Devotionals for the Heart: Faith

A Life Lesson On Faith
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him,

“Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. 

That’s how many descendants you will have!”

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted 

him as righteous because of his faith.”—Genesis 15:5-6 (NLT)

Have you ever watched children try to do something for the very first time?

They try and very rarely are successful on their first attempt. Let’s take a baby for instance. They attempt to move an object but it’s stuck. So, they try another angle and it moves a little but not enough to get it where they want it. They keep pushing and pushing to move the object. Their gaze is steadfast because they believe they can do it. Would you say this little person is determined? Certainly! They have convinced themselves that it can be done.

What encourages them is seeing that thing buckle and move even a tiny bit. That tiny movement gives them hope that more can happen.

We’ve all taken time when we’ve attempted to create something, laboring patiently expecting a result. There are days when I wonder if I’ve made any progress from the morning to the evening and rather than celebrate the fact that one item on my to-do list was done, I beat myself up because I didn’t get the whole list done. That has begun to change. The change has been years in the making but I’m getting better. If there is one person who teaches us about faith and believing, I would say Abraham is a great teacher. However, he had to be a student first.

Let’s examine this real-life lesson: His name was not always Abraham, it was Abram. He is known as the “father of faith”. God called him to leave the town where he lived and relocate to a place Abram had never heard of and He didn’t reveal directions to take him there. Most of us would look up with hand on hip and ask God, “You want me to do what?” I don’t think Abram was any different (although scripture doesn’t note an argument). Abram did what God asked and left his country. God was his GPS as Abram left town with his wife and his nephew. They traveled by faith, trusting God’s direction, from city to city. Abram trusted God and proved it by doing what God asked. During the journey, his belief grew that God would do what He promised. God guided Abram every step of the way. Granted, Abram made his mistakes along the way but God was teaching him about His providence as He guided Abram into an unknown future. Abram was committed to the call and God rewarded Abram’s faith. According to Genesis 15:5-6 (NLT), one night, God told Abram to look up to the sky and try to count the numerous stars. God promised to give Abram more descendants than he could count! Abram believed and God was pleased. As a result, God changed Abram’s name to “Abraham” to confirm him in the promise.

Let’s apply this life lesson to our modern-day reality: We never know what tomorrow is going to look like but God asks us to take one moment, one hour and one day at a time as we trust Him to guide our steps. In Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT), King Solomon encourages us to:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.”

God has been faithful to direct us throughout this year. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Just as God was with Abram, so will He be with us.

What are you afraid of? What has God put in your heart that you have never done before nor have you seen it done in your community or family history?

God may call you to a journey that you have not seen modeled before but if you trust Him and reply on His Providence as you step out on faith and follow Him, you will arrive at your destination.

Remember: If God said it, He will do it! Don’t despair or get distracted. Follow the example of father Abraham: Look up, keep moving, trust God and keep believing in Him!

Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for your faithful character. As You were with Abraham and directed his steps, we ask You to direct our steps. Help us to believe and trust You to make every dream You have put in our hearts come true. Thank You for your protection and your provision this year. We place our fears in your hands and our faith in your tried and tested Word as You lead us forward in the days ahead. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Patricia’s message today reminds me of a song by Crystal Lewis called “Trust Me”. Listen to it here. It also reminds me of her song “I Still Believe”. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter. 

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CDs: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: A modern life lesson learned from a Bible story

Put A Fleece on It!
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

*Note to the reader: Open The Holy Bible and read Judges 6:36-40 for the Key Scripture that supports this devotional message today. 

I am so happy that I read the story of Gideon when I was young. Through the years it has helped me to be bold and make tough decisions.

In the Old Testament book of Judges, chapter six, the Bible introduces a reluctant leader. He knew the stories of Hebrew history. He had heard how God had miraculously delivered Israel, time after time. But in his life, he had never seen any miracles.

Israel had been impoverished by the malevolence of the competing cultures in the land. They had succumbed to the practice of idolatry. Violence and fear characterized the community in which he lived. Gideon was either the youngest or the poorest of his family members. He was either humble or struggled with low self-esteem. Until he had a divine encounter.

