Devotionals for the Heart: When persevering in prayer is your lifeline

Ask, Seek, Knock
A devotional by Erica Bryant

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”—Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

There are times when we feel completely depleted.

We find ourselves overwhelmed, uncertain, and searching for solid ground. In those moments, prayer isn't just helpful, it becomes our lifeline. Prayer was a lifeline for Jesus Christ when He was living on Earth, too! He was often found stealing away to pray, finding comfort in His Heavenly Father's voice.

If prayer was essential for Jesus who is the Savior of the world (John 3:16-17), how much more essential should it be for us?

Prayer was central to Christ’s teachings. He addressed it twice in what The Holy Bible calls, “the Sermon on the Mount”. In Matthew 6:5-15, Jesus teaches on proper prayer, emphasizing sincerity and providing a model for praying powerfully and with authority. Then in Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus shifts our focus with three powerful verbs: ask, seek, knock. These three words aren’t suggestions. They’re commands infused with urgency and bold persistence. Jesus, however, doesn’t just command; He also promises. He promises that those who ask will receive, those who seek will find, and those who knock will have doors opened to them.

Jesus encourages us to be persistent in prayer. Even when our prayers seem unanswered or there is silence, the imperative form of the verbs used in Matthew 7:7-8 encourages us to continue asking, seeking, and knocking persistently.

The promises in Matthew 7:7-8 highlight that as children of God, we can confidently approach our Heavenly Father, knowing He hears us and answers our prayers. Jesus uses examples of earthly fathers giving good gifts to their children to illustrate the surpassing love of our Heavenly Father. If, despite their imperfections, earthly parents know how to give good gifts to their children out of love, how much more will God, who loves us relentlessly, desire to give us good gifts when we ask (Matthew 7:9-11). Our Heavenly Father's love far surpasses that of earthly parents and is demonstrated through the sacrificial love of Jesus.

Understanding God’s character changes everything. He is a Good Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children. Prayer isn't manipulation; it's connection. It's a relationship of love and trust. So, pray BIG, BOLD prayers. Trust God's plans. Know that He wants to exceed your expectations.

If we are honest, as we carefully look at the promises found in these passages, we may be thinking, “This doesn’t describe my reality! I ask and have not received. I have sought and have not found. I have knocked and am still met with closed doors!” Yes, that may be true, but James 4:3 (NIV) offers an answer to your problem. God says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

But what about those times when you've prayed in God's will, and the promises of Matthew 7:7-8 still feel impossibly distant from your actual life? Let this truth found in Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV), anchor you: God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Look closely at Matthew 7:8 again. Everyone who asks receives, but it doesn't specify what is received. The one who seeks finds, but it does not share exactly what is to be found. Doors open to those who knock, but God, in His sovereignty, opens the doors He deems right for you. We must trust that our Heavenly Father knows what's best for us. He won't give us what we can't handle or steward well. He shields us from things that could harm us or pull us from Him, even the things we desperately want.

Here's another truth to hold onto, found in Ephesians 3:20 (ESV). It says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Here’s what I’ve learned: Sometimes we ask too small. God wants to exceed not just our expectations, but also our imaginations.

And sometimes there's silence. There's waiting on God to answer our prayers. In those moments, remember what Jesus actually said. In the original Greek text, the verbs for “ask”, “seek”, and “knock” are all written in the present active tense. Grammatically, this signifies continuous, ongoing, and persistent action. Rather than a one-time request, a more literal and accurate translation is: “Ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. Knock and keep on knocking.”

Don’t stop. Be persistent. Keep praying. What does it mean to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking?

To keep asking might look like returning to God repeatedly with a request, desire, or need, not because He didn't hear you the first time, but because you trust He's listening every time. It's a mother who prays for provision every morning or a person wrestling with addiction who asks for strength for today, tomorrow, and the day after that. When you keep asking, you refuse to let anything convince you that God isn't there.

To keep seeking means actively looking for God's hand in your circumstances, even when the answer isn't what you expected. It's studying Scripture to understand His character better. It's listening for His voice in the quiet moments, in conversations with others, in the way doors open and close. Seeking isn't passive waiting; it's an intentional pursuit.

To keep knocking is showing up. It's returning to prayer when you're tired. It’s taking action aligned with your prayers. It's trusting that even when one door closes, God is opening another. It's the persistence that says, “I believe, even when I can't see.” It’s trusting that you have a Good Father who loves you more than you know and could imagine. He is the One who holds your future in His hands and knows what’s best for you.

Trust in God’s goodness and know that if you ask, He will answer; if you seek, you will find; and if you knock, He will open a door for you.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father,

Thank You for being a God who loves me so deeply and intimately. You know what I need and what is best for me. When I pray, please help me to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. Grant me the faith to believe that You hear my prayers and because of Your love for me, You will answer them. Help me embrace Your answers, even when they don’t align with my expectations, trusting that You can exceed them.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Good, Good Father” by Chris Tomlin, ft. Pat Barrett. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “The Benediction” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “He’s Able” by Deitrick Haddon. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Erica N. Bryant is a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, and author who desires to see believers live in the complete freedom and joy of the Holy Spirit. 

