Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to do what we can for God

Do What You Can
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”—Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)

I came to South Korea as a missionary English teacher.

I viewed my classroom as a ministry because I wasn’t merely teaching vocabulary and conversation; I was loving the children in my care, praying for them and teaching them about God. In my local English-speaking international church, I was often up front of the congregation, leading out vespers and Bible studies, and speaking from time to time.

Then I got married and moved to a new city in South Korea. My husband was a church leader, and the church we attended was not an English-speaking one. It was a difficult transition. I spoke only a little Korean, and living with the language barrier felt like losing my voice. I could no longer communicate well and do all the up-front things I was used to. I was still teaching English during the week. But on the weekend, I felt like my opportunities for ministry had been taken away.

However, God convicted me that instead of feeling mired down in what I couldn’t do, I should focus on what I could do. It was okay to grieve my felt losses, but He still had ways that I could minister.

I could operate the computer and click the slides on the PowerPoint presentation during worship. I could lead a Bible study discussion on the rare occasions when we had English-speaking guests. I could teach the children some English praise songs. I could wash dishes. I could pray for my husband and the church. I could simply be present.

These tasks were not glamourous. They weren’t always in my comfort zone, either. Yet God reminded me that small, unseen tasks are still ministry.

Sometimes we may feel that our efforts don’t count unless they’re up-front, noticeable and grand in some way. Sometimes we may feel that we don’t have enough to offer someone else—enough skill, enough time, enough talent.

However, as the hymn “Brighten the Corner Where You Are” encourages us:

“Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,

Do not wait to shed your light afar;

To the many duties ever near you now be true,

Brighten the corner where you are.”

The Bible tells the story of a hungry crowd who were listening to Jesus speak (John 6:1-15). Jesus was mindful of their physical as well as spiritual needs. Let’s read about this Bible story via the text below:

“Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Jesus asked (John 6:5 NIV). Philip answered, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (John 6:7 NIV)

However, there was boy in the crowd with five small barley loaves and two small fish. This was not an impressive lunch. It would have been easy for the boy to think, “What’s the point of offering this? It’s too small and too simple to feed so many.” It would have been easy for him to fixate on what he couldn’t offer. In fact, when Andrew (a disciple) brought the boy to Jesus, he said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9 NIV)

Yet the boy gave what he could, and Jesus took those five small loaves and two small fish and used them to feed thousands of hungry people. He can do the same with what we give to Him. No matter how small, simple, and “not enough” our offerings may be, He can multiply them to bless many others.

The small boy did what he could. May we, too, do what we can.

Let’s Pray: Father God, sometimes I focus on what I can’t do. I compare myself to others, or even to how I was in the past, and think that I don’t have enough to offer You. Yet You still empower me to serve—even in simple, hidden ways. Help me to see what I can do through Your strength. Teach me how to have the faith to put my small gifts in Your hands to multiply. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Brighten the Corner Where You Are” by Ella Fitzgerald. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Available” by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Little is Much” by Downhere. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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Connect with Lynette:
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: How I learned to surrender and trust God

Why We Need to Trust God and Surrender to Him
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Solomon, the wisest man God created, tells his son to trust God. His wisdom is recorded in the verse above (Proverbs 3:5-6).

We are to trust God not with a part of our heart but with our whole heart. Solomon could make that bold statement because he had the experience of what it was like to fully surrender his everything to Almighty God. Perhaps you say that Solomon made some unwise decisions and did things God told him not to. But that doesn’t negate the fact that there were a lot of times when he relied solely on God. He knew the outcomes of those times worked in his favor when he relinquished control to God and asked Him to take control. This is why he can encourage us today through Scripture to do the same.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word “trust” means “to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of: believe” or “to place confidence in” and “to hope or expect confidently.” The word “surrender” means “the action of yielding one's person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another.”

As I reflect on my life and think back to the times when I truly applied this Scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6) to my life as I learned how to surrender to God and trust Him, I saw and experienced the hand of God in profound ways. If I trust God then I have to surrender my will to His. We can’t have one without the other. We have to give Him total control and trust that the outcome for the challenges we face, the difficulties and hardships. Tough decisions we have to make yield better results when we leave it in God’s capable hands.

It’s easy to say we will trust God and we will surrender everything to Him. But when we are in a time crunch, when our backs are against a wall, and time seems to be running out, we sometimes take matters into our own hands. We should know that the outcome from that decision is never good. However, when we take our hands off the steering wheel and give God full control, it is in those moments that we experience peace, joy, and satisfaction because we know that no matter what, God’s will is the final outcome. And His will is best.

Have you ever been in a place of waiting on God to show up for you? You are praying and waiting and believing. Perhaps you are quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 like your life depended on it because you know that the outcome you desire is something only God can do? What do you do in those moments? Did you recall past experiences, looked at the outcome when you surrendered to His will and timing and then look at what happened when you didn’t?

The lessons I have learned from both scenarios are always a reminder to trust God no matter what and not to take matters into my own hands. What have you learned from those experiences and how has it affected your desire to lean into God?

I know trusting and surrendering aren’t easy. It’s especially hard in these days when the demands of life are upon us, our needs seem unbearable and waiting seems far-fetched. But as I recall the Bible story in Genesis chapter 16 about Abraham and Sarah. They took matters into their own hands because they couldn’t trust God’s word and surrender to His plans. This true story taught me how important it is to trust God and not rush ahead of Him.

My prayer is that every time we are about to lean to our own understanding and acknowledge our own capabilities then we will remember not only our own outcomes when we didn’t wait on God, but the outcome of Sarah and Abraham’s impatience and the negative results that occurred after they rushed ahead of God.

