first week, when the steps counted toward the goal, I averaged 5,600 steps. My four teammates averaged about 1,300 steps. Needing to reach the goal or at least catch up to the others, I vowed to work harder but my body simply wouldn’t cooperate with my mind. At one point I thought, “Why would God bring me here to be the person with the lowest score on my team?” To me, there was no logic behind it.

The following week I averaged 6,400 steps. One of those days I walked 10,200 steps! However, that was nowhere near what my teammates did. They averaged twice the amount and more of myself. I wanted to quit because I felt like I was holding my team down. I felt like a complete failure. How could I not have read the fine print of what I was joining and gotten my friend to join me as well?

My friend and I discussed this in great lengths. She said it doesn’t matter about your place number. It matters that you’re in the race. Her words of wisdom blew my mind. I was so focused on my low score that I missed the biggest picture: My name was listed as part of the team.

Here I was, questioning why God sent me to be the last person. To me, it just didn’t make any sense because I was holding my team back—or so I thought. When, in fact, He sent me to be one of the people on the team.

In life, sometimes we tend to only look at the smaller picture. However, God always has the biggest picture for us. For instance, that tiny pebble that you see among the larger rocks could be the biggest and brightest diamond ever. You just need to look past the size to see its actual value.

After the walking-step challenge ended, I felt renewed. Even with my health challenges, I still managed to stay in the race. Not only that but I took off a week due to having the flu then after I recovered, I jumped right back in.

God’s purpose for me the entire time, I learned, was to stay in the race.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I’m not sure who needs this message but please let them know they can do this. They just need to stay in the race and keep the pace with You by their side, allowing You to guide them every step of the way. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Walk with You” by Michael Bethany. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Pieces” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

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Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: The great love our Creator (God) has for us

How Do You Spell Love?
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

—1 John 4:16b (NIV)

Spelling is either your thing or not. If spelling bees were part of your growing up years, you understand that statement because you were either able to advance with your spelling acumen, or you were sent retreating in the first couple of rounds.

There are times when we need things to be spelled out for us because we don’t understand. This can happen when a challenge presents itself in a relationship, on the job, or something else. Our minds try to catch the drift, so to speak, but it eludes us. It is at this juncture where a friend will spell out what we missed. This is much like our understanding of God’s love, or rather our lack of understanding or a misunderstanding we harbor in our heart. How can we get it straight? How can we know this love God has for us?

In Scripture, all throughout its pages, God unfolds His multifaceted love for us. In the Old Testament, He points us to Jesus Christ (His Son) by demonstrating that the Law was not enough to wipe away our sins. It only covered our sins but did not blot them out. In the New Testament Jesus spells out God’s love for us: the giving of His Son as the sacrificial Lamb required for the forgiveness of sins (John 3:16).

Jesus is the ultimate definition of the love of God. He is God’s only Son, whom God loves very much. Jesus is the embodiment of love. It is hard to fathom. It is hard to comprehend how such a holy God can love a sinner like me, like us. Yet, He does in a myriad of ways.

As aforementioned, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us as a demonstration of His love (Romans 5:8), but He shows us His love in other ways too. These ways include, but are not limited to, a beautiful sunset just when you needed that beauty or the hug of a friend or grandchild comforting your heart when you felt alone, and the kind words of a stranger after other words from someone else had stung.

All throughout the Bible we can bask in God’s love. We can be reminded nothing can separate us from Christ’s love and God’s love, just as the Bible says in Romans 8:35 and Romans 8:38-39. The Apostle Paul told us twice in just a few verses the hold God and Christ’s love have on us. Nothing, absolutely nothing can come between us and the love of God. The enemy may try by throwing obstacle after obstacle in our way, on our way, at us, behind us, before us. But to no avail. God’s love conquers all.

What is keeping us from understanding this great love God has for us? What’s preventing us from seeing His love, from feeling and embracing this love? Maybe our definition of love needs to be redefined or spelled out for us. Read all of 1 Corinthians 13 to learn how God defines love. The Apostle Paul, who wrote this passage in the Bible, did a beautiful job of defining love from God’s perspective. While reading these verses, try inserting Jesus in place of the word love. You will not be the same when you see how much God loves you.

Another way to spell love is T-I-M-E. Think of the people you spend time with and you will quickly understand how this can be true. We do not intentionally spend our precious time with people who we do not love. We give our time to the people who we want to hang out with on a regular basis. Time is a piece of ourselves we can never get back. Our time spent talking with our loved ones will not be given back to us, but it will go a long way in fostering that relationship.

