Devotionals for the Heart: How to find true treasure that satisfies your soul

The True, Lasting, and Satisfying Treasure
A devotional by Jennifer Reese

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”—Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

If someone were to ask you or even just observe your life, thoughts, conversations, worries, angers, and actions, what would be determined as your heart’s treasure?

Oftentimes we live day-to-day in search of our worth, value, and purpose based on what we do, what we have and how others view us. It can be easy to compare ourselves and our lives to those around us. Comparing yourself can result in a number of realities and struggles: discontentment, envy, superiority, inferiority, anxiety, anger, confusion, doubt, and the list goes on and on.

Why is it so easy to find ourselves in a state of comparison and/or desire to be perceived a particular way? I would say this often results from our treasure being in the wrong place and on the wrong thing(s). Nowadays, you can see the highlights of everyone’s life online. Media and technology have become an idol and a way to perceive how others are really doing and how others perceive you are doing. Our American culture highlights all the money, pleasure, success, possessions, status, personal feelings and experiences, etc., as the end all be all. “Do whatever your heart desires” and “Live in a way that makes you happy” are just a couple phrases that distract us from the truth.

The truth is, whatever treasures we are trying to gain and lay up for ourselves here on Earth, will fade away and be destroyed by moths, dust or thieves. So, then the question may be, “What are we to focus on and set our minds on while we are here on earth?” The answer is Jesus Christ. Knowing who God is and making Him known to those around us in this world is where our treasure should be.

Our greatest goal in this life on Earth should be to know the Truth of God’s Word and to seek to grow in Christlikeness, faithfully and diligently. When we cherish God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and focus on knowing who God is—based on His Word rather than our own perspective, thoughts, wants, desires, and feelings—then we will walk in a way that is filled with hope, joy, confidence and gratitude.

Life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, heartache, suffering, pain, and sin. Even when our eyes are fixed on Christ and we truly treasure Him, we can be tempted to lose heart and look to the world for help and hope. We can be tempted to compare our lives to the social media highlights we see online or even to the people we know personally or professionally, then feel on the losing end because of the circumstances we are experiencing. But this is where we must dig our heels in deeper and fight for our heart’s attention to be on the pleasures forevermore that await us in Heaven (Psalm 16). I love this Psalm because it discusses the promise that the Lord will never abandon our soul, no matter what we may face, what we may feel, or what we may experience this side of Heaven. It reminds us that there will be a day when we will experience and feel true satisfaction and perfect contentment, joy, peace, and pleasures forevermore.

So how can you assess where your heart’s treasure is? Here are some questions to help you examine your heart today.

Question #1: What do you think you can’t live without? What do you feel you need to have to be happy or to flourish? What makes you feel discontented?

Question #2: How do you define and weigh success or failure? What must you do to feel like you have “arrived”? Is there anything you are holding onto in this life that won’t be worth anything in the life to come?

Question #3: What do you worry about? What makes you afraid? What do you not want to happen?

At the end of the day, we are each given 24 hours a day and a lifespan of what only God Himself knows and has sovereignly ordained. Are you stewarding your time well and storing up the treasure that matters? Are you seeking to grow to be more like Jesus Christ and trying to walk in His ways? Do others know that you love the Lord because your life (words, desires, attitude, actions) in Christ looks vastly different than what we see among people in the world who don’t know Christ yet?

Today is a new day and a new opportunity to put on the ways of Christ. Seek to turn away from the pursuit of worldly treasure. Ask for God’s help to be satisfied in His plans for your life, His provision for you, and His approval of you. Seek to faithfully steward all He has given you and called you to. By the Holy Spirit’s grace and help, little by little, you will see your heart’s treasure become the only true, lasting, and satisfying treasure.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for being good and faithful. Thank You for the Truth that You are the good, perfect, and sufficient treasure. Thank You that I can experience true hope, peace, and rest as I look to You and set my heart’s affection on Your Truth and promises, treasuring You and knowing You above all else. I ask for Your help today, Oh Lord, that You would teach me how to surrender my desires and expectations unto You. May my heart trust Your good and sufficient provision, and may I have a heart that desires to know You and make Your Truth known to those around me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "Treasure" by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Christ is Mine Forevermore” by CityAlight. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jennifer Reese obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies, and certifications in Biblical Counseling. 

Her educational training has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to work with various populations—such as foster care and adoption, refugee women, homeless, under-resourced youth, international students, and local churches. It has been through these experiences that she has seen a need for women of all ages to understand their true identity as a child of God in order to experience the promised abundant life and freedom.

By working as a Biblical Counselor and Coach, Jennifer focuses on helping women and teen girls discover who God is and to know their true identity in Jesus Christ. Through her professional work and ministry, she helps people learn how to carry out their specific purpose and calling in building God’s Kingdom that is not of this world.

On a personal note, Jennifer recently got married on May 24, 2025. The day was filled with abundant joy and peace, bringing glory to the Lord and wonderful fellowship with their closest friends and family. After many years of praying and waiting for this gift, Jennifer is excited to step into this new season and ministry of being a wife and hopefully, one day soon, a mom.

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Connect with Jennifer:
Website: www.rootedandfixed.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rootedandfixed
Email address: rootedandfixed@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Observing animals taught me about peace

Observing Animals Can Teach Us How to Relieve Stress
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

—Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

One day, I was on my way to work early in the morning. I passed a sleeping cat under a tree, looking peaceful. As I walked by, he arched his back in a long stretch.

I crossed the street to find two birds in a tiny puddle of water. One would go for a drink and the other would dip their wing in it. Closer to the neighbor's house were two cats that sat directly beside each other. If it were not for the black patch on one cat, you would have thought you were seeing double. They weren’t playing or anything. They were just casually hanging out in the backyard.

