Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God when you cannot see Him

Trusting God's Hidden Presence in Your Storm
A backup devo by Terry Overton

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.”—Psalm 139:1-5 (ESV)

Looking back over time, I realized during the worst times of my life, I felt abandoned, completely alone.

I thought that no member of my family understood what I was going through. No one had ever walked in my shoes. No one was able to understand and offer help. No one could feel the depth of my pain and understand it. No one knew the extent of my sorrow. Whether the rough times were due to the failing health of a family member, witnessing a loved one fall on hard financial times, seeing a child or relative suffer consequences brought on by their own poor choices, knowing a loved one had been betrayed by another, feeling helpless and unable to help others—these were dark and devastating parts of my life journey that I felt I was experiencing utterly alone.

These events hurt my heart. I looked around and saw no one. I heard no one with words of comfort. I felt alone, lost, and abandoned. I felt unseen, unheard, unappreciated, unwell, unpowerful, and, at times, unloved.

Perhaps you have found yourself in such situations—desperately wanting help, relief, a cure, or a miracle from God. It is during these times we may question, “Why doesn’t God help me? Has He left me? Is He still here? Does He see me? Does He hear my pleas? Does He see my tears?”

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years of my life: Even when God is silent, He is still standing with us. One of the best examples we can read about in The Holy Bible that proves God’s continued presence is the story about Joseph’s life. He was not only abandoned by his brothers who hated him; he was thrown away, treated like rubbish, discarded into a pit, never to be seen or heard from again.

But God didn’t see it that way at all. Only after we examine the events of Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace, can we affirm that not only were the events parts of God’s bigger plan, but God was with Joseph through it all. The Bible says in Genesis 39:2 that Joseph was purchased by Potipher as a slave, but the Lord was with Joseph, so he prospered. When Joseph was in prison (Genesis 39:20-21), the Bible says the Lord was with him there too and provided opportunity. When Joseph worked for the warden of the prison, the Lord helped Joseph have success in everything he did. As a result, the warden developed trust in Joseph.

God planned to place Joseph in a position to save his brothers who had acted harshly and sold him into slavery. Now, when his brothers and father found themselves in a horrible famine, God provided food through the actions of Joseph. God had been with Joseph the whole time, and Joseph’s faith in God grew.

Later in life, Joseph’s brothers felt remorse for their actions. They humbled themselves before Joseph and wanted to make things right (Genesis 50:15-21). But what did Joseph say? Since he now understood God’s plan for him, he responded in Genesis 50:20 (ESV), “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today.”

When we wonder if God has abandoned us, we must remember that He is with us, as He was with Joseph. He is with us, just as Jesus Christ was in the boat with His disciples during the storm. God is with us as He was with Moses every step across the desert. In the big picture, God planned for Joseph to save lives and help others to prosper. God’s Son (Jesus Christ) was in the boat not just to save the disciples from being overturned in the stormy sea, but to save the disciples to spread the wonderful news of His love for us all. God was with Moses when he led the people to the Promised Land so that their heritage would continue and bless the world.

If you feel abandoned, remember God sees you and understands the depths of your pain. He is walking with us, He is walking ahead of us, He is walking behind us, and He sits with us in the stormy sea. God is with us in the pit of our sorrow. He parts the waters to take us along the right path. Even in our most troubled times on Earth, God walks with us through the shadow of death and offers comfort (Psalm 23:4). May we always remember to praise God for being with us. Let’s hold on to His hand and ask Him, “What should I do? What is my next step to serve you?”

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

My life may feel challenging or even hopeless at times. But I know You are here with me and You bring me comfort when my world does not make sense. Thank You for loving me and seeing my heart. Help me to sit peacefully and wait on Your timing. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection: “The God Who Sees” by Nicole C. Mullen. 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, playing 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: True Love is patient, kind and clothed with humility

Love is Patient and Kind
A devotional by Essie Faye

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

—1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

A few years ago, I read a beautiful message about patience. It resonated with me because at that time, I was in dire need of it.

It was a time when I was focused on building my career and in a hurry to live life to the fullest. I was rushing to accomplish so many goals. I sped through college, earned a master’s degree then became one of the top performers in my career field. I ran hard after God, hoping to climb the ministry ladder and sprint to my destiny. I was well-accomplished, but it seemed that I wasn’t advancing toward my goals quickly enough. I was impatient to see what the future would hold. Impatience was evidence of my spiritual immaturity. Life teaches us in time. Even King Solomon said that there is a season for everything in life (Ecclesiastes 3:1). In essence, you can’t hurry life. Each of us lives moment by moment.

In today’s text, the Apostle Paul teaches us about true love. He teaches about three characteristics that distinguish true love from imposters. Paul had experienced this true love of God despite his past as a murderer and persecutor of Jesus Christ’s church. He was transformed by God’s love, adopted into His royal family, and trusted to establish countless ministries, pastor them, and lead God’s church. He was trusted by God with servant leadership. It is from this vantage point that Paul instructs the church about the profound characteristics of love.

The Bible says love is patient, meaning love suffers long. To explain it more thoroughly, love is not easily provoked nor does love quit without a fight. When you love someone, you are willing to endure some things in order to maintain your relationship with them. Love causes you to overlook faults and shortcomings because you value the presence of that person. Love is willing to endure challenges, disagreements and differences in order to preserve the relationship. Love is willing to forgive and even forget when offended or wronged. Love waits willingly for a person to grow to maturity and understanding. Love chooses to overlook ignorance and look for teachable moments. Love is not only a feeling, but it is a decision to cover the faults of another patiently.