As the founder of Sparrow's Song Ministries, Erica invites a community of believers to get to know God by falling in love with His Word. Through Bible study resources, devotionals, teaching, and mentorship, Sparrow's Song encourages others to grow in intimacy with God and walk daily in the power of His Holy Spirit. She began The Word W.O.R.K.S. campaigns to help believers walk in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success.

Erica is a writer with several published works including devotionals for adults and children, topical and textual Bible studies, and Scripture journals. In her debut book, Dwell: Living Life Fully Knowing that the Holy Spirit Lives in You, Erica draws from her own journey of healing from childhood trauma, rejection, and the struggles of fear and anxiety. With honesty and hope, she invites readers to embrace the life-giving truth that God's Spirit resides within them. Erica believes that when you know the Holy Spirit dwells in you, everything changes.

Erica is a passionate speaker who effectively communicates God’s Word with clarity and conviction. She speaks a relevant word to hearers and ministers to their hearts, inspires practical application, and empowers them to grow in faith and purpose.

Erica is a devoted wife and loving mother who actively serves in various roles at Strait Gate Deliverance Center.

Ultimately, she is just a girl in love with God and she is a soldier for Jesus Christ.

My Review for "The Story of Everything" documentary film

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review “The Story of Everything” feature-length documentary film by Sypher Studios, I agreed because it sounded like a wonderful opportunity to explore how scientific findings can prove the existence of a divine Creator. We are not here by accident. Life has purpose. And we are not alone because the Creator (God) of all that exists is always with us. I also thought this film would be a good resource for people who doubt God exists and believe there’s no life after death.

But before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a few words from Momentum Influencers Network about this film:

After a successful nationwide theatrical run that sparked conversation across faith, science, and culture, “The Story of Everything” is now available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video!

Inspired by Stephen C. Meyer’s bestselling book Return of the God Hypothesis, the cinematic documentary invites audiences to explore one of humanity’s oldest—and most consequential—questions: Does the evidence point to a universe shaped solely by blind chance, or is there evidence of purpose and design?

Synopsis: “The Story of Everything” is a cinematic exploration of the cosmos that reveals the hidden hand behind our universe. From the precise laws that govern the stars to the intricate patterns found in every living cell, the film traces evidence of intentional design throughout nature. Whether examining distant star-forming clouds or the spiral structure of DNA, we discover a consistent signature woven into the fabric of existence.

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My Review for “The Story of Everything”

“The story of everything has purpose, that behind everything there is an author. The alternative is that none of that is true. We are the result of blind and impersonal processes that did not have us in mind.”

This quote (above) was mentioned toward the end of this feature-length film. But it holds the meaning of the film’s title. After hearing it, I knew that’s why this production was called “The Story of Everything”. It really shows how the core message of this film was to present two main schools of thought: Belief in a Creator of all things vs. Belief that we were created by nothing and our life has no real meaning. I think these are important points to explore as part of the human experience on Earth. As a believer, I’ll always point you to Jesus Christ. He is the Savior of humankind and the His divine light breaks through the darkness in our world. Like a popular Christian bumper sticker says: “Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace!” I have found this saying to be true in my everyday life.

But Jesus Christ is a true gentleman. He’s not going to force you to believe in Him. He always gives humankind the freedom to choose who we will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

If you are on a search for truth but don’t want to start with a Bible yet, start with this film then pick up The Holy Bible (you can buy a physical copy or read it via Bible Gateway online for free) and ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you understand the words you are reading. It is key to ask Him to teach you as you read because the Bible is understood through a spiritual lens, not a lens of doubt or a carnal mind.

Speaking of truth, this other quote was also mentioned in the film, “Sometimes the path toward the truth leads through beauty. And that is an important window. We need to be willing to open that.” Those words resonated with me because I never thought about my search for truth like that before. This film is filled with profound messages that will make you think and challenge you to decide what you believe.

On a lighter note: The set designs for most of this movie looks like it is from the 1970s. Many of the people who were interviewed or spoke on camera also were dressed in a way that looked like eras of the past. However the set design and clothing style did not take away from the points made in this movie.

If you have a scientific mindset or are curious to know how everything we see in space and experience on earth was created, then this movie is for you. Every detail is designed to make you think and ponder Biblical truth supported by science when it comes to the questions, “Is there a Creator of everything? Is God real?”

This movie might help you answer those questions.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Sypher Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

~*~

More information:

"The Story of Everything" is available for purchase on Prime Video via this link.

Church and Homeschool Resources:
https://www.thestoryofeverything.film/resources

#TheStoryOfEverythingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ invites you to rest when you feel weary

Rest for the Weary
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

As another school year ends for both my children and me, I find myself feeling heavier instead of lighter. The nights seem shorter, the mornings come quicker, and somehow, we have already made it to June. I know this feeling all too well. It is the feeling of being weary—not simply sleepy or overwhelmed but exhausted from carrying too many responsibilities at once.