Today, I encourage you, despite what your circumstances say, to trust God and surrender your heart and will to Him. God is producing something within you that far outweighs the answered prayer we desperately need. When we wait while God is working on our behalf, we are building our faith, trust and confidence in Him. This makes it easier to surrender our hearts and own understanding of what should be and lean into the fact that surrender and trust leads to God directing our path.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

You alone are Sovereign and You know the end from the beginning. Thank You for your infinite wisdom. I pray for every person reading this devotional today. Please strengthen and undergird them. When they feel like waiting is too hard, remind them of this promise: As we acknowledge You (God) then You will direct our path. Thank You for developing within us the desire to submit our will to You. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Surrender” by Hillsong. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Order My Steps” by GMWA Women of Worship. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #4: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Christopher 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: What Construction Workers Taught Me

Life Lessons Learned from Observing Construction Workers
A devotional by Desiree Future

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

—Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

One day, I was outside enjoying the nice weather.

Nearby, a bunch of construction workers were working. They had constructed a plank that led to the top of the building they were renovating. I watched them move like a synchronized swim team.

For the purposes of this story illustration, I’ve created first names for each of these men who I observed that day: John drove the pickup truck and pulled in right next to the building. Diego then started to unload the large truck as soon as John put it in park. As he placed the containers onto the ground Donald grabbed them.

Donald walked what looked like five-gallon tubs of something to the scaffolding entryway. He handed it over to Kevin, who then took them up to the second level of the four-story building. This conveyor belt system went on until the truck was empty. By that time, the entire load of five-gallon containers sat on the second floor. Each of the four men then started another system to get the containers to the fourth story of the building. They worked in unison to get their materials to the very top of the structure.

The interesting thing about this was that no words were spoken among them. They knew they had a job to do and did it. John, Diego, Donald, and Kevin all have specialized skills that they used to achieve their goal. That goal was to get the tubs safely to the roof in order to begin using their materials.

A roofer cannot build a house alone. You need someone to build the foundation. Another person to build the walls, then the roofer can add the roof. Then you need an electrician and a plumber to install the electricity and the plumbing. Windows and doors are also needed to make this a suitable house to live in. There’s a lot that goes into building a house.

Sure, someone can build a house alone with their bare hands, but not everyone can do it. God gives us all different talents to use. One person might do one thing better than you. While you do another task better than they can. An individual alone cannot do everything alone.

I understand that you may be single and have to do things by yourself. I’m raising my hand because I am in your shoes, too. However, doing everything is difficult and exhausting. You may want to save money and do it yourself, but hear me when I say you can’t do everything yourself. Just because you have done it before doesn’t mean you still can. When you take on the world alone, some things get left behind. The reason is that you are juggling so many things at once. Just because you can do it by yourself doesn’t mean you have to.

Ask for help and stop making yourself tired. You might feel that asking for help will make you feel less of a capable person. But what it actually does is prove that you know you where you’re lacking the skills to accomplish things on your own.

I’ve been a crafter since I was a child. The first time I was realized it was when my friend and I built a cardboard dollhouse. Mine was a two-story with a chimney and I used cotton to resemble smoke billowing from it. My friend said to me “Wow you’re so crafty.” That was the beginning of craftiness.

Throughout the years, I have created many different things from wall décor, to jewelry, purses, and household items. However, I could never sew at all. If I needed anything hemmed or made smaller, I would ask my mother to do it for me. My next option was to take it to the cleaners and pay them for their services.

Asking for help is a good thing because it allows you to see the talents of others while developing friendships. Having someone or a team of people in your corner is the best thing ever. It allows you to rest assured that someone has your back. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child. I’m blessed to have been raised by one myself, and this upbringing has shown me how truly special and awesome it is.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I ask that you let the person reading this know that everything will be okay. Help them to trust You and accept help when they need it. In Jesus’s Name I Pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “My Help Cometh from the Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
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's Love for you is deep, true and forever!

God’s Deep Love for You
A devotional by Essie Faye

“However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you.”—Deuteronomy 23:5 (KJV)

Lately, I can’t help but think about the importance of grit and perseverance.

So many things and people in life can discourage us from living, if we allow them. Some life challenges may include being evicted from your home or experiencing a home foreclosure. Some people are suffering in silence in a toxic relationship. Others are wallowing in grief from the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you are suffering from the grief of disappointment in your current state in life. There are women who experience pain from an infertility journey that seems never-ending. Countless numbers of patients are each fighting a terminal illness. Through it all, it is important to know that God loves us. His profound love for us blesses us in ways that we could never imagine (Romans 8:35-39).

God’s love for us blesses us with His favor. Favor is the unearned, unmerited kindness of God. Because He loves us, He is good to us, even when we were His enemies. Even when we deny His very existence, God is good to us. Even while we are shouting obscenities about Him and accusing Him of wrongdoing, He loves us and is kind to us, extending mercy and grace. God has mercy on us. He doesn’t give us what we deserve (Romans 6:23). Instead, He extends grace and gives us what we don’t deserve: God’s grace and the free gift of salvation (John 3:16-17).

God’s love for us blesses us with protection. Animals protect what they love; it’s second nature. Humankind also protects what they love. We get this attribute from our Heavenly Father (God). He made us in His image and likeness. We are His children. God has commanded His angels from Heaven to protect us in our daily lives and watch over us while we sleep. He does this because He loves us.

God’s love for us blesses us with abundance. God provides for His children because He is concerned about our well-being. He provides our physical needs: food, shelter, water. He also provides our spiritual needs: nourishment, communion, character development, and fellowship. God provides our social needs: divine connections and partnerships. God provides our financial needs. He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19) who is His Son.

