Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should invite God into our imagination

Inviting God into My Imagination
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? … So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”—Matthew 6:27, 31-32 (NLT)

I sat at the bus stop, watching a tiny old lady pushing a mountain of cardboard on cart down the road. Her back was bent almost double, but her arms were strong. She seemed unfazed as she pushed the tower of flattened boxes toward the recycling center around the corner, where she would get a meager amount of money for her hard work.

I noticed another elderly lady fishing tin cans out of trash bags on the side of the road. She could also take these to the recycling center and receive a little money. In my opinion, these old ladies should be resting, after their long years of hard work. But in fact, many older people cannot afford to rest. They still need income, and the unpleasant task of collecting recyclables is one way they can get it.

As I watched this scene, that I had observed so many times before, I started to worry about growing old in Korea. This country has the highest rate of old-age poverty in the international Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). My heart often aches for the grandmas and grandpas I see doing menial, labor-intensive tasks to try and make ends meet.

As a foreigner married to a Korean, the prospect of old age in Korea makes me anxious at times. I spent an evening tossing and turning in bed, wondering if we would be similarly poor and struggling when we reached old age. Depressing visions and statistics danced through my head.

The next morning, I turned on my devotional app to listen as I got ready for the day. Suddenly, a couple of verses jumped out at me: “Now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.” (Psalm 71:9 NLT)

God’s Word (The Holy Bible) says that He cared for us since we were born. God says, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” (Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT)

They were such appropriate verses for the previous night’s worries! It felt like a nudge from God not to be afraid, but to include Him in my imagination of what the future could look like.

Of course, I have no idea where I will be or what I’ll be doing by the time I reach retirement age. I know that every country has its own problems; even if I went back to my home country of the United Kingdom, I would face challenges. I know that life shifts and changes.

So, instead of creating a gloomy image of a future that may or may not come to pass, I can focus my thoughts on the God who promises to care for me throughout my lifetime. And that is what I invite you to do, too. Turn your thoughts and your imagination toward the God who loves you.

None of us know exactly what the future will hold. There seems to be a lot to worry about—whether we’re anxious about our old age, job situation, health, family, or something else. It can be all too easy to let our imagination go down dark paths, thinking of worst-case scenarios, wondering how we can take care of ourselves if such and such happens, and completely forgetting the promises of God. In those moments, let’s invite God into our imagination. Let’s ask Him to give us a vision of the future that includes His promises to guide, provide, and care for us.

Let’s Pray: Father God, You know the fears and anxieties that we wrestle with often. You know the uncertainties we face in life. But we praise You that we can be sure of your loving presence and care. We bring You our burdens and cast all of our anxieties on You, just as You invite us to do in 1 Peter 5:7. Give us Your peace and light up the dark places in our imaginations. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Like You Love Me” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Bill & Gloria Gaither. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

~*~
Connect with Lynette:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordsforwanderers/
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning to worship God while we wait on Him

Worship While you Wait
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”—Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

I put a note in the calendar on my phone to remind me to arrive at least 15 minutes before the exact start time of my appointment with my doctor. On the day of my appointment, I walked into my doctor's office with plenty of time to spare.

I greeted the receptionist and took a seat. I noticed several other patients were waiting. I hoped and prayed they were not before me because I was on time. I made a mental note of the notice on the wall about a charge for missed appointments. That would not be my story today because I was on time.

Trying to relax, I opened my book to read the next chapter. I wanted to finish reading this chapter before it was my turn to see the doctor. After I finished reading the chapter, I looked at my watch and saw that I had been waiting well past my appointment time. Taking a deep breath, I prayed quietly that I would be called shortly. Can you relate to sitting in a waiting room for an appointment that you had planned your day around, only for the start time to be delayed much longer than you expected? Waiting is not fun, but every one of us faces this challenge more often than we would like.

Sometimes we are waiting on God to answer a prayer that we’ve been looking for an answer for some time. Day after day we wait in expectation. One thing I’ve had to repeatedly learn during this time of waiting is to trust Him. Trust that He has heard my prayer and that He wants me to rest in Him. God also wants me to worship Him while I wait. Trusting God requires us to learn His character. Scripture shows us that we are not alone in learning this life lesson.

There is a story in the Bible about a woman named Anna (Luke 2:36-38). She was someone who had waited many years for God to answer her prayer. The Bible tells us that Anna’s husband died when she was very young. After his death, she spent her days in the temple. She was one of many people who were waiting to see the fulfillment of the prophecy of Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem.

How was Anna able to do this for many years? She fasted from food for certain times as a spiritual discipline and she prayed to the Lord. She communicated with God and faithfully gave honor to God. When we worship through prayer and wait upon the Lord, there is a supernatural strength we are given that enables us to see our situation(s) with a different perspective. God wants us to delight so much in Him that we desire what He wants. Making His desire priority means we are placing a high worth on Him. Can we expect Him to direct our steps? Absolutely! The psalmist said in Psalm 27:14 to wait patiently for the Lord. Scripture also says in Psalm 27:13 (NLT) that he is confident he “will see the Lord’s goodness.”

The psalmist had experienced the Lord’s faithfulness just like Anna had. We too will see His faithfulness. However, we must be patient enough to wait on the Lord.