This is similar to how we can foster our relationship with Jesus. Do we spend time with Him? Not just a minute here or there, or an hour when we’re in church on the weekend, or out of obligation, but real time from our everyday life. Do we spend time with God from the moment we wake up and continue the conversation to the moment we lay our heads down to rest?

What does this realistically look like? Praying in a physical prayer closet or having our noses in the Bible all day long may not be feasible, nor necessarily advisable. We still need to go to work so we can pay our bills, feed our pets, do the laundry and take care of our loved ones. Yet, giving God our time is as individual as each one of us. Reading and studying the Bible is a good way to spend time with God—not just for a minute but taking adequate time to soak it in as we meditate on the words on the page. Prayer to God can be short throughout the day. We can have tiny conversations with Him that have no ending nor beginning but picked up where it was left off last. Time is a sacrifice. It is the giving of ourselves in that moment to one person. It is single-focused, purposeful and shared.

Isn’t this what God does for us? He is faithful and never leaves us. God never changes. He seeks us, pursues us and lavishes His love on us. He embraces us when He finds us, He comforts us when we hurt, and He holds us when we bury our head into His shoulder. Let’s receive this love from God. Let us give this love to God and to others. Because love never fails.

Let’s Pray:

Father God, thank You for Your love and Your definition of love—Jesus. Forgive me for pushing You away and not accepting this love or making it to be something it was never intended to be. Your love is beautiful and deserves its proper place in my life and in my heart. Thank You for loving me. I give my love to You, fully. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Selah. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog

Devotionals for the Heart: We need to stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ

Standing Firm in Faith
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”—Daniel 1:8 (NIV)

Scrolling on social media seems brainless. We don’t think about what we see. But the eyes can’t lie. We love what we see—the perfection of someone’s life.

Social media often showcases luxury, beauty, and success, subconsciously creating a desire for these things. We see people traveling along with beautiful scenery from one country to another. People we follow on social media showcase their accomplishments in many things and sharing their achievements in business, academic, career, etc. It is as if it is an easy achievement. Not to mention, these days, with beautiful camera filters, people look flawless. Beauty treatments seem to be more common everywhere. New beauty products are made available for purchase almost every day. Slowly, we start to compare ourselves and feel dissatisfaction, diverting focus from spiritual growth. We forget our true worth in the eyes of our Creator (God). We need to learn how to see ourselves as He sees us.

Lately, I’ve been studying the Bible story about Daniel. His decision to stand firm in his faith while held captive in Babylon reminded me of how we should stand firm in our faith while scrolling social media. We read in the first chapter of the Bible book of Daniel that Daniel was taken captive in Babylon during the Babylonian exile when King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. The king sought to assimilate these young men into Babylonian culture by educating them in the language and literature of the Babylonians and providing them with royal food and wine.

Despite the pressure to conform, Daniel decided not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. He requested permission to eat only vegetables and drink water for ten days as a test (Daniel 1:12). After ten days, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than those who ate the king’s food. This spectacular result happened after Daniel and his friends consumed what we know in our modern day as “The Daniel Diet.” God blessed Daniel and his friends with knowledge and understanding. God gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams and visions.

Living like Daniel today is difficult—not only with our food and drink choices but standing firm in our faith amidst social media temptations. However, we can take some steps to maintain our faithfulness and not be drawn to the temptation we see.

The first step is to discern what you consume on social media. We should pick and choose what we are exposed to. The right content will help our faith grow. The second step is contentment: We need to find contentment in God’s provision rather than worldly possessions because worldly possessions are temporary. The third step is to focus on God’s plan. Think about your purpose in life, what God has planted, the Godly desire instead of the worldly desires and the fleeting desires promoted online.

Let’s evaluate our social media habits and make conscious choices to prioritize our faith. When we are faithful to God, the reward is beyond our understanding. Just like God was with Daniel, He is with us, providing strength and guidance. Let’s maintain our eternal perspective, valuing spiritual growth over material gain.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a good Father to us. Even though we face difficult choices in life, we believe you are there to give us strength and guidance. Please give us wisdom in choosing the right thing to do. Teach us to be content with what we have now and show us how to focus on eternity instead of the temporary pleasures of this world. Thank You for your love and mercy in our lives. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Magnificent” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Beautiful Savior” by Planetshakers. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.