God’s love blesses us with favor, protection, and provision in the face of life’s difficulties. Because of His love and through faith, we can do hard things. When life gets tough and insurmountable challenges arise, we can do hard things. When life circumstances seem unbearable and current situations appear hopeless, we can do hard things with the help of Christ. Because He was victorious, so are we when we place our faith in Him.

All things work together for the good of those who believe in God (Romans 8:28). All things are not always looking good, nor does everything always feel good. But it is all working together to bring you into your place of purpose. God’s love works to turn every curse in our lives from the enemy into a blessing from our Savior.

Call to Action:

1. Receive the blessings from God’s Love.

2. Rest in God’s favor, protection, and provision.

3. Love God in return.

4. Demonstrate your love for God by obeying His Word and living according to His standards.

5. Remember: God’s love blesses you to do hard things. All of it—the good, bad, and ugly—is working to make you into the person God ordained you to be.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us so passionately and so deeply. Your unconditional love looks at our faults and loves us still. Your love for us is a complete blessing that we don’t deserve. You love us still. We make mistakes yet You love us still. We offend You. You love us still. We reject You yet You love us still. We ignore you. You love us still. Your love is inescapable and incomprehensible. Help us to receive the blessings of your love: favor, protection, and provision. And help us to love You in return. Expand our capacity to love You passionately and to serve You intentionally. Teach us to have the kind of faith that please You, God. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “God’s Favor” by Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “For The Good” by Riley Clemmons. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Good And Loved” by Travis Greene & Steffany Gretzinger. 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: How to measure our love for God and others

God’s KPI: Measuring Love, Not Just Numbers
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”—John 13:34-35 (NIV)

We as Christians are taught to love one another, care for each other, and give them comfort when they are in need. But sometimes it is hard to follow that advice.

People’s lives are getting more demanding day by day. The busyness of life with priorities, the test of making the right decisions, and the accelerating pace of daily living leave no time to think or have quiet moments.

Living in the world’s biggest Muslim country has its challenges. We as Christians are outnumbered. The mix between the two religions is no longer obvious because families are mixed and friendships are blended between people of different faiths. It is hard to stand and be “the light” (Matthew 5:14-16) and “the salt” (Matthew 5:13) because we normalize many things. Yet, we are called to be different by showing God’s love.

In the world of business, KPIs (Key Performance Indicator) are not a foreign topic. In a company, we are required to create a KPI both for our department and ourselves. When we put in our KPI, all we talk about are numbers. They measure success with numbers noting everything from sales to growth to followers and to profits. All aspects should be measurable, as the KPI will directly impact our salary increase and bonuses. Therefore, we are all motivated to put our best effort into achieving the KPI so we can receive better compensation.

In some Christian mission organizations, they also apply KPIs to measure the effectiveness of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to note the number of souls reached within a year. I found it interesting because in my experience, we have our part in sharing the Gospel, but it is the Holy Spirit who works in an individual’s heart to accept Jesus Christ. Many Christians feel pressured to produce results and note how many people we’ve evangelized, how many programs we run and how many followers are in our ministry.

I started to think about it. I observed that some organizations are more excited about mass outreach rather than a personal approach, which might take more time. It seems that time becomes less efficient when spent one-on-one versus having an event. Not to mention that church members also need to care for each other. If we can’t care amongst other Christians, how can we become a witness to the unbeliever? While evangelism is crucial (Matthew 28:19-20), God never asked us to trade discipleship and care for the sake of statistics.

Sometimes we’re so focused on reaching outsiders that we neglect brothers and sisters right next to us who are hurting. God’s Word (The Holy Bible) encourages us to do good to all people, especially to minister to our family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV) says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

I want to believe that God’s KPI is different than what we have in our mind. God measures not how many we reached, but how faithfully we loved. KPI in the kingdom is different. It looks like this (see the three Bible verses below):

· Love for one another (1 John 3:16-18)

· Care for the overlooked (Matthew 25:40)

· Faithfulness in small things (Luke 16:10)

The early church wasn’t known for “conversion count” but for community living, generosity, and unity (Acts 2:42-47). This Biblical truth makes me ask myself questions daily such as: Am I checking in on fellow believers who are struggling? Do I encourage and build up the body of Christ, or do I only look outward?

Evangelism is vital, but discipleship and love for the family of faith must not be abandoned. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I am reaching out to our fellow Christians to help me continue to grow in my faith walk and my relationship with Jesus Christ. Remembering God’s KPI instead of the standard business KPI will make us do what Christ wants us to do. The only thing that makes us different from others in our faith is the love of Christ for all of us.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, help me to see people the way You do. Teach me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ with patience and care. Keep me faithful in discipleship, not chasing numbers but living out Your KPI of faithfulness, love, and obedience. May my life reflect your kingdom values. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Cause of Christ” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “By Our Love” by Christy Nockels. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” by Jars of Clay. 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: We should not become weary in doing good

When Loving Others and Doing Good is Difficult
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

—Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)

I’m a natural encourager because I thrive on encouragement from others.

Encouragement and affirmation are like oxygen to my soul. When someone notices how much time and effort I put into a project and compliments me, it’s a blessing and I’m grateful. But what happens when my encouragement and affirmation of others are met with silence? What if I am doing my best in a difficult situation only to feel insulted or criticized?

If I’m honest, not all my motives are pure. Sometimes I encourage others because I want to earn favor with them. But when those whom I have tried to love, encourage and affirm do not receive it well or do not reciprocate, I feel empty and offended. Lately, I’ve asked myself, “Am I searching for validation, affirmation and love through others instead the Lord? Am I expecting others to do what only the Lord can do? Am I offended that I’m not receiving the same encouragement I think I am so generously giving?” The answer to all the above is, “Yes.”

