Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ can meet your every need!

What Do You Need for Christmas?
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

–Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

I’m not a gambler, but I think it’s a safe bet that everyone feels like a different person than they were at this time last year. The year 2020 has seen most of our worlds shaken in one way or another. Every new experience, every new circumstance, every loss, every hurt, every joy changes us and stretches us into someone we weren’t before. This year has collectively stretched us in ways we didn’t see coming when we put up our Christmas decorations just one short year ago.

But as the sun rises every morning, even on a cloudy day when we can’t see it, the celebration of that amazing Christmas story has come, just like it always does. We will read the familiar story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2 and the prophecies foretold in Isaiah. We will sing the songs and light the candles and say the prayers, even if we have to do it at home or online because the world is different this time. Even so, the story remains unchanged, because God is unchanged.

Jesus Christ’s characteristics and purpose, as laid out in Isaiah 9, are exactly the same today as they were all those years ago in Bethlehem. So my question to all of us is this: Which of Christ’s characteristics and names that we know Him by do you need most this Christmas?

“Wonderful Counselor”: This phrase talks about Christ’s wisdom and judgement. Do you need divine advice? Do you have questions that can’t be answered outside of God and His wisdom? Pray to the Wonderful Counselor. Ask Him to give you whatever you need. He knows everything about you and your situation. Rest in the fact that this year’s chaos never once took Him by surprise, nor is your life too messy for Him to want to be part of.

“Mighty God”: This name shows Jesus’ strength. Maybe you are feeling weak this season. That’s okay because Jesus is more than willing to let you lean on Him. You don’t need to be brave because He already is. Take courage, friend. Jesus has already won whatever battle you are facing. He is with you now as you fight it, and will be at the finish line when it is over.

“Everlasting Father”: Jesus is God. He created the world from nothing and He will remain unchanged forever. He is our Good Father, who wants to guide us and love us. Maybe you need a reminder today that God is good even when the world looks dark. Ask Him to show you His goodness in the moments when you need it most.

“Prince of Peace”: Jesus is the Ultimate Healer of broken things. “Peace” is not just the opposite of war, but it also implies being whole or complete. Maybe you are feeling broken today by circumstances beyond your control. Maybe your relationships feel disconnected or the state of the world has you feeling anxious. Give those hurts to Jesus. Let Him hold them for you because that baggage was never meant for you to carry alone.

I’ll admit that this year I need to remember Jesus is here for me in all these ways and more. Let’s pray that we never lose the joy, wonder, and gratitude for the miracle of Christmas. I hope that each year we are more awed by the story of God becoming one of us in order to bring us to Himself. Praise Jesus!

Let's Pray: Gracious and precious Lord, we praise You for how You love us and how you showed that love so beautifully in a humble stable so many years ago. We want to know You in a deeper way. Please show us Who You are in whatever manner we need today. We love You and thank You for the miracle of Christmas. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~

Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: The Abundant Life from Jesus Christ

Living Abundantly
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him."” – Genesis 2:18 (ESV)

A couple of years ago, my husband and I made the decision to downsize our family home. Our eldest child was graduating high school with plans to head off to University while our youngest was only two years behind. The changes in our lives initiated conversations of future retirement and plans beyond raising babies. Our large home felt like a drain on our time and resources; a hindrance to our future. So, we moved.

The new house was full of character and charm with sufficient with room for our kids to come home. The yard, however, was the thing that sold me. It had been smartly divided into what we believed to be manageable sized zones. Of personal interest to me was the garden.

I’d always dreamed of gardening, but the previous home had been located on a heavily wooded hillside alive with hungry wildlife. My extreme reaction to poison oak made it a place of frustration rather than gardening success. This new home came fully fenced, sun kissed and pre-planted.

The seasons changed and eventually the growing season hit full force. I was in the garden almost daily, admiring the flowers and the buds that were sprouting everywhere. Everywhere. Everywhere! Each bed, it turned out, was absolutely loaded with bulbs that were healthily multiplying and spreading. And while the flowering bulbs were of slight concern, the raspberry bushes were revealing a workload.

As I begun the berry harvest, a panic grew inside me. I could see the magnitude of what was coming and I knew I hadn't the time or ability to pick all that would come. I became sick with feelings of inadequacy and failure. Familiar feelings. Did we not just leave a property that took too much?

Living in abundant blessing did not look or feel like what I had assumed it would. I’d thought it could be divided into zones and it would manage itself. I’d assumed that fruitful gardening was like bank accounts with their tidy rows of credits and debits. This extravagant harvest was not controllable, not manageable…at least not by me.

In the midst of this dark thinking, light poured onto a patch that had been shaded. Suddenly, these words flooded my mind: That which God was providing was far more than I had hoped or dreamed…Wait, what? That was scriptural! Next, another verse entered my mind…His plans are to prosper and not harm me (Jeremiah 29:11)! The Word covered my fear in love. Here I was with far more than I could handle and that was God’s intent. It was good, not harming, to have abundance!