Love is kind. When you love someone, you have his or her best interest at heart. Love is considerate of the feelings and situations of others. When true love is present, you handle your loved one gently and with care. Love does good to others. Love never intentionally causes harm.

Love is clothed with humility. Love is not prideful. True love is willing to admit fault and correct that fault. True love leads with valuing the presence and contribution of others. Love is realizing that you are no better than anyone else while accepting others. Love humbles itself to preserve and even fight for love. Humility is being willing to do whatever it takes to guard and maintain love.

Each of these characteristics are seen in the face of Jesus Christ. He was patient with humankind. He came to His own and they didn’t receive Him. Humans who He created who lived in the world that He created, rejected Him. Yet, God didn’t destroy them. Instead, He practiced patience with them in love. He came to save humanity despite the fact that they were His enemies. Christ was kind. He came to do good things and destroy the works of the devil. His purpose was to liberate humankind and to bring salvation to us. Christ came in humility. He took off His robe of royalty, left the glories of Heaven, wrapped Himself in flesh, and died to redeem humanity (John 3:16-17).

Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered. He did it all for love. Because of His Love for us, we have hope and the promise of eternal life if we obey Him.

Call to Action:

1. Practice patience.

2. Be kind.

3. Daily walk in humility.

4. Identify with Christ through spiritual disciplines such as corporate worship, prayer, fasting, bible study, solitude, and engagement within your faith community.

5. Remember: God loves us patiently. He is kind to us, and He is clothed with humility. He requires that we walk daily with Him and love others.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for your love that is patient, kind and humble. You are our perfect example. Help us to embrace others with the same agape love as you have shown us. Help us to exemplify Your unfailing love in a world that sometimes lacks love and hope. Strengthen us to be your hands and feet in a dark world. Show us how to shine the light of Jesus Christ through Your message of love in the world. You are the definition of true love. Help us to experience a more profound level of Your great love and know You in a greater way. Thank You, Lord, for hearing and answering us. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Love of God” by Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham. 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: 

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/58980-grow-through-it-7-healing-practices-that

Devotionals for the Heart: The story of Noah's Ark taught me about doors

When God Says No
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

“The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord shut him in.”—Genesis 7:16 (NIV)

Recently, I heard something that struck a chord deep within me.

It was a familiar Bible verse for me (Genesis 7:16), but particularly the latter part of verse 16 resonated with me: “Then the Lord shut him in.” This is a passage I have read plenty of times before, yet this time I believe I needed to hear a message that I had not previously associated with this verse. God spoke to my heart immediately and drew my eyes to something I had never observed before.

In this Bible story about Noah’s Ark, the Lord gave Noah clear instructions on what to do: Enter the ark with his family and bring certain types of animals with him (Genesis 7:13-16). If you are like me, you can sometimes focus solely on what God didn’t do and how long we have had to wait on Him. This causes us to be focused more on our feelings than the facts and then we miss the lesson.

What hit me was that it was God who closed the door of the ark after Noah and his family and the animals were safely inside this refuge. I found that there is great significance in the fact that it was God who shut Noah in, not anyone else. This is what I’ve learned from this Bible verse and our modern-day life: God closes doors! Sometimes, we believe that it was the enemy closing the door on our dreams for our future. But I learned that as long as we believe in God and are walking in faith with Jesus Christ then it is God who allows those doors to be closed.

But what’s on the inside of that closed door? God’s provision. And that’s what He is drawing our attention to. When our focus is only on what He kept from us, we miss the fact that when He closes the door—or more than one door—all that you and I need is already on the inside with us. The provision we need and the answer we need is behind that closed door; we just don’t see it, or think it could be there, but it is. Even more important than that, could it be that the door was closed for our protection? And could it be that the closed door doesn’t mean it would never be open, just not now?

Sometimes, God says “no” in response to our prayers for an opportunity we believe we deserved, a door we think should have been opened, a relationship He should have healed, the finances He should have provided, or the home we shouldn’t have lost. You name it! But could it be that there is a set time for us to receive blessings from God? Perhaps we have to go through this period of difficulty so that when He opens the door, we know without the shadow of a doubt that He did it?

For the time while Noah was locked inside the ark, he was not alone. God was with Him, and He is with you as well. Now, what can we do when it looks like God is missing, when it seems as if He hasn’t heard our cry and He has denied our prayer requests? We have the choice to focus on God and on everything else that He has provided for us. We can trust that God knows our needs before we do (Matthew 6:8) and He will always provide for us (Philippians 4:19).

If, in closing the door, God has already given us all we need, why then are we so focused on what isn’t happening for us instead of looking at the love of our Heavenly Father, who knows what we need? God knows best about the timing of that need, and in His Sovereignty, He’s made preparations and provisions for us until the set time when He grants us the desires of our hearts according to His will. Satan (the enemy of our souls) wants us to miss all that God has done. He wants us to forget all the provisions that God has made in our lives. The devil wants us to doubt that God will ever come through for us again.

Let’s change our focus and our gaze and look instead to the One who says in Ephesians 3:20 (NIV), “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” God wants the absolute best for us! When He is saying No to our requests, look behind the closed door and see what He has already given you.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us to see You clearly in the midst of all that is happening that causes us to doubt You. Help us to see that a “no” from You isn’t a bad thing; it's what is best for us. Turn our gaze to You, Lord, and cause us to rejoice in You, for You are good all the time! Thank You, God, for being on time with your answers to all our prayer requests. Help us to praise Your Name forever! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Benediction” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. 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
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons learned while waiting at the bus stop

The Sun Will Shine Again
A devotional by Desiree Future

“He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.”—2 Samuel 23:4 (NIV)

An interesting thing happened to me the other day.