In closing, think about this: When people are honored at a public event the host will speak about that person’s character, what they have done to contribute to this world, and how they have impacted lives. Everyone’s focus is on that person with deep respect. But there is also an expectation that person will continue to do exemplary things to help make the world a better place.

Let’s put God in the spotlight and magnify His character. He has a flawless track record! Remember this when it comes to waiting on the Lord and trusting Him: God’s ways are not like ours and His timeline is different. But we can trust Him to always show up right on time and help us because His timing is perfect. Therefore, let’s continue to wait for Him and be courageous. Let’s honor God in our daily lives while we trust in Him, wait on Him and listen to His voice. Note: I’ve learned that waiting becomes less stressful because we’re worshipping God in the process.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Sometimes it is so difficult to wait when I’ve prayed for so long for an answer. Yet, I’ve learned to praise You for who You are and thank You for what you’ve done in the past. I praise You for the testimonies throughout Scripture that showcase your faithfulness. As I wait on You, help me to rest in Your will. Thank You in advance for hearing my cry and sending the answers to my prayers. Help me to wait patiently to hear from You. Teach me to trust your perfect timing.

In Jesus’s Name I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “While I Wait” by Lincoln Brewster. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you trust Jesus Christ to help you

Trusting Jesus Christ to Help Us Do Impossible Things
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

—Matthew 14:15-16 (NLT)

I was eager to meet people when I moved to my new senior apartment community last summer. No sooner had I finished unpacking than I noticed flyers for book clubs, coffee dates, and board game groups posted on the lobby bulletin board.

As an introvert, I knew that if I joined everything, I would become emotionally unglued. Then God called me to start a women’s devotional group in my building. I’ve taught many Bible studies over the years, but in this case, I had no idea where my neighbors stood spiritually. I felt like an impostor. My thoughts at this time were: Why me, God? Don’t you know I have a voice disorder? Will anyone even show up? What if my message is so dull that nobody returns?

Despite my reservations, I was pleasantly surprised by how well our first meeting went. When I gave my message to our closing prayer, the ladies were unanimous: the group was exactly what they needed.

When Jesus Christ asked His disciples to feed 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, He knew they had never done anything miraculous. By testing their faith, Jesus forced them to look past their limited experience and trust Him to help them accomplish the impossible.

God calls us to do incredible things. Like the original disciples, we often doubt ourselves and fail to realize our potential. But we must remember that He usually uses the least likely people to accomplish His purposes. So, if the calling on your heart is so big you doubt if it’s really from Him, here are three signs to look for:

Sign #1: When we walk in humility and surrender to God’s plan, He will give us a ‘check’ or warning in our spirits to keep us from going in the wrong direction.

Sign #2: When an opportunity is from God, we’ll experience peace and an inner knowing we can’t explain. But that doesn’t mean it will be easy because anything worth doing for God requires hard work, discipline, and patience.

Sign #3: God’s assignments can’t be accomplished without His help. They’re designed to keep us humble, test our faith, and develop our character and gifts, so we become everything He created us to be.

Friend, you can be confident that, however impossible your dream may seem on the surface, when you put your trust in God, He will equip you to fulfill it. You don’t have to be perfect to accomplish His purposes; you just need to believe.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I admit that I sometimes don’t take advantage of all the opportunities you send me. When I'm afraid of taking risks, give me the courage and confidence to follow where You lead so I can use my gifts to glorify You and make an eternal difference. Thank You for believing in me and faithfully equipping me with everything I need to accomplish Your will. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “God of the Impossible” by Lincoln Brewster. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s passion to follow Jesus Christ is woven throughout her writing. She loves using words to encourage women to embrace their identity in Christ so they can experience victory in every area of their life. 

In 2024, Sarah was a featured speaker in the 28-Day Devotional Challenge. She also launched her new Substack newsletter, "A Peaceful Pace", which inspires her readers to let Jesus Christ set their pace in a world that values speed at all costs.

Sarah’s short stories have appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. Her latest short story is featured in a new book published by Guideposts, titled Too Amazing For Coincidence.

Her devotionals have appeared in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts.

Sarah is a dog sitter who lives in Minneapolis with her dachshund Frank. Her hobbies include cooking and vacationing each year on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52
Substack: https://colebopper58.substack.com/publish/home

Devotionals for the Heart: How a Mother's Love is Like God's Love

The Sacrificial Nature of Love
A devotional by Essie Faye

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16 (NKJV)

There’s no love like a mother’s love.

Recently, I spent time with my 70-year-old Mama. She has mothered many children—from her 11 biological children plus four bonus children, her siblings, Sunday school students at church, and children who lived in the neighborhood and surrounding community. My Mom has generously given her love, time, attention, and resources to countless children—positively impacting their lives forever.

But to her biological children, her love has been highly sacrificial in nature. Our mother not only gave her love, time, attention and resources to us; she gave us her DNA and carried us inside of her body. Our mom bore the wear and tear of carrying and nurturing each of us for nine months. She gave her all to make us into healthy babies. After we were born, she lovingly cared for and nurtured us in good times and challenging times. Even now, as an adult, my mom is available for advice, support, and nurturing. A mother’s job is never done because mothers always hold their children in their heart. What an incredible and God-ordained sacrifice!