For so long, my solution was simple: keep going. Push through. Finish the next task. But eventually I learned something important—sometimes the holiest thing you can do is sit down and rest. What does rest look like for you? For me, rest can look like stretching out on the bed, putting the events of the day behind me, and reading an enjoyable book. But true rest is deeper than simply stopping your body. True rest begins when your spirit learns to let go.

I was born a Martha. I am incredibly good at getting things done, but rarely did I just sit still. Even while watching television, I felt the need to fold laundry, cook dinner, iron clothes, or clean something around the house. Sitting still with nothing to do felt unnatural to me. Rest was not a concept I was taught. I used to believe everything on my to-do list had to be completed before I could end my night, and somehow it all had to be done perfectly. That mindset left me exhausted. My nights stretched long after everyone else had gone to bed, only for me to wake up before everyone else the next morning and begin again.

Eventually, my body started responding to the exhaustion. I dealt with headaches, knee pain, and restless nights. I would fall into bed tired yet still toss and turn because my mind refused to rest. That is when I realized there is a difference between sleep and true rest. Sleep may restore the body, but only God can restore a weary spirit.

Slowly, I began shutting down my mind and body before bed. Instead of lying awake replaying problems and responsibilities, I started thanking God for the day I was leaving and the day I was entering. Little by little, I realized that physical rest often begins with spiritual rest.

There was a time when waking up in the middle of the night meant starting another task such as putting clothes in the washer or making a grocery list. Now when I wake up, I pray. At one point, I kept waking up at the same time every morning until I finally said, “Speak, God, your servant is listening.” In those quiet moments, God taught me that rest is not simply inactivity. It is learning to be still enough to hear His voice.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV) tells us, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.” So often we cannot rest because we are carrying burdens God never asked us to hold alone. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God giving His people rest before continuing their assignments. God gave Elijah rest before sending him to Mount Sinai. Jacob rested before dreaming of a ladder reaching to Heaven. Even Jesus Christ stepped away from the crowds to spend quiet time with God. In the same way, we need moments where we step away from the noise and demands of life so God can refresh our spirit.

As women, many of us were raised believing rest must be earned. Even now, many women struggle to truly relax without multitasking. We continue moving even while calling it rest. But constantly doing is not the same as being restored. When we choose to rely on God more than ourselves, we begin to experience true rest, and rest brings clarity. Some responsibilities we once thought were necessary are revealed to be things we can release altogether.

Perhaps that is where some of us are right now—not lazy, not failing, just weary. And maybe God, in His love, is reminding us that we were never meant to carry everything alone. Surrender to God and learn to rest well in this season because the strength you conserve now is what you will need in the next season.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a place of rest for the weary. Teach us to release every burden, worry, and responsibility into Your hands. Quiet our anxious minds and help us trust You with the things we cannot control. Restore our spirits, renew our strength, and remind us that true rest is found in You. Help us to slow down, hear Your voice, and walk in peace instead of pressure.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Breathe” by Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore, Jonathan McReynolds & DOE). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Rest” by Maranatha! Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” by Kari Jobe Carnes. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 

With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta, Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

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Connect with Erica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsgrace2931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsgrace2931/

Devotionals for the Heart: What plants taught me about turning to Christ

Leaning Toward the Light
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’”—Luke 19:39-40 (NIV)

Have you ever really paid attention to the little kernels of joy God gives us in the everyday? He gives us signs and promises in even the most mundane or commonplace things. For example, my house plants.

As much as I’d love to say otherwise, I’m not terribly great at all things domestic. But one thing I’ve mastered is taking care of my house plants. Through hard work, I’ve figured out how to keep them alive. I’ve actually had one since before my son was born—and my son just turned 20.

My plants—seven at last count—are all grouped together behind my kitchen sink in this little triangular nook, nestled between two large windows. What I think is so neat is how they tilt. It doesn’t matter how I turn them or what position they started out in, but after I’ve watered them for the week, as the week progresses, I noticed them curving ever so slightly to the left, toward where they get the brightest morning sun. Their entire bodies seem to quiver in expectation of the love and nurturing they get from that sunlight. After all, they need that light to grow and thrive, to be healthy and strong.

We are a lot like those plants, only our life source isn’t necessarily the sun—it’s the Son (Jesus Christ), right along with the Father (God) and the Holy Spirit. God, three in one, is the preserver and savior and lover of our souls, the one who provides the only things we truly need.

We think we need the things of this world to survive. We think we need money and shelter and all those other creature comforts, but really we just need the Lord because He provides everything else. He provides exactly what we need, and He takes care of us in every circumstance.

Yet in response, what do we do? Like my house plants, do we swivel our bodies and our hearts and our minds toward Him, desperate for His love and all He provides? Do we stay where we are, sturdy in our own prideful, misguided notion that we can take care of ourselves just fine, thank you very much? Or do we turn the other way and seek comfort in things that have nothing to do with Him? Things like worldly, fleshly pleasures?