Since I sold my 21-year-old car to the junkyard, I now need to take the bus everywhere I go. Because I have issues walking, far distances can be difficult. However, I still have breath in my body, and that is enough for me.

This is the first time in 11 years where I’ve had to rely on public transportation. I’m still familiarizing myself with schedules and such. Not to mention trying to estimate how long it will take me to walk from my apartment to the bus stop.

The same way I was used to leaving at a certain time for work is the same situation with boarding the bus. The only difference is that I need to walk three blocks to get to my ride. Therefore, I have to account for this as well. It’s all about timing.

One morning, I decided to take an early bus because I wanted to go to the store before heading to work. Looking at my watch, I had exactly five minutes to get to the stop. The closer I got, I could see the bus turning around in the depot. Nearing my area, I crossed the street and made direct eye contact with the driver. Signaling I was trying to get on his bus. Walking as fast as my legs would go, I tried to make it. The driver had gotten to the stop and picked up a passenger. He closed the doors and left, leaving me behind as I got closer. I was not happy about this at all.

The next bus was scheduled to arrive in ten minutes. My morning store stop would just have to wait for another time. Thankfully, the rain had stopped. Hearing someone say good morning, I turned to my right. It was the school security guard. I had seen her a few times over the past few weeks. I smiled and replied, “Good morning.” Next, a gentleman came and joyfully said, “Hi, everyone!” I smiled and returned his greeting. Then a couple joined us and said “Good Morning” as well.

By the time my bus came, I had spoken to four different people who I didn’t know. Climbing into the bus, I greeted the bus driver with a friendly “Good morning.” I remained grateful as he patiently waited for me take a seat inside the bus.

During my 40-minute ride to work, almost everyone who boarded the bus happily greeted another person—whether it was the bus driver or another passenger. That warmed my heart immensely. Though my morning started on a bad note, it quickly changed. The rain had stopped, and the sun began to shine. I’m glad I missed that first bus because I was truly blessed by my interactions with everyone while we were all waiting for the second bus to arrive. I realized that all it takes to make a significant difference in this world is greeting people with a happy smile and speaking a kind word to heal their hurt.

Taking buses and trains everywhere is not an easy thing for me. My legs don’t move as fast as they did prior to getting a car. I’m a much slower walker now. However, the kind words from that day at the bus stop lifted my spirits in a way I still cannot explain. Be kind to others because you never know what they are going through. It was that simple greeting that helped me smile and feel happy from the inside out.

Let’s Pray: God, I ask that You cover the person reading this. Like me, they may be going through a difficult time right now. Let them know in due season, the sun will shine again. Help us to hold onto the hope we always have in Jesus Christ. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Sun Will Shine Again” by Wintley Phipps and Patti Labelle. 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 beauty of making a quiet life our ambition

Living a Quiet Life Should Be Your Ambition
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”—1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 (NIV)

The Bible advises us to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life. Have you ever wondered why this is God’s standard for our lifestyle?

According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, ambition is “a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.”

This sums it up quite nicely and it is evident in our society around us. Climbing corporate ladders, switching jobs to get ahead, moving onto the next thing, networking, hyper-focused individuals who will stop at nothing to get their goals attained. But is this what life is all about? Are we to add to the “dog-eat-dog” world? Are we to clamor up the ladder at the risk of losing some—if not all—relationships, including our one with God? This may sound harsh, but we have all seen this happen, or have been the one left behind, for the sake of ambition.

The Apostle Paul gives us a goal of ambition which is quite shocking: leading a quiet life. Are we to become hermits? Are we to stay away from society, church, family, and work? It would be better to look at Paul’s definition of a quiet life: Mind your own business and work with your hands.

It seems the church in Thessalonica had some busybodies, and Paul was instructing them—and us in this modern era—to leave that life behind. What exactly is a busybody? A person who is busy looking over everybody else’s life. The gossip, news-spreader, the talker. The one who knows everything about everybody and shares the information with others, quite possibly embellishing it to add pizzazz—whether it’s truthful or not.

Is this a sore spot, an area we need to work on? We want to share love and concern for others, but we should not do so to gather information to spread to others. A ‘prayer request’ obtained for the purpose of gossiping is not seeking and pursuing holiness—it is seeking self-gratification. And it does nothing toward our mandate to lead a quiet life.

How can we lead a quiet life in this fast-paced world? Move to a deserted island? Hardly. Or how about ten thousand acres with no neighbors for miles and no Internet connection? Not practical for most of us.

What if we like to be involved in the fray, the community and church? We are given instructions to participate in church and to serve others. But here’s the bottom line: self-control. It takes saying no at times, maybe at others, and much prayer for all. Whether we are at a small church where each member is needed to keep it going, or a large church where many are serving, the principle is the same: Lead a quiet life.

Leading a quiet life can look like this: Choose the one in front of you to encourage at that moment. Pray with someone who asks or one who even doesn’t ask but needs it. Resist the temptation to say yes to one more thing—it is God’s worldwide church and He is capable of putting people where He wants them to be. God asks us to be obedient, not overly committed.

Leading a quiet life could also look like a day spent at home reading your Bible with your hot cup of coffee or tea (or lemonade). Spending time in prayer when on other days prayers seem to be a tag, rather than the main event. Your quiet time could be basking in the beauty of a sunrise or a sunset, working in the garden because you want to, not because you have to. It could be writing a letter, sending a text or calling an old friend just to catch up, and actually listening and enjoying the friendship in those moments.