Further down the street, I saw a squirrel inside someone’s gate. At first, it was just walking from one house to another. Then it suddenly hopped like a bunny rabbit to the next house. All the animals I saw brought a smile to my face. They seemed happy and peaceful. I was grateful that I didn’t see the large raccoon I had encountered the previous week.

These amazing creatures that God put on this Earth are examples of what we should be like, in my opinion. Laid back, peaceful, and not a care in the world.

I understand that we have a lot of things going on, whether you’re a single parent or a married couple struggling to make ends meet. Whatever your circumstances are, times are really tough these days. The prices on products in the USA have skyrocketed on everything from food to cars and housing. Yet in many cases, most people’s paycheck amount has remained the same. I understand sometimes it feels like you’re a professional juggler because you’re always balancing many things at once. Not to mention trying to figure out how to make things work with what you have. It’s not an easy task, to say the least. However, you get up every day and focus on finding ways to make things better.

You do it so much that you end up neglecting yourself. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes, so this young lady understands. But how about you do something different instead of stressing?

What if you acted like the animals that were just relaxing and enjoying life? Take a long nap and rejuvenate your mind and body. Then stretch like a cat after a most enjoyable slumber. Perhaps a nice rest in the yard or park, doing absolutely nothing to release the stress of your struggles. Add a nice book and beverage to enhance this. Or if you really need to get rid of your stress, try playing like the squirrel did. Find an activity like running, painting, or bird watching. Indulge in something that makes you smile from the inside out. You don’t necessarily need to spend money to have a good time. All it takes is a creative mind and the desire to relieve your stress. Some of our greatest examples that show us how to relax in this world are literally in front of us—we just have to open our eyes to see as I saw in the lives of these animals that maintain their peace as the world revolves around them.

A little while ago, my peace was disturbed when my car broke down and I was forced to take public transportation. It was not a happy time to say the least. I got caught in a bad rainstorm on my way home from work once. By the time I got home, I was completely drenched. Another time, I came face-to-face with a raccoon on my way home. These are the kinds of things that will surely stress you out. However, I restarted a jewelry-making hobby of mine that helped me regain my peace. I decided to do it more often and it turned into something I truly enjoy. It relaxes me while I make different bracelets for my friends and myself.

It’s just something about jazzing up an outfit with a one-of-a-kind bracelet that I enjoy creating. Whether it's for a classy event, work attire, or anything else, the joy I get from creating something beautiful eases all my troubles away.

Perhaps today, you too could do something to send your troubles away and restore your peace. Start with God and ask Him in prayer what that looks like for you.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I ask that You wrap your arms around the person reading this. Let them know that the burdens they carry are not for them. But they are for You to carry instead. Give them peace so they can rest. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I’ll Give You Peace” by Sandi Patty. 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: God defends humankind at all times

How God Defends Humankind
A devotional by Essie Faye

“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.”

—Psalm 5:11 (NKJV)

Mama bears go to war for their cubs and humans do the same for their offspring.

What are some ways that we protect the ones we love? We are careful with how we handle them. We are kind and careful not to hurt them intentionally. We seek to care for their physical body. It always amazes me how moms care for their young. They carry the baby within their womb for months, nurturing it with their physical bodies. Each bone, muscle, organ, and body system of the baby is developed from the mother. Mom incubates the child, protecting it and defending it from harmful elements within and without. What an incredible demonstration of the love between mom and child! We exemplify the love of God our Creator. God's love for His children surpasses even a mother’s love. He’s a good Father who saves His children from danger, protects them, and defends them from any opposing force.

God’s passionate love for us is clearly demonstrated by the gift of salvation that He gave humankind. God loved us so profoundly that He gave His only Son (Jesus Christ) to appease the wrath of God caused when Adam and Eve (the original humans created by God who are also the First Parents of all humankind) sinned. Because of this sin, judgment called for the death of the human family. Mercy said “No” when Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice and died in the place of humanity. Because of this great love, we were saved from paying the wages of sin (Romans 6:23). We now have access to eternal life, if we believe in Christ (John 3:16-17). The love of God saved us.

God’s unconditional love for us is clearly seen by how He faithfully protects us. God protects us from the evil plans of the enemy. He gives His angels charge over us to keep us safe (Psalm 91:11). They serve the purpose of God and guide us along our life’s path. God loves His children unconditionally and this love includes ensuring us that we are out of harm’s way. He covers us under the shadow of His wings and hides us in His secret place so that no harm will come near us. God protects us and He keeps us safe.

God’s unshakeable love for us is clearly seen by how He diligently defends us. He protects us from harmful elements within by removing anything that will hurt our growth or progress. This may include unforgiveness, bitterness, envy, malice, etc. He removes harmful situations and toxic people from our lives. God challenges us to rid ourselves of harmful practices, patterns, and beliefs. He even defends us against ourselves. Many people have heard of self-sabotage. This is when we turn on ourselves and attack ourselves. Self-sabotage prohibits progress and success. God defends us against hurting ourselves. Sometimes God allows us to experience trauma. However, He did not cause the trauma. God feels pain with us and He helps us to overcome our trauma as He heals us from it.

In today’s text (Psalm 5:11), the psalmist commands all who trust in God to rejoice. God has proven Himself to be trustworthy from generation to generation. He has kept His Word in each generation, and He watches over His Word to perform it. He does not lie. It is God that holds the world and our lives in His hands. He gives us life each day. Everything on the Earth and in the entire universe belongs to God. He is sovereign and rules in the affairs of men. He is omnipotent, yet He loves humankind and has our best interest at heart.