Devotionals for the Heart: We should be still before God and trust His plan

Choose Solitude
A devotional by Easter Young

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”—Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

The Bible is unlike many literary works in that the words often jump off the page and meet readers wherever they find themselves. It is living, God-breathed, and relevant to our daily lives.

Scripture is here to guide, to encourage, to reprove, to correct, to enlighten, to comfort, and to engage readers in critical thinking and ultimately personal reflection. Today’s passage does all these things. In Psalm 46, we find a song of praise that emphasizes God’s greatness. This Psalm speaks about God’s sovereignty and ability to sustain His people through catastrophic events and everyday life.

In this passage the mountains are quaking and the foundations of familiar institutions are being destroyed. The waters are raging, nations are in an uproar, and ruling kingdoms are failing. This is juxtaposed to God’s ability to step into any situation and bring order, peace, and life. When there is utter devastation God comforts and gives us grace to rebuild our lives. Despite the chaos, His presence brings protection and provision. God stops wars and defeats our enemies. He revives the weary and heals the broken. The Lord Almighty is with us. He is our fortress. When we grieve, He is the God who makes us glad because He is with us.

This passage makes it clear that no matter how things look or what the human experience entails—the good, the bad, or the ugly—God is with us. He is compassionate, empathetic, loving, and concerned. He knows all and He has limitless resources. He is powerful enough to shift the tides of nature. Therefore, He is capable of taking care of one of his most vulnerable creations, us humans.

Our anchor text above (Psalm 46:10), lays out God’s characteristics before admonishing us to “be still”. This could be because God knows that many humans are moved to act when there is calamity. We do not like feeling helpless and often believe that we can do things on our own. This Scripture is advising us to find solitude. Solitude is a positive and constructive state of engagement with oneself. It is a spiritual discipline where one keeps themselves company and engages in reflection and inner searching that leads to personal growth.

Stillness requires intention and planning. It must also be coupled with knowledge. God directs us to be still and know that He is God. When we understand God’s character, we will trust that He has a plan for our lives despite what happens or what we experience each day. We can rest in God’s power to safeguard us. As mere mortals, we can also acknowledge our frailty and our daily need for Him.

We can rest our minds because God declares that through life’s events He will be exalted among every nation and throughout the earth. God has our best interest at heart. It takes spiritual knowledge of him and nurturing relationship with Him to live in peace.

Reading and reflecting on Psalm 46 causes me to remember one of the most chaotic times in my life—when I lost my brother. What began with a general call to the family because of an emergency at work ended with an abrupt exchange of final goodbyes. The world I knew was collapsing and I sought answers to questions everywhere I looked. I felt a deep sadness wondered about my individual identity, and experienced real personal chaos. Being with family felt foreign, spending time in prayer felt forced, and being alone felt awkward.

The call to “be still and know that I am God” in Psalm 46:10 was a powerful reminder that times of uncertainty were certainly apart of human experience. It was confirmation that God had not abandoned me, although I was in pain and searching for meaning. This scripture gave me courage to envision a life of hope, knowing that God had a plan for my future beyond the unexpected loss. I remembered His care and compassion. As a result, I could celebrate my brother’s positive contributions to society and his impact on my life.

I reflected upon how God had been merciful and gracious to our family even through such a difficult experience. I prioritized self-care and became more intentional about creating opportunities for quality connections with the members of my immediate and extended family members. I dedicated more time to nurturing my relationship with good and seeking healing throughout my grief journey. I discovered unique positive coping strategies that helped me to express my pain, accept the loss, and celebrate the memory of my significant person. This uniquely personal experience taught me that God rules in the affairs of his people. He is sovereign in our lives and when it comes to shifting or our world at large.

Given our current global climate this passage provides comfort when people and institutions fail us. It encourages us to remain consistent in our faith and diligent in our work. It reminds us to prioritize moments of solitude and contemplative prayer. When we practice being still and knowing that God is in control, we are able to understand what it means to live in community as His children who He gives the privilege to access to His Presence. God has endless resources to help us if we only believe in Him and ask Him for what we need.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where do I find solitude in my everyday life? Do I prioritize mindful reflection and connecting with myself?

2. Are there obstacles to my personal practice of this spiritual discipline? Is my life too busy or filled with obligations/commitments that keep me from being still and cultivating spiritual knowledge of God?