Paul also gives instructions to work with your own hands—presumably for a job, but also around your own home. Since we are asked to practice hospitality, let’s make our home hospitable. We can make it more cozy, comfy, warm and inviting not just for our family who lives there but our friends and dinner guests.

Years ago, I saw a short video about a woman who had a picnic table in her front yard because she saw a need for a gathering place for her neighbors. It was nothing fancy and definitely not structured. Just a table under a tree. She would make time to just sit there, reading or studying. Pretty soon it became a quiet resting place for the neighborhood. A place for folks to talk, enjoy each other’s company, and share in one another’s joys and sorrows. It became a place of quiet ministry.

Guess who has a picnic table in her front yard? I do! We live on a lonely country road, with minimal traffic, but we put our table out front in our circular driveway. A place for us to have meals, gather and just enjoy the view of our rose garden and a newly planted field of almond trees. Has it become a neighborhood table? Not yet, partly because our neighbors are over half a mile away, and partly because I need to take the time to sit there more often, to encourage the moments. It has been there over a year, and the yellow umbrella is a sweet welcome from miles away, knowing we are almost home.

Would you like to join me as we seek the quiet life in our own neighborhoods, homes, and in our social lives both online and offline?

Let’s Pray: Father God, I do desire to slow down. To stop chasing the elusive “American Dream” because that dream is not really Your dream for me. I want to sit at Your feet and rest there, spending time with You, chatting with You and just sitting quietly in Your Presence. I want to model that in my home, my neighborhood and in my church. I want to be known as a quiet servant of Jesus Christ. Teach me how to become one who prays for others, ministers quietly for others and has the gospel of peace on my feet. In Jesus’s Name I Pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns. 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: How to heal after a relationship wounded you

Relationships After Woundedness
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

—Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Starting a relationship is never easy, especially after you are used to being alone or when you grow into knowing who you are and your worth. Sometimes, I used to wonder why the smallest things would trigger silence or sarcasm in a relationship.

Why does the love he talked about feel more like a performance test that is so hard to pass? Then I realized I was standing in the fallout of someone else’s wound. A profound wound that can triggered easily.

Unhealed trauma doesn’t just live inside the person, it leaks. It leaks into conversations, into decisions, into love. And if you are not careful, it will start changing you too. In the beginning, I thought it was me because I was not used to a relationship and tend to feel foreign with new people in my life. Sometimes, I still hang on to the past. The nights began to feel heavy and draining. I felt like I was walking on eggshells because I had to think carefully before I speak or do something to prevent a quarrel or misunderstanding. I started to lose myself. I begin to crave peace. Suddenly, Hebrews 12:14-15 starts to make sense to me. It is an encouragement to make peace with everyone.

About 20 years ago, I joined a group called Beauty from Ashes for the first time. I joined that group because I knew I was broken and needed to be healed in so many areas of my life. I feel like I'm having a hard time relating to people, especially in a romantic relationship. I never felt enough love and was afraid of rejection. I was very sensitive. I get offended easily when I feel insecure. I realized I was suffering from that feeling. So, at that time, I wanted to grow and learn how to outgrow my insecurity. I needed to overcome my trauma and pull out the root cause of my insecurity.

The way I coped with relationships was I made excuses for the behavior of others toward me. I started adjusting myself to avoid their reactions. I tried to please everybody, even when I disagreed with them. Slowly but surely, I began to lose myself. Who I am and who I imagine myself to have become different people.

The Beauty from Ashes group session was brutal. It literally beat me up deeply, especially when it touched my childhood. I finally was able to find the root cause that made me suffer and unhappy with life. I thought if I loved them right, they would like me, and I can feel safe. But it's not a reward for our love. It's a surrender they must make to God. I started to seek and hold on to God more. I put my insecurity in then hands of Jesus Christ and learned how to trust Him more. I began to create boundaries and not let anybody use me or take advantage of my kindness. I learned that forgiveness didn't mean I had to stay. It meant I no longer allowed their pain to become my prison. Because sometimes, we never know that there are people who have more pain around us and we don't realize but then we blame ourselves.

Boundaries protect you. It's like building a fence around your house and you decide who can walk past it. It is the way to protect yourself. Because I am healed now, when I see the potential of somebody trying to hurt me or use me, I can immediately sense it and withdraw myself from such a relationship. You have the discernment for the toxic person. By having that discernment, you protect yourself from trouble.

Having a relationship with people who are wounded is not easy. If you are not equipped or willing to endure it, you can step out and pray for them and offer help, not when you are in the relationship. Some people struggle to recognize that they are wounded. Some become comfortable with their pain. It is God’s job to heal them. We have to put them in God’s hands to be healed. 

Let's Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I am thankful that You sent us the Holy Spirit to be with us always. Thank You for the discernment that You give us when we listen to your Holy Spirit and trust our gut. I lift up people who hurt me—not in anger but in mercy. Heal what I cannot. Restore what I've lost. And teach me to walk in freedom, even when others choose to stay wounded. I am grateful to have you as my Healer. I pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort and heal those who are wounded. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Jesus is My Healer” by Gateway Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Whisper of Your Grace” by Pulse Tracks. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Restore My Soul” by New Wine 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: What makes a true friend who loves unconditionally

A Friend Loves at All Times
A devotional by Ashley Martin

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

—Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

Jetlag clung to me like fog after returning to the USA. I had only been home from Greece for 24 hours, and the reality of daily life rushed in with full force.