When we trust in God, we can rejoice because we know that He is working our life situations out to our benefit. We know that His plans for us are good. He plans to give us a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

We can shout joyously instead of cowering in fear because God defends us. He fights for us. He has given His Angels charge over us to keep us. They defend us against fallen angels and evil spirits. The blood of Jesus Christ covers us and defends us against evil, attacks, disease, and arrows from the enemy.

Call to Action:

1. Trust God because He is trustworthy.

2. Rejoice in faith, knowing that God is working for you even when you can’t trace Him.

3. Rest in God’s love for you; He saves you. He protects and defends you because He loves you.

4. We can find safety in God.

5. Remember: God declares that you are worth fighting for and He proved it.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, I look to You as my Provider, Savior, Protector, and Defender. You have never let me down. You’ve never failed me. You will never forsake me. Thank You for these promises. Help me to be joyful while I wait for your next move. Help me to be still as you defend me and to rest in your provision. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Fighting for Me” by Riley Clemmons. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Mercy Said No” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Constant” by Maverick City, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Gargiula | Ft. Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Damaris Carbaugh. 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 Power of Prayer and Believing God

The Power of Prayer
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

“Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.”—James 5:17-18 (NLT)

Is prayer your last resort or your first line of defense?

Life can come at us fast—sometimes striking us at a lightning-fast speed! In those challenging moments, praying seems useless. You may have asked yourself, “How can praying change what’s happening to me right now?”

If that’s you right now, I get it because I have said that before as well. However, as I grew deeper in my faith and relationship with the Lord, my thoughts changed.

Oftentimes we are expecting God to either stop the storm or don’t allow it to happen. When what’s happening does not “seem” to cooperate with our prayer, then the enemy plants a seed in our mind. It shows up as thoughts that sound something like this: See? Prayer doesn’t work! It has no power. If it did, then why did that happen? Have you ever heard those lies whispered by the enemy?

In those moments, the challenge we face may appear as if nothing is changing. But have you ever considered that it could have been worse? What if you didn’t pray? What else might have taken place that could have destroyed you? But by the grace of God, He heard your prayers and kept you alive.

As we reflect on the life of Elijah and his life of prayer and faith, it sets the tone for how we should react to what is happening in our minds and in the world around us. Elijah prayed according to the will of God for no rain to fall and it didn’t (1 Kings 17:1). It’s in that same way God wants us to exercise our faith in Him.

What if He doesn’t answer the way we want Him to and in the time we want Him to? Does that mean prayer is powerless? What I have learned is that prayer is not just God answering me; it’s building our relationship with Him. This makes a difference in our lives.

The power that prayer has is to not only pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4), but to help us understand that when the answer isn’t as we expected, God is still Sovereign and prayer is still a necessary and a vital piece of the Armor of God that He encourages us to wear every day and night (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Scriptures are replete with the prayers of faith that moved mountains (Matthew 17:20), caused the Red Sea to part (Exodus 14:21-23). This is evidence that prayer has power and moves God to act (Matthew 21:22). The question then becomes, “Do we believe what we are praying for?” Do we believe in the importance and effective use of prayer? The Word of God (The Holy Bible) declares in James 5:16 (KJV), “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” If we don’t expect to receive what we asked for, then there’s a good chance we are treating prayer a last resort and not the first line of defense.

This season of my life seems very long. There are things that I have been praying and believing God for—most likely you are as well. While the specific things I have been talking to the Lord about have not materialized yet, I have noticed that other things that I have prayed for decades and years ago are being answered. Prayer isn’t less effective because the answer isn’t what we expected; it’s more effective because it changes our hearts and builds our faith.

Think back to a time when you prayed and you didn’t receive what you asked for from God. Over time, what did you notice about your heart? Did the Lord open the eyes of your heart and shown you something, that all you could do was nod your head and said “Father, thank You?” I have. In that moment, did you think your prayer was meaningless because it didn’t materialize as you thought or did you think, “My God, what if what I requested had come to pass? Thank You for not answering that prayer how I wanted it to be answered!”

Today I want to encourage you to keep praying! Prayer will change things and it will also change you. Know that as the storms come—literally and figuratively— God hears our prayers and He will come through in the way that is best for us.

Don’t believe the lies of the enemy telling you that prayer has no power! The devil will stop at nothing to ensure we don’t grasp the fact that prayer always works!

God is not deaf. He will answer our prayers in His perfect time and according to His will. Remember: God’s response is either a “Yes”, “No” or “Wait”. Whatever the response you feel He is giving you, trust His timing and His best for you.

Know that before the foundations of this Earth were made and humans were created by God, He knew what you would face today. He knew the exact need and made plans for it to be met. He is not withholding from you. Instead, in your season of waiting, God is developing within you the importance of prayer and waiting.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for teaching us the importance of prayer! You showed us that even before we pray, You hear us and you answer us. Help us to look to You to access this power of prayer that You have given us to pull down, root up, to bind, to loose and to plant. It’s You who gives us this authority. Help us to stand in it and use our voice to make changes happen. We love You and thank You, God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson. 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: Why worshipping God means warfare

Worship is Warfare
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”—2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)

Did the title of my devotional today catch you off guard?

Contrary to popular belief, worship is more than swaying and singing to a soft, melodic song with hands raised and eyes closed. Sometimes worship is war. War in the heavenlies, that is.

Since the Garden of Eden (humankind’s first home on Earth), we have been on constant alert because of a real enemy known as Satan or “the devil”. Our enemy has continued to barrage us on every aspect of life and attack us from all angles because is committed to steal, kill and destroy anyone and anything that remotely reflects the image of God (John 10:10). He wanted to usurp God’s authority in Heaven. Therefore, God removed Satan from his position as chief worship leader and permanently evicted him from Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15). However, the devil remains determined to deceive and tempt humankind to follow his footsteps which can be summed up in one word: rebellion. This is the war that started before mankind was even created. According to Dictionary.com, war is defined as, “active hostility or contention”. Another definition is “a struggle to achieve a goal”. The devil knows he will never fully succeed as long as followers of Jesus Christ continue to serve the true King wholeheartedly.