3. What tangible changes can I make that will allow me to practice solitude and increase my trust in God’s sovereignty?

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

You are my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. You are Almighty and all-knowing. You are with us in the midst of natural disasters, personal crises, failing institutions, and strained relationships. When there is chaos orchestrated by humans, collective unrest, and an undeniable sense of overwhelm, please give us peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to find solitude because of our knowledge of You. Give us grace and allow us to rest. We will be still because of your character, power, and plan. Our lives are in your hands. You know the path we take and you know the plans you have for us. Thank You that these are plans for good and not of evil. You will bring us to an expected end. We thank You and trust You completely, Lord. 

In Jesus’s name I pray. 

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Be Still and Know” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “You Are the Living Word” by Fred Hammond. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Easter Lilly is a native Chicagoan who is passionate about working with youth and families. 

She discovered her life's passion through participation in early college and mentorship programs, where she experienced the transformative power of wrap-around services and support. As a result, she has a unique perspective and aims to provide adequate support to the most vulnerable members of our population: the disenfranchised and often forgotten. Easter is an urban youth worker, minister, mentor, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is an advocate for the use of holistic and evidence-based approaches that result in real change.

Her educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University, a Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry with a concentration in Youth Ministry Studies from North Park Theological Seminary, and a Masters of Social Work from UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work.

Easter has worked in the educational nonprofit field for 20 years. She has a wealth of knowledge because of her experience with youth development, youth guidance, counseling, and the provision of support services in faith-based and community organizations. She is energized by society’s challenges and driven by a genuine desire to serve others.

Her life’s mission is to be an ally, and valuable resource to youth and families as they learn, grow, and experience success together. She believes that this is one of the best ways to positively impact the world.

~*~
Connect with Easter:
Email: eastermaeyoung@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How we should respond when we are suffering

Our Response to Suffering
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

—Psalm 50:14-15 (ESV)

All throughout Scripture, the Lord calls us to give Him thanks in everything.

We are to rejoice in Him, and that means to be glad in the provision of the Lord. That doesn’t seem like much of a sacrifice when we first think of it, but what if God’s provision for us is something we don’t necessarily want?

The other night, a group of ladies and I were talking about the definitions of justice and mercy that God uses. We had to admit that we like God’s definition of mercy, but His justice isn’t quite so popular. We don’t always want some of the things the Lord hands to us. A job loss can really mess up our plans, but the loss of a loved one is even worse. And in our humanity, we don’t want either one.

A few weeks ago, a much-loved family member who lived alone had a fall and lay for hours on the floor before anyone found her. After a successful surgery, our family struggled to find a good rehabilitation center that could take her for physical therapy. One center looked very promising, but then the door closed.

Discouragement set in immediately. We kept searching, but no other options were available, and we didn’t know what to do. But the Lord says that we are to “rejoice always”, as the Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (ESV). So, we started asking God what to do. Are we really going to rejoice and be thankful even when every option was a solid no? God is patient with us, thankfully. His directive was clear. We were to rejoice and that’s what we began to do.

As I began to pray, it was easy at first as I thought of all God’s goodness, but then my mind tried to get all tangled up in the requests for a suitable facility. There were tons of “what if” questions as I tried to second-guess the Lord about our dilemma.

Then another of God’s directives came to mind, almost like a dare! I was to offer thanksgiving and praise. Trying to be obedient, I praised Him for His provision, His character, and His powerful works throughout history. I even thanked Him for delivering the Israelites by parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22)! Then as the afternoon passed by, peace began to fill my entire being.

What joy we have experienced since that day! As it turns out, God had another plan all along, one much better for all of us, especially for our loved one. To us, His plan seemed impossible, but when has that ever stopped the Lord? We should know by now that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV).

Our family continues to rejoice in the goodness of God. We praise Him for His faithfulness. We marvel at His unending kindness. We thank Him for His peace.

When the storms of life break out in our world, we can choose how to respond to the Lord God Almighty. Our compassionate God is right there with us, and He understands and accepts our pain, confusion, and grief. Human suffering is God’s suffering, too. But none of it is ever wasted or for no logical reason. Our hope rests in our Lord who knows that pain will bring us closer to Him, if we’ll let Him use it. He wants us to grow to be more and more like Him.

Let’s Pray: 

Dear Lord, 

You know the experiences of every one of us, and You have complete understanding of all our pain. Thank You for sending Jesus, Your Son, to die for all the sins of the world. You sent Him to die in our place and free us from the justice we deserve. Instead, You give mercy. We praise you for this priceless gift, and we ask that You restore joy in us as we draw closer to You. 