Piles of laundry spilled from the hamper, the refrigerator was bare, and both the dog and cat demanded attention because they had run out of food and patience. My houseplants drooped in silent thirst. My little boy craved attention, and my husband had left for a business trip at dawn. I stood in the middle of the kitchen, exhausted and emotionally frayed. “God, I feel overwhelmed and lonely right now,” I whispered in prayer. “Help me.”

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Lindsay. “I am coming over,” her text read.

God answers like that. He knows precisely when to send the right person at exactly the right time. Lindsay understands me in ways words cannot always capture. Sometimes, her simple presence brings the calm my soul aches for. We met at Eufaula High School in Alabama. As we both taught eleventh graders, we began chatting between classes and after faculty meetings. A shared love of ‘90s music, travel, and true crime documentaries sparked our friendship, which quickly deepened. We spent every spare moment together until another relationship—my alcohol dependence—took over. I withdrew. But after I entered recovery and reached out with trembling humility, Lindsay embraced me without hesitation. Grace flowed through her, and our friendship was not only restored but transformed.

Then came the night that changed everything. The phone rang in the middle of the night, and Lindsay’s voice trembled with grief as she spoke about her 8-year-old son, Cade. He had been killed in a tragic ATV accident. I rushed to her side. In the quiet devastation of that moment, as I held her hand, she whispered through tears, “This is why you got sober.” Her words pierced through the pain. That moment bound our souls in something sacred—suffering shared, comfort offered, and love that did not wane. Two years later, when my son arrived two and a half months early, wrapped in tubes and uncertainty, Lindsay stood beside me again. She was one of the first people to cradle him with steady hands and unconditional love.

True friendship is forged not just in laughter but in the crucible of crisis. Lindsay and I have borne each other’s burdens—grief, growth, motherhood, and battles of the soul. Her love has been a steady echo of God's faithfulness in my life. Proverbs 17:17 came alive for me through her presence in my life, portraying a love that shows up, love that stays, and love that shines brightest in the darkest nights.

Lindsay's friendship has shown me the very heart of Proverbs 17:17—a living example of what it means to love unconditionally and to be there in times of trouble. The verse offers a timeless truth about the nature of authentic friendship: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Written by King Solomon, this proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom literature in the Old Testament of The Holy Bible. It is intended to guide readers in godly living, relationships, and moral decision-making.

In ancient Hebrew culture, familial bonds were central, but Solomon elevates friendship to a similar—if not deeper—place. A true friend does not just appear in moments of ease but remains constant through life’s storms. The “brother” in adversity refers not just to biological kin but to someone who rises to the occasion, stepping into a role of spiritual brotherhood when trials hit hardest.

In today's world, where relationships often suffer from busyness and surface-level connections, Proverbs 17:17 reminds us to be present, faithful, and sacrificial. True friendship means showing up when it’s inconvenient, offering a prayer when words fail, and staying when others walk away. Whether in seasons of celebration or sorrow, godly friends embody Christ-like love—steadfast and unwavering. This verse reminds us that lasting friendship is not accidental but cultivated through loyalty, compassion, and courage in the face of hardship.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for the gift of faithful friends who reflect Your love in our lives. Help me to be the kind of friend who shows up in both joy and sorrow, offering grace, strength, and presence just as You do. Teach me how to show the agape love that Jesus Christ has for us, with everyone all times. Help me to stand firm in adversity as a true reflection of Your heart for humankind. Thank You for helping me to love others like You love me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “My Friend” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

~*~

Author Bio:

Ashley Martin is a history teacher who has transitioned into a being a professional Christian writer and speaker. 

She felt a calling to the ministry at the age of eighteen, having known God from a young age. However, her struggle with alcoholism hindered her from pursuing this path. For nearly twenty years, Ashley taught history while battling her addiction. In 2013, she entered treatment, and at that point, the barrier between her and God finally came down.

Since then, Ashley has been sharing her story and developing her ministry. For the last nine years, Ashley has been married to her husband, West. Together, they have an eight-year-old son named Grant, and Ashley has a fourteen-year-old stepdaughter named Cameron. They call Alabama home, and they enjoy traveling the world as a family.

Nowadays, Ashley continues to teach history to middle school, high school, and college students. She also works for an online women’s ministry named Called Creatives.

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Connect with Ashley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.klages.54/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymartinministry/

My email: ashleyclairemartin@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should pray to God instead of worrying

God Answered My Prayer . . . Now what?
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

—Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

Less than a year into living in our home, which is perched halfway up a mountain and battered by 45 mph winds during storms, we need to replace shingles on our roof. Our homeowners’ insurance covers only three-fourths of the cost, and the remaining balance—several thousand dollars—has caused us significant anxiety.

Yet I forgot to pray. Worry consumed me.

We shared this concern with my dad and his family. While I failed to pray about it and only worried, my husband mentioned the issue to them. They offered to help cover what insurance wouldn’t. At first, he was hesitant. Was the offer conditional? My husband had several questions he didn’t get the chance to ask.

Nevertheless, a check arrived. While I know my husband appreciated the gift, he also admitted he struggled with receiving it. He’s not alone. Many of us hesitate to accept monetary or tangible gifts. We think we should handle difficulties quietly. We don’t want to burden others. Accepting help feels like revealing incompetence or weakness. We worry that we owe the giver something to make things even.

I knew the proper response was gratitude. I promptly wrote a “thank you” note to my family and thanked my Heavenly Father (God) too. Due to this experience, I couldn’t help wondering—was there another lesson God was teaching us?