It is easy to become offended. It’s easy to allow hurt and bitterness to take over our hearts when we do good things but see no tangible results. We must pause and ask ourselves why we are offended. How do we deal with this in a way that honors God?

The Lord revealed to me that I was walking in selfish, conditional love that is easily disappointed when my expectations are not met. John Bevere, founder of Messenger International, is also an author. He explains this in his book, The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense. Bevere said, “Without God we can only love with a selfish love—one that cannot be given if it is not received and returned. However, agape loves regardless of the response. This agape is the love Jesus shed when He forgave from the cross.”

In Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV), The Apostle Paul writes, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Bevere explains this Biblical truth further when he says, “You need to realize that when you sow the love of God (agape) you will reap the love of God. You need to develop faith in this spiritual law—even though you may not harvest it from the field in which you sowed, or as quickly as you would like.”

The love that caused Jesus Christ to die for us is the same love that has sent the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that saved you and can be yours every day. Having begun a life with Christ, you have a reservoir of power and love to call upon each day for help to meet every challenge or trial. You can pray for God’s power and loving help as you need it.

God sees every good deed we do and knows our motivations better than we do. We need to go to Him in prayer to check in with ourselves. Are we giving encouragement to others, affirming and loving others from an outpouring of love for our God, or to gain favor?

I realized that I needed to let go of the bitterness festering in my heart simply because some people did not reciprocate my “generous encouragement” the way I hoped they would. My tendency is to expect others to do what only He can do, and sometimes others are so consumed by their own challenges unknown to me that they have nothing to give. When I feel empty and hopeless, I am learning to shift from those feelings to God’s promise in Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Here's what I’ve learned: When we are mired in bitterness, our guard goes up like the walls that surrounded ancient cities. Our energy is consumed by making sure no further offenses occur. Yet, if we refuse to risk feeling offended again, we are not capable of giving unconditional love. The paradox is that loving unconditionally gives others the right to offend us. How do we find the strength to love unconditionally?

You focus on the truth in Galatians 6:7-9 and also Romans 5:8 that states that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Christ didn’t wait for us to reciprocate His love because He knew we weren’t able to do this without Him.

Is there someone who has offended you, whether they realize it or not? Is there a friend or family member whom you have tried to love, yet he or she consistently rejects you? Ask God to pour agape love into your heart. He is the source. You can’t love people unconditionally without His help. Focus on who God’s character and His Sovereignty. Ask God to remove the pain and bitterness from your heart so that you can love with a pure heart. This may take some time and healing, but the freedom you will experience is worth it.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Forgive us for harboring bitterness in our efforts to love others who can’t or won’t reciprocate. We need You, Jesus. We ask that You replace our expectations of others with unconditional, agape love for them. We ask for an outpouring of Holy Spirit power to do this. Help us come to the place where we trust You, not our flesh, to protect us from offense. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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

Song of Reflection #2: “The Jesus Way” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. 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: A closer look at the story of The Prodigal Son

What the Prodigal Son Story Teaches Us about God
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.”—Luke 15:20 (NLT)

We all love a good story, especially one with a happy ending. We enjoy a tale that is filled with adventure, mishaps, escapades, relationship forming, building and solidified. A story with substance, meaning and character.

When He was walking on this Earth and ministering to people for God, Jesus Christ used parables (a form of short storytelling that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson) to help His listeners to understand a point, a truth or a character trait of His Father (God). Jesus used familiar scenes, relationships and objects so the people could easily identify themselves in the story.

When we listen to or read a parable, most of us put ourselves in the story. We insert ourselves into the action and try to come out as the winner because nobody wants to be the loser. Sometimes, we walk away convicted after hearing a story that challenges us, but we try to see the good in the parable. Sometimes we see the parable for someone else, easily comparing his of her life within the passage.

We make ourselves the center of the story because things seem to fit better with us in the middle. When one gets right down to it, we are a self-centered bunch of people. Yet, have we ever stood back to think that maybe passages and parables in Scripture are to be God-centered, and not me-centered?

Case in point: the parable of the “Prodigal Son”. A quick look in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary will give us the definition of what it means to be a prodigal. This term implies that a person is “reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.” When you hear the word “prodigal”, what is the context and what do you think? Perhaps you think “wayward child, a runaway, one lost in sin. Someone who walked away from a loving family.”

I have even heard sermons on this topic, multiple times. And I have spent time praying for prodigals in my own life—if not for a loved one, then a friend’s loved one who has wandered far from home. And our hearts break. Ache. And we cry out to God for restoration, a return and forgiveness. We want answers to our prayers. We want our loved ones to return home.

Luke 15 has three parables with many before and after this chapter. They have a flow about them, similar message, and they all point to the Father, His Son, mankind. Let’s turn to Luke 15:11-32. If you grew up in a Christian home and attended a Christian church then you may have read this story before. You know the characters: father, two sons (one is the good one, the other was bad). The bad son wants his inheritance before his father dies and leaves to squander his money, newfound freedom, and different life. In his mind, he is free from all restrictions.

Only a little while later after leaving his home with his inheritance, the bad son is broken financially, broken spiritually, and desperate. He decides to do anything to get back into his father’s good graces. Therefore, this prodigal son formulates a plan while slopping pigs: he’ll go home and ask to be a servant so at least he can eat and have a roof over his head. He makes up his mind and heads home.