God created Eden fruitful, supplying sustenance to all. He gave Adam a management position in gardening. God shows us in Genesis 2:18 that solidarity is not good, help is. Living abundantly is a team sport.

What makes a profusion of juicy sweets a blessing? Sharing. Sharing both the blessing and the workload. The thought of letting others come and pick was a relief to the burden of the chore. I could have my fill and not be overwhelmed. Others could have their fill and be equally blessed!

A paradigm shift occurred that day. What else was weighing me down because I thought I needed to do it all myself? Where else were overwhelming feelings paralyzing me? What made me feel like a failure? What else could follow this pattern of abundance?

As the pile of berries grew in my bucket, so too did a list of tasks I knew I needed help with. Calling on others for help was a blessing to them and not my failure. Giving work to others brought them purpose and value and a share in the abundant life.

Looking back on the move, I am grateful. I'm thoroughly enjoying all that gardening has been teaching me. If I had known before that excess is a gift, I suppose I would have been contented to stay on the larger property. This lesson, however, came with the garden.

Thank you, Lord, for the abundance You have shared!

~*~
Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior.

She has a diverse background in business, fitness and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both recovery programs served women primarily from the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She's been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Easily identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she's served, Sharon now sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. They have two grown children. Currently, Sharon is writing her first Christian historical fiction novel utilizing her study, experience, and understanding of self-destructive behaviors.

Devotionals for the Heart: Dependence

Declaration of Dependence
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been a refuge for me,

A tower of strength against the enemy.

Let me dwell in Your tent forever;

Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.”

— Psalm 61:2-4 (NASB)

Do you remember being a child, wishing you could grow up so you wouldn’t have people telling you what to do? 

Of course, as adults, we realize that although we have more freedom than we did as children, we are not as free as we probably dreamed we would be. We tell ourselves we can do just about anything if it doesn’t hurt someone else. We stake our claim as independent creatures. But even as we say it I don’t think any of us really believe that’s completely true, do we?

We are dependent on all kinds of things: our health, our skill level, our intelligence, where we live, our finances, our families, our employers, the weather. Many of those things we have no control over. We aren’t really independent at all.

As Christians we should be even less independent, or at the very least, less dependent on ourselves and our own strength. Dependence on God is where we need to start.

When I hear the word ‘declaration,’ being an American, I immediately go to the phrase “Declaration of Independence.” That was a collective stand taken by a nation to say what they believed, what they wanted, and what they were willing to risk to gain it.

In Psalm 61, and so many of the other Psalms that David wrote, we see him declaring what we believes to be true of God as well as what is his own place in dependence on Him. He declares that God is “the rock that is higher than I am” and that He is a “refuge” and a “tower of strength.” Reminding himself of those things when life was good gave him a sure foundation in the days of difficulty, fear, and adversity.

Next David asks God for what he wants: “Let me live in your tent forever.” He knows he is dependent on God for his life, his well-being, and all of his blessings. He wants to be near God, sheltered by His strong arm and His boundless love.

I do not attend a liturgical church and this is not meant as a critique of contemporary versus traditional kinds of worship, but I firmly believe that there is something powerful about a congregation standing together to recite a creed or an affirmation that has been repeated by countless generations over thousands of years. The best of those creeds guide us to state what we believe about God, Who He is, and who we are in relation to Him.

I’d like to make it a practice to occasionally, if not every day, state what I believe about God, what I expect of Him and of myself in relation to how I love Him and the people around me.

I’m ready to make my own Declaration of Dependence. Is anybody with me?

My Prayer: Dear Father (God), make me aware of You today, in this moment, and remind me that You are everything I need. Remind me that any strength or skill I have is a blessing from You and that relying on You is the only way I will find freedom and peace. In Your Son’s precious name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume. 

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Guidance

Guidance
A devotional by Lisa Lickel

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." 

~John 14:26 (ESV)

“As the holy humility that was in him did not allow him to trust in himself or in his own prayers, he humbly turned to others in order to know God’s will in this matter.” 

~Brother Ugolino di Monte Santa Maria, writing of St. Francis of Assisi’s 

decision process regarding his life’s mission

As I grow older (a good thing!), it seems the professionals around me grow younger. For the first time in our experience, the pastor of our church is younger, not just than we are, but younger than our children. And I’m okay with that. Right now, our pastor is a good role model in practicing his own education—he’s in graduate school—and in modeling his faith in the community. He’s also humble in recognizing his schedule is full, but that he understands his call is to his flock, then his other tasks. Maybe he’s not perfect in his balancing act, but that’s our cue to come alongside. Guidance needs to go both ways to show progress.