Much has been written about how to respond when our prayers seem unanswered and God appears slow to respond or even denies our requests. In those moments, we’re encouraged to move forward with thankfulness and praise, trusting God’s perfect timing. But how should we respond when our prayers are answered right away? Do we simply thank Him and move on to the next request? Yes, but I believe more is required of us.

When my mother-in-law visited earlier this year, I gave her Robert J. Morgan’s book Worry Less, Live More: God’s Prescription for a Better Life. It is a biblical guide to overcoming anxiety. Soon after that, my Bible Study Fellowship group ended for the summer. I didn’t want to go two months without accountability—that’s never ended well. So, I looked for other church-based studies, but none fit into my schedule. One of them focused on the Bible book of Philippians, which I sensed I needed. I prayed that another opportunity would come up.

Then my husband returned from visiting his mom. Sitting on our kitchen table was the book I had given her. “She wanted me to return it to you,” he said. There it was again—Philippians. The Holy Spirit was clearly drilling something into me, especially Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV) that says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

As we wrap up my message today, I’d like to share a quote by Morgan from his book Worry Less, Live More: God’s Prescription for a Better Life. He said, “When worry barges into our brains, it brings along a gang of accomplices—discouragement, fear, exhaustion, despair, anguish, hopelessness, pain, obsession, distraction, foreboding, irritation, impatience—none of which are friends of the Holy Spirit. We have to throw the bums out of our hearts and minds. Prayer is how we open the door, shove them out, and let the peace of God rush in to secure our thoughts and feelings.”

A few days later, after I decided to not attend another church’s summertime Bible study, another neighbor—a homeschooling mom active in a local church—offered to lead a Bible study for me and a few other neighborhood moms. Our boys often play together. And the study she suggested? Philippians. I immediately sent her a “thank you” text. But then I wondered—what’s the next step? What is required of me now? God revealed the answer to me in one word: obedience.

How do we treat God less like a cosmic vending machine and more like the Creator we depend on and trust? With every answered prayer, we should be developing a deeper level of trust, trust that emboldens us to pray bigger and bolder prayers. I recommend keeping a prayer journal to write your prayers to God, make your requests to Him then record the dates of how and when God answers. During dry seasons, when you feel unheard, return to these pages to remember God’s faithfulness.

We also need to thank God for revealing His character—His faithfulness and provision—especially when we struggle with doubt. We need to fight back against the enemy’s lies with truth and renewed confidence that God is who He says He is.

We should also look for ways to bless others and listen for The Holy Spirit’s leading then we should obey God and follow His lead. I send encouraging prayers—usually starting with my husband and kids. I’ve written more “thank you” notes. I even volunteered to lead our Sunday School class. Finally, we need to ask ourselves: What is God teaching us about worry through answered prayer?

He knows our needs, but He waits for us to seek Him humbly. Pastor Timothy Keller said, “Worry is when we don’t trust God to get it right. We have not surrendered our own agenda and we want God to get on board and make it all happen according to our plan. It’s a form of pride.”

How have you responded to God when He answers your prayers? Do you pause to rejoice and thank Him? What is He teaching you through them?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are our faithful provider in all things. You know our needs before we ask. Thank You. Help us release our pride and forgive us for trying to hold on to our agendas. You are sovereign. Your ways are always better than our ways. Keep our hearts and minds open to what you are teaching us through answered prayer. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Somebody Prayed” by Crowder. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like. 

She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began pursuing a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then she got married and later went through a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life.

Leslie taught English as a second language for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published. It details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce.

Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children—one in fifth grade and one in first grade.

Leslie and her husband make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Leslie has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 11 years and actively growing her writing career alongside her two growing children.

She now maintains a monthly blog of her own and is working toward expanding her writing ministry on Substack. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing.

~*~
Connect with Leslie:
Website: lesliejoybake.com
Substack: lesliebake.substack.com
E-mail address: Leslie.bake@yahoo.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel weary from making decisions

When Making Decisions Feels Overwhelming
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”—Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the decisions clamoring for your attention? 

According to Psychology Today, research shows the average adult makes approximately 35,000 conscious decisions daily. The alarm goes off, you open your eyes, hit snooze, close your eyes, turn off the alarm, and get out of bed—five decisions made within the first minutes of your waking hours. There are 24 hours in a day, minus six hours for sleeping, which equals 18 waking hours. With 35,000 decisions as the average per day, that is math I choose not to calculate!

We make decisions and think carefully about our choices. We don’t choose illness, earthquakes, or the loss of a loved one. We have no control over the person who cuts in line at the grocery store any more than we can control the drunk driver who is reeling down the freeway. Life itself is in the hands of God Almighty. We are not in control. I feel relieved that humans are not the ones controlling the universe. It’s clear that would not be a good idea!

We make a plethora of conscious and unconscious decisions daily and it’s exhausting. Several years ago, I went through a season of wrestling with a specific decision that would affect my life going forward. It began on an average workday, where I served as the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Specialist for a large school district. I was attending a statewide STEM event for educators with about 300 in attendance.

Suddenly someone tapped on my shoulder, and introduced herself as Edie Williams, the Director of the Arizona Science Center. This remarkable, accomplished woman asked me to work for her at the Science Center! We talked for about 30 minutes and scheduled an interview for the following week. Over the next few days, I asked God to guide my decision. My list of pros and cons was short. The pros for working at the Science Center included more creative freedom and a larger salary for me. But the cons were having a long commute to work through downtown traffic and resigning to the fact that this new opportunity would negatively impact my retirement plans. However, staying in the school district with my current job at that time would mean pros like having a short commute in the suburbs and remaining part of the Arizona State Retirement System which would positively impact my benefits over time. The only con about staying where I was meant receiving a smaller salary.