As the prodigal son nears his father’s house, what does he encounter? His father runs towards him and welcomes him home. He had been waiting for his son’s return. The father orders his servants to prepare a banquet to celebrate his son’s return. He dresses his son in a clean robe, gives him a ring and good shoes to wear on his feet. All this time, the prodigal son was hoping for acceptance as a servant but what he found was love beyond expectation. He received love and compassion lavished upon him by his father who never stopped loving his son.

Why is it we make this story about the son, when it is actually about the Father? When we take a step back, we can see the extravagance of the father toward his son. We see a father run to his son. It is important to note that a man did not run in those days like this. It was the servant who was seen running. We also see a banquet of grand proportions proving that the father withheld nothing for this son.

We look at the son, when instead we should be looking at the father. Isn’t this how our Heavenly Father is with us? Doesn’t He lavish us with His love, compassion, kindness, goodness, forgiveness? And so much more? Doesn’t He see us off in the distance and come running?

The Bible says in James 4:8 (NKJV), “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Why do we put ourselves in the center of everything, when we should be putting and keeping God in the middle of our story? We focus on the sinner in this parable when we should focus our attention on the Savior.

The Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit should hold all our attention. We are to seek God’s kingdom first and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). The Christian walk of faith is not about doing my own thing as I pursue my dreams and do daily life then tacking God on as an afterthought. It is about aligning my life with the will of the Father (God). Keeping in step with Him (Galatians 5:25). Running this race marked out for us by His mighty hand, to bring Him honor, glory and praise.

Because it’s all about Jesus. And it always has been and forever will be.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are good. Amazing. Lavish and profuse in Your love for me. You are extravagant in all Your ways. You are “prodigal” in the truest sense, and I am forever thankful. May my life never cease to be the offering I give out of my deep love for You because You chose me and loved me. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Prodigal” by Sidewalk Prophets. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #3: “All to Bring You Glory” by Ashmont Hill. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to know God on a personal level

Knowing God
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

The phrase “God is with us” is a familiar promise that is mentioned numerous times in God’s Word (The Holy Bible).

In Matthew 28:20 (ESV), God tells us, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” He is unchanging and faithful, His love is never-ending, and His promises are true. This indicates that we’re in a state of togetherness with the Lord. "Withness" is a gift from God to those who follow Him. He goes before us, walks with us, and prepares a place for us at His table.

But how do we participate in the withness? God asks us to be doers of the word by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ also known as “The Good News” according to the Bible. God instructs us to write His words on our hearts, pray with Him, and be witnesses for Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior. In 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV), God’s Word says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The good news is that our God doesn’t ask anything of us without first equipping us for the job He calls us to do. God gave us hearts to encourage each other, share our victories and defeats, and comfort others in need. God has given us the Holy Spirit, who guides our steps along the path He prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). He designed us to be with Him and to know Him.

But what does it mean to know God? Many say they “know” God, but in truth, they only know “about” Him. There is a difference between knowing “about” God and “knowing” God. In order to “know” God you need to experience His goodness (Psalm 34:8), the comfort of His words (Psalm 34:18), and the overwhelming peace you feel in His presence (Romans 15:13).

Let’s break it down—most of us know about honey, but here’s a difference between knowing honey and knowing about honey. Those who know about it can list the facts. It’s a sweet liquid produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It’s often used in cooking as a spread or sweetener. Almost anyone can recite these well-known facts about honey.

However, to know honey, you must experience it. Have you drizzled honey over a warm slice of freshly baked bread and licked the sticky, sweet substance from your fingers? Have you tasted the goodness of honey cake or the tangy delight of soy-honey-ginger sauce lightly covering your perfectly grilled salmon?

Many people claim to know God, but some only know about Him. When you “know” God, you share your struggles, doubts, and hopes with Him. You trust Him. His presence, power, and promises are the foundation of your life. Knowing the heart of God changes everything because He is “with” you.

Experiencing God presence is life-changing. Perhaps you’ve seen His fingerprints on your life when walking through a wilderness season. He is with us always, and His presence sustains us. Psalm 63:3 (NLT) tells us, His “unfailing love is better than life itself.”

God knocks at the door of your heart. But He’s not just knocking at your door, He’s knocking down your fears, secrets, loneliness, anger, bitterness, trauma, and sorrows. God holds the planets in orbit. He knows the name of every star. And He offers you a love like no other. It’s an invitation to the most incredible adventure you’ll ever encounter—withness.

If you haven’t experienced God, invite Him into every corner of your heart. The more you see Him, the more you seek Him. The more you seek Him, the more you know Him. And the more you know Him, the more you love Him!

Let's Pray: Dear God, we want to know You and not just know about you. Help us to be aware of your presence and experience your goodness. Let us stand in awe of your greatness and recall your faithfulness to us. Praise be to God! In the Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Michael W. Smith. Listen to it here. 

Song of Reflection #2: “Knowing You, Jesus” by Graham Kendrick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Just to Know You” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The More I Seek You” by Kari Jobe. 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: Why God's purpose for us in this life is clear

A Clear Purpose Given to Us by God
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”

—Psalm 34:3 (NIV)

What’s my purpose?

I have often wrestled with that question throughout my life. How often have I asked God to give me a clear answer or help me figure it out? How often have I feared that I’ve gotten it wrong or totally missed the boat?

I remember learning the Bible verse Romans 8:28 for the first time when I was young. It reads, “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.” I remember feeling such joy knowing that God had a purpose for my life—a calling for me—and that scripture became my “life verse”. I understood the verse, as many people do, to mean that God had a specific, detailed plan for me, and that I needed to discover exactly what it was it in order to fulfill His purpose for my life. As time went by, I’d often worry that I was getting it wrong or that I’d missed the path God had laid out for me.