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “One Thing I Know” by Selah. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers. 

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust Jesus Christ and follow His plan

Soundtrack of My Life
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Our faith in Jesus transfers God’s righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes.”—Romans 5:1 (TPT)

I need music like I need air. It can lift my spirits or soothe my soul.

Music has always played a big part in my life. For as long as I can remember, music filled our home with joy. As a little girl, I danced around the living room while my dad played his clarinet, the sounds of music saturating the air. This was the soundtrack of my childhood.

Whether music fans or not, most of us have experienced the annoying phantom tune that invades our minds without invitation. The stuck song that plays repeatedly in your head. Just as you’ve forgotten about it, the music starts again. You can’t get rid of it, you can’t remember the lyrics or the title, but the tune continues to play in your head, as if it’s the official background music for the soundtrack of your life.

This has been happening to me very often in these last few months. Before I open my eyes, the first thing I’m aware of is the song in my head. Sometimes, the song is just a tune, and I struggle to remember the lyrics. Other times, it’s so familiar that each word finds its note, and the entire composition dances through my mind.

Recently, a tune pulsed through my veins at warp speed, and I had no idea where it came from. It became a mystery begging to be solved. After I got out of bed and the first few sips of caffeine kicked in, a few of the lyrics revealed themselves. However, the tune played on in blatant defiance of the missing words. I began to wonder if this was a lesson from God in the making.

Isn’t humming a tune without recalling the lyrics similar to how Christians are called to follow Jesus Christ without having a highlighted outline of His master plan? In His wisdom, God reveals what we need to know when we need to know it. He knows exactly when to impart this knowledge. The tune in my head held only one phrase that I remembered, but that was all I needed to know. God woke me that morning with a glorious combination of melody and words. He revealed the mystery song: “Flawless” sung by Mercy Me. For me, this was a perfect illustration of walking with Christ in total surrender.

Why this song? I’m far from flawless, but Jesus reminds me that in His eyes, I am flawless. This is the grace of God. It defies human power and directs our eyes to Jesus. Christ’s death on the cross (John 3:16-17) makes us flawless before God. There’s nothing we can possibly do to earn it. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die so we may live. Psalm 23 tells us that Jesus is our shepherd.

He is good at taking care of us and leading us through the hills and valleys of life. We need to trust Jesus enough to follow Him. The amazing grace of God will guide you down the right path. Sing praises to King Jesus for only He can make you flawless.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Jesus,

You see us when we lose our patience, forget to count our blessings, and grow weary. But because You have restored us You see us as flawless. Our hearts overflow with love and gratitude for Your gift of salvation. Show us how to grow our faith and daily express our thankfulness to You. Thanks be to God!

In Your Name I pray, Jesus. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Flawless” by Mercy Me. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: http://colleenchoward.com

Book Spotlight: "40 Days to God, My Father" (devo) by Rosann S. Coulon

~*~

 

Today (March 11), we celebrate my author friend Rosann S. Coulon because it is her devotional book birthday! Rosann has graciously agreed to share an except from her book and the story behind why she wrote it. Read on for those details.

~*~

Covered by Him
Written by Rosann Coulon

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”—Psalm 27:5 ESV

I struggled to swallow the lump in my throat and I willed my heart to slow its thumping. My terrier’s wide eyes matched the fear pouring into my body. The thunderous rain outside my window covered my home in darkness and the winds let out a deafening tone. I stole a glance at my husband sitting beside me. If he wasn’t panicking, maybe I shouldn’t either.

“Should we take cover in the hallway?” My voice quavered as the question tumbled from my mouth. His eyes darted to survey our outside surroundings. Already rising, he replied, “Yes!”

While I jolted to my feet to follow him, I grabbed our terrier and took a few steps before sliding my body down the wall of our narrow hallway. I had never heard such howling sounds before, so I quietly prayed for God to keep us safe until the tornado passed by.

As I sat knee to knee with my husband, I saw our pup do something that mirrored what I was experiencing inside my own fearful heart. The dog scooted up against my spouse and used her nose to wedge a hole under his armpit until her entire head was covered with his arm. Our terrier had sought shelter and security in her master’s covering during life’s calamities—and my heart longs to do the same.

In Psalm 27, King David was caught in a life- threatening situation. He was being chased by the jealous and murderous King Saul who had placed a bounty on his head. Perhaps the winds of his heart howled like the winds surrounding my home on that day we bunkered down in the hallway.