I think my plants know best. And I think we’d all do well to mimic them—to let our whole selves naturally incline toward the Lord. Reach for Him. Long for Him. Dance for Him. Bask in His love.

Like the plants, we were created intentionally for the Lord. As sentient beings, we have free will—the will to turn our lives toward God or away. But I think deep down we know what we were created for, and what is truly best for us, just like the plants do and just like animals do.

We were created for the Lord.

I choose to act that way. I hope you do, too.

Let’s Pray: 

Dear Lord, 

I love You—but I don’t always act that way. Sometimes I let other things get in the way of my love for You, my focus on You, and the things You want me to focus upon. I let my worldly wants and cares distract me from what is most important. Help me to honor the pure and righteous relationship You created me to have with You. Help me to push aside the unimportant and instead to focus on You, your love, and your intended purposes for my life. And help me to love others in your name, now and forevermore. In Jesus’s Name I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Thirst for You” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Artist of My Soul” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

~*~
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 two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Her third novel, Hidden Seeds, releases in May.

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 to find beauty in the winter seasons of life

Finding Beauty in Our Winters
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

—Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

“It’s snowing, Teacher!” My students bounced into the classroom, their young faces bright with smiles. Melting flakes dripped onto the floor from their boots.

“Really?” I looked outside with a shiver. I wasn’t as excited as the children. The snow meant an icy commute home!

In fact, as the winter dragged on, I was finding it harder to appreciate snowfalls. It felt like all I could see was endless grey, black, and brown. Muddy sidewalks, stark trees, towering grey apartment buildings. I missed green! I missed beauty!

A thought suddenly came to me: “Perhaps you’re looking for beauty in the wrong places. There is beauty in winter, even if it’s a different beauty to summer.” The thought felt like a playful challenge from God. How could I widen my perspective?

On my commute the next day, I looked out the train window at the trees and fields. Yes, they were brown and bare. But the branches made striking shapes and patterns against the vibrant blue sky. Tall, golden grasses waved at the edges of the fields. They glowed when the sunlight hit them just right. Even the endless browns had variegated shades. There was beauty here, after all; I just needed the eyes to see it.

Some seasons of our lives feel like winter—long, cold, bleak, seemingly unproductive. We may miss the beauties and abundance we experienced in our “spring” or “fall.” But what if God is inviting us to look again and find hidden gifts and loveliness in this season?

Winter is a time of rest and retreat for the Earth, and there is a beauty in that. We, too, need time to slow down, contemplate, and refresh our energies, especially in harder seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) reminds us that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Perhaps in this winter, God is inviting you to pause. Jesus Christ’s invitation to His disciples then could also be an invitation to you now. He said in Mark 6:31 (NIV), “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

As much as there is beauty in slowing down, it may feel frustrating to experience disruption to our plans and productivity. But God can give us new opportunities in winter.

The apostle Paul experienced a literal “wintering” on his way to Rome. His ship faced winds and storms as the crew searched for a suitable harbor to winter in (Acts 27:1-26). Eventually, after lost time and even a dramatic shipwreck, Paul and the other passengers and sailors arrived in Malta (Acts 27:27 – Acts 28:2). The islanders showed them “unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2). Paul healed the sick father of the island’s chief and then healed all the other sick islanders too (Acts 28:7-9). And, as Luke reports in Acts 28:10 (NIV), the islanders “honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.”

Even though the winter storm threw the ship off course, this disruption ultimately led to blessings for both Paul and the islanders. What unexpected blessing—or opportunities to bless others—might be waiting in the disruptions of our winter?

Winter may indeed seem bleak at times, but there are gifts here still, because the Creator makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Let’s Pray: Father God, winter feels long and frustrating. Sometimes it’s hard to see goodness in this season. Renew our perspective! Open our eyes to the beauty and blessings that you have prepared for us even here. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Winter Snow” by Chris Tomlin feat. Audrey Assad. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “In His Time” by Maranatha Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Shelter” by Pat Barrett. Listen to it here.

~*~
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: A Biblical truth to calm your troubled soul

God is Good: Truth that Calms the Troubled Soul
A devotional by Jennifer Reese

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”—Psalm 84:11 (ESV)

Recently, I was expressing some of my concerns and anxieties to a good friend.

I was facing some unknowns and trying to hope for great news at an appointment the following day but was also anxious about what could happen or what might be true. I was torn between desiring to fight for hope and giving in to the feelings of the deep anxiety that was troubling my soul.

As I finished my statement with “I’m excited and hopeful, but anxious and nervous.” This friend simply responded, “Mmm. God is good.” This response caught me off guard not because I do not believe that God is good, but because in my moment of anxiety I did not see how this truth was helpful or responsive to my concern.

As I reflected on those words and shared that reply with my husband, I felt stumped. My husband agreed that it was an unexpected response, but he encouraged me to reflect on the truth of the statement and let it help me to trust the Lord with my concern.