The story says that one day while in the normal pursuit of his work, he had an epiphany experience. God literally stopped him, spoke to him and gave him a charge that would change his life. Gideon rightly perceived that he was in the presence of a divine emissary and asked for time to honor this unparalleled moment in his life.

Since hospitality, even among the poor was a cultural imperative, he ran home, fixed a meal and brought it back to this Angel of the Lord. It was consumed by fire. The culture of the time declared that if a person saw God, he would die. Gideon was assured that he would not die because of this experience but that God would lead, guide and guard him in the prophetic tasks of leading his people to revolt against the prevailing idolatry. Jehovah Shalom, the divine blessing of peace and protection was pronounced. Gideon built an altar to memorialize the moment. Then, he went home.

It seems that God often speaks to people at night. That night God visited Gideon again. He challenged him with a revolutionary task. He was to purge his father’s territory of the idols and gardens honoring them. He recruited 10 men and they executed the Lord’s command the next night.

As expected, the men of the surrounding community were offended. The word spread and soon the worst of the worst were arrayed to do battle with and kill Gideon’s gene pool. Gideon, the reluctant warrior, called his cousins and told them to prepare for war. But, he needed assurance. He spoke to God asking for an affirming sign of His presence and blessing.

He asked for the improbable. I have often said that if the fulfillment of your vision and purpose does not require the miraculous intervention of God, it is too small. He put out a fleece, a wool shawl or towel. He asked that in the morning the fleece be wet with dew, but the ground be dry around it. In the morning, the fleece was so wet that when he wrung it, the water filled a bowl. But that was not enough. He asked for the opposite experience after the next dew fall.

Let the fleece be dry and the ground around it be wet. It was so. With that confirmation, Gideon launched the revolution that changed his community and restored the visible presence of the Grace of God in his community.

Are you struggling with an impoverished spirit? Is there a resonant vision in your mind’s eye that you don’t know how to pursue? Do you long for a more meaningful quality of life? These inclinations may be the becks and calls from divinity. They may be the breakthroughs that demand another leap of faith. Do what Gideon did and put a fleece on it. Ask for a sign. I did.

Facing a life changing decision, My wife and I prayed the fleece prayer and I left a towel on the front yard overnight. n the morning I checked on it. The ground was dry and the towel was damp. I could not wring a bowl full of water from it, but it was damp. The ensuing night I put another towel in the same spot on the yard. In the morning, the grass was wet with dew. The towel was dry. I made the tough call and even though I was warned that there was no bridge back, I took the leap of faith. Like Gideon, that decision changed my life for the better, ever since.

If you are stuck, demoralized, or looking for the next adventure in faith, put a fleece on it and look for God’s guidance. However, once His direction is clear, if you do not go where He leads, you may be forever plagued with the what if curse. That is a topic for another day. Just put a fleece on it.

Let’s Pray: Almighty God of creation, opportunity and destiny, please answer the furtive prayers of the reader today. Guide him/her into the path of your providence. Bless them with courage to trust and obey your prompting. When they do, may they see and feel confirmations from heaven. In the name of Jehovah Shalom, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotional by Laura Thomas: The Easter Sheep

The Easter Sheep
A devotional by Laura Thomas

Picture a garden. A cave. A large stone. And a woman crying—weeping uncontrollably, actually—for she had lost someone very special. Someone she would never forget.

Mary Magdalene had encountered Jesus many moons prior, back when he delivered her from demons—that’s something you don’t forget in a hurry—and she promptly became one of His devoted followers. She had been there at the cross where He was murdered, and now her heart was breaking at the empty tomb. Jesus’ body had been taken, and it was the last straw for her fragile nerves.

She was so caught up in her grief, her eyes so blurred by tears, her heart so crushed, that she failed to recognize Jesus outside the tomb.

“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

~ John 20:14-15 (NIV)

She thought he was the gardener.

Her Savior was gone and she was devastated…until Jesus made Himself known to her.