But despite this dangerous situation, David remained confident of His Father’s care—and reminded himself where to turn when everything around him was crashing down: “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (Ps. 27:5).

The good news is that we can have the same confidence King David had. In times of trouble—whether literal or figurative storms—we can run into the arms of our Father for shelter and trust He will cover us with Himself. He provides the love, peace, and hope we need to endure the trials of this life—and His grace will lead us safely to our heavenly home.

Thankfully, the tornado left only scattered debris, broken tree limbs, and some missing roof shingles. But I also learned an important lesson from our dog—the safest place to be in rain or shine is the shelter of our Master. He is our hiding place. Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me run into Your presence for shelter during the hard times of this life. I trust You to be my hiding place. Thank You for protection now—and forever more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


**This devotion appears in 40 Days to God, My Father. Used by permission from Christian Focus Publications, Ltd.

~*~
Note from the author:

Rosann Coulon has written 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God, releasing today. 

After experiencing a difficult season with her earthly father’s medication dependency, she found herself struggling to trust the Lord as a good Father. Rosann sensed the Holy Spirit inviting her to know Him as her One True Father.

Approaching the Scriptures with a fresh perspective, Rosann beheld the Lord’s faithfulness, presence, and care in the lives of biblical saints. And through prayer and reflection, she was able understand that God had done––and would do––the same for all of His children. Her faith was renewed.

Rosann wants to share these same truths with others. Her desire is for God’s children to comprehend His perfect Fatherhood. And she hopes that those who don’t yet know Him as Father, would join the family. The invitation is open!

~*~
Author Bio:

Rosann Coulon is the author of the book 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God.  

She has contributed articles to The Gospel Coalition, The Daily Grace Co., Core Christianity, and other publications. She is the founder of Leaving a Well Ministries whose mission is to share biblical hope with hurting hearts by providing Christ-centered resources. Rosann and her husband call North Carolina home. Visit her at www.leavingawell.com to receive free inspirational content. You can also connect with her at instagram.com/rosann_coulon.

Devotionals for the Heart: Making lists and making room for Jesus Christ

What Should Go at the Top of My Daily To-Do List
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”—Luke 9:23 (ESV)

I love making lists.

My desk and my purse are cluttered with all kinds of to-do lists: household chores to be completed, groceries to be bought, bills to be paid, birthday cards to be mailed, and the like. I always have a pencil and legal pad on hand, and I even have apps on my phone for list-making.

The reason I love lists is the sense of satisfaction that comes from crossing off completed tasks. Every checked box feels like a gold star for a job well done. When the last task is complete, I can throw the list away and bask in the glow of my productivity.

The problem with to-do lists, however, is that there is no real end to them. Sure, I can make a list and check all the boxes, but there are always more tasks waiting. Every time I put away the clean dishes, new dirty ones appear in the sink. The houseplants need to be watered on a regular basis, and the grass keeps growing after it’s been mowed. Kids outgrow clothes and shoes and need new ones every time I turn around, it seems. Bills keep coming every month. Oh, how I wish I could wash, fold, and put away the laundry one time and be done with it forever, but we all know that is not the way it works.

I think sometimes we tend to think of salvation as an item on a to-do list. Once we have professed faith in Jesus Christ, we feel as though we have checked that box and are good to go, once and for all. There is truth in that, but it is not the end of the story. Yes, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” as the Bible says in Romans 10:13 (ESV), and once Jesus saves us, the Bible says, “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand” (John 10:29 ESV). Living out our faith, though, is ongoing work, a choice and an effort we must make daily. Just as we must bathe and dress and eat and drink not just once, but every day, we must decide afresh each day to follow Jesus and put our faith into action.

This idea of daily renewal is woven into scripture from beginning to end, from the Old Testament when God taught the Israelites to depend on Him daily by sending them manna each morning (Exodus 16) to the New Testament when Jesus taught us to pray by asking God to give us our daily bread (Matthew 6:11 and Luke 11:3). Creation itself models this theme in its many cycles like the changing seasons, tides, day and night. Nature is constantly being renewed, too.

In Luke 9:23 (ESV), Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Jesus clearly tells us that following Him is not a one-and-done task, but an ongoing process. Professing faith in Him is not the final question on a test to be turned in and done with; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey with Him. It’s as if Jesus is saying that whatever else is on your daily to-do list, making a new decision to continue that journey should always be item number one.