In many ways, a mother’s love mirrors the love of God for His children. John 3:16 teaches us that God’s love for humankind caused Him to give His only Son for us. Just as mothers give sacrificially to their children, God gave to His children. God’s love is evidenced by His generosity and concern for His creation. He is moved with compassion to provide a solution for mankind’s sin problem.

Because of the original sin of Adam and Eve who were the First Parents of all humankind, all of us were sentenced to face the judgment of our sins and be punished with eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). But God offered a solution: He gave His Son (Jesus Christ) to save us (John 3:16) and help us be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Now when we let Christ into our hearts and live for Him, we have the hope and promise of eternal life in God’s Presence.

God’s love for humanity prompted Him to give the gift of salvation to us through His Son (Jesus Christ). It is a very generous gift! Generosity is a sure sign of love. God created a solution to solve a seemingly impossible problem. This solution cost Him dearly. Yet He still chose to give us this beautiful gift because He decided that we are worth the sacrifice.

Call to Action:

1. Meditate on God’s love for humankind.

2. What can we give God to show appreciation of His sacrifice for us?

3. Reject the lies of the devil concerning God’s love for you.

4. Accept God’s gift of love and realize its magnitude.

5. Remember: God sacrificed all for you willingly; such great sacrifice deserves acknowledgement and gratitude.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your sacrificial love. You loved us so much that you sent Your Son to rescue us. You gave generously. You gave Your one and only. Help us to truly see the magnitude of Your love. Help us to accept Your unconditional love for us. Teach us how to be generous, empathetic, sympathetic, and compassionate toward ourselves and others. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

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

~*~
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.

~*~
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 I am learning to surrender all to God

Surrender in Layers: Not One and Done
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

I learned to surrender my parenting rights and concerns to God when I sent my girls from Indonesia to the United States of America last year.

I knew I needed to let go as they grow up, find their way, and spread their wings. I thought that when I had the funeral for my husband, that would be my last surrender.

I thought surrender was a one-time graduation. It turns out that it is more like a subscription model with no cancel button. It keeps going throughout my life. That subscription of surrendering comes with a manual book (The Holy Bible). Reading the Bible will comfort you as you learn how to maintain that subscription.

Recently, I accepted an invitation to meet someone. It was an impromptu invitation, and at first, I was too lazy to go. I just want to spend my Sunday resting and enjoying my alone time. I didn’t plan to go anywhere, but I went anyway. When I arrived, the only available seat was in front of him. I had no other choice, so I sat in front of him. At first glance, I liked what I saw. I liked his knowledge as a Christian; he knows what he is talking about. That attracted me because I was hoping to meet someone who doesn’t only to say he is a Christian, but a man who understands and fears God.

I thought this could be a potential new life partner. Maybe this is what redemption looks like—new love after loss. There was a little hope that maybe he is the one. Much speculation played around in my mind. There are lots of ifs. Long story short, we got hooked quickly. In the beginning, we had a good relationship since we both spoke the same language of ministry. Yet, I wasn’t expecting the tension. He said he loved God. I thought that would mean he’d understand my story and even honor it. But suddenly, the pictures of my late husband made him uneasy. My posts about grief made him feel as if he was walking in my late husband’s shadow and this caused my new love interest to feel small. I didn’t know how to respond because I hadn’t realized I still had so many deep ties to what used to be.

It wasn’t about clinging to the past. I had spent years letting go of routines, security, and the man who held my heart. But now I was being asked to let go again, this time of my solitude. My space. The quiet I had worked so hard to rebuild, and it felt like too much. Like I was being asked to evict a memory just to welcome someone who hadn’t yet earned that space. This hurt me not because it was wrong, but because it was real. This was another layer of surrender. One I didn’t know I’d held so tightly.

I realized something uncomfortable: This wasn’t a surrender like the ones I’d done before. This time, I wasn’t grieving a loss. I was resisting a new beginning. And the resistance wasn’t coming from tragedy … it was coming from me holding onto the past and at the same time, trying to protect my peace in the present.

I had grown used to doing life on my terms. It was a quiet and predictable lifestyle that was all mine. But now, God was asking for something new: space for someone else. Space that used to be sacred, now needs to be shared. And I didn’t want to give it up, not because I didn’t care about this new man, but because I didn’t want to lose myself in the process. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul talks about “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”. That’s not about erasing our past; it’s about loosening our grip on it so we can receive what’s next. I wasn’t betraying my late husband by making room for this new relationship. I was obeying God by trusting Him with the next chapter in the story of my life.

I thought I was just being asked to let go of cherished memories, but I was being asked to let someone into my life. And that kind of surrender felt scarier than grief. I had become so good at doing life alone that I didn’t realize how tightly I was holding onto it. Peace had become my protector. Routine had become my comfort. Now, love was asking me to trade those things in for uncertainty, for compromise, for presence. It was a new layer of surrender that I didn’t see coming.