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’”

~John 20:16a (NIV)

He called her by name.

In John chapter 10, Jesus talks of Himself as being the Good Shepherd, One who would lay down His life for His sheep. The sheep would be us, you guys. Granted, not the smartest of creatures; they tend to wander off and get lost, and are in need of constant guidance. But they are also highly treasured by their shepherd. Loved. Protected. Cared for. Verse 3 (in John chapter 10) says, “He calls his own sheep by name”… just as Jesus called Mary by name. And He calls me by name. And He calls you by name.

At His resurrection, Jesus could have appeared to whomever He wanted—crowds, leaders, cities…but He chose to appear to one of His sheep first. It was personal and so typically Jesus in its simple beauty.

And Mary’s joy was complete! Can you imagine? As soon as Jesus spoke her name, she was safe again. Her Good Shepherd hadn’t deserted her in any way—He was fully there, calling her name, and she no longer grieved. She may not have fully comprehended the theological ramifications of the resurrection, but Her Lord was alive and that was enough! Is that enough for us?

This regular woman with a tainted past was given the honor of being the very first person to herald the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the world! That’s quite something, isn’t it? We have also been given the same message to proclaim to the world—that’s quite something, too!

It’s timeless and true. A message of redemption and restoration.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ~Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

As we ponder the path leading up to Easter, remember how personal the message of salvation is. Jesus died for us as individuals. He conquered death so that each of us might have eternal life. He did it for you. He did it for me. And He calls us by name, just as He called to Mary.

He really loves His sheep. I pray that we won’t be too busy or distracted wandering in other pastures to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice this Easter.

~*~

Author bio:

Laura is a published Christian author with a heart for inspiring and encouraging readers of all ages. 

She is truly multi-genre—with a published Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, children’s stories, devotionals for Union Gospel Press, musings on her blog, and she now has a literary agent representing her Christian romantic suspense novel. 

Laura is English and Canadian, married to her high school sweetheart, mom of three, passionate about faith and family…and chocolate!

~*~
Connect with Laura:
Website - www.laurathomasauthor.com
Facebook - http://bit.ly/2o1eRyt

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Laura_Thomas_
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracthomas/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lauracthomas/

14 Days of Sweet Stories: "A Match Made in Heaven" by Liz Tolsma

Interview with Liz Tolsma, author of A Match Made in Heaven:

Alexis: Why did you choose to set your story in the 19th century? Would this be a historical romance? 

Liz: With Barbour romance collections, they prefer that stories be set in the second half of the 19th century. Every now and again, like in the collection I have coming out in July, they will accept other time periods. But mostly, it’s 19th century. And yes, they always have to be romances. 

Alexis: Tell us about your hero Len Montgomery. What does he look like? Sound like? Act like? Describe his heart and life goals. 

Liz: He has deep-set eyes, a square-shaped face, and light brown hair that tends to stick up every which way despite his best attempts to slick it back. He’s tall and muscular. He has a deep voice. He’s sweet, and even a little insecure. He’s a pastor with a deep love for the members of his congregation and wants to do right by them. He wants to be a good pastor. 

Alexis: Is there a special reason why you made Len a pastor? If so, please explain. 

Liz: Yes. He needs to be a pastor because someone writes him asking if there is a young lady in his congregation of impeccable character who might be interested in being his bride. 

Alexis: What is the inciting incident that starts your main characters on their journey? 

Liz: As I stated above, he gets this letter asking for a potential match. The letter gets out to the newspapers around the country, and letters pour in, asking for Pastor Montgomery to make matches for them. Len can’t keep up with all the mail, so the lovely postmistress offers to help him. 

Alexis: How did you dream up a character like Mr. Kimble? He seems very interesting. Why would he have a problem finding a woman to marry him without asking Len for help? 

Liz: Mr. Kimble is based on a real person who wrote to a pastor (and I believe he probably wrote to many, many pastors), asking if he might have a woman in his congregation might be willing to marry him. It could be because he was a rancher, and that’s a difficult life. It might be that he had children, which complicated matters. Things like this still happen today. I know of several couples who have been “set up” by their pastors. Young men writing churches within their denomination, asking if there are any single women in their congregation who share their beliefs who might be interested in a courtship. As far as I know, these have been very successful marriages. 