Part of my doldrums problem in my faith walk came from burnout. I look back and watch myself leading more than one Bible study a month, writing curriculum, teaching Sunday School, speaking, and so on. I loved it but I realized I was one person in that role. I didn’t have a role model, or even a prayer partner for several years, and that lack created a sinkhole that took me years to climb out. When I emerged, the situation didn’t feel the best but was right at the time. I needed patience and had to see with different eyes what an old, traditional congregation looked like to appreciate the surprising church where I now worship.

When my son was in high school and college, he took it upon himself to ask one of the men in our congregation to serve as a mentor. I was surprised and pleased he thought to do so, and a little jealous that I hadn’t considered his need and guided him. Unwittingly, he showed me what I lacked in my life, although I didn’t know it then. In the years that have followed, I have watched my children grow in their faith and find new role models, both personal and through music and writings.

Our church strongly encourages us now to look for guidance first through active reading and studying the Scriptures, and also through role models of the faith. Our young pastor reminds us how our long-standing principles of living our faith should be modeled on the heroes of the recent past, like those who strove to abolish slavery and those who worked for prison reform.

But I’ll share a secret. My new church is filled with people, both youthful and well-lived, who guide my faith with every thought. They live what they believe in their work and play, their family life, and worship. They’re not perfect, naturally, but they’ll admit it, and invite all of us to pray with them.

Like the earliest church in Jerusalem, we look to our triune God as the giver of all good things, including each other. The Holy Spirit guides us now, a true gift from Jesus whose perfect love models the nature of our Father, the Creator, who loves us in spite of ourselves.

My Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for refreshing my faith and providing precious guidance through role models throughout the generations and today.

~*~
Author Bio:

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. 

A multi-published and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and workshop leader. 

She is a member of Chicago Writers Association and part of Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc., mentoring writers from across the United States and Canada. 

~*~
Connect with Lisa:

Website: http://www.LisaLickel.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisalickelauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lisalickel
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisajlickel
Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/2bPxi2X

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning how to live by faith in God

Living by Faith 
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

~Heb. 11:1 (KJV)

I think we all struggle in areas of faith. How do we get it? How much do we need? Will I stand in faith during the hard times? God’s Word says, "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." ~Romans 10:17 (KJV)

How much faith do we need to move the mountains in our way? Jesus said, “Because of your unbelief: verily, I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of a mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” ~Matthew 17:20 (KJV)

So now we know that we all have a measure of faith. From my own perspective, I have learned in order for me to have faith in the hard times I have to stay "built up" before they come. I strive to stay in God’s Word and prayed up so when the crisis arrives I won’t be caught unprepared. We should always be ready for the unexpected. God is faithful, and we can trust Him no matter what comes our way.

Another criterion for water-walking faith is not to live in sin. The Bible says, "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." ~1 John 1:7 (KJV)

As long as you walk in what light you have, there is cleansing from all sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. However, if you persist in living in wrongdoing, you are going to get into trouble sooner or later. However, God extends His grace to us so that when we confess our sins, He is just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). The sin issue is a biggie. We all sin. I often feel like Paul by doing the things I shouldn’t and not doing the things I should. The older I get the more aware I am of my shortcomings but when I confess my wrongdoing God is faithful and reminds me He’s not done with me yet.

In the eighties, my husband and I were preparing for a life-changing trip to Israel. Where we lived at the time there were many home invasions going on. Being away for ten days caused some concern, but I trusted God to protect what belonged to us. We had no family in the area but a wonderful older couple who lived next door. My husband was expecting a package to arrive while we were away so I asked our neighbor if they would look out for it. They were happy to do so. Needless to say, our trip was and still is the most amazing trip of our lifetime. Our return home brought us a total surprise and definitely renewed our faith in God’s promises to us as believers.

I walked over to our neighbors not only to pick up our mail and package but to give them the gift we’d picked out for them. My neighbor told me what a wonderful alarm system we had. She eagerly related that when she opened the storm door to pick up the delivered package, the alarm went off. I had a huge smile on the inside of me because that was God’s alarm system. I couldn’t wait to tell her that we didn’t have an alarm system. We had prayed that God would protect our home and bless His name, He did. That was a wonderful testimony and an opening to witness to our precious neighbor.

I can’t tell you how many times God has done the miraculous in our lives. I remember reading somewhere that God is as faithful as we believe Him for. I strive to walk by faith. There are many areas where my faith is weak, but I work through the trust issues. I can honestly say He will be there when you call on His name. WE CAN TRUST HIM.

I hope this is an encourager for you today. Our world is so stressed and there are so many hurting people, especially our youth. I can’t urge you enough to trust God with your loved ones and family. He is as close as your next breath. Things might appear hopeless and a situation impossible, but I can honestly say He has not forgotten you. So, remember you have a measure of faith, and you can build it up by believing YOU are who GOD says you are. If we stumble and fall and make a mess of everything God ‘s not going to be mad at you, instead He’ll be mad about you. He loves you more than you can imagine.