While I still believe that God has a plan for each of us, the more I read God’s Word, the more I’m convinced that discovering God’s purpose is not as complicated as I used to think.

Matthew chapter 5 through Matthew chapter 7 records Jesus Christ’s “Sermon on the Mount,” in which He teaches His followers God’s standards for how we should live, love, and serve. In Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV), Jesus uses metaphors of salt and light to illustrate some of this teaching. He said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

In the past, when I’ve read this passage or heard it taught, the focus was always on what it means to be salt and what it means to be light and how we as Christ’s followers can become those things. There is deep symbolism worth exploring in Jesus’s use of salt and light—two ordinary things common in both Jesus’s day and ours—as teaching tools, but when I read this passage again recently, I saw something new. “You are the salt of the earth” (verse 13a). “You are the light of the world” (verse 14a). As He speaks to His disciples, Jesus does not take time to explain what it means to be like salt and light or what they must do in order to become more like them. It’s a given that they already are those things.

In verse 13, Jesus says that salt that stops being “salty” is no longer good for anything and should be discarded. In verses 14-16, he describes the absurdity of trying to hide a light that’s already shining. If a salt shaker or a lamp isn’t serving its inherent purpose, then what’s the point? That goes right along with my initial understanding of Romans 8:28. Jesus wants us to remember that we were created with a purpose, and that if we’re living in a way that doesn’t fulfill that purpose, our lives lack meaning. What Jesus does not say is that our God-given purpose is a mystery that must be figured out. In fact, he clearly tells us what that purpose is in Matthew 5:16 (NIV): “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

To bring glory to our Father in Heaven. That’s the point. That’s our purpose. How have I missed that before?

Every day we’re faced with countless decisions, some of greater importance than others. As Christians, we pray that God will lead us to make the right decisions, but as humans we inevitably fail sometimes and make the wrong ones. Sometimes there may not even be a bad option, but we can still only choose one or the other.

Instead of becoming paralyzed by “what ifs,” perhaps we should focus more on glorifying God in all that we do. Perhaps we shouldn’t worry so much about whether every single step we choose to take is the one God has chosen for us, but rather choose to glorify Him in every single step we take. When that is our purpose, He will surely keep us on the right path.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with a purpose. Help me to glorify You in all that I do, and may my life lead others to glorify You, too. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Psalm 34” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Born with a Purpose” by Angela. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Shine the Light” by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How fasting and prayer helped me land a new job

How Fasting and Prayer Changed My Life
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”—Mark 9:29 (KJV)

“Effective next month, your job will be eliminated.”

I did not hear anything else my boss said after she uttered those words. I was under the impression that I would be in that particular position at work until I decided to leave, but in this case, my job was leaving me.

I started praying very earnestly about what to do and I began to complete applicatiaons and send resumes to available positions on-line. Even after all of those efforts, nothing seemed to work. No one was returning my calls, no one was responding to my emails, and no one seemed interested in my resume.

At the same time, a friend of mine who did not know anything about my circumstance approached me about fasting. There were people already doing it on Mondays and I was asked to join them in this exercise of faith. At that point in my life, I had never tried fasting for a whole day. The thought of it was unappealing to me so I declined, but something kept tugging at my spirit. I was in a desparate situation and nothing else was working. I felt like Heaven was locked in silence. I just wanted to do something to get God’s attention, so I decided to try fasting without telling anyone, including the friend who invited me to do this on Mondays.

After the first Monday of fasting, I had a meeting with someone who I thought would be able to assist me with finding a job. Unfortunately, that person could not help me, but she set up another meeting for the following Tuesday with someone else who could. I fasted the Monday before, praying for a good outcome from that meeting. When I finally had the meeting, I was instructed to send my resume. I was not thrilled at the idea because I had been sending resumes everywhere with no results. I sent the resume anyway and by that Friday, I received a call from a recruiter who scheduled an interview with me and a hiring manager for the following Tuesday.

On the Monday before the interview, I fasted again in preparation for the interview on Tuesday. By the time I was done with the interview, I was invited to a second interview that Friday over lunch. By the end of lunch, I was offered a position with higher pay and benefits, and a start date in June—the same date that my current position would be eliminated.

It's easy to look at this situation and automatically believe that fasting was the reason why my prayers were answered. However, it is important to understand that fasting and praying are not intended to manipulate God into getting our own way. Instead, fasting and praying aligns us with God’s will for our lives and prepares us for the work He is getting ready to accomplish in our lives. By fasting and praying, I thought I was getting God’s attention, but He was One who was getting my attention.

The exercise of fasting was more than just self-discipline for me. It allowed me to stretch my faith by just being open. I was introduced to a greater spiritual focus as well as a more profound experience of God’s presence in my life. Through fasting, I cultivated a deeper and more intimate relationship with God, and I built a stronger and more resilient faith.

I will never forget how God showed up for me in that moment. I truly believe that some things in life can only come about by fasting and prayer. This testing of my faith allowed me to overcome obstacles and achieve breakthoughs in areas where progress seemed impossible. I encourage you to be willing to do what God impresses you to do in order to reach that next level of faith in your relationship with Him.

Let’s Pray: Father, I believe that You can do all things, and these things will happen in Your time. Help me to exercise more faith and to be open to whatever is required of me so that I can have the level of intimacy that You desire. I give You my heart and my mind. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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

~*~
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: Why we should speak life with love to people

Speak Life with Love
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

—Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

A little while ago, I attended the 60th birthday party of a good friend.

She is someone with whom I’ve shared life, laughter, and legal war stories with for decades. As part of the celebration, each guest was invited to share a recorded memory or favorite story about the birthday girl.