Surrender doesn’t always come wrapped in loss. Sometimes it comes in disguise as opportunity, like love. As someone knocking on your door, asking for a place at the table. And in those moments, we get to decide if we trust God enough to say yes.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father in Heaven,

I thank You for your love in my life. Your never-ending love brings me the security that I need. Even though sometimes as a human, I am longing for more. But I am glad that you never fail to show me your love that is pure and unconditional. Help us to see how much You love humankind. Teach us how to reflect on our lives. Show us how to surrender to You in every aspect of our life. It is not easy but with time and revelation from You, we are able to give all to You. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to surrender, but we know that is because You love us. Teach us to be more discerning and sensitive to your voice. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Without You” by Parachute Band. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Press On” by Selah. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Surrender All” by Clay Crosse. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “I Surrender” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
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: How to hear God's Voice and follow Him

Hearing God’s Voice
A devotional by Terry Overton

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

—John 10:27 (ESV)

In past years, I have received wonderful birthday presents, such as weekend getaways with my husband, flowers, gift cards, books, and jewelry. But this year my birthday was on Sunday, and I got the perfect present! I got to go to church.

That may sound strange to most people, but as a full-time caregiver for a loved one with early-stage Alzheimer’s, I am usually at home on Sunday mornings watching services on TV. But this week, I was able to attend. Going to church was the perfect present for me. How I missed being able to listen to the message in person.

The music played as I walked down the aisle to a pew near the front. I wanted to see and take in every moment, every sound, every smell of the remaining flowers from Easter that decorated the altar. I sat in awe as The Holy Spirit washed over me and the warmth of knowing I was with fellow believers who received the wonderful message. Even after the service, I did not want to leave. I wanted to sit in the peace and calm of His house for a few minutes longer. I wanted to sing one more song, say one more prayer, and hear one more verse relating to the message.

The message I heard spoke to my heart. It was indeed a message I needed. God knew that. This chapter of my life had only begun a few months before and I still had questions about the role in which I had been placed. I grappled with thoughts like: “Am I doing this right? Are the plans for the day His will? Am I reacting lovingly? Are the decisions I make the best ones for my loved one?” These questions are ones asked by caregivers, parents, grandparents, wives and husbands.

Relying on Scripture has been my source of strength and peace when behaviors are challenging. Scripture can calm the mind and heart of anyone facing life events. Scripture has been my peace of mind, but questions remained about the next steps and the care I am giving. I want to be sure my decisions are consistent with God’s will. I want His love to be reflected in the care I provide.

The service that Sunday focused on how we can know and understand God’s will. How can we discern what He wants us to do? What are the next steps we are to take? We are told that as His followers, we can listen to His voice. But how can we hear Him? We learn to recognize His voice by spending time in His Word.

Like sheep who know their Shepherd’s call, we begin to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit through Scripture. The more time we spend in God’s Word (The Holy Bible), the easier it becomes to identify truth from error, peace from chaos, and wisdom from folly.

The message I heard was meant for me that Sunday. Even after the service, I did not want to leave. I wanted to sit in the peace and calm of God’s house for a few minutes longer. Walking back out to the car, I knew spending more time with the Word would be my best strategy in the coming months.

I realized we’re not called to walk perfectly but faithfully. We are not to know all the next steps; we are to trust that God knows. With Scripture as our roadmap, we can navigate life with purpose and peace no matter what tasks we are given.

Let’s make reading God’s Word our daily habit—not just for knowledge but to better hear the voice of our Shepherd (Jesus Christ).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us Your Word to guide us and provide peace during difficult times. Help me to turn to Scripture when I have doubts and to pray when I need Your help and guidance.

In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

~*~
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, playing golf, and writing.

~*~
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: What a long wait at an airport taught me about life

Life Lessons Learned While Waiting at an Airport in Dubai 
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Do everything without complaining and arguing.”

—Philippians 2:14 (NLT)

We had been in a Dubai airport for hours.

It was in the middle of the night local time, but for us, who knew what time it really was for our bodies? We had been traveling for over 24 hours, and we had many hours more to go. Our meals were lackluster, and we had run out of our favorite packed snacks. We had food, but only of those for desperate times variety. We weren’t there. Yet.

Because we were part of a larger team, keeping and maintaining a good attitude was paramount. Not that it really should matter, as we should live our lives to reflect Jesus Christ no matter the circumstance every day. So, we played games, told stories, walked, and waited. And tried very hard not to complain.

Why do we fall so easily to this pastime of complaining? It seems to be one thing we all have in common: We all tend to complain. When the Apostle Paul wrote this verse in Philippians 2:14, he was in jail, chained to a prison guard and had the barest of basic necessities. Yet, he had the audacity to write to the Philippians about not complaining. Didn’t he know what the national pastime was? Didn’t Paul have plenty of things to complain about at that time? Wasn’t he wrongfully jailed?

The Bible says we are to do all things without complaining, even if it is for someone else. Especially so. If we are not complaining, then how are we to spend our time, our thought life, our energy? The Bible says in James 1:2 (NKJV) that we are to count. James wrote in that verse, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” What, exactly, are we to count? All things, and with joy!

Everything we do can be considered in this and it can be counted with joy without complaining. How can we do this, realistically? Play the Glad Game, like Pollyanna? Yes, if it helps you get on the right track. Maybe counting to three when the temptation to complain gets too, well, tempting? Or, simply, just stop.