How can I keep moving forward daily in my walk with Christ? Setting aside time for prayer and Bible reading and looking for practical ways to share His love with the people around me are good items to put on my list. Those priorities can stay the same every day, but the results will be new and greater with practice.

Salvation comes through putting our faith in Jesus Christ, but then we must intentionally put our faith into action on a daily basis. Stopping after the point of salvation would be like buying a new dishwasher but never actually using it to wash the dishes. Walking with Jesus is not a chore, but it does take effort and intentionality for faith to grow and produce fruit.

Will you walk with Jesus today? And follow Him every day of your life?

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to make taking new steps with You the highest priority in our lives every day. We love You, Lord. Thanks for being with us every step of the way!

In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Will Follow Christ” by Clay Crosse, Bebe Winans & Bob Carlisle. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton has been a writer for most of her life, even before she realized it. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms, all of which involved writing in one form or another.

Suzanne is amazed by the power of words and now uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

She is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-five years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband have served as deacons for over a decade. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two teenage sons. Suzanne is also an avid birder, easily and happily distracted by anything with feathers.

~*~
Connect with Suzanne:
Website: https://suzannefelton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton
Email address: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to follow God's lead and trust Him

Following God’s Lead and Trusting His Timing
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.”—Numbers 9:18 (ESV)

The Israelites had an extraordinary guide in their wilderness journey: the visible presence of God in a cloud by day and fire by night.

Whenever the cloud lifted, they moved. Whenever it settled, they stayed. There was no set schedule or predictable pattern. Sometimes, they camped for a night; other times, they stayed for months. Their movement was entirely dictated by God’s command.

How often have you wished for tangible, divine leadership in your decision making? I often wrestle with the difference between calls and opportunities. I see calls as direct summons from God to do something specific or to go somewhere definitive. Opportunities are good ideas and possibilities for success.

This passage speaks profoundly to our own walk with God. Like the Israelites, we often desire a predictable roadmap, a five-year plan, or at least a clear next step. But God calls us to trust Him with our timing. The challenge is not just in moving when He says “go” but also in waiting when He says “stay.”

The Israelites did not wander aimlessly and neither should we. Their movement was determined by the presence of God. Likewise, our direction should come from Him. The world offers countless methods for decision-making—logic, emotions, advice from others—but ultimately, it is God’s presence and His Word that should guide us. His Spirit speaks through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel.

The passage in Numbers illustrates an important truth: God’s timing is not always predictable or convenient. Often, we are eager for the next phase of life. A new job, a relationship, or a resolution to a challenge may beckon. But God, in His infinite wisdom, sometimes asks us to wait. Other times, He moves us suddenly, requiring us to step out in faith without having all the details. Trusting His timing is everything, especially when we are eager or reticent.

Faith is not just about waiting; it’s also about obedience when God calls us to step forward. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites didn’t hesitate or question whether they were ready—they simply obeyed.

Delayed obedience is often a form of disobedience. If God is calling us to something—whether to serve, to give, to forgive, or to step into an unfamiliar place—our response should be immediate trust. Just as the Israelites moved at God’s command, we are called to step forward in faith when He leads us. But what about when delays persist and we are required to wait?

Some seasons of life feel stagnant, as if we are stuck in one place, longing for movement. The Israelites had times when they camped for long periods. In those periods, God was shaping them, teaching them to depend on Him. Likewise, our waiting seasons are opportunities for growth, deeper intimacy with God, and preparation for what’s ahead. The task in waiting is to learn what God wants us to master while we wait.

There are four practical lessons we can draw from this devotional passage:

Lesson #1: As did the Israelites, we must be aware of God’s presence in our lives.

Lesson #2: We must learn to trust His timing.

Lesson #3: When He moves, we must also because delayed obedience is disobedience.

Lesson #4: The waiting room is not designed to frustrate us but to prepare us for God’s next movements in our lives.

God’s plan is always best, and His timing is always perfect. Whether He leads us into movement or stillness, let us follow Him wholeheartedly.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your perfect guidance. Help us to trust in your timing, whether You are calling us to move forward or to wait. Give us faith to obey immediately when You lead and patience when You ask us to be still. May we always be sensitive to Your presence and find peace in knowing that You are in control.

In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Trust and Obey” with lyrics written by John H. Sammis and sung by The Vagle Brothers. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Are you a follower or fan of Jesus Christ?