~*~

Author Bio:

Nanci writes Inspy Amish romance. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two fur kids, Romeo and Juliet, rescue cats. She is working on her debut novel, Plain Justice.

She retired earlier than planned from nursing to care for her mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mom passed last year at the age of ninety-nine and Nanci has delved more into her writing.

She is active in an intercessory prayer ministry in her church, belongs to The Woman’s Club, a service-oriented volunteer organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the community and volunteers two days a week at the Mary Washington Museum.

Currently, she's enrolled in Rhema Bible College’s correspondence Bible studies. She belongs to ACFW and RWA. When she’s not working, reading or writing she’s hiking with her husband at Shenandoah National Park.

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Devotionals for the Heart: A Widow, A Prophet and Provision from God

The Widow of Zarephath
A devotional by Dana McNeely

This is the third post in a series on the prophet Elijah. If you’d like to start from the beginning, click the titles to read Love in the Time of Drought and In the Waiting Room.

"But after a while, the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” ~1 Kings 17:7-9 (NLT)

Trusting God in Good Times and Bad

For about a year, Elijah lived by the brook Kerith while drought gripped the land. God had promised to care for him there. The ravens brought food daily and the brook continued to flow. Under these pleasant conditions, how easy it was to praise God.

But one day, the brook’s flow diminished. When the last trickle of water sank into the dry, cracked earth, what questions might have entered Elijah’s mind? God had said, “Drink from the brook.” Wasn’t that a promise that water would be there to drink?

Trusting God When Confused

If Elijah had questions when the brook disappeared, more were to come. Zarephath was beyond Israel’s border near Queen Jezebel’s birthplace. Her father King Ithobaal and Ahab were allies. Elijah faced a difficult trek across the drought-ridden land, right into enemy territory. Once there, how would he find this special widow, among so many widowed in the land? Should he throw himself on the mercy of a woman who had lost her own provider, who probably worshiped the very idols Elijah opposed?

Doesn’t it often happen this way for us? We face difficulty and we pray for the Lord’s help. We envision his response—but sometimes when the answer comes, we’re shocked at how far off it was from the answer we expected. Do we trust in good times, but doubt when we face trials?

But Elijah’s fervent prayers and time waiting beside the brook had strengthened his faith. He obeyed the Lord’s leading.

So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”

But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.” ~ 1 Kings 17:10-12 NLT

The widow’s response is so poignant. She goes willingly to get him the cup of water, a precious commodity in this drought. But then his second request—Bring me a bite of bread, too. How unkind it seems for Elijah to request the first bite of her last meal.

But consider subtle hints in the text. The widow says, “I swear by the Lord your God…” indicating she knows who Elijah is—may even know his God herself. And the next verses reveal that Elijah knows this is the woman he seeks. God said, “I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” Elijah’s sojourn by the brook has shown him that if God promised the widow will feed him, her food will last as long as it’s needed.

Unexpected Blessings

But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”

So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. ~I Kings 17:13-16 (NLT)

God cares for us during difficult times as well as during “showers of blessings” but He asks for trust and obedience. When the brook dried up, Elijah might have thought that God forgot His promise. When told to go to Zarephath, the prophet might have questioned God’s direction. Instead, he obeyed, resulting in provision not only for him but also for the widow and her son.

Thoughts to Ponder: 

· Have you experienced God’s love and care during difficult times?

· What sustains you during such times?

· Think of a time when unexpected blessings were the outcome.

· For further reading: Elijah the Tishbite by F.W. Krummacher, and Elijah by A.W. Pink

~*~
Author Bio: 

Inspired by the Bible story of Elijah and the widow’s son, Dana McNeely wondered why the prophet had come to stay with these two. Who were they? What was their life, before? And how did the boy change after dying, seeing the other world … and coming back? 

Dana began research for her novel, “Rain,” which tells the story of the three-and-a-half-year drought from the boy’s perspective. 

No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies. She writes biblical fiction, cozy mysteries, and has written for magazines and newspapers. Her short story “Death in the Butterfly Garden” appears in SoWest: Killer Nights (2017). 

Connect with Dana on Facebook, Twitter, or DanaMcNeely.com

Words of Faith: Standing on God's Promises

Standing on God’s Promises
A Words of Faith story by Grace Marshall

In my heart, I know that God will take care of me. As Psalm 37:25 says, “I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread." Yet when I lost my job last October, it was hard to keep that in mind. 

However, it was in the struggles that I realized how blessed I am to have a God-fearing and God-loving husband who could support me when I was weak and vice versa. It always seemed that when one of us struggled the other was there to point toward God and say, “Don’t lose faith.”

We knew for months that God was calling us out of southern Illinois to Missouri and we both really wanted to go but neither of us knew how. We prayed to the Lord to show us the way and we studied and researched options. Finally we decided that it would be better to stay in Illinois for a few years and then move to Missouri when our finances were in better order.