In the decision process I talked with my husband and several close friends. It was such a delightful and unexpected offer. Edie’s love of STEM was contagious! It would be fabulous to work with her. However, after much prayer and contemplation, I decided to stay with the school district. The decision was respected by the Science Center and came with an open invitation to change my mind.

Then this happened: Two weeks later, I received the school district’s monthly email announcing that Edie Williams was going to be the new Assistant Superintendent for my school district. Are you kidding me? Working with Edie was what drew me to the Science Center. I immediately thanked the Lord for protecting my heart and guiding my steps.

Perhaps you feel like you’re riding on the struggle bus and the rest stops are few. After a while, weariness sets in, and it becomes more difficult to persevere. But God equips you for the trials you will face. In Exodus 14:14, God promises to fight for you. And in Isaiah 40:31, He assures you that He will renew your strength. Remember His faithfulness, trust Him, and He will give rest to your soul.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, we come to you with grateful hearts today. Help us to be aware of your presence and hear the words of wisdom You speak to our hearts and minds. Keep our eyes focused on you. When we are weary, you give rest to our souls. Praise be to God! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “He Will Hold Me Fast” by Shane and Shane. 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: The truth about why it takes time to heal

It Takes Time to Heal
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”—James 1:2-3 (NLT)

When someone is ill or undergoes surgery, the popular response is often: “Get well soon” or “I wish you a speedy recovery.” When your friends or loved ones are down on their luck, an encouraging response might be: “Praying you get through this hard time fast.”

These phrases may seem like the right thing to say in the moment, but have you ever considered that maybe it isn’t the right thing to say? Our hearts are in the right place, but do we really know what we are praying for or asking God to do?

For example, according to WebMD (Broken Bone Pictures: Signs Your Broken Bone Is Healing), a broken bone can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to heal—sometimes longer. The first few weeks are probably the most painful as the body starts the process and there is inflammation. The next few weeks start the development of cartilage and fibrous tissues to bridge the gap in the broken bone. It is not until about the eighth week when the bone just starts to harden, offering a little more support. For a full recovery, it still takes several more weeks or months, and sometimes years.

Another example is that a virus can take a week or two before it passes through the body. Medications may help you feel better, but the virus must run its course. In the meantime, your body needs rest and hyrdration in order for your immune system to fight off the infection completely.

If we rush the recovery process, it actually does more harm than good. You will not recuperate properly in order to sustain yourself in the future to fight against further sickness or disease. In a case of a broken bone, you will not gain enough strength to be restored to a place of proper functionality. You may also risk breaking the bone again. It takes time to heal.

Fortunately for me, I have never broken a bone, but I can remember becoming ill and wanting to recover as quickly as possible. I caught the flu from a friend who told me the illness lasted about two weeks. I was determined to get well in less than a week. I tried my hardest to build my immune system, and I remember going back to my daily routine when I should have been resting. Before long, I relapsed and I became even more ill than when I first started. Although I felt better, my body was not fully recovered and I pushed myself into another bout of illness.

Many of us want to rush through the unpleasant parts of life, not understanding that those same parts of life are building our patience and our endurance. Without the hard times, some of us would never recognize our need for a Savior (Jesus Christ). The trials in our lives make us stronger. We develop our character that make us fit for the Kingdom.

I remember there was a time in my life when I was involved in an unhealthly relationship. When I finally had the courage to leave that relationship, I remember feeling hurt and alone. At the time, I didn’t realize that this period of solitude was also a period of healing. I learned more about myself, and I allowed God to shape me into the person that He called me to be. Eventually, I met and married a man who is now my husband of almost 21 years. The brokenness and healing process had to take place to prepare me for the next phase of my life where I experienced wholeness, and then I was ready for a marriage relationship. If I had met my husband any sooner, I would not have been ready for the relationship.

Let’s not rush the healing process. Instead, let’s learn how to endure, knowing that by God’s grace, we will benefit from all our struggles in the end.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the trials in my life. Although I may not appreciate the process of going through difficult times, I am grateful that You promised to bring me out stronger. Thank You for your abiding presence through it all. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Beautiful Day” by Jermaine Edwards. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Count it All Joy” by Bebe & CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God and she is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s fourth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

Angela is a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She works to help them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 19 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 11) and Ryan (age 6). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Devotionals for the Heart: A teaching about memorial stones in our journey

Every Stone Has a Story
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”— Joshua 4:5–7 (ESV)

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, God instructed Joshua to have 12 men, one from each tribe, gather stones from the riverbed.

These stones were more than big rocks. Each was a testimony. Each stone told a story. Each stone was a reminder to future generations of the Lord’s mighty power and faithful deliverance. God intended that these stones would stand as generational reminders about the presence and power of God in their history, their present and their future.

Each of our lives are filled with moments where God has brought us through challenges. When drama swirled around us like a raging flood, He was there. When all hope seemed lost, He was there. These moments are worth remembering, worth passing on as anchors for our children and future generations.

I believe that hope, faith, joy, and praise can be like memorial stones in our spiritual journey—markers that proclaim, “God has been here.” Let’s consider them individually and watch as we review the anchoring and propulsion that we get when they are combined.

Hope is not wishful thinking. Hope is confident expectation based on God’s promises. Hope during trials or triumph reminds us that God is still at work. Hope dares to believe there’s something better on the other side. Hope drives us to take another step and to keep moving forward in life.