Mad About God
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.—Jeremiah 20:9 (NKJV)

For college basketball fans, March Madness is the highlight of the season.

Every year, during March and April, teams battle through a series of intense elimination games to determine the national champion. It’s an exciting time full of buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and unexpected upsets.

But March Madness isn’t just about basketball. It’s about passion.

Die-hard fans will do just about anything to stay glued to the games. Employees mysteriously “call in sick” so they can watch their favorite teams play. People paint their faces—and sometimes their entire bodies—in school colors, proudly displaying their loyalty. Offices buzz with excitement as co-workers bet on who will take home the championship. Brackets are meticulously filled out and updated, sometimes by the hour, as fans track every win and loss.

Even though I don’t get caught up in the full madness of it all, I do enjoy watching the games and cheering for my favorite teams. But as I watched the championship game last year, something struck me. I couldn’t help but wonder: What if we, as believers, were as passionate about being on God’s team as these fans are about their basketball teams?

That thought challenged me, and I hope it challenges you too. Because if we're truly playing for God’s team, then we should live like it. That means asking ourselves some serious questions (see the questions in bold below).

Question #1: Do Others Know Whose Team You’re On?

You can always tell who the die-hard basketball fans are. They proudly wear their team’s colors, chant their fight songs, and defend their team to anyone who will listen. Their loyalty is loud and clear. But as followers of Jesus Christ, can the same be said about us?

Do people know you belong to Jesus? Can they tell, not just by what you say, but by how you live? The Bible reminds us in Romans 1:16 (NIV), “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” That means we don’t just represent Jesus Christ on Sundays. We represent Him in our workplaces, in our communities, and even in the everyday moments when no one is watching.

We may be the only Bible some people will ever read. And while none of us get it right 100% of the time, when we fall short, we must be quick to repent and get back in the game.

Question #2: How Are You Getting Along with Your Teammates?

There’s an old saying that Christians are the only ones who shoot their wounded.

In basketball, a team can’t win if the players are constantly fighting with each other instead of working together. No matter how talented individual players are, their success depends on unity.

The same is true for the body of Christ. We are all broken people, saved by grace, and called to love and support one another. John 13:35 (NIV) says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” That love isn’t just for the people who are easy to get along with—it applies to everyone, even those who challenge us.

As believers, our goal isn’t to tear each other down. It’s to build each other up. To extend grace when others fall. To be quick to forgive. To encourage one another to keep pressing toward the ultimate prize.

Question #3: Are You Playing to Win?

In basketball, every player on the court has one goal in mind: the championship trophy. They train relentlessly, push through exhaustion, and stay focused because they know what’s at stake. As believers, we are also pressing toward a prize—but ours is much greater than any earthly championship. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Life will bring challenges. We’ll face obstacles. We’ll have days when we feel like quitting. But 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) reminds us: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Remember: Your trials are temporary. Your struggles will not last forever. But your faithfulness to God? That has eternal value. Don’t let the distractions of this world pull you away from what really matters. Keep your eyes on the ultimate prize: eternity with Jesus. Stay in the game, stay committed, and keep pressing on.

March Madness fans go all out for their teams. They wear their colors, cheer with everything they’ve got, and never miss a game. What would happen if we showed that same level of passion for God? What if we lived so boldly in our faith that people had no doubt whose team we were on?

The truth is, we are all in the middle of a game—one that’s far more important than basketball. And the best part? We already know how it ends. In Christ, we have victory. So, suit up, stay faithful, and play to win. The final championship—the one that truly matters—belongs to those who endure to the end (Matthew 24:13).

Are you in?

Let’s Pray: Lord God, I am madly in love with You. Help me to stay all in so that I may endure to the end and receive my eternal crown. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Am Not Ashamed” by Heritage Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Victory Belongs to Jesus” by Todd Dulaney. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC. It includes Her RICH Coaching where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats. She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in early 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to accomplish the extraordinary by living their purpose, calling, and assignment. He has chosen every woman to fulfill a calling that is hers alone. And if she does not answer that calling, then that work will never be done. Joyce knows that there are people who are waiting for help that only God can give and only God can use His people to help each other. Joyce believes that we are called by God to help each other. She wants to answer that call and inspire others to answer it too so we can be of service to God.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” In addition to being an entrepreneur, Joyce currently serves as the Associate Teaching Director for the Community Bible Study International class in Georgetown, SC.

Joyce makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com