Then, at the beginning of October during a church service, the Lord prodded me to just move and I patiently explained that it would be better to wait. I didn’t tell my husband about the prompting but the Lord was goading him as well. During the altar call my husband asked if I wanted to go up and pray with him about the move. We prayed that the Lord would lead us. Unbeknownst to me, my husband had also prayed that the Lord would remove the barriers in our way and help us move. It is a prayer that God answered. About a week later, we both lost our high paying jobs. We knew that it was God pushing us to go where He was leading us. He had removed the obstacles. So without notice, we started packing up our things and looking for jobs.

We didn’t know how to arrange it all. Would anyone let us rent a place with an indoor cat and an oversized dog (a playful Mastiff)? How could we get jobs without living in the area? When people asked why we were moving to the area it seemed flighty to say, “I love the area.” The good school was a nice excuse but being a woman, it raised questions about if I was going to get pregnant, and being called to the area by God isn’t received well by most people. We had no friends or family in the area but we knew it was God’s will so we prayed and He guided us.

First, with the spare time we had I published my first book, Person of Faith. Our business was blessed with its first job contract even though we had been in business in Illinois for months without a landing a single contract. I was offered a job, and we were led by the Lord to ask to rent the first house we looked at that had been listed for sale. We found a church to call home before we even moved. All of it was in order within one month, just like that.

Our life was like a whirlwind to us but God orchestrated everything in His perfect timing.

Looking back at it, that month seems like a small amount of time but during that time we got scared and wondered how God could possibly work things out. Our human eyes could not see how he could fulfill the promises He had given us. The truth is that faith for us was reminding each other that God had us in His hands. My husband and I both had moments of doubt and fear but we knew what the Lord had in store was better than anything we could ever do on our own. Only He could give us our hearts’ desires.

I believe that faith is standing defiantly on God’s Word and promises even when the world and your own common sense tells you to do something different. Faith is believing that you have a Heavenly Father who is powerful enough to give you the things He has promised.

~*~
Author bio:

Grace Marshall is the author of Person of Faith, a self-help book that delves into what it means to be a person of faith. She’s an avid lover of reading as well as writing and many other forms of art.

She juggles her time between waitressing part-time, building a property maintenance business, and enjoying life with her creative husband J. Lindsey Marshall, who also writes. 

She also likes to hang out with her saucy cat, Amerigo Vespucci and playful Mastiff puppy, Mini. She loves all animals but especially horses. She enjoys exploring the countryside, talking with Jesus, and trying new things.

Grace has lived in Wisconsin and Illinois, and currently resides in the Missouri hills. She believes in living life to the fullest and can’t wait to see where God will take her or have her write next. Her next book, No Pizza Delivery? is the first book in her new series “Becoming Country” and is scheduled to release this June.

Words of Faith: God's Faithfulness

God’s Faithfulness
A Words of Faith story written by Pat Jeanne Davis

My husband had a long commute five days a week to our church. His work there was mentally exhausting, but Joseph was happy. Then circumstances changed—he lost his job. His disappointment was keen and his spirit crushed. Joseph felt that God was displeased with him. This became a nagging and recurring thought.

Friends and co-workers from our church called to express their disappointment. He assisted them with their questions as they learned their new responsibilities in a changed environment.

Joseph needed encouragement. My husband’s emotional and spiritual well-being were of more concern than how we were going to manage financially, especially when he asked questions like, “What did I do wrong?” or “Now What?”

To get us through this crisis, I knew I needed God’s help. In my heart I believed that, "all things work together for good to those who love the Lord" (Romans 8:28). Again, I would experience the reality of this promise in these circumstances.

“Have you talked to God about it?” I asked him.

“I can’t,” he replied.

I prayed for him and myself as I waited on the Lord for His direction. Then I began to see the hand of God in our experience.

We discovered that under the pension plan Joseph was enrolled in with a former employer, he could apply for early retirement benefits. This was our first indication that God was working on our behalf.

I’ve been a full-time homemaker since our sons were born fifteen years ago. I decided to claim Social Security benefits this year when I reached age sixty-two. I learned at the time I applied that our boys were eligible for children’s benefits as well. The Lord is faithful. He was providing for us.

A major concern was our children’s education. It was re-enrollment time once again at their school. Would we be able to continue to provide them with the Christ-centered schooling we had committed to giving them? After applying for financial assistance, we were given a 40% reduction on the following year’s tuition. We were overjoyed!

And then there was the matter of health insurance coverage for us all.

After some inquiries and searching the Internet, I learned that my husband and I were eligible for low cost health insurance coverage. Our boys have free coverage under our state’s children health insurance program. God continued to meet our needs.

During these hard times, we learned how to live more frugally on a lower, fixed income. Fortunately, our home is mortgage free. But the high cost of utilities was another concern. I applied for financial help with those costs and received discounts on our electric and heating bills. We experienced God’s goodness once more.