All things considered, when we as believers in God gather together to give honor to Jesus our King—whether by worshipping Him in song, reading His Word (The Holy Bible) together, or listening to the Word of God being preached—oftentimes a war begins because the enemy wants to poke his head in to disrupt. Satan wants to be worshipped instead of God. He may send distractions in our minds. Sometimes he’ll drop accusations in our mind to make us feel we are not worthy to be in the Lord’s presence because of things we may have said or done. Yet when we sing songs of worship to God or recite scriptures, he leaves us alone with God.

There are times we read scripture but what we see in the natural is the complete opposite and we struggle. Do we believe what God said or what our eyes see? Our spirits are in fight when we are tempted to doubt what we’ve read in the Bible. Oftentimes we are dealing with circumstances in life and feel discouraged because things are not moving in the direction in which we wish they were moving. We want to trust God and worship Him, but we’re feeling conflicted because of our life circumstances. 

It’s during these times that we must push through the turmoil of mixed feelings so we can receive the strength that only the One who is stronger than us can give. God has given us His Word (The Holy Bible) to read, study and learn how to deal with these enemy tactics that cause our soul to feel weary. It’s in these times we can sing melodies with scripture reminding ourselves that “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV). It’s in these moments where we must declare the Bible states, we ought to “be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT).

Since God’s will is for us to give thanks in all things, it would appear to be a holy worship skill that we must learn to overcome the darts of weariness and worry that will come with hard times. It can be a struggle, but we can be victorious with Jesus Christ on our side! When we are tempted to compromise our belief in what God says, we need to “be strong and very courageous” (Joshua 1:7 NLT). When we obey God’s commands then our obedience helps us to be successful in overcoming every obstacle.

Physical war in the natural is difficult and intense. However, when wage war in worshipping our Savior (Jesus Christ), we can overcome fear, disappointment, discouragement, depression and unhappiness as we press through in praise, worshipping the One who has risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father (God) praying and interceding on our behalf. In Christ, we always win!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for reminding me that although spiritual warfare is real, I can overcome it by my testimony and the blood of Jesus Christ. Thank You that your Word tells me that the weapons I fight with are spiritual. Thank You for reminding me that you have provided your Word as a weapon against the enemy’s lies. I can overcome because You already won the war for me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Waging War” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Victory” by Yolanda Adams. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Worship Through It” by Tasha Layton. 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.

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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: Experience God's peace in a walnut orchard

A Walnut Orchard Taught Me about Peace
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“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 4:7 (NLT)

The peacefulness of a walnut orchard is a sight to behold.

The canopy that the majestic trees make over the straight rows of mown grass, the immense cover of shade as well as the tunnels down the aisles of trees—it’s beautiful. It produces a peace that can be felt.

Having the privilege of living in Northern California, I am surrounded by many types of orchards—one of my favorites being a walnut orchard. Not only are the trees huge, heavy laden with their fruit midsummer, they create a scene so quiet, so serene and so still. One just has to pause and breathe.

There are miles of orchards near our farm. I get a sense of expectation when I know I will be passing along those roads filled with trees on either side. I anticipate it long before I see them because I know I will see peace. Yes, see it. There really is no other way to describe it.

One of my dreams is to picnic under the umbrella of the walnut trees, to spend the time with good company, feasting, painting, and experiencing encouragement that comes from sharing life together. While I have not done that yet, I have had picnics in our own pasture in our flower garden, and in our vegetable garden. Serene.

The Bible tells us that God is our source of perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). His peace is beyond measure and understanding. God offers everything we need to have our hearts and minds guarded against the evils, trials and tests we have in this world. But what happens if peace is missing, elusive, just beyond our reach? How can I get the peace I crave?

The Apostle Paul gives us an if-then clause in Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT). He states it quite clearly when he said, “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.”

There are four commands given to us in verse six. Let’s review each one:

Command #1: Don’t worry about anything. Literally anything. This is a tall order, but with God it is possible.

Command #2: Pray about everything. Notice the words “anything” and “everything”. They pretty much cover it all.

Command #3: Tell God what you need. Talk to Him about your wants and needs. In a relationship, communication is key. Back and forth dialogue, the exchanging of ideas, needs, dreams, experiences are what keep the relationship alive and real. The same is true in our faith walk with God.

Command #4: Thank God. This is one part which often gets overlooked. We pray, we wait, we receive. We move forward, often forgetting we had prayed. Or we receive an answer for something we had not prayed for previously, and not even realizing we had a need. When we do get exactly what we need at precisely the time we need it, we accept it, but forget the source—God, our loving Heavenly Father.

When we practice these four commands, God gives us peace. We need only to look at our actions to see if we have followed what the Apostle Paul laid out for us. The process of receiving peace from God may seem simple, but it is quite profound because it requires something of us: obedience.

Now you may be wondering, “How does this relate to the walnut orchard?” Good question. Trees are just trees. They do their thing by providing fruit, shade and ground cover. They do what they are meant to do, and we have the benefit of their purpose. This is God’s blessing to us. He did not have to create trees (especially delicious fruit trees), but He did. One walnut tree on its own is spectacular because of its sheer size. But a whole orchard of walnut trees that span across acres and miles upon miles? Breathtaking.

Our acts of obedience can be seen like this: One act of obeying God is spectacular, but many strung together creates a symphony of righteousness. Our witness as Christians becomes beautiful as a walnut orchard when we live our life for God. It is then when peace not only abounds, but spills over to everyone around. Before long, everybody can enjoy the fruit, shade, cover and protection of this perfect peace.