Later that evening during my prayer time with God, I continued questioning, “Why was that their response, Lord? I don’t really understand.” Shortly after, a song came to mind that I began to hum amid my continued reflection, but I could not piece together which song it was. However, after a few minutes, I was able to recall enough of the lyrics to remember its name. The song is titled “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death”. The lyrics discuss various truths about who God is—one being that He is good, which is the truth that can calm a troubled soul. 

Further into the song, it causes the listener to ponder how it is Jesus Christ who holds our faith when fears arise, when we face trials, and when the waves of life just overwhelm us. As we reflect on these truths, then hope eternal arises from within us. This hope can never be taken from us. As I listened to this song and read through the lyrics, tears welled up in my eyes and streamed down my face. I finally began to understand that the truth spoken to me was the very truth that could in fact calm my troubled soul.

I realized this: In that moment of despair, if all I am thinking about are the endless “What if?” scenarios that are flooding my head then my mind is far away from focusing on the truths of the Lord. I am not even remotely believing in God’s goodness, His faithful character, and His desire to provide good blessings for His children, et cetera. I am only looking to myself and my own resources and circumstances. In that very moment, I needed to be reminded that ultimately no matter the outcome God is good, all the time. Even more so, He is truly my only true and lasting hope in life and death.

No other truth can truly calm our souls. No other reality brings our souls true peace. In moments of anxiety, fear, concern, and uncertainty, our souls are looking for something that is true and sure. The only truth that is for sure, for those of us in Jesus Christ, is this: The Lord is with us, He loves us, He cares for us, we are safe in His care, all that happens is for our good and His glory, and He has a perfect plan to lead us through whatever situation life throws at us. In Christ, we stand safe and secure in the presence of the Lord, and we have nothing to fear. As we look to Christ and cling to His promises and Truth, then His peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), will calm our troubled soul and remind us of where our true and only hope comes from: Christ and Christ alone.

As we come to the end of another year, I have no idea what your year has been like. Maybe it has been the best year, the hardest year, a mundane year, etc. Maybe you are battling the tension of anxiety to hope that the coming year will be better than this one, or that you will finally see certain answers to certain prayers. Maybe you are having a hard time believing God is good and are struggling to take any sort of comfort from that Truth. Wherever you are, the Lord knows, the Lord sees, and the Lord cares.

I encourage you as we finish this year and head into a new one, that you would run to the Lord with a heart of hope, believing that God is good. I pray you will examine your heart and see where you are looking for your hope and peace. Is there a situation, a relationship, a job, financial status, etc., that tempts you to believe that if you just had that one thing then you could trust that God is good? Is there something that happened this past year that has caused you to doubt the truth that God is good and has good and perfect plans for your life? Is there something you desire but feel like the Lord is holding out on you? Is there something you are afraid to pray and hope for this coming year? Take some time to journal and explore where your heart and soul truly stand regarding to thoughts and beliefs about the Lord.

At the end of the day, nothing you can possess this side of Heaven will ever be able to satisfy and supply your soul with the hope and peace that it seeks. Only Christ can. May this coming year be one of pursuit in believing this truth with all your mind, soul, and strength. The Lord is so good. We can truly trust Him in, with, and through all things. Believe His goodness, precious care, and tender love for you today.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for being my one and only hope. Thank You that no matter in life and in death, You alone are my only true hope. Thank You that I can experience true hope and peace as I seek to find rest for my restless soul in Your Word and promises. I ask for Your help today and this next year. Oh Lord, teach me how to find peace and hope in believing Your goodness, care, and love for me. Please teach me to cling to the Truth that You are good, despite what I may be facing. May my heart trust Your good intentions, perfect wisdom, and sufficient provision so that I may truly walk in peace and hope every day. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” by the Keith & Kristyn Getty and Matt Papa. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “In Christ Alone / The Solid Rock (Live)” by Travis Cottrell. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Peace” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “God is Good” by Jonathan McReynolds. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Lord You Are Good” by Todd Galberth. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: We should remember the miracle of Christmas

The Miracle of Christmas
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“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)

When my mother was employed as a secretary in the chaplaincy department at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, she told me that she made it a priority to visit the neonatal ward a few floors above her office during the Christmas season.

She said she needed to visit the newborns to remind herself of how Jesus Christ came into our world as an innocent newborn baby who was crying and helpless. Why is this baby Jesus so important at Christmas?

First, Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in a virgin named Mary. God was beginning a whole new work in His creation. The infinite, unlimited God took on the limitations of humanity so that He could live and die for the salvation of all who choose to believe in Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all human beings by Adam. Therefore, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, not to violate her, but to gift her with pregnancy despite the fact that she had never been with a man. Secondly, because Jesus was born of a woman, he was a human being. He was both fully human and fully divine.

Of course it's not logical by our human reasoning. Nothing about the birth of Jesus makes sense. That’s why it’s a miracle. Neither Mary nor Joseph who was engaged to marry her, realized that God had chosen them to be a part in His sovereign plan. Mary had no idea that God picked her to be an unwed mother. Joseph had no idea that he had been tagged as Jesus’s earthly father and that he was to move forward with his plans to marry his beloved when she was pregnant with a child who was obviously not his. That’s why angels visited them to explain those baffling events.