Our Heavenly Father (God) says in Psalm 46:10 (NKJV), “Be still and know that I am God.” This means we are to pause, be still and know. We are to wait and spend our time waiting, learning about the Father, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

It is not being still to do. It is about being still to know and grow closer to our Heavenly Father. When we are in this posture, complaining has no place in our hearts, souls, minds and strengths. It is a change of what we deem important. It is a move to honor God in all we say and do.

In the Dubai airport, we had a choice: wait patiently, or grumble and complain. Neither one advanced the process or made time move faster. But only one honored God and had a faithful witness to His working in our lives.

Are you in a Dubai airport of sorts? Have you been traveling for hours on end, jet lagged, and ready to be done (really done) with whatever it is you are facing? Are you done with complaining and willing to accept, be still, and begin counting joy in all things?

It may not be easy, but we are not in this alone. God is with us.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I sincerely repent of my complaining heart and attitude. I can see how it does not honor You, nor does it give a faithful witness to those around me who are watching. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to see the joy and count it. Help me to be still and know that You are God because I do want to know You more. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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

~*~
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.

~*~
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: When God wants something more for you

Desires of the Heart
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”—1 John 2:17 (NLT)

What are your heart’s desires?

Life pitches a variety of lies to us, and we tend to catch and keep quite a few along our journey. Believing the lie will quench our desire for a better life is like piling one lie on top of another. Pretty soon, the stack is too heavy to handle.

When our son was a little boy, he would experience boredom on a daily basis. As his mother, it wore me out! One year, as Christmas was getting close, he expressed his desire for a specific toy, which came with an enticing proclamation, “If I get this, I’ll never be bored again!” Did he receive that toy on Christmas morning? You bet he did! He played with it incessantly, and about ten days later, I listened to the familiar battle cry, “Mom! I’m b-o-r-e-d!” Well, bless his little heart. Playing with the toy nonstop reduced his interest level until he was no longer enchanted.

Haven’t we all succumbed to this lie at one time or another? Here’s a phrase that should put you on high alert, “If I only.” It sounds something like this, “If I only had a new car, if only I could get the promotion, or if only I had the latest cell phone . . . then my life would be perfect.”

But God wants something more for us––a deep connection with Him and with His children. He’s the only one who can satisfy our souls and fill our hearts. Longing for material things is overrated. The enemy uses these distractions to shift our focus off of Jesus Christ.

We need more of God! We need more time in prayer and a more generous spirit toward those in our circle. We need more grace, more patience, and more mercy for others in our lives! This is what will align our hearts with God’s desires.

Just like our son, who was certain he could be satisfied if only he had the toy he longed for, we will also find that material satisfaction is short-lived. Let’s return to matters of the heart. God’s pursuit for us is relentless, His love is unconditional, and His mercies are new every morning.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, You alone know the desires of our hearts. Open our ears to hear your voice and help us to sense your presence in every corner of our lives. Send your Holy Spirit to help us be aware of the enemy’s distractions. Equip us to do what pleases you, O Lord, that we may live with you forever. Thanks be to God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Lord, I Need You” by Hillsong Worship. 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: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Trusting the God who has all the answers we need

Unsolved Mysteries and the God who Knows Everything
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?”

—Job 11:7 (NIV)

I love a good mystery.

Whenever I find time to read for pleasure, I reach for a whodunnit. I scour the pages for clues as I read, trying to solve the puzzle before the fictional sleuth does. There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from unravelling all the knots and tying up all the loose ends of the plot before reaching the end of the book.

Wouldn’t it be nice if real life were like a mystery novel? In a way, we are all amateur sleuths navigating life as best we can, using the facts and clues at hand to try to figure it all out. Sometimes we do have “aha moments” when the lightbulb goes on and the problem suddenly makes sense. But often, things happen that are simply beyond our comprehension. As one of my favorite mystery authors, Dorothy L. Sayers, once said, “Life is no candidate for the Detection Club.” Sayers, who was also a Christian apologist, explained that the “notion that all human situations are ‘problems’ like detective problems, capable of a single, necessary, and categorical solution . . . cannot be [true].”

Mystery stories appeal to our human desire for understanding. We want to know the “who, what, where, when and why” of the world around us. Any time we can make sense of something, life seems a little less overwhelming, and we feel a little more in control. Sometimes we can’t find the answers, though. Sometimes life just doesn’t make sense.

Perhaps the thoughts that ruminate in your mind are something like: I worked hard and excelled in my occupation, but I was still passed over for the promotion. I ate a healthy diet and did exercise regularly, but I still received an unwelcome diagnosis from my doctor. There is tragedy, injustice, grief, oppression, war, suffering, and hopelessness in the world. If God is good, why do these things happen?

The reality is that our human minds are not equipped to understand all of life’s mysteries, and that’s not really a bad thing. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” God Himself tells us that His thoughts and His ways are too big for us to grasp. Shouldn’t this be a comforting thought?