Are you missing peace in your life? Look at the four commands in Philippians 4:6 to evaluate which one (or ones) you are missing then seek to correct the lack. It is worth it because then God’s peace and goodness will fill you completely.

Let’s Pray:

Father God,

You are the God of Peace. I do thank You for peace, for life, for salvation, and for answers to prayer—even those I had not prayed. You see all and You provide our every need. Thank You for meeting all my needs so I need not worry. Forgive me for the times when I worry. Teach me how to trust You completely because I need Your incredible peace in my life every day. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Peace” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. 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.

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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: The beauty in being humble and obeying God

The Beauty of being Humble and Obeying God
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do’.”—Acts 13:22 (NIV)

Lately, I've been questioning myself because my mind has been wandering with so many life events that I think are unfair. I somehow started to lose focus on my life.

I am now busy focusing on my suffering and how to end this. I began to compare my situation to others. How come the wicked can live better than I do? Why do their lives seem so perfect and pain-free even when they wreak havoc in the lives of other people? I started to question myself. Did I upset God? Is He punishing me? Did I not hear Him speaking to me? What does God want me to do? I become numb with my thinking. Deep inside, I believe that despite the hardship I am facing, God has a purpose for my pain. But at the same time, I am tired of experiencing hardship.

One day, the Bible story of King David captured my thoughts. I started to recall his story. I started reading a book about him, as well as doing devotions about this king’s life. I was fascinated by wanting to know about his life and how God still blessed King David despite his wrongdoing. I started to envy him because despite King David’s sins of adultery and murder, God still saw him as a man after His own heart. Suddenly, I realized that being blessed is not about being sinless. The Bible says in Matthew 5:45 (NIV), that God, “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Sometimes, we unfairly judge other people’s lives based on what we see, but we forget that God has His own opinion of everyone and perspective on life. God had a different idea about King David. God said in Acts 13:22 (NIV), “he will do everything I want him to do.” When I read that part, I felt like God had high confidence in King David to the point where he knew David would do everything God wanted. I wonder if I have the capability of obeying God in the same way.

How can I, in this modern-day, make God so confident in me that He knows I will do whatever He wants us to do? This part of the Bible story resonated with me deeply. I realized that it doesn't matter how hard I try to impress God because He knows my heart better than anybody else. My attempts to impress other people in the name of God is known to God. He sees my true intentions and reads my heart.

The only thing that God wants us to know is that He is the God of grace. We don't need to pretend to get validation from others. Just like David before he was king and known as a man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 13:14), people saw him as a young shepherd boy who is incapable of many things. But God has a different perspective. He saw the future king in David. We need to learn how to see ourselves as God sees us. We need to not listen to the world’s perspective but ask God to help us see from a higher perspective. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord then He will lift us up (James 4:10).

Being humble will look different in this world because the world is filled with arrogant people who put self before God. However, we need to learn not to depend on the world’s validation, but to focus on how God sees us. By practicing humility, we are being His salt in this earth (Matthew 5:13) and light in this dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). It takes practice to be salt and light in this world for God, but we can properly represent Him with His help. And by obeying His Word (The Holy Bible), we can overcome every obstacle.

Let's Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your perspective on us and your grace on our lives. Being humble is not easy. Our hearts sometimes harden due to our foolishness, and we remain in a comfort zone that is too comfortable. We often forget how to align with your heart and make you confident in us, knowing that we will do anything you ask. I pray that we become like King David who remembered to return to You no matter how far away from You he felt because of His sins. Teach me how to humble myself and be willing to trust You as you mold me into who You want me to be in this life on Earth. Help me to obey You every day. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Run to the Father” by Cody Carnes. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Heart of God” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Humble Yourself” by Maranatha! Music. 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: A gift given to you by God to save your soul

A Gift of God
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”—Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

A well-worn easy chair, a threadbare jacket, and an old pair of shoes are used everyday items of no apparent value. They might have been nice at one time, but now they’re worn out and dated, not even fit for donation.

Why, then, were these things locked in a glass display case protected by state-of-the-art security systems? Why were people from all over the world gazing at them as if they were the most amazing chair, jacket, and shoes they’d ever seen?

I saw this display at the National Museum of American History. The chair was Archie Bunker’s iconic wingback from the TV show “All in the Family”, the jacket was worn by Fonzie from “Happy Days”, and the shoes belonged to Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” (movie). Items that would have been overlooked or thrown away under ordinary circumstances had become priceless treasures simply because of who they belonged to.

How often do I question my self-worth? I feel that I’m not good enough, successful enough, or beautiful enough to be loved. Then there are times when I become proud of my own achievements and feel that I deserve everyone’s praise and applause because of them. In all these times I’m forgetting the source of my true value.

The Bible tells us that God’s love is not dependent on anything we achieve or possess. It cannot be earned; it is freely given to all who will receive it. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). This truth is affirmed in John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We can’t do anything to earn God’s love; it’s there for anyone and everyone who will accept it by believing in Him. He loves us all so much He gave His Son (Jesus Christ) to die for us. God thinks we’re worth dying for and He wants us to belong to His Family of believers around the world who are part of His Kingdom.

Jesus used sheep as a metaphor to illustrate this truth in John 10:11-13 (NIV). He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” The hired hand gets paid to take care of the shepherd’s sheep, but at the first sign of trouble, he runs away to protect himself, leaving the sheep to their fate. Jesus is the good shepherd. Rather than see them slain by wolves, He will lay down his life for the sheep who belong to Him. He doesn’t say He’ll lay down his life for only certain sheep who meet certain criteria. He is willing to give His life for all the sheep who belong to Him.