But what they did know and were sure of before they came together in marriage, was the history of God’s faithfulness. Their parents taught them this truth. Joseph and Mary were Jews and among God’s chosen people. They grew up listening to their religious leaders reading the prophesies from Isaiah 9:6 in the Old Testament and several others stating that God would send a Messiah through the lineage of David. This was why Mary and Joseph chose their faith in God over their feelings that could convince them otherwise. They decided to obey Him and trust God’s special plan.

God knew we needed a Savior to save us from our sin. True to His humble character, God sent His Son, Jesus, as baby born not to a wealthy and powerful king and queen in a beautiful palace with servants to wait on him, but to peasants in a village in the middle of nowhere called Bethlehem in a shelter that housed animals. Jesus came with no fanfare or celebration, but quietly one Holy night.

God sent Jesus to make our Christmas season joyful! Jesus came to Earth to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus came to deliver people not only from their oppression but also from themselves. Jesus was God in the flesh, so that’s how God was (and still is) among us. When we can fully grasp the gravity of our entitlement, our rage, our selfishness, pride, and indifference, we are able to more deeply appreciate the gift of Jesus. Let us remember that He came to give us peace, joy and love.

Call to Action:

When the Amazon delivery of your Christmas order is late, when the malls are teaming with holiday shoppers, when the check-out lines are endless, remember how deeply entrenched our culture is in materialism, and why we need Jesus.

When the Starbucks drive-through line is 20 cars deep and you are running low on caffeine and patience, close your eyes, breathe deeply and remember that instead of feeding your addictions, you can turn to Jesus for rest and peace.

When you are struggling to find that expensive gift to impress the relative who already has everything, instead of falling in the trap of competition and comparison, remember that Jesus has already given you and them everything needed to worship and adore Him.

When families and loved ones gather to rip open your beautifully wrapped gifts that makes a mess in your lovely home, remember how messy your sin is and the forgiveness that Jesus offers you.

Even as adults, we remain messy and stinky in our sin. Our crying has not ceased, either out of grief for a broken world or from selfishness when we don’t get our way. Most importantly, we are still helpless and need a Savior to take our sins upon himself. This is why we have Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for sending your only son, Jesus, to us when we were in a mess of sin and didn’t realize it. We didn’t know we were miserable until the healing hand of Jesus was on us, forgiving us and setting us free from sin’s bondage. Help us to remember what this Christmas season is about and not allow materialism and consumerism to distract us from the real gift of your presence among us now and forever. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

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

Song of Reflection #2: “For Unto Us” by Point of Grace. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “His Plan” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. 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: The cure I discovered for sleepless nights

Say Bye to Insomnia
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”—Psalm 127:2 (NIV)

Many nights, I found myself questioning God about the trajectory of my life.

Burdened with the responsibility of my mother’s care while barely sustaining myself, the weight became unbearable. When she required surgery without insurance, I was left alone to navigate the overwhelming medical expenses.

Even when the financial issues were eventually solved, insomnia slowly became my best friend. It accompanied me faithfully every night, leaving me alone to entertain my racing thoughts. Therefore, I tried to find comfort in distractions—movies, short stories, testimonies, games—anything that offered hope that I could escape my suffering. I found myself chasing hope in people, trying to duplicate the miracles I saw in other people’s lives. But I never found the formula. In fact, I was drawn deeper into the struggle because my focus was on the wrong place.

One night, out of desperation to sleep, I picked up my Bible. I turned to King David’s story because I know he wrote the Bible book of Psalm during moments of profound sorrow and crying out to God. I hoped to find a formula there but instead, I found something better: I learned that all we need to do is hold on to God’s promises written in His Word (The Holy Bible). God gave me the promise of peace that night and He promised me that He will take care of me.

The Spiritual Root of Insomnia

After 11 months of struggle, I realized that the insomnia I carried wasn't just about my body; it was about my soul. I realized that my sleeplessness was fueled by these four factors: overthinking and the fear of losing control, stressful thoughts about tomorrow, trying to solve my problems in life with my own strength, and carrying responsibilities that God never asked me to carry alone.

I realized that even sleeping pills won't work in helping you to sleep if your brain won’t shut down. It is an excruciating moment when you take a sleeping pill to help you sleep, but it fails because your mind is still racing with worry.

Surrendering the Burden

Jesus Christ offers a different solution in Matthew 11:28 (NIV) where He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He offers to take the burden away. Jesus doesn't ask us to be perfectly composed and presentable before we approach Him. We simply need to come to Him when we are exhausted.

Here is how I learned to say goodbye to insomnia:

Acknowledge the Source: Since God created us, we must go to Him for the fix.

Daily Surrender: I came to Him every day, asking Him to fix the way my brain works.

Cast Your Anxiety on God: As 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

God isn't annoyed by your fears; He is waiting to carry them.