When we build our life on hope, we create a memorial that says to our children and our communities, “I believed in God’s future, even when I couldn’t see it.” Hope becomes a stone of testimony. It may sit quietly in our soul. But hope nurtured by congruent action frequently develops fulfillment.

Faith is often shaped in the middle of God’s miracle and long before it is manifest. The Israelites didn’t gather the stones before the waters parted—they gathered them from the dry riverbed after they stepped out in obedience. Faith moves first, often without all the answers, trusting that God will provide. Monumental faith may be a heavy burden until it is placed on us as an altar at which we worship the God who gave us strength.

Your acts of faith, however small or large, can become memorials. The prayer you kept praying when answers didn’t come. The obedience you offered when the path was unclear. These acts tell a story. And when your children or spiritual heirs ask, “How did you keep going?” you can point to your stone of faith and say, “Because I knew God would be with me.”

Joy is a stone that says, “Even in the storm, I sang.” It is a powerful memorial to those around you. When others see your joy, even in hardship, it sparks questions. And like the Israelites explaining the stones at Gilgal, you get to testify: “This joy came from the Lord—it’s not mine, it’s His gift to me.” Nehemiah declared, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is a deep-rooted gladness that endures through sorrow, difficulty, and loss. It comes from knowing that God is in control and that His goodness will prevail.

Praise is a present-tense declaration of past victories and future confidence. Every time we worship God, we place another stone in our spiritual memorial. Praise reminds us—and those who hear us—of what God has done. Praise cements the story of God’s faithfulness in our own memories. Praise opens a window for the declaration of our spiritual development. Our songs, prayers and testimonies are markers of God’s grace. When we gather with others and lift our voices in worship, we echo the voices of generations past, saying, “Look what the Lord has done.”

In 1 Peter 2:5, believers are called “living stones.” Just as Joshua’s 12 stones were physical reminders of God's power, we ourselves are memorials. We are living, breathing testimonies to God’s grace. Your life can say what stones never could: “He changed me, and He can change you too.”

What stones are you laying down today? What memorials are you building with your hope, faith, joy, and praise? Remember how God has shown up for you. Mark the moments. Let’s become the stories that tell of God’s goodness to a generation hungry for meaning and stability.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help us to remember. Help us to build spiritual memorials with our hope, faith, joy, and praise. May our lives speak of Your goodness and power. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Upon This Rock” by Allison Durham Speer. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The Story of Your Life” by Matthew West. Listen 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: Trusting God to write the story of our life

Trusting God with the Threads
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”—Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

This past week, I found myself in a quiet, unplanned moment of purpose.

I had a chance conversation with a young college student who reminded me just how much we all long for direction and reassurance. As we talked, she mentioned she was majoring in criminal justice and had been thinking about going to law school. But then her voice softened, and she said, “I’ve heard law school is really hard…and even then, there’s no guarantee I’ll have a good life if I become a lawyer.”

Her words stirred something in me. I could see the hope in her eyes, but I also saw the fear—fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of disappointment. And I understood. Because I’ve been there.

I shared with her a bit of my own journey—how I went to law school, became a lawyer, and eventually a judge. I didn’t sugarcoat it. I told her the truth: There were some high moments and some hard ones. I made mistakes. There were seasons when I cried out to God, wondering if I had missed something, messed up something, or misunderstood His plan for me. But I also told her this: There are no guarantees that law school—or any career path—will automatically lead to a good life. A good life isn’t found in a title, a paycheck, or a five-year plan. A good life is found when God is at the center of it.

I looked at that young sister and told her, “If you give God first place in your life, He will walk with you through every season—the joyful ones and the painful ones. God will make your life beautiful in His time.”

As I said those words, I smiled, because I meant them. My life doesn’t look like what I imagined it would. In some ways, it looks completely different. But I can say with confidence and peace: God is making it beautiful.

I’ve come to see life as a tapestry. If you’ve ever looked at the back of a tapestry, you know it’s not pretty. It’s a mess of threads and knots and loose ends. But flip it over, and you see the beauty of the design. Every knot has a purpose. Every thread plays a part in creating the picture.

That’s how God works with our lives. From the outside—or even to our own eyes—it may look jumbled and chaotic. Maybe it feels like nothing is coming together. But God is weaving something intentional. Something eternal. Something beautiful.

There’s an old gospel song performed by Shirley Caesar and the lyrics say we shouldn’t take anything for our journey. What that means is this: We shouldn’t resent or try to discard the experiences, good or bad, that have shaped us along the way. Every moment, even the painful ones, has value. I feel that deep in my soul. Every trial, every setback, every hard “no” that led to a better “yes”, and all of it has been part of the tapestry God is weaving in me.

Your life may not look the way you thought it would. Maybe divorce, illness, childlessness, unemployment or heartbreak have left you wondering if your story is still worth telling. I want you to hear this: God is not done. He is still writing. Still weaving. Still creating beauty.

Isaiah 61:3 reminds us that God gives us “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” That’s not just a poetic promise, it’s real. He is the only One who can turn our ashes into something glorious.

So, wherever you are today, whether you feel like the back of the tapestry or haven’t seen the pattern come together yet, hold on. Trust the Master Weaver. He’s not finished with you yet.

And when it’s all said and done, you’ll look back and smile too, knowing that through every twist and turn, God was making it beautiful.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for being the Master Weaver of my life. Even when the threads feel tangled and the pattern is unclear, help me to trust that You are creating something beautiful. May my life reflect Your glory, even in the waiting. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey” by Shirley Caesar. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God is in This Story” by Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “When It’s All Been Said and Done” by Robin Mark. 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