When life doesn’t make sense to us, there is Someone who does understand it, who sees the big picture and knows how it all fits together. This Someone is never baffled or confused or overwhelmed by anything. That someone is Almighty God, and He is not only omniscient, but He is always good. That means that His thoughts and His ways are always good, too, even when we can't comprehend them.

It’s not always easy to be comforted by this knowledge, though. We are human, after all, and we were created with curiosity and a thirst for understanding. I think this is where faith fits in. If we were like God and understood everything, we would have no need for Him. If we had no curiosity or longing for knowledge, we would never seek Him. Faith grows when we are able to admit that our understanding is limited and trust that His is not.

My pastor, Dr. Kris Clifford, preached a sermon this week that resonated with this devotional I was already writing. He said, “Truth often comes wrapped in mystery. When we embrace mystery, we don’t grow in knowledge—we grow in faith. Paradox isn’t a problem to solve—it’s an invitation to trust.”

Some mysteries weren’t meant for us to solve. As hard as it is for us to accept, we won’t always be able to know answers to all the “who, where, what, how and why” questions of life. We do know, though, that God is God, and God is good. Those are the only facts we really need.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, sometimes we don’t understand why things happen, and that’s hard for us to accept. We know that Your ways are higher than our ways, though, and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We know that You are good. Please help us to trust You more each day. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Glorious Unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman. 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: Hope for when you're in a dark season of life

Without Reproach
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now He has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”—Colossians 1:21-22 (NLT)

Have you ever come across a devotional that was spot on and filled with perfect encouragement for those whose faith just needs a little boost, yet you feel worse after reading it than you did when you picked it up?

Perhaps you thought: Lord, why isn’t this true for me? I do all these things, yet I don’t feel any better! Even though I’ve been living free from chronic depression for three years, I am still sensitive to the way I would have felt during the darkest seasons of my life. I can read at a devotional or listen to a sermon and remember how I would have received it as someone who was severely depressed.

I realize that many devotional writers write for a general audience and simply cannot address every nuance in the human experience, but I also remember my experiences all too well. To those who find themselves in a season of depression, you are not alone. While there are many devotionals that are not written for you in this season, this one is.

We don’t always know how to interpret the feelings of depression, and others don’t know what advice to give. When we take well-intentioned suggestions such as, “Spend more time in the Word of God or turn on more worship music,” the hopelessness does not go away. We begin to internalize and blame ourselves, seeing sin in our life that is not there. This leads to feelings of condemnation, which leads to more depression. It is a vicious cycle.

Do you feel like words on a page, in a sermon, or in a song only serve to condemn you? Is Romans 8:1 (NLT) that says, “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus”, something you know in your head but not in your heart?

At some point in my depressed past, I began to identify with the word reproach. I felt reproached by so many things—even things in the Word of God. The Collins Dictionary defines the word “reproach” this way: “to impute blame to (a person) for an action or fault; rebuke to bring disgrace or shame upon.” In light of that definition, let’s read the words from Colossians 1:21-22 (NLT) again. It says, “This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”

If you are still battling your way through depression, if you haven’t found healing yet, whether supernatural or through medication or counseling or a combination of all three, hold onto this verse: “You are holy and blameless before Him without a single fault.”

God doesn’t look at your depression, or your inability to pull yourself up out of it, as a fault. Furthermore, the reproach you are feeling may not be an indication of any sin. It is very much tied to a marred perception of God’s heart. The promise that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus is more than empty words. God wants you to know it in your heart and experience it in your life.

If you are going through a dark season, I want to encourage you that there is healing. Your route to healing may not look like someone else’s. For me, it has included years of counseling with a godly woman who helped me re-structure my thought life, and medication to balance things that were out of sync. As He promises to do in 2 Corinthians 1:4, God has used this drawn-out process to help me understand others who are suffering, comforting me in my affliction so that I may turn and comfort those who are in affliction. Someday, He will use your suffering for His glory as well—and for the comfort of others.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You that Your Word is true. There is truly no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus! Because of Your sacrificial death, I stand before You, blameless without a single fault. Even if I don’t feel that way, it is the truth. Help me begin to see myself and my life the way You see me. Please guard my ears and heart so that I stop sensing condemnation and reproach when what I need is encouragement and comfort. Guide me into healing, so that what I have suffered may be used for Your glory. 

In Jesus’s name I pray, 

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "My Prayer for You" by Alisa Turner. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Hold On" by Katy Nichole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "I Almost Let Go" by Kurt Carr. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

As a child, Aubrey spent countless hours creating characters and writing stories.

 

Thirty years later, she took up her pen again, uniting her fascination for history with her passion for redemption. The stories she creates are a unique brand of gritty, honest wartime sagas, written from the German perspective.

Aubrey is the mother of three children, and she is married to her best friend Brian.

When she’s not writing or taking care of home and family, she can often be found making music, reading, or spending time with friends.

~*~
Connect with Aubrey:
Website: www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks

Devotionals for the Heart: How to cure an identity crisis with God's truth

The Only Title that Matters
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

—Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)

A while ago, I had a coaching client who found herself in the middle of a full-blown identity crisis.

On paper, her life looked great. She had a good-paying job, a supportive family, and the kind of professional status that turns heads in a room. But when she sat across from me on Zoom, her eyes filled with tears. She whispered, “I hate my job. Every day, I feel like a piece of me is dying. I want to quit, but I just can’t.”