Alexis: Now for my readers who may not know, what is a “postmistress”? 

Liz: A postmistress is a woman who runs a post office. She’s the one in charge. In a small town in those days, she might be the only postal employee. It was not an uncommon position for a woman. 

Alexis: Let’s talk about your heroine Cora Thomas (the postmistress). What are her strengths and flaws, dreams and duties? What makes her feel alive? Why? 

Liz: She is very caring and giving. She always brings flowers to those who are sick or sad. She can be a little overbearing, and some don’t like or understand why she always quotes Shakespeare. Her dream is to be a postmistress in a bigger town. Being able to help others, to bring them joy, is what makes her feel alive. She does it because it also brings her joy. And whatever you do to the least of these my brothers, you do to me. A rough paraphrase of Matthew 25:40.

Alexis: Why did Len’s mentor from seminary warn him to not become romantically involved with any of the young women in his congregation that he leads? 

Liz: I’m a PK (pastor’s kid), so I know the behind-the-scenes workings of a pastor’s life. I can only imagine if a pastor became involved with someone from his congregation, the tongues would wag. And if the relationship ended, it could cause great difficulty for that pastor, and perhaps even division in the church. While I’ve never heard of a pastor warned against this, and in fact have known pastors who have married members of their congregation, I could imagine a well-meaning older pastor giving a younger man this type of advice. 

Alexis: How does Len’s desire to not become “entangled” affect his relationship with and growing attraction to Cora? 

Liz: He is struggling to take this advice despite his growing feelings. He respects his mentor, and wants to follow what he says, but begins to wonder if it really was the best advice. 

Alexis: What role does faith in God play in this story and how did your position as a woman of faith affect your storytelling? 

Liz: The theme of the book is trusting God to work things out. Faith is woven throughout the story. Both of the main characters are Christians all the way throughout, but they grow in their faith over the course of the story. Just as faith is part of my every day life, so it is for my characters. 

Alexis: Why did you title this story, “A Match Made in Heaven”? 

Liz: Of course, there is the saying that a couple is a match made in heaven. Because Len is a pastor, and because the theme is trusting God to work things out, I thought it was a fun title that played to what the book was about. 

Alexis: If you were Cora’s mentor, what would you advise her concerning her feelings for Len and his position as a single pastor of a church? 

Liz: I would advise her to be prudent and act cautiously so as to not get the gossips going. I would tell her to take her time to get to know him and to not flaunt the relationship, especially in the beginning. 

Alexis: What about writing this story brought the most joy to your heart? 

Liz: I had so much fun with the Shakespeare quotes. Even though I studied him in college, there were sayings that I didn’t realize were his. I had just finished writing an intense WWII book when this opportunity came along, so it was nice to write something lighthearted. 

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most from this book? 

Liz: That you might have a plan in mind, but God might have a different one. And His plan is always best. 

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Liz! Do you have any final comments? 

Liz: Thank you so much for having me. These were great questions that I enjoyed answering!

~*~
Author bio: 

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels and prairie romance novellas. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their two daughters. 

She enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her blog, The Story behind the Story, at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

She is also a regular contributor to the Pencildancer blog and the Midwest Almanac blog.

~*~
Blurb for Liz's story, "A Match Made in Heaven": Pastor Len Montgomery receives an unusual letter from an Omaha farmer that turns him into the matchmaker he never wanted to be. 

But the match he most wants to make, the one with the town’s sweet, charming, and Shakespeare-quoting postmistress, may be out of his reach.

~*~
Read Liz's story when you buy the book, "The Matchmaker Brides Collection":
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Christianbook.com

~*~
Enter the book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Words of Faith: Ada's story about God's guidance and love

God's Love Directed My Path

A Words of Faith story by Ada Brownell

Golden leaves littered the church lawn on October 26, 1953, my 16th birthday.