A Call to Rest

As we end this year, I encourage you to let go of the anxieties, fears, and worries that you own. Let this be the year you stop fighting battles that are already won by God. Let this be the year you learn to sleep like someone who is protected, loved, and held by the Creator of the Universe.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

—Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

God cares about your rest and your sleep. Surrender is not losing; it is falling into the hands of Someone who won’t drop you.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the Father I can call Abba. You promised to give me comfort in my troubled moments. Please forgive us for doubting that You will take care of us. Give us the strength to go through life and keep walking by Your side. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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

Song of Reflection #2: “Sparrows” by Cory Asbury. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Peace Be Still” by Hope Darst covered by Lauren Daigle / The Belonging Co / All The Earth. 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: Someone who remains the same every day

The Person and the Promise Remain the Same
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

—Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

I have found myself doing what my parents used to do when I was younger—pointing out places that “used to” be where a store or a building was located.

It has either been built over by a condo or new development, leaving no evidence of what was there before. I’m sure you can relate. Maybe you’ve gone back to visit a neighborhood that in your mind held memories but no longer looks the same. Sometimes it’s for the better, but many times there is a sadness that accompanies that change.

We were created to grow and become more like our Creator (God) and reflect His image in the Earth. Because of Adam and Eve’s original sin they committed in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:1-3:24) our human nature leans more toward evil than good. However, when Jesus Christ died on the cross (Matthew 27), was buried and rose again (Matthew 28), that event broke the power of sin over us (John 3:16).

Now, when we put our faith and trust in Christ, He gives us a new nature and the power to become conformed to His image. We receive the power to change for the better forever. It is an amazing gift of grace that was given to us by God, and it’s all based on a sure promise because our God cannot change and will not go back on any of His promises.

The promise of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) coming to die in order to bring us back to a relationship with God was a promise that never changed. Once again, the promise was made by the promise keeper, God, who remains the same. Our life as humans are filled with change: Our world is changing every day. Men and women alike are never satisfied with what they have but are always wanting more. Politicians make promises that often go unfulfilled. Today it’s sunny and tomorrow it’s raining. As we age, our bodies change too. I’m often stating that obvious, that I’m not 16 anymore! Our hair color goes from one shade to the next, and our other features change as we grow older.

Perhaps you’ve asked, “Does anything remain the same? Is anything constant?” The true answer is yes because God never changes. The writer of the book of Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) states, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

You can open the Bible, read a promise in one passage, keep turning the pages and you’ll see His consistency: God does what He says He will do. His character does not evolve or become something other than who He has always been. Our faith can be rooted in this knowing. Our faith must be rooted in Someone who is constant and unwavering for it to grow. We have one constant in life who never changes: Jesus Christ.

There have been times when I’ve been discouraged and disappointed, but when I recall the goodness of God and how He has allowed me to hear a message, receive a timely phone call or text message I can see that He has not forgotten me. I can see how He has kept me. I can see His constant provision in my life. Why would I not trust Him whose name is “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11)?

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for never changing. Your Word reminds us that You are the same yesterday, today and forever. There is no one like You. I want to be like You in character. Please help me to be consistent in my speech and behavior so that I can reflect your holy nature and serve You as a witness to the world for Jesus Christ while I am living on this Earth. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Same” by Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Constant” by Maverick City, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Gargiula | Ft. Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 36 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ is knocking on the door of your heart

Someone’s at the Door
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

—Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

What do you do when the doorbell rings?

To be honest, I must admit that when the doorbell rings at my house, my first instinct is to pretend I’m not home. It’s probably just someone selling something, I think to myself. Then I stay quiet and still, hoping whoever it is will give up and go away. If I’m unlucky enough to betray my presence, I’ll open the door just enough to politely cut off their sales pitch without buying in.

Nowadays, we hardly ever need to answer the doorbell at all. High-tech doorbells with cameras and speakers allow us to see and speak to visitors on the outside without going near the door or even being at home. With services like DoorDash and Amazon that offer “contactless” delivery, we can receive our packages and never have to interact with the people who bring them.

Today’s American culture seems far removed from earlier times when answering the door was not considered a hassle or an unusual thing to do. Before the age of telephones, a bell ring or a knock was the only way for visitors to make their presence known. Having guests drop by unexpectedly was commonplace, and it was considered polite to welcome them inside. There are still cultures today that retain a deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, placing value on always being ready to welcome visitors into the home. However, right or wrong, ours seems more focused on safety and security.

What would you do if Jesus Christ knocked on your door?

We could rationalize that it’s difficult to interpret the metaphor of Jesus standing at the door and knocking in contemporary terms, since times have changed and our modern way of thinking about a knock at the door is vastly different than it would have been in Bible times. We might even dismiss it entirely. If we really think about it, though, our modern way of reacting to knocks and doorbells might actually be an apt illustration of how we treat Jesus at times.