Since my husband’s unemployment, the blessings have been many. Johnny and Tim only got to see their dad a short time each day when he worked full time at our church. Now he sees them off to school in the morning and picks them up later. He is free to go on field trips and youth group outings. But most important, my husband has the time to sit and talk with our boys. This is a witness to God’s faithfulness to our family during a time of crisis.

Until his employment ended, I was concerned about Joseph’s long hours and how they were affecting his health. Now we spend time together during the day, and he seems more relaxed. I’ve seen my husband’s disappointment gradually vanish. Joseph has more time also for personal Bible study. Only this morning he was singing a favorite hymn.

“Maybe I could help at the school. Do they still need volunteers for grounds work?” Joseph asked our son recently. Many projects left unfinished at home are getting completed as well.

We walk by faith and not by sight. It's during times of uncertainty that God reveals Himself. You too can experience God's faithfulness. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). 

Look to Him in changed situations and see new mercies.

~*~
Author bio:

Pat’s short stories appeared in Harpstring Magazine, Splickety Love, Splickety Prime, Horizon Magazine, TWJ Magazine and Take-A-Break (UK). Her articles and inspirational pieces appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Guideposts,The Lookout, GRIT Magazine, Bible Advocate and Woman Alive (UK). 

She writes Christian historical novels set in the early 20th century. She loves to hear from other writers and readers. Visit her at www.patjeannedavis.com.

Thankful Thursday: God's Blessings

It's Thursday and I'm thankful for God's blessings! 

My reflections today will be short and sweet:

God blesses me and you in so many wonderful ways, whether we know it or not.

He's always there for us. He provides for our very need. He takes joy in seeing us happy and content in His provision.

God showers me with His blessings in so many wonderful ways! He gives me the gift of time. He's blessed me with family who cares and true friends who are there for me. God surprises me sometimes with unexpected blessings (those are the best)!

My gratitude for all God's blessings tonight are beyond words.

All I can say to you is, listen to the song "Give Thanks" (see video above this message), then spend time reflecting on what God has done for you and give thanks! :)

Take care and God bless you!

Sincerely,

Alexis

Quilted with Love, book review of Masterpiece Marriage

Gina Welborn wrote a book about marriage, a masterpiece marriage. After reading the book, I believe that the title hints a message that when God is orchestrating your true love story, it results in a marriage that is a true masterpiece! :) Here's what I think of the author's book: 

Masterpiece Marriage is a delightful story about finding true love when you least expect it, exactly when you need it.

The story’s leading lady is Miss Mary Varrs, a single woman from Europe who is visiting and lodging in a home on the East Coast of the United States of America because of the soil of the Eastern Shore. According to Mary, the soil there “enjoys the agricultural advantages of a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and a long growing season” which is just what Miss Mary whose passion is studying the growth pattern of her tomato seedlings, needs.

But her studies are interrupted by a dashing gentleman by the name of Zenus Dane who at first is repelled then intrigued by the mannerisms of ever so proper and elegant Miss Mary. As the story progresses, the reader is in for laughter, sweet scenarios and moments that make you hold your breath in anticipation for what happens next.

The author, Gina Welborn, knows how to weave a beautiful story of romance matched with reality of a historical time. The reader is not likely to get bored because even when they’re tempted to speed read, the characters, plot and engaging dialogue will draw the bored or hurried reader right back into the vivid action and heart of the story.

After reading Masterpiece Marriage, the reader may want to read another one of Welborn’s books because by the end of this book you want more from this talented author whose characters in this story are not only likeable but flawed and wonderful.

If there was a soundtrack for the love story between Miss Mary and Mr. Zenus Dane, I’d say perhaps the popular love song, “If You Asked Me To” by Celine Dion is best suited to portray the inner thoughts of these two characters. Clearly, I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to all who need their hope of finding true love rekindled.

*The author sent me a complimentary copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

Thankful Thursday: Christmas Blessings and Monuments

It's Thursday and I'm thankful for Christmas blessings and monuments.

No, not the National Monument located in Washington, D.C. but the monuments of life, moments where God intervened on my behalf, times where my faith in God has been strengthened through His answering my prayers in ways I'd least expect.