After visiting the museum, I read that Archie Bunker’s chair, as well as the chair that belonged to his wife Edith on the TV set, were purchased from a thrift store for less than $10 total before the show was filmed. They were not special chairs in and of themselves; they were old and used before anyone even knew whether the TV show would be a success. Now, however, the ragged old chair has remained one of the most popular exhibits at the museum for decades, and it is considered to be priceless. All because of who it belonged to.

When you’re tempted to base your self-worth on what you’ve done, how much you have, or a label the hired-hand world has put on you, remember that your salvation is a gift from God, not of yourself. We belong to Jesus Christ. We are worth the highest price imaginable simply because of Who we belong to.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I forget where my true value is found. Help me to remember the incredible price You paid through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, so that I can belong to you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “My Worth Is Not in What I Own (Live feat. Fernando Ortega)” by Keith & Kristyn Getty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Belong to You” by Here Be Lions. 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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God through the trials of life

Trusting God Through Life’s Trials
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.”

—1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)

Since August of 2020, my husband and I moved six times. We lost a parent to cancer, suffered the loss of a job, lost our home, and lost some of our most precious belongings during our last move.

Once the COVID pandemic hit our world, we left New York City (NYC) for North Carolina. January of 2022, my husband got a job in upstate New York and because of that we moved back to the Northeast Coast of the USA. In the Fall of 2022, my husband’s father passed away and his mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, was left living alone in her NYC apartment. The family had to step in and help with her caregiving because due to her condition, she couldn’t live alone. At that point, my husband and I made a decision to sacrifice our home and his job in order to move in and take care of my mother-in-law.

Looking back, I now see that helping our family was the right thing to do. But leaving a good job and home in order to do it was probably not a wise choice. Essentially, we may have done the right thing the wrong way. Once the family was able to secure my mother-in-law with a good nurse, my husband got a new job and we moved into a great apartment. Sadly, he lost his job and that forced us into financial hardship. To add insult to injury, the company we hired to help us move lost most of our belongings.

It’s fair to say that some trials are the result of our own bad decisions, but if we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, The Holy Bible tells us to expect “fiery trials.” 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) says, “Dear Friends, don’t be surprised by the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” The “fire” referred to in this Bible verse represents the intensity and pain of the trial, while “trials” signify the refining process. Trials are meant to test the genuineness of our faith.

These trials are never meant to destroy or defeat us, but to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and prepare us for what He has in the future.

Here are five things to remember when going through a trial:

1. Expect Suffering. 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) tells us to not be surprised when trials come. Persecution and suffering for Christ should not be viewed as abnormal. We live in a fallen world.

2. God will keep you. 1 Peter 4:19 (NLT) says that God will never fail us. His grace is sufficient for us no matter how hard things get. We can trust Him for our deliverance.

3. Suffering deepens our faith. 1 Peter 4:13 (NLT) says to be glad when we suffer because these trials will make us partners with Christ in his suffering. It may take careful thought or wise counsel to determine the real cause of our suffering, but if we focus on God’s Word and align with His will then we will be in the right place.

4. We will share in God’s Glory. 1 Peter 4:13 (NLT) tells us that afterward, we “will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” There is nothing more powerful than a changed life. When we allow the Lord to purify and refine us through trials then we will glorify God in this life and through all eternity.

5. Suffering enables us to comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) says, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

God always has a purpose in every trial we go through, no matter how big or small. Rest assured that He will always provide grace and guidance and will never leave us to suffer alone.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for allowing us to go through trials so that we can know You better. Teach us to rely on You when hardships come. Enable us to trust You through the storms of life so we may walk closer to You.

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Count it All Joy” by Bebe and Cece Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I’ll Trust You, Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer. 

Her passion is to help women understand their true worth and walk in their God-given purpose. After many years working as a Christian in the entertainment industry, she is thankful to be able to share all her learning experiences in her blog posts and on Instagram.

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

· Finding your purpose and using your talent for God’s glory

· How God always looks at the heart and the meaning of inner beauty

· Understanding that we are all a work in progress and God is not done with us yet

Cherie’s TV credits include "The Equalizer", "Bull", and "Blue Bloods" (CBS). She also appeared in the PureFlix film "Revelation Road 3: The Black Rider".

Cherie and her husband Jimmy live in Texas. They are thankful to have been married for 30 years. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, photography, and movie night.

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Connect with Cherie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheriemendez/

Devotionals for the Heart: Knowing your identity as one of God's children

What’s in a Name?
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows except the one who receives it.”—Revelation 2:17 (NASB)

When I was a little girl, I decided that I didn’t like the first name that my parents gave me.

My friends had popular names like Debby, Kathy, Cindy, and Susy, but mine differed. I wanted a better name, and with the infinite wisdom of a four-year-old girl, I selected the best name I knew. When my dad got home from work, I told my parents, “I want to be called Cinderella.”

They tried to reason with me, but eventually gave in. When they called me from another room, I heard the lyrical sounds of Cinderella, which was music to my ears until it wasn’t.

“Cinderella, it’s time to eat dinner.”

“It’s bath time, Cinderella.”

“What book would you like me to read tonight, Cinderella?”

This went on for about four or five days, after which I had enough of these new name shenanigans. I begged my parents to call me Colleen again. It didn’t matter that I would never find a hair clip, a bracelet, or a pencil with my name on it, which were the top reasons for the name change request. After a few minutes of convincing them that I wanted my name back, they agreed.

As an adult, I see the humor in this childhood anecdote and the wisdom of my parents, who knew this wouldn’t last. But it does make me wonder, why are we so attached to our given names? What’s in a name? Our name was most likely selected by our parents, and we may or may not know why it was chosen. It could be a family name, a name whose meaning is special to them, the name of a historical figure, or a favorite character from a book or a movie.