Many people who consider themselves Christians have never truly opened the door to Jesus. Some tend to think of Jesus as an impersonal figure who taught the masses from a hillside, bestowing wisdom on them from a distance. They think of him as a good leader whose teachings should be followed in order to become a good person. In a way, that’s like thinking of him as a contactless delivery driver who leaves a package for you to open and use at your convenience. Others pray, but when they do, it’s as if they’re addressing an intimidating stranger, keeping their prayers formal and ritualistic. They “talk to God” but never have a real conversation. That’s sort of like answering Jesus’s knock through an electronic speaker or only cracking the door slightly, never fully listening to what he has to say.

Jesus is anything but impersonal, and this verse from the book of Revelation clearly illustrates that truth: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20 NIV). Jesus is speaking here, and He tells us that He’s at the door, knocking and calling out to us. He will not leave what He’s bringing on the doorstep and go away; He will continue to knock until we open the door and invite Him in. More than that, if we let Him in, He won’t just stand in the foyer and exchange pleasantries with us. Jesus will come all the way inside the house, sit down at the table, and share a meal with us.

Jesus comes to have relationship with us. He wants to fully enter our lives so that we can know Him and walk closely with Him every day. Many Christians would say they know this, but how many of us truly “open the door”? Do we let Jesus all the way into our lives, or do we keep the door closed as a barrier, keeping Him at a distance, content to stay within the security of the walls we’ve built around our hearts?

Opening the door—literally or figuratively—can feel inconvenient, uncomfortable, or even scary. It makes us vulnerable. But when we think of Jesus standing on the other side, knocking and calling our names, isn’t it worth letting Him in? Jesus wants to enter our lives and have deep relationship with us, but He will neither force His way in nor leave a package on the doorstep. It’s up to us to answer the door, invite Him inside, and sit down with Him at the table.

Let’s Pray: 

Dear God, 

Thank You for sending Your Son to reconcile us to You. When we hear Jesus at the door, help us not to pretend we’re not home, but to open it wide and let him all the way into our hearts. 

In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Someone’s at the Door” by Nathaniel Bassey. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He's Calling You” by Donnie McClurkin. 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: Why God wants you to look like Jesus Christ

Look Like Jesus Christ and Be Deeply Rooted in Him
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”—Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

She looked fabulous! Hair and makeup were stunning. The outfit she wore was sharp. She beamed with confidence and looked “picture perfect” until someone asked a question which seemed to cause her picture of perfection to unravel.

Her life was not what it appeared to be, and for so many of us, that is our story too. If you hit us hard enough, the area we thought was firm and grounded can explode in minutes just like when you hit a piñata hard, it breaks wide open and an overflow of candy gushes out. Perfection is what many of us are striving for, but deep-rooted conviction in truth and having humans reflect His Son (Jesus Christ) is what God is looking for in us. To look like Christ does not require a fancy brand of clothing nor an expensive price tag on our shoes. God is looking for something deeper. He is looking for a heart that hungers and thirsts after Him regularly. He is looking for those who desire Him over everything. Sometimes we have to become totally undone and hit rock bottom to realize that God is the only one who can fill the longing of our hearts, give us the peace we crave and satisfy the hunger that we need filled daily. It’s the cry of the desperate that He responds to. The voice of the weary who recognize that God is the one who can give the rest we truly need.

The person who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on His Word, is described as a “blessed” person in Psalm 1:1. The Amplified translation describes this person as “fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God” who does not walk in the counsel or advice of the wicked. The psalmist uses the analogy of a tree whose roots are planted deeply and grow, making it clear that not only are they well-planted, but they are also healthy, thriving and blossoming. It is God’s desire that, like a healthy tree, our hearts and lives are so firmly planted in Him that we trust Him in not only the good times but when stormy weather confronts us.

We can be sure we are rooted in God’s love when He is first in our thoughts, desires and goals. We can know we are rooted when it’s His name we call on in times of trouble. Trees, when planted, are never left to fend for themselves. The person who plants the trees checks in on them to make sure their needs are met. Likewise, God watches over us and has provided for our every need. We can speak with confidence like the Apostle Paul that “this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NLT).

The Bible is our source of spiritual food and strength that our soul craves and needs. God’s Word is our guide providing us with wisdom and reminding us of our value. When our thoughts, plans and lives are rooted in the principles of Scripture then our lives are rooted, our thoughts are clear, and we will grow tall and strong just like the trees.

If your faith is shaky today, if you feel fearful or overwhelmed with life right now, plant your feet firmly, cry out to the Lord and dig deep in His Word. Read Psalm 1. Read it thoughtfully and prayerfully. Know that as you do what it states, your roots will go deep, and your faith will become deeply anchored in Christ. The winds will blow, but remember if you stay rooted in God, you will bring forth fruit, you will grow, and you will prosper in every area of your life.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, regardless of what I feel or see right now, the Bible says that when I delight in Your Word, I will be like a tree that is rooted. Scripture states that I am blessed. I believe what Your Word states. Please help me look to You, because You are the author and finisher of my faith. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “As the Deer Pants for the Water”. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “More than Anything” by Lamar Campbell. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: 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.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: When it's time to let go of the heavy loads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Song of Reflection #3: “Pieces” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

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

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

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com