I must give credit where credit is due, this whole "monuments" idea is inspired by a dear friend of mine named Emilie who during our conversation a few days ago, encouraged me to "set up monuments" and look back on it to remind myself of how God is providing for me. "That car God gave you," said Emilie. "Is a monument!"
Earlier this month, God made a way for me to get a brand new car without being able to make a down payment. It was a very significant monument for me because for the past five months, my beautiful car that I loved was acting ugly. The door locks would repeatedly unlock every time that I pressed the "lock" button. It would happen morning, noon and night to the point where I was not comfortable driving my car anywhere because it made me feel unsafe. Now in the meantime, I'd taken my car to the dealership at least twice a month but their maintenance crew could not pinpoint the problem much less resolve it. And I did everything I knew as a Christian who believes in God should do during those five months of frustration, worry and doubt that God was hearing me. I even claimed the victory in the Name of Jesus (Christ my Lord)! But nothing worked, not even prayer. Or so I thought. Little did I know that God was working behind the scenes to remedy this situation and at the beginning of this month, He did. God made a way for me to trade in my old car for a brand new one and yes, I truly did not have to put any money down. My family emphasized the significance of that reality saying, "That NEVER happens! It's unheard of that somebody buys a new car without making a down payment." But with God, ALL things are possible! He can make ANYTHING happen and for this great monument, I am forever grateful.

Not only am I grateful that God is faithful but I am encouraged. I will use this experience as a lesson point and that is when you're pushed against a wall (metaphorically speaking) and caught between a rock and a hard place (also metaphorically speaking) God has not forgotten you and He is perfectly capable of making a way for you out of no way. Only God can take a situation that appears to be hopeless to us and turn it around for our good, filling our hearts with His HOPE, our life with His LOVE and our minds with His PEACE. And that's exactly what God did for me this Christmas which leads me to my next point, Christmas blessings.

God doesn't wait until Christmas to bless His faithful followers, I promise you. But I call this part of my post "Christmas blessings" because it happened at Christmastime. My brother was in a car accident on the beltway earlier this month. A car rear-ended his vehicle. Thank God he was not hurt but his car was totaled. Now the back story on this situation is that our parents had told him several times to buy a brand new car because his current one which was about 8 years old, was worn out and making noises that caused concern. But my brother refused to buy a new car because he did not want to pay a new car note. So what does God allow to happen? He allows my brother to be in a car accident that totaled his car which resulted in the insurance company sending him a check which in turn, resulted in my brother using that check to make a down payment on a brand new car that he loves even better than his first vehicle!

In closing, I'd like to encourage you in the words of my friend Emilie, to make monuments and when times get tough or your faith falters, return to those monuments in your mind and remember how God provided for you in the past. It's like that song "Same God" by Tye Tribbett that says, "If He (God) did it before, He (God) can do it again!" So don't give up or give in. Trust God to turn it around for you. God is AWESOME and He knows exactly how to help you. Best part? He never changes so His promises are good for eternity. Clearly, if God provided for you in the past, He will provide for you in the present. Trust Him with your life. He loves you and will watch out for you! God has your back, not just today and tomorrow but forever. GOD is forever Faithful! :) Read 1 Corinthians 1:9.

Allow your mind to marinate on those words.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! :)

Thankful Thursday: When God Speaks

Thankful Thursday: When God Speaks

Today I place the music video before the written message because I want to show how amazing God is and I believe that song "God Speaking" by Mandisa says it all! I could end my post here but I won't because I have a testimony to share.

Here's the story: I've been in a season of waiting on God for about three years now. I thought my career was taking off when I moved to Montana to take my first big break in Journalism as an Editor and Reporter for a county newspaper. But that did not work out and after a few months of being there, I took a one-way flight home just in time for Christmas Day. The classic song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" has a brand new, special meaning for me now. I loved the people in Montana--they were so nice and sweet--but I did miss home and am so grateful to be back!

Since returning from my brief stint as a "real" (full-time, salaried) journalist, I've returned to work as a freelance writer for a newspaper and I love it. My heart's passion is the arts and as a freelance writer, my work schedule is flexible so I do have time to work on the creative side of my writing which includes marketing my first book (Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories) which was released in Sept. 2013 and also working on my next book project. I'm in a good place creative-wise but not financially as I'm not fully out of the "starving artist" phase of my career.

So today, I felt discouraged and inside my mind I was sinking fast. I felt discouraged because as I said, it's been three years since my last steady job complete with salary and benefits and while I don't envy the people who have to work from 9 to 5 or later, I do miss having stability in my career knowing that no matter what, as long as I am employed by this organization, I will receive a paycheck of an sufficient amount every two weeks. Now while I miss that stability, I do not miss not being at peace and feeling trapped if not suffocated because to me, writing is like breathing and during those years when I tried to fit the 9 to 5 steady job mold, I felt like I could not breathe.

I love the freedom of being a freelance writer but have been praying to God to bless me with more high-paying clients so that my finances will not be an issue. I do have my moments--earlier today as I was driving I told God that I need a steady, reliable job that pays me my worth. But in this season of waiting, I've been experiencing silence from God and I often express my concern to trusted people that God isn't speaking to me. "He's being SILENT," has been my classic, most repeated line for the past three years.