Mama, some of my four sisters, and the pastor’s wife waited in the nursery while my sister-in-law, Elinora Nicholson, played wedding songs on the piano.

Through the nursery window I could see the men lining up. They were joined by two ministers—my brother, Everette, and our pastor, Brother Paul Clapper.

Six little girls in frilly dresses tied with satin ribbon stood ready to begin, and my little nephew, Dean Miracle, the ring bearer, handsome and wearing a boutonniere.

At the signal, the flower girls Yvonne Miracle and Linda Brownell, dropped rose petals in the middle aisle. Then two junior bridesmaids, Darla Kay Brownell, and friend Berna Sue Richter. Six adult attendants, all relatives, walked down the aisle. Lois Maybon, my best friend, was maid of honor.

Preschoolers, twins, Lavonne and Yvonne Brownell, carried my train.

I wore the most beautiful wedding dress I’ve ever seen, made by my sister in law, Mildred Nicholson. It’s been modeled in church bridal shows, although my photographer didn’t know what to do with the train and full-length veil.

What a send-off into adult life for the youngest of eight children in our family. As a child, a freckled-faced redhead who dressed in flower-sack clothes, I didn’t make much splash in the world. But then, I lightened the freckles with a special cream when I got a job cleaning houses and motel rooms—and caught the eye of a handsome guy, L. C. Brownell, who already worked as a telegraph operator for the railroad.

All the girls at church chased him, but for some reason he made up his mind he wanted me.

Months later I knew I’d fallen in love, but I thought I’d get over it. My sister, Erma, had been engaged five times, but L.C. finally convinced me to get married.

I grew up knowing Jesus loved me and had a plan for my life. So L.C. and I began an adventure together following Jesus and loving each other.

But my need for supernatural faith kicked in, too. I had no recipe books except leaflets from Pillsbury. My first cake recipe came off the back of the Hershey cocoa box. My chocolate creation fell. I prayed for patience, stuck a saucer upside-down under it, and topped it with a fudgy frosting made with the help of Pillsbury. My husband thought it was wonderful.

God later answered my prayer for help because I learned to made adjustments for high altitude with cakes.

I needed faith, too, for my husband, who had a ruptured stomach ulcer and still suffered pain. He had several serious episodes with bleeding then had surgery that solved the problem.

We moved often and God directed our paths. We made friends, ministered to many, and they blessed us.

I had been youth president in my home church in Fruita, Colo. I was youth leader in Minturn, Colo. Taught youth in Leadville, Pueblo and Arvada. Started a Sunday school in Thompson, Utah, and there began newspaper work and learned more about writing.

We lived in dilapidated houses, sometimes with no running water or bathroom. We lived in a railroad depot, a railroad car, and a tar paper shack my uncle said he could build for about $50. Then God answered prayer and gave us a beautiful almost new large mobile home.

Faith was important every day. We were happy, loved each other, and when five children came along, love was multiplied. They accepted Jesus and followed Him, some into ministry. The Lord’s love dwelt in our oldest daughter Carolyn. She sang and praised Him only hours before she lost her battle with cancer.

God’s love comforted our family when she died, and faith made us confident we’ll see her in heaven.

God’s love never fails, and faith makes that love personal as we take Hebrews 11 seriously and believe God exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him.

His love and our faith bound us securely together all 62 years we’ve been married.

~*~

Author bio: 

Ada Brownell, a devoted Bible student, has written for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a reporter for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colo. 

She also is a veteran youth Christian education teacher. After moving to Missouri in her retirement, she continues to write books, freelance for Sunday school papers, Christian magazines, write op-ed pieces for newspapers, and blogs with stick-to-your-soul encouragement. 

She is the author of six books. Ada is a member of Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers. 

She and her husband have five children, one who passed away, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Her historical romance, The Lady Fugitive, is a 2015 finalist for the Clash of the Titles Laurel Award.

~*~

Connect with Ada:

Amazon Author page - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06
"Stick-to-Your-Soul Encouragement" (blog),  http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com