It wasn’t about money—she and her husband had already discussed it, and they were on the same page. The bills would be paid. The kids would be fine. The issue wasn’t her bank account. It was her identity.

“I don’t know who I am without this job title,” she said.

Maybe you’ve never said those exact words, but I wonder, have you ever felt like you were only valuable because of what you do at work or at church? Have you ever wondered who you’d be if the titles, the accolades, or the responsibilities were stripped away? If so, you’re not alone. This is something many women, especially high-achieving women, struggle with. They’ve spent years climbing ladders, meeting expectations, and wearing masks just to prove their worth.

I want to lovingly remind you of this truth: You are not what you do. You are who God says you are. The life of Abraham gives us a powerful reminder that our identity is found in belonging to God, not in doing great things for God.

If Abraham had a LinkedIn profile, it would be impressive: left his homeland in obedience to God’s call, trusted God for a child in his old age, nearly sacrificed his son out of sheer faith. But let’s be honest, Abraham had some missteps too. He lied (not once, but twice) about Sarah being his sister instead of his wife. He and his wife became impatient and tried to help God’s plan for a heir of their own along by having a child with Hagar who was Sarah’s servant. And there were moments when his faith wavered. But, despite all of those wrong turns and lack of unwavering faith in the promises of God, Scripture tells us in James 2:23 (ESV), “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.”

God didn’t define Abraham by his failures or his achievements. He saw his faith. He saw his heart. And He called him friend. Isn’t that encouraging? The Creator of Heaven and Earth doesn’t look at your résumé, social media followers, or your to-do list to determine your worth. He looks at your heart. And when He sees you in Christ, He sees righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).

We live in a world that constantly tries to name us: successful, unsuccessful, too old, not enough, behind, broken, busy, burnt out. But you and I don’t belong to this world. We belong to a kingdom where value isn’t based on performance, but on presence—God’s presence in you. We matter to God because we belong to Him. Our security and true identity are found in being a follower of Jesus Christ, a child of the Eternal King. We are not truly defined by our job title nor is our worth in it. You have priceless value and are treasured by God not because of your perfectly curated life nor because of your ministry work for Him. Your identity, your value, your wholeness all comes from being in Christ. This is the truth: Your identity as a child of the Most High God is the greatest title you will ever carry.

So don’t let the enemy—or your own inner critic—put any other label on you. Not “failure”, not “has-been”, not “too late”, not “not enough.” God calls you chosen, beloved, redeemed, and His Child. That’s the only name that matters in eternity.

You may change careers. You may shift roles. Life may take you through different seasons. But none of that changes who you are in God’s eyes. You are His. Period.

So today, if you’ve been finding your identity in what you do, I invite you to lay it down. Just lay it all at His feet. And in its place, pick up the truth of who you really are. The world may celebrate what you do, but Heaven rejoices in who you are.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Help me to remember that I am Yours not because of what I do, but because of who You are. Strip away every false identity I’ve clung to and remind me that I am accepted, loved, and enough just as I am. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Truth” by Megan Woods. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

~*~
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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why waiting on the Lord is always worth it

When Dreams Come True After a Long Wait
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”

—Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)

Have you ever waited for something you prayed for, something you desperately wanted to come to fruition? And when it finally did, it was almost unbelievable, like maybe you were dreaming and this wasn’t actually happening?

That’s how I’m feeling this month as a dream I’ve had since I was a child is finally coming to pass. This week, my debut novel releases, The Memory Garden, book one in a contemporary Christian fiction series set in a fictional town in South Carolina. Excitement is thrumming through my fingers as I write this—can you feel it?

It’s funny, though, because now that this day is here, I realize why the wait took so long. Right now, this particular time in my life and in the world around me, is the absolute perfect time for my book to release. I cannot imagine it releasing at any other phase in my life. Yet even saying this is such a strange feeling.

I know that God’s timing is perfect, but it’s as if, in this situation, I’m experiencing His perfect timing firsthand. I see His love and care for me and for this book, a book God himself laid on my heart to write.

I’ve shared before that one of the first toys I remember as a kid was my mom’s old typewriter. She would let me write all of my imaginary stories on the old machine, and while there was no paper, I remember that feeling of satisfaction as my little girl fingers would mash those keys to my heart’s content. I spent my childhood practicing my craft, everything from scribbling in my diary to writing short stories.

I was 21 and a recent college graduate when I started writing my first (unpublished) novel. And now, finally, here I am—almost three decades later. And it’s time. This feels right. But the waiting was long—do you know what I mean?

Heartbreakingly long. Often I wondered if it would ever happen to me, if my dreams would ever come true. While I’ve been blessed to make my career as a journalist, my passion has always been fiction. And it feels surreal to know this precious thing that has stirred in my heart for so long truly is becoming a reality.

It reminds me of other long waits for dreams come true—a period of infertility, then two children. Three years walking alongside my daughter as she battled terrible depression and anxiety, now so much better. During that waiting, it felt like it would last forever. Some days felt agonizing, like an endless storm. Yet over and over, I found myself on my knees in prayer, my wilderness drawing me ever closer to Jesus Christ. Eventually, the clouds lifted.