Sometimes our names are attached to our place in the family—Morgan is the youngest in our family. Other times, our names are attached to our talents or interests—Ethan is the musician in our family. Your name, interests, and character traits identify you, and who you are in comparison to those in your family. Whatever the reason our name was selected, it becomes the primary marker of our identity. When we hear our name, we respond. But what’s in a name?

As I got older, I realized additional descriptors are used to provide identity and become part of how we’re known. We’re funny, quiet, excitable, introverted, or extroverted. We are known for these traits. As adults, we’re often identified by professions or vocations: educator, construction worker, artist, accountant, engineer, health care provider, or salesperson.

We are each a sum of these labels, but there’s more. For those who know God, He calls us His sons and daughters. We are conquerors, servants, leaders, brothers, sisters, and more. He bestows on us these essential truths: We belong to Jesus Christ, and our job is to spread the Good News of the Gospel. This is what’s in a name when you follow Jesus Christ.

When we follow Jesus, we don’t just know who we are but also whose we are. We don’t just know what we do but why we do it. When you have a relationship with Christ, He calls you and equips you to reflect His promises and purpose for your life.

The Bible has multiple examples of names being changed. Some scholars believe the new names lead to better lives. Abram was changed to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, Simon became Peter, and Saul’s name was changed to Paul.

In the book of Revelation, John tells us that God will give those who are victorious a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. This new name reflects a new season and the assurance of freedom from condemnation as we live with and worship the Lord for eternity.

Although I am grateful for my earthly name, I’m curious about my new name. However, I believe I can say with certainty—it will not be Cinderella. My earthly parents have passed away, but my Heavenly Father (God) is with me every minute, every moment today and forever. I am His, and He is mine. There is no need to wonder who I am.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, we are thankful for your faithfulness to us. Through prayer, help us to find our worth in You. Communication with You is essential to our existence. Open our hearts and hands to receive the gifts You want to give us. Equip us to spread the Good News of the Gospel. Thanks be to God! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. 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.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to forgive like God forgives us

Grace Even When We’re Rotten or Mean
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Have you ever done something rotten, mean, or insulting to someone else and you felt certain they would never speak to you again?

Recently, we put claw caps on all three of our cats. They have been clawing our furniture to shreds in spite of the many cat scratching posts and catnip we provide. Nothing worked. Finally, I asked the vet what we should do, and she suggested claw caps, which are caps that you put on your cat’s claws to prevent them from scratching. This sounds like a great idea in theory, but our cats already despise having their nails clipped. We knew this would be a stressful situation.

So, on Saturday we all sat down to do this as a team effort—me, my husband, and two of our kids. We got it done, but it was a grueling ordeal, one I hope never to deal with again … except we’re supposed to do this every month from here on out. Our cats were so upset over what they endured that they all ran off to hide somewhere in our home, and I didn’t see them for a couple of hours.

Later that afternoon, when I saw them sleeping on the screened-in patio, I decided to approach them. Carefully I stepped outside and bid them hello, gently holding out my hand. And what do you know? They all came right over and rubbed up against me! All was forgiven, and we were back to normal. I was pleasantly surprised and frankly really touched that they didn’t seem to hold a grudge.

As I walked back into the house, it occurred to me that this is exactly the way God treats us. We mess up, fall out of alignment with him, sin in big ways and small, and sometimes without ever meaning to. We create trauma and strife on a spiritual level. And yet God forgives us … over and over again. No matter what.

It’s astounding! Sometimes we do really rotten things, too—things that hurt God, things that hurt other people or ourselves (which, make no mistake, also hurts God). Yet when we repent, it’s all instantly washed away. We are forgiven. It doesn’t stop there, of course. We’re supposed to pass that same forgiveness on. Just as we have been forgiven, we’re supposed to forgive others. We’re not supposed to hold grudges or put up walls but instead offer perfect forgiveness in the spirit of agape love, just as God has done to us.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean someone in an abused relationship is supposed to go back to their abuser. Boundaries and self-protection are important, and we are beloved by God. But in our hearts, we can forgive wrongs that were done to us. We can move on and not hold things against that person forever and ever.

Just as my cats endured at my hands what they felt was probably wrong, they forgave me and moved on. That’s what God, our Heavenly Father, does for us. What a beautiful gift that is! What a joy that our past and our wrongdoings no longer define us.

If you are holding a grudge against someone else, set it down. Forgive and move on. It’s not optional—Jesus Christ commanded us to do this. As He said in the Sermon on the Mount: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV).

Likewise, if you are holding on to your own past or recent sins that you confessed and repented of, but you just can’t seem to forgive yourself … if you are still beating yourself up, certain God could never forgive of a wretch like you, that your sins and your situation are somehow “different”, take heart. Know that God extends grace, and that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus when we repent and believe (Romans 8:38-39).

Amen, and thanks be to God!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the extravagant, wildly generous, completely loving grace and mercy that you extend to me and to all of your children. We don’t deserve it, but you give it anyway. Help me have the strength to forgive myself and forgive others in that same spirit of grace and mercy. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Forgiveness (Live)” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Your Love Is Extravagant” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her Christian contemporary novel, The Memory Garden, released this Spring 2025. Book two in the series releases this Fall 2025. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: When God saved me from making a mistake

When God Saved Me from Making a Mistake
A devotional by Terry Overton

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

Before sunrise, my little dog Bella and I slipped out for an early walk. We wanted to beat the heat and explore more of our new neighborhood.

The world was beginning to stir—the squirrels chattered in the trees, and the chirps of morning birds drifted quietly into the morning air. A cool breeze made it feel like we could go a little farther today. We took our usual path at a brisk pace, but something nudged me to turn down a street I hadn’t explored since the move. Why not? I thought. The wind picked up, chiming a neighbor’s porch bells, and the turn on the road felt like an invitation to adventure.