Now here's the part that leads into the song I just shared with you: Just today, like a literal hour ago, when checking my e-mail, I read a message from one of the people who regularly critiques my creative stories. She was impressed by my most recent story submission and felt the need to write a letter to me at the end of her critique notes she made on the word processor document. This critique partner who we'll refer to as R, told me that she thinks I'm a natural writer, an artist and that God's given me this talent for a reason. At the end of her letter, she told me to not give up, to keep writing because God has big plans for me. R's words helped me so much because it lifted me up out of the discouragement I was facing earlier today--she threw a metaphorical lifesaver over me just in time to keep me from drowning in the sea of negativity I was sinking into--and I knew after sharing R's encouraging words with a true friend, that God was speaking.

"I don't EVER want to hear you SAY that GOD is NOT speaking to you after this, Alexis," the friend told me after I read the e-mail from R.

Here's what I've learned from this experience: When God speaks, you need to listen. When God speaks, you may be caught by surprise but delighted. When God speaks, you have peace.

So this Thursday, I am so thankful for God speaking to me through R and encouraging me on my journey/pursuit of a career as a creative professional. I want to encourage you in your life journey too. Know that wherever you are headed, God is already there. The Bible says He knows "the end from the beginning" (Isaiah 46:10) and He is waiting for you to trust Him. 

So if you're in a season of waiting like I am experiencing, I want to encourage you to continue trusting in God. Keep the faith. The wait is worth it!

Love,

Alexis

Thankful Thursday: God’s Providence

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for God’s Providence in my life!

Here’s the back story: When I lost my first career in teaching in June 2011, I lost the excellent health care insurance benefits that came with it, benefits that I took for granted until I did not have it any longer. Some of you may remember my story from Sept. 2011, a testimony I shared on my blog and in that testimony I said that after being denied coverage from all the big name insurances due to a medical reasons (a pre-existing condition), I was at my wits end UNTIL God opened the door for me to have coverage through an insurance company that I never heard of before. Now, while this company offered me basic coverage, that was it, BASIC coverage which meant while it covered most basic needs like appointments with my primary care doctor, it did NOT cover MANY other important needs like specialists and visits to the ER. I remember praying that I would not have a head cold/sinus infection because a visit to that specialist which we call an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) would cost me out-of-pocket $100.00 (literally) because my health insurance at the time did NOT cover visits to doctors who were specialists. So I was on pins and needles for nearly three years, praying that I would NOT get sick or need to go to the hospital. But I did get a head cold a couple of times in the past two years and each time, I had to pay out-of-pocket because since my insurance was not accepted by my ENT. So the services were $100.00.

So what changed this year? This is where I say THANK GOD FOR OBAMA CARE or more properly said, the Affordable Health Care Act! Praise Jesus because of GOD working through U.S. President Barack Obama to establish this Act, millions of Americans of which I am one are as of January 1, 2014, covered by noteworthy and well-known insurance companies who offer EXCELLENT health care packages! My insurance as of January 2014 is just as good as my insurance when I was a teacher and for that I am SO grateful!

Case in point: Just a few weeks ago, I had a head cold that required a visit to my ENT and since my new insurance IS accepted by my ENT, instead of paying $100 in out of pocket costs, I only paid $20.00! Praise Jesus! And the antibiotic was given to me by the pharmacy for FREE! God is GOOD! Since then, I've wasted NO time in visiting the doctors I had not seen in nearly three years and breathed a BIG SIGH OF RELIEF and PRAISED JESUS CHRIST every day! Truth be told, I’m STILL Praising JESUS! Unless you’ve walked that path of having NO health insurance or being barely covered by health insurance, you have NO IDEA how GOOD it feels to finally be COVERED COMPLETELY by EXCELLENT health insurance that covers my EVERY HEALTH CARE NEED!

So I say ALL of this to encourage you! As you can see by my story, God didn’t answer my prayers the way I thought He would but He sure did show up and show out when the time was right! You can also see that God works through people. I am convinced that God impressed President Obama to think of and implement the Affordable Health Care Act and because of it more than 2 million people can breathe easier and be taken care of when they are sick or in need of medical attention.

Praise God for His Providence! God was not only watching out for me, He was watching out for MILLIONS of people here in America who were in dire financial straits and He worked it out for our GOOD just like it says in The Bible verse Romans 8:28!

Now I DO have MORE news! But that will have to wait until next week Thursday!

Meanwhile, I’m praying that God will continue to provide for you and bless you in ways you’d least expect!

Love,

Alexis

Sparrow love

Dear friends,

God's eye is on the sparrow and He is watching you!

What does that mean?

It means that if God takes care of the sparrows providing their every meal and need, how much more can you rest assure that He will take care of you providing your rent money, your significant other, your healthy friendships, your dream job, your transportation, your daily blessings such as waking up in the morning to having the peace of mind to sleep at night.

God is good, dear friends, ALL the time, God is GOOD. :) May His blessings fill your heart and uplift your spirits to soar like a sparrow and trust Him like sheep trust their shepherd. May you experience the fullness of His love, his mercies and his endless compassion for you...today, tomorrow and always!

Love,

Alexis