Waiting can be incredibly hard, especially when you’re waiting for something you are certain is in line with God’s will for your life or the life of someone close to you. But just like metal must be refined in the fire before it is perfected, sometimes we also must go through a difficult period of waiting before we are refined enough to enter that next phase in our life. And when that time comes, we see so clearly why the wait was needed.

In his book A Shelter in the Time of Storm, Paul David Tripp wrote, “Remember, waiting isn’t just about what you are hoping for at the end of the wait, but also about what you will become as you wait.”

Sometimes we wait because God is preparing us for what is to come. Sometimes it’s because something isn’t God’s plan for us. Sometimes it’s necessary to draw us closer to Him. The trick is to settle your soul during the waiting, letting that time hone and craft you into the person God needs you to be.

If you’re waiting, remember: God loves you, and you’re waiting for a reason. Even if you don’t understand why, trust in the Lord anyway. His plan is the best, now and always.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the waiting, even during the times I struggle against your will and want what I want so badly. Help me to settle under your always loving hand, knowing that your way is the best way. Help me submit to your rule and your plan for my life, now and always. Help me grow to be the person you need me to be so I can shine your light in the world all the better. In your holy and precious name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “In the Waiting” by Vicki Yohe. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas.

Jessica has won more than 100 writing awards. She is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies.

She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie/
Twitter: https://x.com/JessicaJBrodie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jessica-brodie
Download her free e-book:
https://www.jessicabrodie.com/ebook-god-centered

Devotionals for the Heart: What can happen when you ask Jesus to stay

Three Hours One Sunday
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” — Luke 24:32 (NIV)

It was Resurrection Sunday.

Jerusalem was still reeling with grief and confusion. Jesus Christ, whom many had believed to be the Messiah, had been crucified just three days earlier. His followers were heartbroken. Their hopes, it seemed, had died on the cross with Him. Among them were two disciples who left Jerusalem and began a seven-mile journey to a village called Emmaus. This walk—just about three hours—would become one of the most transformative encounters in Scripture.

According to Luke 24:13-35, two people—one named Cleopas and the other unnamed—were talking and reasoning together as they walked. I would offer the conjecture that Cleopas was walking with his wife on this seven-mile journey. Why? Because their conversation was intimately heavy—full of sorrow, grief and confusion. Also, because as they neared their destination, they strongly invited Jesus to have dinner at their house and to spend the night.

As they strolled along together, they spoke of Christ’s suffering and death, of the rumors that His body was missing, and of the women who claimed they had seen angels announcing He was alive. They were trying to make sense of it all.

At some point in our lives, each of us has or will have a walk to Emmaus experience. This happens when our realities conflict with our expectations and we feel like God has left us. We are walking our own road to Emmaus when questions and doubts about what we believed God would do for us is incongruent with what has actually happened to us. We thought He would fix our marriage, heal our illness, restore our finances…and now we’re walking away from Jerusalem, from the place of pain and dead expectations.

But here is the comfort: Jesus meets us, like He met them, on the road of disappointment. Scripture says, “Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him” (Luke 24:15–16). He joined them, not with condemnation, but with companionship. The risen Savior doesn't just meet us in the sanctuary; He meets us in our sorrow.

Jesus listened patiently as the two disciples poured out their grief. Then He spoke—not about His resurrection at first, but about the Word of God. Luke says, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).

What a Bible study that must have been! Their hearts burned, though they still did not recognize Him. In that moment, He resurrected their hope! That’s what happens when the living Word comes alive in us.

When they reached Emmaus, Jesus acted as if He were going further. But they urged Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over” (Luke 24:29). Jesus accepted their invitation and as He broke the bread at dinner, they recognized Him! Then, He disappeared!

In my life it was not until I invited Jesus to stay, until I made room for Him in the ordinary moments of my life, that my eyes opened. In that intimate moment of reverence, as Jesus broke the bread for them, revelation came, through the simple act of fellowship and shared bread.

Then they said: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). Their despair turned into joy. Their confusion turned into clarity. Their restored hope reinvigorated them. Their perspectives, desires and direction in life changed.

Though it was late, they immediately returned to Jerusalem. The same road that had been marked by discouragement was now charged with mission. They had encountered the risen Christ. How could they stay silent? How could they wait until sunrise when they knew that the Son of God had risen?

Three hours. One Sunday. That’s all it took. From remorse to revelation. From sorrow to joy. From confusion to clarity. From walking away to walking with purpose. The risen Christ still walks with us on our Emmaus roads. When our faith falters, He meets us. When our hearts are heavy, He speaks truth. When we invite Him in, He opens our eyes. Therefore, I encourage you to walk with Him. Listen to His voice. Let your heart burn again. Because three hours with Jesus—on any day—can change your life forever.

Let’s Pray: Thank You, dear God, for Resurrection Sunday and every day since then. For now, we live in the light of redeeming grace and anointed service to our living Lord. We don’t look back in grief but forward in faith that soon and very soon, “He that shall come, will come and will not tarry (Hebrews 10:37).” In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Resurrecting” by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.