One particular video brought a chuckle from the crowd but had me squirming in my seat. The story took place many years ago when the birthday girl, another friend and I were all young attorneys trying to find our footing in a profession that was not always welcoming to women. We had noticed that a new, younger attorney who was smart, driven, and full of promise, was struggling to be taken seriously by the senior attorneys.

So, we did what we thought was wise at the time: We invited her to lunch and gave her “the talk.” Not about work ethic, skill development, or networking. No, we told her that her skirts were too short and her tops too low-cut. We didn’t pull any punches. We told her flat out: If she wanted to advance, she needed to change the way she dressed. Needless to say, our unsolicited advice didn’t land well. In fact, it earned us a nickname that still haunts me to this day: the “Fashion Police.”

When I heard the story retold at the party, I cringed. Not because the story wasn’t true, but because of how we handled it. Even though we meant well, our delivery lacked grace, compassion, and love. Have you ever had one of those moments when you said the right thing the wrong way or at the wrong time? Maybe you had good intentions, but your words caused harm rather than help.

That day, we failed to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). And that’s where everything went sideways. Here are some lessons I’ve learned over the years regarding the power of our words in relation to others:

Lesson #1: Truth Without Love is Just Noise

There’s a reason Paul tells us in Ephesians to speak the truth in love. Truth without love is harsh. It’s like tossing a stone when someone needs a hand. Yes, our words were true, but they weren’t tender. And they weren’t asked for.

Looking back, I realize we hadn’t invested enough in a relationship with her. We hadn’t earned the right to speak into her life in such a personal way. There’s an old saying: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” That day, our colleague didn’t feel our care, she felt our criticism.

Lesson #2: Words that Build, Not Break

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Our words are meant to edify, not tear down. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) reminds us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” Our words can breathe life into someone's dreams or snuff them out entirely.

That young attorney later confessed that our comments had made her question her career path. Thank God she didn’t quit. Thank God she pressed on and has since enjoyed a successful, impactful legal career.

I’m ashamed that my words almost became a stumbling block. I wanted to help, but I let judgment speak louder than love.

Lesson #3: Peace Requires Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:13 (NIV) encourages us to “live in peace with each other.” Peace doesn’t just happen. It requires intention. Encouraging words promote peace. Careless words create confusion. After that unfortunate lunch, we didn’t just stir up gossip, we stirred up division.

If I had prayed before speaking, things might have gone differently. But in my pride and certainty, I never stopped to ask God, “Is this how You would have me handle this?”

That’s a lesson I carry with me now: Praying to God for wisdom in what you say before speaking is a spiritual discipline. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and Guide. If we truly want to build others up and reflect Christ in our conversations, we must invite Him into our words.

James 1:19 (NIV) gives us the blueprint: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” That verse alone could save us from a world of regret.

Lesson #4: Let’s Be Life-Givers

As women of faith, we are called to be life-givers. Not just in what we do, but in what we say. We all have moments we wish we could take back, words we wish we could unsay. But even in those moments, there is grace. God redeems, teaches, and transforms. My unfortunate experience taught me to pause, to pray, and to speak with care. I never want to be remembered for being “right” more than I’m remembered for being kind.

Conclusion: Let’s be women who speak life. Let’s commit to building bridges, not walls. Let’s speak truth but let’s do it with gentleness, wisdom, and love. Because in the end, it’s not just what we say. It’s how we say it, and why.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to speak with wisdom, compassion, and grace. Teach me to be slow to speak and quick to listen, always seeking to build others up and not tear them down. Holy Spirit, guide my words so that they reflect Your love and truth. May every word I say bring life, healing, and peace to those around me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Words” by Hawk Nelson. 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

Devotionals for the Heart: When you need direction and wisdom from God

Are You on the Right Path?
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Have you ever gotten lost in the woods? I mean taken a wrong turn while hiking or wandering, then immediately realized you were in trouble.

That happened to my family recently when we were in the mountains for a few days celebrating my stepdaughter’s graduation. We were hiking near a beautiful waterfall and had already seen the big picture view, and now we were making our way toward the base. The written guide warned us the trail would be uneven and steep in some areas, but we weren’t too worried—we’d hiked those kinds of trails before.

We turned where they instructed and picked our way down the jagged rocks. It went on and on for what felt like an hour, and finally, we got to this odd-looking rocky section. The trail seemed to go right through the rocks, but it was a little awkward to do this—especially with our German Shepherd. We had to climb onto a boulder, then sort of wiggle our way through this narrow section of rock and jump at the end, and it wasn’t easy. I was a bit shocked it hadn’t been mentioned in the written guide, but we continued on, painstakingly making our way through the rocks and out the other side.

“This had better be an amazing waterfall,” my son joked.

Then suddenly we came to a dead end. To our left, through the trees, we could glimpse the base of the waterfall, hear children laughing and grownups talking. But ahead of us was just brush and bramble, a thorny mess we certainly weren’t intended to traverse.

“Somehow we’ve gotten off the trail,” I told my family.

What else could we do but turn around and try to make our way back up? But when we got to the rocky section where we’d had to jump, I was stuck—I couldn’t make it up on my own, not without a hand to pull me up or a hefty push from behind. I decided to go around, keeping my eyes on the rocks to make sure I didn’t go too far astray; it was much easier that way. Finally, I got to the top again.

That’s when my stepdaughter pointed. “Look—see that green diamond? That’s the trail we’re supposed to be on.”

She was right. Having found the right path, we made it the rest of the way to the base of the waterfall, hot and sweaty but exhilarated.

Now consider all of this from a spiritual perspective. What do we do when we’re walking what we think is the right path, only gets harder and harder, and finally it gets insanely hard, and we realize we’ve hit a dead end?