Though we’d lived here only a few months, the street names were familiar from all the house-hunting listings I’d studied before our move. But the specific sequence of streets between our house and the main road remained a mystery. Curious, I kept going. One street, then another. My fitness tracker encouraged me to push for another mile. Hills seemed to rise beneath my steps, then downhill slopes, but I kept wondering: Would the next street be the one that finally loops back?

Then I saw the sign: No Exit. The next one? Dead End. And finally, just when I was ready to turn back, I saw a street name I recognized—Incline. I looked down that street and smiled. It was suitably named. Breathing heavily, I climbed the hill and remembered why that name stuck in my mind: Months earlier, my husband and I wanted to buy a house on this street, but someone beat us to it. I remembered how disappointed we were to read “Contract Pending.” The interior of the house, the floorplan, the type of flooring, and from what we could see online, the backyard panoramic view, all looked amazing.

But as I passed that house we did not buy, the sun crested over the hill and lit up the view. And just like that, I saw what we hadn’t seen in the online images: power lines cutting across the horizon, rooftops and buildings crowding the distance, and the lake below blocked by newer homes. The view I’d imagined as peaceful was in reality, obstructed and noisy. In that quiet, golden moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. God had protected us from a decision we might have regretted.

The view from my yard has always mattered to me, not for the pride of having a nice yard but for the peace it brings. I’ve lived near ponds, lagunas, and resacas—each one a sacred space where I’ve met with God in the early hours. I would pray, read Scripture, and write in these spaces. It’s not just about a pretty yard. It’s about a place where my soul can breathe. It’s a place where I sit with Him, who holds me in His hands, walks with me, walks beside me, and gives me peace.

We didn’t get that house on Incline Street. Instead, we found the one meant for us—an older home with character, nestled between woods, a creek, and a quiet cove that opens to the lake. It’s peaceful. Private. Perfect.

How many times has God saved me from my own missteps? How many times did I think I knew the best route, the best decision, the best next step to take? Too many to count. I’ve made plenty of choices attempting to control what was in His hands, trying to force my own path. However, the walk this morning reminded me: God is always at work behind the scenes. He doesn’t just provide what we want—He gives us what we need, even when we don’t see it yet.

And sometimes, all it takes to see that He provides what we need is to continue to walk one more mile with Him.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

You have provided many blessings and at times I do not realize You are busy working in the quiet. Help me to remember to trust You in all things. You know the best path for my life. Thank You for always holding my hand and being by my side in all circumstances. I pray this in the name of Your Holy Son (Jesus Christ). Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s song)” by Damaris Carbaugh. 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: When it's time to let go of the heavy loads

It’s Time to Let Go of the Extra Baggage
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”—Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)

One of the things travelers loved most about Southwest Airlines was the ability to check two bags for free. It was a standout feature that made flying a little easier and a little lighter. But recently, the airline ended that policy, announcing that passengers would now be charged for both the first and second checked bags. Anything beyond that? You’ll pay even more.

As I read the news, something stirred in my spirit. Isn’t that how life works, too? The more baggage we carry, the more it costs us.

I’m not talking about suitcases or carry-ons. I’m talking about the unseen loads we drag through life—emotional and spiritual burdens that quietly weigh us down. Unforgiveness. Shame. Anger. Regret. Wounds from the past that never fully healed. Mistakes that God has already forgiven, but we keep picking back up. Some of us are carrying full matched luggage sets, dragging them from one season to the next, wondering why we feel so heavy and worn out.

Here’s the truth: God never designed us to live burdened. He didn’t call us to be weighed down by baggage He already made provision to carry.

Jesus Christ makes a gentle, life-giving offer in Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT): Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

What a beautiful invitation. If you're tired—emotionally drained, spiritually burnt out, or just plain worn down—you can have hope because Jesus invites you to come to Him just as you are. Not get it together. Not try harder. Just come. And when we do, He doesn’t shame us for the baggage. He simply says, “Let Me carry that.”

The cost of extra baggage may not show up on your bank statement, but it will show up in other ways: in your peace of mind, your joy, your growth, and your connection with God and others. When we hold on to what God has called us to release, we lose clarity, freedom, and the lightness of walking in step with Him.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) encourages us with these words: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

You can’t run freely while dragging baggage you were never meant to carry. You can’t step fully into your calling when you're clinging to burdens Jesus Christ already carried on the cross. It’s time to release what’s behind so you can reach for what’s ahead.

In Philippians 3:13–14 (NLT), the Apostle Paul reminds us of an important life lesson that we can all learn. He said, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

God wants you to travel light. That means trusting Him with your past, believing Him for your future, and surrendering the messy in-between (your disappointments, your doubts, your questions) at His feet.

Maybe you’ve grown accustomed to the heaviness. Maybe your baggage feels so familiar that it’s become part of your identity. But hear this, my friend: you don’t have to carry it anymore. Jesus already paid the price for that excess baggage. The cross was more than enough. He bore the weight so you could walk free.

So today, unpack your baggage and lay it all before God—every hidden hurt, every secret shame, every lingering fear. He’s not surprised by what you’ve carried. He’s ready to exchange it for peace, healing, and rest. No more paying the cost for what God has already redeemed. No more dragging bags into your next season.

Let today be the day you travel lighter. It’s time to unpack. It’s time to let go. It’s time to move forward, freely and lightly, in Him.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I lay down the burdens I’ve been carrying, all those things You never intended for me to hold. Help me to trust You with my past, rest in Your presence today, and move forward in the freedom You’ve already provided. Teach me to travel light, anchored in Your grace and guided by Your peace. Thank You for always inviting me to come as I am and for lovingly lifting what weighs me down. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Come Just As You Are” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #3: “Pieces” by Meredith Andrews. 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, which includes Her RICH Life 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 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She 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