Maybe we push ahead stubbornly, muscling our way through that wrong path, determined to make it the right one. Or maybe we turn back around and look for the way back, the right path, the true trail. Our loving God has a path for each of us, only the directions are not always so clear. We walk on that path, trying our best to live right by him. Sometimes we get off the path and encounter obstacles—and sometimes stray so far off the path we wind up in a big mess. All those obstacles we encounter are designed to get us back on His path for us.

We can muscle our way through the brambles all we want, but if we’re not on the right path, if we’re not on God’s righteous path for our lives, it’s not going to lead to the waterfall at the end. What’s necessary is making our way back to the path, learning how to recognize it, looking for those signs.

None of us can ever live in full righteousness this side of Heaven. But we can do our best to walk in alignment with the Lord, to allow the Holy Spirit to operate fully within us. Scripture tells us the Holy Spirit enables us to live a life that reflects the character of the Lord, and we can see this through evidence—fruit—that the Spirit is alive and working in our hearts. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) tells us “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” And Jesus Christ, in Matthew 7:16-20, shares how just as every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit, we can recognize those who are living in alignment with the Lord. As He instructs, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20).

Look around you. Do you see trail signs letting you know you’re on the right path, or brambles and thorns blocking your way, letting you know it’s time to turn around? Pray on this, then realign your steps and bask in God’s beautiful waterfall.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for loving me enough to provide the true path of righteousness. Help my heart and my feet stay fully aligned to your will and your way, now and always, and if I get off-track, please steer me back to you. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Waterfall” by Chris Tomlin. 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: How I learned to survive dry seasons in life

When You’re Experiencing a Dry Season
A devotional by Terry Overton

“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”—Genesis 39:21 (ESV)

The week was one to remember—and not in a good way.

As a caregiver for a loved one, my own strength and faith must be intact for me to have the energy and organization to complete all routines. However, just as the saying goes that you have probably heard from flight attendants, “Put your own mask on first.” This statement means that if I don’t have sufficient strength and oxygen, I cannot meet the needs of others. Yet here I was.

The morning that tested everything within me began like most days: preparing a quick breakfast, checking on medications, and taking our little dog for a walk.

Shortly after the walk, while sitting on my porch reading Scripture, a yellow jacket bee zoomed in from nowhere and inserted its painful stinger into my finger. Not a big deal for many, but being allergic to stings, it was a way to ruin an entire week.

Thankfully, the urgent care center is only a few minutes away from my house, and after employing the usual immediate interventions, I was able to find my way there and receive treatment. The weeklong steroid therapy took its toll. Five days passed with a range of only two to four hours of sleep each night until I was able to finish the round of medication.

On that last day, I woke up after only two hours of sleep. My well was dry. I had nothing left. No strength, no cheer, no creativity. My mind went to the Bible story about Joseph being thrown by his brothers into a dry cistern. They referred to him as a dreamer and the favorite son. Filled with jealousy, they stripped Joseph of the special coat given to him by their father and took away his dignity. They threw him into a dry cistern and decided to get rid of him by selling him into slavery in another country. His peaceful life was exchanged for the worst predicament one can imagine. He had no power. But he had faith in God.

As the Bible story reveals, Joseph’s demise was temporary. We learn he would not have been able to save his family and thousands of others had he not been thrown in that pit. As we study this story, it becomes apparent that the pit was not the end; it was a holding place for something more important. Joseph had to go there so he could become a world leader years later and save the very brothers who abandoned him. The cistern was a brief but essential stop in the history of Joseph’s story in the Bible and the history of his people. Joseph’s suffering was for a purpose.

But how did Joseph make it through those challenging times? First, he believed God was with him no matter the circumstances. He knew that God had been with him in the past and would continue to be with him, keeping His promises, along the way. Even when everyone around him begged him to give up and surrender, he maintained his integrity. He did not rush into trying to control situations. He trusted God. After all his difficulties, he did not become bitter or take out his frustration and anger on the people around him. Had he not relied on his firmly grounded faith, he would not have been able to wait on God’s timing and God’s plans.

Remaining firm in faith is of vital importance for self-care. Joseph maintained his faith and strength. He stayed grounded and waited on God. For me, taking this week to be in a “pit” helped me see how vital self-care and the strength of my spirit are for the care of my loved one. Following the example of Joseph, I realized that like Joseph, I needed to remain strong even when circumstances were against me. If I am to impart cheerfulness, faith, and hope, I must have energy and the warmth in my heart provided to me by the Holy Spirit. To impart faith, I must have it, to impart hope, I must feel it and to provide care, I must pray for strength and energy to complete this job God has placed before me. Feeling like I was in a dry well gave me time to read, reflect, and pray. Following this self-care steps ensured that my strength and energy would return.

The same is true for mothers, teachers, wives, sons, and daughters, who care for elderly family members. We are all God’s workers serving His purpose, even when our circumstances are difficult. When we find ourselves feeling like there is nothing left, feeling abandoned, forgotten, unloved, disliked, and even struck down, perhaps this is a holding place for us as we renew our faith and strength and wait for the next step in God’s plan.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for filling my heart with Your Spirit. When I face hardships that feel too heavy for my heart, I know I am not facing these difficult times alone. You are with me. Help me to keep my eyes on You and wait for your plans to emerge. Remind me to wait on Your timing. I pray that You continue to strengthen me so that I may complete the work You have placed before me.

In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

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

Song of Reflection #2: “Joseph’s Song” by Shelly E. Johnson. 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:
Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com
Blog: https://terryovertonbooks.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/overtont